"The elders had given the coordinates without explanation, their expressions as unreadable as ever. But Annie and Sensei had seen where those coordinates led, and that knowledge showed plainly—Sensei's face pinched with unease, Annie's wide, unblinking eyes fixed on the team—as the teleportation circle burned brighter beneath their feet."
They had done countless missions, even suicidal ones against the Elites, but that was the first time their guides looked genuinely afraid.
Sensei tried to play it off. He always did. His arms were folded behind his back, posture stiff as the white glow illuminated his robe.
"Please," he said, his tone carrying more weight than the words themselves, "try not to trash the place."
Zino raised a brow, unsure if it was sarcasm or some deeper warning.
