The wooden wheels of the carriage rumbled loudly on the uneven stone road, shaking off the dust of time with each turn over the rough stones. Rayal huddled in the shadow of the carriage's chassis, enduring the jolting rhythm. Whenever the wheels rolled over sharp stones, it seemed as if those small stones carried some tiny temper, leaping up and pelting his cheeks and arms. Though not strong enough to be lethal, they were enough to make him feel irritable.
Every corner of Accra Castle was filled with vitality and liveliness. Amidst the creaking of the carriage and the footsteps on the street, the hustle and bustle of the market, distant laughter, and occasional commotion wove together an extraordinary scene of a lively night market. All of this stood in stark contrast to Rayal's previous world of nights—where his nights were only filled with the monotonous rhythm of the computer screen's blue light and the tapping of the keyboard. At this moment, even hidden under the carriage, he could feel the pulse and rhythm of this new world.
As time passed, Rayal's hands began to feel a tingling sensation, and his palms became numb from gripping the carriage axle tightly. His shoulders also gradually felt heavy, as if conveying a longing for freedom. The carriage showed no sign of slowing down, and the journey seemed far beyond his expectations. He silently hoped for the end of this arduous journey.
Finally, the carriage turned into a quiet area of Accra Castle, and the streets gradually widened. The cobblestones were replaced by sand and dust, and the jolting of the carriage eased. The merchants and their entourage seemed to have reached their destination, and Rayal sensed a hint of relaxation and pleasure from their conversation. When the carriage finally stopped, accompanied by the last echoes of hoofbeats and wheel hubs, Rayal relaxed his grip, and the pressure on his shoulders dissipated. He listened carefully to the surroundings, and only when he was sure no one was paying attention, did he slowly slip out from his hiding place under the cover of darkness.
The dim corner under the carriage had almost become Rayal's temporary refuge. His shoulders and knees pressed against the cold floor, feeling the vibration of every footstep passing above the carriage. Occasionally, a cool breeze would penetrate through the gaps in the wooden planks, bringing a faint light and the sounds of the outside world. The merchant's voice served as both commands and incentives for the workers, constantly urging them to complete the work quickly. Rayal hid in this narrow space, surrounded by the interweaving sounds, as well as his own short and tired breaths.
"Don't be lazy! No one is allowed to rest until all these goods are moved!" The merchant's words were mixed with a slight tremor, revealing his own exhaustion.
These words made Rayal realize that he might need to stay in this uncomfortable position for a while longer. He tried to adjust his position, but every movement made his muscles protest. Under the dual pressures of psychological and physiological stress, his eyelids grew heavy, and his fighting spirit gradually faded.
Just as Rayal struggled to stay awake, a sudden sound shattered the silence of the night, like a beam of light piercing the darkness.
"Evening paper! Evening paper! The latest news is here! Beginner's village has been slaughtered! A tragic village massacre! Come and take a look quickly!"
The voice belonged to a newsboy, carrying a sense of innocence and urgency, spreading far and wide on the quiet street. His footsteps were fast and strong, as if conveying fear and excitement for this piece of news between each word.
The merchant's reaction to the news was extremely strong, and his work was interrupted as a result. "How is this possible! This is ridiculous!" His voice was mixed with disbelief and panic as he exchanged urgent glances with the workers around him, then quickly rushed towards the newsboy, eager to confirm the astonishing news.
Rayal's heart was pounding violently in his chest, and the young newsboy's voice was like a sharp blade, inadvertently tearing through the tranquility he had been hiding in. He had thought that his actions would not be exposed at least for a short time, but he had not expected that his "good deed" would spread so quickly throughout the entire town. He knew that his actions would eventually attract attention, but he had not anticipated that it would happen so urgently and so quickly.
The newsboy's voice became even more intense: "Come on! Come on! Crazy serial killer! Beginner's village massacre case, detailed report, all here! Don't regret not looking, once you pass this village, this shop is gone!"
At this moment, even the usually diligent porters put down their cargo, their attention firmly drawn by the urgent hawking of the newsboy. One after another, they crowded around the newsboy, driven by curiosity to learn more details. Among the onlookers, various discussions arose, some shocked by the brutality of the event, others excited by the sudden gossip.
Rayal heard this and felt even more helpless. He knew that as things escalated, his situation in this world would become even more difficult. He was worried that his actions would be misunderstood and knew that he couldn't explain the truth to these innocent people.
Under the mottled light of the street lamp, the crowd's attention was almost entirely focused on the newsboy, who exuded a sense of freshness. Rayal realized that this was the best opportunity to escape. Holding his breath, he agilely slid out from under the carriage, his footsteps light and swift, like a gentle breeze in the night, almost silent.
The entrance of the alley was shrouded in shadows, like a gateway to another world. Rayal did not hesitate, his gaze firm and calm, quickly assessing the surrounding environment. The bustling noise of the street gradually faded, leaving only the echo of his footsteps softly ringing out.
Step by step, he moved cautiously, his body pressed against the wall to ensure he wouldn't be noticed by any potential passersby or patrolling guards. He knew all too well that if he were discovered, everything would become even more complicated.
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