Unfortunately, the plan unraveled the moment they heard boots echo against the concrete floor. Three pairs of eyes snapped toward the sound, staring at the entrance.
A gruff voice rang, tinged with caution, "Who are you?"
Ashrik, Isaac and Kevin had just turned toward the stairwell when figures emerged from the building's broken doors. Harsh white beam cut through the dimness, coming from several torchlights.
"Damn it," Isaac cursed under his breath. "They're so quick."
Espers stepped forward first, their eyes scanning the shadows. Behind them, soldiers with weapons followed closely while raising their rifles.
"W-what we gonna do?" Kevin whispered, face draining of color. "My brother... What if they killed my brother?"
Despite being discovered by the military unit, Ashrik remained calm. He didn't bother putting up the cloth mask again. At the same time, he signaled to Isaac to stay near Kevin.
"Humans," one of the soldiers said, quite uncertain. "Three of them."
