Back in Zone 12 of Grandeur City, Liam and Ariana had stepped out beyond the academy's walls, wandering into the lively central district—part food hunt, part casual tour.
They walked slowly at first. Ariana took the lead, pointing things out like a seasoned local.
"That tavern's got the best flame-roasted turkey legs," she said, motioning to a place with banners flapping in the wind. "And that stall over there? They make honey-glazed flatbread that melts in your mouth."
Liam gave it all a passing glance. "Haven't heard of any of these."
"You wouldn't," she teased. "You're always training or something else."
They kept moving. The stone-paved streets were lined with wooden carts and open-air shops. Vendors called out, waving trays of fresh goods—meat pies, spiced stew bowls, skewers dripping with gravy, hot rolls stuffed with minced beef and garlic butter.
