The conversation had long since stopped being interesting.
At some point the group shifted from complaining about Association policies to bragging about their own achievements.
Floor clears.
Guild rankings.
Arguments about levels.
The usual noise people made when they wanted everyone around them to know how important they believed themselves to be.
I tuned most of it out.
My attention remained fixed on the city outside.
The reconstruction efforts were easy to spot from this height.
New roads.
New buildings.
New power infrastructure.
Humanity adapting.
Again.
A familiar chill crept through the room.
Not enough for anyone to consciously notice.
Just enough to make the air feel heavier.
My emotions had been unstable lately.
Even when I wasn't actively angry.
The mana reacted on its own sometimes.
A side effect of letting Abyssian grow stronger.
The players nearby eventually noticed.
One rubbed his arms.
Another frowned.
Their conversation gradually slowed.
