Zain leaned against the wall of the alleyway, arms crossed.
Velra stood near the entrance, keeping watch.
Starjack blinked slowly as the system's influence settled into his mind.
His posture was loose, like someone in a trance.
Ironstride sat on the ground, his eyes dazed but focused.
"Talk," Zain said. "Start from the basics."
Starjack nodded.
"There are dozens of heroes in this district. Some stronger than us."
"Most stay closer to the central plaza."
"Names?" Zain asked.
Ironstride listed a few. "Raen Voss. Mira Quell. Caldon the Beamblade."
"They mostly rotate through day patrols."
Zain waved a hand. "Enough."
"I don't need faces right now."
"What I want is layout. Sector data. Give me something useful."
Starjack blinked again. "This district is Ether Haven," he said.
"It's the civilian zone. Family housing, clinics, tech centers, trade points… no heavy combat is allowed here."
"Like Velra said," Zain muttered. "A peaceful front for a war machine."
