Hours passed as they crossed the open plains. The sun climbed higher, warming their backs, but the wind kept them cool. The grass bent gently under their steps, and for a while, the world seemed calm.
Han Yi wiped sweat from his brow, glancing around nervously.
"…It's too quiet again… my stomach says something's coming."
Mu Chen scanned the horizon, eyes narrowing.
"…Quiet doesn't always mean safe. But we keep moving. Don't give the world a chance to surprise us."
Yue adjusted her pack straps, keeping pace with Ling.
"…Every day, every step… I feel like I understand more. About danger, about survival… about us."
Lei Feng took a deep breath, feeling the weight of yesterday's fights in his muscles, but also a strange steadiness.
"…We've survived what seemed impossible. And we're still here. That counts for something."
Ling kept them moving steadily, eyes scanning the horizon.
