Leaf’s eyes slid open like a camera shutter, the dim glow in his eyes brightened slightly. He was finally awake. He let out something akin to a metallic-sounding yawn before he stretched; he knew he didn’t have to do this… But it felt right. It was the dawn of a new day, which meant more mining. Leaf loved working in the mine, partially because that’s what he was made for, but also because he enjoyed the adrenaline rush of finding the shiny bits of rock.

As Leaf finally sputtered to life, he realized something: Everything was quiet.

Usually, by then, the hustle and bustle of city life would make at least some noise. Leaf went out to investigate. He walked out of the mine, he saw… No one, not a single soul, human or animal.

“Where is everyone…” Leaf asked himself, a question lost to the wind as soon as it left his synthetic mouth.

Panic set in.

Leaf hurried over to a nearby house and rapped his knuckles on the door. “Mayor Nelson, I think something is horribly wrong…”

Nothing.

Silence. That was the only response he received.

He reached down for the door handle. It was unlocked.

Leaf stepped inside.

The warforged looked around, hoping to find some sign of life. Something… Anything.

He picked up a mug of coffee, still steaming. The table was laid out with a spread of eggs and bacon. He reached out and straightened a crooked picture frame: The Mayor, his family, and their dog, Nomad. Leaf knew they couldn’t have left because their shoes were still by the door.

He was alone.

“There’s no signs of them leaving, and there’s no signs of struggle…” Leaf muttered to himself, as he glanced down at the mug of coffee once more. “They just… Vanished.”

Leaf left the Mayor’s house. He told himself he’d clean the houses out later, but for now, he had a purpose to serve; he had some work to do. He grabbed his pick, swinging it over his shoulder, and began his descent.