"Bai Ya, what kind of place is the Fated City?" Yue Ge put Little Ash on the ground and asked casually.

It was nearing noon, after lunch. The two settled into their familiar routine. Yue Ge played with Little Ash while watching Bai Ya operate her tablet. Then, the question suddenly popped into his mind.

As the train drew closer to its destination, the scenery clearly changed. Though the surface still looked like untouched wilderness, Yue Ge had spotted several outposts—places where people walked openly outside. This was something he’d never seen before.

A closer look revealed another shift: since entering this area, Yue Ge hadn’t seen a single monster. Only ordinary animals remained; anything beyond that had vanished from the map. Given the outposts he’d noticed, it was easy to guess the monsters had been cleared out.

Yue Ge began to grasp what Huan meant by "utopia." People there didn’t live in constant fear of monster invasions like in other cities. As the Organization’s headquarters, its defenses far surpassed others. In that sense, calling it a "utopia" wasn’t entirely exaggerated.

But Yue Ge hadn’t been there himself, so he couldn’t judge. That’s why he asked Bai Ya. She’d lived in various cities; her perspective would be more accurate.

"The Fated City?" Bai Ya paused slightly, tapping her chin as if thinking. "What do you think, Yue Ge?"

"How would I know? I’ve never been there," Yue Ge replied helplessly.

"Yeah… I don’t know either," Bai Ya shook her head.

"Why?" Yue Ge frowned. She’d left that city—surely she’d been there. Yet her expression suggested otherwise, or at least not fully.

"I spent my childhood in labs, rarely stepping outside. Even if you ask me, it’s hard to answer," Bai Ya said calmly. But right after, she added, "Still, if I had to say… it’s probably a good place."

"Utopia?" Yue Ge gazed out the window.

"Impossible. It’s called ‘utopia’ precisely because it doesn’t exist," Bai Ya kept her eyes on the tablet. "No place can be perfectly fair. To me, even hiding unfairness is impressive. At least people understand ‘fairness’ and hold onto that hope."

"I see…" Yue Ge didn’t press further. That question would never have an answer.

"By the way, since you’re so curious, walk around the city with me later. I haven’t been back in ages—might’ve changed a lot," Bai Ya said offhandedly.

"Is that okay?" Yue Ge turned, surprised.

"…Why not?" Bai Ya tilted her head slightly. The gesture was unexpectedly cute. "We’re not in any special relationship."

"Fine by me," Yue Ge shrugged and nodded.

"We’ll leave Little Ash behind this time. But to be safe, lock him at home. It’s still dangerous here," Bai Ya glanced at Little Ash crawling around the cabin. Even to her, he held countless research mysteries—she couldn’t risk him causing trouble.

As if sensing Bai Ya’s faint malice, Little Ash suddenly stopped. He curled into a ball in a corner, peering around warily.

Gradually, Yue Ge noticed the landscape outside slowing down. He glanced at Bai Ya and saw she’d already put away her tablet. Like him, she leaned against the window, chin propped on her hand, gazing out. Only from her side could you see the train’s direction.

"We’re here," she whispered, as if part of a ritual.

Yue Ge tried to look back but saw only a silhouette and a stretch of outer wall. Even the Fated City had towering walls on its outskirts. Yet these didn’t feel oppressive like before—they looked like proper fortifications.

Thankfully, the train slowed completely. Yue Ge stood and moved beside Bai Ya, peering out. The view wasn’t surprising at all. Everything looked utterly ordinary—nothing hinted this was the legendary "Fated City."

The worn walls bore faint scars. Barren land stretched around. The distant city gate stood wide open, waiting for the train. It seemed no different from the last two cities.

Only when the train entered did Yue Ge spot its uniqueness. Instead of diving underground like before, it rolled openly through the city on tracks. Streets lined both sides, bustling with people—busier than any street Yue Ge had ever seen.

More importantly, he saw something rare on their faces: vitality. Having spent most of his life in hospitals, Yue Ge recognized the difference. These people weren’t worried about tomorrow. They brimmed with eager anticipation for each new day—a sight he’d never witnessed elsewhere.

This place was indeed different.

"It feels… changed. It wasn’t this lively before," Bai Ya murmured, her expression unchanged—neither excited nor sad.

The windows were tinted; outsiders couldn’t see in. Passersby barely glanced at the train—it was just another routine sight to them.

After crossing the city center, the train soon stopped at the station. It was as quiet as the others Yue Ge had seen, inside and out.

"Let’s go," Bai Ya stood, smoothing her hair. "First to headquarters to wrap things up, then home. We won’t stay long."

"Mm." Yue Ge followed without asking. Luggage and Little Ash would be sent to Bai Ya’s place—she’d handle it. He only needed to focus on the Organization’s tests.

This was practically Bai Ya’s territory. Her authority here was terrifyingly vast. Whatever she wanted, the Organization delivered instantly. It wasn’t laziness or arrogance—it was simply her life.

People here would gladly die for her if she wished.

Yet… fate was strange. She distrusted those with hidden agendas. Everyone who approached her had ulterior motives. Sensing this, Bai Ya kept them at arm’s length. Better to trust someone from the start. That’s how Yue Ge ended up in this role.

He might not be the best assistant—but he was the right one for her.

She believed that.

Outside the station, a man waited. Cloaked in black with a masked face, he stood beside a sedan. Clearly expecting them, he approached and bowed slightly. "Doctor Bai Ya, the Director sent me. If you’re free, please come to headquarters first."

"Troublesome," Bai Ya nodded and slid into the back seat.

After she entered, the man—Crow—closed her door, sealing off the sound. Yue Ge thought he’d be excluded, but Crow opened the passenger door and gestured. In a raspy voice, he said:

"Welcome… to the Heavenly Mandate."