"Why did she give her money to that man?" Yamile murmured, curious about what had happened between the shopkeeper woman and the mysterious man.
The event was a sign that injustice had taken root in the Central City. Yamile didn't know who the main perpetrator was, but for her, it had to stop immediately.
After some time, the shopkeeper emerged from the room. Yamile quickly hid. It was clear the woman could only lower her head, tears dripping down her cheeks. She stared at the five-dollar bill in her hand, trying to hold back her sobs.
Yamile's curiosity grew even stronger. That was why she decided to follow the woman back to her shop.
"Hello! I'm back again," Yamile said with a slight chuckle.
"Oh, welcome! Is there something else you'd like to buy?" the woman asked kindly.
"Not really! I'm a visitor here, still getting my bearings. Would it be okay if I asked you about some places to visit around here?" Yamile asked.
The shopkeeper was indeed very friendly. She nodded and was ready to answer all of Yamile's questions. Yamile was even invited to sit in a chair that had been provided. Now the two sat side by side, appearing like close friends.
"My name is Yamile. Nice to meet you," she said softly, offering her hand.
The woman hesitated for a moment but finally shook Yamile's hand. "I'm Clara," she said quietly. Her smile was warm but clearly forced. Her swollen eyes and red nose were signs she had just been crying.
"Thank you, Clara. Actually, I'm just exploring Central City. Any suggestions for places I should visit?" Yamile asked.
"Oh, if I may suggest, you should go to the beach south of the city. The view there is truly beautiful—you'll enjoy the calming ocean breeze."
"You know exactly what I love. I was just thinking about going to a beach," Yamile replied with a friendly smile.
"Oh, by the way! I've already explored up to the top floor, but I couldn't find the phone shop. Do you know where it is?"
Clara froze. She looked surprised to hear that Yamile had been to the top floor. "I'm sorry, but visitors aren't allowed on the top floor."
Yamile fell silent, watching Clara's expression. "By the way, I also saw you enter one of the stores earlier—why did you go in there?"
Clara was silent again. She bit her lip and looked down. Her fingers trembled as she clutched the five-dollar bill still in her hand.
"I'm sorry, Yamile. I can't explain. It's a complicated matter," she said softly. "You should just enjoy the city and not get involved in things that aren't your concern."
But Yamile didn't give up. She kept trying to get additional information out of Clara. "But I saw you crying. I also know that you were only given five dollars by the man in that store."
Now Clara looked shocked and afraid. Tears once again rolled down her cheeks.
Yamile noted it all in her mind. This was more serious than she had thought. Central City, known for its peace and beauty, was hiding a rotting wound beneath the surface.
"Are they asking for tribute? Protection? Threats?" Yamile pressed.
Clara gave a faint nod.
Yamile closed her eyes. She could feel the anger boiling inside her. She was determined to see justice prevail. She couldn't let Clara and the other citizens live in fear.
"Every day, we have to hand over our sales to that man. Unfortunately, we get just a small portion, whatever amount he decides. Just today, I handed over fifty dollars, but he only gave me back five," Clara said.
Fury filled Yamile's heart. "Who is that man?"
"He's one of Mr. Bajang's men—the leader of Central City."
"Why don't you fight back or rebel?" Yamile asked softly, holding Clara's hand.
Clara took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. She gazed at Yamile, her eyes brimming with long-buried pain.
"We can't. If we don't pay by the end of the day, we'll die," she said quietly.
Yamile tightened her grip on Clara's fingers. Her eyes stared sharply out the shop window. Central City looked normal on the outside, but within, it was filled with fear, injustice, and quiet oppression.
"This can't go on," Yamile murmured. Despite not being a resident of Central City, her conscience prevented her from ignoring the situation.
"So if you don't give them money, Bajang's men will chase and kill you?" Yamile asked again.
Clara shook her head. "It's not that simple. They use magic. In an instant, it feels like our hearts are being stabbed—we collapse and die. That's why we can't run."
Yamile held her breath; her chest felt heavy. Now she understood that this wasn't just ordinary extortion—it was a deeply structured system involving supernatural powers. The situation was darker and more dangerous than she had imagined.
"Is Bajang an ordinary human?" Yamile asked quietly, curious about the shadowy ruler Clara had mentioned.
Clara shook her head slowly. "No one knows for sure. Some say he's a man who made a pact with a demon. Others say he was a sorcerer from the eastern region, exiled because his power was too dark. But one thing's certain—he's power-hungry and will kill anyone who opposes him."
For a second, Yamile looked around the shop and the shopping center. She seemed to be searching for magical symbols planted or hidden there. Perhaps breaking the spell could liberate the people from its influence.
"Are there any magic marks or something like that around here?" Yamile asked Clara.
Clara shook her head again. "Not at all. Perhaps Bajang's men cast the spell when they forced us to surrender our photos and blood. It happened a long time ago, maybe about a year."
"Who are you, really? Aren't you afraid of Mr. Bajang and his men?" Clara asked, now curious about Yamile's true identity.
Yamile took a deep breath and gave Clara a warm smile. "I'm just a traveler who wants to bring change to this world."
Now Yamile wanted to leave—she had to return to the apartment and report this crucial information.
"Be patient. The dawn of peace is coming soon," she whispered as she looked at Clara.
Yamile walked quickly out of Clara's shop. She exited the shopping center and immediately contacted Tora and Zhao through their communication device.
"This city is filled with demonic power. If you're done, return to the apartment right away," Yamile said softly, her eyes sharp with fury.