Chapter 65: Collapse.
Epsilon didn’t understand. The red-haired kid should have been only a skilled but foolish Diver whose youth drove him to a challenge beyond his abilities. Youngsters like that were everywhere. They feel invincible and think they could take on the whole world, but eventually they all run into a wall they can’t climb, a rift impossible to pass, and the cruel reality catches up to them, teaches them their rightful place.
Epsilon knew such people very well, because he was once one of them. That’s why he believed he could break him, throw him to the depths of the abyss, but that was a mistake. The same mistake that almost ended his life years ago. His foolishness led to him underestimating another challenge, and that challenge came back to bite him. This time, however, it was unlikely that he would make it out alive.
The arena was on the second basement floor, while the first one was a parking lot that remained empty most of the time. Crossing the two brought one to the ground floor of the building serving to camouflage the underground base, which was nothing more than a residential building as far as anyone was concerned.
The exit was near, but Epsilon didn’t dare let his guard down. Not that it mattered—there wasn’t much they could do against someone who could spawn holes under their feet, and watching their steps had meant nothing for the same reason. Their best choice was to run, and run, and run some more, all while hoping that the ground wouldn’t swallow them, leaving only their heads behind.
A faint tremor rose from below and gradually magnified as it washed over the fleeing group. Epsilon felt it even while riding on Rocky’s shoulder, and at the same time he was made aware of the shooting having stopped, giving him another bad premonition.
It was far too easy to forget that they were dealing with more than one hero. Flare’s presence was overshadowed by the one who called himself Dante, but that didn’t mean the young girl didn’t pose any danger. She was a powerful Genome herself, and her ability to control flames wasn’t to be underestimated.
The young hero was already on their tail. If she were to catch up with them, they would have to forget all about escaping until she’s dealt with. That’s why they had to make it out.
They had to reach the door. Only a few meters were left. Right around that one corner was a short corridor that led to the garages. Once there, Epsilon only needed to send a signal, and his escape vehicle would start on its own.
"Don’t stop!" He yelled. "Keep going!"