---
"Then return alive."
John placed the message back inside his coat.
"That is the plan."
He and Fizz left the tower and headed for the academy gate.
Snake remained at the window.
His hat slowly turned toward the road John had taken.
Snake placed two fingers against the glass.
For a moment, his face showed something colder than concern.
Then the expression disappeared.
By the time John and Fizz reached the academy gates, the city had fully awakened. Carts filled the main road. Merchants shouted. Workers carried wood, barrels, and cloth through the streets.
John did not use the main market path toward Fizz Holdings.
He chose a smaller road first, one that passed behind several training halls before entering a narrow district of warehouses and old workshops.
Fizz flew close to him.
"The message said the main street is watched."
"Yes."
"So we are following the message."
"Not exactly."
