As usual, the baker opened his shop before dawn, long before the rooster in the neighboring yard had even thought of crowing. The streets of Sector 11 were still cloaked in gray pre-morning haze, and only the faint glow of his oven gave warmth to the narrow lane.

His wife had already risen earlier to prepare the dough. The large wooden bowl sat empty now, the dough within it kneaded the night before and left to rest beneath a damp cloth. She worked efficiently, dividing it into equal portions and sliding them into the oven’s stone chamber.

The smell of baking bread slowly began to fill the small shop.

The baker wiped flour from his hands and arranged yesterday’s unsold loaves to the side. In ten minutes, the regular customers would arrive—miners grabbing a quick meal before descending underground, mothers stretching coins carefully to feed families of four or five.

But today, someone arrived even earlier.

The bell above the door gave a soft ring.

The baker looked up, expecting perhaps an anxious miner.

Instead, he saw a young man he did not recognize.

He knew nearly everyone in Sector 11 by face. It was difficult not to, in a place this small.

"I need three loaves," Tyler said calmly, placing a ten-Dab coin on the counter.

The baker blinked but said nothing. He quickly wrapped three fresh loaves in brown paper and slid them across the counter.

"Are you new here?" the baker asked casually.

Tyler nodded. "Yeah. I came from another sector. Just passing through."

"Oh? Which sector?" the baker asked with genuine curiosity. Visitors from other sectors were rare—almost unheard of without official clearance.

"The neighboring one," Tyler replied vaguely. "Nothing special."

The baker understood immediately. If the young man did not wish to elaborate, it was better not to press.

He handed over the change.

Tyler did not take it.

"I need some information," he said instead. "Is there any way to mine Carbonyx without getting infected?"

The baker’s expression shifted.

"You planning to try mining?" he asked.

"Just asking." Tyler said.

The baker let out a quiet sigh.

"I don’t know how other sectors operate, but this one..." He shook his head. "This is hell. The mines especially. If you have any other option, leave. Go somewhere better."

Tyler remained silent.

"You can keep the change," Tyler said.

The baker hesitated, then leaned slightly closer and lowered his voice.

"If you’re looking for information, try Veena. She lives in Second Street. She knows more than most people should."

"Thank you," Tyler replied with a small nod.

The baker watched him leave, curiosity lingering in his eyes.

—

Back on the rooftop, the first rays of morning sunlight had just begun to warm the cracked tiles.

Tansy stirred first.

Then Rose.

Both noses twitched like wild rabbits.

The smell hit them at the same time.

Freshly baked bread.

They sat up quickly.

Tyler was sitting near the edge of the rooftop, casually biting into a loaf as if such things were common luxuries. The golden crust cracked softly under his teeth.

Two pairs of eyes locked onto the bread immediately.

Rose’s mouth practically watered.

Tyler noticed and smirked faintly.

"Oh? If you give me a kiss, I might share a piece—"

He didn’t get to finish.

Rose leaned forward instantly and planted a quick peck on his cheek before grabbing the loaf and tearing off a large bite.

Tyler blinked.

Tansy glared at him sharply.

"I was joking," Tyler said quickly, raising both hands defensively.

He reached behind him and revealed two more wrapped loaves.

Rose gasped happily.

Tansy’s eyes narrowed instead.

"Where did you get the money?" she asked.

Tyler casually dropped several coins onto the rooftop tiles.

"I found these in my pockets," he said.

Rose’s eyes widened. She picked up one coin eagerly.

"Don’t touch his money," Tansy scolded.

"I gave him a coin yesterday. I’m taking it back," Rose protested with a pout, chewing happily.

"If you want it, you can keep it," Tyler offered.

Tansy shook her head firmly.

"No. With that amount, you can survive a month without starving here. Keep it."

Tyler smiled faintly and gathered most of the coins back, deliberately leaving one coin on the ground between them.

"Do me a favor," he said, sliding the coin toward Tansy. "Take me to someone named Veena. Second Street."

Rose immediately snatched the coin.

"Sure! My sister will take you," she said brightly.

Tansy sighed.

She knew Rose had already accepted on her behalf. No , she just sold her sister for a coin and a loaf of bread.

After a moment, she nodded reluctantly.

"Fine," she said. "Eat first. Then we go."

Tyler looked out over the rooftops of Sector 11 as the sisters tore into the warm bread.

Four days.

He would need information.

And Veena, it seemed, was his first step.

---

Second Street was narrower than the main road, almost forgotten by the rest of Sector 11. Small, aging houses stood shoulder to shoulder on both sides, their walls stained gray from years of coal dust drifting through the air. Wooden balconies leaned slightly forward as if tired of standing upright. Windows were either shuttered or covered with thin cloth to block the morning glare.

But the most unsettling part was the silence.

Very few people were visible.

"I remember an old lady named Veena lives somewhere here," Tansy said quietly as she scanned the row of houses. "I’m just not sure which one."

Tyler observed the surroundings carefully. Doors were closed. No voices drifted from inside. Even the usual sound of coughing miners or clanking tools was absent.

"Maybe most of them left for the mines," Tansy added. "And There aren’t many people staying in these streets now."

Tyler nodded faintly. Sector life did not allow idleness. Also the population is lower.

As they continued walking, something caught his eye near the end of the street.

A thin boy— no older than seven— sat beside a cracked wall. His clothes were oversized and worn thin. He held a handful of wilted cabbage leaves, chewing slowly as though trying to stretch the taste for as long as possible.

The leaves were yellowed and limp.

Tyler stopped.

Without saying anything, he untied a small paper bundle from under his arm and took out a piece of fresh bread. The golden crust still looked inviting even in the dull light of the street.

He held it out silently.

The boy’s eyes widened instantly.

Hunger erased caution.

He dropped the cabbage and scrambled toward Tyler without hesitation, staring at the bread like it was treasure.

Tyler crouched slightly so he wouldn’t appear towering.

"Kid," he said gently, "do you know where old lady Veena lives?"

The boy didn’t answer immediately. He grabbed the bread first, clutching it tightly to his chest as if someone might snatch it away. Then he pointed quickly toward a house midway down the street.

Tyler and Tansy followed the direction of his finger.

A second-floor balcony.

An old woman stood there, leaning slightly over the railing. Her hair was silver and loosely tied back. Her eyes were sharp despite her age, scanning the street below as if she had already noticed them before they noticed her.

When Tyler glanced back toward the child to thank him—

He was gone.

The street felt just as empty as before, as though he had never been there at all.

Tansy frowned slightly. "Not even a thanks."

Tyler didn’t reply.

Instead, he kept his eyes on the old woman above.

She had not moved.

And she was watching them.

Tyler and Tansy approached the house the boy had pointed out. The wooden door looked fragile, its paint long peeled away by time and coal dust.

Tyler knocked.

"The door is open. Just come up," an old woman’s voice called from inside. The tone carried an odd mixture of calm authority and theatrical dignity.

Tyler pushed the door gently.

Crack.

The handle snapped off in his hand.

He stared at it.

Before he could react further, the door creaked wider and the old woman appeared at the top of the narrow staircase.

"YOU BROKE MY DOOR?" she shrieked. "That will cost you two Dabs! Pay up now."

Tyler’s mouth twitched slightly.

This old lady is a Scammer.

Without arguing, he flicked a ten-Dab coin toward her.

The old lady caught it midair with surprising reflexes. Her eyes lit up instantly.

"Oh! My dear boy!" she exclaimed, her tone changing completely. She hurried down the steps and grabbed Tyler’s hand. "Come in, come in! Ah, how I wish I were twenty years younger."

She practically dragged him inside.

Tansy covered her mouth to hide her laughter and followed.

Outside, the malnourished boy who had received the bread reappeared at the corner of the street. This time, he wasn’t alone.

Three older boys stood beside him—rough-looking, their expressions hardened.

The younger boy pointed toward Veena’s door.

The older boys exchanged glances and nodded silently.

One of them adjusted something beneath his coat.

It was a knife.