Chapter XVIII: The Truth in the Lie

The hatch of the Ravenblade sealed shut with a soft hiss, the sounds of the bustling hub outside fading into the quiet hum of the ship's interior. Asus moved with purpose toward the cockpit, the weapon case still in hand, while Crystal followed, her arms full of the bags they'd picked up during their stops. The ship's artificial lighting flickered briefly as the systems adjusted to their presence, and the low hum of the engines became a steady rhythm beneath their feet.

Asus set the weapon case beside his seat and slid into the pilot's chair, his fingers already moving over the console as he activated the ship's systems. The displays blinked to life, holographic maps and diagnostics projecting in midair. Without a word, he began plotting their next course, the glow of the navigation panel illuminating his helmeted face.