The march went on for hours. Hours spent on edge, bracing for an ambush that never came.
Still, the fatigue built up slowly on most of them. They looked like they'd fought for weeks… not a single day.
Eventually, when they were at their limit, they stopped—because, for the first time, they saw something that didn't belong to the endless wasteland.
"Am I hallucinating?"
Ragna Claude blinked, unsure if his eyes were deceiving him.
Before them stood a city—its tall buildings made from jet-black stone resembling obsidian.
It was still far away, but clearly visible.
"It's not an illusion."
Phoenix placed a hand on Ragna's head, confirming what they saw.
"Everyone, get ready. We're blending in."
At his signal, everyone pulled out the tattered clothes and black cloaks they had looted earlier, dressing in them one by one.
"Ugh…"
Some of the girls grimaced at the filthy clothing they had to wear, but none dared complain.
