The banging sounds were incessant. Pedestrians had to bypass the "No Entry" danger zone demarcated by white ash. They would rather take a longer route around it than go near it.
This was the southernmost end of the Republic of Northwest, where the Rye Fortress was located. In the past, anyone who wanted to travel from Commonwealth of Gold Coins to the Republic of Northwest had to pass through this fortress that had been built within the valley. Now, the fortress was still there. But the mountain next to it had inexplicably crooked to one side to reveal a wide road that could allow people to bypass the fortress. They could then proceed to Rye Town, which was located on the northern side of the fortress.
As for the fortress, it was completely enclosed within the circle marked out with white ash. There were many signboards stuck within the circle in a messy manner. There were words like "Danger" and "Stay Clear of Area" marked on the signs in various languages.
