The capital woke to an ordinary morning.
Sunlight spilled across tiled rooftops. Merchants opened their stalls. Children ran through narrow streets, chasing each other with laughter that echoed between stone walls.
Nothing seemed unusual.
Nothing felt wrong.
—
At the marketplace—
Voices rose in casual conversation.
"Did you hear about those strange incidents from the northern villages?"
"Ah, those rumors again…"
"I'm telling you, people were saying entire groups fainted at once!"
"And then what? They woke up fine. Probably some illness."
"Or just stories made up by travelers."
—
Laughter followed.
Dismissive.
Light.
—
Another man waved his hand.
"These things happen every few years. People exaggerate."
"Someone probably started it to get attention."
"Exactly. Rumors spread faster than truth."
—
Nearby, a group of women shook their heads.
"I heard something about people becoming stronger overnight."
"Stronger? That sounds ridiculous."
