The trail of blood continued.
Fresh.
Still wet.
Munnu crouched beside it.
"They're close."
One of the Outlaws nodded.
"They couldn't have gone far."
The corridor narrowed.
Old laboratory walls slowly gave way to rough natural stone.
It looked as though the underground tunnels had collapsed long ago.
Wooden supports had been hastily installed to prevent another cave-in.
Kai looked around.
"This wasn't built."
"It broke."
Munnu nodded.
"Stay sharp."
Nobody argued.
The group advanced carefully.
Every footstep echoed through the tunnel.
Then—
"...Captain?"
A weak voice.
Everyone froze.
Munnu's eyes widened.
"Jabir?!"
A hand emerged from behind a collapsed support beam.
Then another.
Two figures slowly crawled into view.
Covered in dust.
Bruised.
Exhausted.
But alive.
"Captain..."
Jabir smiled weakly.
"I knew you'd come."
The Outlaws immediately rushed over.
"You idiots!"
"You had us worried!"
Omar laughed painfully.
"Told him."
"I said the Captain wouldn't leave us."
Munnu pulled both men to their feet.
"You two owe everyone drinks."
Jabir grinned.
"If we survive."
"We'll buy the whole tavern."
Laughter spread through the group.
Even Kai smiled.
For a brief moment...
Everything felt lighter.