"W-We made it to the outside…now what?"

Topper #1 panted as he tried to catch his breath. He was distracted enough by his lungs to mistake the border of the test area for the outsides.

Layla's eyes quickly dashed over the fence that separated her from the outside, and she observed how fresh the green algae-type thing looked compared to everything else around her.

'Why would the algae on the wall be so fresh and feel out of place? I feel this is another trap I am about to fall for.'

Topper #1 almost leaned against the wall when Layla's instincts kicked in, and she grabbed the kid to pull him back.

"Don't touch that wall. Let's follow it until we reacToppers #1 and #2's initial hesitation and unfh a door or another opening."

Layla did not give a warning for her actions, but her actions thus far had pinned her as a trustworthy source for these kids.

The initial hesitation and unfamiliarity toppers #1 and #2 felt toward Layla had lessened considerably, and they finally reached out and followed her lead.

It was not a huge area that they needed to cover, but the lack of food and sleep was beginning to catch up with the kids.

Unlike the previous rounds, having nowhere safe to sleep or any supplies meant that sooner or later, they would run out of gas.

Layla had anticipated something like this, so she was prepared to handle the situation.

She took a gallon of a huge water bottle from her inventory and handed it to the other two trusty kids.

"Here, have something to drink first. Then, we can look for something to eat. I am sure I packed something for us to eat."

Layla assured as she looked across her inventory for more things to eat.

She had plenty of things, and with the system inventory keeping the ingredients fresh, no matter how long it had been since they were in stores, Layla was unlikely to run out of food or things to eat.

But she did not want to show off this in front of others. She kept a modest face when she handed out food, and her companions did not hesitate to take the offering.

"Ugh, I am exhausted! I wonder when help would arrive? Would anyone even help us out? We did step in here out of our own accord. I wonder if…"

Topper #1 stopped speaking as he realized how negative his words sounded. A flush spread across his face as he quickly looked away.

"D-Don't mind me! I was just talking to myself! I am sure we will be fine."

He quickly tried to assure, but the damage had already been done. His words made Topper #2 worried, and a vulnerable expression broke across his face.

It was Layla's turn to do something to reassure them, but she could not think of a good enough reason to interfere.

Finally, she just sighed and decided to give a half-hearted reply to assure the other kids.

"I don't know about you, but I am sure my maid will come after me. She is bound to serve me because of a contract, so all we need to do is wait."

Layla might have spoken these words but felt less confident than anyone else.

With Mary, you could never know what she was thinking about—her mood was as explosive and ever-changing as one could hope for.

*Grrrr*

The sound of a monster approaching reached Layla, and at the same time, her system chirped with the notification that something was close. It made Layla close her eyes and pretend she was listening to the monster.

But she kept an eye on her system to ensure she got the message it was flashing.

"Let's get going! We should get away from here. We are likely no match for the monster following us."

Layla told the other two as she urged them to stand up.

The exhausted pair exchanged looks before pushing themselves to get out. But they were too slow to do that, and they got caught.

The monster snuck its head below the dense canopy, and its beady eyes looked at the kid in front of him with an annoyed and angry expression.

Its roar made Layla and the others' ears bleed, but it was a distraction tactic the monster used to confuse its prey.

A sharp claw headed toward their group, and Layla handed over her safety to the system.

A shield was automatically deployed as she and the other kids closed their ears in shock.

Layla had practiced her magic a lot, and as a result, her magic had solidified to provide her with a better shield that was strong enough to withstand the first attack.

It stunned their attacker as its paw was stopped by something it could not see. While it was distracted, Layla decided to throw an attack of her own and then make a run for it.

"Here, take it! I am sure you would enjoy this a lot."

Layla took out a poison blend from her inventory. It was potent enough to kill a mid-level magic beast within seconds.

It would likely not have the same effect against this big beast, but it would buy her and her friends enough time to be able to leave.

The beast cried out in pain as it whaled due to the pain it felt. The poison had robbed it of its flight and its eyes.

But Layla had no time to think about or feel sorry for what she did. Her priority was to get out of here safely.

"Start running along the fence, and do not touch it. Maintain your distance in case something jumps you. Hurry up! Use your magic to boost your stamina."

Layla yelled instructions and ran even after her feet and legs hurt.

She had to run since that was the only difference between her life and death.

'Fuck! This sucks! I cannot believe this is happening! Is this how my life ends? No! I will not let it end like this.'