After securing a dedicated, high-tier healer to keep a strict watch over Kiara's mother, the team finally left the hospital.
They made the short trek back to the Association headquarters, bypassing the glamorous glass elevators of the main lobby.
Instead, a stern-faced clerk handed Julien a heavy iron key and pointed them toward a dusty stairwell hidden behind a 'Staff Only' maintenance door.
Four flights of stairs later, they stood in a cold, windowless room.
Chris dropped his heavy sword onto a nearby wooden crate, the loud clatter echoing off the bare concrete walls.
He looked around the space, dusting off his freshly cleaned armor with a deep sigh.
"What is with us and basements?" Chris asked, throwing his hands up in defeat.
"There are probably a hundred polished, empty conference rooms up there with catering, soft carpets, and chairs going to waste. Why are we always down here?"
Julien walked over to the heavy door, testing the lock.
