An Uneasy Night

At the edge of the canyon.

Makomo stood there with her dark hair draped over her shoulders, vitality flowing through her emerald eyes. She had changed into a clean, neat cherry blossom bodice and short skirt.

She gazed beyond the canyon and took a deep breath. Then, gathering her courage, she stepped forward and left the canyon where she had lived for nearly six years, returning to the outside world.

"I've left."

Makomo turned back toward the depths of the canyon, looking at the few wooden cabins that remained as spotless as ever after all these years. A cute smile appeared on her face. Then she hummed a cheerful tune, clasped her little hands behind her back, and skipped briskly toward the edge of the forest.

Once she left the forest, the town she had departed from six years ago appeared before her.

The town looked more rundown than it had six years ago, but people still came and went, and it was no less lively than before.

Though this was an era of war and poverty, the population had not rapidly declined because of the open sexual culture and the lack of easy contraception.

Many families could not afford to raise their children, yet helplessly gave birth to one after another. That was why so many children were driven from their homes or even sold to human traffickers.

Makomo looked at the town ahead, which still seemed faintly familiar, a trace of nostalgia in her eyes. Then she reached out and touched her empty waist.

"I need to forge a sword first..."

Makomo's first goal was clear: she needed a sword.

Feng Ye had practically left her to fend for herself. Other than providing food, drink, and clothes, he had given her no extra help, nor had he given