The unpleasant sounds of pain and agony echoed from the halls. For a person who didn't want to be labeled as an Umbralist, Ventura was certainly good at inspiring fear amongst the masses. The soldiers nearby were even quivering in their boots as they recovered from their initial skirmish. It is odd to see how they were struggling against Ventaura, but it could also be said that was how strong Ventaura was. Or perhaps it was the fear of an umbralist that weakened their hearts.
"It is nothing to be sad about. My former classmate chose this course of action, and what is happening now are the consequences of it." It wasn't atypical since he doubted Ventaura had any real friends or support in this facility. The only personal Chunji saw around Ventura was Otis, and he could hardly be called the bastion of friendship. "Even if we are told not to engage the enemy, we can still evacuate everyone to a safer place. From what I could see, Ventaura's last attack was quite devastating. It would not surprise me if someone was severely injured in the attack." Chunji looked over and opened the nearest door.
It was a room filled with alchemical equipment. Chunji entered and dipped his head back out. "You should gather yourself and a few others to rescue anyone in trouble. If I recall correctly, a hero not only fights evil but saves lives. I'll prepare a suitable space for the injured in this room." With that, Chunji closed the door and took a deep breath. Ideally, Chunji hoped that Ciara would head up to the next floor, but the superficial woman decided to flee for her own life.
"Dayin, I need your help." Once more, Chunji summoned his Adapa in front of him. "Prepare this room for the injured." Chunji flipped through a couple of hand signs and cast a spell.
"方向 八德 十六个目的 三十二种武器 六十四星" (One Path. Two Hands. Four Directions. Eight Virtues. Sixteen Purposes. Thirty-Two Weapons. Sixty-Four Stars.)
"九诈 蜕变" (Nine Deceptions: Transformation)
Finishing the sign at Monkey, Dayin transformed in front of him. From the faded smoke emerged a figure reminiscent of Chunji's own. Dayin stood before him as his carbon copy. A copy who could replicate even his own voice, judging by how Dayin tested its voice. A perfect doppelganger that Chunji needed. "Try to maintain the illusion, Dayin." Now, it was time to perform the spell on himself.
Chunji transformed himself into a rat. Dayin opened the door slightly to let him out. With due haste, Chunji made his way to the nearest staircase to his west. The chaos should have averted any eyes that would've gotten him caught in the halls. If Chunji were to ascend the stairs by himself, he would've peered onto the second floor with his Ethos.
He needed to get to Davil. Chunji needed to confirm his suspicions. The words that plagued his mind echoed in Chunji's head.
"The world cannot advance in this direction; this whole thing is a sham and a disgrace. Heroics will not win the day, nor will the trampled we know be redeemed. Meer was right - fury is our strength. We must abide by the old, for it is our only path."