Spring had come exceptionally this year. As the ground began to warm, the many different forms of life that had lain dormant during the winter began to flourish once more.

Northface City was bustling with activity as well. The annual Spring Blade Festival was starting soon, and each house was fully decorated with gaudy, elegant lanterns. The sound of laughter and celebration filled the air.

This year, however, the atmosphere was slightly different.

The good news of the human race’s triumph had spread far and wide by this point.

Apparently, the Boundless Sect’s armies had not only swept their way through the wilds inhabited by the Beasts, but had even subjugated the Harpies and exterminated a number of Desolate Beasts.

Of course, the final notice was also the most important: all taxation and forced labor would be suspended for three years to give them a time of rest.

To many of the country’s citizens, this piece of information was even more important than the human race’s triumph. It was only natural that this year’s celebration would be even more lively than usual.

Apparently, this decision had been made because of...