Chapter 91: The Days Ahead
Steam rose from the bowls laid out across every table. The clatter of spoons, the low scrape of benches shifting, and the soft shuffle of feet filled the cafeteria with a kind of quiet energy. It wasn’t loud—no shouting or laughter—but there was a hum of life in the room. Of people gathered. Of people waiting.
Seul and Areum moved steadily between rows, setting down extra bowls, refilling trays. Areum’s expression was focused, but calm—her movements smoother than they had been a few days ago. Seul carried a pot of broth in one hand like it weighed nothing, using her other to ladle out portions with practiced ease.
Jin stood near the front of the room, hands in his pockets. Behind him, the long table where the leadership usually sat was empty—save for Echo, Joon, and Seul, who had finally made her way back over once the last tray was set down.
He didn’t speak right away. Didn’t raise his voice. Just stood there a moment, eyes scanning the room. From Taesung near the entrance to the wide-eyed new recruits who still looked like they weren’t sure what kind of world they’d stepped into. All of them were watching him now.
Jin exhaled slowly. Then stepped forward.
"When we left a few days ago," he began, voice carrying just enough to reach the corners of the room, "our goal was simple. Find another territory. Secure resources. Build alliances, if possible."
His tone was even. Clear. Not overly commanding—just... grounded.
"We found one."
There was a pause. Not dramatic—just honest.
"They didn’t exactly welcome us."
That earned a few quiet chuckles—nervous, but real.