Evacuation

We made for the cave, and up through the 8th and 7th layers, which were still deserted, at breakneck speed. The moment we reached the 6th, we started seeing Sentinels, though not at the teeming levels Nan Hong had indicated. "There aren't any humans besides you guys that I can sense," said Chen Huan, "probably, everyone who was here when it started either got out or couldn't make it."

"Let's keep up the pace, then," said Jue Zhu, "Zuhui, call the quickest route to the 5th layer entrance. Jong, hold the rear with our Sacred Beasts while I carve the forward path. Heihei, Xiao Min, watch for attacks from unexpected angles and warn us accordingly!"

Huh. For a guy not comfortable with being called our leader a day ago, he's sure stepping up.