It did not take long.
About twenty minutes later, dense footsteps echoed from deep within the Pipe Network.
Leike walked at the very front.
Or rather, that gray mass walked at the very front. A body made of flesh worms writhed beneath the Marching Lamp's light, with his short brown hair being the only feature proving he was human.
Everyone followed behind him.
Heinrich walked second. The dents in his armor remained, but his Holy Light had recovered for the most part, golden-white glimmers flowing around him.
Two Holy Armor Army knights followed close behind.
Bolen leaned on his cane. Though the old man looked unwell, he was still full of spirit.
The nun kept her head lowered as she walked beside Bolen.
Two members of the Iron Guard Battalion supported Wolf in the middle of the group.
Wolf's head hung low, his feet nearly dragging across the copper surface. He was still in poor condition. Boer brought up the rear.
Thankfully, no one had been lost.
They had all returned.
"Clearly, whoever was chasing him didn't bother with the people behind him."
Glock went forward, quickly counted heads, and immediately began making arrangements once he confirmed everyone was present.
"Support squad, escort the wounded back to the surface. Wolf gets priority treatment. Heinrich, take the knights with you. Nun, you'll be responsible for Wolf's condition."
Heinrich had no objections and nodded.
The nun said nothing either. She merely walked to Wolf's side, her palm hovering behind his back as a faint golden glow flickered in and out.
The two Iron Guard Battalion members supported Wolf as they followed the support squad back.
The footsteps gradually faded away.
The relay point fell quiet.
There were not many people left.
Glock, Lu Yuan, Boer, Bolen, and Leike.
Lu Yuan pulled Glock