Dimensional Descent

As the crowd around Valiant Hall was steadily growing, Thilly came back out seemingly having completed his task. But, even he, who was usually even keeled and expressionless couldn't help but be shocked by the sudden change.

Why were there so many people coming? What was going on exactly?

Leonel had been certain that they had come to cause trouble. During his month of time with Kaela and the others, he hadn't lowered his guard, always being prepared for a sudden ambush from the King of Ores faction. But, even to this point, he hadn't seen a single thing.

However, what was even more shocking about what was going on was the fact that after reaching the Exchange Fair, the more than 200 youths who had come began to observe each display curiously.

Leonel thought it was just an act. How could he not? According to what he learned from Kaela, they would be lucky to have a dozen audience members, and that was including the judges themselves.

But, the longer he observed, the more he realized that he was wrong.

Leonel was very good at reading the intentions of people. He thought himself to have quite a high level of emotional intelligence, it was part of the reason many were fond of him. However, even with these skills and his acute senses, he couldn't find anything wrong with this crowd of people. it was as though…

They had really come for the Fair? Just what was going on?

While Leonel was distracted, the entrance of Valiant Hall opened up once again. This time, three old timers came out.

"Ah?"

Kaela's expression changed drastically.

"What's wrong?"

was about to ask this question, but Rum was far more attentive to Kaela's change than even

trying to regain

her head and took a deep

the center. Though Leonel had only known her for a short time, he was easily able

9 Black

was loose, his wrinkles prominent, and his face was covered in aged spots, making it difficult to tell what its original tone was

the fact he used a metallic walking cane to move, his back was ramrod straight, making one wonder why he needed the walking stick

his body, reflecting a milky white beneath his spectacles. And, much like Kaela, he too wore a lab coat. It seemed

both of whom were women. They were considerably younger than Beinala, but they had still been classified as old timers in Leonel's mind. So, it went to show just how old

well taken care of. It was rare to see an older woman exposing so much, but such was the reality of Valiant Heart Mountain and their uniforms. Regardless, it made it clear that these two older women had taken good care of

it wasn't for the deep wrinkles by their eyes, they would

a feeling that they had quite a

had this thought. Despite how much time had passed, monogamy was still very much the norm on Earth. In fact, now

never seen a

here…" Kaela's voice was hardly audible, but it snapped Leonel out of his useless

right. Usually, only minor students and members of Valiant Hall would come to judge the Exchange Fair. Something like a

is going on?' Leonel furrowed his