The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, painting the gray clouds in strokes of amber and rose. The heavy gates of Amestris City groaned beneath the pull of iron chains as the morning bustle grew into a restless tide.
Outside the massive archway, a sea of people pressed forward — hunters with spears slung across their backs, merchants clutching bags of coin, commoners with beasts tethered to carts. The crowd murmured with excitement, confusion, and barely contained impatience.
"Why are there so many people today?" one man asked, craning his neck above the heads around him. "It's not hunting season, is it?"
Another barked a laugh, his voice loud enough to cut through the clamor. "Hunting? No, fool. They're all going to see Black Tortoise City."
The first man frowned. "That city on the back of a wild beast? You mean it's real?"
