The weekend brought a calm Silvercity morning. Mariana stood on the rooftop of her apartment, holding a small potted seedling—a rare healing herb she had harvested for the system. The energy it gave off tickled her fingertips. The system chimed softly in her mind: Task Complete. Skill Upgrade in Progress.
She placed the plant in a row with others she was cultivating. Her little rooftop garden had become both a sanctuary and a secret laboratory. The system had grown quieter lately, as if watching and waiting.
A notification flashed. New Task: Assist someone destined to protect the world. Mariana frowned, curiosity piqued.
Later, she met with Clara and Peter at the university's innovation center. Their startup idea for sustainable architecture had won a local prize. Mariana's insights had dazzled the judges. Her name was quickly becoming known in academic circles—young, mysterious, brilliant.
But she never let it distract her from George.
That evening, George video-called her from his bedroom, his cheeks flushed with excitement.
"Guess what, Mari? I got first place in the science fair! Grandma says we'll celebrate with cake, and Grandpa promised fireworks!"
She grinned. "I'm proud of you, astronaut."
"I wish you could come live with us."
"I'm always with you," she said, touching the screen.
George beamed. "I know. You feel like... like the sun."
Before bed, Mariana received a letter—an invitation to speak at a prestigious economic forum next month. She knew it was an honor, but something tugged at her—her purpose was bigger than applause.
The wind picked up, rustling the herbs on her balcony. The stars above Silvercity shimmered.
She whispered a promise to them.
"I won't forget why I came back."