Chapter 198: Cowardly Alchemist

The alchemist's hands trembled as he assessed the situation. His mana reserves were depleted, his tools confiscated by the Strigoi, and his body battered from captivity. The homunculus who had just rescued him—if "rescue" was even the right word—was locked in battle with a massive Strigoi guardian. She wasn't his ally, nor did he trust her.

'I need to escape now,' he thought bitterly. The memories of his captured or dead apprentices clawed at his mind, their failures fresh wounds to his pride. 

'They were all so useless… no wonder we're in this mess.'

His gaze darted around the room. Behind him, there were likely more Strigoi waiting in ambush. Above, the sounds of relentless combat reverberated through the upper floors. That left only one option—the outside. The thought of descending from the skyscraper's higher floors made his stomach churn, but hesitation was a luxury he couldn't afford.