"Aaaahhhh──!"

The dark prison echoed with piercing screams, rippling like waves across the midnight lake. To the mages of the Violet Tower who orchestrated these experiments, the sound carried a twisted beauty.

How could they not rejoice? The agony of children symbolized progress in their grand endeavor. Just as a diligent farmer thanks the crowing rooster at dawn, these mages extended their gratitude to the wailing children.

In their minds, this was neither inhumane nor cruel. After all, their actions were guided by the pursuit of esoteric truths. And besides:

Do not farmers also cut down living rice stalks with …