The morning sun rose, its gentle light spilling into this nearly dead-silent city.
Cypher and Iris strolled across the rooftops, enjoying the breeze on their faces, feeling a faint sense of standing above all else.
Bang—
A gunshot suddenly rang out, startling Iris into a shudder.
Instinctively, she grabbed Cypher's hand. Only after realizing there was no danger did she loosen up, slowly pressing herself against his back to calm her racing heart.
Cypher could only stand there helplessly and let Iris compose herself.
He gently patted Iris's hand, offering her support and encouragement.
But his thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.
That had been the sound of a shotgun.
The softness against his back was intoxicating, but this was hardly a safe place.
Cypher frowned in thought. This was a residential district. Someone was actually firing a gun here?
Generally speaking, shotgun pellets traveled slightly slower than the speed of sound.
Cypher was still quite pleased with Iris instinctively casting the Shield Charm on herself after hearing the gunshot.
After a long while, Iris finally released her arms. She smoothed down her messy hair, and Cypher wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.
After praising and encouraging Iris once more, the two decided to investigate the source of the sound.
When they arrived at the scene, both of them fell silent.
It was a young beggar, no more than ten years old by the look of him. His emaciated body had collapsed by the stone road, a pool of blood beneath him. Yet his left hand still clutched a tattered cloth bag tightly.
Through a hole in the bag, Cypher saw white bread stained red with blood.
"Wait! He's beyond saving..."
Cypher reacted quickly and grabbed Iris, who was about to rush over and help.
"Then I'll go