Dinner was a revelation. Zen had never tasted anything like it.
Wait. Food could actually taste this good? What had he been eating his whole life? Rocks?
He shoveled down another bite, half-expecting to wake up and realize this was some cruel, hunger-induced hallucination. But no—the flavors were real, and they were glorious.
Finally, the masks were off, revealing the faces hidden beneath.
Master had a square face with a short, thick beard. His face was covered in scars, making him look like a man who had seen many battles. His short hair was neatly kept, giving him a disciplined appearance.
Horn looked as tough as his name. His face was strong and muscular, with no expression, as if nothing in the world could surprise him. He had a big, broad nose that made him look even more intimidating.
Crime had sharp, well-defined features, almost too elegant for a rebel. His face was triangular, with long, smooth hair and pale skin. If he dressed differently, he could easily pass as a nobleman.
Marja looked like she did not belong here, her big eyes and sharp nose complimented by her dimples made her look like she was a noble lady.
Nuru and Nuri looked almost identical. Their cat-like eyes were sharp and focused, giving them the intense, silent look of assassins.
Lo, Fah, and Mei, on the other hand, were a complete contrast. They looked wild and unkempt, with thick beards and messy, tangled hair. It was clear they didn't care much for appearances—only for the fight ahead.
After a bit of casual chatter and what passed for "introductions" in a room full of masked rebels, people started retreating for the night. Just as Zen was about to find a spot to collapse, the Master spoke up.
"Zen and Star, meet me first thing in the morning. We have something to discuss."
Zen exchanged a look with Star, who simply nodded before heading off.
Great. Secret meetings. Always a fantastic way to start the day.
As the hideout settled into silence, Zen found himself perched on the rooftop, staring over the city. Even at night, the place burned. Deep orange flames flickered from scattered furnaces, sending waves of heat rolling through the air. The entire highland breathed fire.
The heat was relentless, and yet, Zen wasn't the only one still awake.
Muki nudged him with her paw, her glowing white eyes almost eerie in the dim light.
"Yeah, yeah, we'll go," Zen muttered, giving her a pat before standing.
With one swift motion, they leapt from the roof and melted into the shadows.
This had become routine for Zen—his late-night walks, slipping between alleys, keeping himself sharp. The habit had started as a survival instinct. Now, it was just who he was.
And in a world where people were planning to kill God, staying alert didn't seem like such a bad idea.
After wandering for hours, Zen and Muki finally returned to the hideout. The sky was still smeared with the last traces of dusk, the faint sunlight barely managing to cut through the thick layers of smog. The sun hung low, a blood-red sphere swallowed by the polluted air.
"This is truly amazing," Zen thought, marveling at the eerie beauty of the world around him.
"You're up early," a voice came from behind.
Zen nearly jumped out of his skin. "Y-Yesss! Of course! I, uh... never slept."
Master chuckled, arms crossed as he leaned against the rooftop entrance. "Ah, a night owl. I used to be one myself. But turns out, to make rational decisions, you need at least some sleep."
Zen nodded, pretending he wasn't already regretting his life choices.
Before he could come up with an excuse for his lack of sleep, Star stepped onto the rooftop. Master's face lit up. "Oh, you're up early too!"
She smiled. "Yes, Master. In my village, waking up early is normal."
Zen, who had never been normal a day in his life, simply nodded along, pretending to understand.
"Since you two are already here, let's get straight to it." Master clapped his hands together, then turned to Zen. "Aside from Crime and me, you're the only one who has even a little knowledge of Ingara's roads. Crime spent most of his time in the hideout, so I'm counting on you for this task."
Zen straightened up, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.
"You two will go to the base camp. Every highland has one—it's the passage that leads to the next highland. Your job is to explore every lane, every shop, and help Star create her maps. This will help us plan our next moves."
Zen's brain processed exactly one thing. A task... together... with her? His face heated up. This is going to be awkward. It's been ages since I last talked to a girl.
Both nodded in agreement. But Zen, unable to hold back his curiosity, hesitated before speaking. "Master, not to be rude, but... why are we doing this? Any particular reason?"
Master's expression didn't change. "We all have our reasons. Mine and Crime's... well, that's something I can't reveal just yet. As for the others? Most of them are here to earn money. They won't ask too many questions as long as they're getting paid. And you... well, you're here because you don't want to die yet."
Zen pursed his lips. Gee, thanks for the reminder. Star chuckled at his expression, which only made him more flustered.
He stood at the hideout entrance, arms crossed, waiting for Star. His tunic and pants had seen better days—frayed at the edges, stained with travel, and screaming I don't belong here. Then, Star walked down, wearing a knee-length frock dyed with soft yellow flowers, flowing effortlessly as she moved.
Zen blinked. Oh, wonderful. She looks like she belongs in a meadow, and I look like I just lost a fight with a pack of stray dogs.
"Shall we go, Mister Wanderer of Alleys?" she said, flashing a smile.
Zen's brain lagged for a second. Okay, rude.Also… why does she look so— Nope. Not going down that road.
He straightened, forcing a smirk. "Right after you, Ma'am," he said, giving an overly dramatic bow.
If she caught the sarcasm, she didn't show it. Instead, she chuckled and walked ahead, leaving Zen to mentally prepare himself for what was likely to be an exhausting day.