John didn't know exactly what his friends were imagining or thinking of, but he was certain none of them grasped the true magnitude of the machine threat. The silent weight of the unknown hung over them, dampening the fire of their recent victories.
Just as the silence was becoming unbearable, the ground began to tremble.
*Rumble!*
Just before he could press them further on their sudden silence, the loud alarm of the fierce earth shaking signalled the arrival of the final Wrathers wave. The air itself seemed to curdle with malice and yet hope. John adjusted his grip on his sword, his expression returning to its usual mask of calm and determination.
"Let's talk about it in great detail after we handle the Hiveminds," he said, his voice steady despite the thrumming of the ground. "I need to know everything, all about the threats you all know and I don't. We can't afford to keep secrets if we want to make it back to the academy and survive."
