I felt it again—multiple presences moving through the forest, steadily drawing closer. The familiar feeling of hostility, of danger, was unmistakable. I turned my head slightly, scanning the trees beyond the clearing. This time, there were fewer, but still enough to pose a threat to the group.

"Multiple hostiles incoming," I announced, my voice calm and detached as always. "ETA 20 minutes."

The group's conversation came to an abrupt halt. Chris immediately stood up, reaching for his rifle, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. "How many?"

"Twenty," I replied coldly. "From the facility. They followed."

Leon was on his feet next, pulling his handgun free from its holster. "Figures they wouldn't just let us walk out of there."

Jill quickly scanned the area around the clearing, checking for high ground or possible choke points. "Alright, we need to set up a defensive position. We can't let them overrun us."

Claire, though shaken, grabbed her weapon, standing close to Jill. "How much time do we have again?"

"Twenty minutes," Chris answered, already starting to direct the group. "We need to get ready now."

I continued to watch them as they moved with precision, preparing for the incoming threat. They were experienced, no strangers to combat. But I wasn't worried for myself—I was simply calculating, thinking through how best to eliminate the threat when they arrived.

"We'll fight them off," Chris said, locking eyes with the others. "Just like we always do."

I stepped forward, my massive frame towering over them. "Do what you need to do," I said, my voice cold but steady. "I'll handle the rest."