Something Huge

The third dance piece was the "March of the Ocean."

Early in the Fifth Age, the people of Lande were the first to step out from the gloom of the great catastrophe. Relying on wooden ships and canvas sails, they ventured out into the ocean once more, setting forth toward the Old Continent and the New Continent to seek the lost glories of the past.

After drifting at sea for one hundred and twenty-eight days, the composer Connor wrote this world-renowned piece. Its melody was bright and impassioned, filled with optimism and courage in the face of challenges.

A fast-paced dance piece symbolizing the unyielding pioneering spirit of the Landeans was well suited to follow the gentle and soothing second dance. Like a fearless warrior of Lande resting briefly in a tender haven before setting out once again on a thorn-covered journey of adventure.

Not many people were willing to dance to this piece, as ladies tended to prefer sweet and tender tunes such as the "Holy Light Waltz" or "Romance of the Lande River," exchanging romantic glances with their partners amidst the gentle rhythm to fully enjoy a tender and romantic journey. No lady wished to step to a pace that felt like a war dance, looking as if they might draw a sword at any moment to face vicious sirens alongside their partner.

Yet there were exceptions. After all, when the time came, certain people would charge forward faster than their partners—faster even than the sirens themselves.

And while this particular person was quite mediocre at dancing, she was exceedingly good at beating people up. Thus, her dance partner had no choice but to lead her with utmost care, not daring to utter a single word of mockery.

A happy ending for everyone.

By the fifth time his foot was stepped on, Lynch finally felt regret; he realized he shouldn't have been so scummy.

Surely the Crimson Lady was punishing his greed, using Officer Natalie's hands... no, feet, to mete out retribution.

【I did not, I am not, don't talk nonsense.】

Meanwhile, the police officer... her face flushed crimson, stepped on him for the sixth time.

This girl really didn't know how to dance; her skills were even worse than mine. She was so considerate about going on patrol earlier—it couldn't be because...

Thud.

This time it was his shin, so Mr. Levive not only didn't dare say it, but he didn't even dare think it anymore.

Damn a woman's cursed intuition.

Feeling the officer's awkward, stiff dance posture, looking as though she might draw her blade and charge an enemy at any second, Lynch felt as if he had returned to that very night when he first transmigrated. Under Officer Natalie's protection, they had plunged into hundreds of terror claws, severing the monster chieftain's head in a single strike.

Squeezing the firm hand in his, he felt how rough and hard it was from gripping a sword, the palm covered in calluses, yet it brought Lynch an irreplaceable sense of reassurance and security.

Turning his head, he looked straight into the female officer's eyes. That strong, upright woman was currently wearing an indescribable smile, her brows brimming with joy.

Seeing Lynch staring at her, Officer Natalie lightly bit her lip, yet met his gaze without backing down in the slightest.

This girl was as sharp and fierce as ever.

Faced with her familiar reaction, a surge of warmth rushed through Lynch's chest, and he suddenly leaned forward.

The female officer's eyes snapped wide. Before she could look away, Lynch's sneak attack succeeded, pulling the two tightly together.

Her wide eyes gradually closed, her stiff body softened, her breathing grew rapid, and her exhales turned scorching hot.

Tonight's moonlight was delightful, tonight's music was lively, and even the wind tonight blew so loud and free.

The two forgot about dancing, forgot about time, tightly embracing in the darkness.

“Roar...”

Another low growl from a beast drifted over from the direction of the animal pens. That was already the third time tonight.

The mood-killing growl pulled the two back from their reverie.

Officer Natalie jumped back two steps, her face burning crimson. Vigorously wiping her mouth, she glared furiously at Lynch. Lynch, however, chuckled under his breath, licked his lips, and said softly, “The Duke's chef really is amazing. The pastries were so sweet, hehe... Ow! Ow ow ow!”

His grin instantly transformed into agony. Lynch hopped in place holding his leg. It seemed this girl had truly gotten embarrassed; Lynch felt as if his shin had nearly snapped on the spot.

“I'll give you sweet, you bastard!” Officer Natalie's face flushed even deeper. She ground her teeth, but in the end couldn't hold it in and burst into a laugh. “Hmph, I need to keep my guard up around you from now on. You're wicked to the core.”

“Tch, what a shame.” Lynch curled his lip. Though nothing more could have happened in a place like this anyway, being interrupted like that still left a bit of regret. “Those damn beasts—we should really stew them all.”

“I think something's wrong. Ever since I came over, they've seemed restless.” Though her face remained flushed, the female officer's eyes had regained their clarity. After shaking a fist at Lynch to warn him to watch out, she said solemnly, “I only came over to check on them because I heard the commotion, but I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, which is why I was getting ready to leave. Your inspiration is so much higher than mine; why don't you go take a look too?”

“I thought you were the one who scared them. Wait, calm down—let's go check it out together.”

Just wild beasts growling didn't constitute an abnormal situation yet; going out to summon others right now would be too rash, especially since Officer Natalie had already inspected the area once. After a brief discussion, the two decided to head over and have Lynch check it again, fulfilling their duty as Watchers. If something really was amiss, the Watchers had specialized communication methods, so they wouldn't be left isolated and helpless.

Because he was attending a ball today, Lynch had left his handgun at home. Fortunately, he still had 【Secrets Beyond Time】 on his person, The Passion of the Blazing Lady had already been integrated into his soul, and along with Blood's Temptation that never left his side, his newly acquired ring 【Crimson Lady's Compassion】, plus his portable equipment Officer Natalie Angel, Lynch was essentially in top form.

Let's see what those guys hiding behind the scenes are trying to pull this time.

Lynch straightened his collar, while the female officer drew her sword. The two took a wide detour to the back of the beast arena and flipped the switch for the gas lamps.

In an instant, dozens of gas lamps ignited simultaneously, illuminating the entire beast arena.

“Roar, roar, roar...”

The agitation of the wild beasts grew even more severe. They arched their backs in their cages, letting out series of low growls.

“Something really is wrong.” Seeing the animals' reactions in their cages from afar, Lynch's face darkened. “As far as I know, wild beasts roar loudly when startled. This kind of suppressed low growl only happens when they're in a state of extreme tension.”

“You even know beast taming?”

“I just happened to have read about it before. Even if that wasn't about the creatures of Lande, I doubt the difference is that big. There might truly be a problem. Let's be careful.”

The female officer nodded and took half a step forward to shield Lynch. Lynch didn't stand on ceremony either, immediately activating Death Coil to strengthen himself, then transforming his cane into the serrated sword and guarding the female officer's back closely.

Closer and closer.

The low growls of the beasts became increasingly distinct.

Several tigers paced restlessly in their cages, while two grizzly bears curled tightly into a corner.

“Their fear is also aimless, just like...”

“Like what?”

“Like facing an insurmountable natural disaster.”

Lynch shook his head. He felt his glabella throbbing faintly, and a thread of stabbing pain began in his brain once more.

That was the omen of the Third Wave's arrival.

“Natalie, send a signal to the Watchers. The most urgent one.”

Seeing Officer Natalie's expression change as she reached straight into her pocket without asking further questions, Lynch let out a sigh.

“I'm afraid we've stumbled into something huge.”