At the Astro force encampment, inside the Astro Lord's tent, a heavy stillness hung in the air. All the Astro leaders, including the four leaders of Zion's team, sat with their legs crossed on woven mats, facing Hildred. Hung sat slightly to the right, angled toward them, his posture calm but alert. The tent glowed faintly with lantern light, shadows swaying like silent listeners along the fabric walls.
"What is his objective for summoning you?" Hildred's voice broke the silence, firm yet measured, setting the tone of the meeting.
"Hump." Hung released a deep breath, as though the weight of the moment pressed against his chest. "He said we should turn back. Our current team isn't their match."
The words had barely settled when Centric slammed his fist into the wool blanket beneath them, the dull thud echoing like restrained thunder. "Those nuisances. If they hadn't betrayed us, none of this would have happened." His voice burned with frustration.
