Chapter 193

Settled into his hotel in Central Haven, Alex decided it was time to reach out to his parents, who had been living in the city's central area for several years now. He dialed his mother's number, a smile pulling at his lips as he anticipated their reaction. He hadn't told them he was visiting, wanting to surprise them.

The phone rang a few times before his mother picked up, and her familiar, warm voice filled the line. "Alex! It's been too long! How are you?"

"Hi, Mom. I'm actually here in Central Haven," he said, trying to keep his tone casual, though he knew she'd pick up on the news quickly.

"You're… here? As in, actually here?" Her voice held a tone of joyful disbelief. "Oh, honey, that's wonderful! Wait until your father hears! You've made our day already."

Alex could hear her call for his dad in the background, her voice filled with excitement. After a few seconds, his father's deeper voice came on, cheerful and familiar. "Alex, great to hear from you, son! So, you're back in town? About time you came to visit!"

Alex chuckled, "Yeah, it's been a while. I'll come by and see you both later today if that's alright?"

His mother's laugh was warm. "More than alright! We'll make dinner; you can stay the night if you want. Oh, Amelia won't be here, though," she added with a note of regret. "She's been working at the city administrative block after returning from abroad. They've got her organizing some big city project, and she's barely had time to visit us, poor thing."

Alex's smile softened. He knew Amelia had always been determined and focused, but hearing that she was thriving in the city's administration made him feel proud. "It's alright, Mom. I'll be sure to catch up with her another time. I'll see you both soon."

After promising his parents that he'd visit later, he ended the call and leaned back, still smiling. It felt good to be in Central Haven again, especially knowing his family was just a short drive away.

Eager to explore more of the city and take in some of its scenic points, Alex decided it was time to test out his new car—a sleek, silver PowerGen M7, the latest and most advanced model PowerGen had produced. Though it had cost him nearly a fortune, the luxury and advanced features were worth it. It wasn't every day you could drive a vehicle designed to withstand ability-user attacks and powered by next-gen tech that made it one of the most efficient cars on the market.

Sliding into the driver's seat, he marveled at the car's interior. The dashboard displayed a holographic interface with personalized settings that automatically synced with his Cognichip, adapting to his preferences. The leather seats were exceptionally comfortable, adjusting slightly to support his frame as he settled in.

"Nice ride," Eva commented, her voice chiming in from the car's integrated AI system, which he had linked to her for real-time guidance and updates.

"Let's see if it lives up to the hype," Alex said, starting the engine. The car hummed to life, smooth and silent, and as he pulled out onto the city streets, he could feel the power under his control.

Central Haven was vibrant, its streets bustling with a mix of people and ability users. Skyscrapers rose against the skyline, their reflective glass catching the sunlight, giving the city a golden hue as the sun reached its peak. He drove through the city's main roads, passing parks where families strolled and ability users practiced subtle displays of their talents. There was a tangible energy here—one of progress, unity, and controlled freedom.

After about an hour of leisurely driving, Alex parked near a popular scenic point—a serene overlook where he could see the city stretching out below, with distant hills framing the horizon. He took a moment to appreciate the view, letting the sight ground him. After all the isolation of Cognichip's space, being here, immersed in real life, felt surprisingly refreshing.

His next stop was a jewelry and gift shop he'd heard about. Stepping inside, he was greeted by the sparkling displays of gemstones and intricate metalwork. Each piece seemed to have its own character, and many were crafted by artisans who were ability users, making the items subtly reactive to touch, color-changing with body heat or pulsing gently with a wearer's pulse.

Alex found himself drawn to a necklace, a simple silver chain with a small, dark gemstone that shifted colors under the light. Its subtlety and elegance appealed to him, and he decided it would make a perfect gift for Amilia, who'd always favored understated, meaningful pieces.

"An excellent choice," the shopkeeper said with a friendly smile as Alex approached the counter. "This one is infused with a touch of warmth resonance—it'll glow gently when it senses a close friend or family nearby."

"A nice touch," Alex replied, appreciating the craftsmanship. After making the purchase, he glanced around the shop once more, taking in the variety of pieces on display, each with its own charm and hint of ability.

As he stepped back into the driver's seat, Eva's voice chimed in. "Interesting choice for Amelia. She'll appreciate it."

"Yeah, I thought it suited her," he replied, placing the small gift bag carefully in the passenger seat.

Starting the car, he continued to explore the city, stopping at various landmarks and scenic points, enjoying the blend of familiarity and novelty that Central Haven offered. Throughout his drive, Eva updated him on global events and power shifts, focusing especially on recent activity within La Corona, the Phoenix Dominion, and Central Haven's ongoing discussions with these global powers.

"The Central Coalition has recently engaged in talks with Phoenix Dominion regarding security protocols for cross-border ability use," Eva informed him as he made his way through the city's quieter neighborhoods. "It's a cautious attempt to regulate ability conflicts, given the rising tensions and scattered incidents."

Alex sighed, noting the challenge these governments faced in adapting to a world filled with ability users. "It sounds like a balancing act."

"Indeed," Eva replied. "The regulations are constantly evolving. The United States region remains more lenient compared to others, but Central Haven's approach has gained the most attention globally. Many nations are observing how this city manages to maintain relative peace."

As Alex drove back toward his parents' neighborhood, he took in the last few sights of Central Haven, feeling a mix of nostalgia and satisfaction. The city was thriving in its own way, and he felt proud to know that his family had found their place here.

"Ready to see the family, Alex?" Eva's voice softened, almost as if she understood the significance of the moment.

He smiled, feeling the anticipation build. "Absolutely. It's been too long."