The drastic outcome of the explosion arrived faster than I had expected. But, at the same time, it was only the three split pathways that ended up crumbling down. The larger space that we were in at the moment, was not affected.
A few rocks fell from above, however, the cave stood firm. We were lucky with how that last explosion had affected the area. If it had been any stronger or closer to us, we would have already been buried.
Fortunately, we didn't end up dying and getting a burial right away. The others might not have noticed it because of how they were frantically running and focusing on returning to the teleportation point, but we were edging with death quite closely.
Just a few meters too late, and one of us would have died for sure. The reason why I say this is that while I had my eyes constantly on the area where the split pathway is, I saw a few broken pieces of the ceiling falling from above, which would have definitely killed at least a few of us had I delayed our retreat!
"Oh no."
The sense of dread rushed in my mind.
Again, I felt death lingering near me, a sense of incoming danger that, although not as strong as before, had to be taken with precaution right away!
At this moment, while feeling dreadful, I saw more rocks falling from above, about ten to twenty meters behind us. Albeit the rocks were tinier this time, indicating that the cave is still far from crumbling down, the speed and the number of rocks and dust falling made me certain. We were going to get buried if we stopped moving or decreased our speed of running!
"Don't slow down! Run! Run!" I shouted.
Right when I thought things were already at their worst, I saw one big rock falling down at a distance where I could see it happening just enough. As if that rock was a puzzle piece, or a starting domino piece, everything went down at that exact moment.
The ceiling started showing visible cracks that crept closer to me and my people. The cave that we were in was doomed to cave in next!
Other than me, who was being carried, everyone ran with all their might. Although they could not see what was unfolding behind them, I'm sure their backs were feeling uncomfortable.
Their ears must have caught the sound of heavy rocks falling! There was no way they would even think of slowing down. We were all desperate to survive!
After a while, I was dropped aggressively on the floor. Everyone who had been running so hard for the first time in their life felt too exhausted. But they had made it. We had all made it back to the cave that had its ceiling more than ten meters above us.
In such a big cave, and so far from the source of the explosion, it was impossible for us to be buried by rocks and dust.
Once again, all of us have survived the trial of death…
"Cough! Cough!"
I might die soon if I fail to take care of my internal injuries. But I wouldn't allow that to happen, not after every near-death experience that was forced upon me!
How can I possibly waver so easily when I've struggled to survive, and after denying death so many times in this world?!
With a small but sufficient amount of determination ignited within me, I continued to endure the pain in my chest. My hunger hadn't aggressively kicked in yet, so I still had time. It was just pain, something that has become more than a common courtesy to me at this point.
It didn't take me much effort actually. Within a minute, I had already found a few insects to gobble up. It actually didn't take much time for my lungs to recover and that allowed me to breathe again without difficulty. I was in peak condition, which was a whole contrast to those not too far away from me who were still panting while lying on the cold hard floor.
At first, seeing them all too exhausted, I was going to suggest to them to eat, however, I refrained myself from doing that. After all, even though there are a bunch of insects in this place, it isn't infinite. If they use food just to recover their stamina, it would be too much of a waste!
This ability to use food for stamina recovery was very useful in a battle, a battle of endurance where the person with this ability can be the absolute victor with just the addition of rations as a cheat!
Only in this scenario can food be wasted for stamina. I wasn't planning to tell any of them anything about how much of a cheat their ability would be in a fight. Until desperation calls, I would refrain from doing so, as complications could arise if someone or a few others revealed an annoying or insane personality. Also, if I reveal this secret then I would also lose this extra advantage that I have now against these people if they ever decide to go against me.
"You guys okay there?" I questioned as I walked back, closer to my people who were still lying on the cold ground.
"I've managed to heal my injuries with some food that I found nearby. There are still some crawling around. If some of you don't feel well because of exhaustion, eat those. It'll make you feel better," I said next, giving a slight hint to the cheat trick I've figured out. Seeing their pitiful state and feeling sorry for those who had to carry me, I figured I could do as much as give them the hint to eat.
To my words, nobody reacted, however. Everyone seemed to be too preoccupied with trying to catch a breath, to the point that they had become deaf.
'This is no good.' I thought after noticing their response. As the person who is going to train and lead them into becoming fine soldiers, I had to at least teach them the most important basic awareness.
They're as good as dead if they fail to realize that there is an enemy right beside them, ready to strike and kill them at any moment!
I sighed, and I went to sit down next to them.