"My lord! Please wait!" The old man groped along the ground, his voice filled with terror.
Ryan hurried forward and helped him up. "Take your time, sir. What happened?"
"Underground on this island... the World Government buried a weapon of destruction!" The old man clutched Ryan's arm, his nails almost digging into the flesh. "I once heard those researchers say that if the base fell, they would activate that steel monster and blow the whole island sky-high!"
Ryan's expression changed drastically. He immediately took out his Den Den Mushi and called Lorne's channel.
"Captain! We just received intel! The World Government has a weapon of destruction hidden beneath this island. It could blow up the entire island!" Ryan shouted urgently.
Lorne stopped and looked at the Den Den Mushi in his hand, his expression unchanged.
"Understood," Lorne replied calmly. "Ryan, your task now is to lead the retreat and get every civilian safely aboard the Fearless."
"But Captain, you're all alone..." Ryan's voice was full of concern.
"That's an order," Lorne interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "Prepare to set sail aboard the Fearless. Once I deal with the ones inside, we leave immediately."
"Yes! Take care, Captain!" Ryan gritted his teeth, put away the Den Den Mushi, and turned to shout at the Marines. "Pick up the pace! Get the wounded onto stretchers! Everyone, retreat!"
Bakel also realized the gravity of the situation. He hoisted two civilians with limited mobility onto his back and ran toward the exit with long strides.
Kuina looked into the depths of the passage, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes. But she knew staying would only make her a burden, so she could only grit her teeth and retreat with the others.
Alone, Lorne strode into the passage leading to the core