Bai Zhu landed on the Gatekeeper's head, and several grooves in its skin stretched open beneath his feet.
Two tentacles slapped the sea, lifting its enormous body several meters. The Asauchi trembled twice, and a feeling of kinship traveled up its hilt into Bai Zhu's arm.
Bai Zhu froze for a moment, then crouched and patted the Gatekeeper.
"You really think I'm Zhang Ye?"
The grooves atop the Gatekeeper's head rose and fell a few times, lifting him higher.
Bai Zhu hurried to steady himself.
"Okay, okay, stop lifting me. Any higher and the chairman will think I'm trying to steal his airship."
Milluki shuffled over with his terminal. Several Mechanical Dragonflies flew around him, their tail lights still sending signals toward the seabed.
Bai Zhu turned to look him over.
"Why don't you stay with the chairman? It's safer there."
Milluki's face sagged.
"What, trying to ditch me?"
"What kind of thing is that to say?"
Bai Zhu patted his chest.
"I'm worried about your safety. We don't know what's inside the ruins. You're a technician—you'll only hold everyone back if you follow us in."
"You're worried about me?"
Clutching his terminal, Milluki leaned close and lowered his voice.
"You're not planning to run, are you?"
"Where would I run?"
"I heard you just ended up owing Piyu fifty billion. You still owe me equipment, figurines, and a favor. Think you can run before you settle your debts?"
Bai Zhu pointed at the Stone Gate, which had opened nearly halfway.
"Do I look like that kind of person? I'm going in there to die."
Milluki had barely moved one foot back when Bai Zhu grabbed his arm.
"If my good brother insists on coming along, then we're sticking together to the bitter end."
Milluki's cheeks twitched.
"Is it too