The refreshing wind swept across the desolate plains, stirring up dry dust and withered leaves. On the abandoned land, the irrigation ditches were dried up due to upstream interruptions, and a collapsed, dilapidated wall lay in the dirt, largely covered by yellowing weeds.
An abandoned old mill stood solitary by the roadside, with massive windmill blades that had fallen off the mill resembling dismembered limbs tragically resting on a partially collapsed red brick wall. Signs of burning and explosive attacks were everywhere around the mill. A charred road sign stood skewed at the crossroads in front of the mill, with barely discernible lettering:
"Changwei Forest - Kabrei Town"
A rough and knotted hand brushed across the sign, wiping off a layer of charred ash.
Norris looked at the black ash on his hand and then rubbed his fingers, glancing at the abandoned old mill not far away.
