Hope sat inside the military PTV, its massive frame rumbling beneath him as it moved.
He had seen these beasts before—
Personal Transport Vehicles.
As big as a house, made of reinforced steel, their huge tires designed to crush obstacles beneath them.
On the outskirts, these machines were a rare sight.
To the poor and forgotten, they were a symbol of power—something owned by the people in charge, unreachable to those struggling to survive.
Hope had never once imagined he'd be inside one.
Yet here he was.
He wasn't sure whether to feel privileged or trapped.
A Ride Through the Past – Part 2
The PTV rolled through the normal, busy streets of the city.
Hope stared out the reinforced window, watching the familiar sights blur past.
Nostalgia hit him like a punch to the gut.
This was the place he had grown up.
The place where he had fought for daily meals.
Where he had dodged gang members, avoiding getting gutted in back alleys.
Where he had learned to survive.
And now?
Now, he was probably being taken away, possibly for good.
His fingers tightened around the fabric of his combat pants.
The life he had built for himself—the only life he had ever known—was slipping further and further away.
And he wasn't sure if he could ever return.
Up front, Clara sat in the passenger seat beside the driver.
Her posture was as rigid as ever, her gaze focused straight ahead.
She hadn't said much since they left, simply giving orders and keeping to herself.
That was typical of her.
Hope didn't mind.
It gave him time to think.
But then—
The PTV rolled near a street he recognized instantly.
Hope's breath hitched.
He knew this place.
Too well.
His old home.
Or what had once been his home.
The sight of it brought a rush of memories—both good and bad.
He hesitated, debating whether or not to say anything.
Then, before he could stop himself—
He opened his mouth.
"Ascended Clara…"
She didn't turn to face him, but he saw her ears twitch slightly, indicating she was listening.
He swallowed.
"Would you please allow me to visit my old home… for the last time?"