The air was thick with rot.
Leon braced himself against the wall, trying to catch his breath. Mia and Evelyn stood beside him, their bodies trembling from exhaustion.
But there was no time to rest.
From beneath them, a guttural, inhuman growl rumbled through the ground. It wasn't dead.
Mia checked her rifle, her fingers tightening around the grip. "Tell me we're not going back down there."
Evelyn wiped sweat from her brow. "We don't have a choice. If that thing gets out—"
A thunderous crash shook the tunnel. The rusted hatch dented outward.
Leon stared in horror. "It's coming."
The hatch burst open.
It crawled out—impossible, grotesque.
The monster was larger now, its body pulsating, muscles stretching, black tendrils dripping from its limbs. Its mouth split open wider, revealing rows upon rows of jagged, glistening teeth.
And its tongue slithered forward, like a serpent tasting the air.
Leon felt the blood drain from his face. The words were not spoken; they were inside his head.
Evelyn whispered, "God help us…"
Mia didn't hesitate. She opened fire.
Bullets tore through the creature's flesh—only for it to heal instantly. Black veins pulsed, shifting, reweaving tissue like a living nightmare.
Mia wasn't fast enough.
The tongue lashed out, wrapping around her wrist and yanking her forward.
Leon reacted on instinct—his knife flashed in the dim light, severing the tongue in one clean motion.
The creature screamed.
Black ichor spilled onto the ground, sizzling against the concrete like acid.
Evelyn grabbed Mia, pulling her back. "We need to run—NOW!"
Leon took one last look at the monster. It was already regenerating.
They sprinted through the corridor, boots slamming against the floor as they reached a rusted door.
Leon slammed his shoulder into it. It gave way—leading into darkness.
They stumbled inside.
The tunnel behind them was empty.
Leon's chest heaved. It didn't follow?
Mia winced, cradling her arm. "That thing… it's not normal."
Evelyn's voice was barely a whisper. "It's learning."
Leon turned to the corridor ahead. It was endless.
Somewhere in the distance, a slow, wet clicking sound echoed.