The sounds across the field blended together into a constant, living hum—a mix of distant chatter from soldiers, officers, officials, and anyone else moving through the area with purpose.
Boots scraped lightly against stone, metal clinked with every shift of armor, and the air carried a firm tension that came naturally with military presence.
Jinn and Rina followed the officer at a steady pace, their footsteps falling into rhythm with the controlled noise around them.
"So what do you think, Jinn?" Rina asked, leaning forward slightly as she walked.
She tilted her head just enough to try catching a glimpse of his expression, hoping to see even a small change in his usual stoic face.
Her voice had a casual, almost teasing tone, as if she already knew what his answer might be but wanted to hear him say it anyway.
"Nothing's changed," Jinn replied without hesitation, his eyes fixed straight ahead.
