New Alexandria was a city in ruins. The once bustling metropolis was now a skeletal remnant of its former glory, its buildings standing like broken teeth against the sky.
The scars of the Heniate attack were still visible, a grim reminder of the devastation that had befallen the city.
Yet, amidst the rubble and ruin, there were signs of life. The sound of hammers striking metal echoed through the streets, mingling with the distant hum of construction machinery.
The city was being reborn, rising from the ashes like a phoenix.
In a mansion overlooking this scene of reconstruction, Richard Stone sat across from his daughter Emily.
The room was bathed in the glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor.
Richard looked at Emily, his gaze filled with a mixture of love and concern.
Emily had blossomed into an enchanting young woman during these years.