After the gunpowder smoke over the store had cleared, and Olk and his detachment—faithful to the ancient word of the elders—had bid farewell to Steve, a strange, almost majestic silence set in. The store, having endured the brunt of the attack, required long-term restoration. Steve made a firm decision to move the headquarters to John Urban's Plastics Factory.
John himself was safe at the time, staying in his son James's camp. He was in good health and, with deep trust, handed over the management of the enterprise to Steve. The factory, once prosperous, now stood silent, awaiting new life and a steady hand.
In the evening, Steve entered the main building. The vast workshops met him with the scent of metal and clean polymer. Steve's footsteps echoed under the high vaults, awakening the dormant space. He walked past powerful, real human machines that seemed like sleeping guardians.
— There is great potential laid here, — Steve said quietly, inspecting the production lines. — We will restore this place to its former glory, breathing new life into it.
Elisa appeared in the doorway. She moved gracefully, and in the light of the evening lamps, her appearance seemed almost ethereal. She approached Steve, and the lights of the night city behind the window reflected in her eyes.
— These halls remind me of the architecture of Marionis, — she said softly. — Only here, everything is filled with real, earthly power. The machinery at this factory is impressive in its reliability.
Steve nodded politely, inviting her to walk through the spacious corridors of the administrative building.
— I am glad you like it here, Elisa. We have a lot of work ahead of us to organize the production of mannequins and other goods. Are you ready to take on the leadership?
— It is a great honor for me, Steve, — she replied with sincere respect. — In Marionis, I was only a part of someone else's design, but here, beside you, I feel that I can create for myself.
They went up to the panoramic office. Steve prepared tea, and they sat by the window, watching the city plunge into twilight. It was their first long and calm conversation, a moment of true soul-searching and connection.
— Tell me about your life, Steve, — Elisa asked. — I know about your great ancestors, but I want to understand you as a person.
Steve looked at his hands, which still bore the memory of the recent battle.
— My life is a duty, Elisa. My father and grandfather taught me that a man must be a shield for his family. I grew up on the stories of Dex, striving to prove that I am worthy of that name. But sometimes, the path of a warrior can be a lonely one.
Elisa smiled gently, and tears of relief and understanding glistened in her eyes. She laughed softly, recalling her first steps in this world.
— I understand you. In Marionis, I also felt lonely among thousands like me. We lived in a world where reality blended with dreams. But when I saw your courage... I realized what true devotion is. Thank you for your support.
Steve looked at her with deep respect. Between them, an invisible connection flared—quiet, cultured, yet incredibly strong. It was a kinship of souls found in the chaos of war.
The next morning, the factory finally came to life. Elisa became the director, and Steve took the role of general manager, handling all the strategy. Evinetta, who remained with them, actively joined the work, filling the building with her energy.
But true joy came when Veronica appeared on the threshold. She returned from the Paradise Valley, having decided that her place was beside her brother and friends at this important moment.
— Steve! Elisa! I could no longer stay in the silence of the dacha when such a life is buzzing here! — Veronica exclaimed, entering the workshop.
With her return, the atmosphere at the factory changed. Laughter and cheer filled the echoing rooms. The factory ceased to be just an industrial site; it turned into their shared home, their personal Bastion.
Work progressed even faster. John Urban's lines were restored, and soon 300 people were working at the factory. A golden age began when a huge toy store opened nearby, becoming their main partner.
— Look at these calculations, Steve, — Elisa showed him the production output charts. — Our plastic products will now be the highest quality on the market.
— Your knowledge and Veronica's return have worked a miracle, — Steve replied. — We are building more than just a business; we are building a future where Torsken will have no place.
Steve worked tirelessly, inspired by the presence of the people he loved. The positive energy of Marionis, refracted through human labor, gave him strength. It was an era of creation, joy, and great hope.