"Let's set up camp here," Kogami summarized as several SUVs came to a stop. It was late, the sunset sky was shimmering with brown and blue hues, forming mesmerizing patterns. There was still time to get to the next village, but there was too much chance that there would be no place to stay, and pushing the villagers into their own territory didn't seem like the right thing to do. This place was perfect for a camp: a clearing surrounded by forest on three sides and far from the road.

Fires were lit here and there. The rebels had set up their tents, someone was already cooking dinner, and the familiar smell of vegetables and cheap stew wafted through their makeshift camp. Kogami had pitched his tent a little further away and was already sitting on the grass, a cigarette between his lips, inhaling the bitter tobacco smoke. The weather was warm, and a light breeze ruffled the slightly withered grass. Kogami simply allowed himself to enjoy this rare but pleasant moment of peace and quiet.