The cheers in Carlisle still reverberated in Jack’s mind as the Dragon Pod lifted once more, carrying the Parker family and DragonBot toward their next destination: Reidsville County. Unlike Carlisle, Reidsville sprawled across a series of terraced platforms, suspended above winding rivers and verdant hills below. Its architecture blended urban innovation with natural beauty, allowing citizens to move seamlessly between their homes and the city’s floating marketplaces. The air was tinged with the scent of river mist and freshly cultivated greenery—a stark contrast to the industrial gleam of Carlisle. Jack leaned forward, gripping the edge of his seat as the city came into view. “Every city has its own story,” he murmured, eyes sweeping over the cascading terraces and bridges. “Redmond, Richmond, Carlisle… and now Reidsville. And every story deserves to know that our journey to Mars wasn’t just an adventure—it was proof of what humanity can achieve when we refuse to stop striving.

Suddenly, the golden glow of the sun was pierced by sharp, echoing cracks—the unmistakable sound of gunfire. The cheers froze mid-air as citizens screamed, ducked, and scattered. Sparks flew off metal platforms as stray bullets ricocheted against railings and hover-vehicles. A young engineer shrieked, clutching a tablet, while children ran toward their parents in terror. “Everyone, get down!” Jack shouted instinctively, grabbing Sarah’s hand. Matilda and Jackson followed immediately, while DragonBot pivoted, sensors flashing red and deploying a low-energy force shield to protect the family. Jack’s heart pounded—not out of fear, but recognition. He heard it—the same sardonic, cruel laugh that had haunted his most dangerous memories. A voice boomed over a massive speaker system mounted on one of the upper terraces, cutting through the chaos: “Jack Parker…” the voice sneered, dripping with amusement, “have you forgotten who really owns this county?” Jack froze, his eyes narrowing.

Victor Krane’s armored silhouette was carved against the darkening sky, the city’s terraces trembling beneath the advancing chaos. His laugh, sharp and bitter, rang over the clamor of escaping civilians and ricocheting fire. “Jack Parker,” Victor began, voice low but venomous, “you think surviving Mars made you untouchable? You think your fancy toys, your Dragon Dagger, or your precious family can shield you from the truth? I’ve waited years… years to erase you. To erase your family. To erase your legacy from this county!” The VK Directive operatives advanced again, sweeping across the terraces with precision, firing energy bolts that tore through railings and sent sparks dancing across hover-vehicles. Civilians ducked behind overturned market stalls, but the chaos was far from under control. Jack’s eyes narrowed, jaw tight, Dragon Dagger gleaming in his grip as he scanned the terraces for incoming threats. “Erase us?” he shouted over the barrage, voice steady, carrying both warni

Victor’s snarl twisted into a cruel, triumphant grin. In a blur of movement faster than anyone could track, he darted forward, sidestepping Jack’s swinging Dragon Dagger. His clawed gauntlet shot out, snatching Matilda from the safety of DragonBot’s shielding. The girl’s scream pierced the night as Victor leapt backward onto a higher, precarious platform, holding her firmly in his grip. “NO!” Jack roared, fury exploding through him. His Dragon Dagger slashed the air where Victor had stood moments ago, sparks scattering as he spun on his heel and lunged forward. “Let her go, Victor! NOW!” Victor’s laughter echoed, high-pitched and bitter. “Bold words, Jack Parker! But words won’t save her—or you! After all these years, I finally have you in my grasp… and your precious daughter is my leverage!” Matilda clung to Victor, wide-eyed but trying to stay calm. “Daddy… don’t let him—don’t let him hurt us!” Her voice trembled but carried the defiance Jack had taught her. “DragonBot!” Jack

Jack’s fury roared louder than the chaos around him. His legs pumped across the suspended terraces with inhuman speed, Dragon Dagger gripped tightly in his hand, sparks trailing from its edge as he cut through every obstacle in his path. “Victor Krane!” he shouted, voice raw and sharp, echoing across the city. “How dare you laugh at my family while you hold my daughter like a trophy? How dare you think your games are amusing!” Victor paused for a heartbeat on a distant platform, his silhouette framed against the night skyline. Matilda trembled slightly in his grip, but her small eyes glimmered with defiance. “Oh, Jack…” Victor called back, his voice dripping with sarcastic amusement, “you always take life so seriously. I’m simply… teaching you a lesson in humility. You fight, you chase… yet here I stand, untouchable. Isn’t this fun?” Jack’s teeth clenched, every muscle coiled like a spring. “FUN? This isn’t a game, Victor! You threaten a child, you threaten my family, and you thin