Then a sudden gunshot rang out-
Bang!
A stretch of countryside slowly appeared on screen.
Dozens of players in coarse linen robes stood there.
A distant windmill turned slowly. A breeze swept past, swaying the grass and lifting the hems of the players' robes.
"Hello, warriors from distant lands. I am a witness, a nameless chronicler..."
Su Keying's sweet voice came from offscreen. She spoke slowly, her narration echoing.
"Go explore. Explore this mysterious world..."
The screen faded to black, then the scene changed.
The piano sounded again.
Dum, dum...
A gunshot-
Bang!
The farmer turned to face the camera, understanding dawning on his face.
"Ah, there are tools over there. You can help me cut the grass in the fields..."
Dum, dum...
Bang!
The farmer's face twisted viciously. He raised his pitchfork and drove it into a player's chest, sending blood flying.
In slow motion, the droplets of blood seemed suspended in midair, that terrified face frozen in place.
A low female singing voice joined the background music:
[Once the world begins...]
Dum, dum...
In a clearing at the edge of town, men labored to carry stones while women cooked porridge in large pots.
A kind-looking middle-aged woman smiled, leaned toward the camera, and whispered:
"This church is being rebuilt because, a month ago, someone killed everyone from the Church and burned it to the ground..."
"Huh? Who did it?"
Dum, dum...
A fresh wanted poster hung on a wall, showing a man's indistinct features and short, slightly wavy black hair.
Beneath it, his name stood out-
Jack.
A gust of wind rose, making one corner of the wanted poster flap.
Bang!
The low female voice continued singing:
[There is no turning back...]
[Even if you fall asleep now...]
[We will find you...]
The piano played slowly but rhythmically,