A Deeper Darkness

The rumble of heavy footsteps grew louder. The massive shadows moving behind the night mist gradually became clearer. This time, it wasn't just one or two Remnants approaching it was an entire horde. Their bodies appeared larger and sturdier than the usual Remnants they had encountered, with blood-red eyes glowing fiercely, as if filled with hatred for all forms of life.

"This is bad," muttered Keeper, his eyes locked on the terrifying figures slowly surrounding them. He sensed a strange energy, far more powerful than usual.

"How could they evolve this fast?" Ricky asked, cocking the advanced rifle in his hands.

"That's not normal evolution," Kieran responded quickly. "I think it's connected to time. Our presence in the past might have triggered something…"

"Wait! Are you saying that our being here caused these changes?" Sophie asked anxiously, her eyes fixed on every movement of the Remnants.

Kieran didn't have time to answer when one of the Remnants leapt toward them with incredible speed. With quick reflexes, Ricky pulled the trigger, firing a shot directly into the creature's head. A small explosion followed, and the creature collapsed lifelessly.

But as if the death of one stirred the fury of the rest, dozens of Remnants immediately charged from all directions.

"Hold formation!" Kieran shouted, raising his weapon and firing at the advancing enemies. Sophie and Keeper stood in the middle, while Ricky and Kieran fought at the front line, holding off the wave of Remnants.

The battle was fierce. Every time one of the creatures was taken down, another quickly replaced it. The locals, who had initially been hiding in the shelter, now emerged, carrying makeshift weapons to help.

"We can't hold them off much longer!" Sophie cried, shielding Keeper, who was busy conjuring an energy barrier to block attacks from behind.

"Keeper, can you open a portal out of here?" Ricky asked urgently. "We need to get out before they overwhelm us!"

Keeper shook his head, his face showing exhaustion. "It's not that easy. I need more time and energy to create a stable portal."

"Then we need another way," Kieran said, blasting a Remnant trying to break through the barrier. "Is there a way out of the city?"

The old man leading the locals pointed east. "There's an old tunnel that way. It's the only exit, but it's quite far."

"Alright, we'll head there," Ricky said decisively. "Everyone, follow us!"

They began moving slowly toward the tunnel, pushing through the relentless wave of Remnants. The tension around them grew thicker, filled with the sounds of gunfire and the roars of the dark creatures.

Sophie felt her heart pounding in her chest. Every step felt like a gamble between life and death. Yet amidst the fear, there was something that kept her moving forward a faint hope that they could still save this world.

When they finally reached the tunnel entrance, Ricky immediately instructed the locals to enter first. Kieran and Sophie stood guard at the rear, ensuring no Remnants got too close.

"Hurry! We're almost there!" Ricky shouted.

But before everyone could enter, a loud rumble echoed from a distance. Sophie turned, her eyes widening as she saw something massive approaching. It wasn't an ordinary Remnant it was a giant humanoid figure, its body made of dark metal.

"What is that…?" Sophie whispered in disbelief.

Keeper, who had just entered the tunnel, stopped and turned around. "That's not a natural creature. It's… the result of a past experiment. They created a destructive machine, and somehow, it's been awakened."

The giant moved slowly but purposefully, each step shaking the ground beneath them. Its glowing red eyes indicated it had locked onto its target them.

"We have no choice," Ricky said grimly. "Keeper, open the portal now! We need to leave immediately!"

Keeper nodded and began concentrating his energy to create a time portal. But the chaotic energy around them made it difficult.

"I need more time!" Keeper shouted, his face tense with strain.

"Time is something we don't have!" Kieran retorted, firing at the advancing Remnants.

Sophie gripped her weapon tightly, struggling to hold back the growing fear. On one side, they were facing an endless horde of dark creatures, while on the other, the giant figure kept advancing, bringing an unimaginable threat of destruction.

As the situation became more desperate, a sudden loud explosion came from the direction of the tunnel entrance. Ricky turned, his eyes widening as he saw dust and debris flying everywhere.

"The portal is almost ready!" Keeper yelled, his hands trembling under the immense pressure of the energy.

"Everyone, into the portal now!" Ricky ordered firmly.

One by one, the locals began entering the slowly forming portal. But before they could all get through, the giant figure unleashed an energy blast toward them. Ricky and Kieran immediately leapt forward, shielding Keeper and Sophie from the attack.

A massive explosion erupted, causing the ground around them to quake violently. As the dust settled, Ricky opened his eyes slowly, seeing that the portal had fully opened.

"Hurry, go!" Keeper shouted hoarsely.

Without hesitation, they all jumped into the portal. Just before it closed, Ricky caught a glimpse of the giant figure standing still, as if realizing its prey had escaped.

And then, everything went dark.

They had managed to escape, but where would they end up? Would the next place truly be safe, or was there an even greater threat waiting for them? Only by crossing the boundaries of time once again would they find the answers.