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✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲
Footsteps echoed from above once again, reverberating off the walls of the stairwell.
I had paused for a few moments to rest my aching legs and catch my breath. I also needed another chance to look around. Perhaps I had overlooked a sign or some kind of marking that could point me in the right direction.
Unfortunately, the only things mounted on the walls were arrows above the doors indicating emergency exits and safety notices explaining what to do in case of an accident. Wrenches, hammers, and similar tools had been hung at intervals so that anyone aboard the ship could smash a window, force open a door, or find some other means of escape if they became trapped somewhere with no easy way out.
The footsteps drew steadily closer.
Whoever was descending the stairs seemed to be following me.
Then again, perhaps it was only my own panic, fueled by fear. I had been doing everything I could to move silently and remain unseen.
Besides, Pijus surely hadn't betrayed me.
If he had, the entire ship would already have erupted into chaos, with crew members and military police officers searching every corridor.
Even so, I couldn't allow myself to relax.
Because even if Pijus had kept my escape from his cabin a secret, the military nurse fleeing the war could still be discovered at any moment.
I had no choice but to remain extremely cautious.
★ ⋆ ★
After wandering through the ship for what felt like an eternity, I finally reached its lowest deck and found the prison cells.
Two guards stood watch outside the main entrance.
I would have to find a way past them.
Leaning against the wall nearby, I spent several moments considering my next move. Mounted beside me was an emergency case containing a hammer. Without hesitation, I smashed the glass with the butt of my pistol and, carefully avoiding the jagged shards, reached inside and took hold of the hammer.
A moment later, I heard footsteps approaching.
Tightening my grip around the wooden handle, I steadied myself.
As soon as one of the guards stepped into the corridor, I caught the look of surprise in his eyes.
I swung with every ounce of strength I had.
The hammer struck the side of his head before he had time to fire the rifle he had already raised toward me. A muffled gurgle escaped his throat as he crumpled to the floor.
Blood began to seep from his temple and the crushed side of his face.
