ocking
end of chapter 18
Karry and Sasha froze.
In front of them stood a dark red creature, its body glowing faintly as if heat burned beneath its skin. Blood coated its form, and its roar echoed through the cave, shaking the walls around them.
Without thinking, they turned and ran.
The space suits made every step heavy, slow.
Sasha shouted, breathless,
"Why the hell did I come here with you?"
"Unleash your weapon!" Karry yelled.
Sasha laughed bitterly.
"Are you an idiot? You think this puny steel can cut that thing?"
"Then what do we do?"
"Just run, idiot!"
They pushed forward, but the monster was faster.
Its massive claws struck the ground as it chased them, closing the distance with terrifying ease. Suddenly, it leaped—landing right in front of them.
Karry stumbled.
"I think we're screwed… damn this gravity."
"Don't stop—run!" Sasha screamed.
The creature slashed.
They barely dodged, but the force of the attack sent Karry crashing into the cave wall. Pain exploded through his body. His vision blurred as warning signals flashed inside his helmet—oxygen levels dropping.
Blood seeped through his suit.
"Karry!" Sasha shouted.
"Don't you dare die in a place like this!"
The monster roared again. The cave trembled violently, rocks falling as the creature grew angrier. It raised its claw—this time aimed at Sasha.
Sasha tried to move.
Her legs wouldn't respond.
"Damn you, Arnold," she muttered bitterly.
"If I die like this, I'll curse you even in heaven."
Karry screamed in agony, forcing his eyes open despite the pain. His vision locked onto Sasha.
This attack will kill her.
"Damn it…"
CLANG!
A sword suddenly blocked the monster's claw.
Two figures stood between them and the beast—
one holding a sword, the other a book.
The one with the book was a girl.
The swordsman spoke calmly,
"Maizy, I told you to report this earlier."
"Sorry, Captain," the girl replied.
The swordsman glanced at the monster.
"To think they ran into a Kulix… bad luck for kids this young."
He didn't look back.
"Maizy, treat the boy. I'll handle this."
"Yes."
Maizy lifted Karry gently. He managed a faint smile.
"Th… thank you."
As his vision faded,e heard the swordsman chuckle softly, gripping his blade.
"Make this fun for me, would you?"
End of Chapter 18