We're back at Cale's house—or at least, what's left of it. The place was barely standing. Appliances? Totaled. The walls? Well, let's just say they weren't looking too stable either.
Cale let out a deep sigh before turning to Snow. "Even with your power sealed, you're still this strong? Are you sure you're not just talking nonsense and spouting bullshit?"
Snow, unfazed, casually shrugged. "My power is sealed. That's why your house is still here. And you. And all the people in the neighborhood. Still alive."
Cale's expression shifted like he just remembered something crucial. Right. The man standing in front of him wasn't just some reckless twenty-something. He was the Calamity Killer.
"Ahhh, damn it. Sorry, I guess I forgot for a second," Cale grumbled, rubbing his temples. "But still! I'm in my thirties now, you know? And because of you, this house is barely standing! Do you have any idea what my wife will say?! She designed this house herself! And my daughter—she loves this house more than she loves me!"
Snow's eyes lit up. "Oh yeah! Speaking of which, where's your wife? And my niece? I haven't seen them yet!" He grinned. "Man, I can't wait to eat the food she makes! Ohhh, I missed it so much!"
Cale shot him a look. "Don't forget—my wife doesn't know who you really are. She only remembers you as the little 13-year-old kid I picked up on a rainy day. She's the one who named you Snow."
Snow chuckled. "Oh, I could never forget that. She was just like a mom to me."
Cale's gaze softened, but then he asked something he'd been meaning to for years. "This is the first time you've ever brought up your own family in a conversation. You've never talked about them before."
Snow's playful expression faded. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath, "They are not…"
To be continued...