Ryne bent his knees and unfolded the map, laying it carefully on a metal crate. The Awakeners leaned in, curiosity etched across their faces.
"Here's the plan. We're taking this road," Ryne said confidently.
He pointed at the map, already decided on this path. Thran and the other Awakeners listened anxiously, silence stretching until the vice leader spoke up.
"That road is dangerous! It's crawling with monsters!"
Thran, already aware of the dangers ahead, looked at Ryne, worry etched on his face, while the others waited nervously for an answer.
"Why are we taking this road, Ryne? It's also known as Suicide Road."
The Awakeners and vice leader nodded in agreement with Thran—but Ryne said something that made them pause.
He breathed steadily, pointing to the uncharted flats on the map—areas most Awakeners had overlooked.
"Have you even heard the news about the rare species of Corrupter roaming around?"
The air grew heavier. The Awakeners exchanged glances, vice leader and Thran clenching their fists.
"Yes, I heard," Thran spoke, voice tight. "The Tallion cargo truck never reached the city. Everything in its cargo disappeared—taken by those rare Corrupters."
Ryne shifted and pointed at a hidden area on the map, outlining the hideouts and how to avoid them.
But the vice leader cut in, voice sharp with irritation.
"How can you be so sure about this uncharted road? It could be crawling with monsters—that's why it's still uncharted."
"Corrupters know that too. That's why this is the safest path."
The magic around them ceased. Goblins from the abandoned building retreated, their laughter echoing as the truck's shield held firm. Silence fell over the surroundings.
"The enemy is retreating. Should we move on?" the driver shouted.
The vice leader's annoyed voice cut through the quiet while the Awakeners still considered the plan.
"You think that reason is enough!? This isn't child's play!" He slammed his fist.
"Our lives depend on this!"
Ryne didn't flinch. Life was on the line—his reaction was valid.
Thran glanced at him. Calm, experienced, he said nothing. Some decisions simply mattered too much for words.
"I know you still don't trust me," Ryne added, pointing, "but taking this road is safer than the alternative."
One of the newer Awakeners trembled, voice cracking.
"How about we… go back?"
The vice leader's face fell. He already knew that running would make things worse.
"You're new, aren't you? Running from a Corrupter isn't as easy as you think," he said.
Tension thickened the air. The recruits exchanged uneasy glances. Thran spoke calmly but firmly.
"Corrupters still have human intelligence. They aren't easy to handle."
The recruits shifted, uncomfortable and sweating. Some sank onto crates in fear. One finally muttered,
"W-why do the First Era Awakeners make it look so easy?"
They protested, assuming being an Awakener automatically made them strong. But the older Awakeners, including the vice leader, only shook their heads.
"We can't retreat now. Our gas is limited," Thran said, breaking the tension. Silence fell, and then he looked at Ryne.
"We'll follow your route, Ryne. I trust you."
Ryne nodded, handing the map to Thran. Thran returned a brief smile before moving to the front seat.
"We're taking this road!"
The driver's hands shook as he glanced at the map.
"Th-this is uncharted!? Why are—"
Thran's intense killing intent silenced him. Still, he followed the map.
Ryne zoned out, aware of the vice leader's irritated gaze on him.
"If we get into trouble here, you pay the price," the vice leader whispered.