In District 44 stood an old forty-story building, with a large sign reading: Astral Technology.
The Astral Technology Tower looked particularly lively that day.
The staff and residents nearby had all heard that a new backer had finally agreed to buy the mess that was Astral Technology.
Apparently, this was the very same backer behind the Starsea Princess who had recently caused such a stir.
Many people in the area had voiced objections to the acquisition.
Especially the large gangs that had been circling them for so long.
Of course, gangs were not permitted in districts below District 50.
These were all financial companies, which also handled asset restructuring and debt collection.
When they first heard that an outside force, newly arrived in town, had bought the juicy prize almost within their grasp, they were displeased.
The gang members had been rather unhappy.
But that day, every last one of them behaved.
Because, under their watchful eyes, a huge crowd marched into the Astral Technology building.
Fully armed and dressed in matching uniforms, they marched inside in neat formation, like soldiers from some professional legion.
There were a full five thousand of them.
Each carried a large case, their steps synchronized and their movements disciplined.
More importantly, judging by their auras, every one of them was Gifted.
Their leader also terrified the local gangs.
The woman named Winter had a striking appearance, with a pair of flaming wings behind her, and could control an incredibly deadly, searing flame.
Even more terrifyingly, two thugs had tried to attack.
Those dreadful flames had erupted straight from their brains, burning them to skeletons in an instant.
That frightened every other gang member out of their wits.
Once they finally realized these people were not to be trifled with, the previously aggressive gang members