The early morning sun cast a faint light over the streets of Hanam, gradually filling with the hustle and bustle of people. Amid the growing crowd, a man sprinted through a back alley, his breath ragged and uneven.
âHah⦠hah!â
His entire body was drenched in sweat, likely from running in the midsummer heat.
âUgh⦠ughâ¦â
His chest heaved as he gasped for air. He felt like collapsing, like he might vomit any second, but he forced himself to keep moving.
Stopping meant death.
That stark reality drove him to push his legs further.
Where⦠where should I go?
Even as he ran, his thoughts raced just as quickly.
Which way could he escape? Where could he go to survive?
Eyes wide, the man made a snap decision.
The Alliance⦠I have to get to the Alliance.
The Martial Alliance.
It was his only chance. The man steeled himself with that thought and gathered strength in his legs.
He bolted again, weaving through the alleys, searching for the quickest route. Just as he turned a cornerâ
âAck!â
He collided with a woman coming from the opposite direction.
âMove!â
Without sparing her a glance, the man ignored the woman sprawled on the ground and continued down the alley.
â...â
The woman, now sitting on the ground, watched him disappear into the alley, her expression displeased.
âHah⦠hahâ¦!â
The manâs labored breathing filled the narrow space as he sprinted. He was closeâjust a little further.
The area was deserted, but if he could make it through, heâd reach the Martial Alliance.
Just a bit more⦠just a bit more and Iâll be safe!
Hope surged within him as he pressed on. But thenâ
Thunk.
âUrk!?â
A sharp pain pierced his leg. He stumbled, losing balance, and tumbled to the ground.
Thud!
His heavy body hit the dirt, skidding to a stop. Desperately, he grabbed at his leg.
âArgh⦠aaaghâ¦!â