It was a sleepless night for the core team at Pittsburgh City Hall.
Ethan Hawke was glued to his computer, refreshing the system's backend data every five minutes.
Sarah Jenkins and her PR team worked through the night, drafting two completely different press releases.
One was titled "Victory: Capital Pool Vulnerability Repaired, Alliance Welcomes New Opportunities."
The other, "State of Emergency: Pittsburgh Suspends Note Redemptions Due to Systemic Risk."
Everyone's nerves were stretched taut as they awaited the moment of judgment.
Time ticked by, second by agonizing second.
The eastern sky began to lighten.
Morning light pierced the thin mist, illuminating Grant Street.
「8:50 AM.」
Leo walked into the office.
He had changed into a fresh suit and shaved, looking sharp and full of energy.
But the bloodshot veins in his eyes betrayed him.
"How is it?"
Leo asked directly.
Ethan shook his head, his face pale.
"There hasn't been any movement from Saint Claude."
