Night fell like ink, pressing heavily over the shattered land.
Wherever the wheels rolled, they kicked up wisps of dust, while the headlights cleaved through the thick darkness.
One carriage was packed to the brim. They sat crammed inside, and sobs rang out now and then.
A soldier climbed aboard and addressed everyone:
"My superior asked me to pass along a message. It's not too late to change your minds.
If you've had a change of heart, there's a vehicle ready to take you back."
The soldier looked at the young people, none of whom had any combat strength, his eyes filled with complicated emotions.
They were volunteers who had chosen to go to Ji Prefecture and work in logistics.
But everyone knew.
The closer they got to the abyss of Malice, the greater the danger of losing their lives.
Even for logistics personnel with no strength at all, even if they never went near the abyss of Malice, the odds of dying were hardly small.
"Are you insulting me?"
A low voice rang out.
The speaker was a young man of seventeen or eighteen. His eyes were bloodshot.
"Are you insulting me?"
For a moment, the soldier was at a loss for words. His mouth opened, but no sound came out.
"Getting on this vehicle means I'm already unafraid of death!"
The young man's voice was low and heavy.
"Even if you're a martial artist, don't insult my resolve."
The soldier said nothing. With one hand, he produced a handful of candies and passed them around the carriage.
"The grain carriers are still behind us. Have some candy to tide you over."
Everyone accepted a candy. When they saw the character for "double happiness" printed on the wrappers, they all turned to look at the soldier.
A smile appeared