act23side

Hey, my bag! Don't push!

There's plenty of time, folks. Don't panic, get in line, careful not to step on each other.

Mama...

I'm scared...

Don't be scared, just hold my hand and stay close.

Where are we going?

There's a big storm coming.

So we're going to a safe place where we won't be blown away.

Massive shadows begin rising from outside the walls, blocking out the sun.

The Four Guardians of Yumen, retractable external mobile barriers known as the Wind Aegis, designed by Tumu Tianshi and built by the military's Department of Smelting and Fabrication.

For centuries, Yumen has served as Yan's border bulwark, and the Wind Aegis have been her shield, protecting her from the sandstorms, winter winds and Originium storms of the great desert.

The Three Winds shall not pass as long as the Four Guardians stand.

Wow, it's so tall...

I've never seen the Wind Aegis deploy in all my three years in Yumen.

Nothing to gape at.

Yumen's walls are tall, and fully equipped with Originium defenses. Mundane Catastrophes rarely require the Wind Aegis to be deployed, but it's not entirely unheard of.

However, this is the first time that we've had to move half the city's population, as far as I know...

So, er, wh-what is the class of this Catastrophe? So big not even the Wind Aegis could hold it back?

The Wind Aegis lock into place, steel plates interlocked so tightly not even the wind can get through.

Long lines of civilians move away from the walls in the shadows that the Wind Aegis cast. Perhaps comforted by the sturdy presence of the barriers, the crowd calms down after some initial chaos.

The poplars that grow on the borderlands have grown used to the wind and sand.

What's the matter? Scared?

Man your post. Don't think about anything else.

Keep your eyes open. The Shanhaizhong are still in the city. Anything can happen with so many people moving about.

Protect the commoners.

You're still here?

They've been broadcasting it all day. Yumen is about to run into a Catastrophe. Those on the east side need to move to shelters on the west side before noon.

I know, I know. The Catastrophe cloud isn't here yet. I need to pack my things...

Here it is.

I could lose the tables, the chairs, even the building, but not this recipe book.

Say, you could come with me to Lungmen, if you lost the inn.

Don't say that!

Sorry, yeah. That's bad luck.

I just figured your culinary skills would do well in Lungmen too. I've had the chance to see you work up close these few days, after all.

Nah, can't have that.

Where would the people of Yumen get my special sauteed meat if I left?

Are you a native of Yumen?

No.

I was born in the heartlands and went to Lungmen to seek my fortune. I came over when the cities linked, wanting to see what things were like in the north.

Then I lost my wallet and started working at this inn to make ends meet. Now I've been the innkeeper for years.

The building doesn't matter. Houses can be rebuilt.

Absolutely.

Well, I'll help you back up.

The winds are calm.

The dark, ominous mass of air is clearly visible, even from a distance, darkening part of the sky.

The Catastrophe does not seem to have moved, but the temperature is rising.

It is as though it is waiting for a gust of wind, before lashing out at the city walls.

Phew...

Come to watch my brother's duel, General?

Catastrophe preparations are already done. The Grandmaster wants to see whether that one is worth his trust before the Catastrophe strikes. I can't miss this.

Still, it seems absurd to determine the sword's ownership in this way.

You've been at my brother's side for decades. You would not trust his choice as a friend?

...Friend.

Hm.

We have fought side-by-side, but we have never been brothers. Neither sword nor spear, nor gun nor cannon can harm your kind. How could you truly understand the camaraderie of man?

You remain outsiders to it all.

'Outsiders'?

You could say that about me, but it seems unfair to apply it to my brother.

Man and beast are different. This has never changed.

You know how the imperial court views your kind.

An alliance can only endure when the two sides are equals. One should not wield power beyond one's control.

I'm not in a position to trust him unconditionally, for I'm not his equal.

I'm surprised you would be so frank.

But perhaps you underestimate yourself...

Zuo Xuanliao gazes wordlessly at the great desert beyond. The two shadows there are like two drops of ink on a great scroll.

Heaven and earth are silent.

It all feels like it happened yesterday.

We partook in more than just war. We hunted, drank, and sang together. Yumen is still Yumen. Why is it that you have worries enough to turn your hair white?

Does the sight of those two remind you of those golden days?

You say that man and beast are different, but look, a man has chosen to challenge this great barrier. Does your heart not race at a clash like that?

Loosen that brow of yours.

Care for a drink? We could even make a wager.

Good, good.

You finally agreed to fight me.

Sorry for making you wait.

It's only been three years. I could wait longer, if you have unfinished business.

Three years ago...

Hold it.

That was just one exchange.

It was enough.

We traded three blows in that exchange. Someone could have been hurt, if we were using our full strength.

But you're holding back, and I can't use my full strength either.

That's no fun.

Sparring is about restraint...

Screw sparring, screw restraint! Let's have a proper fight!

All the kung fu under Heaven evolved in the struggle of life and death. You're not talking like the top-ranked fighter on the Yumen Arena Board of Fame.

You have a point. However...

Fine, I know, you have a job to do. You're not in a position to go all-out.

When are you quitting? We'll put this off until then.

Well, I have no idea when that might be.

Guesstimate it for me.

Could be three years, five, ten, maybe more.

Alright. I'll wait.

You're right here, after all. I'm not worried you'll run away.

There's always more to do. This is the right time and place for the fight that I owe you.

I should explain that I have my own reasons for doing this.

Oh?

There's a tradition of military commanders sparring before their troops prior to a campaign, in order to inspire the men.

Yumen is about to fight a Catastrophe. This bout between you and I will inspire the warriors of the city.

Suits me just fine, as long as you're not worried about losing face when I make you eat dirt in front of the whole city.