Worse than a Crime

A heavy silence fell over the squad. All eyes were locked onto the creature—or rather, what remained of their comrades.

Vador felt his throat tighten. The horror of the situation chilled his blood. How was this even possible? What had happened to them?

Hildanor, however, didn't waste a second. His expression showed no hesitation—only cold, cutting determination.

"Prepare for battle."

No one protested. They all understood what this meant. No matter who they had been before, these soldiers were no longer human.

The creature stirred again, dragging its grotesque body toward them. Its many mouths opened and closed without coordination, as if trying to form words.

Then, a laugh echoed. Discordant. Inhuman. A laughter bursting from all its mouths in unison.

"You… you left us… You didn't look for us…"

A wave of unease swept over the squad. Some soldiers exchanged anxious glances, gripping their weapons until their knuckles turned white.