「One day later.」
The fiery sun ascended slowly, its orange light gradually illuminating the world.
After a silent night, Ring City once again buzzed with activity as office workers, munching on bread and sandwiches, hurried toward the station platforms.
The streets of District Two were bustling with people and endless traffic.
Soon, voices could be heard murmuring below the apartment building.
"Did you hear about the Hongyi Society?"
"Old news. But what's that got to do with us? The expedition team, on the other hand... they've been fighting for months. If this keeps up and the wilderness blockade isn't lifted, our jobs are probably done for."
"Sigh, don't even talk about it. Didn't you see Old Xia's supermarket went out of business? They said he couldn't even afford to restock. Then a couple of days ago, some protesters started a riot, smashed up his shop, and looted everything..."
