The heroes departed at sunrise, leaving behind quiet gratitude and humble farewells. The villagers gave them everything they could food, blankets, gear. As Thomas took Sophie's hand, no words were needed. Their smiles said it all.
Ice turned to Luke. "What city first?"
"Perfect City," Luke replied. "Or… what's left of it. Thomas released Sophie's hand. "Think there'll be survivors?"
Ice shrugged. "Hopefully." Riot chimed in. "I hope there's no demons. I'll give it to 'em they won't know what hit 'em!"
"Riot, quiet," Stuart whispered. "We're in the forest." Ice nodded. "Listen to Stuart. He's the smarter one." "Hey! I can be smart too," Riot protested. "Give me a question!"
Luke grinned. "Alright. What's 2 + 3?" Riot counted on his fingers. "Seven. "Everyone laughed. "It's five," Luke said.
Thomas burst out laughing. "I bet you can't stump me!" Luke raised an eyebrow. "Okay. What's (5) × 3 + 7 − 8?"Thomas blinked. "…"
Riot howled. "Hah! Told you!" Thomas groaned. "Not fair. You gave him the easy one." Luke smirked. "He's a kid."The squad shared a moment of laughter, light in a dark world.
They traveled through the woods all day, stopping only to eat, hydrate, and rest. By dusk, they reached the border of Perfect City a ruin of cracked walls and scorched streets.
Thomas stepped forward. "We should go in."
Ice nodded. "Stay alert." They entered the city, walking through the wreckage. Demonic symbols, shattered homes, and silence greeted them.
Thomas cupped his hands. "Any survivors out there?! We're the good guys!"
Luke hissed, "Thomas, quiet! You'll call the whole city." Thomas replied "How else will survivors know we're here to help?" Ice watched them bicker like siblings. Riot pointed. "Hey! Someone's coming!"
A man stood in the middle of the street.
Thomas waved. "We're here to help!" Then snap. A demon T-Rex lunged from the shadows and devoured the man whole. The squad froze.
Ice roared, charging the beast. "I liked you better extinct!" He hurled his chain, aiming for the neck but the T-Rex ducked.
Luke spotted a figure riding the beast a man in a hockey mask. "Sophie! Rider!" he shouted. Sophie nodded, drawing her bow. She fired arrows at the handler, but the dinosaur shielded him.
Luke charged. Thomas turned to Riot and Stuart. "Stay here!" Riot crossed his arms. "We don't listen to you."
"What?" Thomas replied "You're low rank. Just like us." Riot said. Thomas blinked. "That makes no sense." He sighed. "Fine. Stay here."
Then he sprinted into battle. The handler directed the T-Rex toward Sophie. At the last second, Thomas appeared glowing platinum, eyes white and struck the dinosaur's jaw. The beast crashed to the ground.
The handler pulled out an AK-47, spraying bullets. The heroes dove for cover. Riot and Stuart flanked from behind, throwing rocks. One hit the handler's mask, stunning him. Sophie fired an arrow pierced his arm, forcing him to drop the gun.
Luke charged as the dinosaur stirred. He drove his blade through its skull dead. The handler, wounded, blew a massive horn made of bone. A shriek echoed through the city.Then bang.
A shotgun blast dropped the handler. A man stepped forward. "Heroes, come with me. I'm not your enemy. I need your help."
Thomas narrowed his eyes. "I know you…" "I'm Albert," the man said. "Light's servant."
Everyone froze. "What do you want?" Luke asked. "I'm not a foe," Albert said. "But we must move. More T-Rexes are coming."
A distant roar confirmed it. "I have a vehicle. This way." Luke turned to the squad. "Any false move don't hesitate." Everyone nodded. And they followed Albert into the shadows.