The silence behind me was unsettling. No pursuit. And that, more than anything, was troubling.
I forced myself to stay focused and kept moving, trying to find either Suhee's cell or the main block where the information was kept.
But it felt like I was going in circles. I kept taking random turns, having forgotten the directions. After what felt like forever, I finally stumbled across a map of the facility floor. To my frustration, I realized I was in the exact opposite direction of both Block C and the main block.
Which meant I had to run all the way back to the spot where I'd taken a left turn, when I should have gone right.
Sometimes even your gut betrays you.
I had wasted precious time, and yet, even after all that, no one was following me. That in itself was wrong.
When I finally reached the right spot, I took the proper turn this time, following the directions from the map.
The entrance to the main block came into view. Block C was beyond it, which meant I had to stay sharp, ready for traps, or worse, an ambush.
Sure enough, a few steps in, I found three people waiting in the main block.
The numbered.
All three of them.
Taking on even one of them was a challenge. Facing three at once, all with otherworldly powers, was a different story.
Still, I trusted my training. I chose to believe I could win.
I approached carefully, just as Mr. Park had drilled into us. Protect the chin. Guard up. Always cautious.
I struck first, aiming a punch at No. 6, the most dangerous of the three. But before it could land, No. 13 retaliated, his fists slamming into my ribs with brutal force. His punches were heavy, each one rattled me. Then No. 11 joined in.
Two opponents were already overwhelming. Three pushed me to the edge. Even with my body reinforced by ether, their combined assault was wearing me down.
To be continued...