Zhang Wei panted heavily as the debris sealed the tunnel entrance behind him. There was no going back now. The world above was burning, filled with death and destruction, and this tunnel was his only hope. He took a moment to steady his breath, then reached into his backpack, pulling out a small torch light. Its weak beam flickered to life, illuminating the damp, moldy walls around him.The air in the tunnel was thick and rancid, the stench of rot and decay overwhelming. Zhang quickly pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped it around his nose, hoping it would shield him from the worst of the smell. He couldn't risk getting sick down here.Slowly, he moved forward, his footsteps echoing through the narrow passage. Every shadow seemed alive, shifting and moving with the dim light from his torch. The tunnel walls were cracked and covered in grime, with muddy water pooling beneath his boots. He crouched low, carefully making his way through the tight turns, and marked the walls with scratches each time the path split.His body ached from the constant tension, his senses sharp, alert for any sign of danger. The monsters weren't far behind—he could still hear the faint growls and roars from above. But it was the smaller, more agile creatures down here that worried him.Suddenly, a scuttling noise came from up ahead. Zhang froze, tightening his grip on the torch. From the shadows, a small, twisted figure emerged, its eyes glowing a sickly green in the dim light. It was a hideous thing, hunched over, with sharp, jagged teeth and claws ready to tear through flesh. Zhang didn't hesitate.Without his trusty metal frame, he reached for the knife strapped to his waist—a short, sharp blade. As the creature lunged at him, he ducked to the side, the torchlight dancing as he dodged. With a swift movement, he drove the knife into the creature's throat. Its screech echoed through the tunnel as it gurgled on its own blood, collapsing to the floor in a heap.Zhang quickly kicked the twitching body into the muddy water, not sparing it a second glance. He wiped the blood from his knife and kept moving, the tension in his muscles never fading. Every turn, every corner, felt like a trap waiting to spring.As he moved deeper into the tunnel, Zhang encountered more of the small monsters. They came in quick, darting out from the shadows, their sharp teeth gnashing at the air. But each time, Zhang reacted with precision. He slashed through one, kicked another into the muck, and crushed the last under the heel of his boot. Their bodies splashed into the water, disappearing beneath the filth, but Zhang knew there would be more.The further he went, the more he realized just how dangerous this place was. The tunnel felt like it went on forever, twisting and turning, the darkness swallowing him whole. But then, something caught his eye. Wedged between two bricks on the wall was a small piece of paper, barely noticeable in the dim light.Zhang plucked it from its hiding place and unfolded it, his heart racing. It was a map—a crude, hand-drawn sketch of the tunnel system. The markings were familiar, made by his comrades who had passed through here before. He scanned the map quickly, recognizing a few landmarks. The tunnel led to an exit—a gate that would take him to his next destination. He had a way out.With renewed determination, Zhang followed the map, moving carefully but quickly. The tunnel twisted and turned, but he stayed focused, using the markings to guide him. Occasionally, he would stop, checking the map to make sure he was still on track.The ground beneath him grew more uneven as he went, the muddy water rising up to his ankles. The walls felt like they were closing in, the air growing thicker, but Zhang pressed on. He knew he had to keep moving, to reach the gate before something else found him.As he reached the final stretch, Zhang could hear distant sounds—faint, distorted growls, and the heavy breathing of something large. He tightened his grip on the knife, his heart pounding in his chest. Whatever was waiting for him at the end of this tunnel, he would be ready for it.But for now, he kept moving forward, his eyes locked on the path ahead. He knew the exit was close, and survival was within reach.