Stardragon, one of the six nations. The majority are coloured people, their totem is a golden dragon. The hostility of Stardragon towards the Sprout is greatest, which can be dated back to the Andia war time. The Sprout has secret deals with the hostile nations of Stardragon. They plotted a terrorist attack on cites of Stardraggon during a key wartime period. The death was over hundreds of thousands. The army on the front line had to rush back for reinforcement. This nearly cost Stardragon its position as one of the six nations.
The electric nets circulate the city and the only way to get in is by the guard station, which is controlled by the military. The guard station is surrounded by great military force, bunkers, sniper tower etc., which are occupied by soldiers who watch the arriving trains. The train stopped at the platform outside the guard station. Thousands of stragglers gather near the platform and queue up for the inspection. The soldiers check if they carry weapons, if they are officially wanted and if they gets pandemic. All clear before they are allowed to enter the cities.
Six nations all have rules which welcome stragglers. They aim at the gifted people among stragglers to increase their population potential and their cheap labour force. Xiao doesn't want to be inspected, as the Sprout must have rewarded him which makes him at risk. Although he wants to get in touch with Thirteen but not this way. And he knows a way to pass the guard station.
In the game, players who are wanted officially can't pass the guard station. Instead, they can find NPCs who are in charge of the stowaway business and pay them. They could enter the city then.
There is a common guy sitting on the corner of the platform who has no intention to queue up or leave. He is the head of the stowaway business. Normal stragglers won't know their existence as smugglers only work with familiar customers.
Xiao walks towards him and opens up, "Is it safe?"
"What is safe?" The smuggler looks at this stranger and pretends to be dumb.
"Is it enough to pay with that stuff?" Xiao has no intention to bargain with him and throws the whole bag at him. The smuggler opens the zipper and glances inside. A full bag of guns makes him seal the bag immediately. Wtf, this man has so many guns! Does he work for a gang? The guns are strictly controlled in the Western Capital. And Xiao doesn't want trouble. These guns are of no use to him.
"Of course, enough, enough!" The smuggler is confused, "How do you know I'm doing the business?"
"None of your business."
Privacy is essential for this business thus the smuggler suppresses his curiosity and leads the way. There is an SUV near the platform which has several passengers already. They all look at Xiao when he gets on board. The windows are all sealed with black strips and the car will take them to a secret 'open' at the other side of the net fence, where the officer will let them in for a bribe. As long as there are not too many people.
In the car, there is a short guy who gets bored and he talks to Xiao, who looks young and naive. "Hey, bro, first time to Western Capital?" Xiao looks at him, "Sure, what's your name?" "Mark, you?" "Xiao."
Mark wants to show off,"Since it's your first time, let me introduce this city to you. Western Capital is divided into eight districts. The first district is the political core which belongs to those politicians and generals. No one could get in. The other seven districts all have their own characteristics and are controlled by a big name in the grey area. I have to warn you, don't piss off any big names or you may die at any time."
Xiao knows that 'grey area' means the profit chains of drugs, prostitution, smuggling, firearm. Every place has its own head of 'grey area' but those people are insignificant compared to the official power. He has to admit that the citizens are afraid of those 'big name' but not the official force. Because they know that the official force won't hurt them but those 'big names' will.
Mark is showing off and Xiao doesn't care to point it out and continue the conversation for a laugh. "The military should take care of them."
"Hey bro, what can those military do? Will they march into the city centre?" Mark admires the business of 'grey area', "My cousin is working for a big name. I am here to work.. Eh… help him." "Awesome", Xiao says perfunctorily. Mark gets excited about having a listener, "Exactly! My cousin is famous in West capital, 'Yellow leopard' is him! Oh, I forgot that you haven't been here before. Are you here to visit your relatives?"
"No, I just want a job and to get settled."
Marks thinks that if he brings a young man to work for his cousin, his cousin will be happy. So he invites Xiao,"How about working for me? I assure you a bright and rich future!" Xiao turns it down politely. Mark thinks Xiao is arrogant, "You know, common stragglers are suffering in the city! They live in slumdog and eat like rats! Forget about the rules that stragglers are welcome! If you are not gifted, you will live miserably! Working for me will at least secure you a burger."
"Thanks. But no need."
Mark gets mad, "Anyway, even if you regret, I wouldn't help you." Xiao closes his eyes and leaves him alone. Mark gets bored and stops talking.
The SUV stops at a location which is far from the train platform, where there is a sign 'Danger'. It seems to be a passage for munitions. An officer is waiting behind the door. The head of the smuggler hands a bag of money to the officer. The officer is happy and orders to open the door and take those stowaways. The smuggler comforts them, "Follow the officer, he will take you into the city without any check." The officer is quiet and just leads the way. The group of stowaways pass various kinds of buildings and soon leaves the military area. The skyscraper of Western Capital is shining under the sun.
The group is dismissed immediately when they are on a quiet street. Before leaving, Mark glares at Xiao. Xiao walks on the street. His clothes are old and raggered which appeals pedestrans' eyes. He walked in the forest and stayed on trains, which are for cattle. The smell from him is foul. But these are not a problem…
Half an hour later, Xiao walks out of a store and changes into a white shirt and black trousers. With a cigarette, he looks cool.
[You unlock talent |Pickpocket| lv. 1 ]
[ |Pickpocket| - increase the chance of pickpocket]
Some of the skills in real life will be highly likely to be included in the game. For example, soldiers will master basic fighting and basic shooting in the game. Xiao 'borrowed' a wallet from a careless guy which solved his emergency.