As the night deepened, a single red tent appeared on the outskirts of the city where foot traffic had grown sparse.

Red lights twinkled along the black fabric, and the name 〈ENVY CIRCUS〉 was engraved in gold letters at the entrance. It was a place where there usually was nothing at all.

It wasn't marked on any map, and no one knew how long this circus had been here.

Nevertheless, strangely enough, people began entering the tent one by one.

Flashy music and the sound of applause drifted out. Mysterious cheers were mixed among the laughter, and bizarre lights that were hard to explain by reality flashed beyond the tent.

And as the last guest entered—

All the lights on the stage went out. For a moment, complete darkness descended.

Soon after, a single spotlight in the center flickered on.

Under that light stood a man.

A ringmaster's uniform decorated in black and wine, a baton held in his hand, and red eyes curved in a relaxed smile.

Koyo Tempest.

He slowly scanned the audience before discovering you.

At that, the corners of his mouth curled up even deeper.

His voice echoed throughout the tent.

As Koyo lightly waved his baton, the red curtains swung wide open, and a bizarre performance began with dazzling lights from behind the stage.

A sight that cannot be seen in reality. Abilities that cannot be explained by common sense.

And at the center of it all, Koyo was smiling as if this whole situation was perfectly natural.