The City-section, the most beautiful part of the Inside with its city-like aesthetic and decorative looks that made it look like a tourist attraction in a northeastern country in Asia with its city lights that flooded the place and buildings. The only thing unwelcoming of the place was its horde of humanoids that chase the life out of you.
Block-16, with Red and Cat on the lead, finally found an entrance to a 'skyscraper-like building' judging by how tall it was. The group did not hesitate to invade the place even though there were chances that more humanoids lurk within. They more or less had no choice but to shake the humanoids off their tail, even if it meant encountering another group of humanoids.
"This way." Red motioned, heading towards a room.
As soon as the others went inside, Red and Scar barricaded the room with bookshelves.
The group fell flat on the floor as exhaustion finally hit them. It had been the most energy-consuming activity that they'd ever done ever since they woke up inside the Asterisk.
"That Jarxen, he told us everything we need to know about the outclass humanoids but he left the most important info about the Inside." Blond still hasn't gotten over Jarxen as he complained. Still, it's not like he didn't expect this one from happening. In fact, he already had contingency plans about their current situation, the only thing he needed was a brief rest to sort themselves out.
"That was easier than I thought." Red sardonically said as he sat down with the rest. Unlike the others, Red didn't look tired at all. It's as if he just went on a morning stroll and came back without breaking a sweat.
"Yeah, right. It was a walk in the park, yeah?" Blond struggled to let his words out as he continuously panted, trying to catch his breath. Compared to the others, Blond looked the most out of shape.
After a few minutes of resting, Curl stood up and distributed a few rations for everyone. Although they have to cross the City-section as fast as possible, they had no choice but to rest for a little bit more before heading out. Meanwhile, Red tried to update everyone with the next step of their plan.
"Cat, any ideas?" Red asked her as he comfortably lay down on his back. Ever since Red woke up, he never suggested anything for their plans; he just goes along with it and it seemed suspicious to Blond and the others. Unbeknownst to them, Red could've easily gotten them out of their predicament if he wanted to. It's just that, he wanted to see what everyone's capabilities are when it comes to the mock battle.
After this assessment, their roles for the upcoming Runners Suvivors would be much more streamlined than before. For now, I'd just step back and see what they do. Red said to himself as he casually listened to them.
"We could do the same tactics as we did from the Starting Point. Rooftop-hopping sounds like the most plausible idea for now. And if that doesn't work, we'll just have to continue our 'blitzkrieg tactic' of sprinting a short distance and resting. What do you think, Red?" Blond asked. Since Cat wasn't speaking, he took over and was the first one to suggest his idea.
"They're both good suggestions. If everyone's on board, we can head out now." Red responded, bringing his legs up and springing from lying to standing position like a martial artist. "Just one thing, Blond, I know you're better than that."
"I could say the same thing to you, Red. Why are you going along with any of our suggestions? I know you already have a better plan to get us out of here. Why don't you do so?"
"Blond... I mean, this goes with everyone, not just him." Suddenly, Red's face turned into a serious one as he began. "The next event, it's a hundred times harder than this one. That said, you can't just rely on me the whole time. In the next event, getting separated from the group would be as normal as night and day. That's why I want to see how capable all of you are, to secure that you survive the next event. I can't tell you the details but I can say for sure that this is like a walk in the park compared to the next event. That's why I'm going to be an observer for now and teach you everything you need to survive."
"The next event? Is that related to the map I found in my hidden pocket?" Blond asked. "By the looks of things, I'm inclined to believe you. You mentioned that it would be much more difficult, then it's safe to assume that it would be tough for you as well, am I right?"
Red nodded. "I can't watch over everyone, otherwise I'd die on the first few minutes of the next event. I'll tell you everything when the time comes." Red said. "Now, is everyone okay with Blond's plan? It'd be best if we get a move on now, otherwise, we're wasting precious time."
"Here we go again. Why'd you have to be so cryptic, Red?" Scar scratched his head as he stood up along with the rest of the group.
"I can't cause unnecessary panic, can I?" Red simply responded. "Make your tasers at the ready before we head out. The first thing you need to learn is always expect the worst-case scenario and have some idea in mind how to counter it. Blond is already an expert at it but all of you need to relearn this."
"Relearn?"
"Yes, relearn. I'll tell you when the time comes." Red went on again about telling them in the future. This kept group wondering and by now, they were more or less sure that Red knows more than they think.
Judging Red's sudden changes in his character, that was probably the case.
After filling their stomach light food, the group finally exited the building through a window that leads to a nearby rooftop. Cat was the first one to jump, followed by Blond and Red then the next ones came after that.
Compared to the Starting Point, the City-section had houses much closer to each other. This made rooftop-hopping much easier for the group. Pretty soon, the group traveled a little less than a mile in ease.
"This is much easier than expected." Scar commented. He finally got used to everyone's pace and his breathing finally went back to normal. "At this rate, we'll get out of here with plenty of time to spare."
"Don't let your guard down," Blond advised as he tried to keep up with Cat and Red. Although he improved a little bit, he was still having a hard time since physical activity wasn't his specialty. "Remember what Red said, we have to assume the worst-case scenario and try to find a way to counter it. It might have a small chance of happening but sometimes, your luck just runs out without your consent."
"I understand, but at the rate, we're going, what could go... " Scar then swallowed back his words as he looked back. "Wait, are you kidding me?!"
"So that's what it is... " Blond almost laughed at himself. "RED! WE HAVE TO QUICKEN OUR PACE!"
Without looking back, Red increased the pace as he spoke. "I'm guessing, the humanoids are catching up behind us, right? And they aren't running on the ground, they're jumping from rooftop to rooftop like us."
"H-how did you... you know, Red?" Cat asked.
"I already told you earlier, assume the worst-case scenario on everything. In regards to rooftop-hopping, this is the worst-case scenario." Red answered with a straight face. He was expecting it to happen but now that it's already here, Red only had one thought in mind.
It was worse than he thought.
Silvery silhouettes leaped from one roof to the other, getting nearer and nearer to the group as seconds passed since they were relatively faster than Red and the others. Underneath the artificial sunlight that streaked all over the Inside, two groups scaled the rooftops, one being the pursuer and the other pursued. The pursued looked like normale teenagers, running from their life as they free-ran on the rooftops, while the pursuant looked like humans with shiny silver skin that reflected the sunlight manifested from the Inside ceiling.
After a few seconds, Red finally had the leisure to look behind them. Blond couldn't believe Red's expression as his mouth gaped open in shock. As soon as Red noticed it, he knew that they were, in fact, in the worst-case scenario. Red was the only one to catch sight of it since his sight is slightly better than the others. He considered telling Blond and the others but in the end, he decided not to tell them since that would only cause needless panic.
And panic often leads to slip-ups and mistakes.
Red took another glance to reconfirm what's happening and unfortunately, it was as true as day.
Hundreds of outclass humanoids were chasing them!