Page 172 of Knot Their Fated M.U.S.E

Curiosity and growing concern prompt verbal inquiry despite Sable's obvious awareness of our situation.

"What's burning?" I question while reaching for combat gear with movements that prioritize speed over comfort during equipment acquisition and tactical preparation.

His response emerges with characteristic precision that acknowledges environmental reality while providing context for institutional methodology.

"The moment we open that door, we're most likely going to need to run for it because the level is being burned," Sable states with judicial calm that treats potential crisis as a routine operational parameter rather than an exceptional threat.

His matter-of-fact delivery suggests familiarity with such procedures despite obvious danger and systematic threat to continued survival.

The tone carries acceptance rather than alarm, a professional assessment that treats burning levels as standard institutional practice rather than an emergency situation requiring panic or a desperate response.

Yet something about his casual acknowledgment of systematic burning triggers a need for clarification regarding frequency and institutional patterns.

"You make it seem as if this is a recurring thing," I observe while securing a tactical vest with practiced efficiency that speaks to military training and combat preparation.

His confirmation arrives with disturbing casualness that reveals depths of institutional cruelty I hadn't fully comprehended.

"It is," he responds with judicial precision that reduces systematic horror to operational procedure and routine maintenance. "How else do you think they get rid of the stench of piled bodies?"

The revelation hits with force that temporarily halts equipment preparation despite growing urgency and environmental threats.

Systematic disposal of accumulated corpses through controlled burning, institutional efficiency applied to death management, and facility maintenance. The casual acknowledgment speaks to the normalization of violence that exceeds even my extensive combat experience and tactical conditioning.

Yet disgust fails to materialize despite the obvious horror of such systematic disposal methods.

Six years of fighting pit existence, of daily violence and systematic elimination of opponents, has created acceptance of death as an operational reality rather than the tragic outcome. The institutional burning represents a logical conclusion to systematic violence rather than a shocking revelation.

My nod acknowledges understanding without expressing judgment regarding institutional methodology or systematic disposal practices.

"I'll wet a cloth so we can wrap it around Jinx's face to prevent potential smoke inhalation," I state with tactical precision that prioritizes pack protection over philosophical consideration of institutional cruelty.

Sable's agreement comes with immediate approval that recognizes practical necessity over continued discussion of systematic horror.

The judicial mind apparently reaches similar conclusions regarding the priority of immediate survival over academic consideration of institutional methodology and operational procedures.

Moving with practiced efficiency, I retrieve clean fabric from available supplies while accessing water from basic bathroom facilities.

The cloth requires sufficient moisture to filter airborne particles without creating breathing obstruction or comfort compromise. Tactical consideration balanced against practical necessity and immediate protection requirements.

Meanwhile, Sable completes preparation of Jinx's unconscious form with gentle precision that demonstrates pack loyalty alongside tactical efficiency.

Her limp body accepts equipment positioning without resistance, trust manifested through complete vulnerability and systematic dependency on Alpha protection during medical incapacitation and environmental threats.

The combat gear transforms her from a sleeping civilian into an equipped operative despite continued unconsciousness.

Tactical vest secured across curves that maturity enhanced without sacrificing essential architecture, weapons positioned for optimal access despite current incapacitation, medical supplies arranged for immediate deployment should circumstances require emergency treatment.

When I return with prepared breathing protection, the sight of her equipped form sends satisfaction through my system despite growing environmental urgency.

Ready for whatever challenges await beyond our sanctuary, prepared through pack cooperation and systematic equipment provision that suggests institutional investment in continued survival rather than immediate disposal.

Securing the damp cloth across her nose and mouth requires delicate positioning that maintains breathing function while providing filtration against smoke inhalation.

The fabric creates a barrier without obstruction, allowing normal respiratory patterns while preventing harmful particle infiltration during potential exposure to burning facilities and systematic disposal operations.

My own combat preparation proceeds with military efficiency that prioritizes function over comfort during equipment acquisition.

Tactical pants fit with precision that suggests accurate measurement rather than standard sizing, reinforced areas positioned for optimal protection during combat engagement, and systematic movement across hostile terrain.

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