All he could feel was regret.
His eyes burned, his vision blurred through the large tears falling one after another. He hated himself for failing to overcome even such a simple obstacle and desperately wanted to prove himself, to make up for it.
Back in the sealed Simulation Scenario, the frail boy knelt on the ground, sobbing soundlessly through his tears.
There was no blame, nor was it consolation offered out of politeness. Recalling Fang Ran's heartfelt encouragement just now, Yota clenched his teeth, slowly wiped away his tears, and forced himself to stand, even his fingers straining.
His eyes red-rimmed, he strode toward the blocked basement door as if venting everything he felt.
He would tear down every obstacle in his way!
His breathing was still unsteady from crying, and his expression trembled, but Yota clenched his fists and walked outside step by step, screaming hoarsely at himself in his heart.
Be brave! Be brave, damn it! You coward! You worthless piece of trash!
You promised Fang Ran that you would definitely be able to help him next time!!
He slammed open the stairwell door. Never before had his thoughts felt so clear. With wide eyes, Yota swept his gaze across the first floor's interior—the brands, dates, billboards, shop signs, product names.
A vast amount of information flooded into his mind in an instant. He analyzed and extracted it, immediately determining his location.
This was Clapham. He needed to get to Greenwich. The observatory.
Relying solely on his memories from the Observation Room, he constructed a vast virtual map of London in his mind, pinpointing the shortest route and several backup options. Yota took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Then, at that moment—
As if it had sensed his presence, a Black Shadow burst through the front door