Tundra Trove

Nioh and his new group had been advancing through the Expanse for hours. Under his leadership, they prioritized prudence over speed, making slower progress than he would have liked. Every thirty seconds, he snapped his fingers, releasing a low-frequency sound wave to map out the surroundings. Behind the bandages that concealed his face, he quietly observed the group's actions, assessing their individual performances.

Kyle was the navigator, guiding them by reading the clouds, wind pressure, and scent. Nioh had to admit—he was exceptionally talented. The next most competent was Brae, who had solid instincts and knew how to handle herself. Juith and Trum, however, lacked agency, following Brae's lead without question.

As they pressed forward, an unsettling feeling gnawed at Nioh. The deeper they ventured, the stronger his unease grew. Yet no matter how keenly he watched, or analyzed, he couldn't pinpoint its source.