Tap tap tap...
Crisp footsteps echoed through the empty corridor. The black metal surface reflected a pale green fluorescence, dim and blurry.
Merrill ran at the front, glancing at the wristwatch on her arm as she ran. It was a regular electronic watch, but with a small column of mercury added to one side, resembling a thermometer. At the moment, the column of mercury was slowly descending, having passed a little more than halfway, about one third remaining.
A ring of pale green dots fluttered around Merrill like fireflies. The pale green fluorescent light emanated from these dots, and at the same time, a pale green barrier spread out from these points of light, enveloping everyone.
"How much farther?" Lin You asked, running through the base and feeling an inexplicable shiver. "Why does it feel like it's been forever..."