The sun was bright and the air was cool, making for a perfect, gentle afternoon in the heart of New Haven.
At an outdoor café in one of the city's bustling new plazas, three young people sat around a simple metallic table, their conversation a low, comfortable murmur.
One of them, a broad-shouldered young man with a spear leaning against his chair, looked up, and his face morphed into a wide, familiar grin as a white-haired boy made his way to their table, occupying the only empty seat.
"Adrian, my man! About time you showed up!" Karl greeted him with high energy.
Nyra, Serena, and Karl. They were all present. Adrian looked at his three closest companions, a rare, relaxed smile on his own face. "How's everything been going?"
"Training's been a blast! The new recruits are getting stronger by the day," Karl said proudly.
"It's the same over here. Nothing quite special has happened ever since," Serena added calmly.
