Chapter 12: Boss Fight
The lab shook violently as the roar of William Birkin echoed through the sterile corridors. The group stood frozen for a brief moment, the realization of their imminent battle settling over them like a cold fog. Annette clutched the vial of the vaccine tightly, her face pale with fear.
"He's coming," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Azizah stepped forward, her baton in hand. Her enhanced reflexes were already buzzing, her system chiming softly as it prepared for the fight.
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System Update
New Objective: Defeat William Birkin (Final Form)
Reward: 100 Points + Weapon Upgrade
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"Everyone, get ready!" Azizah shouted, snapping the group out of their shock.
Leon and Kevin raised their weapons, their jaws set with determination. Claire pulled Sherry behind cover, shielding her from what was about to come. Ada, calm and calculating as always, reloaded her pistol and positioned herself strategically near a console for a tactical advantage.
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The Monster Arrives
The reinforced lab doors exploded inward with a deafening crash, sending debris flying across the room. William Birkin, now in his final and most grotesque mutation, stepped into the chamber. His body was an abomination of muscle and bone, with glowing tumors pulsating across his massive frame. His once-human face was barely recognizable, replaced by a monstrous visage dominated by a single, massive eye on his shoulder.
"William!" Annette screamed, stepping forward instinctively.
"Annette, get back!" Azizah barked, pulling her away.
Birkin let out a guttural roar, his claws slamming into the ground as he charged toward the group.
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The Fight Begins
Azizah launched into action, her system providing real-time updates on Birkin's weak points. She dodged his initial swing with a fluid backflip, landing a powerful kick to one of his tumors. The impact staggered him briefly, but his retaliatory swipe forced her to roll away.
"Focus on the glowing spots!" Azizah shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
Leon and Kevin opened fire, their bullets finding their marks on Birkin's vulnerable areas. The monster roared in fury, swiping at the two officers with his massive claws. They ducked behind cover, narrowly avoiding being crushed.
Ada moved with precision, her shots aimed directly at the largest tumor on Birkin's chest. Each shot caused it to pulse and shrink slightly, but the creature's relentless assault made it difficult to land a clean hit.
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Claire and Sherry in Danger
As the fight raged on, Birkin turned his attention to Claire and Sherry, who were hiding behind a fallen console. His monstrous eye locked onto them, and he began lumbering toward them with terrifying speed.
"Claire, move!" Azizah screamed, sprinting toward them.
Claire grabbed Sherry and tried to run, but the debris-laden floor made it difficult. Azizah pushed her enhanced reflexes to the limit, leaping between them and Birkin just as his claw came down. She blocked the attack with her baton, the force of the impact sending her skidding backward.
"Go!" Azizah shouted at Claire. "I'll hold him off!"
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Coordinated Assault
Leon and Kevin seized the opportunity to unload another volley of bullets into Birkin's back, forcing him to turn away from Claire and Sherry. Azizah used the distraction to land a devastating Spinning Bird Kick to his side, targeting one of the smaller tumors. The impact caused it to burst, spraying the area with glowing fluid.
Birkin roared in pain, thrashing wildly. His swings became erratic, forcing the group to spread out to avoid being hit. Ada moved to a higher vantage point, firing carefully aimed shots at the remaining tumors.
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The Turning Point
Annette, clutching the vaccine, suddenly stepped out of cover. "William!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Stop this! It's me! Annette!"
Birkin hesitated for a moment, his massive body trembling as if he recognized her. His monstrous eye blinked, focusing on his wife.
"Annette, get back!" Azizah yelled, but it was too late.
Birkin roared again, his rage overriding whatever remnants of humanity were left. He swung his claw at Annette, who barely managed to dodge, falling to the ground.
"Leon! Now!" Azizah shouted.
Leon fired a grenade round from his launcher, the explosion engulfing Birkin's torso. The impact staggered him, and Azizah seized the moment. She sprinted forward, using her enhanced reflexes to climb onto Birkin's back. With a powerful strike, she drove her baton into the largest tumor, causing it to rupture in a shower of glowing fluid.
Birkin roared in agony, collapsing to his knees. The group continued their assault, targeting the remaining tumors with everything they had. Finally, with one last ear-splitting roar, Birkin fell to the ground, his massive body twitching before going still.
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The Aftermath
The room was silent except for the heavy breathing of the group. Azizah staggered back, her baton slick with the glowing fluid. Leon and Kevin lowered their weapons, their faces a mix of relief and exhaustion.
"It's over," Ada said, though her tone was more matter-of-fact than celebratory.
Annette crawled over to Birkin's lifeless body, tears streaming down her face. "William…"
Azizah placed a hand on her shoulder. "We need to go. The vaccine won't matter if we don't get out of here alive."
Annette nodded, clutching the vial tightly. She stood, her expression resolute. "Let's finish this."
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System Update
Objective Completed: Defeat William Birkin (Final Form)
Reward: 100 Points + 3 Gacha Spins + Weapon Upgrade
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Azizah let out a sigh of relief. The challenge was complete, but their mission wasn't over yet. The lab was still unstable, and they had to escape before the facility's self-destruct sequence activated.
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To Be Continued…