Only after she put enough distance between herself and Mistblade did Nivalis and B8017913 finally stop staring holes through Rita's skull.
Their silence was louder than any accusation.
Rita raised a finger in warning.
"From now on, let us stay quiet."
Neither pet spoke, but they didn't look away either. They simply sat on her shoulders, left and right, gazing at her with wordless judgment.
Some emotions didn't need to be voiced.
They just pressed down on her like a heavy blanket.
Rita slowly lowered her raised finger and closed her fist.
She sent both pets back into the pet space.
Instant relief washed over her.
Breathing felt easier.
The trading zone had changed. There were no stalls left at all—Mechanoids roamed freely, each seeking out a player worth following.
Just as she could form stories with Mechanoids, so could other players. Some interactions left deep imprints. Others had been patched or overwritten.
