After a little while...

By the time we've return to the hallway, the others are already there.

"Now then, why don't we present what we have found?" Doreen asks.

"That sounds good. I'll start, then." Victoria says.

"Hold up." Lupin looks up at the ceiling. "Damn... I was right about having a bad feeling!"

"Hmph.. A narrow underground passageway. It's good they're only coming from one direction, but it's still bothersome." Van Helsing's guns are suddenly in her hands.

"Huh? What? What are you taking about?" Nemo asks.

"Behind us... They're pretty far back, but enemies are on their way." Lupin says.

"Truly, they spring up wherever we go. I'm becoming quite tired of them." Doreen says.

"They are a government organisation, after all. They have manpower and skill. Though I'm inclined to agree with Doreen." Van Helsing says.

"You mean, Progenitor's here...?!" Victoria asks.

"No... We worked so hard to get here. How did they find out about this place?" I ask.

"We'll think about that later. Right now, we need to focus on figuring out a way to get out of this moody tomb." Lupin says.

"A-Are you sure you are't mishearing? The King guaranteed our safety. Progenitor shouldn't be able to harm us...!" Victoria says.

"It must mean they want to deal with us so badly that they're ignoring those orders." Lupin says.

"No, we're merely an afterthought. Progenitor's true target has always been Mister Caleb. Aren't you the popular one?" Doreen asks.

"Th-That doesn't make me happy at all..." I say.

"Either way, getting captured here isn't an option. Let's find an exit." Van Helsing says.

The lights suddenly go out.

It's so dark, I can barely see my hands in front of my face.

"Whoooooa! It's so dark!" Nemo says.

"Damn! They're headed this way. They must be trying to take us all out while we can't see...!" Lupin says.

"There's only one option left to us. Lupin, back me up and distract them. I'll take the lead and subdue the enemy forces." Van Helsing says. "Caleb, you go with Doreen. With her skills, you'll be able to get past most obstacles."

"You've set the bar so high for me. I'll do my best not to let you down." Doreen says.

"Victoria, Nemo, you just take care of yourselves and get out of here as soon as you can." Van Helsing says.

"What? Are you saying we belong on the sidelines? What's this all about?" Nemo asks.

"That's not what I'm saying. It's just the most effective course of action right now. Some things only the two of you can do." Van Helsing says. "So, for now, we need you to retreat."

"Don't underestimate the strength of the fabulous Captain Nemo. Anyway, I'd be failing as a girlfriend if I left him behind." Nemo says.

"I can help, too. I ran from the Yard for a while before I bet you. I have the means to fight back." Victoria says. "If they mean to attack us in the dark, the opponents should be wearing the latest night-vision equipment. My flash grenades will work wonders against enemies like that."

"Hear that? What's the verdict, Van Helsing?" Lupin asks.

"...Hmph. Idiots who know nothing about battle tactics. Do as you please." Van Helsing says.

"Sure, sure, we'll just do our thing and save the day!" Nemo says.

"Caleb, Doreen, look for an exit from a different route. This place is huge, so there's likely another way out." Lupin says.

"What if there isn't another exit?" I ask.

"Don't pray, and don't give up. Use all the knowledge you have and keep thinking. No matter how hopeless...choose to live." Lupin says.

"I'll do my best." I say.

"Now... My eyes have gotten quite used to the darkness. Let's get moving." Doreen says.

"You 'got used' to total darkness...?" Victoria asks.

"No problems here." Lupin says.

"Same." Van Helsing says.

"I've always had good eyesight!" Nemo says.

"It's not that dark." I say.

"Y-You guys are all weird..." Victoria says.

"Looks like the party's arrived." Lupin says.

"Our plan is simple: Greet them with fire. Caleb, go." Van Helsing says.

"All right. Be safe, everyone!" I say.

"Doreen, take care of him." Victoria says.

"I vow to protect him. Shall we be off?" Doreen asks.

As soon as we start running, I hear the sound of fighting behind us. I turn around, but Dorian grabs my hand.

"It will be all right. Let's trust them. Just worry about yourself for right now." Doreen says.

"...Yes." For a while I with all my might. That's when I notice something missing. Doreen was supposed to be ahead of me, but I no longer feel her presence. "Doreen...? Where are you?" I stop moving. I carefully call out to her softly, but there's no response. When did we get separated? "Oh, no..." In the darkness where I can barely see, the fact that I know I am not alone scares me. I try to remember what everyone taught me, and **** my emotions to remain stable. I absolutely must remain calm. First, I need to make sure I'm safe, then I go back once I've brought an escape route. I'm going on ahead. I start to run through the darkness again.