While Myles and the others discovered the cave in the middle of that unknown western expanse, Michael and his group moved through a comparatively familiar sector in the eastern region near their base.
The terrain there had already been partially cleared. Broken structures still stood. The corruption felt thinner. The air did not press down on their lungs with suffocating Ether density.
Because of that, their pace carried less tension. Their formation was looser. Even their expressions looked calmer.
It was the result of Michael's decision.
He had assigned Myles and his team to investigate the western area—the least explored and most dangerous direction—while he led his own group east, where they already possessed partial information and mapped safe routes.
From a strategic standpoint, it was efficient. From another perspective, it was convenient.
