Mike still had tears on his face. But when they passed through the ruins, he realized something.
He was no longer inside the building.
Slowly, he raised his head.
For the first time in his life, Mike saw the sky.
A vast blue sky stretched above him. The sun warmed his face.
The feeling was strange… but also beautiful.
For a moment, Mike forgot everything.
Suddenly, 175 stopped abruptly and turned toward him.
"Stay still for a moment," he said.
Before Mike could even speak, 175 pulled out a small device from his suit, something that looked like a key.
He grabbed the metal collar around Mike's neck and used the device.
Click.
Mike felt a small sting on his neck, and the collar fell to the ground.
Without saying anything, 175 gestured for Mike to follow him.
Mike followed and saw the other slaves waiting nearby.
A girl with freckles on her face and short brown hair suddenly stepped forward. It looked like she was searching for someone with her eyes.
"Where is 088?"
Mike froze.
That was James's number.
175 was about to say something, but Mike spoke first.
"Ja… 088 is dead."
The girl's face turned pale. Her eyes widened in shock.
"What did you say?"
This time, Mike stayed silent.
The girl suddenly rushed forward and grabbed him by the neck.
175 quickly stepped between them and pulled them apart.
"Calm down. This isn't the time for this. We need to leave quickly."
The girl calmed down, but she continued staring at Mike with an angry look.
175 walked toward a truck and opened the back doors.
"Get in."
Everyone quickly started climbing inside.
The last ones left were Mike and the girl.
She looked at Mike one more time before getting inside.
A moment later, Mike followed her into the truck.