Chapter 12: The Queen of Death
"Don Capo’s taking us out to the woods tomorrow. I wanna meet a few bears and wrestle ’em!" Alex rubbed his nose, picturing himself pinning a bear.
Spoiler: he’d never win.
Chaewon didn’t bother replying. She’d heard worse. Instead, she watched Ace pound a straw dummy and wondered if he’d invite her, too. Her dad had dragged her on countless camping trips when she was little, so she could teach the newbies tricks they’d never dream of. It had been ages since she’d slept under the stars, and the idea excited her.
Ace knew all this, though. He wanted to drill his crew on the basics so they’d stay alive when the Gate opened. He also hoped to snag a handy passive skill or two out there.
"Uh, Ace?"
"Yeah?"
"I heard you’re heading out to the woods with the guys."
"Yep. Wanna come?"
"Absolutely okay if I tag along?"
"Sure."
"Awesome! Thanks!"
Ace went back to his strikes while Chaewon twirled away to tell her dad she’d be gone a few days. She didn’t get out much—martial‑arts practice ate most of her time—so her dad signed off on the paid leave without a fuss. He knew she could handle herself, and the gang adored her.