Jack's Disappearance
Hryahhh!
An automaton collapsed with a thud, laid low by a single blow from Gwen's whip.
We did it!
There's no time to celebrate, Boss!
Jack had carried the unconscious Rachel and fled further into the basement.
He seriously doesn't know when to quit! Guess he's begging for an ass kicking!
Just as Gwen was about to run after him, an automaton on the ground began making an ominous clicking sound as it gave off sparks.
It's a self-destruct automaton! Step back!
The Professor did more than just warn them with words.
Lily and Gwen were soon shoved to the floor by the Professor's bag.
*Cough!* *Cough!* Is everyone all right? Lily? Professor?
Yeah, thanks to the Professor... Are you okay?
As the Professor closed her bag, an eerie sound reverberated through the room.
I'm fine. However, the passage is obstructed now.
The explosion had caused the storage room to crumble and block the passage way.
The three glared at the rubble as Henry came running.
I just heard an explosion. Are you all right?
We're okay! What about you, Mr. Henry?
As you can see, I'm perfectly fine.
I was worried when Director Stapleton's automaton appeared...
But they soon returned to the basement.
Seeing that, I assumed they were being called back to stop you three.
Henry looked around the wrecked storage room.
I wanted to come help you with the fight, but it appears I'm too late.
We have to save Rachel! There's no telling what that director's going to do to her!
Where does this passage lead to?
I'll take you there.
The three followed Henry to the exit that Jack had escaped through.
...Looks like we're late.
The passage was connected to the wasteland on the outskirts of the mansion.
The door was broken, and there were countless footprints littering the surrounding area...
Each of them leading to the foggy wasteland.
Boss! There are multiple pairs of footprints.
It looks like he has more automatons.
Henry glanced toward the wasteland.
This place is foggy all year-round.
Interesting. Is this where the locals heard the animal howling from?
I've heard of those rumors myself, but that wasteland is uninhabited.
We'll have to make some preparations if we're to chase after him.
But what about Rachel?!
His objective isn't to kill her.
It pains me to imagine the torment that child will suffer under at his hands.
But if we fail here, she will truly have no one left to save her.
That is why it is imperative that we be prepared.
Gwen reluctantly nodded after listening to Henry.
We'll stick with you until everything's settled, too.
Thank you. I'll get my family affairs in order so we can pursue them immediately afterward.