Chapter 54: CH 054: Mad White (MR 8)
Dave stepped back into the main room, his boots clicking softly against the cold, sterile floor. His gaze immediately met Chris who was hunched in a corner, his shoulders slumped as if the weight of the world rested upon them.
Chris’s eyes were distant, unfocused, staring at nothing in particular. His hands, usually steady, now fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve, twisting and pulling in absent-minded gestures. There were no tears, no outward signs of distress, yet an undeniable heaviness hung in the air around him.
Dave hesitated, unsure of how to bridge the chasm of grief that seemed to separate them. Words of comfort eluded him; he had never been adept at offering solace. Instead, he turned his attention to the others, who were gathered near the entrance, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and apprehension.
The beast attack had ended, and the commotion that once filled the air had disappeared as it was replaced by an eeriee silence. He had also received an announcement from the system, informing him of the end of the second wave of the beast attack. He knew this respite was temporary; White would soon lift the lockdown, and they would need to act swiftly.
A surge of anger bubbled within Dave as he thought of White, the architect of Chris’ torment, the man behind his father’s death. The desire for retribution burned bright for Chris, who had lost so much.
But Dave’s pragmatism tempered his fury. Charging into a confrontation without a plan would be reckless, endangering not just their lives but the lives of everyone who had fought beside them.
"Alright, everyone," Dave’s voice cut through the murmurs, firm and authoritative. "The beast attack is over. The lockdown will be lifted any minute now. We need to move out, stay sharp, and stick together."
The group nodded, their movements synchronized as they prepared for the next phase. Dave’s eyes flicked back to Chris, concern etching his features. He knew Chris’s pain ran deep, his father’s death was a wound that would take time to heal. But there was no time for mourning now; survival was their only focus. At least at first, then maybe later, once they’re out of here, they could go ahead to have their revenge on him.
As the team readied themselves, Dave approached Ella, who was adjusting her weapon, ready to get out of here anytime soon. Her brow furrowed in concentration, lips pressed into a thin line. Dave then waited till she met his gaze before speaking.