The temple bells rang faintly as dusk blanketed the town. Lone returned with dirt on his clothes and silver in his pocket, his footsteps light despite the soreness in his limbs.
The temple was quieter than usual. The festival had drawn most of the monks and townsfolk into the night's celebration. Lanterns floated in the air, lighting up the horizon like drifting stars.
Inside the temple's small store room, Lone tucked the coins into a cloth pouch and hid it beneath a loose floorboard under his sleeping mat. He sat back, catching his breath.
Haru wasn't around. Likely busy with evening rituals.
Lone leaned against the wall, eyes drifting shut.
"Just a few more days of work… and maybe I can get a Summon Stone. Maybe then—"
Before the thought could settle, a loud burst of cheer echoed from outside. Drums. Firecrackers. Beast roars. The race's opening ceremony was beginning.
Curious, Lone stood and made his way back outside, the glow of the festival pulling him in like a moth.
From the temple's high ledge, he could see it all—massive floating platforms carrying summoners and beasts, cheering crowds, and a raised platform with a golden banner fluttering in the wind. A man with a staff announced:
"Tomorrow begins the Grand Beast Race! The prize—ten thousand gold and a place in the Hall of Flame!"
The crowd roared.
But Lone's eyes were on some thing else