127. Negotiations or death wish? (1)

Carlos woke before the morning bell because the system panel was already waiting above his bed.

It was red.

For one second, he thought Ironroot had been attacked.

Then he read the location.

--

[Warning: Hostile damage recorded within a restored zone]

[Location: Ancient Cultivation District]

[District integrity reduced]

[Partial Owner Carlos Goldwin may inspect the affected area]

--

Carlos was out of bed before the panel faded.

He pulled on his coat, grabbed his spear, and stepped into the yard. The morning work had barely started. Smoke from the kitchen fire curled over the roofs, while the new Sunseed section sat dark and quiet at the edge of the southern field.

Mira saw his face from the kitchen doorway.

"What happened?"

Carlos showed her the warning.

Her expression changed immediately.

"Cedric?"

"I do not know."