The mid‑day sky began to drift slowly toward afternoon.
The sunlight was still warm, yet its hue had softened over the ruins of that old facility.
A light wind stirred, carrying the scent of wild grass and dust from structures long since collapsed.
A place that once felt utterly dead was now slowly filling with something different.
Life.
And amidst those ruins…
That luminous figure still stood, watching a small butterfly flutter and gradually vanish into the distance.
Its gaze followed the tiny creature for a long while.
As if that simple moment held great meaning for it.
Aurelia watched in silence.
The being beside her moved gently.
Its radiant outline pulsed steadily, following the rhythm of a core that now felt far more peaceful than before.
The units stationed behind maintained their network vigil.
Kael leaned back, a faint smile on his lips.
"It's changed so much in such a short time."
Orion nodded slowly.
