After Lao Shi parted ways with the Lucky Fugitive, who had narrowly escaped death, less than seven minutes passed before the Riot Squad's autonomous machines arrived at this location. Another minute later, the Riot Squad personnel arrived. After contacting the commander in the rear, they immediately split into two groups and continued the frantic pursuit.
Whether the Lucky Fugitive could remain lucky was none of Lao Shi's concern. He continued maintaining his human form, trudging through the increasingly harsh high-temperature passageway with unsteady steps. He put on a convincing display of fleeing for his life, keeping the distance between himself and the pursuers behind him at six to eight minutes' travel time. Sometimes they drew closer; sometimes they fell farther behind.
This chase continued for about half an hour before Lao Shi gradually slowed down. The distance between the two sides then began shrinking dramatically. Eight minutes, six minutes, three minutes... Eventually, they could vaguely make out each other's figures. The process could not be called particularly smooth, but it was enough to keep the Riot Squad hooked. After winding through twists and turns, they finally descended to a point four or five kilometers beneath the Abandoned Mining Area.
This was already close to the theoretical limit of the mining area.
"Previous operations seem not to have explored to this depth."
"Ah, yes."
"I didn't expect this Fugitive No. 5, who appeared out of nowhere, to be so familiar with the routes through the mining area. No matter what, we've discovered a relatively safe passageway. That counts as an unexpected gain."
The prime-of-life commander at the forward Command Department had spoken, which was equivalent to setting the conclusion. Naturally, everyone around him eagerly agreed.
"Places like this, where filth and scum gather, need to be brought under control in the