Chapter 16: Broken Memories, Hell on Fire

Bullets rained down.

Gunfire echoed like an endless thunder.

Mayu dodged, rolled on the ground, and took down two soldiers in motion.

Their bodies collapsed in a puddle of blood.

But with every shot fired, memories struck her head.

---

Flashback: White Room

She was lying down.

The walls were cold. White. Perfect.

Wires were connected to her skin.

A man in a white coat looked down at her.

— Subject 07… Too unstable.

Another scientist nodded.

— But incredibly effective. Her reflexes exceed the acceptable limit.

A female silhouette stepped forward.

Mayu couldn't make out her face.

But a cold hand brushed against her cheek.

— She is a failure.

A noise.

A beep.

A sudden pain in her neck.

Then, nothing.

---

Present

A sharp pain pierced her skull.

— Tch…

A soldier took advantage of her hesitation.

Too late.

He grabbed her by the collar and hurled her against a wall.

The impact shattered her focus.

Her breath caught.

The soldier raised his rifle.

Imminent execution.

But Akira intervened in a flash.

His blade sliced through the shooter's throat.

Blood splattered onto Mayu.

— Don't lose focus now! shouted Akira.

She regained her breath, gritting her teeth.

— I know.

She picked up her knife and steadied herself.

The fight was not over.

---

Hellish Escape

The alarm blared louder.

An automated voice announced:

> Self-destruction activated.

Time remaining: 10 minutes.

Mayu exchanged a glance with Akira.

— They want to erase everything.

— Then let's get out of here.

They sprinted through the corridors.

Flashing red lights turned the place into a living nightmare.

Explosions echoed behind them.

The laboratory was collapsing.

The ground vibrated beneath their feet.

But as they reached the exit…

A final figure appeared before them.

A man in a black coat.

Tactical helmet. Heavy weapon.

His gaze hidden beneath a red visor.

— Subject 07. Priority neutralization.

He raised his cannon.

And fired a single shot.