[Congratulations on creating your foundation, Noah.]

  Huh? What happened, I thought you were on vacation.

  [I see you also followed my recommendation..]

  Almost that...

  One of Ting's eyebrows arched. She didn't understand the reason for that sudden smile.

  Actually, I was kidnapped by that old man.

  [But helping her was your choice.]

  A brief pause came, and the tone of voice shifted. Noah felt as if, indeed, the person speaking was sickened.

  [Even though you made that disgusting proposal by doing it.]

  Sorry...?

  There was no answer.

  For the rest of the way, it was as if the system was still malfunctioning. It remained silent.

  Noah had questions. Some of which he didn't know if he wanted answers to. Why had part of the system been down for so long? Why was its voice suppressed when it started talking about Ting? Just like that one he barely touched the surface of, but didn't dare go deeper. Is there something behind that screen? A being beyond the system itself... The answer seemed obvious to him, but accepting it was the real issue. Doing so would push him towards the question he was trying to forget and, when it surfaced in his mind, ignore. Was the "thing" responsible for the feelings he now had for Ting? They felt real, he could feel, and that's what his foundation told him too.

  But to what extent was that perception really mine...? He didn't understand and didn't want to.

  In that case, Noah preferred to remain immersed in the brilliant daydream he found himself in.

  Would that be freedom of choice, or was this vision also being twisted?

  His mind wouldn't stop.

  He sighed, while trying to clear his mind of all the questions. For that, Ting's face was the best cure.

  — What? Is there still something on my face? — she blushed, turning her face away immediately. She used her sleeve to wipe whatever it was that Noah was looking at — You’re not going to do that out here too.

  She checked the result.

  Nothing...?

  Then she turned back to him.

  — Are you messing with me?

  — Huh? But I didn’t say anything.

  — So why are you looking at me like that—?

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  — Noah, can I talk to you for a moment?

  They both turned, coming face to face with Undric a few steps away. They had noticed him approaching for a while and chose to ignore it. It was a mutual assumption to think they would be left alone if they just continued on their own way.

  But apparently not... Ting rolled her eyes.

  — Do you need something, sir?

  — The lord of the city wants to see you. — Undric spoke, maintaining a distant gaze — He said there have been some strange movements in the city recently, a lot of outsiders have arrived, and he’s quite concerned about this... Actually, so am I... But more than that, he’s been really anxious ever since he learned it was you who helped me and Mirabel to progress.

  He helped them progress...?

  Noah and Ting’s eyes met, but for different reasons.

  How?

  Unlike her, he was more interested in the people Undric mentioned as entering the city.

  — We’ll go into the city now. Tell him he can meet us there if he wants. We’ll be in the construction area.

  Undric bid farewell with a brief nod. But he was surprised to see Noah waited for him to walk away before turning his back.

  — This so-called "city lord" clearly wants something from you, so why are you going along with it even though it’s so obvious?

  — I just want to know more about these "people" they’re talking about. If he wants something or not, well... — Noah looked at her — Would you rather I accept the request, since you want to help them?

  Ting looked away, watching the wind play with everything around, from the trees down to the smallest plants.

  — I don’t know. — she considered for a moment — I don't think he's after something for the city or its inhabitants. If he's so interested in the fact you helped others progress, what he wants is surely selfish. I see no reason to help someone like that.

  — I see...

  The silence between them made Noah feel something was wrong. There was nothing on Ting's face that signaled sadness, yet the opposite wasn't true either.

  — About the city’s information, do you want to research it, too? — he asked, trying to steer her mind in another direction.

  Ting nodded.

  — But how? Is there any archive in this place? Or will you also ask the lord of the city about it? It seems the situation is worse than I thought and outsiders aren’t very welcome here, so I think it’s better not to ask the locals.

  Again...

  Noah sighed, realizing his effort had led them in the opposite direction to what he intended.

  Ting's face seemed even more distant now.

  She felt the ground vanish from beneath her feet.

  — Let’s finish the houses we haven’t and think more about it later. — Noah proposed, and she agreed with a nod.

  The winds above were gentle and cool, influenced by the bright sun shining on their faces. The city’s expanse was evident when seen from above with capable eyes. However, such a clear view only made everything worse, more desolate and depressing.

  They were watched by those around as they ascended to the sky and seen by those who happened to look up at just the right moment. The story would spread throughout Radiance residence. Someone able to fly had left their lands, so "god" was among them. However, for the most part, they didn’t even know which name to use to address this supposed entity.

  Ting felt Noah's heart beating strongly and, following his gaze, she found the reason.

  The world shook her vision. The stench and landscape were disgusting; they would soon disappear, leaving only repulsion behind.

  Yet again...

  The worry was uncomfortable. And now it only increased, because she understood why the reaction was different, especially with her.

  She is beautiful. Ting had to admit.

  The observation was mutual, despite the emotional differences it carried.

  Isadora watched them from the ground, following their movements.

  He's fine... For her, that was enough.

  However, she had a doubt that wouldn't leave her mind.

  But would he still want to help mommy even now? No... Maybe Noah won’t even try...

  Heart tight, she turned away, no longer watching Noah and Ting leave.