CHAPTER 118 — SAND AND BLOOD
Morning came without tremor.
No collapsing chambers.No pulsing core.No subterranean whispers.
Ruinsand stood as if nothing had happened.
But Bronze Squad did not return to Sector Three.
Zehell stood in the operations hall, a tactical projection floating before her.
"We're reassigned," she said calmly. "Sector Three is under restriction. Silver and Gold squads are sealing the perimeter."
Colby exhaled in visible relief. "Finally."
Marek smirked. "Thought you'd miss your stone friend."
Long Hao said nothing.
Zehell continued. "We're moving east. Sandridge Village."
Ryn's brows lifted. "The trade settlement?"
"Yes. Late-night raid. Survivors reported burrowing types and pack-class predators."
Darius tightened his grip on his spear. "Casualties?"
"Unknown."
Colby cracked his knuckles. "Finally something straightforward."
Zehell's eyes shifted briefly toward Long Hao.
"Standard monster suppression. No anomalies expected."
