Meanwhile, Steve's gaze settled upon the grand Renaissance chateau that stood before him—the Palace of Jäävarasto. Its regal presence commanded attention, a symbol of power and intrigue. Steve couldn't help but wonder if Alice was somewhere within its walls, hidden amidst its labyrinthine corridors.

Lost in thought, he turned away from the palace and found himself drawn to the inviting ambiance of a nearby café. The soft glow of the Eikóna system beckoned him, projecting the urgent news that gripped the world. As a journalist, he felt an irresistible pull toward the stories that unfolded before him.

"Zak, you fool!" Steve muttered under his breath; frustration etched upon his face. The weight of the world's chaos bore down on him as he absorbed the information displayed on the screen. The headlines flashed by, each one a testament to the unraveling fabric of society.

A newspaper left carelessly on a nearby table caught his eye, and he couldn't resist the urge to seize it. Page after page, he devoured the news, the headlines becoming a blur of turmoil and upheaval. The world seemed to teeter on the edge of oblivion, consumed by conflicts and power struggles.

Jogging through the bustling streets, Steve found himself on Napoleon Avenue, a place steeped in history and echoes of past glory. He sought solace in a small plaza adorned with a statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, hoping to find guidance from a fellow wanderer. But the chaos of the moment had seized the attention of everyone around, leaving him with no answers.

Returning to the starting point near the gates of the Courts District, Steve couldn't help but reflect on the state of the world. War and unrest seemed to reign supreme, engulfing nations and tearing lives apart. He sighed, a mix of frustration and despair tugging at his heart.

Amid this chaotic landscape, Steve's eyes finally found what they had been searching for—Alice. There she stood, a beacon of hope amid the sea of troubled souls. Her serene presence offered a respite from the surrounding turmoil.

Alice, draped in a long, black coat that seemed to materialize out of thin air, radiated a sense of calm. Her bright smile lit up the space, easing Steve's worry and filling him with a profound sense of relief. Their embrace was a testament to their unbreakable bond, a moment of solace amidst the chaos.

"I'm so glad to see you," Alice whispered, her voice infused with genuine joy.

"I was worried sick. How did you end up here?" Steve inquired; his concern etched upon his face.

"Völundr sent me," she replied, her words carrying a mysterious weight, hinting at a larger purpose that awaited them.

"Okay, let's go then. We have to leave quickly; our lives are at risk," Steve urged, his voice laced with urgency.

"We can't!" Alice responded, frowning.

"Why not?"

"Steve! Völundr sent us here to stop Zak," Alice explained, a smug smile gracing her lips.

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Steve's mind raced, trying to comprehend the magnitude of their task. Soldiers swarmed the city, evacuations were in progress, and their knowledge of the suburbs was limited.

"Don't panic, leave it to me," Alice reassured, her smile growing.

Alice gently took his hand, and together they navigated through the crowded streets. Dashing, they weaved their way along a snow-covered road, skirting the perimeter of the Inner Wall.

After a long stroll, they arrived at the western entrance, guarded by vigilant Peacewalkers. Their attempt to pass through was met with refusal, the soldiers denying them entry. The gate towered above them, reminiscent of the medieval fortifications of old.

Alice, undeterred, led him a few steps away from the gate, her mind racing with a plan.

"How will we get in?" Steve asked.

Alice's eyes sparkled mischievously as she pulled out a handful of small, yellow fruits from her coat pocket.

"These are lightberries!" Alice exclaimed. "They're a unique creation from Völundr's castle, born from a failed experiment. But they have unexpected properties."

He couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.

Alice placed one of the fruits on the ground, securing it on top of a small cube. With a quick movement, she retreated to Steve's side, grasping his head in her hands.

"Crouch down and cover your ears with this," she instructed, handing him a peculiar device—a Disearer.

Steve followed her instructions, positioning the feathered, blue-padded headphones over his ears.

Alice showed him a detonator and then pointed to the small cube. “No, hell no!” he shouted, but he was too slow to stop her. She pushed the bottom causing the cube to burst into a dazzling display of light and sound. The lightberries, explosive and flammable, unleashed their energy in a thunderous roar and blinding illumination.

"What have you done?" Steve questioned, removing the ear pads.

"Don't worry, it's not only a delectable fruit, but it also possesses explosive and stunning properties. The effects are temporary but potent. Now, let's make haste," Alice explained, giggling.

With the soldiers temporarily disoriented by the burst of light and sound, Steve and Alice seized the opportunity and entered the district.

"This will be a long journey, with limited transportation available. We must hurry before the effects wear off," Alice recommended.

Both turned right onto Bolivar Street, veering away from the chaos of the evacuating soldiers. The street mirrored the ones they had traversed before, with its familiar layout and architecture. The Courts District, much like the wall, boasted a Renaissance charm—narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and aged structures. Steve couldn't help but draw parallels to his visit to Rome a couple of years ago. Memories of that trip flooded his mind, the resemblance striking.

As they pressed forward, the desolate streets whispered their silence. The absence of people heightened the sense of urgency and uncertainty.

"Are you sure about this?" Steve asked. "I'm not familiar with this city... I fear we may be lost."

Alice's eyes gleamed with determination; her exhaustion forgotten for a few seconds.

"Don't be so pessimistic! I know this city like the back of my hand. We're on the right path, so keep moving... hurry!" she exclaimed, a confident smile gracing her lips.

He couldn't help but notice Alice's outfit—the same casual dress she used at today’s gathering with Völundr and the other member paired with an unbuttoned coat. And somehow, the sharp cold seemed to have little effect on her. He was better dressed for the cold weather and still felt it biting on his skin.

"Aren't you cold?" Steve asked. "You're barely dressed for this kind of weather."

Alice shrugged, a shiver passing through her. "Well... yeah, it's a bit chilly. I didn't realize this city was located in the Arctic Circle. Völundr never disclosed its exact location. He simply instructed me to go to the deaf city of whatever," she admitted, her teeth chattering from the cold.

"So, you didn't know the location of this city? How in the world do you know where to go, then?" Steve frowned.

Alice darted ahead, her pace quickening as she headed north, leaving Steve trailing behind. He shouted after her, a mix of exasperation and curiosity evident in his words.

"Wait for me, you brat! I need some answers!"