Asher's groan echoed across the ruined bay.
The Knight tightened his grip on his sword, shoulders tensing as the heavy door rattled and slid open by a few inches—just enough for cold, pressurized air to hiss out.
The sound wasn't like before.
Not a hum.
Not a mechanical whirr.
This time… it was a deep grinding rumble, like something ancient forcing itself awake.
Asher wiped a smear of oil off his cheek.
"Every time I think we're done, this place throws another monster at us."
The Knight didn't look away from the widening door.
"We should be ready."
"Oh trust me," Asher muttered, "I'm painfully ready."
The metal door fully retracted with a thundering slam.
Darkness filled the passage.
For a moment—nothing came out.
Just silence.
Then—
THUD.
Something heavy stepped forward.
THUD.
Another step, closer now, making dust fall from the ceiling.
A silhouette emerged—huge, broad, and built like a walking fortress.
Asher squinted.
"…How big is this one?"
