When Cassian saw how tightly the man was being tied, he reminded them, "Don't suffocate him." Natalie nodded. "Relax. I checked. His mouth and nose are clear." So they set off. The whole trip took a little over 30 hours. During that time, there was no movement from the trunk. When they switched drivers, Natalie went to check on him. Angus was still completely out cold. Even the angle of his head hadn't changed. He looked so peaceful that Natalie checked his breathing several times. Only after making sure he was still breathing did she return to the road. They could have chosen not to bring him. But since they did, they had to deliver him alive. Otherwise, before any deal was made, they would already offend the base leadership. They said they were trading with the official base, but in truth, the real deal was always with whoever held power there. Around eight in the morning, the car finally entered Yloria. Cassian drove slowly along the streets, searching for the base. Natalie turned her head and watched the city outside the window. This wasn't her first time in Yloria. After graduating from high school, she had come here on a graduation trip with a few classmates. Back then, the locals were simple and warm. If you ordered three dishes at a restaurant, they often brought four. If you lost something, strangers would help you look for it together. If you asked for directions, people didn't just explain; they walked with you for part of the way. Because the experience was so good, the owner of a diner had enthusiastically recommended many attractions. In the end, they stayed several extra days that weren't even in the plan.When she left, Natalie didn't remember the scenery all that much. What stayed with her was the kindness of the people in Yloria. Cassian noticed her staring out the window without blinking. He freed one arm and took her hand. "What are you thinking about?" he asked. Natalie didn't answer. Instead, she asked, "Have you been here before?" "Yes," Cassian said. "I came here for business." After a pause, he added, "It was a pretty pleasant deal. The partners were sincere, the project moved fast, and the locals were very cooperative." Natalie nodded. So, it wasn't just her. Cassian also had a good impression of this place. And for someone like him to give extra praise was rare. The Holland Group was famous. Cassian was rich beyond reason. Wherever he went, he usually received the highest treatment. If he still gave special praise, that meant the place was truly exceptional. "I've been here before too," Natalie said. "I had a really good impression." Then, she paused. "But coming back now," she added softly, "it's probably a completely different sight." Three years into the apocalypse, anyone who was still alive by now was unlikely to be warm or welcoming. Not robbing you already counted as kindness. The two of them talked as they drove on. After a while, Natalie felt something was off. "Doesn't this feel strange to you?" Cassian slowed the car a little. "What's wrong?" Natalie frowned and looked out the window. After a moment, she said, "Don't you think it's too quiet?" Cassian answered without much thought. "It's freezing. People probably won't come out until noon, when the sun is strongest." Natalie shook her head and pointed outside. "I'm not talking about people. I mean footprints." "Footprints?" Cassian froze for a second, then frowned too. She was right. The snow was far too smooth. As far as they could see, there wasn't a single footprint. Cassian looked around. Large residential neighborhoods lined both sides of the road, yet there was no sign of human life at all. Even in extreme cold, it didn't make sense that since Frostfall began, not a single person had stepped outside. He had been watching the road ahead the whole time, focused on driving and guarding against ambushes. He hadn't noticed this at all. Natalie frowned a little and said quietly, "Let's keep going and see." "Alright," Cassian replied. They drove on. Twenty more minutes passed. They went by two malls and several housing areas, but nothing changed. No people. No footprints. No sound. The silence felt wrong. Goosebumps rose all over Natalie's arms. Was this an empty city? Were all the people of Yloria dead? Had no one survived long enough to reach Frostfall? That didn't seem possible.They left the pets in the car to keep watch, then got out and entered a nearby residential complex. The snow inside was just as smooth. When Natalie looked up at the buildings, she saw that most of the windows were actually open. Her frown deepened. Windows were only left open during the Great Heat. There had to be no living people inside these homes. No one could survive this kind of cold otherwise. They checked a few units. There were indeed no survivors. Every room was coated in thick dust. The windows were frozen in place and wouldn't shut. It all looked abandoned for a long time. Many of the homes had been completely cleared out. They also noticed something else. No supplies. No clothes. Nothing left behind.