The yellow police tape flapped in the wind, marking the end of the safe world. Beyond the tape, the city of Jiangnan stopped looking like a city.
The buildings were covered in thick, gray moss that pulsed like it was breathing. The streets were hidden under a blanket of heavy fog that didn't move, even when the wind blew. This was the Gray Zone—the part of the city the meteors had changed the most.
Xin stood at the edge, adjusting his gloves. His new tactical suit, patched together by Mei, felt tight and secure. He didn't have his big silver armor anymore, but he didn't miss it. He felt lighter.
"Radio check," Captain Han whispered. He was checking his rifle for the third time.
"Signal is weak," Mei said. She was tapping on a small wrist-computer. Hovering next to her head was a s
