The sky had darkened, while the lights atop the Plaza fountain shone brightly.
"Don't make such a fuss. In a place like this, things like this are perfectly normal."
As if he had seen through the emotions in Jiu Ming and the others' hearts, Dragon's Funeral Song spread his hands indifferently before him.
"Perhaps you think trading this sort of thing is inhumane, but it can't be helped. These are the Survival Rules here."
"So, you've all gotten used to it?"
Looking at the lively crowd over there, Jiu Ming's brow furrowed even more tightly.
"Taking a person apart, then packaging what was taken out into Cards to sell... isn't that a little..."
"Don't forget, this isn't some peaceful place. In a place like this, you'd better put away that compassion of yours for now."
Lighting a cigarette for himself, Dragon's Funeral Song took a deep drag.
"Also, do you think so many people are gathered over there simply because they've gotten used to this world's rules? Don't be ridiculous. As the saying goes, no one rises early without profit to chase. Profit is what people eternally pursue."
"Profit...?"
"That's right. For those who pursue power, this place is nothing short of paradise."
Leisurely blowing out a smoke ring, Dragon's Funeral Song turned to look toward the fountain.
"In the outside world, increasing your strength takes a great deal of time and effort. But here, getting stronger is quite simple... as long as you obtain enough Cards, and sufficiently powerful ones."
"Cards..."
As though she had thought of something, Jiu Ming, who had been about to argue back, suddenly froze after hearing those words.
"Understand now? The truth is really that simple."
Flicking the cigarette butt in his hand into the Trash Can beside him, Dragon's Funeral Song turned around.