Hierarch Rescue Operation (before battle)

We hurried ourselves along the winding passages of Hongyuan.

At first, I thought we might've been able to move faster had the Mephistopheles been here with us, but... walking through the winding, irregular paths reminded me why palanquins were a thing in Hongyuan.

<Ah, already...>

Upon our arrival at the location Zigong pointed out to us, something emerged from the dark.

A figure, no - two, four... a small platoon of shadows.

Dammit... we're surrounded.

The shadows slithered into physical form, lapping their purple, serpentine arms at us.

Si branch of the Heishou Packs... they don't belong to the Family Hierarch.

Tsk... Oi, what now?

What do you mean "what now"? We can't sit here and waste any precious time.

C'mon, let's fight our way out of this ambush.

... Ain't that usually my thing to suggest?

Fightin's all about morale... heh.

... Looks like the classes did have some effect.

<Sinclair's right. We don't have any time to waste.>