Ronald excluded, the others rushed outside at the sound of screams. Chaos was loud. It had never been quiet and never would be.
The door to the Daniels house remained ajar. Mrs. Joy looked back at Ronald. He was on his knees, sobbing quietly as he held his lifeless wife.
He had drowned so deeply in his grief that the screams outside barely seemed to reach him. Or perhaps he was deliberately ignoring them.
Mrs. Joy turned away.
Far in the distance, Humanoid summons flew into the air in an attempt to escape, only to be shot down. Explosions erupted between buildings, and the earth trembled beneath her feet. Skills flashed one after another without end.
Whatever had invaded Paradise had come from the direction of the Watchman's Tower.
"Mum! Stay inside with Mr. Ronald," Percival said urgently.
"I can help." Mrs. Joy stepped forward. "I know someone who can—"
"I know." Percival moved closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Mr. Ronald needs someone with him. Stay."
