act49side

<p=2>Two days before the day of the full moon, Hour of Yin</>

Reporting in—from the Hour of Yu yesterday to the Hour of Yin today, we have moved more than eighty percent of the residents from the area around the main street to nomadic plate C.

Some residents remain due to official duties, property concerns, or other reasons.

Urge them to settle their affairs at once and leave material goods behind. Time is almost up.

Understood!

Also, strengthen security inspections at checkpoints. Report any suspicious individuals or situations to your captain immediately.

Yes, sir!

So Baizao's already evacuating the population... I wonder if the Sui Regulator has any news from the Tomb of Sui.

That's a lot of sentries... best not draw attention to myself.

Time for a detour.

That's—

Zuo Le goes around the checkpoint, but as he turns a corner, he spots someone who should not be there.

Zuo Le.

Are you...?

Apologies, but may I ask... who you are, sir?

The Sui Regulator is aware of your deeds at Mangshan Town and in the Garden of Grotesqueries. I was dispatched to meet you here. You've done well.

You must be exhausted. Go to rest.

Thank you for your concern.

But I have to deliver a token to the Sui Regulator, and share the details of the Placation with the Supervisor at once, so I dare not retire for now.

Just the proof of the Placation. Fret not, just hand it here and I'll take care of it.

As for the report, you may submit it at a later time.

But...

Zuo Le subconsciously rubs the token in his pocket with his knuckles.

This is a special case, so I must submit the token and my report to the Supervisor myself.

Still doubting me, when I have the approval penned personally by the Supervisor for my actions right here?

Zuo Le, I know you are very conscientious, but the situation is complicated. You need not be stubborn.

I'm sorry, sir... but this is all too sudden, and I don't know where this change is coming from.

I do not doubt the Supervisor's orders, but could we at least head over to the Sui Regulator together so I can get a complete grasp of the situation?

Sir... what is the meaning of this?

Is someone obstructing official duties here?

Stay your hand... for now.

I've never seen the Sui Regulator cooperate with the Patrol Battalion before.

As I said, things are complicated. This is how affairs are handled in wartime.

Zuo Le, tarry any longer and we may hinder our battle plans.

I'm acting on orders. If you have any further questions, save them for the Supervisor herself later.

'Acting on orders'... dare I ask whose orders these are?

That is classified military information that may not be leaked, Lord Zuo. I'm sure you understand, seeing as you grew up in the barracks.

Three hundred Candleholders in the Sui Regulator, and none know each other's past.

So, how do you know my background?

Just who are you?

Seize him.

Go!

What—?

A black sphere suddenly rolls down to the center of their stalemate, spewing out thick black smoke that spreads quickly through the air.

An ambush! Assume defensive positions!

Just run already!

Wha—

Ah!

Zuo Le jumps up onto the eaves, mid-exclamation.

After him!

Footsteps rumble behind the young man as several soldiers rush in his direction.

Form a line! There's still time, no need to rush!

Think carefully. Did you leave it at your desk?

Y-Yeah! Probably!

What's the matter?

Sir!

We finished an experiment outside the city, and only just the evacuation order...

But we left something important in the school laboratory. We'll be back once we've fetched it, I promise! Can we go?

Time isn't on our side, what could be so important...?

It's really important data! We spent years just to collect it!

If we can iron out the issue, then maybe... just maybe...

Show me your student card, and then go over there for a security inspection.

Thank you, sir!

Right, once you get the data, evacuate with the Academy's staff. Make sure you leave within twenty-four hours.

Of course!

Hold it there, girl!

Me?

Young lady, Baizao is undergoing a mass evacuation. There is no entrance to the city without special permission.

May I ask what brings you here?

Ch'en tries to blend in with those entering the city, but the keen-eyed guard spots her immediately, and approaches.

She makes sure Chi Xiao stays unseen behind her.

I'm... looking for my uncle.

He's old, has trouble walking, and brought a lot of luggage on this trip—so my aunt asked me to escort him out.

Hm? But when the Ministry of Revenue issued the evacuation order two days ago, they brought out every elderly resident.

My uncle isn't a local... He's a tourist from Lungmen, who came here for Mid-Autumn.

He's... kind of a loner, and rarely talks to people. He's spent the last two days waiting for me to come pick him up at the inn.

Your papers, please...

...Sure.

Lungmenite... Ch'en Hui-chieh... former Senior Superintendent of the L.G.D.

And you're... an Infected?

I retired from the force because of it, but that was so long ago...

Thank you for your service. You may go.

If you don't manage to find your uncle, seek the nearest guard for help.

But make sure you leave the city within twenty-four hours.

Thanks for the heads up.

Right, could I just ask... Have you seen a tall Lung with red hair and horns pass through here since yesterday?

No...

But the description is somewhat familiar...

Don't worry about it. Just a passing thought.

<i>Duoxie.</i> I'll be going now.

Wait, miss! Where are you headed—

A muster signal?!

What's happening over there?

What...?

Retreat! Everyone, run! Take cover!

Attention all units—ensure civilians inside the sentry posts are safe!

O-Over there... what's that black mass?

In the dark of night, as thick clouds shroud the moonlight's glow, an 'army' descends upon the streets.

No commands, no war drums, no rattling of weapons against armor—even their approach makes no sound.

A disciplined, formidable, but still indistinct battalion closes in on the checkpoint with a deathly silence.