"What are we supposed to do? If we don't open this door, there's a 100% chance we'll die here," Ren said in panic.
"Calm down, Ren, we have to think of something," Finn replied.
Suddenly, a click sounded very close. Mika, Finn, and Ren suddenly fell silent. They froze, like statues gripped by fear. They turned quietly and saw a group of four Hunters. The situation looked terrifying.
If we make even the slightest sound, they'll attack immediately. We need to think of something fast. If we stay here too long, we'll die... How do we get out?" Ren thought.
Suddenly, Mika carefully crouched down, picked up a few stones, and slowly rose.
Finn and Ren looked at her with alarm.
But the Hunters didn't leave; they were waiting for someone to make a sound.
Mika threw the stone aside. One of the hunters quietly went to check, leaving three of them.
Suddenly, a Steel Blade soldier appeared ahead. He ran and shouted loudly:
COVER YOUR EARS!
Mika, Finn, and Ren immediately obeyed.
The soldier threw a stun grenade. It made a deafening sound, causing the hunters to writhe in pain, covering their ears.
Without wasting a second, the soldier ran to the children, grabbed Finn by the hand, and said to Ren and Mika:
Follow me!
They reached a safe place where they couldn't be touched or heard.
When they entered the building, everyone was breathing heavily, trying to regain their composure.
Are you all right? asked the soldier.
"Yes, thank you for saving us," replied Finn.
"What kind of weapon was that?" Ren asked curiously.
A stun grenade. It temporarily stuns hunters. But that was the last one, so we need to be especially careful from now on.
They just sat in silence for a while.
Then the soldier stood up and said,
We need to go.
But where? The escape door is closed; they won't open it. How are we going to get out? Mika asked.
We need to find the escape rocket. It's nearby, in one of the buildings. We need to hurry before the armored monster destroys everything around.
Why didn't you go through the door yourself? You could have been safe, Ren asked.
I can't stand by and watch monsters kill people. I want to save at least a few, the soldier said quietly.
Thank you again, Finn said.
It's my duty, Finn. But now we need to move, or we'll die, he replied.
They left the building and carefully made their way toward the house where the rocket launcher was.
A light wind blew as they walked. The night was quiet, not like the first time the monsters had broken through. But there was still blood and rubble all around.
Finally, they reached the right place and went inside.
Who's staying here to guard? the soldier asked.
"I will," Finn said decisively.
"Okay. Stay here. If anything goes wrong, run to us. And try not to make any noise."
Mika and Ren wished him luck and left with the soldier.
Finn was left alone. His throat was dry, his heart pounding. He flinched at every sound; standing alone was truly terrifying.
I need to calm down... Everything will be okay, he repeated to himself.
"Where's that flare?" the soldier muttered.
"It's definitely here," Ren said.
"Yes, I remember it was supposed to be here," the soldier confirmed.
Mika glanced to the side and spotted the rescue flare gun. A dead man was clutching it in his hands. Mika approached and pulled out the weapon.
I found it. Looks like he tried to escape, but they killed him…
Well done, Mika, the soldier said happily.
Ren, we can save ourselves now, he said.
It's not that simple. The rocket makes a loud noise and will attract hunters. There will be many of them. First, we need to gather together and discuss a plan.
The soldier, Mika, and Ren went to Finn to tell him the good news… but he wasn't there.
Mika and Ren stopped. Sadness filled their eyes; they had lost a friend.
"We have to go. We have to save ourselves," the soldier said.
"No! I won't go. We have to find Finn. He's alive, I believe him!" Mika said, tears streaming down her cheeks.
The soldier suddenly and sharply struck Mika, and she fell to the floor.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered.
Ren ran up to her and glared at the soldier.
What are you doing?!
Quiet. Or you'll end up on the floor too. I'm trying to save you. She's screaming, and they might hear us.
The soldier pushed Ren away, picked up Mika, and slung her over his shoulder.
Let's go.
What about Finn? Ren asked.
Finn can't be saved. He's probably already dead. If you want to survive, go quietly.
Ren slowly rose and obeyed.
There was pain in his eyes; he had just lost a friend. He had no choice but to move on and save himself with Mika.