In the weeks that followed, Lena and Elias helped the remaining survivors rebuild their cities, but the world had changed in ways they hadn't expected. The absence of the [System] left a power vacuum—one that was quickly filled by former leaders, warlords, and those who had been under the [System]'s influence. Some of the Ascendants, now free, were trying to adapt, while others sought to control the energy that was once monopolized by the [System].As Lena and Elias traveled through the ruined cities, they encountered both allies and enemies. Some people were desperate, trying to restore the order that the [System] had created, while others wanted nothing more than to embrace chaos and create new factions.One evening, as they sat around a fire with a group of survivors, one of the former Ascendants—now free of the alien influence—spoke to them. Her name was Kara, and she had once been one of the [System]'s most powerful enforcers."We were chosen," Kara said, her voice quiet but firm. "But now that it's gone... I don't know who we are anymore. The [System] gave us purpose. Without it, we're lost."Lena looked at Elias, wondering if this was the beginning of a new challenge they had to face. The Ascendants might not be a threat anymore, but they still had their powers, and that left a dangerous gap in their society."Maybe it's time for a new purpose," Elias said softly. "We have to decide what kind of world we want to build."Kara stared into the fire, her expression pained. "What if the world doesn't want to be rebuilt?"