That night, eight o'clock.
The college, the auditorium, was packed.
Amidst the low noise, the audience was completely dark. In the college, both first-year freshmen and graduating students received the notice and gathered here.
Although the meeting has not started yet, everyone who comes here knows it well: after the association's review and judgment on the plagiarism case that has been causing a lot of noise these days, the college will finally give everyone an explanation.
But this statement made many people in the audience feel unhappy.
"It's just a briefing meeting, why do we need to come?"
At the location of the Apocalypse Academy, a teacher had a cold look on his face: "What that guy Ingmar did must involve us. We don't dare to go out now. Aren't they satisfied?"
"Hey, you didn't say that when you were trying to build momentum for Ingmar."
The person who spoke was the teacher from the changing faction, and it was not a big deal to watch the excitement anyway. The teacher from the Apocalypse College changed his expression, glared at him, and stopped talking.
But every time he looked at Abraham's position, his eyes showed indescribable disgust: That guy is simply a trouble. He can cause such big troubles at every turn.
"You just want to see us lose face anyway, right?"
He muttered angrily, "At least, we've given him enough face this time. That guy better not know what's good and what's good."
"Ahem."
The colleague next to him coughed in a low voice to remind him. Only then did he realize that the entire venue was silent, and he quickly shut up.
Immediately afterwards, Sidney appeared on the stage with a complicated expression. The principal did not show up, and it was obvious that Sidney had been thrown into the trap by the school committee. Anyway, this guy has always done the embarrassing things. Because of this, his expression is not very good-looking.
"I am here today to announce something."
He took out the manuscript of his speech, lowered his head numbly and began to read. The more he read, the lower his head lowered. Every word felt like a slap in the face, causing pain.
"...After the evaluation of the Holy City and the Musicians Association, 'Ingmar's results are self-plagiarism' and are correct... Because the impact caused is too bad, all teaching positions of Ingmar are now revoked and handed over to the Musicians Association for disclosure after he recovers. Trial. In this incident, the Department of Music and History suffered many injustices, but with the support of the college, they were able to be cleared..."
Hearing him say this, the audience suddenly booed, and the boos continued, interrupting his speech. He lowered his head and didn't care. He just continued to read the manuscript:
"...According to the wishes of Abraham and Master Abraham, the new Department of Music History will be rebuilt on the original site, and classes will be restarted after the Queen's conferment ceremony. Now, let's invite the representative of the Department of Music History, Chief Ye. I spoke to everyone and everyone applauded.”
He put away the manuscript and looked backstage numbly.
In the audience, a weird applause broke out. At this time, the audience was clearly divided into two groups. One group of people looked excited and applauded, while the other group of people looked numb, like clay sculptures.
"Here comes the drama."
In the audience, some students sneered: "After I turn over, I don't know how to show off my power."
"Don't worry, this Chief Dongfang should be a smart man."
The third-year chief was sitting in the front row, just looking at his nails: "If he still has some sense, he won't be too arrogant. After all, he has offended too many people, and the road ahead will not be easy. After all... the days are still long. You're here, aren't you?"
"If you don't know what's good and what's good, then there's nothing you can do about it."
"How can he still turn the world upside down? Don't forget, this is the Royal Conservatory of Music. He is not a formal musician. Does he really think that a rhythm level is so powerful? If he really thinks he can afford it, I will bully him. I'll go find him for a musician duel. Then he won't have anything to say, right?"
There was a sneer, and several students who were about to graduate sat in the back with their arms around each other, looking coldly at the stage.
A long wait, a long silence.
No one came out backstage. Everyone was stunned, looking at the stage in confusion, and talking about it.
On the stage, Sidney, who had a stiff smile on his face, could hardly stay any longer. He called someone over and urged him in a low voice. The man ran backstage and soon returned in a daze, handing a letter to Sidney.
Sidney was stunned for a moment. After opening the envelope and glancing at it twice, his expression turned ugly.
That guy actually refused to attend and just sent a letter
Is he so arrogant just because he won a review
The whole school arrived, but the guy named Ye started to act like a big star? The dissatisfied students in the audience became increasingly gloomy.
"Hello everyone, I am the chief of the first grade, that Easterner, Ye Qingxuan. Because there are some things that I cannot be present in person, so I wrote this letter to everyone."
On the stage, Sidney grabbed the letter and read dullly:
"Everyone has heard about the recent turmoil. Thank you to those who support me. Thank you for speaking up for my teacher in this farce. I will remember every word and sentence and try my best to I will reciprocate if possible. However, I know that there are still many people among you who don’t like me.”
When Sidney read this, he frowned and his expression became stiffer:
"But to be honest, it doesn't matter to me. I don't ask you to give your noble friendship to me, an unsociable weirdo, and I don't care about you. But, I hope that through this matter, I can Let there be less unnecessary provocations from certain people against us in the future. After all, there is no sense of achievement in solving this kind of thing."
"It's so arrogant!"
The gloomy-looking students were angered by Ye Qingxuan's attitude and shouted angrily. They exchanged glances with each other, unable to hold back their anger.
On the stage, Sidney's expression became more and more strange. He had reached the end of this short letter. He was stammering and struggling to read every word:
"...and I sincerely hope that nothing like this will happen again in the future. In order to let some people's memories be better and serve as a lesson. I decided to find a conspicuous place to leave a small souvenir for them. - Hope They'll love it."
After reading this, he froze and looked at the end: "Your most loyal friend, Ye Qingxuan."
There is no doubt that Ye Qingxuan's unceremonious tone angered most of the students who were suppressing their anger. There was a lot of noise and chaos in the entire auditorium.
Did that damn guy want to use this incident to teach the entire academy a lesson
Who does he think he is? And that damn "little memento"? This obvious warning tone is almost laughable. Could it be that he could turn things upside down in the academy
But soon, they heard startled exclamations from behind and a dull silence.
On the stage, Sidney seemed to have seen something extremely ghostly, and his stiff expression broke little by little, turning into complete shock.
So, they looked back in astonishment.
I saw the dark night sky outside the auditorium door. There were red fires in the dark night sky.
Is there a fire somewhere
Where's the fire
…
…
Under the same night sky, a white-haired boy sat on a bench, bathing in the light of the fire. The firelight illuminated his white hair, which seemed to have turned red and was as passionate as fire.
In front of him, the main building of the Apocalypse Academy was bathed in the light of the flames, shining brightly. It's like what those people said, turning into a torch that breaks through the darkness and illuminates the bright and far-reaching future of mankind.
In Ingmar's office, the ancient books, precious collections, and luxurious furniture were all immersed in flames and turned into ashes and fire powder.
They were blown up in the hot wind and fluttered in the sky, dotted with stars, beautiful and stunning.
Soon, the teacher on duty today descended from the sky with the "Wind Soul", noticed the burning main building, and quickly sounded the alarm. Then he looked at the idle young man not far away and frowned:
"what 's wrong?"
"It's simple, it's on fire."
Ye Qingxuan spread his hands and said to himself just like the school told him not long ago: "It's been dry recently and things have spontaneously ignited. It's normal."
He stared calmly into those doubtful eyes, his expression innocent and confused. Anyway, no matter what, in the end, it will be as the investigation results show.
The weather is dry and things are dry, and things spontaneously ignite.
It was just an accident, just like the last one. Since it is acceptable that there was an accident in the Department of Music and History, then it is also reasonable that there was an accident in the Institute of Enlightenment, right
As if admiring some beautiful scenery, he sat quietly on the bench, stared at the fire rising into the sky, and sighed softly:
"—It's so beautiful."
In the night sky, the faint sound of bells came.
…
…
"Good tea. I never thought you could get such good tea in the West."
In the watch shop, Mr. Hu put down his tea cup and sighed sadly: "I have been away from the East for many years, and I haven't had tea for a long time."
"Let's talk about things first and stop pretending."
Opposite him, Hermes was holding a box of biscuits and eating them loudly. He looked at Mr. Hu with a strange look:
"I really have some expectations. What does the empress who was ignored by the regent send an envoy like you to Avalon to do? Is it to contact the revolutionary army, cooperate internally and externally, and kill Bai Heng, that rebellious official? If so, you are in the wrong place. The whole world knows that the revolutionary army is hiding in the dark world, and you can’t find anything in Avalon.”
"Sir, you are joking. Your Majesty has never had anything to do with those rebels."
Mr. Hu waved his hand and said seriously: "I am here to find out some past things and then find someone."
"Ye Lanzhou? Tsk!"
Hermes sneered: "You didn't regret it when that guy Bai Heng was preparing to usurp the throne and kill everyone in the Ye family. There's no point in worrying now."
"I hope sir will tell you where your responsibilities lie."
Mr. Hu stood up and bowed his head: "Ye Lanzhou, where are you now?"
Hermes rolled his eyes: "You ask me, who am I asking? That guy Ye Lanzhou has long legs, and he can go anywhere."
Mr. Hu sighed, took out an ancient silver coin from his sleeve, and pushed it towards Hermes: "For the sake of this thing, I hope you will be accommodating."
Hermes frowned, "You take out this thing. According to the rules, I should answer you a question. But are you sure you want to ask this?"
"Exactly." Mr. Hu nodded.
Hermes said expressionlessly: "He is dead."
"impossible."
Mr. Hu shook his head resolutely: "I have been told to see you alive, and to see your body dead."
"Tsk, why are you guys so stubborn?"
Hermes threw the biscuit box aside irritably, picked up a large jar from under the cabinet, and slapped it on the table: "Here! You said you'd rather see your corpse when you die, and here it is!"
Mr. Hu was stunned for a moment and froze.
After a long time, he stretched out his hand and lifted off the gray cloth covering the jar. Dust shook off the gray cloth.
Under the dust and gray cloth, soaked in the amber liquid was a head.
The pale and handsome head had its eyes closed, sleeping in the amber breasts, and the long black hair rippled with the breasts like seaweed.
The majestic appearance of the past is gone, but it is still as quiet as the moonlight, quiet and beautiful. It doesn't look like he has died long ago, but he has fallen into a deep sleep.
"-If you want the head that Bach chopped off with his own hands, take it!"
Mr. Hu was stunned for a moment, shook his head, and put down the palm that raised the gray cloth, so that face was buried in darkness again.
"Why is this..."
He sat dejectedly on the chair. After a long time, he sighed and stopped talking.
In the distance, there was a faint sound of low bells. The bells echoed in the night sky and resounded in all directions.
The bell has mysterious power, and there are faintly the joyful songs and praises of countless people. Wherever it passes, the ethereal drums seem to be dancing for it.
In the darkness under the gray cloth, the head seemed to have briefly awakened from its long sleep.
There seemed to be a faint smile on the corner of his mouth.
Like a hallucination.
Like moonlight.
…
…
Thousands of miles away, the Holy City.
The lights on the 100-foot-tall tower of this steel city were brightly lit.
Approaching the critical moment when the ice barrier of Asgard in the west changes its defense, the cardinals in red are arguing over this, making each other red-faced.
"It has been six years since there has been an evil-level natural disaster. If we continue to be in this state of war, it will be an outright burden for Asgard and the Order. The green gold consumed every year alone is enough. There are millions of them!”
"It's only been six years! If something unexpected happens during this defense change, causing natural disasters to enter the hinterland of mankind again, the losses caused will be difficult to recover in sixty or six hundred years, let alone six years! The former "Silver" Those principalities that were bulldozed by the tide have not yet regained their vitality. Isn’t this warning enough for us?”
"To put it grandly, do you know how much is consumed every day just to maintain the operation of the fortress? What's more, our exploration of natural disasters has been stagnant for decades. Not only the exploration of the dark world has no effect, Gaiwu That bastard Si and his revolutionary army are still at large! However, recently, the countries have become more and more lax, and their internal conflicts are serious. They don't care about how terrible things are in the dark world outside the defense line... Spiritual corruption is worse than material corruption. The emptiness above is even more terrifying. If things continue like this, I’m afraid even if there is a fortress, it will only be useless!”
"The Order never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries. Don't make excuses for such dark behavior!"
"Idiot! Will pursuing this kind of procedural justice help the outcome in any way..."
The debate has been going on for three days with no results.
But today, the figure sitting upright on the steps at the end of the long table seemed to be deep in thought and did not listen to their opinions. Just looking up and staring at the starry sky, there are faint bells echoing in the starry sky.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty, please make a final decision as soon as possible..."
The bishops looked at the silent Pope with confused and solemn expressions. On the side of the throne, the attendant called softly: "His Majesty the Pope, the bishops' conference is waiting for your decision."
On the throne, the Red King raised his hand, suppressed the noise of the quarrels, and just listened to the bell.
Everything was silent.
There are bells ringing from heaven.
…
…
In the long night, a bell rang.
The ancient and huge copper bell shook off the dust as it vibrated, revealing a burning copper light. The copper light trembled like a flame, and the bell roared.
The roaring bells spread in the sky, reaching far away, riding the strong wind, reaching thousands of miles away, and echoing into the dark world.
It scattered the ice and snow on the northern ramparts, shook the beacon fire under the Great Wall in the east, stirred up dust and sand on the blazing soil in the south, and formed ripples from the northern sea.
The sound of the bell reaches far and wide, ringing in the ears of all human beings.
"Mr. Gaius, this is the report that just came from Avalon."
In the dark room, the gray-haired old man in the wheelchair put on his glasses and studied the message on the paper by the light. After a long time, he smiled with relief.
"Congratulations, Abraham." He stared in the direction of Avalon and murmured softly: "I finally found the meaning of my life as I wished."
No one responded.
Only the faint sound of bells echoed.
Whether it was by a bonfire in the vast wilderness or in a city in the wind and snow, the low and distant bells could be heard. The bells linger.
"Sage's Bell?"
In the dark world, Bach, who was walking silently, looked back; above the sky, the tall-crowned old man walking on the star ring lowered his head and looked at the Holy City with his heavy eyes.
In the Saint's Hall, the seventy-six immortal lights trembled with the sound of the bells. The Holy Spirits sleeping among them opened their eyes and glanced at each other.
"Forty-two years..."
"The bell of the wise is tolled."
"The Bell of Original Sin..."
“Humanity is getting closer to the truth of the Dark Ages.”
"The movement of the great source is coming."
"The day of decisive battle is approaching again."
The Holy Spirits in the light murmured in low voices, finally closed their eyes and fell into a long sleep again.
Only the lights remained in the darkness.
The bell is still ringing.
…
To the sound of the bell, the young man, smelling of alcohol, woke up from his dream and groaned in pain.
He grabbed the wine bottle next to him and drank the remaining liquid in it. The power of alcohol spread again, and he climbed up while holding on to the table, gasping for air.
"Char, are you having nightmares again?"
Abraham opened the door to his room, looking worried.
"No, teacher. I'm just drunk."
Charles smiled reluctantly and got up from the ground: "Oh, I accidentally got drunk. It's become more and more embarrassing recently. If Ye Zi and the others see it, I'm afraid they will scold me for a long time, right?"
He opened the window to dissipate the smell of alcohol in the air, and the moonlight shone on his face.
Charles sat down in the corner, fumbled in his pocket, took out half a cigarette, lit it, took two deep puffs, and looked at the door with a forced smile.
But the door was closed, there was no teacher, and Abraham was no longer here.
Then, as if he understood something, he looked back sadly.
"Is it still a dream?"
The curls of green smoke rose from his hands, dispersed in the moonlight in the dream, and disappeared without a trace.
Under the moonlight, the walls gradually deteriorated, and blood seeped out from the gaps in the ground, like a spring. There were countless hands hugging him in the blood, like a mother, warm and soft.
A voice in his memory whispered in his ear:
"-Please tell him that I am happy."
That ethereal voice lingered in his heart, empty and empty, and he didn't know where it went.
He smiled, closed his eyes, and nestled in the arms of the dream.
Mom, are you really happy
…
…
Under the same sky, there is a white-haired boy who is silent before the fire, a young man sleeping in front of the window, and an immature girl among the layers of clocks...
At the same time, a figure in gray robes stepped onto the land of Avalon.
A sparrow landed on his shoulder. He listened to the bells and looked up at the stars, but there were no stars in his eyes, only the darkness of the abyss.
"The human world..."
He murmured hoarsely: "Human... stench!"
In the sky, the bells echoed.
For whom do the bells toll