The sound of sirens blaring over a distance reassures his worries that help is coming.
But that doesn't mean there will be a room to breathe
As a matter of fact, his ragged breathing indicates that air is slowly getting thinner over time.
If nothing is done, all hope will be lost.
He still wanted to see and live another sunrise.
Perhaps if he hadn't agreed to this, he wouldn't be here right now.
But for him, it no longer matters.
At the moment, all he could think of is how to escape from this blazing inferno.
His mind is set to leaving this place alive.
Knowing that it seems unlikely, giving up would only mean death.
Fires are now spreading on walls and ceilings on the verge of collapsing.
He has to bring himself on the move lest he'll be buried under the pile of ashes soon.
"I swear, if I were to survive this, I shall see them suffer!"
The man curses under his breath as he struggles to move.
His injured leg is trapped under the rubbles and heat permeating his torn clothes.
No matter how much effort he puts into it, the large chunk of debris wouldn't bulged.
A tick of time has passed.
The blooming flames threatens to embrace him now closer than ever before whilst turning everything around him into nothingness.
As if fate has permitted for it, the cruelty of the man's predicament becomes harder.
Thus his rate of survival has dropped at rock bottom.
With every ounce of strength, he pulled even harder, more and more energy feeding unto his muscles.
He would struggle to salvation, far pushing himself to limits.
Fortunately enough, he had managed to pull his leg out on the last minute before another chunk of debris collapsed to where it was before.
It is just as the saying goes, fortune favors the bold.
But with burns and deep gashes of wounds, standing with his injured leg would prove difficult.
At least, he's now one step away from meeting Charon. Is it not?
The man's yelp due to bellowing agony echoes throughout the room.
He gritted his teeth and forces himself to stand.
"I cannot afford to die here while those piece of shits are making their bellies full. I won't let them-"
Thud.
The man stumbled from his place after as he lost his balance.
He couldn't accept this.
He swore to take his revenge upon those who wronged him.
However, it is now out of his reach
Having no energy left to stand and with almost nothing to breathe, he's hopelessly lying in the ground.
He had lost his touch of reality, mind shifting adrift, and eyes set upon the ceiling.
Such strong resolve had once served him well, whether if it's for survival or climbing the ranks.
Sadly, this as far as he could go.
He spit his final words.
"If...if afterlife is real, I do not want to go through the same thing again."
As though heavy, his once sharp piercing eyes blue eyes now stripped with all of its vigor.
"These pain and wounds, this will be the last time I come as weak. Shall I live another life, I'll make sure I won't get hurt again!"
At last, the clock turned one last time. The man's surroundings began to distort.
The bright and hungry flames engulfed his view. However, there is neither scream nor agony.
[ Found you.]
Suddenly, a voice ringed inside him from who knows where.
Until darkness washes over him as he drew his last breath.