Chapter 40: A Simulation of What's to Come
The silence after Cream Puff's projection was short, but heavy.
"287 days," George Stormbringer muttered, jaw tight. "Not much time."
"Which is why we can't waste it," Ava said quickly. "There's no point panicking—we need to prepare. Cream Puff's unlocked a new training simulation. It's designed for exactly what's coming."
That got their attention. Even Zephyr sat up straighter.
"Simulation?" Lyra echoed.
"Not like the self-defense drills," Ava explained. "This one's for mutated flora and fauna. It's the safest way to train against things we haven't seen yet without walking straight into danger."
A flicker of interest rippled through the group—cautious curiosity mingled with relief that there was, at least, a plan.
George gave a sharp nod. "Then that's where we start. No excuses. If Novalis is changing, we adapt before it does."
