Book Two: Skyward Ascendant The Legacy of the Skyward

[Several months have passed since Kaida shut down the Skyward Project. Zerith is in a fragile state of recovery, and Kaida has distanced herself from the city, living in solitude at the outskirts.]

[Kaida stands near a small campfire, sharpening her sword while staring into the flames. The weight of her decisions still lingers heavily on her shoulders.]

Kaida (internal monologue):
I stopped the Project, saved the city, but the past doesn't disappear that easily. It's still there, waiting to pull me back under.

[Aric approaches from behind, his footfalls quiet on the dry earth.]

Aric:
"You planning to live out here forever, or just until the ghosts leave you alone?"

Kaida (without looking up):
"Ghosts don't leave. You just get used to them."

[He sits across from her, watching her carefully.]

Aric:
"There's talk in the city. People asking for you."

Kaida (sighing):
"I'm not their hero."

Aric (raising an eyebrow):
"They're not looking for a hero. They're looking for answers. And something tells me you still have a few left to find."

[Kaida finally stops sharpening her blade, her gaze softening as she considers his words.]

Kaida:
"I thought it was over. But the more I try to move on... the more I feel like something's coming."

Aric (seriously):
"That's because it is."