The shock did not last long, as Ryuu couldn't afford any further distractions.
Two hundred Deva Crystals hung in the air like the scent of blood, sharp and metallic. Ryuu could see it in their eyes, the fear first, raw and animal, then something steadier creeping in beneath it. Resolve, perhaps. Or resignation, as for soldiers, the line between the two was often thin enough to snap without warning.
Ryuu could not blame them, as sooner rather than later, someone might wish to cash in the bounty and attack them. He turned back toward the field, letting the silence stretch until it became uncomfortable.
