Back At The Regulator

The journey back to their base was no less humiliating than the trip out.

Miss Leana, as merciless as ever, had once again secured Damon, Daveon, and Anaya in her enchanted rope and was dragging them across the rugged landscape of the First Layer of Hell. At this point, none of them even bothered protesting.

They were sore. Exhausted. And, most of all, hungry.

"At least we got the core," Damon muttered, staring at the glowing Grade Four crystal in his hand as he bounced along the rough terrain.

"Yeah, and a free ride back," Anaya added dryly.

Daveon, lying flat on his back with his arms crossed over his chest, stared up at the crimson sky. "You know… next time, I'm going to land the hit."

Damon snorted. "Oh? Is that so?"

Daveon turned his head slightly. "Yep. And I'm not going for her face. That's what got you nearly killed."

"Nearly killed*?" Damon scoffed. "She didn't kill me. She just—"