It was December 31st. Under normal circumstances, the whole world would be busy preparing to welcome the new year. 0

But today, all New Year celebrations in various countries were canceled, other public gatherings were banned in squares and other public spaces, and people avoided going outside unless absolutely necessary. The atmosphere everywhere was tense, as if war was about to break out. 0

Yet, despite that, the public was not overly frightened. It was a stark contrast to how serious the circumstance seemed to be.0

“This year’s been rough. Is it because the Eternal Nocturne died?”0

“That’s part of it, but the damage the Demon Force took was huge, too. Times like these are always the most dangerous.”0

“Tsk… When the hell are those bastards going to be eradicated?”0

After fifty-four years of conflict with the Demon Force, people had grown accustomed to emergency states and alerts. And with so many major incidents occurring throughout the year, the public had somewhat been expecting an incident to break out anytime. 0

In fact, rather than panicking, most were busy concerning themselves over how confidently the Heroes Association and the government could handle their foes.0

With everyone staying home in anticipation of the new year, naturally, the internet became more active.0

hopebug: Judging by how good the current situation seems to be. Don’t you guys think we could wipe out the Demon Force within the next year or two?0

└ coolggin: The Ten Evils aren’t just some neighborhood mutts. You think they’ll be taken down that easily?...0