The first rays of dawn spilled down, warmth seeping through the battle armor into flesh.
A panel notification sound whispered in his ear, and warmth rose from his heart.
Cheng Ye braced his knees to stand up, raising his hand as the beams of light slipping through his fingers caught the sun slowly climbing above the horizon.
It had never seemed so dazzling, so full of hope.
An uncanny sense of survival after the disaster suddenly swept over him.
He knew he might never return to that familiar land, where even memories of the civilized era rapidly faded with each battle.
But turning to look at the bustling pedestrian street, watching the residents of Celestial Essence Mall smile as they carried infected bodies out from the alleys.
Whenever anyone met his eyes, there was undisguised respect and affection.
Cheng Ye let out a long sigh and sat back against the wall.
"Indeed, I have no desire to go back."
