Chapter 31: Rumors and Teasing
The two-day rest had finally come to an end. Morning sunlight spilled into the Division 10 quarters as Captain Elara's clear voice rang through the courtyard.
"Everyone, gather up!" she commanded. Her usual firm tone carried a faint warmth—perhaps the capital's atmosphere had softened her mood. "Our rest is over. From this moment, we prepare to move to our next mission."
As Elara spoke, Vice Captain Ursa's sharp eyes caught a small glint around her captain's neck. It was a necklace—delicate and beautiful, swaying lightly with her movements. Ursa raised an eyebrow.
That's new… she thought.
Elara, noticing Ursa's stare, subtly placed a hand over it, trying to hide it under her armor collar. The motion was too quick—almost suspicious.
Meanwhile, in another corner, Meth, Aloy, and Dred swarmed around Synoh like children chasing a celebrity.
"So? What kind of item did you buy at the capital?" Meth asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"And how did you even beat that ghost in our last mission?" Aloy added.
"Was it some rare magic? A special weapon? Tell us!" Dred pressed.
Synoh stood frozen, overwhelmed by the barrage of questions. His mouth opened, closed, opened again… then shut firmly.
"...Uh."
He quickly deflected, crossing his arms with a sly grin. "Where did you guys even go, leaving me alone these past two days?"
Dred chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. "Junior, you were sick. And besides—" his grin widened, "—we had a lot of fun together."
Meth and Aloy exchanged mischievous glances, and Synoh smirked in return, though a part of him wondered what "fun" really meant in their case.
And somewhere nearby, Ursa's gaze flicked between her captain and her junior… sensing a story neither of them planned to tell.
The sun hung low as Division 10 set out toward Lake Beck, the shimmering waters of the distant lake catching the morning light. The team marched in loose formation, chatter and laughter filling the air.
Ursa, walking a few paces behind Captain Elara, narrowed her eyes slightly. She'd been keeping an unspoken watch… and there it was again—Elara's gaze drifting, just for a second, toward Synoh, who walked quietly with his pack slung over one shoulder.
She doesn't even realize she's doing it, Ursa thought with a smirk. She quickened her pace until she was beside Elara.
"So… what do you think of that new guy?" she asked casually, voice carrying just enough curiosity to poke.
Elara's steps faltered for a heartbeat. "H-He's…" she hesitated, a faint warmth brushing her cheeks before she turned away with a small smile, "…a good comrade. That's all."
Ursa's eyes sparkled with silent amusement, but she said nothing more.
By the time the sun was starting to sink toward the horizon, the outline of Lake Beck came into view—crystal waters surrounded by wooden piers and houses built along the shore. The gentle sound of waves lapping against the docks welcomed them as they entered the village.
Their next mission had officially begun.