318. Noon has arrived

The raven gently landed on the crown.

It ducked its head and pecked at the ruby embedded on the edge of the crown.

Then it bent its head and stared intently at the jewel.

Crrrack.

Cracks spread out from the center of the gem.

The transparent, flawless ruby split into countless mirror-like facets.

The raven's curious eyes multiplied into the same countless number, observing the world from all directions.

Seemingly bored, it fluttered its wings and returned to the high skies, soaring under the sun.

It was morning.

The desolated streets started to fill with sparse shades of people.

The raven took everything in with its eyes.

Most people were expressionless, as if there was nothing in this world worth caring about. Their only reason for leaving their houses and taking to the streets seemed to be because most other people were doing so.