Frustration had set in hours ago now, and Guide heaved yet another heavy sigh as they "guarded" the colony's researchers near the bunker of L'hatzif. The group had been trying to crack the keypad code on the bunker’s door, and the air was tense, each failed attempt worsening the sense of irritation. Guide had hoped that something-anything-would have happened by now, but instead, the hours dragged on, and the code remained a mystery. Guide really wasn't one for standing still. Their usual role involved scouting, scaring others off, and occasionally chasing off ill-meaning Xunari off when it came down to it. Now, they were stuck watching researchers type endlessly at a keypad, guessing codes that never worked, and making meaningless notes of the strange etchings. The situation gnawed at Guide’s patience. Another beep from the keypad signaled yet another failed attempt. One of the researchers, Bilo'bjorn, let out a groan of frustration. "We’re never getting this open! We’ve tried every combination we could think of. Maybe it’s a dead end " Guide dug their claws into the dirt, tension filling their body, the urge to act rising. "Can we just break it open?" They asked, only half-joking Or, well, more

like 10% joking. It certainly would be easier. The researchers, however, didn’t seem to share the sentiment, shaking their heads. "We can’t risk damaging the bunker or its contents," Bilo'bjorn replied, his voice filled with a good amount of annoyance. "There could be valuable data inside. We need to be careful." Before Guide could reply, another figure emerged from the monoliths nearby- Howl. She was covered in dirt, which wasn't unusual for her, her mane wild from the round of scouting she had sent herself on a while ago. She had claimed she'd investigate the nearby area, but most of the Xunari present could sense she just needed a moment to herself to process failure after failure. She took one look at Guide’s exasperated expression and sauntered over, curiosity piqued. "What's got you all twisted up?" Howl asked. Guide gestured toward the stubborn bunker door. "We’ve been here for hours. And that's only today! They’ve tried every code, but nothing’s working. I’m starting to think we’ll never get inside." Howl glanced at the keypad and then at the solid metal door. Her eyes gleamed with a mischievous spark. "Have you tried brute force?" Bilo'bjorn shook his head, brows furrowed. "We’ve

talked about it, but we can’t risk damaging whatever’s inside." "Yeah, yeah," Howl waved dismissively. "But have you _really_ thought about it? I mean, Guide’s strong, I’m strong… maybe we can crack it open without wrecking the place. Worth a shot, right?" Guide’s frustration bubbled over, and they nodded vigorously. "I’m in. We can be careful enough." Bilo'bjorn looked uncertain, but before he could object further, Howl had already stepped toward the bunker door, examining the hinges and the metal frame. "It seems old. Rusted in spots. If we can pry it loose from here," she pointed to a weak spot near the base, "we might just get it open without needing the code." Guide felt a rush of adrenaline as they positioned themselves beside Howl. "On three?" "One," Howl began, cracking her knuckles, "two three!" Together, they slammed their shoulders into the door. The old hinges groaned but held. Undeterred, they tried again- only to be met with the same resistance. Bilo'bjorn had seen enough, shooing the two away with a frown on his face.