Ren took a closer look and saw a light structure with seven distinct floors, separated by gaps and connected by several thin but long lines.
Upon closer inspection, he realized they were elevators running through the entire structure.
Asylia thought for a moment before continuing.
"We're currently on the fourth floor."
She pointed and marked their location, leaving a blue circle on the 3D structure.
Suddenly, just as she was about to continue, a buzzing sound rang out through the structure. She turned her head, and Ren and Serein looked up.
A deep voice, filled with exhaustion, slowly spoke.
"Dear customers, we at DeepBlue Underwater Restaurant sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. As you may already know, an unknown virus or infection that transforms people into distorted beings is currently spreading within these sectors."
"The root cause still isn't clear. But according to the data we've gathered, it's best to avoid any kind of seafood..."
"We've tried to contain and destroy them, but the transformed creatures are unexpectedly strong, tenacious, and growing in real time..."
"Floor..."
The voice sometimes grew blurry and even cut off, as if the signal was being interfered with.
"But... the restaurant is currently experiencing severe power outages and signal interference."
"The restaurant is now in a state of low maintenance... leaving only important sectors with power, like..."
Suddenly, the voice cut off completely.
Ren lowered his head and looked at both girls in front of him.
They were listening intently, expressions thoughtful.
Asylia's slender fingers tapped against her thigh.
"What do you guys think about this?"
Ren asked.
Serein was the first to come out of her thoughts and spoke solemnly.
"It seems even the security team can't hold out."
She'd caught the indirect message in the voice's tone and words. The restaurant couldn't take care of itself anymore.
Though she wasn't too surprised, considering everything that had happened.
"It's okay."
Asylia took a deep breath and blinked. Her eyes deepened with focus.
"We need to think this plan through carefully. First, let's identify our exit."
"At the first floor, there's an underwater train platform. Hmm... Serein, do you know the schedule? When does the train usually arrive?"
Asylia paused mid-sentence and asked.
"I'm not sure, but we came here early in the morning—like at first light. And we were supposed to leave before nightfall."
Serein said calmly. She hadn't paid much attention to the detailed schedule of when the underwater train came and went.
Asylia was silent for a moment, thinking. She took out her phone-like device and checked the time. It was almost evening already.
"I see..."
She rubbed her forehead.
After taking a look at their tired faces, she said, "Let's rest for now. We're all exhausted. Tomorrow, we'll make our way to the underwater train platform."
Asylia dispersed the 3D structure in front of her and tucked the now-smaller white board into her bag.
After that, she lay down on the sofa and closed her eyes.
A while later, her breathing became even and deep.
"So she really fell asleep?"
Ren was both awed and envious.
"She's tired."
Serein said beside him.