Ren had just emerged from the iron doors of Sector 3, which now lay in pitch-black silence.
The Bungee Gum on the soles of his feet glowed faintly, providing just enough repulsion to keep his pace fast and noiseless. He intended to slip straight into Sector 4—the connecting corridor and food storage—before the guards above realized something was wrong.
But as he reached the end of the spiral staircase, a mass of shadows moved quickly from the direction of Sector 2.
"Ren!"
Vane's distinct voice, full of energy and slightly rough, cut through the darkness. The man appeared at the front, his face drenched in sweat and dust, but wearing a massive grin.
Behind him, dozens of newly freed slaves followed with hurried steps—their eyes burning with a newly ignited fire. Some carried whips and iron swords they had scavenged from the wardens.
Ren stopped in his tracks. He raised a hand, signaling them to keep the noise down.
Vane (breathing heavily, but his voice ringing with victory):
"Ren! You actually did it! The chains in Sector 2 are all off. These people joined me the second they heard the word 'freedom.' We've already seized the tool storage. Now we have enough weapons to cause even bigger trouble. We've secured the ships at the docks, too—two patrol boats, ready to sail at a moment's notice!"
Several slaves behind Vane nodded, looking at Ren with a mixture of awe and fear. A seven-year-old boy who had just destroyed a giant Lacrima single-handedly. To them, Ren was like a walking dream.
Ren gave a short nod. His eyes quickly scanned the crowd—about 80 slaves ready to fight. He knew time was incredibly tight.
Ren (voice quiet but firm, like a trained leader):
"Good work, Vane. You moved fast. But we aren't finished yet. I've taken out Sector 3—the alarm didn't have a chance to ring. Now it's Sector 4's turn."
He pointed toward the dark corridor ahead of them.
"Sector 4 is the connecting corridor and food storage. There are eight guards there—mostly regular wardens and two armed with Lacrimas. The main Lacrima is on the ceiling; it handles power distribution to Sector 5. If that's destroyed, the upper sectors will start losing light and communication."
Ren stepped closer to Vane, looking him directly in the eye.
"I'm leaving Sector 4 entirely to you and these men. Take them up. Use the chaos you've created to draw their attention. Destroy that ceiling Lacrima—if you have to, use tables or food crates as catapults. After that, secure as much of the food storage as possible. We'll need supplies if the ships have to sail far."
Vane arched an eyebrow but immediately smirked.
"Serious? You trust me to handle Sector 4 on my own? Ren… you've really turned into a cold-blooded leader, haven't you?"
Ren (a thin smile appearing as Bungee Gum flickered at his fingertips before vanishing):
"I trust you because you're the best at moving people. I need to proceed to Sector 5 now. That's the mid-level guard station—25 men, including some elites. I'm going to destroy the control Lacrima there so the upper sectors go blind. We'll meet back at the Sector 5 assembly point once you're done with Sector 4."
Ren patted Vane's shoulder once, then looked at the slaves behind him.
"If you truly want to be free, follow Vane now. Don't hesitate. This is your only chance."
The slaves murmured in agreement, some even letting out muffled cheers. Vane raised his fist.
"Alright, Ren! Sector 4 belongs to us. You focus on the top. We'll make enough noise to ensure the guards in Sector 5 never see you coming. I promise!"
Ren nodded once more. Without another word, he turned and jogged toward the stairs leading to Sector 5. His pace was swift, his small frame disappearing into the darkness of the corridor.
Behind him, Vane was already barking orders to the slaves in a low but spirited voice. A much larger chaos was being prepared in Sector 4.
Ren kept running upward. The Bungee Gum in the palms of his hands pulsed slowly, ready for the next battle.
"Sector 4 is in Vane's hands… now, it's Sector 5's turn."