Chapter 157: Strange premonition (2/2)

It was as lively as the scenery from outside indicated.

There were many gorgeous and symmetrical buildings in the East Asian architectural style.

However, they had a unique blend of colors that painted the city into a beautiful mosaic.

'Is there a celebration going?' Alex found that it was too lively, and the people engaged in a strange ritual.

Over a small fire, people held talisman-like papers and put them up to the blaze.

The paper consummated very fast, and when they let it go, the paper instantly burned away into gas and black ash.

There were many such fires, and everyone had a different number of bundles of paper that they burned away.

Suddenly, a food vendor called to him, ”Mister! You've chosen a great time to visit Hue! Tonight's Trung Nuyen, I'm offering samples of free food for good luck and fortune!”

Alex nodded and approached the food stall.

The vendor had a boiling pot of broth with many vegetables and tender meats simmering inside and giving out a divine fragrance.

On the side, a few bundles of thin rice paper, sliced meat, and raw vegetables were presented.

”Serve yourself a spring roll! The first one is fully free!”

Alex thanked the man and took a roll of rice paper.

Then, he placed some fresh lettuce, some cucumber slices, and vermicelli noodles on top.

He took one slice of juicy meat from the boiling hot spot and also added it as a filling.

Then, he wrapped the rice paper and enjoyed it.

The contrast in texture between the different fillings was divine, and joy replaced Alex's worries.

Food was the universal pleasure of humanity, and even of gods.

”What's Trung Nguyen?” After swiftly gobbling down the spring rolls as if they were his problems, he asked the man with curiosity.

”Wandering Souls Day? We celebrate the coming of our ancestor's souls tonight, and burn away the paper for good fortune for us and for them!” The man kindly explained the celebrations to him.

Alex thanked the man and left to visit the rest of the city, and hopefully, find a place where he could rest tonight.

As he didn't know the city, he easily lost himself in the twisting alleyways and canals, and when he thought he finally made it back onto the main street, it turned out to be...

'The beach...'

There weren't many people around, and it was a peaceful retreat from the ongoing festival.

However, Alex noticed that the shoreline was rather far away.

And, when he looked at it, the shoreline seemed to recede further and further away.

It was a slow and gradual process, but it was definitely happening.

”Why is the shoreline rece-

A look of terror and realization appeared on Alex's face as he recalled a phenomenon he completely ignored.

Looking around, the land the city was built on was very flat.

If he was right about it, a disaster was soon making its way for the hugely populated city, and the casualties would be nothing to scoff at.