The sun set behind West Mountain, its light painting the sky with red clouds. At Shantytown Number Thirteen, the bun shop was packing up its steamers as usual while men returning from a hard day's work gathered at the entrance, munching on buns.
"I heard a bunch of high schools had their practical training go south because of Demon Beasts. Hundreds of people died! We've only had a few years of peace, and now this is happening again."
"Tell me about it. The high school here in Zone Eight organized one, too, and we haven't heard any news of their return."
"Poor Xiaoqiu... His parents died a few years ago. He worked so hard to become an outstanding student, but we haven't seen him for the past half a month. He probably..."
"Huh? Look over there! Xiaoqiu's back, and he brought a girl with him!"
