---
Now the city felt different. It had not become smaller.
John had simply grown. He stopped at a crossing where four roads separated.
One direction led toward Heart Magic Academy.
Another led toward Fizz Holdings.
A third eventually reached the noble districts.
The final road moved toward the poor outer neighborhoods where the buildings became smaller and people stopped pretending that the capital was a perfect place.
Fizz floated in front of him.
"Where first?"
John looked toward the academy road.
There were still things waiting there.
Questions.
Enemies.
Friends.
Promises.
There were also things he still did not understand. His mother remained a mystery. The strange power inside him continued growing. Snake knew far more than he ever admitted. Nyx had only begun changing. The guns were about to place Fizz Holdings in the center of attention from people far beyond the capital.
