The air hung heavy with tension as Connor and Ethan supported the weak and disoriented Professor Adrian. Every step felt like an uphill battle, their progress hindered by the weight of their wounded and weakened comrade. The professor's breath came in ragged gasps, his body battered by the torment he had endured during his captivity. The oppressive atmosphere of the underground tunnels beneath the HADES base only added to their sense of urgency and danger.
Ethan, ever the master of easing tense situations, attempted to engage Professor Adrian in a bit of small talk. "Professor, tell me more about your research topics. Perhaps discussing your passions will help take your mind off our current predicament."