Chapter 192

After months of research, training, and building his internal arsenal, Alex felt a need to see the world beyond the confines of his mansion in Lakeside City. The world had changed dramatically since the emergence of ability users, governments adapting and shifting their policies, and new power balances forming. Confident now in his mastery of the fire matrix and secure in his own ability, Alex decided it was time to witness these changes for himself.

He chose to travel with PowerGen's latest addition to their VIP line—a jet, sleek and powerful, outfitted with advanced tech and security designed specifically to handle the unique dangers posed by ability users. He knew every detail about this plane; after all, PowerGen had been his project from the start. But seeing it up close was a different experience.

As he arrived at the private hangar, the jet stood waiting, gleaming silver with matte black accents. Its streamlined shape exuded sophistication and strength, a symbol of cutting-edge luxury. PowerGen had spared no expense in making it both safe and comfortable. Not only was the jet armed with defensive technology capable of withstanding energy attacks and extreme temperature changes, but it was also fitted with suites that could match those of any five-star hotel.

Inside, the VIP jet was nothing short of opulent. Plush leather seats, adjustable for both relaxation and work, lined the cabin. Built-in holographic displays could project a complete visual of the surrounding skies, giving the sensation of floating above the clouds. The jet featured a personalized service AI, able to adjust ambient temperature, cabin pressure, and even light mood settings at a moment's request. The center of the cabin had a lounge area with a glass table capable of analyzing environmental conditions in real-time, tracking ability user signatures or energy spikes up to several miles away.

"This is overkill," Alex muttered to himself, admiring the tech-packed environment. But deep down, he was pleased; PowerGen had done well.

As he settled into his seat, Eva's holographic form appeared next to him, her neutral expression as calm as always.

"Are you ready to begin, Alex?"

"Let's go. Plot a course to Central Haven," he replied, referring to the first city he intended to visit—a sprawling metropolis located in the northeastern United States, where his family had settled years ago. Once known simply as Haven, the city had undergone rapid transformation, making it a hub for ability users and technology.

The engines hummed to life, and the jet lifted smoothly, climbing high above the Lakeside skyline. Through the holographic displays surrounding him, Alex watched the city shrink beneath him. His journey was underway.

As they passed over the vast landscapes of the United States, Eva began narrating the regions they flew over, highlighting areas of historical significance, change, and conflict.

"Directly below us is New Atlanta," she pointed out, her tone clinical as always. "It has become a refuge for displaced ability users. They have established a semi-autonomous community, with minimal interference from local authorities. However, tensions remain high due to a few rogue elements."

"Interesting," Alex replied, glancing down as the holographic display provided a view of the city's buildings and streets.

Further along, Eva continued, "To our east is the Iron Wastes—formerly an industrial hub before environmental collapse. Now, it's a wasteland, occupied by survivalist groups and rogue ability users. This region remains largely ungoverned, as even the authorities have abandoned their attempts to re-establish order."

Alex noted the desolation below, and he could see a few areas where old factories and warehouses had been overgrown with vines, symbols of abandonment and decay. "Not everyone's adapted as well as others, it seems."

They continued northward, with Eva describing the patchwork of regions they passed over, each shaped by the emergence of abilities in a different way.

By the time they approached Central Haven, dusk had begun to set in, casting the city in warm shades of gold and amber. Central Haven had grown into a vibrant city since the advent of abilities, and it was now known as a place where law-abiding ability users coexisted with government oversight, creating an uneasy yet functioning balance.

As they descended, Eva provided context. "Central Haven has been a model city for ability user integration. The local government established a registry system early on, which helped curb rogue actions. In turn, ability users here are granted certain freedoms and benefits—such as ability-related healthcare and specialized training—if they comply with government regulations."

"It seems too controlled," Alex commented, watching the cityscape. The gleaming skyscrapers and ordered streets painted a picture of peace, but he knew that such peace came with a price.

"Perhaps," Eva agreed. "But it is effective. Criminal incidents involving ability users are 47% lower here than the national average."

The jet landed on a private tarmac, and Alex stepped out to get his first real look at Central Haven. The city had the vibe of a bustling metropolis, but there was an underlying energy—an intensity that came from its unique population. Police presence was visible on nearly every street corner, but so too were individuals demonstrating their abilities openly, a rare sight in most parts of the world.

After settling in at his hotel, Alex decided to explore. As he wandered the streets, he saw vendors selling wares infused with the slightest touches of ability users' talents, like candles that could change colors or jewelry that could adjust its shape to fit the wearer. Many storefronts boasted "ability-friendly" services, catering to the unique needs of their residents.

Eva continued to provide reports at intervals, updating Alex on both global matters and local happenings.

"An interesting point, Alex," she said as he paused by a market stall selling handcrafted trinkets. "This coexistence in Central Haven has influenced policy discussions globally. Both the Phoenix Dominion and La Corona have taken cues from this model, though they are yet to implement anything comparable."

As he browsed the stalls, Alex watched ability users openly practice small demonstrations, like lifting tiny objects or changing their colors. He appreciated the peaceful atmosphere, realizing that, for all its control, Central Haven represented a unique and functional approach to the new world. It was a glimpse into what could be possible with careful management.

As night fell, Alex returned to his hotel room, the quiet hum of city life below a stark contrast to the isolated world of Cognichip and power he had built in Lakeside.

Eva appeared beside him once more as he looked out over the city lights.

"What are your thoughts, Alex?" she asked neutrally.

"Central Haven is... refreshing," he admitted. "I can see why people would want to live here. It's a rare balance. But there's more for me to see out there."

She nodded. "Indeed. I have already marked out points of interest for your next journey, should you wish to continue."

"Let's keep moving," he decided, feeling both curious and eager to witness more of the world's adaptation to abilities. He wanted to see if others had found their own harmony—or if chaos reigned as he had glimpsed before.