The moment the night guard appeared, Yurim and Rian both froze.
The dark figure landed between them and the monster, letting out a low, inhuman growl. The monster stepped back for the first time, confused but furious.
Rian and yurim finally caught a breath of relief. "Now's our chance," he muttered, his voice rough but calm.
Yurim glanced at him, still trembling, unsure if she should move.
Without wasting another second, Rian grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the exit. "Come on."
As they ran across the rooftop, Yurim could still hear the fight behind them.
The night guard, though smaller than the monster, was far quicker. He darted forward, his dragged-like teeth sinking deep into the creature's arm. The monster screamed, thrashing wildly, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
Rian and Yurim reached the rooftop door.
"Stairs—" Yurim began, but before she could finish, Rian pulled open the elevator door instead.
Yurim's mind flashed back to earlier — how she had run up the stairs without even thinking about the lift. It felt like another lifetime. But now, every second mattered.
The metal doors closed behind them, shutting out the roars above. The elevator creaked as it began to descend. Yurim stood close to Rian, her heart pounding so loudly she could barely hear anything else.
Meanwhile, above them, the battle raged on. The monster swung his heavy fists, but his movements were slower—his underdeveloped legs made it hard for him to stay balanced. The night guard dodged easily, attacking with speed that blurred through the smoke.
He growled again, biting deep into the monster's shoulder. The monster howled in agony and tried to pull him off, but the guard tore his tentacle-like hands apart with a violent jerk. The sound echoed through the ruined walls like thunder.
Blood splattered across the floor. The monster stumbled, falling to his knees, letting out one final, weak roar before collapsing completely.
At the same time, the elevator reached the ground floor.
The doors opened with a ding that felt far too normal for a place full of chaos.
Rian peeked out first, scanning the area. Shadows moved in the distance—monsters lurking, watching the fight above.
"Stay close," yurim whispered.
They moved quickly, keeping to the walls, slipping between broken pillars and thick smoke. The scent of metal and blood filled the air.
From behind, a faint rumble shook the ground — the final sound of the night guard finishing his battle. Rian didn't look back. He kept walking on his own, his steps steady but heavy. Yurim quietly followed, scanning the shadows, scared that another monster might notice her.
Just before turning the corner, Yurim glanced over her shoulder one last time. Through the smoke, she could still see the rooftop — the night guard standing over the fallen monster's body. For a brief moment, she wondered if he would come after them next.
But Rian's steps didn't slow. He was rushing toward his house, never once looking back at Yurim.
Yurim tried to stay close, though she kept a little distance. After everything that had happened tonight, she knew no one in this world could truly help her — only he could. Fear and exhaustion weighed down every breath she took.
It was then she noticed — Rian wasn't heading to their usual hideout. He was going toward the house where his grandmother had lived.