Chapter 494: System's Confinement - 5

[SYSTEM ANALYSIS: 60% COMPLETE] 

[ESTIMATED TIME REMAINING: CALCULATING...]

The silence in their shared consciousness had become unbearable. 

Weeks had passed since Zara's emotional barrier had crumbled, leaving both of them adrift in uncomfortable quiet. Her sadness permeated their shared awareness, a constant reminder of dreams interrupted and hopes denied.

For Nala, the silence was worse than any accusation. The endless waiting with no distraction was becoming torturous. She found herself missing their earlier banter, the way Zara's stories and observations had made time pass more... bearably.

'The analysis continues at an acceptable rate,' she ventured, trying to break the oppressive quiet.

No response.

'Though perhaps the calculation methods could be more efficient...'

Still nothing.