Cecil's streets were as bustling and vibrant as ever, filled everywhere with the familiar sights of the city. Yet for Byron, walking through Cecil today was a different experience—
Pea followed beside him, talking nonstop.
She spoke excitedly about her experiences at the academy, the new friends she had made, everything she had seen, the weather, her mood, the books she had read, and the new Magic Shadow Play still in production. Now that she could finally speak again, the girl seemed as though she had come into this world for the first time, chattering almost ceaselessly, as if she wanted to describe anew every single thing she had seen and experienced.
Even when they passed the little shops they went by every day, she would happily run inside to greet the owners, earning startled exclamations and congratulations in return.
Byron kept smiling as he stayed by Pea's side.
What should have been a short walk home ended up taking nearly half the day.
By the time father and daughter finally reached the vicinity of Knight Street, Byron spotted someone pacing at the intersection—it was Philip, who had returned to Cecil two days earlier.
Byron approached with a smile. Philip, sensing someone drawing near, turned to greet him. But before the two old partners could speak, Pea was the first to call out. She happily ran toward Philip, and a delighted voice came from the Neural Thorns' vocal apparatus: "Uncle Philip!!"
Philip had been about to speak, but the unfamiliar synthesized female voice made him freeze. A full two seconds passed before he looked at Pea uncertainly. "Pea... you're talking?"
"It's me!!" Pea laughed happily and spun halfway around, showing Philip the metal apparatus behind her neck. "Look! Grandpa Pittman made it for me! It's called Neural Thorns, and it