The morning came without a sky.
Only fog, hanging between the shattered towers like breathless memory. The world seemed to stand still, as if it knew that a day had begun that had to bear more than just time.
Lina stood at the edge of the hall, looking out at the abandoned city. The streets glistened wet, everywhere lay the remains of old networks – cables, glass, burst data cores. Over everything hung this shimmering haze, floating between reality and feedback.
Alaric stepped beside her. His hands were in his pockets, shoulders a bit too tense, as if he were ready to strike at any moment.
"You can still change your mind," he said quietly.
"This isn't a choice anymore," Lina replied. "Just the direction that remains."
Rhea came back with Eiko. "We found a path through the North Field. Old transit line, partially collapsed, but stable enough."
"Where does it lead?" asked Alaric.
"To Zero Point," said Rhea. "Or where it once was."
