The city loomed ahead, its skyline surprisingly intact despite the events they had been through. As Andrew, Cindy, and Mella entered its outskirts, Andrew's gaze swept over the streets. He had expected something closer to ruin—collapsed buildings, scorched earth, and panicked civilians. Instead, the damage seemed confined to isolated spots. A few buildings showed cracks or collapsed facades, but much of the infrastructure stood unscathed. The streets were eerily calm.
Andrew frowned, his thoughts drifting back to the rift tower.
That husband guy... he mused. *He had made it pretty clear he thought I was the one with Ability Steal.*
The memory clawed at him. It was reckless for someone to expose that kind of information, even indirectly. The Grand System was adamant about secrecy; its shadowy omnipresence demanded that most people remain ignorant of its true nature. Andrew's brow furrowed deeper.
