Sir Novelle stands regally by an arched window within the mayor's office. He watches the abrupt commencement of the bell tolls. Despite the City Hall's central location, the resounding chimes carry from a great distance. Even with the mayor's windows securely shut, he discerns the ringing entering the room.

     As the minutes pass, the rhythmic peals of the distant bells gradually recede. The resonant noise dissipates, leaving a profound stillness that settles upon the room. As silence embraces the space, a sharp knock resonates from the door.

"...Please, enter," Sir Novelle responded.

The door swung open, revealing a man with untamed black hair standing on the other side. His eyes conveyed fear as he spoke, wasting no time delivering his message. "Sir, it's the Remaining Podeshire," the man relayed swiftly. "He insists on seeing you immediately."

     Sir Novelle's eyes fixated on the floor. With a subtle tilt of his head, his dark blonde bangs cascaded onto his forehead. Swiftly, he raised a hand to brush the stray strands away as his gaze pointed towards the doorway. Amidst the chaotic commotion of politicians and staff scurrying around the hallway, papers swirling in their wake, Sir Novelle saw his awaited guest peering through the entrance.

     Oliver enters the office. He then stands beside Sir Novelle. The two men gravitate towards the window, their eyes meeting as they survey the chaos beyond the glass panes.

"Why are the bells ringing?" Sir Novelle inquired. "And why are you perspiring excessively?"

Oliver wiped the sweat from his forehead, his breathing slightly laboured. "I ordered the guards to ring the bells," Oliver explained.

Sir Novelle's brows furrowed in concern. "What happened?" he asked.

"Sir, the Pyrovoidians are advancing towards us," he informed.

The mayor's eyes widened in disbelief. "What about our army?" he questioned.

"...My companions and I went to Asbranne Lake to assess the situation. To our dismay, we found the army in retreat," Oliver revealed. "On the horizon, I witnessed those creatures breaching into the shore. They are undoubtedly preparing to launch an assault upon our city."

"How many did you see?" Sir Novelle asked.

"Hundreds... thousands... perhaps half a million more, concealed within the foggy distance," Oliver replied, glancing at the window.

"We must initiate the evacuation of Asbranne," Sir Novelle swiftly suggested.

"I have already begun the process. However, with your authority as mayor, your confirmation is vital," Oliver implored, clasping his hands together.

"Of course, as mayor, I shall lend my support," Sir Novelle nodded.

"Oh, and I directed everyone to head to the docks to evacuate," Oliver added. "I highly recommend you join them as well."

"Noted," Sir Novelle nodded. "But I have a whole city to evacuate first."

"Thank you," Oliver replied.

"Now, what is our plan beyond the evacuation? Do we simply abandon the city?" Sir Novelle inquired. "Shouldn't we assemble an army to defend our land? Do we have enough time to recruit additional soldiers?"

"Everyone must evacuate. I will stay to defend the city," Oliver stated as he watched families hasten outside the window. "I am a defender. The Defender of Asbranne. The city's safety rests upon me."

"...Fortune shall be with you," Sir Novelle extended his trembling hand.

Oliver turned, seizing the mayor's hand firmly. "Thank you, sir."

"Remember, you have the authority to recruit guards and soldiers if needed. I have faith that brave men and women will aid you and save Asbranne," Sir Novelle assured. "Now... once I ring the City Hall bell, the official call of evacuation will commence. I will also deploy troops from nearby bases to assist everyone's compliance."

"Alright. Let us give our best efforts," Oliver forced a nod, seeking to bolster his resolve.

Before Oliver could release his grip, Sir Novelle held onto his hand tightly. "Wait. Sounding the bell will induce panic throughout the region. Stampedes may ensue. Be cautious," Sir Novelle warned.

Oliver nodded anxiously.

     Soon, Oliver found himself submerged in a turbulent current of humanity, a river-like flow of bodies. He pushed and manoeuvred through the men and women, seeing more carriages filling the streets with each passing moment. The road became a tapestry not only of vehicles and carts but also of bustling crowds.

     Suddenly, as Oliver navigates through the marching masses, a blaring sound rings and reaches his ears. A clash of a distant gong reverberates through the air. He glances back, raising his chin to see the top of the City Hall. Other people's gazes draw to the ringing bell. It chimes again after a few seconds as the peals continue without respite.

     Exclamations erupt from the people on the streets. The women yelp, the girls screech, and the men yell and shout. Meanwhile, horses whine in panic, rearing up on their hind legs. The crowds surge forward, transforming from a stroll to an unsteady rush.

     Oliver became caught in the stampede. Swiftly, he stepped aside, narrowly avoiding being carried away by the current. Seeking refuge in an alleyway, he stood still as his chest expanded.

     Taking a peek from the alleyway, Oliver watches the chaotic scene of people trampling over one another. The sight brings a sharp, cold shock to Oliver's bones, causing him to clutch his chest. He pants as he watches an exodus occurring before his eyes.

     Peeking from the corner, Oliver narrowly avoids colliding with groups of men barreling through the streets. He knows that lingering in one spot will be a grave mistake. Taking a deep breath, he finally steps back onto the sidewalk, pushing his way through the oncoming crowd.

     However, the sheer number of people sprinting together creates a deafening blare. Their collective footsteps resemble the thunderous pounding of a stampeding herd. The panicked residents kick up massive clouds of brown dusty smoke as their feet pound against the ground.