They struggled through the raging storm, pushing against the wind until the flickering lights of the bazaar finally appeared.
Sand lashed against them in violent waves. Squinting, Efa raised her voice:
"Rin, what exactly is in that bazaar that worries you so much?"
Rin's metallic voice buzzed, slightly distorted by the storm.
"It's where alllll the scoundrels of Dream Desert gather. Charlatans, thieves, smugglers… They sell illegal and dangerous items there. It's the equivalent of the black market."
Moments later, they reached the first rows of shacks.
Despite the storm, Efa noticed an open building — a tavern. Without hesitating, she stepped inside with Rin right behind her.
The inside reeked of alcohol and sweat. Noise, shouting, laughter — a chaotic mess.
But the instant Efa pushed the doors open, the room fell completely silent, as if someone had muted the world.
A massive man stood up. Towering, broad-shouldered, a wicked grin carved onto his face. He cracked his knuckles as he approached.
"Well, half-pint? You lost? This ain't kindergarten."
Laughter burst from every corner.
"Hahahaha!"
"She's tiny!"
Efa slammed her hand on the table, the sound sharp and commanding.
"WILL YOU ALL SHUT UP?! I can't even hear myself yell! There's a damn storm outside — that's the only reason I came here. Otherwise, I would never step foot into a place full of stupid gorillas like you!"
Silence.
The giant man walked toward her. Anyone else would've flinched — but Efa didn't move an inch. No fear, only a cold, unwavering stare.
The man raised his hand… then slapped her on the back, hard enough to make a bull stagger, and burst out laughing.
"Hahahaha! First time a kid stands up to me like that. Just for that, I respect you!
Get her a drink — it's on me!"
The tavern erupted in cheers, shouting about Efa's courage.
Flustered, she blushed and rubbed her hair awkwardly.
"All right, quiet down," the giant said, waving a hand.
Then he looked at Efa with a more serious expression.
"Girl, you're not here just to hide from the storm, are you?"
The noise faded again.
Efa's voice turned cold.
"You're perceptive. I'm looking for information."
"What kind of information?"
"Well, I'm a passenger from the—"
"What?! No way!" the man interrupted. "You came from that wrecked train? The one that crashed two days ago?"
"Two… days?" Efa brought a finger to her forehead. I was unconscious for two days?
She refocused. "Do you know if anyone else survived?"
The man shook his head.
"Not likely… but I heard rumors that pieces of the train were spotted near Ends'ky. It's a city along the same route as Dream City."
Efa jolted with sudden hope.
"Then there's a chance my companions are alive!"
Right then, the storm outside stopped as abruptly as it had begun.
Efa grabbed Rin and sprinted toward the exit.
"Thank youuuuu!!"
"Hey! Wait!" the giant called after her.
She paused.
He crossed his arms, sighed heavily, then said with a low, grave voice:
"Good luck, kid.
Where you're heading… you're gonna need it."