Blue Gate City, Military Outpost.
Several hunters lay on stretchers, groaning in pain as doctors worked tirelessly to treat their wounds.
In one corner, Lake and his seniors sat silently receiving treatment. Hana winced occasionally as the doctors wrapped bandages around her, but otherwise remained dazed, staring blankly at the ground. The others were much the same—physically present but mentally elsewhere.
Gwen leaned against a support pole, her waist and arms tightly bandaged. Landur stood vigil near Hana, quietly watching her get treated. Lake remained apart, arms folded as he leaned against the wall.
When the doctors finished with them and moved on to other patients, Jayce—slumped on a bench—was the first to break the silence. His voice came out dry and hollow.
"...So much for a simple mission."
No one responded. The awkward silence stretched for several seconds before Landur finally added.
"You think we'll still get our Academy points?"
"..."
"Too soon?"
