Bursting from the chemistry lab, Akira and Kana raced toward the storage shed behind the school. Behind them, the shattered door unleashed a cacophony of pursuing creatures—their buzzing wings and scuttling feet echoing in the night's suffocating darkness.
Akira gripped his tripod-spear, explosives tucked into his uniform pocket. Kana clutched the first aid kit so tightly her knuckles whitened, her breath ragged from exhaustion, but she refused to falter.
As they reached the narrow path behind the school, Akira's sensors flared. "Hostiles detected. Multiple entities approaching from ahead and behind."
Kana glanced back, catching sight of the monstrous swarm closing in. "They're coming again…!"
"Correct. We break through to the shed. Stay close."
Akira readied his spear and advanced.
From around a corner emerged a massive, armored creature, its back bristling with jagged spines that gouged the ground. Beside it slithered a segmented horror, its fanged maw splitting wide.
Akira charged the armored beast, smashing its spines with his spear. The shell cracked, spraying green ichor. He followed with a blade strike, gutting it in one blow.
The segmented creature darted low, aiming for his legs. Akira hurled an explosive, sparking his blade to ignite it. The blast roared, shredding the creature and leaving scorch marks on the path.
"Threats neutralized. We proceed," he said, turning to Kana.
She nodded, and they hurried onward, the swarm behind them gaining ground.
They reached the shed's iron door just as the ground shuddered. From the soil erupted a new horror—a bulbous mass with writhing tentacles, its maw dripping corrosive slime.
"Additional hostile detected. Engaging," Akira said, facing it.
Tentacles lashed out, aiming to ensnare his arms. He severed them with his spear, the slime sizzling as it burned the ground. A blade thrust silenced the creature's maw.
"Temporary safety secured. Entering the shed."
Akira yanked open the door, and they dove inside. He sealed it, jamming an iron pipe through the handle.
The shed was dim, cluttered with old gym equipment and tools. Thuds echoed from outside, but the sturdy door held—for now.
Kana caught her breath, scanning the room. "Anything useful here?"
"Searching now. We'll use tools and materials to enhance our arsenal," Akira said, spotting a power drill and a metal rod on a shelf. "The drill's motor can be integrated into the spear, adding rotational force to increase destructive power."
Kana grabbed a hammer from nearby and handed it to him. "This work for me?"
"Yes. Effective in close combat. Suitable for you."
Akira dismantled the drill, rigging its motor to the spear. A test run sent the tip spinning, slicing the air with a low hum. "Rotary spear complete. Combat capabilities enhanced."
He hefted the weapon, its spinning tip growling softly. Kana gripped the hammer, her eyes widening at its heft.
The shed was quiet, save for faint thuds against the door. Akira scanned the space, then looked at Kana. "Hostile activity temporarily reduced. I designate this a chance for rest and assessment. Ten-minute standby."
Kana exhaled, sinking onto an old gym mat. "Finally, a breather… Thanks, Akira."
She set the hammer down, hugging her knees and closing her eyes.
Akira stood watch, rotary spear in hand, guarding the entrance.
After a moment of silence, Kana spoke. "Hey, Akira. Is this how it always is for you? Don't you ever get… worn out?"
"My function is nighttime security. Anomaly response is within my design. I don't experience fatigue or distress," he replied, his face impassive.
Kana gave a small laugh. "Right. But I've got emotions, you know. I'm scared, and I'm beat… but having you here? It's why I can keep going."
Akira's gaze lingered on her briefly. "Your survival is my priority, as stated. I detect a minor error in emotional data processing, cause unknown. It does not impact mission performance."
Kana's eyes widened, a grin tugging at her lips. "Wait—is that you worrying about me?"
"Worry is not a defined parameter. However, I cannot rule out your condition influencing my functionality."
She laughed, leaning back against the mat. "That's so you. Weirdly sweet, though."
Pulling a small chocolate from the first aid kit—pilfered from the staff room—she unwrapped it. "Found this earlier. Want some?"
"I don't require sustenance. You should consume it."
Kana nodded, popping the chocolate into her mouth. Its sweetness melted through her exhaustion, and she squinted happily. "So good… Even in this mess, it's still good."
She looked up at him. "That voice—the mastermind—said this night's forever. Are we… just gonna keep running?"
Akira, still clutching the spear, replied, "Analyzing the entity's claims. The night's persistence is likely a trait of this anomaly. Neutralizing the mastermind may resolve it."
Kana nodded, crumpling the wrapper. "Yeah. We've gotta take it down, or there's no end. It's terrifying, but… I'll keep going. With you."
"Understood. Your cooperation enhances mission success. Post-rest, we'll strategize further."
He glanced at a pile of materials in the corner. "I'll check for additional supplies to prepare for movement."
Kana stood, grabbing her hammer. "I'm ready too. Where to next?"
"The indoor pool," Akira said. "We'll explore water-based tactics. Three minutes remain in rest period. Prepare."
Akira shouldered the rotary spear, and Kana tightened her grip on the hammer. They shared the quiet moment, steeling themselves for the fight ahead.
Outside, the thuds against the door grew closer, the night's end still a distant hope.