Chapter 136 – The Scent of Battle in the Wind
Sofia stood before an old wooden mirror placed in the corner of her room. The mirror’s surface was slightly cracked in one corner, but still clear enough to reflect her figure. Her golden hair was still a bit messy, but her body was already clad in a set of light battle armor white with golden accents a modified version of her old military uniform. This time, the outfit was reinforced with a special material, a fusion of magic and advanced technology, designed to protect against zombie bites and claws. She took a deep breath, adjusting the belt that held her dagger and a small communication device.
"Done?" Sylvia’s voice came from the doorway casual yet teasing. She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over her chest, her jet-black dress swaying gently in the morning breeze drifting in through the open window. Though her smile was warm, her eyes remained sharp as blades.
Sofia looked at Sylvia’s reflection in the mirror and replied calmly, "Yes. But don’t think I’ve forgiven you for the way you woke me up earlier."
Sylvia grinned mischievously and pushed herself off the frame. She walked closer, gently tidying a loose strand of Sofia’s blonde hair that had fallen across the back of her neck. Her touch was light, almost like a breeze.
"If I didn’t, you might’ve slept till the afternoon," she said softly. "Besides... you’ve got visitors coming."
Sofia raised an eyebrow and glanced at Sylvia through the mirror. "Visitors?"
"Yeah," Sylvia replied as she turned back toward the door. "Rina and Vivi from your team. They seem to have something important to discuss and want to speak with you directly."
Hearing that, Sofia’s expression turned serious. She quickly stepped out of her room, descended the stairs, and opened her front door. Outside, Rina and Vivi were already sitting on the wooden chairs on the porch, talking quietly and glancing toward the house from time to time.
As soon as they saw Sofia, both of them stood and gave a quick salute. Sylvia remained by the doorway, arms crossed, silently observing them.
Sofia sat in the empty chair between them and began the conversation, "So, what did you want to tell me?"
Rina and Vivi seemed more relaxed now. Sylvia’s presence no longer made them overly tense perhaps because they felt more at ease when Sofia was around.