From a distance, the Black Fortress seemed to stand at the far end of the Underground City. But once they went there themselves, they discovered a rushing city river still lay between them. Vast amounts of melted snow flowed together here, roaring like a flood.
A long black-and-white bridge spanned the river high above it. It was designed for traffic in both directions: the black side led from the Underground City to the fortress, while the white side was for people leaving the fortress and heading into the Underground City.
The Wang Army herded Yu Sui to the entrance of the Black Bridge. People who needed to return to the workshop proceeded in an orderly line.
Yu Sui noticed that the Wang Army didn't recognize faces either. They only looked at people's eyes.
Anyone who didn't have the Eye Without Pupils needed to show an identity token before they could pass. The Wang Army had to confirm it first.
The black gate ahead looked incredibly heavy, like a great mountain blocking the people's way.
This was the first gate into the Black Fortress. The crowd split up here: some headed toward the buildings on either side of the fortress, while others went inside.
A Ling gestured to Yu Sui, then headed toward the workshop buildings on the left.
"Work badge?" the Wang Army guard asked. A Ling took Yu Sui's hand and pleaded with him, her expression pitiful. "There were so many people on the street, and we were in a hurry. We lost our work badges in the crush. Could you help us out? I promise I'll ask the supervisor for new ones tomorrow!"
The Wang Army soldier, number Seven Seven Nine, gave a low cough, then barked, "Don't let it happen again! Move along."
"Thanks, big brother!" A