As I stood there, I sensed it—multiple presences, fast and closing in. I turned my head slowly, glancing back at the massive hallway I had walked down just hours ago. The air shifted, the faint sounds of movement growing louder with each second. My eyes narrowed.

"Multiple hostiles incoming," I announced, my voice still cold and calm. "ETA, 1 minute."

The group reacted instantly, their instincts kicking in. Chris's face hardened as he readied his rifle, barking orders like the seasoned soldier he was. "Everyone, get ready! We don't know what's coming, but it's not going to be friendly."

Leon, already reaching for his combat knife, glanced at me, his tone tense but sharp. "Fifty experiments, give or take?"

I gave a slow, deliberate nod. "Yes."

Jill quickly surveyed the area, looking for any tactical advantage. "We need to fall back. There's no way we can take them head-on with what we've got."

Claire pulled out her handgun, her eyes darting between me and the hallway. "What about him? Can he help?"

Chris didn't take his eyes off the hallway. "That's what we're about to find out."

The tension grew thick as the distant sounds of snarling, heavy footsteps, and inhuman growls echoed down the corridor. The air felt heavier with each second.

I stayed calm, calculating as always. I wasn't concerned about the experiments—my only goal was still the same: getting out. But for now, these people might have to fight, and so would I if it became necessary. My cold gaze shifted toward them as I spoke again.

"You deal with what's ahead of you, and I'll deal with what's behind me. Stay out of my way, and we'll see who makes it out alive."

Leon tightened his grip on his weapon, nodding. "Fair enough. Let's survive this first, then we'll talk."

The seconds ticked down. The experiments were almost here.