Green, shimmering particles of light surged from the ground. Under the cold moonlight, Grant City was shrouded in darkness. Most people had already rushed to the front lines in recent days, leaving behind only the old, weak, sick, and disabled. It was as if all traces of human life had vanished from this place.
A chorus of wailing drifted through the air. Ghosts with twisted, grotesque faces floated above, their lower bodies missing as they trailed long streams of black mist, weaving together in the night sky.
Wraithshade silently watched the green formation on the ground, while Old One-Eye was still busy completing the ritual array.
"What will happen when this array is activated? Can you tell me now?"
Old One-Eye stood up—the ritual array was complete. But Wraithshade seemed not to notice, continuing to gaze at the crescent moon in the sky, lost in thought.
It wasn't until Old One-Eye walked over to his side that Wraithshade snapped out of his reverie and looked at him.
"Nothing will happen."
That simple answer made Old One-Eye furious.
"That's hardly an answer. I may not understand what this array is, but with such intricate design, the power it contains—"
Lately, Old One-Eye had grown increasingly suspicious. Ever since Wraithshade attended the Dark Banquet, something about him had changed. The vicious aura he once carried had vanished, replaced by an even colder, darker presence.
"Ask those people about the conditions for joining."
Wraithshade only shook his head.
"I told you before, you are not qualified."
"Why? I've done so many terrible things, clearly..."
A cold, chilling laugh echoed as Wraithshade turned to look at Old One-Eye.
"Darkness is not the same as evil. Remember this: only those born of darkness qualify, and you are not one of them. Evil does not originate from darkness, but from desire. Now, continue—the ritual array is not yet complete."
Old One-Eye glared at Wraithshade, anger evident in his eyes.
"Only pure darkness is worthy."
"Are you saying that the darkness Yuna Ji possesses is innate? But that girl..."
Wraithshade stood up, then slowly floated into the air, gazing at the distant ground. The earth was trembling slightly, and something was rising, moving toward them.
"How is the progress?"
Tan Tian stared silently at Wraithshade.
"As you can see, the second ritual array will be finished tonight. The northern one is done, and tonight the southern one will be completed as well. Next are the eastern and western sides—they'll take a few more days."
"You really will give me what's inside Yuna Ji's body, right?"
Tan Tian spoke calmly but firmly. Wraithshade nodded in response.
"They've reached a consensus too. Everyone wants something different—you want your lost heart back, and we want to inherit instinct. Your words won't be detected by that monster, since you have no heart and no feelings. Maybe 'nature' is a better word for you, like flowers, trees, or stones."
Tan Tian did not argue, simply stared at the ritual array on the ground.
"I came today to ask you for something."
Wraithshade looked at Tan Tian with suspicion.
"You should have a special stone over there, one that can bind a person's soul and never decay."
Immediately, Wraithshade fixed Tan Tian with a cold stare.
"It seems you know better than I do! About the Dark Banquet—has anyone died?"
Tan Tian nodded.
"I've already seen the death omen of James Grant."
"Alright, I'll find a way. Come back in ten days—I'll bring you the Soulbinding Stone."
Tan Tian nodded, then instantly dissolved into a pool of mud and vanished into the earth.
"What exactly is that thing?"
Old One-Eye asked, and Wraithshade laughed.
"It's something that's existed since the birth of humanity—or maybe even before. Who knows!"
Dawn was just breaking, and figures moved along both sides of the plain, voices everywhere. James Grant had already led the cavalry toward the northern mountains. Guided by soldiers of the Grant Tribe familiar with the terrain, they quickly entered the mountains. Once the battle began, it would only take a short time for them to reach the center of the plain. When they charged out, they could inflict devastating damage on the enemy.
"You're not thinking of helping the Grant Tribe, are you?"
Nathan Shea asked mockingly from the side. James Grant shot him a cold look but didn't answer, his gaze fixed on the path ahead, which had already split into several branches.
Yuna Ji mounted her horse. The soldiers poured out from the temporary stronghold, forming a line. Cavalry took the front, with infantry flanking both sides and bringing up the rear.
"Yuna, take care of yourself."
Joseph Qiao spoke, then, along with Sebastian Zhao, led the cavalry down the southern path.
Lona Long followed behind Yuna Ji with the bow cavalry. Lucille Xing, at her side, had already drawn her crimson twin swords, grinning broadly, eager for the long-awaited battle to begin.
Leonard Lei stared ahead in silence, thoughts churning in his mind. Never before had he so strongly wanted to accomplish one thing: to use his massive body to kill as many enemies as he could.
"Stay close to me, and don't do anything reckless."
Terry Mao cautioned. To his left, Mason Mao swallowed nervously. Across from them, a vast, dark mass of enemies was gathering. It was his first time in such a large-scale battle.
"Big brother, I'll keep an eye on Xiao Xing for you. Don't worry."