Ba bump...

She found herself in a precarious situation, struggling to escape the thick ink surrounding her.

Ba bump...

The pressure was mounting as she realized she couldn't hold her breath much longer.

Ba bump...

Summoning every ounce of strength, she swam and pushed until she felt a glimmer of hope. With closed eyes, she searched for something to grab onto, and her hand clasped onto a cold metal object.

Emerging from what appeared to be an inkwell, she coughed, desperately trying to expel the ink that had filled her throat. Her breaths came in heavy gasps, as she tried to recover the precious air she had been deprived of. Shaking the ink off her hands, she focused on removing the residue from her eyelids.

Finally, she opened her eyes, only to find herself in an unfamiliar place. Confusion swept over her as she pondered her location.

Pulling herself entirely out of the inkwell, she discovered her entire outfit drenched in ink, infuriating her. Realizing her toolkit was missing, panic set in, knowing the cost of replacing those tools. She plunged her hand back into the ink, frantically searching for her toolbox. Her fingers brushed against something metallic, and she pulled out one of her larger wrenches with a mixture of relief and disappointment.

Securing the wrench on her belt hook, she surveyed her surroundings. It seemed she was still in the basement, but uncertainty loomed over her.

Spitting out remnants of ink from her mouth, she hoped she hadn't ingested any. Despite the grim situation, she followed the commotion she heard, eager to find some answers.

Peeking around the corner, she discovered two familiar figures—Charley and Barley—characters she had seen in drawings and cardboard cutouts. Their presence didn't inspire friendliness.

Scanning the room, which appeared to be a drawing room, she questioned the absence of others. Was it still working hours? Taking a deep breath, she hadn't realized she had been holding, she dismissed her fears, assuming it was just her coworkers in costume, indulging in some playful antics. So why was she hiding?

Stepping out from her hiding spot, she caught the attention of the two characters. Before she could utter a complete sentence, they charged at her, launching an unexpected attack. She swiftly evaded their blows, using her hands to shield herself, but their weapons posed a threat.

Backing away, she suddenly remembered the wrench hanging from her side. Seizing it with determination, she retaliated, striking both assailants until they fell to the ground.

... It's not illegal if it's self-defense... Right? She tightened her grip on the wrench, seeking reassurance.

Pressing forward, she left the defeated gang members behind, hoping someone would eventually find them in their peculiar costumes. Continuing her journey, she stumbled upon a staircase leading further down. Refusing to retreat, she descended the stairs, driven by a sense of curiosity and adventure.