[Two Days Later — City X.]
The morning sun struggled to pierce the high-altitude mists swirling around the Central Spire. Standing on the observation deck of the tower, located at the dead center of City X, Ethan and Patrick Marriott looked down upon their domain. From this vantage point, the city looked like a circuit board of mana and steel, peaceful and unaware of the impending storm.
"Hmm..."
Patrick drummed his fingers on the railing, the sound echoing in the silence.
"Please don't start, Patrick," Ethan said with a frown, looking at his side at his older brother. He knew that tone; it was the sound of a warrior denied his battlefield.
"Why are we left behind? We should be with him on this journey, but instead, we are tasked to protect this city?! Come on, what about the other five cities?!" He asked, frustrated. His mana flared slightly, betraying his irritation. He was a Marriott; his place was on the front lines, not playing nanny to a metropolis.
