And now what?" said Simone.
"Uh... well... we head toward the Chang Clan city for the boat. For now, that's the objective," replied Darlius.
"Commander Darlius, you're the one with the map, so you have to guide us," said Simone.
"Stop putting pressure on him, Simone. He looks like he's about to crack," said Tony, laughing.
"A team leader who pisses himself when we're still right outside the base… just imagine how the rest of the mission's gonna go," sighed Aconé.
"I agree with Simone," added Lucien.
Everyone turned their heads toward Lucien — everyone except Darlius.
"We know you've got a thing for Simone, but come on… we might be dying soon, and you're out here playing lover boy?" said Aconé, irritated.
"Yeah, and so what? Like you said, we might die. And I refuse to die without conquering Simone," Lucien said seriously.
Simone held her head in her hands, wondering how someone like Lucien ended up on this mission.
"Idiots never change…" sighed Aconé.
"Oh, sorry, mister 'fastest in the base', do you think I haven't noticed your little game? Funny how you only run full speed when there are girls watching. You think they'll fall for you just because you run fast? What is this, elementary school recess?" shouted Lucien, bursting out laughing.
Tony burst out laughing too. The two of them were the only ones who got the joke — the others had never known the world before.
Lucien and Tony's laughter grew louder and louder, until Simone snapped:
"STOP, YOU TWO! We're outside, not in a break room, so shut it!"
They went silent instantly and glanced at each other.
"Looks like we found the real team leader," Tony said with a small smile.
"What did you just say? Sounds like someone needs a good beating," said Simone, stepping toward him, threatening.
"Nope, I'm good. Normally I'd be down, but since we're out here, I'll pass," Tony said, raising his hands.
"And you, Lucien? What's your choice?" asked Simone, walking toward him.
"Same. Same as him. I've got a bit of self-respect left. I can't get beaten up by the girl I'm in love with..."
"What an idiot…" muttered Simone.
She turned to Darlius.
"Commander Darlius. Let me tell you something. To me, you're just a coward. A crybaby. Honestly, I don't even get how you became a commander. You look like you just want to cling to this damn door, like we're gonna turn back."
She yanked the map from his hands.
"Allow me to lead us. Let's go. You, Commander, are free to stay here. You know damn well they're not going to open the door for you again."
She marched off, everyone following behind.
"Yikes… that stings… she's ruthless," commented Tony, chuckling.
"You really not coming, Asti?" he asked.
"Leave him, he made his choice. He's old enough to decide," replied Dina, taking Asti by the arm.
"Goodbye, Commander," she said calmly.
"It's more like a farewell at this point. I bet he won't even last the night," Tony whispered to Dina.
"You're on. I just hope you don't end up regretting this, Tony."
As they walked farther and farther away, Darlius stayed glued to the door, eyes blank.
"Idiots… you're the ones who are going to die... With all the dangers out here, you won't last long…"
He clung to the door like it was a lifeline.
"Anyway… they'll open it for me, right? They're not gonna leave me to die…?"