The moment Ethan and the others landed, they saw Maxwell coming toward them with Atlas City's senior officials.
Riftwalk let Ethan travel anywhere as long as he had a clear destination in mind.
Maxwell had told him before where they were staying, so Ethan simply tore open a rift and arrived directly.
"Ethan—you're finally here." Maxwell was so excited he pulled Ethan into a hard hug.
"Been a while, General Kane." Ethan smiled, returning it.
"Ethan!" The others greeted him too. Even Charles—usually stiff as a board—forced a thin smile onto his face.
Ethan nodded once, eyes sweeping over them. "Good. You're all still alive."
Then his expression sharpened.
"What's the situation in Atlas City right now?"
"You came at the perfect time," Maxwell said quickly. "Those Verdants must've heard something. They're packing up and getting ready to run."
"…Run?" Ethan's brows lifted.
He let out a quiet laugh, the kind that didn't carry warmth.
"They're thinking a little too much."
