After dinner, the rain began to fall heavily once again outside. Feeling bored, Aiden decided to rest early.
The next morning, Aiden woke up unusually early, a strange sense of unease lingering in his mind, though he couldn't quite pinpoint the cause.
After breakfast, he and Oliver settled down in the study to read.
"Your ancestors collected quite a few ancient books," Aiden remarked, eyeing the thick volumes lining the shelves.
Oliver smiled proudly. "You don't know the half of it. Our family has a long history. According to my father, four of our relatives were accused of witchcraft and hanged in 1692. Maybe there really was a wizard among my ancestors."
Not wanting to give Oliver too much credit, Aiden approached the bookshelf and began inspecting the moldy old tomes. Among them were the uninhibited Scientific Wonders by old Morister, Joseph Granville's The Triumph of the Christian Reformation (1681 edition), and Remy Gius's chilling Demonolatry.
"Demonolatry looks interesting," Aiden said, pulling the book down and flipping through its pages.
The first page bore a quote: "The power of demons is to transform the invisible into the visible and to make people see it." — Lactantius.
Aiden felt a strange sense of déjà vu. Without much thought, he asked Oliver, "Can I borrow this book? I want to study it."
"Of course, take it. Father rarely comes to the study, so it's probably nothing important," Oliver replied.
***
As the festival approached, Oliver's loud voice rang from outside. "Aiden, the festival is about to start. Want to go take a look together?"
"Okay." Aiden put away the book and followed Oliver outside.
The streets were bustling with residents wrapped in hooded coats. They passed rickety signs, historic gables, thatched roofs, and diamond-shaped glass windows.
The procession wound through steep alleys lined with dilapidated houses stacked atop one another. As the crowd passed the square and the church cemetery, the swaying lanterns flickered like drunken stars, forming a haunting constellation.
Outside the church, a bald man with a potbelly stood on the steps, delivering a speech. Flanked by sharply eyed bodyguards in black suits, he gestured wildly.
"I am deeply sorry, residents of Devon, for disappointing you. This was a mistake by the Labour Party, but please remember the achievements we have made."
"We will continue to promote your welfare actively, and even if we become the opposition, know that the Labour Party's heart remains with you."
Aiden found the speech tedious, his mind wandering.
Boring... wait, boring!
Suddenly, he was jolted awake and scanned the surrounding residents with his ability.
Finally, the source of his unease became clear.
"The entire town's residents have no emotions? How can living beings have no emotions?" Aiden shuddered.
"System."
"Ding, sizzle—sizzle—. Detected that the host has been released from the interference state. System connection restored."
"Damn, what could interfere with uniqueness?" Aiden's mind raced.
"Ding, it's not the system being interfered with; the host was blinded," the system explained.
"No, I can't stay in this hellish place. I have to leave immediately."
Without hesitation, Aiden pulled Oliver toward the house. Once inside, he said urgently, "Oliver, this place is too strange. We must leave immediately. I'll pack my things; you go find your father."
Oliver, still confused, asked, "Aiden, what's wrong? Are you leaving?"
Aiden waved his wand. Items around him sorted themselves and flew into his suitcase.
"It's not just me. This place is too evil. We have to leave. Trust me, I won't hurt you."
Aiden hypnotized Oliver, instilling urgency and trust.
"Okay, I'll find my father now."
Oliver ran downstairs; Aiden followed.
They arrived at Oliver's father's room, only to find it empty.
"My father should be at the celebration. What do we do, Aiden?" Oliver panicked.
Aiden soothed him. "Pack your luggage first. I'll go look for him. Be careful and don't get lost."
He handed Oliver a box with an undetectable extension charm, took out his wand, and rushed outside.
Attempting to Apparate directly to Clinere's location, Aiden was suddenly bounced back by an invisible force.
Coming to his senses, he realised he was trapped by a spiritual wall.
"Alas, I just came out to relax and encountered this," he sighed, returning inside.
Oliver had already packed.
"Oliver, come with me. This town seems sealed off. We likely can't get help. This is a special magical event. Your father has no resistance. Go find him first."
Oliver nodded. Aiden put away the box, and they ran out to the street.
The festival had begun. Though called Yule, and commonly known as Christmas, the residents knew in their hearts this celebration was far older than Bethlehem, Babylon, Memphis, or even mankind itself.
Next to the church, a huge bonfire blazed. Around it, residents danced a distorted, eerie dance.
Their shadows stretched long and twisted in the firelight, moving unnaturally.
Oliver watched, then unconsciously raised his hands and began to dance.
The sky and earth seemed to spin and merge. Oliver felt his body melting under the flames' illumination.
Seeing the danger, Aiden slapped him hard.
Oliver crashed to the ground, unconscious.
"..." Aiden muttered, realizing he had forgotten to restrain his strength.
Quickly, he cast revival and healing charms on Oliver.
Oliver stirred, confused.
"Oh, Aiden, I can't seem to feel my face."
"Cough, emergencies require expediency. You seemed ready to join them just now."
Aiden pointed toward the wildly dancing residents. Oliver glanced briefly and quickly looked away.
***********
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