"I never thought you'd grow to such an extent, Mr Mirage!"
John and Ricky split up the moment they crossed the Military Department's main territory.
Ricky had been entrusted with a vital asset: one of the specialised potions John had synthesised in a hurry when he spotted Mark's presence, a potion that granted absolute protection against the debilitating effects of the black fog for one hour.
While Ricky moved toward his objective with the confidence of a man wearing invisible armour, John headed directly for the infirmary.
He could feel Nikolas's shadow sticking to his side from a distance. The teacher wasn't interfering, but he was watching out for any unexpected schemes Mark might attempt. Nikolas was the insurance policy, but John was the executioner.
The moment John stepped through the heavy doors of the medic wing, the environment shifted. The sterile, white hallway was instantly swallowed by a thick, suffocating black fog.
