Xander took swift action, but before he left the room, he glanced back at Ethan. "Sir, is this the end of everything we built?"
Ethan stared at the world map on his wall, then looked at his hand, still wearing the Sovereign ring. "No, Xander. This isn't the end. This is a test that will prove whether we are truly worthy to rule this world or merely pawns on a larger chessboard."
Ethan stepped out of the study with a stride that made the floor tremble. Outside, sirens began to wail across the city, mass panic spreading from the mysterious disappearance of a skyscraper.
As he passed through the living room, he saw Clara standing there, staring out the window with a face full of fear. Upon seeing Ethan, Clara instantly ran and hugged him tightly.
"Ethan! What's happening out there? That b
