Lang Strauss.Professor of Toxicology.Died at the age of 87 from a long illness.The shocking news turned Kizen upside down.It was widely known that his illness was worsening.He would often cough up blood during class, and Francesca, his chief teaching assistant, would frequently take over. Recently, his condition had deteriorated to the point where he couldn't even attend classes.-Lang, isn't this enough? Give up on fieldwork now.-Someone of your caliber could join the Elder Council, so why push yourself so hard?Not only Kizen professors but also close acquaintances urged Lang to retire, but he insisted on standing on the podium day after day, claiming he couldn't abandon his mission. Overwork only exacerbated his illness.Perhaps this outcome was inevitable.Lang seemed to have been aware of his end. A will written in his own hand was discovered.[It is inappropriate for one old man's death to inconvenience students with bright futures. When I die and 'Erebos' Night' begins, I hope classes continue for the students' sake.][I wish for my chief teaching assistant, Francesca, to succeed me. I know it's an unusual request, but she is a talent who will become a far greater Necromancer than this old man. Her talent and passion are too precious to waste.][Hold a modest funeral at the Mausoleum, even if it's there. I wish for troublesome customs to be omitted.][My great comrade, my teacher, and my dearest friend, Neptis. Please forgive me for leaving you behind once again. The curse of time is regrettable, but do not grieve too much.].......After Lang's death, 'Erebos' Night' was held at Kizen.Erebos' Night was an ancient Kizen tradition to mourn a deceased renowned Necromancer.If there was one tradition that Necromancers, who always pursued change, development, and practicality, stubbornly adhered to as an exception, it was anything related to 'death.'During this period, professors and teaching assistants wore black clothes. Students wore their usual uniforms but buttoned all their clothes and wore black ties. Male students had to wear black socks, and female students had to wear black stockings.And for the three days of 'Erebos' Night,' no lighting or fires were allowed, signifying that the deceased should close their eyes peacefully in the comforting darkness.Nevertheless, to honor Lang's will, classes proceeded normally on the first and second days. Instead of using mana projectors, professors drew directly on the blackboard or used physical photo materials, and refrained from using fire or bright light-emitting dark magic.After classes, students returned to their dormitories and were expected to go straight to bed for a deep sleep when night fell.In the dormitories, the power generators were completely shut off, and all lights were extinguished, plunging the entire Kizen into darkness at night.Unless it was a serious emergency, lighting candles was also forbidden. During this period, light was considered an insult to the deceased's passing.Thus, days passed, and the morning of the third day of Erebos' Night dawned.The deceased's funeral was scheduled for the final day.Renowned Necromancers of Kizen went to a sacred place called the 'Mausoleum' after death. After performing various rituals there and bidding farewell to Lang, Erebos' Night would finally conclude.All Kizen professors attended Lang's funeral.Among the students, a few who had a connection with Lang were selected and went up to the Mausoleum.Among those Simon knew, Lorraine, Neptis's daughter, and Claudia Menzies, an A-Class Toxicology major, went to the Mausoleum.Third-year students, in particular, were in an uproar; Lang's recognition was so great that most Toxicology majors halted all their missions and returned to Locke Island.However, Lang's will to continue classes could not be ignored, so the third day of Erebos' Night consisted of self-study sessions supervised by teaching assistants, without professors.
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