Sifu's face darkened with concern as he stared at Grov.
Sifu:
"What exactly is happening with the Black Wolves?"
Grov shifted uneasily, his expression tense.
Grov:
"The Black Wolves have launched countless raids—villages burned, animals slaughtered. Their attacks are spreading."
Sifu:
"How do you know all this?"
Grov fixed him with a serious look, his yellow eyes unwavering.
Grov:
"I know everything… I see everything."
Sifu clenched his fists, frustration rising.
Sifu:
"You went outside the city again, didn't you?"
Grov forced a crooked smile, almost foolish in its defiance.
Grov:
"I have to know what's happening above."
Sifu:
"Do you realize the danger you put yourself in? More than that—the danger you place upon this city? Every creature here relies on you for safety!"
Grov's expression hardened, his voice edged with steel.
Grov:
"I understand that perfectly. But I can't just hide underground, living in my own little world, while massacres and plunder happen above us."
His eyes grew fierce, his tone sharp as a blade.
Grov:
"No one can guarantee that one day… we won't see them at our very gates, with knives and weapons in their hands."
Grov rose from his chair and slowly walked toward the tall window of his office. His piercing yellow eyes gazed down at the square of Rock City below.
There, his sight settled on two small figures—Las, whining and weeping in frustration, and Eli, laughing with her usual biting irony.
Grov's expression softened, a faint glimmer of something breaking through his stern demeanor.
Grov (quietly):
"Perhaps… the world above still holds hope—if we choose to place our faith in the future."