In the aftermath of the chaos that had befallen the city, Amber stood amidst the ruins with her father, Caiden.
Her fiery red hair swayed in the wind while she and her father walked through the city's streets. Her glasses highlighted her beautiful face, giving her an allure that few men could resist.
The parasitized people attacked the city without mercy and caused much damage. Still, with the help of the military personnel and the citizens' efforts, they eventually got rid of the awful creatures that used to roam the streets.
After hearing about how unstable things were in the city, the military sent an army of soldiers to check out the situation and help.
But when they saw how much damage had been done and how often the infected were attacking, they quickly understood how bad the situation was and asked for more troops to help.
More than half of the troops sent out to find the Heniate had returned to the city. But while they were outside looking for the beast, the parasite infection took a heavy toll on the people and left scars on the city.
Amber and Caiden saw the weariness etched into the faces of the survivors, evidence of the price they had paid to protect the city. The Joyce and Stone families, tycoons of New Alexandria, worked in tandem to assist however they could, providing money, tools, and weapons.
Amber frequently participated in the battles and saved many people, making her father proud. Her friends helped her throughout the difficult time. After Anderson and Erik passed away, it became her responsibility to defend and care for her friends, but it wasn't easy.
They gave the impression that they were born to play that role because of how simple some of their decisions appeared. Still, she realized how difficult it was once Amber was in their position.
However, freeing the city was also possible thanks to the help of the city's brilliant minds, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to find a cure for the disease that spread inside the city.
Amber had no idea who they were, but she was sure they worked for Becker. These individuals managed to develop a vaccine that, when provided on time, inhibited the spread of the illness.
Caiden and Amber strolled through the city's bleak and rubble-strewn streets. The devastation caused by recent events could be seen in the surroundings, and the weight of it all could be felt in the heaviness of their steps.
They strolled through the skeletal ruins of once beautiful buildings that had been reduced to little more than piles of debris, which gave the city a gloomy atmosphere. The silence around them and the lack of people were oppressive.
Everything was so ruined that the silence was only interrupted by the groan of twisted metal or shattering glass beneath their feet.
There was a slight shift in the silence as they walked. The daughter and father pair started hearing the distant cries of people under the rubble and the constant hum of the machines trying to get them out of there.
As they walked, observing the desolation and trying to understand what they could do to help, Caiden turned to his daughter with a concerned expression. "How do you feel?" he asked, his voice rising slightly over the background noise.
Amber glanced around, taking in the scene of devastation, and then back at her father. "I'm feeling better," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "All this chaos stopped me from thinking about him."
Caiden's brow furrowed, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "It's a little unsettling, but whatever helps you is welcome. However… I've noticed something," he began hesitantly, choosing his words carefully. "During these months, you've relied heavily on the stimulating serums."
Amber's steps slowed for a brief moment. "They help, Dad," she stated, her tone firm. "I wouldn't be as strong as I am today without them. Isn't that what we need right now, with all that's going on?"
Caiden came to a halt and turned to face her. A collapsed statue stood silently behind them, a quiet testament to the city's lost grandeur.
"Amber, your growth has been impressive, and yes, we require strength now more than ever. But those serums aren't the solution. The side effects can be severe."
She chewed her lower lip, her gaze darting from one damaged structure to the next. "I know, but I got to the ν rank by using them, and I became much stronger than before. The body-stimulating serum also significantly improved my strength and speed. I'm stronger than the average person my age and stronger than most ν-ranked soldiers."
Caiden stretched out and softly cupped her face with his hands. "I know. But I can't help but think you've gone too far. I know losing Erik was hard, but it's a void that only time can fill. Putting yourself in danger is just dumb."
Amber nodded, tears glistening but not falling. The two continued their journey through the desolate streets, drawing strength from each other amidst the ruins of a city—and life—they once knew.
The pair kept walking side by side when familiar figures appeared in the distance. The silhouette of Floyd, with his characteristic tall and lean build, was unmistakable even from that distance. Beside him was Martha, her stride showing that their purpose in approaching was of some importance.
Amber's steps quickened when she realized it was them, and she drew away from her father's side, leaving him with a reassuring nod. Caiden understood that their age had battles to fight and secrets to uncover.
Amber sensed an obvious tension in Floyd and Martha's eyes as she approached them. "What's going on?" Amber asked as soon as she was close to them.
Martha looked at Amber; her face creased, and her hair fluttered in the wind. "We found something, something you need to see," she said, her voice shaking.
Floyd took his phone from his jacket pocket without saying anything at all. The screen lit up, presenting a blurry video.
According to Floyd, the footage revealed an arena packed with the gleam of metal and the humming of robots, most likely someplace in Etrium. A cloaked person moved with precision among the mayhem, his prowess clear as he dismantled one robot after another.
Amber stared carefully at the video, her eyes bright and alert. The scenario was that of an ancient city, but it wasn't the setting that caught her attention or the magnificent display of ability of the masked man; it was something much more personal and intimate.
A fleeting gleam revealed the hilt of a sword as the masked figure pivoted. It was only a fraction of a second, but it was enough for her to recognize it.
"That hilt," Amber whispered, her voice barely audible.
Floyd paused the video and looked up, locking eyes with Amber. "Did you think what I did?" he asked, though he already knew the answer based on Amber's reaction.
Amber nodded slowly, her heart pounding against her chest. "It looks just like... Erik's."
Could it really be him? Was Erik still alive after all that had transpired? The glimmer of hope was tantalizing, yet they all knew the dangers of having hope.
Martha took a step closer, reaching out to grab Amber's hand. "We need to be sure, Amber," she remarked, her voice hopeful but cautious.
Amber took a deep breath and fought back the tears threatening to come out. "We surely will."
A flame of hope was reignited in the middle of a disaster, a possibility that might transform everything.
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