At dusk on December 28, 1444, the Flying Leaf arrived at Beyeland. Just like when school started, each family had already prepared their carriages and horses to welcome them.
The setting sun has cast a shadow on the city, but there is still the afterglow of the sun on the edge of the city wall. The weather is quite warm, the sounds of cars and horses rushing by and the bustling city are very noisy, and the air is full of the atmosphere of the city, as if it has stayed in summer forever. In the gorgeous time at the seaside.
This is nothing unusual compared to the past, except that the port is even more crowded than before. Countless people are sitting on the roof, lying on the trees, pointing to the place where the teachers and students of Homemonworth disembark, and there is a faint feeling. The excitement before the show is about to begin.
A large group of city defense troops lined up and ran over. They were fully armed and looked like they were facing a powerful enemy. As soon as the Feiye docked, the city defense troops began to drive away the citizens, driving them away from the road or grabbing them from the trees. .
An older sergeant shouted to the commotion:
"Make way, make way for God's Chosen One!"
After hearing this, the citizens all cheered loudly, clapped their hands vigorously, and gave out waves of cheers.
When Galadia saw it, she smiled and said to everyone: "At this time, if I come to play another trick and get some luck, it will be even more lively!"
Griffith stood by the side of the ship, watching Galadia and Neferty pass by and walk towards the gangway.
There was a group of gorgeously dressed elves and half-elves waiting for them on the shore. Griffith recognized that Melrose and Harandil were among them. There was also an elf surrounded from front to back, as noble as a king, and It has an elusive and mysterious temperament.
Galadia saw them and said to the knight: "The one with hair as dark as the shadow before dawn, wearing a small silver crown on it is Tarkin Amon from Canaan, Sequence 6 "Collector", selected One of them. He was accompanied by his friends and assistants Xenopus Hades and Sara Salamandis."
To Griffith, Tarkin's eyes were as gray as the evening sky, but if you look closely, you will find that there is a faint nebula-like light in his eyes. From the outside, he looks calm and determined, a little melancholy. , seems to be a pioneer who is burdened with countless fates, and exudes an aura like a warrior who has experienced hundreds of battles. There is no doubt that he is the most outstanding person among the elves.
Even Rana on the side saw it and exclaimed: "Are all the chosen ones like this? They are really powerful enemies!"
Griffiths observed it silently. On the way here, he had already made preparations and tactics.
Such a young and powerful man with amazing talents will be under the protection of the special envoys of the Canaan Senate together with Galadia until the second stage begins. The same must be true for other selected people gathered in Beyelan. Will not act rashly when unsure.
Generally speaking, this is the case.
"Then, we also say goodbye," Griffith and Sonia said goodbye to Galadia together. "The blessings of the silver moon and starlight are with you."
"Thank you, what are your plans for the winter vacation?" Miss Elf asked casually, as if chatting with friends, as if she was just going to attend a banquet that she couldn't refuse, and would be able to get together with her friends afterward.
Sonia replied: "We will attend the Winter Senate Meeting, which will be held in Bremi Town."
"Then, please give my regards to the count."
…
After Galadia and her tribe left the port, Griffith also put Sonia and Fiona into the carriage. He and Lana jumped on their respective horses, guarding the carriage, and headed to the Earl's Mansion in the upper city.
Went. They passed through a dark narrow alley, and the people inside looked at the carriages and horses leaving the port, whispering and speculating in low voices, looking nervous and curious.
People in the city are like mice watching a fight between old cats. They are eager to take action quickly, but are afraid of affecting themselves.
There were troops everywhere. Soldiers were stationed at intersections, urging pedestrians to go home quickly.
Griffith and his party walked along the river bank and passed the cobblestone avenue, watching the stars and moonlight rising from behind the city walls and hills. The night wind blew down a few yellow leaves and slapped them on the shoulder armor of the knights.
Lana walked beside Griffith without saying a word, just smelling the fresh air and occasionally casting awe-inspiring gazes at the distant stars.
"Griffith, there may be gods watching us over there."
Griffith turned around, and the war horse was carrying him up the gentle slope of the mountain, towards Larmore House. In the city under the hillside, the bright lights were extinguished in the darkness one by one like the ebbing sea. For a moment,
After that, the capital of the world became dark, and the world seemed to have returned to the ignorant era when mortals stole some fire from the sky. The warm air disappeared as the night fell, and the sound of gurgling water and the cries of birds became louder.
When we arrived at Count Larmour's Palace, the big bell on the roof of the church in the distance struck ten times. A loud and clear announcement like that of the gods echoed in the night sky, extremely clear.
The voice said:
“In the name of the wise Senate, Beyelan has implemented a night curfew from 10 pm to 5 am on December 28, which will last until New Year’s Day.
"Citizens, return to your homes."
Those curious and wary eyes hid back inside and closed the doors and windows. The world capital of Beyeland became very quiet, and even the lights in the lawless places in the lower city were turned off.
There were some guests at the Larmore House. As soon as they entered the Earl's House, Griffith and Lanner said goodbye to the two countesses and went straight to the study under the guidance of the servants.
Count Chalon was also waiting for everyone. He was wearing a military uniform and standing by the wall, flipping through a few volumes of documents casually. Count Larmore was sitting behind the desk as usual when he saw the two Sciatorals coming in and giving instructions.
They don't have to be polite.
"Okay, let's get started," Count William de La Mole said straight to the point, "You should have discussed it carefully on the way here, can I take it so?"
"Yes, Earl." Griffith and Lana replied together.
"Well," the count responded, "I don't know what plan you have made yet. However, several important people have made offers that I can't refuse, so we'd better comply.
"Griffith, in the next few days, you have been assigned the task of assisting Sonia to attend the Winter Senate Meeting. This task is flexible. There is a small group of conspirators who are planning to hinder the meeting. You can act as you like.
There is no need to ask for permission in advance to launch investigations and battles. Sonia’s safety will be left to the family’s guards and the Beyonder team of Storm Squadron.”
"Yes, Earl." Griffith saluted his lord and thought quickly at the same time.
Whose request could it be? Galadia's brother Sidious or Salorian? They both have friendships with the earl and even have deep interests entangled with each other, but it is inconvenient to directly interfere with the sacrifice of the Chosen One.
Just try to create opportunities for me.
Count Chalon also spoke: "Rana, you are the same. Winter meetings, investigations, twists and turns of this and that. In short, if Griffith makes an offer to you that you cannot refuse on the way here,
Conditions, I won’t stop you, and you don’t have to worry about making excuses.”
"Julius, be serious," Count Larmore couldn't help but remind him, "This is a ceremony watched by the gods, and the Senate and the Arcane Council have strictly ordered not to interfere."
"I know, how could I not know how high-level the Sacrifice of the Chosen One is! There is a ban on intervention, there is a curfew, and the whole city has become an arena!" Count Charon waved like his little daughter.
He raised his fists and said, "Why didn't we encounter such fun things when we were young? William, let's go do something big!"
"No." As soon as Lana raised the corner of his mouth, a majestic female voice frightened him. Then boots hit the floor, as if a whole legion was pressing over him.
"No one can wander around tonight, especially you." Countess Cornelia, wearing a breastplate and a bright winged helmet, opened the door of the conference room and walked in with a halberd. She didn't specify anyone.
Who are you? But the dancing Count de Chalon immediately fell silent.
Elena followed with Sonia and Fiona. She was wearing a robe and surrounded by colorful orbs, which Griffith had never seen before.
"The Arcane Council will announce the opening of the memorial ceremony soon. We can listen to the rules."
Countess Larmore took a silver plate filled with water and tapped it with her wand. The water surface immediately outlined the words. Everyone in the study immediately came over. Griffith was also reading, but the words on the water surface
It was something he had never seen before and couldn't understand at all.
Lady Elena explained:
"This is a signal encrypted by the Arcane Council.
"The chosen ones have received the oracle,
"At midnight today, the first phase of the trial will start. They will sense the location of others at the first time, and then share the location every six hours. At the same time, the chosen ones can communicate with the spirit through themselves.
Through the connection with the world, you can obtain a emblem of the Chosen One that is condensed from pure spiritual energy. This unstable crystal can be consumed, giving the holder powerful blessings, and can also be captured, traded and transferred.
The rules do not give any restrictions, nor do they explain how to obtain the emblem.
"The person who holds the emblems and reaches the end of the third stage. The person with the most emblems is the winner and can make any wish to the gods.
"This is the oracle sent by the gods regarding the sacrifice of the Chosen One."
When Countess Elena said this, she paused for a moment, looked at everyone and then said:
"In addition to this, the Senate and the Arcane Council promulgated an additional rule
"No one other than the chosen one may attack the chosen one in any way. Even if they are attacked, they must evacuate and no fighting is allowed. Violators will be punished by the Arcane Council."
Everyone listened quietly, paying attention like students in class.
The countess looked at everyone and asked like a teacher: "What do you think? Griffith, you go first."
Griffith thought for a while:
“First, the emblem of the Chosen One is limited and can be captured;
“Second, completing the Sacrifice of the Chosen One requires collecting as many emblems as possible, but it does not require the identity of the Chosen One;
"Third, attacking the chosen one will not be known by the gods, but will be discovered by the Arcane Council and then punished by heaven. If not discovered, there will be no punishment;
"Fourth, attacking the chosen one is prohibited, but attacking the chosen person's guards and unrelated persons will not incur the heavenly punishment of the Arcane Council.
The countess smiled slightly and said: "I like your idea, go on."
Griffith said calmly:
"To sum up, the first stage of the Chosen One's Sacrifice will be a secret melee.