Chapter 440: The Spark of Chaos

**Thelma Zane’s POV** The only thing left to do was to wrestle with the few options that remained, no matter how desperate they seemed. The situation was spiraling, and every passing moment brought us closer to disaster. As the Great Elder had predicted, only a small fraction of people had agreed to leave with the evacuation team. Even with thousands departing, an endless throng remained at the city gates, refusing to budge. Their mistrust of the interim government was palpable, but what exacerbated the problem were the whispers and actions of certain influential figures. These so-called leaders refused to leave, anchoring themselves to the gates as though it were the only possible escape route. Their behavior only confirmed the worst fears of the crowd. If these individuals, who always placed their lives above all else, wouldn’t risk another path, why should anyone else? This stubbornness left the Great Elder fuming, though he was powerless to do anything about it. His wor