Meanwhile, in the Outer District, the lively atmosphere that had surrounded the Infinity store only a few hours earlier had disappeared completely, replaced instead by an uneasy tension that seemed to weigh heavily upon everyone present.
The excitement that had once filled the streets with cheerful conversations had given way to loud arguments, fearful whispers, and angry accusations, creating a scene so drastically different from the morning that even longtime residents found it difficult to believe how quickly the mood had changed.
A large crowd had already gathered outside the store.
Dozens of people had initially assembled out of curiosity, but curiosity soon attracted more spectators, and those spectators drew even greater numbers until what had begun as a small disturbance had transformed into a restless mob.
Fortunately, the situation had not yet descended into complete chaos.
