The rubble exploded outward.
Kieran threw his arms up as jagged stone fragments tore through the air. A slab clipped his shoulder—he grunted, stumbling back as the Apex emerged, bloodied but furious. Dust swirled around it like a storm cloud, casting its silhouette in monstrous shadow.
[System Alert: Severe energy depletion. Combat efficiency reduced by 43%.]
[Recommendation: Flee or disable target via environmental manipulation.]
Kieran gritted his teeth. Running's not an option. Not anymore.
He glanced toward Elias, who stood calmly with arms crossed. Watching. Measuring.
Kieran barked, "You're really not gonna help?"
Elias tilted his head. "You already know the answer."
The Apex charged again—faster this time.
Kieran dove toward a side tunnel, baiting it into a tighter space. The creature followed, claws scraping sparks from the walls. Every step sent vibrations through the floor.
Ahead, he saw it—a dangling stalactite above a narrow bottleneck.
Kieran skidded to a stop, flung a shard of debris with what little energy he had left.
The shard struck the stalactite's base. It cracked.
The Apex lunged right into the trap.
CRASH!
The ceiling collapsed, burying the beast once more—this time with more force.
Kieran dropped to one knee, coughing, panting.
He expected Elias's voice.
Instead, silence.
Then—clapping.
From the darkness beyond the tunnel, a new figure stepped forward. Slim. Clad in Abyssal armor. A twisted smile on his lips.
"Impressive," the man said. "Didn't think Elias's little experiment would last this long."
Kieran's heart dropped. "Who the hell are you?"
Behind him, Elias's tone darkened. "Problem."
The man grinned wider. "Name's Silas. And I'm here to collect what you stole."