CODE BASE
Demon turned to the hackers, his tone calm but sharp.
"Where are my puppies?"
One of them glanced nervously at the screen.
"They're still stuck on the bridge, sir. Shiver's ice... it's made the roads impossible. Lana and Spark can't drive through. Shiver's still keeping some heroes occupied."
Demon sighed, clearly annoyed. Then—
"War."
---
— ABANDONED RESTAURANT —
Miles away, War sat comfortably in a dusty, abandoned restaurant, chewing noisily. Bones clattered onto the floor.
"Mmm... Nigerian food slaps hard," he said to no one. "Might have to come back here someday."
His earpiece crackled.
"War, report."
He stood up slowly, licking his fingers. In a flash, he vanished—reappearing on a rooftop overlooking the frozen bridge.
He tapped the comms.
"Sorry for that. I was simply investigating the food in that area and... nothing's wrong with it, boss man."
Demon's voice exploded in his ear.
"What the—when—what—investigate food?! Are you messing with me?! Go do your fucking job and clear the path for Lana and Spark!"
Without another word, War obeyed.
He leapt from rooftop to road, tearing through any enemies in his way. The ice shattered beneath his fists, clearing a path for the incoming vehicle.
---
— FRONTLINE BATTLE —
Back at the front lines, Rex and Sonia continued battling the monstrous humanoid. Blasts echoed through the streets. Rex swung wide, sending out a shockwave while Sonia ducked low and came in with a spiraling kick.
But this monster was different—stronger, faster... smarter.
Sonia thought to herself as she weaved through its claws:
It's not like the ones we've heard about... this one's thinking. It's adapting.
Suddenly, the beast lunged. Its claws sliced through the air—aimed straight for her throat.
CRACK!
A bullet clipped its wrist, just enough to knock its attack off course.
Sonia rolled backward, panting.
She looked up.
Void stood in the distance, sniper raised, already reloading.
Sonia smirked.
"Thanks."
Void gave a slight nod, then disappeared into the smoke.
---
— ARRIVAL —
Moments later, Lana and Spark's car skidded to a stop behind them. They leapt out, each carrying a small, fluffy puppy in their arms.
The hackers watching from the base stared, confused.
One blinked and muttered,
"What... the hell?"
Demon leaned back in his chair and exhaled.
"Just watch and see."
All eyes were on the screen.
He raised his voice:
"Devour."
---
— TRANSFORMATION —
The word echoed—unnatural, almost ancient.
The puppies twitched.
Their forms twisted violently—legs stretching, fur shredding, bones cracking. In seconds, the adorable creatures were gone—replaced by a massive, snarling, three-headed beast with glowing eyes and razor fangs.
It roared, shaking the entire area, then charged at the humanoid monster—claws tearing through the pavement as it pounced.
The battle intensified. Roars, blasts, and screams collided in a chorus of destruction.
---
— NEWS BROADCAST —
Back on the news, a visibly shaken newscaster stared into the camera. Her hands trembled beneath the desk, and her voice was barely steady.
"It has been confirmed that more than 57 unnamed soldiers and 34 civilians are dead..."
She paused. Swallowed hard.
"...And the top hero of Lagos City, by name Quicky, has just been confirmed dead—along with some other heroes."
The screen flickered.