Edge of the Labyrinth

Harper remained expressionless and gave a curt nod, offering a polite "after you" gesture without saying a word.

The three survivors from Server 109 didn't just turn and run. Gripping their weapons tightly, they stayed locked in a back-to-back formation, facing Harper as they took painfully slow, measured steps backward toward the corridor they came from.

They kept smiling at her the entire time,