Episode 1: Crimson Sky
Mogura climbs the ladder of the access tunnel for the first time, heading toward the surface. The metal is cold and rusted, and his heart races with every step.
He has spent his life preparing for this moment. When he finally reaches the top, light gently hits his face. He squints, his white hair ruffled by the wind and the swirling dust, which dirties his glasses. The sight before him leaves him speechless. Though it's a bleak desert littered with remnants of a long-dead civilization, barely visible through the distance and the ever-present red mist, it stuns him.
The sky is blanketed in this dense fog, letting only faint rays of sunlight through. The air is heavy, thick, and smells of iron and rust. It's not what he imagined—but it doesn't disappoint.
"Move, Mogura. We have to keep going."
"Yes, Captain! Sorry!"
Mogura scrambles to exit the tunnel and catch up with his squad in the vast, barren terrain surrounding them.
It's his first mission. He's nervous and unsure, but determined to do his best and not become a burden. The heavy backpack he carries holds advanced radio equipment, antennas, and batteries—everything needed to try to contact other surviving human bases.
"Don't fall behind, Mogura. Stay close and alert."
Captain Kuma leads the mission. Her presence commands respect. Her short white hair falls slightly over one eye, and a massive naginata rests on her back. Even if it's his first mission, her gaze exudes confidence and strength. She knows the maps, the terrain, and how to handle any complication according to the proper protocols.
"Tanuki, Chidori, take the lead quietly and give us updates."
"Okay..."
"On it, Captain! Wii~!"
Tanuki walks relaxed, maybe too relaxed. His long white hair sways in the wind, and though he carries a giant nodachi on his back, he walks as if it weighs nothing. His long white tail seems to sway to unheard music. His solemn gaze, darkened by eye bags, gives him the air of someone who's wandered this wasteland for far too long.
Chidori, on the other hand, dashes ahead, bouncing with every step. Her radiant smile and bright eyes are mesmerizing. Her messy short white hair gleams under the few light beams piercing the mist. She embodies youth and energy—a stark contrast to Tanuki.
"Karasu, take the high ground. Shako, cover her and assess the area."
"Okay... ugh, how annoying..."
"Move, Karasu, stop whining."
"Yeah yeah..."
Karasu hoists her rifle over her shoulder and secures her compound bow at her waist. She smirks at Kuma before walking off with grace. Her long white hair flows behind her, and a medium-sized wing of sharp white feathers juts from her right shoulder blade. She looks like a fallen angel designed to draw stares.
Shako follows close behind, as if to keep her from doing something foolish. His slicked-back hair and dark glasses give him the look of a bodyguard or elite soldier. A katana hangs at his side, and his posture radiates precision and experience.
"What about me?"
"You stay here, Oni. Protect Mogura."
Oni is huge—really huge. Over two meters tall, with a kanabo resting on his shoulder, and eyes that always seem shut. His face shows little emotion, but his most notable feature is the massive white horn protruding from the center of his forehead. His short military-cut white hair adds to his stoic appearance. He's just a big, muscular, quiet guy... at least for now.
Hours pass without any news over the communicators. Kuma, Mogura, and Oni walk together in silence. Occasionally, Tanuki or Chidori send brief updates on the route.
[Scouts, status?]
[Tsk, all clear, Captain... we'll report if anything changes.]
Kuma frowns at Tanuki's tone but says nothing. The tension between them is palpable. The more experienced squad members start getting bored, and the day hasn't even ended.
Mogura watches Oni yawn while sweat drips down Kuma's neck from pressure—not heat. It's clear who's used to the surface, and who isn't.
"Ahh! What was that?!" Mogura yells, startled by a noise.
"What?! What did you see?!" Kuma snaps into a defensive stance, not wanting to be caught off guard.
"Just the wind, kid... relax," Oni replies calmly, almost lazily.
"Don't scare me like that, Mogura."
"Sorry..."
Still nervous, Mogura jumps at every noise. The wind shifts debris, whistles through ruins, mimicking threats only he perceives.
[Target spotted at 4 o'clock, darling. It's all yours,] Karasu whispers from her scope, perched atop a collapsed building.
[At your service, my queen!]
Tanuki spots it: a monster roughly his size, with four pointed insect-like legs. Its head and body are one massive mouth filled with tiny teeth, and a spear-like tail ready to strike.
But Tanuki knows this creature. He leaps, gripping his nodachi with both hands. Spinning midair, he draws the blade in the final moment, using momentum and gravity to slice the beast in half before it even notices him.
[What the hell?! I didn't give the order to attack!]
[Target eliminated. You're welcome,] Tanuki says, resting the blade on his shoulder like a show-off.
[Waaah! Why does Tanuki always get to fight?! I want action too!]
[The monsters just aren't near your area, Chidori. Don't pout,] Shako says calmly, checking his digital map.
Tanuki and Karasu move in sync without words. One spots, the other kills. No orders needed. For Mogura, they're like performers. For Kuma, it's insubordination.
[This is a dangerous mission, not a playground!]
[Yes, mom. Sorry, mom.]
[Eat your soup, Tanuki, got it?]
[Haha! Tanuki hates soup!]
[What an idiot!]
"That bastard..." Kuma mutters, fists clenched, her patience worn thin. Tanuki and Karasu clearly enjoy teasing her. Shako occasionally tries to refocus them but never stops their methods.
"D-Don't let them get to you, Captain... heh," Mogura says nervously, trying to comfort her.
"You're right, Mogura... not worth getting mad at children."
"I'm hungry. When do we eat?"
"Not yet, Oni. We need to use what daylight remains."
"Fine... but I'm still hungry..."
The squad continues toward their first radio point—one of several marked on the map. Mogura, the weakest of the group, is the only one who knows how to operate the equipment. He's essential.
They take defensive positions. Mogura and Shako begin transmissions.
"This is Telum Recon Squad No.126 Amaterasu. Broadcasting on open frequency 144.0 MHz. Can anyone hear us? Repeat, does anyone copy?"
"No response..."
"Wait a few minutes and try again."
"Yes, sir!"
Tanuki and Karasu lounge on a rooftop. Chidori paces in boredom. Oni watches the operators while reclining on a rock. Kuma stays alert, hiding her nervousness among seasoned veterans who show no fear.
"This is Telum Recon Squad No.126 Amaterasu... Repeat, we are at quadrant B3 and seeking survivors. We can help!"
"No use, Mogura. Let's move on."
"No reply, Captain. I recommend we proceed to the next point."
"Understood. Everyone, move out!"
With groans, the squad packs up. Fatigue and low morale spread. The little sunlight that pierces the red fog fades as they delve deeper into the ruins. The terrain worsens—collapsed buildings, corroded debris, and sand cover everything.
Karasu's voice breaks the silence.
[Tanuki, Chidori, halt. I see a Watcher.]
"A Watcher?" Mogura asks, confused but frightened.
"Small monster. Not strong but full of eyes. Screams when it spots prey," Kuma whispers, sweat trickling down.
"P-Prey?"
"She means us. I doubt it would scream over a sandwich," Oni says with a calm smile.
"What? Oni, be quiet!"
[Don't move or it'll see you. Karasu, take it out.]
[On it.]
Karasu hands her rifle to Shako and draws her compound bow. Her wing unfolds. She plucks a feather, which hardens and sharpens into an arrow.
She nocks, draws, and fires. The feather-turned-arrow hits the creature's head, blowing a hole ten times its size. The body thuds to the ground.
[Threat neutralized.]
[Good work. Let's keep moving.]
[I suggest we find shelter for the night, Captain.]
Tanuki is right, but Kuma hates agreeing with him.
[Negative. We keep going.]
[I support Tanuki's call. Night awakens dangers. Better to continue tomorrow.]
"Tsk... damn it..." Kuma growls.
[Alright, find shelter and prepare to rest.]
"Finally! I was starving!"
"Hey shorty, you hungry too?"
"Heh... y-yeah, a little."
"Told you!" Oni laughs, slapping Mogura's back.
[Hurry! I'm starving!]
Oni's detachment somehow eases the mood. The squad searches for cover.
[Guys! I found a spot, come to me!] Chidori waves joyfully from a ruined storefront.
They join her in what once was a diner. Chairs, tables, and signage lay broken, but the counter and register remain.
"What can I get you? Protein rations or... protein rations!" Chidori jokes, shaking an imaginary cocktail shaker.
"Do you have a menu?"
"Oh darling, you said we'd eat somewhere special!"
"Don't you like my place? No tables, but the food's great!"
"Sir, please excuse my wife! She gets cranky when hungry!"
Their goofy roleplay makes Mogura laugh for the first time since arriving. Kuma glares. She remembers their files:
"Can you stop playing around? We still need to plan for tomorrow."
"Okay, Captain Killjoy..." Tanuki sighs.
"Tanuki. Respect the chain of command."
"Ugh... fine, Shako."
They eat their cold, tasteless ration blocks—full of nutrients, but flavorless and hard. Necessary for survival.
"Today went well. Let's hope you behave better tomorrow."
The silence returns. Kuma's words vanish into the air.
"I-I'll do my best, Captain!"
"Thanks, Mogura. I'm counting on you."
With rotations set for night watch, they finish their first day after a bland but filling meal.
Episode 2: The Radio Boy
Karazu lies prone on the rooftop of a ruined building with Tanuki and Shako, peering through the scope of her long-range rifle. She watches as several deformed creatures with multiple limbs move erratically through one of the routes they had planned to advance.
"Mmm... I don't think we'll be able to move forward anytime soon..."
"What do you think, Shako? Want me to scout alternative paths from above?" Tanuki asks, arms crossed, analyzing the terrain.
"That sounds best. Go alone while Karazu covers you. Let's minimize movement in the area."
[What's going on, Shako? Report the situation.]
[Sending Tanuki to search for viable paths. We can't proceed for now.]
"Well, off I go before the captain has a meltdown." Tanuki yawns and stretches before doing some warm-up stretches and departing.
"Be careful, sweetheart. I'll be watching you."
"Bye bye! Mwah!"
"You're very close... How long have you been on missions together?"
"Not sure... maybe two years?"
"And your former teammates? They all fell in combat?"
"Exactly... In the last three missions, only we survived."
Karazu's casual tone makes Shako think. Despite their annoying attitudes, they are highly efficient on the surface. They know when to be relaxed and when to be serious. But it's still suspicious that only the two of them survived, given their chaotic personalities and teamwork. Was it just luck... or something more?
While Tanuki scouts alternate routes, the rest of the team waits anxiously. Mogura, who once flinched at a tumbleweed, now draws in the cold red sand with a stick. Everything is tinted red due to the fog's light, creating a dull, monochromatic landscape.
"AHHH I'M BORED! Hurry up, Tanuki!!"
"Don't yell, Chidori. Want to attract those wandering monsters?"
"Not really... but waiting is sooo boring..." Chidori pouts and tucks her hands between her knees.
"Chidori... um... I don't mean to pry, but... what's your special ability?"
"Oh, nothing too special. I can grow thin feathers and electrocute anything that touches them. What about you?"
"Wow, cool... I... I don't have any special abilities..."
"Really? What a loser. No wonder you're the radio guy."
"Chidori! Apologize to Mogura. His ability is operating the radio, and that's exactly what this mission needs."
"Haha... it's okay, Captain. She didn't say anything too harsh..."
Chidori's careless words sting Mogura. Being the smallest and weakest made him the team's protected asset—not only because he carried the radio but because he couldn't protect himself.
[Found a safe path. It's pretty open but seems fine.]
[Are you sure? What do you mean by "pretty open"?]
[Looks like it used to be a playground. Not many nearby buildings, but the place seems calm.]
Kuma doesn't like the route. Her training taught her to avoid open spaces and stick to covered areas. But they don't have many options if they want to move forward.
[What do you think, Shako? See anything from your position?]
[I see Tanuki sliding down a playground slide and...]
[What?! WHAT HAPPENED, SHAKO?!]
[Nothing... the slide broke and Tanuki fell. The area seems safe.]
"Haha... that Tanuki is such an idiot," Chidori laughs just imagining the scene.
Kuma grows more stressed by the second. It feels like she was put in charge of the most incompetent and unruly team possible, as if this mission were some kind of test for promotion.
[Alright, Shako. I trust your judgment... let's move.]
The squad advances without major issues, reaching two more quadrants with no response. It feels like there's no trace of humanity left. Morale falters for both Mogura and Kuma.
Other teams paved these safe routes, suffering casualties so this mission could happen. Losing hope now would dishonor their sacrifice.
At nightfall, they find shelter in a ruined temple. The torii gate is shattered, and although the entrance is missing, it provides a safe place to rest.
Fox-shaped statues, some destroyed, lie scattered throughout. The wooden structure creaks with every step, and the wind makes the roof breathe.
"Finally, food time!" Oni cheers, sitting on the floor and rubbing his hands.
"Why are you so excited to eat that compressed cardboard?" Karazu asks, strolling through the ruined temple.
"When I get bored, I get angry and sleepy! But when I eat, I'm not bored!"
"You're so basic it's admirable, Oni," Tanuki says, sitting cross-legged on a small table, resting his head on his arm while watching Oni's joy.
"Haha! Eat well, and maybe someday you'll be big and strong like me!"
"I think like Oni! The food sucks, but it kills the boredom and you don't have to think—just chew!"
"Chidori... never mind... I admire you too..."
"Sorry to interrupt your thrilling conversation, but we need to plan tomorrow's route.
I suggest Route C.2—narrow path, good cover."
"Terrible idea, Captain. Have you been to the city's core?" Karazu raises an eyebrow, unimpressed.
"No, but I've reviewed all the reports and recordings. It's labeled as the safest route."
"Haha! Those scouts are dead, Kuma!" Tanuki laughs, tears in his eyes, mouth full of rations.
"What? How do you know that?!"
"Because the only idiot I knew who trusted that route was Inu. He was our teammate... and he's dead."
Tanuki's expression darkens instantly. The tired eyes now reflect someone who's seen too much death.
A chilling silence follows.
Kuma swallows hard. She doesn't want to follow Tanuki's suggestion, but she also won't risk the mission out of pride.
"What do you suggest, then?"
"Route C.1. Harder for the less agile—like Oni, Mogura, and you—but it offers better visibility."
"Moving across collapsed buildings leaves us too exposed! Creatures will spot us easily!"
"That's why Tanuki and I are here! Maybe Chidori too, if she believes in herself!" Karazu grins, pounding her chest proudly.
"Me?" Chidori is mid-bite, completely distracted.
"Sounds good to me. They have the right skills and enough experience to lead us."
Mogura doesn't follow the tactical talk. He hasn't studied the maps. He notices Kuma's discomfort as Shako sides with Tanuki. He wants to support her but knows he lacks strategic knowledge.
Kuma reluctantly agrees. They assign night watch rotations, with Mogura taking first watch.
He uses this time to admire the bleak landscape. The night is suffocating. The mist blocks out the stars and any light from the sky. It's not the world he dreamed of.
(I wonder what the world looked like 600 years ago... before the mist...)
(Would there have been a place for someone like me?)
(Probably. Technology was built by the smart, not the strong...)
Thoughts swirl in his mind. The silence is broken when Kuma relieves him.
"What are you thinking about, Mogura? You seem sad."
"Ah, nothing... Just wondering what the world used to be like."
"It was probably wonderful. That's why humans want to reclaim the surface someday," she says, sitting beside him.
"Do you think they will?"
"We have to make it happen for them. That's why we were created."
"Right... but I doubt I'll be much help..."
"Don't say that! You're crucial to this mission! You think Oni could run the radio? Haha."
"Haha, probably not... Aren't you scared? This is your first mission too..."
"Of course I'm scared... but I trained hard and passed every test to become an efficient Captain."
Mogura clenches his hands. Kuma's resolve makes him feel even smaller, like he's being crushed by the weight of his companions.
"Get some rest, Mogura. I'll take over."
"Alright, Captain. Thanks for your words."
"Don't mention it. Sleep well."
The next day, team positions change for the chosen route.
Tanuki leads. Karazu covers him. Chidori flanks them. They leap and slink through collapsed buildings like dominoes.
They must move quickly and precisely. In the city center, monster presence increases. Drawing attention could doom the entire squad.
Kuma, Oni, Shako, and Mogura follow instructions precisely. Shako leads, identifying stable ground to avoid collapses.
The mission proceeds smoothly despite the terrain. Before sunset, they reach two more radio points—still no responses.
[How's the turtle group, Shako?]
[Good pace. Any updates?]
[Nothing major. Just a quick break.]
[Something happen?]
[A couple of wandering spider-types think they're hidden. We'll handle it.]
[Understood. Let me know when to proceed.]
Kuma resents that Tanuki reports to Shako. It feels like her command is being bypassed.
"Shouldn't you remind them of the protocol?"
"Unnecessary. They know how to handle themselves."
He's right. The attack formation is different.
Chidori strikes first, baring her arms. Thin white feathers sprout, electrocuting the webbing and stunning the spiders.
Tanuki dives into the nest, avoiding threads. One slash of his nodachi splits two monsters.
Karazu, from a safe spot, fires her mist-compression rifle. The invisible shot blasts the spider queen's head clean off.
These rifles were humanity's answer to dwindling ammo and growing threats. They absorb mist, compress it, and fire with force capable of piercing monster hide and concrete.
[Break's over, ladies.]
[Copy.]
Mogura, always in the rear, only hears comms. He wonders what their fights really look like. Maybe they're skilled... or maybe monsters aren't as scary as reports claim.
They reach the next point. Time to try the radio again.
"This is Telum Recon Squad No.126, Amaterasu Base.
Broadcasting on open frequency 144.0 MHz. Can anyone hear us? Repeat, does anyone copy?"
"Kshhhkjjjjkkshh, Hokkjjjshhhh—"
"What was that?! I heard something!" Kuma grabs Mogura's shoulder.
"Trying to boost the signal—reception's poor."
"This is Mogura! Radio Operator! Can you hear me?!"
"kjjjjshh Sikkjjjjshh Aqukkjjjshhh—"
"Hello? Can you hear me?! Hello!!"
"Signal lost. The mist must be interfering more than we thought," Shako says, adjusting his glasses.
"Damn it! There are people out there! We have to find them!"
For the first time in centuries, they heard a response. But with such weak signal, locating the source was impossible.
"Hey... what if we use those to boost the signal?" Chidori points to old antennas on a nearby building.
"You're a genius, Chidori!"
"Genius? Hehehe, I know!" she blushes, rubbing her head.
"Mogura, could it work?" Kuma asks, excited.
"Uh... not sure, but it might."
"Then what are we waiting for?! Let's go!"
"Wait, Captain. That sector isn't mapped. No safe routes."
"There are people out there, Shako! If there's no data, we'll make it! Tanuki! You love scouting alone—you'll be first to map the area!"
"Fine by me... keeping formation?"
"No. You go alone. Karazu covers you. Chidori stays with us. Report everything and wait for orders before acting. Understood?"
"As you say, Captain Kuma..." Tanuki smirks, bowing mockingly.
"What about me?"
"You protect Mogura, Oni. That's been your job since we left Amaterasu," Kuma says, rubbing her temples.
"Alright... want a piggyback ride, shorty?"
"Heh... no thanks..."
The path is dangerous—ruins, wreckage, and lurking monsters.
Most look humanoid, but twisted, with limbs growing randomly. Some seem like fused bodies. It's terrifying. A single noise could mean disaster.
They change paths often to avoid detection. Sometimes on foot, other times scaling buildings. A tedious task for the less agile members.
[Well, this is as far as we go. Let's turn back.]
[What?! We're almost there!]
[You know what a S.L.A.M.O.C.B.?]
[Haha, you're such an idiot...]
[Don't clog comms, Karazu! And no, what is that, Tanuki?]
[Super Large Abomination Monster Obstructing Current Path.]
Laughter from Chidori, Karazu, and Oni erupts.
Kuma clenches her fists, grinding her teeth.
(Do these idiots think this is a game?!)
(We have a mission! We just contacted survivors!)
(And they're laughing?!)
[FIND ANOTHER PATH. THAT'S AN ORDER.]
[No paths. The Goliath blocks above. Wanderers patrol below. Can you jump 15 meters? No? Thought so.]
(I will lead this mission to success...)
(I will be the one who reestablished contact...)
(Me! Me! Me! ME!!)
[I don't care how... FIND ANOTHER WAY.]
"Shako, Chidori. Go too."
Mogura and Oni wait inside what was once a convenience store—dusty shelves, broken glass, rusted cans.
Mogura had never seen the Captain so angry. He understood the importance of reaching the antennas, but wasn't sure they could boost the signal. Being in the city center made everything more dangerous.
"Relax, shorty. I've got you covered," Oni says, gripping his kanabo.
"Thanks, sir... I'm counting on you."
Kuma paces impatiently, swinging her naginata and checking her watch.
[Cap! I think I found a possible path, but I dunno...]
[Everyone, to Chidori's location now!]
"Let's go, everyone. We've wasted enough time here!"
Episode 3: Mogura
The squad followed Captain Kuma's orders. After a stealthy route toward Chidori's marked location, they all gathered at what appeared to be an old subway entrance. Dark, damp, and ominous. Debris, garbage, and a faint breeze emanated from within. The place felt anything but safe.
"Mmm... I don't trust it one bit," Tanuki muttered, staring into the suspicious entrance.
"Me neither. I'd rather be in open areas. I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm not a melee fighter."
"You two are always against whatever I say, so no more arguing. Inside!"
"Wait, Captain. Let me take a look first."
Shako removed his black glasses, revealing his eyes to the others. Completely black with star-like white pupils—sharp, cross-shaped. His vision was far superior to any human or Telum. He could see heat, organic residues, energy traces, unknown colors, and perfect darkness. Practically the ultimate eyes.
"What do you see, Shako?"
"Traces of old blood and strange fluids... something's hiding in there."
"If that's the case, we'll meet it head-on and adjust our formation accordingly."
"Still a bad idea... We should just go back and stick to the assigned routes."
"We can't do that! You want to abandon those people?"
"Maybe they're fine and the last thing they want is a bunch of Telum bothering them!" Karazu steps forward, staring Kuma down.
"If you're just going to fight, maybe I shouldn't have shown you this place. Hmph!" Chidori pouts, arms crossed.
"What about you, Oni? Finally gonna do something?"
"I'll take the lead! I'm strong and tough!"
"Perfect. And you, Mogura? You want to help those people, right? That's why we're here."
Mogura felt the pressure. The place was clearly dangerous—he didn't need Shako's eyes to sense the death emanating from that dark hole. Saying no might compromise the mission. But above all, he wanted to prove to himself and Kuma that he wasn't a coward.
(I could refuse... say it's too dangerous...)
(Tanuki's suggestion doesn't sound so bad...)
(Come on, Mogura... you're a Telum too!)
(You wanted to come to the surface, right? Then don't chicken out now!)
(Stop shaking and MOVE!)
"Let's go! I'm not afraid!" The gleam in Mogura's eyes shone behind the dusty lenses of his glasses.
Tanuki's calm expression faded. He lowered his head and gave Karazu a sad look. She held his gaze, then nodded. Without more words, the squad descended into the eerie mouth of the abandoned subway.
The darkness was suffocating. Though Telum could see in low light, only a few had vision sharp enough to move freely in pitch black.
"Stay close, Karazu. Hold my tail—but don't squeeze!" Tanuki whispered, his eyes morphing into deep black with a massive white pupil.
"Shako, take point. Oni, stay at his side!" Kuma commanded firmly.
"I can't see a thing, Captain, but it stinks in here!" Oni grumbled as his heavy steps echoed.
The air was thick—rust, moisture, and something else... something they couldn't define. Only careful footsteps, distant drips, and faint wind whistling through cracks.
CHEKKSSS!!
"WAAAH! WHAT WAS THAT?!" Chidori yelped, curling up.
"Quiet, Chidori. Just a can. Watch your step!" Tanuki muttered, his senses flaring with danger.
"Easy... we're almost there," Shako said, scanning every inch ahead like a feline.
Minutes stretched like hours. Mogura was drenched in cold sweat. Completely blind, his naturally poor eyesight forced him to rely on his glasses.
(Waaah... what did you do, Mogura?! Why act brave now?!)
(What was that sound?! Did I imagine it? What if only I heard it... because my ears are sharper?!)
(Relax, Mogura! Trust your elite teammates! We'll be fine... right?!)
Fear gripped his throat. The only thing anchoring him was squeezing Kuma's hand tightly so he wouldn't get lost in the black void.
"It's okay, Mogura. We'll be fine. Don't worry."
"Y-yes, Captain! Of course... all good..."
The air thickened further. The scent of iron and rust felt... different. The whistling wind and dripping had stopped.
Tanuki froze. A chill ran up his spine. He rushed ahead of Shako, blocking the path.
"Something's off... I don't know what... but something's here."
"What are you talking about? My eyes are flawless—I haven't seen a thing." Shako looked again, more carefully.
"What is it? Why are we stopping?" Kuma sounded annoyed—and scared.
Mogura had a gut feeling something terrible was coming. Maybe the chills and stares weren't in his head.
"Everyone quiet. Don't move..." Shako's tone was more serious than ever.
"I can't see them... no heat, and they move too slow to leave energy traces..."
"WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN?!" Karazu hissed.
"We're being hunted."
Only Tanuki saw the terror on Shako's face. The group froze. Chidori began to back away. Mogura dropped, clutching his head in panic.
Kuma struggled to stay composed but questioned everything.
(Hunted? This must be a joke! I'm not dying here!)
(This was the only possible path! I didn't mess up!)
(They're trying to scare me into giving up command!)
(I WON'T LET THEM WIN!)
Kuma stormed forward to face Tanuki and Shako.
"I'm in charge! I say we MOVE!"
Suddenly, a deep hum vibrated through the air. Veins of light lit the tunnels. From the darkness, silhouettes emerged: segmented bodies, sharp limbs, jaws of teeth. Hundreds. All staring at them.
Then came the screeching. A symphony of blades on slate, a thousand chattering fangs.
Mogura looked up, eyes wide.
"AHHHHHHHHH!"
Everyone followed his gaze.
There it was. Clinging to the ceiling like a nightmare fused to concrete. The Queen stared silently. Her body: a mutated, twisted centipede with human hands protruding from each segment, writhing like dancers. Her insect head split in two. Inside... a skeletal mask shaped like a white, clean, smiling human face.
"An... Alpha..." Karazu whispered, gripping Tanuki's hand.
The squad froze. Clicks and steps drew closer. The creatures had made themselves known. Dinner was served. The Alpha stared down with her porcelain grin, slowly approaching, ready to feed her children.
"RUN!!!"
Tanuki reacted first. He grabbed Karazu and hoisted her onto his back. His boots and sleeves tore. His calves pulsed, reshaping unnaturally. Shins elongated, tendons stretched, and his feet curved into sharp, crescent bone blades. His legs resembled grotesque organic stilts, made for speed.
His elbows cracked and extended, bones tearing through flesh. Hands twisted and clenched, arms reshaping into massive blades. All in seconds.
With Tanuki and Karazu already sprinting, the others followed, unleashing their powers.
Chidori ran, crying, plucking her electric feathers and hurling them in desperate defense.
Shako, armed with a katana and his unmatched sight, slashed any flanking foes. Ahead of him, Oni formed a thick bone armor and plowed through like a battering ram, smashing anything in his way.
Creatures flooded the tunnel. A faint light glowed ahead.
Mogura, the slowest, fell behind. Kuma's back got farther with every step. The monsters closed in.
(Damn it... why am I so slow?!)
(Please don't leave me! Wait!!)
He reached out. But they were already too far.
The exit's glow reflected in his glasses—and on the swarm at his heels.
Tanuki became a storm of slashes, leaps, and spins. Karazu clung tightly. A monster dropped from the ceiling—she reached for his sword, but it was already cleaved in two. Tanuki's tail had become a twin-bladed scythe.
His fury inspired hope. The team rallied to keep up.
"Run, Mogura!! Almost there! RUN!!" Kuma shouted without looking back.
Kuma was the last to exit. Gasping, she saw her squad's horrified faces.
She turned, dreading what she'd see.
The Queen and her children stood in the tunnel. Silent. Waiting. The Queen cackled. One pincer held Mogura, impaled through his stomach. Still alive. Barely.
(Heh... I knew it would end like this...)
(Why did I think I'd go home a hero?)
(The useless radio Telum who contacted other humans! Yeah right...)
(Should've listened to everyone who said I didn't belong here...)
Kuma screamed as the Queen swung Mogura back and forth, mimicking his cries with twisted, distorted voices.
"GO AFTER HIM NOW!!!"
"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! SHE'LL KILL HIM!!"
Shako stepped in. In one swift move, he choked and restrained Kuma before she could react.
"Oni... collapse the entrance."
"But... Mog..."
"Collapse it. That's an order." Shako's eyes were cold.
"Wait, Shako. Karazu, your rifle."
Karazu knew what Tanuki was about to do. Without a word, she tossed it.
Tanuki, already transformed, dropped into sniper position. Mogura lifted his head, barely conscious.
(Heh... guess you weren't such a bad guy after all, Tanuki...)
(But I won't go without doing something...)
Mogura reached for a grenade in his pack. He smiled and pulled the pin.
(Goodbye, guys... good luck... I had fun...)
"Hope you get indigestion, you stupid monster!"
As the grenade left his hand, Shako signaled Oni. Tanuki pulled the trigger.
The bullet pierced Mogura's head—mercy.
(Goodbye, Mogura...)
Tanuki returned the rifle to Karazu. The explosion and Oni's strikes sealed the tunnel.
"No time to mourn! Let's go! Oni, carry Kuma! Hurry!"
"But... but..." Chidori, still in shock.
"No time, Chidori! That explosion drew more monsters! MOVE!"
They fled—no stealth, just desperation. Over rubble, under collapsed buildings, climbing wreckage. They ran until they reached a vast desert of dust and sand.
Exhausted, they collapsed, staring at the crimson clouds that blocked even a sliver of light.
"...Mo...Mogura..."
Kuma stirred. The squad rose.
"Mogura's gone..." Tanuki's cold gaze held only acceptance.
"YOU KILLED HIM, YOU ARROGANT BASTARD!"
Kuma lunged at Tanuki. Her sleeves tore as muscles swelled. She pummeled his face. His wounds healed instantly.
"STOP IT! WHY ARE YOU HITTING HIM?!" Karazu shouted, yanking at Kuma's jacket.
Chidori sobbed again. Oni panicked, unsure what to do.
"Hit me all you want. It won't bring your friend back..."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?! I'LL PUNCH YOUR HEAD OFF!"
"Kuma! Tanuki! ENOUGH!" Shako barked.
"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! I'M THE CAPTAIN!"
"Not anymore. You lost control at the tunnel and again now. You're relieved."
"Haha... I knew it... You just wanted to steal command! You traitor!"
"Stop embarrassing yourself. I get it. It hurts losing a comrade for the first time," Tanuki said, brushing off dust.
"But guess what? Up here, that's daily life. You thought you'd lead an elite squad and earn medals?"
"We're Telum. Cannon fodder born to survive this damned mist."
"Want to be captain? Not with us. You're not fit. While you were unconscious, we chose Shako. We all agreed."
Silence fell. The veterans knew it was true.
The surface doesn't care about ranks, age, or experience. It only spares those who are ready. And only the Telum were born to face it.