Chapter 39

• “Dice, are you sure I can actually do this?” Gala looked hesitant, especially with the virtual shooting arena Dice had summoned now stretching out in front of him. He’d woken up that morning fully committed to the plan. Dice had asked him repeatedly if he was certain—so many times that Gala nearly snapped from how incessantly Dice kept questioning his resolve. His stomach had been in knots from the stress.
• “I just wanted to be sure that the decision you made wasn’t out of some fleeting emotion,” Dice replied calmly. “But truly from deep within. Rescuing Mrs. Bellamie carries an enormous risk. You’ve had no training—no preparation—for combat or survival in high-threat situations. That’s why I must make absolutely sure you’re ready.”
• Gala had brushed off those words earlier that morning, but now, as he stood fully armed, he had to admit Dice had a point. They didn’t take the main road out of the city. Instead, they trekked through a dense forest along the border—by design. Dice had explained that the journey to Northern Metro would give them time, and space, for Gala to train—both to defend himself and to strike. Dice believed that all Gala needed was a strong enough trigger to awaken what was in his blood.