Prologue
Xu Wei is running from something. Who is he running from? A man? A mysterious creature? Or something far worse?
He sees a shadow. Who is this figure?
Is he here to save him or kill him?
Darkness engulfs him. He faints.
—
"Hehe!" (Both kids giggling.)
"Come on, Little Xu! Let's play!"
"Yes! Coming, Liang-ge!"
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Laughter fills the air. Two children chase each other under the warm afternoon sun. Liang Zhen is a beautiful child, his smile bright enough to warm any heart.
"Brother Liang, you go hide! I'll find you!"
"Okay, Little Xu!"
Liang Zhen runs off to find a hiding spot. Xu Wei starts counting.
But then—
A man in a black suit appears out of nowhere, grabbing Liang Zhen forcefully.
Xu Wei's eyes widen in terror. "No! Let him go!"
He rushes forward, trying to pry Liang from the man's grip.
"Liang-ge!!!"
A sharp pain. A loud thud.
—
Xu Wei's eyes snap open. His heart pounds as he stares at the unfamiliar ceiling. A hospital bed. Sterile white walls. The faint scent of antiseptic lingers in the air.
Someone is watching him.
A man—tall, cold, exuding an almost ethereal presence. His green eyes, deeper than the darkest forests, lock onto Xu Wei with an unreadable intensity. His gaze alone is enough to freeze a man in place.
"Who are you?" Xu Wei's voice is hoarse.
The man speaks, his voice low and firm. "I'm Colonel Feng Qian. I have some questions for you."
Xu Wei swallows hard. "W-What do you want to know?"
"What were you doing in an abandoned area where creatures lurk?"
Xu Wei hesitates. "I—I was running from a creature... and then I got lost."
Colonel Feng studies him for a moment before sighing. "You should take better care of yourself, kid."
Xu Wei's face turns red. "I'm not a kid! I'm 23!"
A man standing beside Colonel Feng suddenly bursts into laughter.
"Hahaha!"
Colonel Feng shoots him a sharp, frightening look. The laughter dies instantly.
"Okay," the man mutters under his breath.
