"Sergeant Mark, I still haven't seen any signs of life." A soldier clad in futuristic armor says as a large rat scurries past him
"Continue the search. Until we get any reports from the researchers, we lay low and stay prepared for any early contact." Sergeant Mark replies, keeping his tone steady
"Understood, Sergeant." The soldier responds, tensing his body in readiness
"Now, let's move out." Sergeant Mark commands, leading the way through the dark, damp, and desolate tunnels of the local sewers
As they press forward, fingers on their triggers, a rustling sound behind them catches their attention
The intercom crackles to life, followed by a voice
"Sergeant Mark, Private Simpson, we have radar visual on the mutant. From what we can tell, it's a Transfiguration-class mutant. Continue right at the next intersection to avoid direct contact." The researcher reports over the intercom
"A Transfiguration-class…" Sergeant Mark mutters, his face hardening
"Well, we follow the researcher's advice, we go right, then wait for further instructions." Sergeant Mark replies, his voice cold and measured
The intercom crackles again
"Scouters, it seems the mutant has detected your presence. Prepare for retreat or a possible confrontation." The researcher orders sharply
"A confrontation? Are you saying we might not make it out of this?" Simpson asks, his voice shaky
"Remember your oath, Private. If you fall in the line of duty, it's for the mission." The researcher's voice is devoid of emotion
"However, the chances of your ammunition piercing the mutant's hide are only about thirty percent. Use that information as you see fit." The researcher continues, his words punctuated by a brief static buzz, leaving the scouts in tense silence
"Don't lose your nerve, Private. I've been through worse. We'll manage." Sergeant Mark reassures, his tone firm and steady
"Understood, Serge—" Simpson is cut off by a sudden gust of wind rushing past them
"We've confirmed contact!" Sergeant Mark yells into his earpiece, but there's no reply, the mutant's growl cuts through the silence from the shadows
"The intercom's down!" Sergeant Mark growls in frustration "Simpson, is your intercom working?" He calls out, but there's no response
"Simpson?" He turns, only to find his partner lying motionless on the ground, his body lifeless
"No…" Sergeant Mark whispers, his face blanching with shock
Before him stands a large creature, its reptilian body looming on two legs. It stares at him with cold, empty eyes. The tension is broken by the sound of the creature's second eyelid sliding over its eyes. The creature swallows Simpson's head whole, its mouth dripping with blood and saliva as it attempts to speak
"I'm… sorry… but I'm so hungry…" The creature's voice is distorted, filled with a strange, guttural tone
"Die!" Sergeant Mark roars, firing his weapon at the mutant
The superheated rounds ricochet off the creature's hide, barely leaving a mark
"That… hurt." The creature mutters, extending a clawed hand toward Mark
"Agh!" Sergeant Mark grunts, tossing his weapon aside and sprinting down the tunnel
"Sergeant Mark, we lost contact with you and Simpson. Report your current situation, it sounds like you're fleeing, must I remind you of the consequences?" The researcher's voice comes through the intercom, cold and clinical
"I'm not going to stand here and die, not when reinforcements are so close." Mark replies, urgency lacing his words
"Why aren't you engaging the target?" The researcher asks, his tone detached
"You think I'm just going to die down here? You're sitting behind a screen giving orders while we're out here facing death!" Sergeant Mark snaps, his frustration evident
"Sergeant Mark, you're not going to make it out of those tunnels. I suggest you make the foundation staff's job easier." The researcher's words drip with indifference
Sergeant Mark, ignoring the researcher completely, ducks into an alcove and holds his breath as the creature's silhouette passes by
He watches silently, praying the mutant won't find him
"You can't hide from me." The creature's voice echoes from above as it drops from the ceiling, landing on Mark with incredible speed. The creature swipes, and the scene cuts to black as Mark's screams fade away
"The scouts have confirmed its durability. Given this new information, which duo would you suggest we send?" The researcher asks
"Higher-ups have already decided on Jack and Marcia." A voice responds from behind him
"Then I'll be leaving, call in the next person, my shift ended two hours ago." The researcher replies, rising from his seat and walking away
"Squad 1 has arrived at the site." A voice rings through the earpiece of the man behind the researcher