Dwelling on Winters words, Zan felt them writhe upon his mind like a fungal infection. "Deeper? If we survive, it will be by too slim margins."

"Sure, it will, boy. But so is every day. What else do we have?"

Figuring him true and knowing they had too many foes snapping at their heels to disagree for long, Zan knew he had to start making the big pulls, pushing himself to the absolute limits. All to survive.

Mentality was on his feet but struggling with temporary blindness. Zan did not think he would be a credible threat until he recovered. But with swarms of golems lumbering around, what was he to do?

Pressing his earpiece for the Screen Master, Zan spoke to the Warden, asking for help.

Giving a response, Simulacrum said, "Your situation is dire. Command Center echoes are locating thousands of golems storming your position. Abandon hope of reclaiming the path taken to arrive in this province. My sensor-echos are now picking up a new part of the enemy host, it seems the force has not fully taken to the battlefield. Do not give up hope, however. There is a small gap to your northwest. Marshal your forces for a charge and you should pass through this pass before the enemy host claims the field."

Thanking the Screen Master, Zan had him explain where this pass was in detail. He then relayed these details to Colonel Winters, who upon hearing about the pass, knew exactly where it was and whipped his host into a frenzy.

"Forget about that fella over there," Winters told Zan about the figure Zan knew as Mentality. "Grab your unconscious friend and get moving! We're making a straight bee for it, got it?"

"Yes sir! Will do!" Zan shouted, unfurling his bike and going to collect Jiehong.

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"Damn you... you... peasant boy!" Mentality screamed somewhere close.

Ignoring Mentality, Zan came up to Jiehong. He was awake, but barely. He would need help after coming down from his 'Shining' state.

"Whiskey, defend us, please!" Zan said while he tended to Jiehong.

"Fine!" Whiskey assented and drew her weapon with great annoyance as golems came within striking range. It was amazing, Zan thought, for how long automotrons could be such a non-problem even in their thousands, until they came close enough to grab you, that is. Then they became a problem.

"Come on, bud! Snap out of it. Wake up and walk, buddy! Come on!" Zan said to Jiehong as he, with great physical effort, and with the aid of Whiskey's Scouts, helped Jiehong stand.

Whistling, Whiskey's horse had come to her, the horse clearly never having left the vicinity of the battle throughout its duration. Whiskey heaved Jiehong atop the horse's back while the creature kneeled. Carefully, the horse rose with Jiehong and Whiskey as its masters.

Quickly snapping into place the parts of his battle-bike, Zan patted the horse to signal it to heave and to follow Colonel Winters. Whiskey knew where they were going. "Are you sure you'll be able to keep up, Zan?" Whiskey asked, concern in her voice evident.

"I should be fine..." Zan said without much conviction.

"Gods, Zan. You look like shet. Here, eat this --" Winters said, thrusting something into Zan's hands. A piece of bread?

"I made it myself Fortified it with vitamins and energy weeds. It isn't anything more than a protein snack, but it might help you pull through until we escape. Or until another rider can pick you up; I would carry you," Winters said, but pointing to his saddle only having space for him, he said it would be awkward.

"Also, you're back. With your men. Okay. We're not stopping until we're home free, right?" Zan asked of the Colonel.

"That's the idea, lad," Winters confirmed. "You really fine with the bike?"

Zan was fine with biking. It wasn't ideal, but the bikes moved fast, far faster than running, and with very little initial effort put in to build up to speed. Biking wasn't as fast as horse riding, sure, but he was hardly a straggler. Zan chowed away on the protein snack and thanked Winters.

"Yeah. I'll be fine. If I fall behind, just send a scout back to help me out of my mess, yeah?" Zan replied.

Winters, with a grave look on his face said, "Lad. I asked if you're ready because if you're not, then you will likely die out here. I can't afford to send anyone after you. I will ask you again. Are you ready?"