Aboard the Soul Tool Train...
Wang Zhi sat by the window, gazing at the scenery rushing past without a word.
Zhou Tian'er and Zheng Yiran sat opposite him.
The two were still chatting and laughing, as if they had truly become close friends with nothing left to hide from each other.
Only now and then, Zhou Tian'er's gaze would quietly drift toward Wang Zhi before quickly returning to the conversation.
Zhou Hanyou sat on the other side of the aisle, eyes closed as she rested.
Ika stood behind Wang Zhi like a statue.
The train crossed plains and passed through tunnels. Outside the window, the scenery shifted from cities to fields, then from fields to forests.
By dusk, the announcement came over the speakers.
"Sunset City is now arriving. Please take your belongings and prepare to disembark."
Sunset City.
This was a small city nestled in Sunset Forest, named for the magnificent sunsets that could be seen there year-round.
It wasn't large, but it was clean and orderly, and the air carried a faint floral fragrance.
The group checked into the hotel they had booked, a traditional courtyard inn.
Several osmanthus trees grew in the courtyard.
It happened to be their blooming season, and golden petals drifted down in the breeze, carpeting the ground.
When it came time to assign rooms...
Zhou Tian'er and Zheng Yiran declared in unison that they wanted to room together, then walked hand in hand into the same room.
Wang Zhi watched the door close, fell silent for a moment, then quietly went into his own room.
They ate dinner in the inn's restaurant.
At a square table, Wang Zhi sat on one side, Zhou Tian'er and Zheng Yiran opposite him, and Zhou Hanyou on another side.
As soon as the dishes hit