Lin Ming stood not far from Yuhan He, idly reading the Wind Tower’s introduction plaque. The overly sentimental scene nearby made him slightly uncomfortable.

His gaze settled on a monument outside the tower. Its inscription read:

*"Wind Tower: Built by Wind City’s first City Lord, Wind Skyward, to commemorate the city’s founding. With a 300-year history, it stands as Wind City’s highest point. Cost: ………… This plaque is renewed every 50 years by the sitting City Lord. Last updated by the sixth City Lord, Wind Successor."*

Lin Ming frowned at the text. *"300 years? Renewed every 30 years? That’d be about six updates. And judging by the surnames, all City Lords came from one Clan. But 300 years for just six generations? That Clan’s lifespan is suspiciously short. Plus—the current City Lord’s surname is Song!"*

A faint smile curled his lips. *"Interesting. Very interesting. The current City Lord’s surname is Song. Could it be that overused old plot device?"*

*"Like an illegitimate heir seizing power! Or the second-in-command staging a coup! Or maybe an Alliance official’s spoiled kid parachuted in… Ugh! Just imagining it’s thrilling. Can’t stop now. Heh heh heh."* He stroked his chin, grinning at the thought of clichéd dramas from novels playing out right here.

"Senior, what are you doing?" Yuhan He approached with Yaya, now calmer.

"Just reading about this tower," Lin Ming replied.

"Really? You looked *way* too smug just now," Yuhan He shot him a suspicious glance.

"*Ahem!*" Lin Ming coughed awkwardly, then glanced at the sky. "Junior, it’s getting late. Shouldn’t we head back?"

"Eh? But I want to play longer!" Yuhan He’s face instantly fell.

Yaya tugged her sleeve. "Sister, it *is* late. I’ll be scared walking home alone."

Yuhan He turned hopeful eyes to the Wind Tower. "Senior, what if I just tour the tower quickly before leaving?"

Lin Ming sighed. "Sure, but what about Yaya?"

Yuhan He beamed at the girl. "Yaya, tour the tower with me! Senior and I will walk you home after."

Seeing Yuhan He’s eager face—and remembering her kindness—Yaya nodded. "Okay! I’ve never seen inside this tower before!"

"YAYA!" Yuhan He swept her into a crushing hug, nuzzling her.

"Sister… can’t… breathe!" Yaya gasped, face flushed as she struggled against Yuhan He’s ample chest.

"Oh no! Sorry, sorry!" Yuhan He loosened her grip, flustered. "Are you okay?"

"*Huff… huff…* I’m fine, Sister," Yaya panted, smiling weakly.

"*Sorry!*"

Lin Ming’s eye twitched as he subtly glanced at Yuhan He’s chest. *‘Damn. Cleavage Crush!’* He quickly looked away. "Junior, if you’re touring, hurry up. Sunset’s coming."

"Right! The sunset!" Yuhan He grabbed Yaya’s hand. "Yaya, let’s watch it from the top!"

"Is sunset pretty, Sister?"

"Of course! It’s when the sun sinks, painting the sky as night falls. From up high, it’s breathtaking!"

"Then I wanna see it!" Yaya’s eyes sparkled.

Yuhan He dashed toward the tower entrance, dragging Yaya. "We’d better run! Sun’s almost down!"

"Senior, you can follow slowly!"

Lin Ming watched them go, then suddenly called out: "I finished the task! What’s my payment?"

"I’ll tell you later!"

He shrugged. *"...Fine. I’ll ask back at the City Lord’s Mansion."*

"*Sigh.* What’s so great about a sunset anyway?" He trudged toward the tower.

…

Inside, the tower was empty, filled only with unattended exhibits and decorations.

"Hey… is it safe leaving these unguarded?" Lin Ming muttered, reaching toward a display. His hand jerked back as he sensed a barrier. "*Ah.* Magic wards."

He headed for the floating lift but paused at a wall of framed portraits. Labels read:

*1st City Lord: Wind Skyward. Rank: S. … Died at 60.*

*2nd City Lord: Wind Lixing. Rank: S. … Died at 60.*

*3rd… 4th… 5th…*

*6th City Lord: Wind Successor. Rank: Peak A. Currently seeking Breakthrough opportunities. Alive.*

*"A strange Clan,"* Lin Ming mused. *"S-Rank powerhouses, all dead by 60—five in a row. Either a Curse… or an Evil Artifact."* He shook his head. *"Whatever. Time to find those two."*

The lift doors slid open silently. He stepped in, pressed the top-floor button, and felt the platform rise. *"So convenient. Wish the old geezers would install one in our dorm. Climbing stairs sucks."*

The doors opened to the rooftop observatory. Through transparent glass, Yuhan He and Yaya stood silhouetted against the setting sun.

The sinking sun burned the clouds crimson. As daylight faded, the sky deepened to rosewood-purple, leaving only fiery streaks around the vanishing sun. Darkness crept in.

Yuhan He turned to Yaya, sighing happily. "Wasn’t it beautiful?"

"Mhm! So pretty!" Yaya chirped.

"Next time, we’ll come again!"

"Okay, Sister!" Yaya nodded vigorously.

Lin Ming, watching from behind, scoffed. "It’s just the sun setting. Nothing special."

"SENIOR! SHUT UP AND DON’T RUIN THE MOOD!"