Chapter 20 - Into the Grey Zone

The transport rattled as it sped toward the industrial sector. Elliot hummed a tune I didn't recognize, tapping his fingers against his knee like he had all the time in the world. Elren sat silently across from me, his arms crossed, his gaze steady as ever.

I, meanwhile, was engaged in my favorite pastime: panic wrapped in sarcasm.

"Okay, so let me just clarify. We are heading straight into a high-density Grave surge, right?"

"Obviously," Elren said.

"Fantastic. Just wanted to make sure we were all aware of the shared insanity."

"We wouldn't want you to miss the thrill," Elliot added, grinning.

"Oh yes, adrenaline is my favorite breakfast."

"It suits you."

I threw him a flat look. "How do you still have energy to flirt at this hour?"

"It's a talent."

Elren didn't even bother responding, but I could feel the slight shift in his posture whenever Elliot spoke to me. Oh, he noticed.

Jealous? Hmm? Do I dare poke that bear? Maybe not today.

I leaned my head against the window, watching the skyline blur past.

"So, what exactly is the Grey Zone?"

"Abandoned industrial sector. Structural decay, minimal civilian traffic, high Grave activity."

"In other words, a perfect place for the system to throw me at monsters and see if I break."

"Obviously."

"The operators are probably watching me right now, huh?"

"Oh, they are," Elliot said, his voice almost too casual. "They've probably got a whole betting pool running."

"Oh good. Maybe I'll win someone some money before I die."

"Hey now, no dying allowed. I just got here."

"I'll try to keep that in mind while something is trying to bite my face off."

"Just scream if you need me."

"I'll scream out of pure frustration. Does that count?"

Elren, without even opening his eyes, added, "Obviously."

Okay, that was almost well-timed. I see you, Elren. You're not as detached as you pretend to be.

-----

The Grey Zone was worse than I imagined. Buildings sagged like they were too exhausted to stand. Rusted scaffolding drooped over cracked streets. A low, buzzing static filled the air—the signature pulse of nearby Graves.

"You ready, princess?" Elliot teased as we disembarked.

"Call me that again and I'll trip you in front of the nearest Grave."

"Noted."

Elren led the way, blade drawn. "Stay close."

"Obviously," I shot back, falling in step.

We moved swiftly, sweeping through the outer edges. The first few Graves were smaller, faster—almost scouts. Elren dispatched them with clean, silent strikes while Elliot covered the flanks.

I stayed sharp, focusing on control, breathing, precision.

Don't just survive. Be useful. Don't be a burden.

A larger ripple in the static warned us of something approaching.

"Contact. High density," Elren reported.

"How high are we talking?" I asked, tightening my grip.

"Significantly."

"Well, that's helpful."

Elliot glanced over, cocky as ever. "Stay behind me if you get overwhelmed."

"I'm fine."

"I'm just saying—"

"I'm fine."

"Obviously," Elren muttered.

The ground trembled as the Grave emerged—taller, bulkier, its form glitching unnaturally like the system itself struggled to render its shape.

"Target is a composite Grave," Elren noted. "Multiple merged entities."

"Wait, those are real? I thought those were just in the system manuals!"

"They're rare."

"So of course I get one on my second mission."

"Obviously."

"Stop that."

Elliot smirked. "Relax. We've got this."

"I am the least relaxed I've ever been."

"That's the spirit."

The Grave charged, fast despite its size. Elren engaged it head-on, his strikes quick and precise, forcing it back but not down.

"Go for the joint seams!" he called.

"You mean the part that won't hold still? Perfect!"

I darted in, landing a solid slash to its leg. It roared, glitching violently. Elliot flashed in from the side, pinning one of its arms with a precise shot.

"Nice one, princess."

"I will end you!"

"Promises, promises."

Elren forced the Grave to its knees. "Now."

I charged forward, driving my blade into its core, the Grave shrieking before collapsing into static dust.

My knees buckled but I caught myself.

"I'm fine."

Elren appeared instantly at my side. "Obviously not."

"You don't have to catch me every time, you know."

"Obviously I do."

Elliot walked up, brushing debris from his sleeve. "Well, that was fun."

"Your definition of fun is broken."

"So is yours. You just haven't admitted it yet."

Okay, he might have a point. I'm starting to like this.

Elren placed a steadying hand on my back. "We're clear."

"Obviously."

I groaned but couldn't hide the small smile.

Maybe I won't just survive here. Maybe I'll actually live.