Chapter 221:Checkpoint.
Inside the checkpoint, everything felt controlled; bright floodlights illuminated the roads, concrete walls surrounded the settlement with armed guards standing on elevated platforms, watching every vehicle that entered.
Silver felt like he could breathe normally. The convoy slowly moved toward the inspection area.
"Everyone remain in your vehicles until instructed."
A guard walked between the cars, checking identification papers and contractor registrations. Captain Harry handled most of the communication for the convoy.
Silver lowered his window when the guard approached.
"Identification."
Silver handed over the documents. The guard examined them before looking at Ravenna.
"Partner?"
"Yes."
Ravenna nodded. The guard glanced at the registration.
"Traveling together?"
"Yes."
He returned their documents.
"Welcome to the Delta Two Yellow Zone checkpoint five."
Silver thanked him and closed the window. The convoy gradually moved forward.
There were several facilities inside the checkpoint; a medical center, repair station, trading hall, several restaurants, contractor lodges and dven a small market had been established around the main road. The place was large enough to feel almost like a small town.
Silver looked around.
"We’re finally here."
Ravenna nodded.
"Tecnically, first checkpoint."
She glanced toward the walls.
"How far until the next one?"
"Depends on the route." Silver answered. "But we’re still deep inside Delta Two’s Yellow Zone."
Ravenna sighed.
"There’s still a long way to go."
"Unfortunately."
She leaned back. Neither seemed eager to leave the vehicle immediately. They had spent the entire day traveling through difficult terrain, then fought through the fog, then driven for several more hours.
They were exhausted. Captain Harry’s voice came through the radio.
"We’re stopping here for the night."
Several voices immediately answered with relief.
"Tomorrow we’ll continue, for now, get some rest."
Silver turned toward Ravenna.
"Hotel?"
She nodded.
"Definitely."
They followed the convoy toward the lodging district. Silver parked outside one of the larger checkpoint hotels. It was clean and more importantly, it had actual beds.
Silver walked inside with Ravenna while carrying their bags. The receptionist looked up.
"Room?"
"Yes."
"For how many nights?"
"One for now."
The receptionist nodded.
"One bed or two?"
Silver instinctively looked toward Ravenna. He remembered the last time they had been asked that question. Ravenna had hesitated, then asked for one bed.
Silver had been delighted, this time, he didn’t expect anything. After everything that had happened between them, he assumed she would want separate rooms.
Ravenna was quiet for several seconds. The receptionist waited patiently.
Then Ravenna said, "One bed."
Silver blinked, then his lips lifted slightly.
He looked at her but she didn’t look back. The receptionist simply entered the information.
"Alright."
Silver felt a strange warmth spread through his chest. He quickly composed himself.
"Thank you."
They received their key. As they walked upstairs, Silver remained unusually quiet.
Ravenna noticed.
"Why are you so quiet?"
"I was thinking."
"About what?"
"Nothing."
She gave him a suspicious look.
"You smiled."
"I did?"
"Yes."
Silver laughed.
"Maybe I’m tired."
She rolled her eyes.
"Sure, like I believe it."
They reached their room. Silver unlocked the door. The room was simple; one large bed, a small table, two chairs, a bathroom and a window overlooking the checkpoint.
After the wilderness, it felt almost luxurious. Silver placed their bags down. Ravenna immediately dropped onto the bed.
She closed her eyes.
"Finally."
Silver laughed.
"You look exhausted."
"I am."
He sat on one of the chairs.
"We should probably eat."
Ravenna opened one eye.
"...Do we have to?"
"Yes."
She sighed dramatically.
"Fine."
They left the room a few minutes later. The checkpoint’s dining hall was crowded. Contractors from several different convoys were eating together.
The atmosphere was lively. Some people were celebrating surviving the Yellow Zone, others were discussing routes and a few were already planning their next expedition.
Silver and Ravenna found an empty table. They ordered simple meals. While they waited, Ravenna rested her chin against her hand.
"Today was long."
"Very."
"That Tier Four..." She frowned. "It was stronger than I expected."
Silver nodded.
"It wasn’t particularly powerful compared to higher-rank beasts, but its environment gave it an advantage. The fog was practically its weapon."
Ravenna nodded.
"It also learned quickly."
"Yeah."
Silver leaned back.
"It knew when to attack, when to retreat, and it realized we were dangerous."
Ravenna smiled.
"Especially you."
Silver laughed.
"I think it disliked my sword."
"Probably."
Their food arrived wnich they ate quietly. The conversation remained comfortable, not as intimate as before but not distant either.
After dinner, they returned to their room. Ravenna immediately changed into something more comfortable.
Silver stored their equipment and checked the door. Everything was secure. He looked at the bed, then at Ravenna.
She was already sitting on one side. Silver hesitated.
"Are you sure?"
Ravenna looked at him.
"About?"
"The bed."
She understood immediately. Her expression softened.
"I asked for one bed."
"I know."
"I still mean it, I’m nit going to avoid you. Just sorting a few things mentally."
Silver nodded.
"Okay."
He changed and climbed into the other side. They lay beneath the blankets, for several minutes, neither spoke.
The room was quiet. The sounds of the checkpoint could barely be heard through the window. Eventually Ravenna turned onto her side.
"Silver."
"Hm?"
"Are you happy?"
He turned toward her.
"Right now?"
"Yes."
He thought about it.
"Yeah."
Ravenna nodded.
"Good."
She turned back toward the ceiling. Silver smiled faintly. After a few minutes, Ravenna spoke again.
"I’m still thinking."
"About everything?"
"Everything that’s just happening to both if us."
Silver nodded.
"I understand."
She was silent, then she quietly added,
"But I’m glad you told me."
Silver’s chest tightened.
"Even though you’re angry?"
"Especially because I’m angry."
She looked toward him.
"I don’t want us to pretend like nothing happened."
"I don’t either."
"I need time."
"I’ll give you time."
Ravenna smiled faintly.
"Good, but I would prefer if you don’t become distant because of that... when I say this, I feel like I’m contradicting myself but just you know, I’m emotionally invested but mentally I can’t bring myself to accept it just as easily. I feel guilty for that."
She reached over, her hand resting between them.Silver looked at it, then slowly placed his hand over hers. Neither said anything. It wasn’t an answer but she didn’t pull away.
Silver closed his eyes.
For the first time in days, he felt genuinely tired. Ravenna’s breathing gradually became slower. She fell asleep first.
Silver remained awake for a little longer. He looked at her, the white flower from that morning was sitting on the bedside table.
He smiled.
Whatever happened next, he would accept it. Eventually, sleep took him too.