Ashes in the Wind

In the deserted ruined city, Vana moved forward cautiously. Her invisible companion walked beside her, happily introducing this prosperous, bustling, beautiful place all the while.

This was the most prosperous city on the entire "continent." Nearly everyone knew of it, and most people lived here or at least passed through it during their travels. Its guards were dutiful, its residents friendly and generous. It gathered all the world's fresh and interesting goods, along with all the world's fresh and interesting ideas and stories.

"Everyone loves it here. You will too," the cheerful voice said beside Vana. "Just stay here for a few days, and you'll understand its charm!"

Vana only half-listened to the enthusiastic guide chattering beside her, while some rather strange yet practical... thoughts turned over in her mind.

She was thinking that she could not see any of the "people" in this city, yet she could occasionally hear other voices nearby. So, to the residents here—if they really existed—was she essentially a blind woman carrying a greatsword? A dangerous armed person walking through the streets with her eyes closed, swaggering about everywhere... Did those invisible residents truly have no reaction at all?

Then she thought of the noisy guide beside her. Judging by the voice, she was a young girl. Vana could not see her or even touch her, so naturally it was difficult to "tour" the place according to her directions. Thus, all along the way, Vana had merely explored the crumbling ruins based on her own judgment. She had basically paid no attention to whether her "companion" was following her, nor whether she could keep up, yet "Miss Guide" did not seem to find anything strange about it.

She simply remained at Vana's side as though it were the most natural thing in the world. No