Breaking bread

Just as Michael was about to ask the old man what he meant by that, he suddenly heard a cacophony of excitement erupting in the distance.

Voices rang out—bright and full of joy.

It sounded like… children getting excited at a birthday party.

He hadn't expected such cheer from a town so barren and bleak.

Curious, Michael followed the sound and made his way towards the center of the town, where the main wet market once stood.

There, he saw: a small gathering of children lining up towards a single table. 

Despite looking a bit thin and malnourished, these children were surprisingly healthier and more energetic than any of the adults that he had seen in the town.

Most of the people in Orcus Town remained indoors, opting to lie down and sleep all day to conserve energy, which allowed them to be less hungry throughout the day.

But somehow, these kids had enough energy to jump around in excitement as they stared at the table.