The towering shadow of Forgefire City's walls loomed in the dusk, while the gates stood open and people queued up to enter.
Bado saw from afar the newly erected wooden sign, inscribed with "No entry for parasitized individuals," looking hastily crafted with wood shavings still clinging to the edges.
Since Bado did not conceal the traces of mycelium on his body, he quickly caught the attention of other dwarves around him.
Others looked at Bado with disgust and wariness, murmuring among themselves as they avoided him, creating a conspicuous vacuum in the previously tight line.
At the city gate, a guard stopped him.
"Halt! Didn't see the sign outside? Parasitized individuals, no entry here. Go back where you came from!"
"I've come for the council meeting; I am Ba—"
"I don't care who you are!" The guard's voice rose as he pushed forward with his long halberd, the pole pressing against Bado's chest plate. "Rules are rules. If you don't leave, don't blame me for being rude."
