The hurried steps of several pairs of shoes trampled over the white ash and vines. The beams of flashlights wavered wildly, sweeping across the floor and ceiling. The vines lashed out, writhing toward their legs, but with a sharp snap of fingers, they all burst into flames.
Jeong Bin bowed briefly to the man following behind himâMatthewâand raised his voice.
"This is Jeong Bin! Are you there?"
As if in response, a frustrated shout erupted from the end of the corridor.
"I told you, breaking it wonât solve anything! Damn itâ!"
Boom!
The passage trembled with the impact. Jeong Bin and Matthew exchanged glances. The voice belonged to Gyu-gyu. Unlike his usual smooth and carefree tone, he sounded flustered. Something was definitely wrong. Jeong Bin quickly shone his flashlight toward the end of the corridor.
And what it revealed wasâ¦
"Are you listening? This thingâs reinforced, it wonât break easilyâah, damn it, why am I the only one getting attacked? Hey, listen to me! Wow, youâre really strong, huhâ"
Thud!
"Ohhh, I get it now. You want to be buried alive, huh? Is that it? If you want to die, just say soâ!"
It was Gyu-gyu, clinging desperately to someoneâs arms, being dragged like a ragdoll. His fur-lined field jacket and messy, light blue hair bounced wildly as he was tossed around.
Jeong Bin called out, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"...Gyu-gyu-nim?"
Gyu-gyu whipped his head around and yelled,
"Someone stop this lunatic! He wonât listen!"