A group tossed about by the two attributes of earth and wind.
Karubene, who had started running with momentum, charged into the wall of wind.
“Hey, are you serious?! I guess I have no choice, I’ll follow you!”
Karubene led the way, followed by Nina and Sharin. Just as I was about to go with them, the ground suddenly began to shake. With a roar, the ground beneath my feet cracked and crumbled. The ground cracked and began to rise in a V-shape. My feet were steadily being sucked into the crevice. Karubene, who had started running, turned his body ninety degrees and returned to us.
He skillfully crossed the crumbling ground and hugged Piyo and Pauline to his side. However, perhaps because their bodies had become heavy, they were left behind with me. The ground rose like two iron plates, and we were sandwiched between them.
“Arisugawa, Philiana, are you okay?!”
Sharin’s voice could be heard from outside.
“We’re okay, we’re alive for now.”
I replied loudly. It seemed Nina, Veronica, Cecilia, and Elana had escaped. Inside the walls, it was me, Karubene, Philiana, and Lauren who were left behind. Piyo and Pauline were being held by Karubene.
“Hahaha, you’re quite something, Brother. Are you okay? The little birds can fly out, right? I’ll take the bugs with me. You and the spider girl can get out on your own, right?”
I nodded at Karubene’s words. There was just enough space for one person to pass sideways. Even though we were being crushed by the ground, there was still some room.
“Lauren, Philiana, can you get out?”
“Y-yes, I’ll try to climb out.”
I received an answer from Lauren, but I couldn’t hear Philiana’s voice.
“Philiana? Is something wrong?”
“Um, I’m sorry, my legs are stuck… Please go on ahead without me.”
Looking at her legs, both of her front legs were caught in the crevice of the ground. She couldn’t brace herself. Just then, the ground began to move again. The raised ground narrowed, as if it intended to crush us. Philiana grimaced in pain.
“Ms. Philiana, are you alright?”
Pauline let go of Karubene’s hand and lifted Philiana’s legs. Unable to brace herself, she could only be caught.
“Ngh… I’m okay, thank you, Pauline.”
If this continued, her legs would break. I supported her from the side as well.
“Lauren, you go first, or we won’t be able to get out.”
“O-okay.”
Lauren slid her body into the gap and went outside the wall. I didn’t know what was happening outside, but we had to find a solution quickly, or we’d be flattened.
