Dressed in simple everyday clothing, San and his group wandered through the streets of Kunkan.

  The only indication that they were part of the army was the armbands they wore, which were exclusive to members. These ensured they could be easily located in case of an emergency.

  On the armband, beneath the country’s emblem—two phoenixes encircling a black and red flame—was a small heat signal. In an emergency, it would activate, and they would feel its warmth.

  But today, they were just exploring the city.

  After asking around at the garrison, they had been recommended a good restaurant in the city center.

  As they left the grounds, San once again noticed the way people around them cast wary and slightly resentful glances their way.

  Everyone, that is, except for an elderly man sitting on a nearby bench. He seemed lost in thought. San decided not to dwell on it.

  After about ten minutes, they reached the center of Kunkan.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Surrounded by restored antique buildings was a square that looked like it belonged in a fantasy story.

  The ground was adorned with colorful stones, and beautifully maintained green and red shrubs complemented the design.

  They quickly found the restaurant, KohleRaben, which was known for serving the best charred game meat in the area—a local delicacy.

  Despite being charred, the meat had a sweet flavor. Beneath its crunchy exterior was always tender, juicy beef that filled the palate with rich taste.

  None of them had tried it before, but it sounded almost too good to be true.

  They were seated on the balcony on the first floor, which, to their surprise, was available.

  While waiting for their food, San gazed down at the square.

  He still saw bitter and frightened expressions on the faces of the townspeople. He wondered why that was.

  Then he noticed something about the square itself.

  Something caught his eye, and he froze.

  Just then, the waiter arrived with their orders.

  Noticing San’s startled expression, the waiter smiled.

  "So, you’ve noticed it too, have you?"

  The others, curious, followed San’s gaze and did the same.

  From their vantage point, the pattern on the square became clear.

  It depicted a massive, blood-soaked figure striking the ground with a colossal club inlaid with twelve glowing gemstones.

  "This is the legacy of our city," the waiter explained kindly.

  "This is where the First War of the Lost came to an end! Every new recruit in this city sees this and is taken by surprise all over again."

  "But no one really knows what happened back then, during the very first of all wars."