Hope's gaze shifted toward Kelvin, who had removed his helmet and placed it beside him.
Even with his face now exposed, it was hard to make out his features in the dimness of their makeshift shelter. Shadows clung to his form, and the only source of light was the eerie glow filtering in from the fractured outside world. What little Hope could see told him Kelvin was rough-looking—short, damp hair that clung to his forehead, sharp features, and an expression that remained unreadable.
His eyes, however, were alert. Watching.
Hope didn't trust him. Not fully.
Then again, he didn't trust anyone.
Letting out a quiet breath, he shifted his gaze to Walker, who was sprawled out on the ground, barely moving. His thin frame looked even more fragile under the faint light, his limbs stretched awkwardly as though he had simply collapsed from exhaustion.
Hope shook his head.
He wasn't much better himself.
Lowering his gaze, he looked down at his own state—his blood-stained jacket, the sleeves torn and stiff with dried crimson, the two mismatched boots on his feet, one newer than the other. He probably looked like he had crawled out of a mass grave.
He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
Survival looks ugly.
Then, movement caught his attention.
Kelvin raised his hand, and just like that, his full armor shimmered, breaking apart into specks of light. The pieces scattered like fireflies, drifting for a moment before flowing toward him, sinking into his body as if being absorbed.
Hope watched, silent.
So that's how it works.
His mind lingered on the thought, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.
Kelvin now stood in a simple, rugged tunic with dark pants and boots, his broad frame still imposing even without the armor. He stretched his arms briefly, rolling his shoulders as if relieved to be free from the heavy plates.
Hope exhaled through his nose.
"Cool," he thought, though he'd never say it out loud.
Instead, he adjusted his position against the rough stone wall, closing his eyes for a brief moment.
For now, he had no choice but to stick with these two.
At least until he figured out his next move.