A crowd trod through cobblestone road on a sweltering day. People with huge bags or carried weapon from different directions converged in a single road. All toward the plaza. I also followed the crowd. After all, we’re all going to the same place.

  [Mind Alteration status effect is diminishing.]

  “Miorus,” I said. Another popup, huh? Couldn’t there be an easier way to remove this?

  As I proceeded with the wave of people, something grabbed my shoulder and I was put on the ground. The bright sun flashed itself and blinded me. By the time I got used to the sunlight, I noticed the people around stepped aside as if nothing happened.

  “You there!” A girl said. “You just chanted a spell, didn’t you? Speak up or I’ll have you arrested.”

  She looked young, someone near my age. Her blonde hair gently brushed my face as she pulled my collar. With her other hand, she held a sword against my face. Under her fiery gaze, I couldn’t think of anything but my safety. No matter how beautiful she was, it’s impossible for me to shake off that fact that I might be killed.

  “Who are you? If you don’t speak, I’ll assume that you’re not a good person.”

  “You got it wrong. I was just mumbling about the festival.”

  “Present me your ID then.” I gave it to her. She read it for a moment and handed it back to me. She let go of me and assisted me in standing up. “Oh, a new member.”

  “I just joined and am here to attend the Gift Festival. I’m not anyone suspicious.”

  “Telling me that won’t make you any less suspicious.” She paused and looked at me from down to up. “You don’t look like you could harm an insect, though. Anyway, since I’m also attending, let’s go there together. I’m not taking my eyes off you any time soon.”

  “Suit yourself.”

  I was drenching in my own sweat. Strangers chattered around. I was constantly pushed behind. From time to time, I heard screams. This plaza was hell. How could this be called a festival? I would like to get out of this place as soon as possible, but there were eyes filled with distrust glaring at me. Also, I think there was something sharp behind me; I felt it when I was pushed.

  “Isn’t it about time you let go?” I mumbled.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “Not until you prove that you’re not here to destroy the festival.”

  “I’m guilty until proven innocent? You’re being stupid.”

  “Stop your tricks. I saw a black smoke from your mouth and it dissipated instantly. Don’t tell me it was a lie.”

  “If I were going to do something evil, then I would’ve disposed you a long time ago.”

  “You were planning to dispose me? How evil! I must take you to the authorities.”

  I clenched my fist.

  “Estella,” a voice said, “glad you’re safe. Come, the town chief is waiting. The festival is soon to start.”

  I didn’t see who talked but the girl who threatened me was gone. Good, good. Since I was too far inside the plaza and could see the speaker’s platform, I pushed myself further until I was in front of the platform. The platform was made of wood and was at least meter high. A few fancy dressed people sat on chairs on the further back. Among them, I saw the girl from earlier. Beside her was a gray-haired man wearing a fine butler suit. I stepped back and hid behind a person to avoid the girl.

  “I ask all of you to be silent,” a man wearing white robes said. “We will now be starting the gift festival. All of you must bow down and find silence with your mind and body.”

  After the robed man said that, the crowd became as silent as a graveyard. None moved. Everyone stood like towers and not even a gust could topple them. As to not stick out, I did the same.

  A sound of a bell ringing echoed across. Then another rang. Instantly, a bunch of bells rang at almost the same time. I looked up and saw miniature transparent bells above the heads of some people. I bell rang loudly. One showed up above me. Other than its sound, I didn’t feel anything strange. Not long after, the bells stopped ringing.

  “Those who have the bells above their heads,” the robed man said, “please line up in a vertical line and in 5s. Everyone who has not, please move further back and allow those who have been blessed be near the platform.”

  I stayed at my position. A tall man walked in front of me as the people gathered. I stole a peek at the platform, the girl apparently received a bell as well. She stepped down from the platform and joined the lines; she was on the further right from me.

  “Amazing,” the robed man said, “fifty people has received the blessing. This is the greatest in the past decade! Truly marvelous. We may be able to see a miracle.”

  The bells rang once. Silver light enveloped the plaza. Once it receded, medieval weapons replaced most of the bells. They gently fell into their new owner’s hands. The crowd clapped their hands as those who received their blessings cried in joy. Then a red light took over the silver light. A handful of people received a batch of weapons. The cheers became much louder. It was the second light and my bell still hadn’t transformed. Suddenly, a golden fog surrounded the area. I could smell a sweet scent of honey wafting nearby. Above, a sword adorned with jewels on its guard shone brightly. The grip resembled a scaly red tail of dragon and the blade was obsidian. By just looking at it, it felt like it could cut you even without touching. Something became heavy on my back. The sword descended facing down and with a clang, it was sheathed on my back.

  Suddenly, myriad colors dyed the fog and turned the fog into small sparkles. My vision of the plaza grew clearer. There were many surprised and some even lost consciousness.

  [Memory alteration status effect has been removed. You are now wake.]

  I am floating in the sky. Of course, everyone is surprised. Not that I can blame them for it because it’s baffling to me as well. I am here in another world for no apparent reason.

  [Complete our mission and we shall grant you a wish in Earth and return your freedom.]

  [Activating Auto-Skill: Chains of the Summoned Being.]