Chapter 8: The Underground
Not long after accepting the real money job, while still sitting in the processing area, they spot an hunter official coming towards them.
’Graves and Traven you are summoned back to the debrief room immediately,’ the official tells them without a second glance going back towards the debrief room expecting them to be on their feet behind him.
The Association debrief room feels like a courtroom. Harsh lights reflects off monitoring crystals embedded in the walls. Leon sits stiff-backed, medical tape binding his ribs, while Elise remains silent beside him.
Across the metal table, Brock shifts uncomfortably. Maris stares at her hands. Trenton avoids eye contact entirely.
"Explain the separation," the lead official says.
Brock clears his throat. "Goblins forced us apart. Combat situation. No choice."
"Leon wandered off," Maris adds quickly. "We couldn’t find him."
Trenton nods. "The healer slowed everyone down. We had to prioritize survival."
Three different stories. Three different lies.
The official’s expression never changes throughout. He gestures to the monitoring crystals. "Standard dungeon recording. Let’s review."
Blue light projects the tunnel junction. Crystal-clear images shows Brock’s deliberate hand signal. The coordinated sprint. The triggered collapse that sealed Leon and Elise behind tons of rubble.