As dusk fell, perhaps due to the day's rising temperatures, the dense fog that had spread for many days finally began to dissipate.
This revealed the contours of the lower city district: haphazardly built, vertically growing houses, countless towering chimneys, and large factories intertwined with steam pipes...
The once subdued atmosphere sparked to life as the first lights flickered on.
The lower city, still dirty and carrying an odd stench, seemed to regain a rare sense of normalcy and vibrancy.
To them, it seemed like everything was over.
People were cheering downstairs, mostly officers involved in the operation, their laughter about making plans to hit the pub and not stop until they were drunk filled the air.
Their lively spirit was so infectious, Elias almost wanted to join in...
That was understandable, given everyone had been under pressure for over a month.
But their celebration was a bit premature...
