The first area they passed after leaving the livestock trail was the marketplace—usually the heart of the city, vibrant and bustling. But this time, the atmosphere was bleak. The townsfolk wore grim expressions, some simply sitting and staring at empty stalls, while children listlessly played with makeshift toys made from burlap sacks. No laughter, no noise from vendors—just silence.
Khan surveyed the crowd with a somber expression.
He let out a heavy sigh, then continued walking. Their path now led to a narrow alley flanked by crumbling buildings—some with peeling brick walls, others barely standing with tarps and scrap wood. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol, sweat, and damp earth.
"Well then…" Ren muttered, raising an eyebrow as he looked around. "What are we doing in this dump? Collecting tetanus?"
Khan replied without looking back. "Meeting someone."
"A friend of yours?"
