The Road Ahead
The ruins of City Hall stood silent.
Ash drifted through the air like snow. The bonfires had gone cold. The demons were gone— slained in battle, but erased by something far more precise. Luke looked around and thought, It's like someone called the exterminator. Not one left breathing.
Thomas stood at the edge of the rubble.
"We need to go back to the family."
Luke nodded. "Through the rooftops?"
"No. The streets."
Thomas stepped into the open, walking calmly. Luke sighed and followed.
It was peaceful. Too peaceful.
Not because the demons were gone—but because they were hiding. They all had seen what Thomas had done. They had felt it. The hierarchy of their legion had been abolished. Only scattered remnants remained drifting.
They reached the family's shelter.
The boy shouted, "Hey! You're back!"
Luke smiled. "Like we said we would."
John and Linda stepped forward, eyes wide, hearts open.
"Did you really do it?" Linda asked.
Thomas nodded. "Eden is liberated. Families can grow here now. Prosper."
The couple dropped to their knees.
"You're our savior. Our hero!"
Thomas raised a hand.
"Don't praise me. It takes everyone's effort to accomplish something great."
They nodded, rising with new hope in their eyes.
Luke placed a hand on Thomas's shoulder—brother to brother.
Thomas turned to John and Linda.
"From here on out, you will rebuild this city. It'll take time. But if you believe, you'll achieve."
John hesitated. "But sir… I don't know anything about running a city."
Thomas chuckled. "Yes, you do. You know how to meet people. That's how you met us, remember?"
Luke laughed. John and Linda joined in, embarrassed but warmed.
"Meet people. Grow. Don't focus on skyscrapers. Build community. That's how you'll flourish."
They nodded, eyes shining.
"We're honored. We'll make you proud, Thomas."
Thomas turned to Luke.
"It's time we continue our journey."
Luke nodded. "It's a long road ahead."
John asked, "Where will you go?"
Luke smiled, already knowing the answer.
Thomas looked toward the horizon.
"We're going to Perfect City."