"I'm certain; I've seen this ring before," Michael said, his expression reflecting the moment of recognition, as if he had stumbled upon a long-lost treasure from the past."Are you sure about this?" Yoshi inquired with interest, now focused on the ring."Yeah, I'm sure. I remember seeing this ring when everything fell apart; it cost me my friend's life," Michael replied, recalling fragments of his memories where he had seen the ring."Could you provide any details about the ring?" Bai asked with curiosity, eager to understand the connection they had to the ring."I don't remember much, just a little. I think I found the ring somewhere, and it led to my friend being killed. That's all I can recall the rest is just a blur of events," Michael replied, massaging his temples as his mind felt clouded. He realized that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't remember any more about that night; it was as if it were locked away or something."There goes our only clue. Now we're back to square

"We're making our way to the center of the zone where the research facility is situated. Do you know the quickest route?" Yoshi inquired of Von, whose face brightened with delight."You're in luck; I worked with building analysis and learned about the structure of the zone. That's how I was able to know about the existence of this place." Von responded with enthusiasm, aware that he had the opportunity to return the favor that Yoshi had offered him."Are you aware of the quickest route to reach that destination or not?" Henry stepped forward and inquired with impatience."There's a way to reach the facility quickly. While inspecting this underground sewer passage, I noticed a section on the blueprint that functions as a service tunnel. It provides a direct route to the facility. When everything fell apart, I sent our scout, the only one with cloaking ability, to investigate. Tom returned with news that it was infested with Reapers and 'them'. We abandoned that plan and settled here ins

"Racheal, please use your flames to create a barricade on both sides; that will allow us some time to devise a plan." Micheal issued an order to Racheal with a calm demeanor, and she nodded before swiftly executing the command. From their earlier encounter with the undead above ground, they recognized that Racheal's flames had a significant impact on them.WHOOSHRacheal unleashed her flames upon the approaching Reapers, sending them tumbling into their comrades behind. A barrier of fire ignited on both sides, effectively dividing the team from their foes. This provided the team with an opportunity to take a moment to relax."Excellent job, Racheal. Now, Bai and Hei, could you please clarify the nature of your abilities?" Micheal offered Racheal a smile, a feat that was notably challenging given their current circumstances. He then shifted his gaze to the brothers, who, for once, wore serious expressions."I can manipulate light to achieve various effects," Bai replied, observing how M

Still within the sewers, the team navigated through the foul stream of liquid sewage, remaining vigilant for any sign of the new threat posed by Scrapers, while also drawing closer to the service tunnel; it was now just a few turns away from their destination."I'm telling you, after becoming a mutant, he could see sounds and hear images. I don't understand why this is so difficult for you all to grasp." Bai's voice carried a hint of betrayal, reflecting his friend's apparent distrust in his words."I have encountered creepers, Reapers, octoworms, and a plethora of unimaginable phenomena, but the idea of someone hearing images and seeing sound—how is it even possible to hear images? Do you ever pay attention to the words you speak?" Henry, who stood to the left of Bai, sighed as he pondered the absurdity of human imagination. Yet, considering Bai's outrageous behavior, it seemed he might not be entirely human himself; perhaps he Hailed from the planet 'oogle g****e'."Yeah, I am indeed

"Are you all the only ones down here?" Micheal inquired, skillfully sidestepping the questions and alleviating the uncomfortable tension."Pardon me, I apologize. Allow me to reintroduce myself: I am Greg, and this is my wife, Doctor Anna." It was only upon hearing Micheal's question that Greg recalled they had not adequately introduced themselves."It's a pleasure to meet you, Greg and Anna. I'm Micheal, and these are my teammates: Henry, Racheal, Hei, Yoshi, and Bai." Micheal nodded respectfully as he introduced himself and his team."Nice to meet you all," Anna replied with a warm smile."It is a pleasure to meet everyone. I take it you are the captain, correct?" Greg also nodded toward the group before turning back to Michael, who nodded in response."That's correct, I'm the captain. Although we just met, we need to skip the introductions. We've only been assigned here for five days, and after that, a nuclear option will be necessary to prevent any spread. We've already spent nearl