The door clicked shut behind them.
Finally—home.
Ava didn't even hesitate.
"First."
Lucas didn't even look up as he tossed the bag of beast cores onto the counter. "First what?"
Ava was already heading toward the bathroom."First dibs. I stink."
Lucas sighed, pulling off his hoodie. "You always stink, Zhang."
Ava shot him a mock glare over her shoulder."And yet, you keep dragging me into deals. Funny how that works."
Lucas smirked. "I enjoy suffering."
Ava rolled her eyes and shut the door behind her.
The water hit her skin, hot and real, slicing through layers of sweat, blood, and bunker grime.
For exactly two seconds, she let herself enjoy it.
Then—her system flickered.
[ Water Ration: 38 Seconds Remaining. ]
Ava swore and moved fast.
Soap—**actual soap—**foamed under her hands, cutting through the last remnants of underground filth.
She rinsed hard, fingers scrubbing over her scalp, forcing out every last trace of tunnel dust.
[ 10 Seconds Remaining. ]
