After a moment's thought, I had my answer.

"Xiao Ye, what's wrong? You suddenly closed your eyes and stopped talking... Eh!?"

Sinan Ying's words cut off as I leaned forward and took her hand.

"Let me stay with you."

I spoke with the most resolute tone I'd ever used.

"Eh? EHHHHHHHHHHH!?!?!"

Sinan Ying was completely flustered. Even under the moonlight, her blush was unmistakable.

"St-staying together? Is this a marriage proposal!?"

"Marriage proposal my ass!" I smacked her head with a chop. Sinan Ying whimpered "ow ow ow" while rubbing her scalp. Seeing her revert to her silly, adorable mode, I felt both exasperated and amused.

"After the Barbecue Festival, you'll return to the Imperial Capital. I've decided to go with you."

"Someone like you—a little bunny rabbit—facing those wolf-like brothers back home? You'd be devoured instantly. Wouldn't a companion help?" I added.

It took Sinan Ying a dozen blinks to grasp my meaning. She shook her head frantically. "No, no! You don't understand how dangerous that struggle is! I won't let you die for me!"

"Too late. I'm going to the Imperial Capital anyway. Keeping you company won't hurt. Besides, you're secretly thrilled, aren't you~"

"Ah—yes... No! I'm genuinely worried!"

...She was so easy to read.

I fell silent, just watching her. After a long pause, she finally accepted my decision.

"But you must promise me three things first. Okay?"

"Name them."

"Alright." She straightened her posture, face deadly serious. "Swear to me: One, always prioritize your safety. Two, never force yourself beyond your limits. Three, if I become a sacrifice in this struggle, don't grieve—forget me quickly! Swear now!"

Her intensity made me sweat. If this were a gal game, she'd just planted a massive death flag! Swearing would plant one for me too!

No choice. I clenched my fist. "I, Ye, swear: One, I'll prioritize my safety. Two, I won't push beyond my limits. Three, if you fall, I won't mourn—I'll forget you fast. Good enough?"

"Feels insincere... but fine. It's you, after all."

What did "it's you" even mean? Still, seeing her smile again, relief washed over me.

After tonight's talk, our bond deepened.

---

On a high-rise at Winteredge City's northern edge—

"Damn it! Everyone's celebrating while we patrol!" Guard A grumbled.

"Blame the last investigation's mess. Just accept it," Guard B shrugged.

"Haven't they set up city-wide surveillance? What use are we?"

"Captain Sinan Yuan says better safe than sorry."

"Tch..."

"Huh? What's that?" Guard B suddenly yelled.

"Where? I see nothing!" Guard A scanned the city—no anomalies.

"Not the city—the outskirts!"

"The outskirts!?"

Following Guard B's finger, tiny red dots glowed in the dark distance toward the Winteredge Mountains. A low rumble vibrated through the ground, like countless beasts charging.

"Gods... those are—"

Before "demonic beasts" left his lips, wind pressure slammed down. Monstrous birds dove from the sky, shredding both guards' heads instantly.

---

"What? A beast tide!?"

Even Sinan Yuan's composure shattered into a shout.

"Confirmed! Thousands of demonic beasts! The first scouts lost contact. The tide hits the outskirts in minutes—mass casualties expected!"

"Damn it!" Sinan Yuan stamped her foot. Such tides were century-rare. Why now? Those mysterious foes had tricked her—she'd guarded the city, ignoring the outside.

They'd been outmaneuvered.

"Xiao Mo, contact Elder Hong! Shiyu, Liusu, gather all combat-ready Sinan Family members! Afei, Zhang Hu, secure city hall! Others—evacuate citizens, now!"

"""Yes!"""

"Captain, what about you?"

"I'll reach the young mistress!"

---

In the city center, crowds reveled in the festival's peak joy.

Suddenly—

"WOOOOO——WOOOOO——WOOOOO——"

The siren ripped through the night, stabbing eardrums. Singing dancers froze like ice-water victims.

People halted, exchanging confused glances.

Spirit-light displays flickered from dazzling patterns to glaring red: "WARNING—WARNING—". Streetlights and lanterns bled ominous crimson.

The siren died. A woman's voice replaced it.

"Attention citizens! A massive beast tide advances on the center! Take shelter in buildings under professional guidance! Repeat: Beast tide incoming—seek shelter now!"

"This way! Stay orderly, no panic!" Sinan Family members appeared, guiding evacuations. Some followed, but most stood bewildered.

"A beast tide? The legendary one?" "Impossible!" "My barbecue's not done!" "Are shelters real?" "Is this an April Fool's stunt?"... Murmurs spread. Clan members shouted urgently, ignored.

"Listen—that sound!" A distant rumble shook the ground faintly.

"Look up there!"

Heads tilted skyward. Under crimson light, giant shadows dove—twenty-meter monstrous birds!

The incredulous crowd fell silent. Then—

""""""AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH——!!!!!!!""""""

Amid deafening screams, the night of revelry reached its climax.