I felt the platform stop descending. I waited a few more moments with my eyes closed, listening to what was happening outside. The pain had dulled a bit. All I could do was continue the mission. I was too far in to turn back now. I slipped out of the container. It seemed the beasts had lost my trail.
I moved forward toward a large metal door. The place still had equipment and supplies, but not as many as above. The door had begun to open. It was made of three layers, so it took a while. That's when my headset buzzed.
— What happened? I can only identify your position now, Adam.
— We were ambushed and... I was the only one who made it out alive.
— Purpleguy?
— Affirmative...
— Speaking of which, I did some research on this "Purpleguy," but I couldn't find much. However, I may have found a reason for his presence. Ken was working on a strain of Virus 0 capable of receiving commands from the person who created it. This strain also allowed infected creatures to adapt to multiple environments, which could increase their resistance to mercury. You're almost there — you're in one of the outer labs. Ken's lab isn't far. If you go through the right side of the lab you're currently in, it'll be the fastest route.
— Understood.
Inside were several worktables with all sorts of vials and substances. Then I heard footsteps. I quickly hid behind a table. It was a beast.
— Damn it!
I had to be careful. I didn't want it to find me, but I also couldn't shoot — it would alert others, and I didn't have enough bullets. That's when I saw a vial on the ground. I had an idea. I picked it up and threw it to the left. The beast raised its guard and went to investigate. I took the opportunity and slipped to the other side of the lab.
When I tried to exit through the right corridor, I noticed it was barricaded with boxes and equipment.
— I've got a problem. The hallway is blocked.
— Can't you squeeze through somehow?
— Negative.
— Hold on while I look for an alternative route... Got it. On the left side, there's a ventilation shaft under repair. You can crawl through it — it'll lead you directly to Ken's lab.
— Understood.
I looked back at the beast to make sure it was safe. It was. I moved left along the tables without it noticing me.
When I stood up to enter the left hallway, I stepped on a vial. The beast was alerted and saw me. I bolted down the hallway. It too was barricaded, but unlike the other, it had a narrow gap I could fit through. I squeezed through as fast as I could. The beast caught up and tried to claw after me, but it was in vain. I managed to get to the other side. The problem was I still wasn't safe. The beast started calling for its kind. I ran to the end of the hallway. At the corner was a ladder and an open vent in the ceiling. I jumped in and moved forward.
— By the way, I'm sorry I can only offer my condolences for your teammates verbally, but I've lost too many people over the years. I hardly notice anymore.
— ...
— In any case... wait!
A sound of rusted metal. I understood why the shaft was under repair. I fell with the entire ventilation unit.
— Adam! Are you okay?
— Reporting: yes, but it's very dark and I can't find my assault rifle.
— Shit! Looks like you're in a low-power area. I'll try to increase the energy output. Give me a moment.
A flicker of light could be seen in the distance. I approached, then it went dark, and another appeared. There, a figure stood holding a hat. It was Purpleguy. I ran toward him, but he vanished. Another light came on in the distance. In the middle of the room was someone tied to a chair. As I got closer, I saw a gunshot wound in the shoulder. It was Jack.
— Jack!
— No... no... no... — said a voice from the shadows.
— Come out, Purpleguy.
— Why should I play fair when you cheat?
— What the hell are you rambling about?!
— You see, it's not nice to abandon your teammates. You should've joined them. How do you think they felt knowing their captain, the one they trusted, left them behind?
— Captain, don't listen to him...
Purpleguy emerged, covering Jack's mouth. I raised my pistol at him.
— Very rude, Adam! — said Purpleguy.
Then he pulled out a syringe and jabbed it into Jack's neck.
— You sick bastard!
— I'm afraid your friend will make sure their dear captain isn't left out of the group.
He cut the straps tying Jack to the chair. Jack collapsed, clutching his neck. Purpleguy vanished into the darkness.
— I'm sorry, Captain! RUN! Your life is more important than mine!
A hand burst from his back...
— AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...
Another one... His head started melting, fusing with his chest... A second head emerged...
— I'M... SORRY... CAP...
— The lights are on! — said the Boss.
I started running the other way. I was in a room full of giant metal containers. Jack leapt from one to another, trying to reach me.
— SOR... RY...
The pain was returning. A door was at the end. But my body gave out. I fell flat. Jack was right behind me.
— AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA... S... O... R... RY...
Another arm sprouted from his right side. It was a massive bone blade.
— I'm sorry, Jack...
I pulled out my pistol and shot the container held by a crane directly above him. It exploded... The blast hurled me through the end door and I hit the railing hard. I slowly pulled myself up and whispered full of anger and sorrow:
— Sorry, kid... I'm so sorry...
Ahead was a metal door. I tried to pull out an morphine syringe. I dropped it... I collapsed. Crawling toward it, but never reaching it.
My eyes began to close. I saw faces again.
— Don't die yet! I'm still here! — I heard a voice. It was the Boss.
Then I felt a prick. I opened my eyes and saw her.
— Boss!?
-Avex Adam