The old city was extensive, with dozens of kilometers all invaded by the Dark Realm. On a certain street at the city's edge, a team clad in protective suits silently marched forward. No one spoke, nor did anyone issue commands even at the corners; everyone just followed the lead of the first person to step out, moving incredibly slowly and aimlessly.
Because no one knew what to say or where to go, a dismal atmosphere pervaded among the team. The recent aberration that lured people with a female corpse profoundly shocked everyone's perception, shattered it into smithereens. It felt as if one day you suddenly discovered that your pet cat started using chopsticks to eat, the backyard teddy bear scribbled some simple arithmetic on the ground with its paws, and even the ants carried things in division and teamwork—the moment when all creatures seemed to have gained intelligence, and all we could feel was intense absurdity and unease.
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