Historians of future generations would record the events of this time as follows:

"The meteor shower that illuminated Almatria's night sky was observed across the world, starting with Plato, the Plains Country.

This phenomenon was referred to as 'The Rain of Sebewitalif' by some from the very beginning. However, few in Almatria at that time knew this name.

There are several reasons for this. The most significant is likely their collective characteristics. We must not overlook that their creation myth differed from the Lux-Nocta faith.

Officially, it was said that Plato’s star readers were the first to predict this phenomenon.

They named this phenomenon the 'Balmy-breeze Meteor Shower'. This name derives from the fact that it was observed during Balmy-breeze, the fourth month of the Almatrian calendar.

Amidst this, the name that gained the most recognition among the people of Almatria at the time was the 'Balmy-breeze Meteor Shower.' It is our essential duty as historians to point out the confusion in the academic situation of that time regarding this matter.

As is well known, from 1728 in the Almatrian calendar onwards, spirit phenomena became more active worldwide, and the appearance of legendary beings became frequent. According to numerous records and documents studied later, this meteor shower undoubtedly triggered this historical turning point.

From this time onward, Almatria transformed into a world of mythology."

***

The man was a merchant.

Iron farming tools were loaded on his cart. However, a careful observer would notice that other tools were hidden behind them. The merchant dealt in two other commodities besides farming tools.

Another man happened to pass by.

"You're late. I'm tired of waiting," the merchant grumbled irritably.

"Apologies, I lost my way," replied the passing man. He was a tall man with a mysterious air about him. He wore a cotton kimono with a haori coat embroidered with hydrangea patterns over it. The kimono seemed aged, but the haori was new and clean. He had a sword at his waist.

"You're the bodyguard, aren't you?" the merchant asked, taking out a fan and fanning his face.

"Well, yes," the man replied.

"Good. Then we'll depart immediately."

"I don't know the details of the job. What am I protecting and from what?"

"Can't you see?"

The merchant pointed at the cart and a shadowy figure tied to it.

"I see a cart loaded with farming tools and a child tied with rope."

"Look closer."

The merchant lifted the cover on the cart slightly, revealing dull gleaming metal hidden behind the farming tools.

"Swords and spears, quite a number of them."

"That's right."

"Isn't smuggling weapons prohibited?"

"You mean the excuse to bribe the checkpoint officials? That can be dealt with easily. Besides, this is the main merchandise."

The merchant glared at the child tied to the cart and tried to kick them to stand up.

"A slave child?"

"This isn’t human. It’s a Yokai known as a zashiki-warashi."

The bodyguard looked at the child. She seemed to be around 10 years old. Her black hair was long enough to hide her face and unkempt. She wore a roughly sewn hemp garment, forcibly tied at the waist with rope. She sat barefoot on the ground. Thick hemp ropes were wound around her hands. Bruises were visible all over, suggesting rough treatment.

However, despite her dirty appearance, she seemed to be no lice in their hair. She wore a hairpin of an unusual texture. Though she appeared to have injuries, there was no blood visible anywhere.

While she had a human-like appearance, she clearly weren't human.

The merchant began to explain proudly.

"It's only recently that we've started seeing so many Yokai. You must know too. There was that strange starry sky a few days ago. Since then, we've started seeing raccoon dog, foxes, and creatures that look like humans like this one."

Pushing out his already protruding belly even further, the merchant continued.

"It was surprising, but for a merchant, this is an opportunity. Maybe because public safety has worsened, weapons are selling better than before. The ultimate prize is this one. Zashiki-warashi are rare 'merchandise'. They say a house where one settles will prosper in business. They sell well to rich eccentrics."

"If it brings prosperity in business, why don't you keep it yourself?"

The merchant became enraged at the bodyguard's words.

"Keep it? Me? Don't be ridiculous, who would want to associate with such a dirty human-like thing! I'm only carrying this thing around because it sells."

The merchant spat at the zashiki-warashi and kicked it again. The child flew but came back due to the recoil of the rope digging into its arm. Its expression was blank, and it was unclear whether it was in pain or suffering.

The bodyguard silently stared at the merchant.

"You look like you want to say something, bodyguard. But I don't care. I'm not particularly good at Phasmanicus. I've never thought about getting along well with these things. What I want to associate with is money. Money is good. Those who have a lot are strong, and those who pay are important. Those without money are bad. Bad things can't complain no matter what's done to them. Don't you think so too?"

The bodyguard didn't answer.

"Well, enough idle talk. We're leaving. I'll definitely pay you according to your work. There have been more bandits lately. Protect me and the merchandise until we reach the next town!"

A bell-like sound rang out. It was the bodyguard. A beautiful sound came from his hand. The merchant looked. He had sheathed his sword. The sound he heard was the moment the tsuba hit the scabbard.

"Indeed, the idle talk is over. If what you say is true, bad things can't complain no matter what's done to them. And there's nothing worse in this world than humans."

The merchant didn't hear any more of his words. He couldn't see a single movement of the bodyguard drawing his sword, cutting, and sheathing it again. Before he could understand this, the merchant's life was extinguished. The red spray that danced belatedly in the air was reminiscent of out-of-season red spider lilies.

"Come here," the bodyguard extended his hand to the zashiki-warashi.

When the child looked at the rope on its arm, it had already been cut.

"My name is Hoshima. I'm a bodyguard. Specialising in Yokai, that is. My client asked me to save you."

"Do you cut people?" the zashiki-warashi said. It was a strange way of speaking, barely moving its mouth.

"I do."

"Only humans? Do you cut ayakashi too?"

"I used to. But I've never cut a zashiki-warashi."

"Why do you cut humans now?"

"Because it's my job."

"That's not a reason."

"At some point, I compared. The lives of those I've cut until now. And I thought, if I have to cut anyway, I want it to be the worse ones."

"What is life?"

"Well, I haven't thought about it much. I wonder what it is."

"Selfish."

"Yes, it's selfish. But I've decided to live selfishly. That's my... life. Alright, that's enough. I didn't expect to be lectured by a Yokai. Let's go back to my client. Can you walk?"

Hoshima extended his hand again, but the child didn't take it.

"I'll walk by myself."

This time, the child extended its hand.

"Give me your sandals. Yours will have to do. Are you planning to make me walk barefoot?"

Hoshima reluctantly handed his sandals to the child. When he bent down to put on the sandals, Hoshima noticed the child's hairpin.

"That's an unusual hairpin."

"I found it."

"Hmm."

As if responding to the child's words, the hairpin seemed to emit a strange light. It was a curious hairpin that looked like it had been carved from a fragment of grey stone. It was made of a strange material he had never seen in this country.

"By the way, child. What's your name?"

"I don't have one. Call me whatever you like."

"Then, how about the name Kushige? It's a good name, isn't it?"

"I'll allow it. Call me that."

"Why are you so haughty..."

Hoshima and Kushige left.

They left behind the merchant's corpse and the cart's luggage. That day, bandits appeared and stripped the merchant's clothes and belongings completely.

It was not an unusual sight in a corner of Vernal, the Forest Country .

***

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Flames are rising.

Thick and sturdy stone foundations. Heavy wooden structures with embedded stones. Chimneys improved with Phasmanicus for better ventilation. This city, built on the edge of a mountain, expands vertically using cable cars.

The pride of the craftsmen who built the city seems visible in the architectural and processing techniques lavished throughout.

Montalto, the capital of Petoro, the Mountain Country. This city, meaningfully called "The Crown of the Mountain Peak," was literally the pillar of the country.

Flames are dancing in that city.

Fire is breaking out in various places, people are fleeing in panic, and the smell of shattered glass and gas is scattered about.

Hundreds of residents who have evacuated to a distant hill are captivated by a single creature flying in the sky above the city.

A snake-like neck and tail. Wings that are bat-like yet thick and powerful. Scales covering its entire body emit a dull, iron-like light. Its wings spread wide, swimming leisurely through the sky as if it were its own garden. Its total length is several times that of a house. Every time its huge shadow crosses the ground, the people of Montalto scream in terror.

It was the first time they had seen a dragon outside of encyclopedias and picture books. Not only in Petoro, but throughout all of Almatria, dragons were thought to be creatures of myth and fantasy.

That common sense and the familiar cityscape changed overnight. For the long-time residents of Montalto, the scene was like the end of the world.

At that moment, one of the children among the evacuees pointed at the burning city. As the adults who noticed squinted their eyes, they saw a woman in a black robe standing there.

Most of the city's people have already fled. She might be a late evacuee. The dragon flying in the sky slowly approached her. As people watched this scene, an ominous image came to mind. "Fire. It's going to breathe fire again," someone watching said.

The dragon opened its enormous jaws. Before it stood the woman in the black robe. The evacuees screamed. When it breathes fire, the king of the skies mixes gases inside its body. That distinctive, pungent smell seemed to waft even to the distant evacuation site.

People anticipated the horrific sight of the robed woman being engulfed in flames. An old woman clasped her hands in prayer. A mother hugged her child. A man shouted for her to run.

And... it was a child who broke the tension.

"That big sister is talking to the dragon."

The dragon didn't breathe fire. Its mouth was closed, and its sword-like sharp teeth were no longer visible. Its protruding nostrils were slowly exhaling something. The destroyer of the city landed in front of the robed woman and carefully folded its wings. The gesture of offering its head was somewhat dignified. It was as if a knight was bowing his head to his lord.

"Dragon linguist..." an old man muttered.

The city guards of Montalto gathered and began to approach the robed woman. Spirit mages began to extinguish the fires in the city.

The chaos gradually began to subside, and the people who had evacuated to the hill slowly started moving back to the city. As they moved, they began to talk about the identity of the robed woman and the dragon, trying to alleviate their anxiety even a little.

Someone who seemed to have obtained information from somewhere began to make a fuss.

"Who is she? Is she that... dragon that caused such damage to the city? Does she have some connection to the dragon?"

"I don't know. It seems she's being questioned now. All I heard was one phrase, 'Hand over the fragment in this country.'"

The situation was unclear, but it seemed the destruction of the city had ended.

Someone looking up at the night sky saw one or two meteors streak by. However, most people were so preoccupied with the terror of the dragon that they didn't notice the beginning and end of the meteor shower.

The commotion in Montalto continued throughout the night and did not end even when dawn broke.

***

After that, similar incidents were reported in various parts of Almatria.

In several villages of Plato, the Plains Country, there were incidents where children were swapped with fairies when parents took their eyes off them. The fairies testified that such exchanges between fairies and humans had been occurring for many years. Supernatural beings blending into human society - no one could explain when it had started or to what extent.

In the waters near Navis, the Sea Country, numerous incidents of half-human, half-fish beings bewitching people were reported. They had the upper body of a young woman and a fish-like lower body, enticing sailors with their beautiful voices. Many ships were lost to the sea, and the area became known as the Sea of Demons.

In a forest in Eolia, the Wind Country, water suddenly burst forth from a spring that had been dry for years. It was said that old men who touched the spring became young, and young men reverted to infants. Many powerful individuals set their sights on this dream-like spring.

At a research facility in Substania, the Relic Country, Artifacts thought to be defective began activating one after another. Dolls with these Artifacts incorporated began to speak and act so sophisticatedly that they became indistinguishable from humans. A new profession called "Puppeteer" began to appear even in the country's core.

Almatria was indeed entering a time of transformation. Whether this was a leap into a new era or a return to an old, nostalgic time - we must wait for future historians to judge.

***

In Landinium, the capital of Plato. From atop a small hill in the centre of this city, an exceptionally large facility looks down upon the town.

In the well-maintained gardens, roses as beautiful as jewels are blooming. Opening the majestic double doors reveals a grand staircase in the centre of the entrance. On one corner of the third floor, in front of a certain office, stood a man and a little girl.

A thin man with silver hair tied somewhat carelessly. Though his hairstyle seemed a bit out of place for the facility, the emblem of scales and sword embroidered on his coat's chest was elegant. This made him seem appropriate for this place.

The other was a short girl. Her young, round face suggested the innocence of someone just past ten years old. Her dark grey hair, cut short and neat, had a floral hair ornament. She wore a coat with the same scales and sword emblem as the thin man.

When the thin man knocked on the door, it made a pleasant dry sound of oak. A voice from the room told them to enter. Turning the beautiful brass handle, the two entered respectfully.

"Sorcerers are certain to appear," said the man sitting at the back of the office as his opening words.

"Is this about work, Director?" the thin man asked politely.

"Drop the formal attitude, Ryan. No need for salutes either. As you know, the meteor shower a week ago - it seems that was indeed the 'Rain of Sebewitalif'."

The master of the office said this as he stood up, placing a bundle of reports on the desk.

"Then I'll speak freely," the thin man, Ryan, loosened his collar. "I didn't think it would really happen, Mr. Jeremias."

"The informants... they must have been the Contezio clan after all. Even I was half-doubtful until I saw it with my own eyes."

Jeremias opened a cabinet to take out wine and glasses. Then, noticing the girl next to Ryan, he smiled kindly and said, "Excuse me, Miss Liris. Is there anything you'd like?"

The girl, Liris, answered, "Grape juice. Fresh ones from Navis would be nice."

"Now, now, Liris, don't be picky!" Ryan quickly intervened. "I'm sorry, her education is lacking."

"Education? Ryan, you're always slacking off and sleeping. I study on my own," Liris glared at Ryan, who gestured for her to be quiet.

"I'll have grape juice too... You see, we're still on duty," Ryan said, trying to smooth things over.

"She's very composed. As expected of a young prodigy," Jeremias said, watching the two with amusement as he poured the drinks. Ryan noticed Jeremias's "style" in referring to Liris as a "prodigy" rather than a "genius".

The three sat down on the reception set.

"The world is in an uproar," Jeremias began with a tense expression. "Dragons, Sióg, Sirens... In Vernal, they call them 'Yokai'. Beings that until now only existed in stories are overflowing. If the prophecy is correct, it's not just spirits. There's a possibility that dormant Artifacts and magic will be revived."

"Have there been any reports?" Ryan asked.

"No. It might be that there aren't any yet, or they might be hiding. It could also be needless worry," Jeremias said calmly. "The most frightening are the hyenas hiding and aiming for positions of power. They see this global chaos as an opportunity for hunting."

Ryan thought he saw a flame burning in the depths of Jeremias's eyes. Even after more than ten years of acquaintance, this aspect of Jeremias's character hadn't changed at all.

"It's always the people living peacefully who suffer. Their lives are too simple to be made into hunting grounds for the wild. What we, the Almatrian Council, aim for is universal human rights."

"What should we do?"

"To resolve the chaos, the Council has already decided on several policies. One of them is the capture or subjugation of sorcerers who might appear. In the Lux-Nocta faith, sorcerers are symbols of chaos. They're probably aiming to unify ideology through the state religion. I can't agree with all of it, but..."

"According to the prophecy, sorcerers will have specific signs, right? So we just need to find them and bring them in?"

"That's right."

"What if they resist?"

Jeremias looked into Ryan's eyes. "That's why we're requesting you, the 'Sword of Conviction'."

"Understood," Ryan stood up in acknowledgement. "We'll do what we can, but don't expect too much."

"Of course, my friend," Jeremias relaxed.

"Come on, Liris, let's go. You understand our job, right?"

"No, I don't understand at all. There were too many words I don't know. But the juice was pretty good," Liris answered, finishing her juice.

"I'll explain to everyone when we get back to the room..." Ryan's voice faded as they left the office.

Left alone in the office, Jeremias gazed out the window. Within the Almatrian Union Council, there are factions strongly wary of sorcerers. Especially groups that deeply believe in the Lux-Nocta faith. He had felt something unnatural about their movements for a while.

Even amidst the frequent spirit phenomena chaos since the "Rain of Sebewitalif", they alone had been persistently warning about the danger of sorcerers. There must be some secret here.

And the Contezio's legend. The verse about 108 fragments appearing in the world after the "Rain of Sebewitalif", and judgement beginning. What exactly that meant, or even if it was true, was still unclear to Jeremias.

However, what he aimed for was not these truths. For him, truth was merely something to be used. What he truly aimed for was a fair and peaceful society.

The sky of Plato, viewed from the office window, was covered with dim grey clouds. Occasionally, the sun would peek through, brightly colouring his line of sight. But it would soon hide again.

Much like this country’s future, Jeremias mused.