The day of the festival had arrived, marking a public holiday across Rayah City. All classes at the academy were canceled, giving the students and citizens a chance to participate in the annual festival—a time to honor the heroes and protectors who had sacrificed their lives defending the city.
Alex stepped out of his room, where, as usual, Leon waited for him with his usual bright smile. "Morning, Alex! Ready for the festival?"
Alex nodded, and together they walked toward the academy hall. When they arrived, Lila and Sophia were already standing there, waiting for the headmaster's speech. The hall was filled with students, all dressed in their finest academy uniforms. The atmosphere was solemn, but there was an underlying sense of excitement for the day ahead.
As they gathered, Headmaster Amilia Grant took the stage. Her presence commanded attention, her sharp eyes surveying the students and faculty before her. She raised her hand, signaling the start of her speech.
"Students, teachers, and citizens of Rayah," she began, her voice calm but filled with emotion. "Today, we come together to honor those who have given their lives for this great city. For decades, Rayah has stood strong against the threats from outside, the monsters that would destroy all we hold dear, and the criminals who seek to sow chaos among us."
Her eyes scanned the crowd, pausing briefly on Alex, Leon, Lila, and Sophia.
"Every year, brave hunters, police officers, soldiers, and citizens give everything to protect our way of life. They stand on the front lines, ensuring that the streets you walk are safe, that your homes remain secure, and that our future is possible. It is for them that we gather here today—to remember, to honor, and to continue the legacy they have left us."
The hall was silent as her words sank in. Alex stood still, listening intently, as did everyone else.
"Let us not forget their sacrifices, for they are the foundation of the peace we enjoy today. And let us also remind ourselves that the future is in our hands. The responsibility to protect this city will one day fall to you, the next generation of hunters and guardians. Never take that lightly."
Her voice lowered slightly, carrying a more personal tone. "Today, we pay tribute. But tomorrow, we train and prepare, so that when our time comes, we are ready to carry the torch they've passed on to us."
With those final words, Amilia concluded her speech. There was a moment of silence before she dismissed the students, and the large crowd began to disperse to join the festival.
The first part of the festival began at 8 in the morning, with citizens of Rayah gathering at the central memorial. Alex, Lila, Sophia, and Leon joined the crowd, heading toward the massive blue diamond-shaped stone that stood as a monument to the fallen. Thousands of names were etched into the stone, a reminder of the lives lost in the defense of the city.
When they arrived, they were astonished by the sheer number of people there. It seemed as though the entire city had gathered, all holding flowers to lay at the base of the memorial. The sight was both overwhelming and deeply moving.
The four of them stood in respectful silence as they watched people, young and old, place their bouquets and wreaths at the foot of the stone. Alex found himself reminded of the loss he had experienced, the sacrifices of those he knew personally.
After a short while, the ceremony ended, and the crowd began to thin. People returned to their homes, and the students headed back to their dorms, preparing for the evening portion of the festival, which was known to be the more lively and festive part of the day.
As evening fell, the city transformed into a dazzling wonderland. Streets were decorated with vibrant lights, and the academy itself glowed with the warm, flickering glow of candles placed in every window and corner. The sight was magical, with soft golden light illuminating every building and street.
The festival's evening celebrations were not just a way to remember but also a means to bring people together, strengthening the bonds between the academy's students and faculty. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from food to handmade crafts, games for children, and trinkets of remembrance for the festival.
Alex, Lila, Sophia, and Leon wandered through the crowded streets, taking in the sights and sounds. Leon chatted enthusiastically about the history of the festival and its significance, while Lila and Sophia listened, their eyes wide with amazement. The city felt alive, full of joy and reverence.
Eventually, they found themselves back at the central memorial, where a large crowd had gathered once again. The highlight of the festival was the releasing of fanus—small red lanterns—into the sky as a way of honoring the departed.
The dark sky soon filled with hundreds of red lights, drifting upward, creating a beautiful, glowing display. Lila watched, mesmerized by the sight. "It's so beautiful," she whispered, her eyes reflecting the light of the lanterns.
Suddenly, the sky erupted with fireworks, adding bursts of color to the sea of lanterns. The crackle and boom of the fireworks echoed through the city, and Lila's face lit up as she watched in awe. The rest of the group stood beside her, equally entranced by the beauty of the display.
But then, in the midst of the celebration, something went terribly wrong.
A man standing just ahead of Lila suddenly collapsed. His body hit the ground with a sickening thud, and a spray of blood splattered across Lila's face.
She froze for a second, her mind not fully processing what had just happened. Then, with a sharp scream, Lila stumbled backward, her hand reaching up to wipe the blood from her face. Her heart raced, terror gripping her.
"Help! Someone help!" she cried out, her voice filled with panic.
Alex, Leon, and Sophia immediately rushed to her side. The festive mood was shattered, replaced by chaos as people began to realize what had happened. The air, once filled with joy, was now thick with tension as a sense of dread crept over the crowd.
Something sinister was at play.