"We might pick up a larger group moving out." Or they might not; in the end that changes nothing about their present circumstances. "At least we'll know the route!" He flashes another smile at Cloud, falling silent and cocking his head to the side as something thuds in the tunnels behind them. His expression sobers, pace staying even.

It could be nothing. It could be something. Panicking on their end didn't mean making better decisions than in more calmly handling whatever came flying their way.

"Ah, here I am, forgetting my manners," he says instead, turning his face forward and straining his ears. "My name's Victor Nikiforov. Who do I have the pleasure of playing escort for this tunnel run?"