Instead of the usual scent of fresh bread, the faint smell of smoke and dampness wafted into Ian's nose. The atmosphere on the streets was far from cheerful. There were no smiles on the faces of the soldiers and residents working to erase the traces of the undead and rebuild the damaged buildings and roads. Everyone was silently focused on their tasks. Some recognized Ian, pausing their work to step aside or bow in respect. They seemed to know he was the one who dealt with the corrupters and stopped the ritual.0

There's no newspaper here, yet rumors spread so fast.0

Nodding occasionally, Ian made his way to the church in the middle of the city. The church doors were wide open. Inside, lit by candles and lamps, the inside of the chapel was in a better state than when he had last seen it. 0

Though scorch marks from Ian's previous actions still showed on the walls and ceiling, the ash that had covered the floor was gone, replaced by many animal hides and bedding. Many residents were praying or sleeping on these makeshift beds. The church was intentionally housing them here, likely to purify any lingering curses with the power of the divine.0

"The gift has been very useful. Thank you." Ian looked up at the statue as he murmured. 0

Whether his voice reached Della Lu, he couldn't...0