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The four of them headed into the dangerous district to eat the food recommended by the guide. Despite being sent to them as a spy and informant, the guide did not lie about the food. 

It was superb. 

When it was close to midnight, the four of them approached the stairs and Cecil recalled Yun’s words he had uttered earlier today. 

“Wait at the stairs at midnight, you wouldn’t be able to simply walk in.” 

However, there was no one around except the shops beside them with their interior still lit up even though it was close to midnight. Cecil did not see any guards or anyone guarding the entrance to the stairs. 

One could just simply walk up. 

“Cecil?” Hana blinked curiously. "Where are you going?"

"Just need to check something."

She did not know anything about this district from the novel. Hence, she did not know what Yun meant. 

Are there guards?

But I do not see anyone.

Cecil took a few steps forward on the stairs, before she felt a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. She turned to see K'xug silently gesturing to something above. 

K'xug withdrew his hand just as Cecil looked up.

Xue was already standing at Cecil's side with his spear out, narrowing his eyes at something ahead. 

The stairs led to the area with taller buildings, and the buildings had balconies. However, the balconies weren't just there for leisure. With the light from the decorative lanterns, one could see people standing on the balconies, aiming a bow in Cecil's direction. 

They had already loaded their arrows, preparing to make a shot. 

Cecil withdrew abruptly upon the sight of archers focused on her. Xue withdrew along with her, casting a dubious glance back. 

The archers had retreated into the shadows. 

"So that's what he meant by we could not simply walk in," Cecil mused out. "They would kill any unauthorized person on sight."

Just then, a figure was seen walking down from the top of the stairs. He passed by a stone lantern, and everyone could see the distinctive caramel brown hair tied into a ponytail and his round glasses. 

He descended the stairs in an elegant and swift manner.

"I did warn you, that you simply wouldn't be able to walk in," Yun stated, adjusting his glasses. "And you still tried to."

He maintained his composed and gentleman-like mein, still dressed in the black kimono with a purple waistband. 

"Do you really shoot down anyone who wanders into this area unauthorized?" Cecil questioned with a frown.

"We give warning shots." Yun answered.

Cecil maintained her frown. "And if they persist?"

"You should hurry, they are waiting for all of you." Yun did not answer, only gesturing to them to follow him. 

Cecil was speechless by the blatant disregard at her question.

She knew the answer anyway. 

They'll still shoot people down either way. 

She watched Yun ascend the stairs, before following behind like the rest.

Hana skipped beside Cecil, holding onto her hand.  

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