Chapter 128: Chapter 128: The System's Great Bite

The aroma of freshly prepared food wafted through the city streets. For the first time in history, the air was filled not only with oxygen but also with anticipation and... was that joy?

Elio observed as people gathered in the central plaza. Lucien and Selene stood by his side.

"Are you sure about this, Elio?" Lucien asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Using so many resources for a celebration..."

Elio nodded, a tired but genuine smile gracing his face. "You have no idea how much mana Fathoran accumulated, besides... people need this. They need to feel that things are really changing. And," he added with a wink, "what better way to unite people than with food?"

Selene chuckled softly. "Well, you've certainly managed to capture everyone's attention. Although I must say, 'The System's Great Bite' is quite a peculiar name... Why not just call it a grand banquet?"

Elio shrugged, his smile widening. "Well, it's not like we have much experience with parties, right? Besides, it seemed appropriate. We're taking a 'bite' out of the system that has oppressed us for so long."

Lucien shook his head, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

As they watched, the plaza filled more and more. Entire families, young people, soldiers, all gathered, their faces showing curiosity and excitement. For many, this was the first time they had seen so much food together, and certainly the first time it had been freely offered.

Elio noticed Tarec among the crowd, holding the hand of a small girl who was presumably his daughter, surrounded by the rest of his family. The veteran soldier looked around with amazement and caution, as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

Further on, Elio saw his mother, Lena, helping to distribute plates and cutlery. His sisters scurried among the people, laughing and playing as he had never seen them do in public before.

Zara suddenly appeared at Elio's side, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "This is amazing, Elio! I've never seen people so... happy."

Elio felt a warmth in his chest at her enthusiasm. "It's just the beginning, Zara. We have much more to do."

But even as he said these words, Elio couldn't help but notice the distrustful glances that some members of the privileged families cast towards the celebration. They were present, yes, but they remained on the margins, as if unsure of their place in this new order.

Lucien, following Elio's gaze, spoke softly:

"We'll have to address that soon. We can't let resentment fester."

It was exciting and terrifying at the same time.

Elio knew that each of those ideas, every dream expressed, represented a challenge he would have to face. But it also represented hope, and that was something the city had desperately needed for a long time.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in golden and pink hues, Elio found himself back on the platform, observing the scene before him. The plaza was full of people, some still eating, others dancing to improvised music, others simply sitting and enjoying the company.

"What are you thinking about?" Zara asked, appearing silently at his side.

Elio looked at her, noticing the way the sunset light illuminated her face. For a moment, he allowed himself to appreciate her beauty, his gaze lingering on her eyes that seemed to sparkle with the reflected joy of the celebration.

"I'm thinking about everything we have ahead of us," he responded honestly. "All the challenges, all the difficult decisions. But I'm also thinking about this," he gestured towards the celebration, "about what I want to protect."

Zara nodded, her shoulder brushing lightly against Elio's. The contact sent a small shiver through him, one he tried to ignore but couldn't quite suppress. "We'll be with you every step of the way," she said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that seemed to envelope him.

Elio felt a surge of gratitude and affection. "I know," he said, his voice laden with emotion. "I couldn't do this without you." He turned to face her fully, suddenly acutely aware of how close they were standing.

For a moment, the noise of the celebration faded into the background. Elio found himself lost in Zara's eyes, feeling a pull towards her that he had been too busy to acknowledge before.

Zara's breath hitched slightly, and Elio realized he had unconsciously leaned closer. He could see the faint blush spreading across her cheeks, could almost feel the rapid beat of her heart echoing his own.

"Zara, I..." he began, not quite sure what he was about to say, but feeling the need to say something, anything.

But before he could continue, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd below, breaking the moment. They both startled, taking a small step back from each other.

Elio cleared his throat, feeling a mix of disappointment and relief. "We should... we should probably join the others," he said, gesturing towards the celebration.

Zara nodded, a small, almost shy smile playing on her lips. "Yes, we should," she agreed, her voice slightly breathless.

As they made their way down from the platform, Elio couldn't help but steal glances at Zara. Something had shifted between them, something he couldn't quite define but could definitely feel.