The doors of the building swung open, and the group stepped out into the morning light, only to be met with the curious stares of early-rising survivors.
Julian ignored them, walking a few paces ahead to a clear spot on the cobblestone street. He raised his hand, and with a faint, shimmering glow that made several onlookers gasp, his modified vehicle materialized out of thin air.
It was a formidable machine, a rugged off-road chassis reinforced with welded steel plates and darkened, reinforced windows. It looked less like a car and more like a mobile fortress.
"Get in," Julian said, his tone as efficient as ever, pulling open the driver's side door.
The group filed inside, finding their accustomed spots in the spacious interior. Julian was the last to enter, settling into the driver's seat.
