"Mm."

"So, that road we just took was just to confuse others?"

"Exactly. Because the underground passage is dimly lit and has poor signal, it's a good place to shake off any pursuers."

"Huh? There's someone following us?"

Has he been discovered? Ryuto shouted inwardly.

"Well, I just found it a bit suspicious, that's all. So, just as a precaution, relax, brother, I've got it under control."

"Oh, I see..."

Even though he appeared calm on the surface, inside Ryuto felt like a million grass mud horses were running amok.

Oh no, they're probably going to lose me now. What should I do? They don't know the location, so without any information, they won't be able to find that place.

This is bad. If I get exposed next, I won't be able to escape. No, no matter what, I'll eventually be found out, this fake kidnapping or whatever, getting discovered is just a matter of time...

Oh...

Ryuto screamed in his mind.

...

A dozen minutes later.

"Brother, we're here."

"Oh..."

Have we really arrived?

Reluctantly, Ryuto could only get off the car, suppressing his inner unease.

"Huh?"

After getting off, what he saw was the sea...

Ryuto quickly realized.

A dock?

Who knew the main base was actually at a dock, quite unexpected...

Perhaps sensing something, the man asked in surprise.

"What's wrong, brother? Why are you so astonished?"

"Huh? Oh, it's just that it's the sea. Wow, it's really magnificent."

"You don't know? You should know..."

Ryuto, who was about to be exposed, desperately tried to come up with a reason.

"Oh... no, it's just... although I know, it's my first time here, so..."

The other party was immediately appeased.

"Oh... I see."

"Anyway, brother, let's hurry in. Everyone's waiting for us."

"Huh? Oh, understood."

Although he replied calmly, Ryuto was quite anxious inside.

Not good, once we go in, there won't be another chance. Although I don't know where this is, as long as I let them know it's a dock, they should be able to find it with this clue, and now is the only opportunity.

So Ryuto took advantage as the man walked ahead.

"Hey, hey, location at the dock."

Muttered so softly.

But...

"..."

There was no response.

Huh? What's going on?

Just as Ryuto was puzzled.

"What's up, brother? Why do I hear you talking over there?"

Saying that, the man turned around.

Oh no, caught off guard, Ryuto couldn't react and got caught red-handed.

...

This is bad, how am I going to explain this now, Ryuto's at a loss.

And the man also walked over, looking puzzled.

"Brother, were you making a call..."

"..."

What to do? Found out, am I going to be fed to the sharks? And, of all places, this is a dock, could it be any more coincidental?

At this moment, the man leaned in closer.

...

"Are you trying to call the hospital, brother?"

"Oh... Uh, yes."

After hearing Ryuto's response, the man became excited again.

"I knew it, I never expected you to be thinking about your mother at this time. Brother, not being able to go to the hospital because of the mission, every time I think about it, I feel really sorry for you."

"No, no, you're too kind."

Although he didn't understand what was happening, at least he hadn't been exposed, so Ryuto genuinely thanked the man from the bottom of his heart.