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墨書 Inktalez
I could tell that Fatty really liked this sword.
Fatty slung the Black Longsword over his back, nodded at me, and turned to chase after Jack and the Hakka People.
I sighed; it was unexpected how easily I could persuade Fatty. I was genuinely grateful to him. If he had insisted on staying, I would have definitely stayed with him until the end. I couldn't leave him behind. Thank you for giving me a way out.
When we arrived at the Metal Room, the two warriors stationed there were present, one of whom I recognized as Cui Zhiqiang. They seemed to have rested well, their mental and physical conditions much better than ours. Even the severely injured warrior, who had just undergone surgery, was able to move with assistance.
I urged everyone to take a moment to rest and eat something to regain some strength while I walked straight to the metal door. I pressed my right hand against it, carefully sensing the movements outside.
Outside, the water flow in the Metal Passage had receded; I didn't feel the faint vibrations of water brushing against the metal door. The distant rumbling had also faded away. Aside from the sounds of us eating and whispering, there was no other noise in the entire Metal Room or corridor.
Everyone was eating except for Fatty. I grabbed some compressed food and approached him, only to find him sitting alone in a corner with his eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought and ignoring everyone around him.
"Have something to eat," I said, patting him on the shoulder.
Fatty shook his head without speaking or opening his eyes.
I wanted to persuade him but didn't know how to start. Worried about bringing up painful memories, I sighed and walked over to Jack and A San.
"San Er, how are you doing?"
A San sat on the ground, eating while rubbing his chest. "Much better. It still hurts when I breathe heavily, but it should be fine as long as I don't touch it. It shouldn't be broken."
I breathed a sigh of relief and sat down beside him. "Once we finish eating, we need to set off. After leaving the Metal Passage, we'll have to climb up high along the cliff to reach the Dam. Can you manage?"
"Yeah, no problem," A San replied quickly.
I patted his shoulder. "That's good."
I watched as a few people finished their meals before getting up and walking over to Fatty. "Can I borrow your knife?"
Fatty, eyes closed, handed me the knife.
I grabbed the Black Longsword and approached the metal door. I inserted the blade into the crack of the door and forcefully pried it open, creating a gap about the thickness of a fingernail in the middle of the metal door.
A strong, pungent wind rushed in through the gap, making my eyes water. However, no water flowed in. I finally felt relieved.
I withdrew the Black Longsword, and the gap instantly closed. The door was well-sealed. The moment the gap sealed shut, the strong wind abruptly stopped, isolated outside.
But I couldn't open this door alone. Although the Black Longsword could pry it open a little, I needed at least two people to assist in opening it wide enough for one person to pass through.
I shook my head at Jack, signaling him to come help. Jack stuffed the last piece of compressed food into his mouth and chewed as he walked over.
"The smell outside is quite strong; it's best to take protective measures. For example..." I pulled up my turtleneck sweater to cover my mouth and nose. "Like this. If anyone has wind goggles, put them on too."
Jack nodded, tearing a piece of cloth from his clothing to cover his mouth and nose, tying it behind his head. Then he turned back to signal the others to do the same.
"How's A San's injury? Can he manage to climb independently?"
Even though A San assured me he was fine, I knew he might be afraid I'd leave him behind while he struggled. If his condition wasn't as good as he claimed, climbing that steep and high cliff would be dangerous with unpredictable consequences.
I wanted to know everyone's true condition so I could devise a more reasonable plan. Having come this far, I didn't want anyone else to get hurt; I couldn't bear any more unexpected incidents.
"Not a big problem," Jack affirmed. "No broken bones; it's just soft tissue bruising. If the height is too great, he'll need rest time; he won't be able to endure prolonged exertion."
I nodded. "Got it."
Jack looked at me. "What are your plans?"
I shook my head. "None. If keeping everyone alive and getting them out of this hellhole counts as a plan, then that's mine."
Jack's eyes brightened for a moment. "Zhang, you know what? You really have leadership qualities. You inspire trust."
I gave a wry smile. "American Guy, stop exaggerating. Don't I know my own personality? I actually think you're more suited to be the leader; at least you're more decisive than I am."
Jack shook his head, his gaze fixed on me. "I used to think that way too, even believed you were too soft. But my thoughts have changed.
According to the assessment from AE, responsibility is your strength. That's why I'm willing to work with you.
It's a great quality. A San..."
Jack turned to look at the Vietnamese person resting on the ground.
"He knows he can't beat Song Guilong, but he didn't hesitate; he was the first to charge at Song Guilong. Because he knows that as long as he's alive, you won't abandon him. Even in death, there will be someone by his side.
Your qualities allow your team members to give their all without worry. They aren't afraid of being abandoned.
As for me... I don't have that ability. I won't easily give up on my teammates, but when it's time to let go, I will do so decisively. I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
But it makes my team members hesitant to give their all; everyone holds back, not wanting to put themselves in a dire situation. They have their concerns.
That's something I can't learn. You inspire trust, even in me."
I lowered my head and thought for a moment. "Maybe."
I didn't think my quality was particularly noble; I still considered it a shortcoming. However, A San's performance truly surprised me. Gaining the recognition of Jack and the other teammates would at least be beneficial for our upcoming actions, and I had no intention of disputing that.
"This door is too tight; we can't open it. Let's call someone else over," I quickly shifted the topic to Jack.
Jack turned around and shouted, and Cui Zhiqiang and A-Yong ran over together.
I used the Black Longsword to pry open a gap in the door, while Jack and the other two pulled on one of the doors with all their might. Although it was slow, the gap gradually widened. When it became large enough for the Black Longsword to lie flat between them, the inward force of the metal door suddenly disappeared, and with a whoosh, the door swung fully open.
I jumped out of the Metal Room and observed the Metal Passage under the light of the One-Eyed Beast Flashlight. There were traces of water on the ground, but the water marks on the walls had already dried. The pungent smell carried by the wind made my eyes uncomfortable. Fortunately, I covered my mouth and nose; otherwise, the irritation to my respiratory system would have been even stronger.
A San was already able to move independently; although his speed was slow, it wasn't a problem. There were those slower than him.
The warrior who had undergone surgery couldn't carry anything due to his injuries in the chest and abdomen; any pressure would be harmful. Fortunately, he could move with assistance from others. A-Yong and Cui Zhiqiang supported him on either side. Naturally, their speed couldn't pick up.
Fatty and I were at the front, while I instructed Jack and Tang Yumo to bring up the rear. I didn't want those two appearing under Fatty's nose; he was currently very unstable emotionally, and those two didn't get along with him.
(To Be Continued)
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