Same.
In truth, neither Nia nor Sera thought they would see anyone alive after that flight toward the temporary shelter.
At first, they didn't even understand why they were heading there instead of returning to the base to warn everyone. It didn't make sense. The base was supposed to be their point of contact, their safest route home.
But then they saw it.
Or rather, they saw what was no longer there.
The coastline they once knew, the familiar ridges, the tall towers that marked Outpost Four's perimeter—all of it in ruins.
The land had become unrecognizable.
"!!!"
Sera's hands tightened on the controls, her throat dry. Nia stared at the destruction in silent disbelief, her body trembling.
It wasn't just wreckage. It was carnage.
That was when they learned about the truth: a massive beast tide that had emerged from the depths, followed by a tsunami so powerful it nearly swallowed everything.
Outpost Four was gone.
