Don't confiscate my identity as a human race

The winter dusk slanted, hanging over the western horizon of Bulida, casting the final deep purple hue upon the Cret Memorial Square.

The terrace on the east side of Saint Astore Palace stood solemnly, resembling a giant ship about to set sail.

On the terrace, fourteen hundred marble pillars propped up the majestic dome. At the center of the terrace was the Wind Island Stone Throne adorned with the Cyrus Royal Seal. Emperor Saint Baldo walked past the throne, draped in a luxurious purple-red velvet robe, with a golden crown securely on his head, the sunset glow casting a gentle halo upon it.

From the terrace, one could clearly see the Cret Memorial Square in the distance and the War Gods standing beneath the Twelve Foundation Stones of the Cerryti, their gazes unwavering as they stood ready to protect the empire and the emperor. Salon's jet-black armor, Gaiat's dark green robe, Jasper's ceremonial dress and mechanical gauntlet, Lugayard's pristine healer's attire—each War God had a unique aura, yet together they formed the strongest shield of the Cerryti Empire.

Beyond the expanse of several kilometers of streets and at various giant screens throughout Bulida City, in the projection device living rooms of Botswana Province families, and across the entire Cerryti Empire, millions upon millions of people looked up towards Saint Astore Palace.

On this celebratory National Festival of commemoration, every heart leapt with joy in tune with the holiday and the festivity.

"Dear citizens of Cret, in this solemn and sacred moment, we once again witness the undying glory of the Cerryti Empire's millennium, and we feel again the protection of the God of War and Sword."

Emperor Saint Baldo stood at the forefront of the terrace, his voice rich and powerful.

According to the usual procedure, the afternoon of the National Festival would feature the Royal Cavalry Guard parade, with the guard marching in formation past the front of Saint Astore Palace to pay tribute to the emperor, followed by the War Gods attending to complete the blessing ceremony.

In the final part of the ceremony, royal family members would return to Saint Astore Palace by carriage or horseback, with the War Gods needing to protect the emperor.

At sunset at this moment, His Majesty the Emperor delivered his final speech to the people from the outdoor balcony of Saint Astore Palace, accompanied by the aerial acrobatics of the Royal Mechanical Engineering Corps, bringing the celebration to its climax.

"Looking back over the past year, the Cerryti Empire once again demonstrated its courage, wisdom, and resilience. Our producers, with their hardworking hands, have ensured bountiful harvests. Our Magic Artisans, with their ingenious skills, have created countless miracles. Our scholars, with their profound knowledge, have driven technological and cultural progress. Our military guards, with fearless spirits, have defended the empire's lands and honor. It is because of you—diligent, brave, and wise citizens of the Cerryti Empire—that we can stand proudly at the pinnacle of the South Continent, and our descendants can live in peace and prosperity!"

Saint Baldo's voice grew louder, echoing throughout the square.

The crowd burst into applause, with waves of clapping rising one after another.

"However, my people, we must not rest on the laurels of past glory. The future is destined to belong to the brave, the wise, and the pioneers. In the new year to come, under the guidance of the divine, let us create an even more splendid and brilliant future for the Cerryti Empire! Let us tirelessly strive for peace, justice, and freedom, ensuring that the flag of the Cerryti Empire will forever fly high over the South Continent for countless ages!"

Saint Baldo raised his right fist high, his tone steadily climbing.

At this moment, he seemed no longer just a sovereign ruler but a living embodiment of all the Cerryti people's dreams and aspirations.

"Long live the Cerryti Empire!!"

The crowd outside the square roared like a tidal wave, with countless colorful flowers and gold confetti flying high over the streets, resembling a magnificent curtain of rain.

"Finally, let us all pray together, in the name of the God of War and Sword and the founding Twelve Heroic Spirits, for the prosperous fortune of the Cerryti Empire! Prosperity everlasting! Long live the Cerryti Empire!"

At this point, Emperor Saint Baldo drew the Seross Spirit Sword, the sword's radiance seemingly illuminating the night, transforming the spirits' silhouettes into a river flowing behind Emperor Saint Baldo.

The phantom spirits, akin to sacred era murals, at this moment seemed like guardian deities, imparting a touch of divinity to Emperor Saint Baldo's figure.

Some residents at the forefront could not help but kneel and pray, giving thanks to the gods for Cerryti's prosperity.

Meanwhile, the aerobatics of the Royal Mechanical Engineering Corps streaked across the sky above the square, trailing multicolored paths, at times forming the emblem of the Cerryti Empire, adorning the entire sky with iridescent brilliance, as music filled the square, merging with the voices of the empire's people into a majestic symphony.

Just as the celebration reached its peak, a stream of splendid fireworks shot up into the clouds, blossoming into dazzling flowers in the night sky.

The reflections of fireworks shone in people's eyes, reflecting their smiles and dreams.

Yet amidst this joy and celebration, no one noticed the minor anomaly in Cret Memorial Square.

Although the twelve War Gods stood solemnly, a few occasionally had fleeting expressions of pain and confusion on their faces.

Under the stone stele of the third Foundation Seat of Entwining Agate.

"It feels like I just had a very long dream..."

Gaiat had just experienced a dizzying whirl and only now barely regained clarity, clenching his teeth tightly, his right hand gripping his palm, the knuckles turning white with pressure.