Finding themselves without a strategy, they merely gazed at the middle-aged man, ensnared in a quiet standoff that was oddly tranquil.

Then, the man wielding the chainsaw chose to shatter the quiet.

He briefly furrowed his brow before activating the chainsaw. The roaring buzz made the atmosphere more tense.

A heavy dread settled in Ariana's heart. Was this man going to attack them?

She had been puzzled about why the alarm hadn't drawn him earlier, but now, the pieces fell into place.

Although the man's face was streaked with blood, his agile movements suggested the blood was not his.

Clearly, he had been preoccupied with other captives, perhaps saving them for last.

As this thought crossed Ariana's mind, the man aimed the chainsaw at her.

A chill of fear washed over her, causing her to shudder.

Adrian immediately became alert and stepped protectively in front of Ariana, poised to confront whatever was to come.

His determination to shield her was strong, fueled not only by their friendship but also by the natural instinct to protect a woman in perilous times.

Adrian remained unflinching. His and the man's eyes met in a defiant stare, each challenging the other to make a move.

The man lifted the chainsaw once more, but Adrian was prepared, his hands clenched into fists, ready to fight.

However, just as the tension peaked, the man abruptly turned off the chainsaw.

“You are too noisy; keep it quiet," he grumbled to Ariana and Adrian, then turned and vanished into the elevator.

Alone once more, Ariana and Adrian looked at each other in confusion.

That was it? The man just left?

The pungent smell of blood lingered in the air. Ariana sniffed, noticing something peculiar.

Blood typically smelled of iron, yet there was an additional wild, animal-like scent mixed in here.

Could the man have been dealing with animals other than humans?