Chapter 57

312.4.88.

After returning home, Peter and the others were confronted by Helen. She had a suspiciously wide smile on her face.

She didn't greet them, as usual, instead she said with pride:

"Guess what I did!"

312.4.90.

End of the year report

"The criminal organization Veitset was eradicated during a collaborative operation between the national counter terrorism office and an undisclosed mercenary group. The reason behind their sudden actions are unknown but it is almost certain that a third party instigated the conflict due to Veitset's long standing influence over officials.

President Leon Verndari went through another year without having to defend his position from any aspiring leaders. Confident in his job security, he recently began spending large amounts of the country's budget on his personal projects. One of which appears to be an extravagant leisure centre.

On the global side of news, the territory of Oltenia was given to the Aegean empire through international arbitration. The decision came after it came to light that the Republic of Muntenia attempted to frame the empire for several atrocities that had occurred in the region.

That would be it for tonight. See you next year!"

312.4.91.

The last day of the year was busier than usual in Ambolt. Groups of green clothed men were running between every store in town while trying, and failing, to not look threatening.

Luxury items such as milk and eggs were only sold in meaningful quantities to professional cooks. The Green Dragons received the thankless job of procuring an astronomical amount of several of them, just to be used by complete amateurs.

Four birthdays were celebrated simultaneously and both parents involved were adamant about making them perfect.

23:35:27

"Hurry up, we're gonna be late!"

"Stop yelling, we still have twenty minutes!"

Inside the Williams house everyone was preparing for the end of year countdown.

Anthony and Helen were at each other's throat but they did manage to cooperate long enough to produce four moderately palatable cakes. Neither of them were able to cook for themselves under normal circumstances but they eventually figured it out through trial and error.

Three out of the four kids had no idea what was happening around them. The exception being Manda whose last birthday ended up quite chaotic. He specifically asked for something on a smaller scale this time around. Though it still got a lot of outside attention due to the aforementioned shopping streak of the local gangsters.

Right now, they were playing board games with James and Rose who was still getting used to moving as a shadow, so she didn't contribute much. Meanwhile, the two "responsible ones" were having the quietest argument of their entire lives.

23:52:03

Anthony and Helen walked into the living room with a cake in all four of their combined hands.

"We'll eat these in a few minutes. You should think of a good wish until then."

The twins were starting to suspect what was going on but still had no idea why. They were told about birthdays at the institute but they were never really celebrated. Drake on the other hand didn't even know how old he was until not too long ago.

Compared to the others who were willing to just go with the flow, Sarah was a bit more interested.

"Why should we wish? Is it magical?"

"I honestly don't know. It's a tradition that survived from the old world and kind of just stuck around, no one really remembers why we do it. But considering recent events, I wouldn't be surprised if it was in fact magical."

With that, they went back to playing. A few minutes later the television was turned on for the end of year countdown. That was a tradition that did not survive the transition to the new world but it ended up being revived not long after reliable communication was also re-established.

23:59:55

"Five!"

23:59:56

"Four!"

23:59:57

"Three!"

23:59:58

"Two!"

23:59:59

"One!"

313.1.01

00:00:00

"Happy birthday!"

{Happy birthday!}

Said eleven voices simultaneously.