Chapter 21: The Impact

The sound of the gunshot tore through the air.

A fraction of a second.

A flash of pain.

Mayu was thrown backward.

Her breath caught violently as a burn exploded in her side.

She fell to the ground, blood seeping between her fingers clenched on her wound.

Akira screamed her name.

But before he could move—

A second bullet sliced through the air.

That one wasn't meant for her.

---

Subject 09.

He had straightened up at the last moment.

And the bullet struck him squarely in the chest.

His body staggered.

His gaze met Mayu's.

Then, he collapsed silently.

---

Silence.

Blood soaked the ground into a scarlet puddle.

Mayu tried to move, a searing pain radiating from her side.

Her gaze lifted.

And she saw him.

The man holding the rifle.

A cold smile stretched across his lips.

A perfectly tailored black suit, a relaxed posture.

He lowered his weapon slowly, as if savoring the moment.

— Well done, Mayu.

His voice was soft.

Almost affectionate.

But his eyes…

Were devoid of humanity.

Mayu recognized him immediately.

---

The Professor.

The monster who had created them.

The one who had turned them into weapons.

The one who forced them to kill each other.

A chilling shiver ran down her spine.

She wanted to rise, to attack, to finish him here and now.

But her body no longer responded.

And he…

Kneeled beside Subject 09, brushing his face like a caring father.

— You fought well.

His tone was almost tender.

Then, without a hint of hesitation…

He shot him in the head.

---

Akira froze.

Mayu screamed.

Subject 09's body slumped lifelessly.

The Professor stood up, calmly wiping his gloves.

— You're all so endearing.

His gaze returned to Mayu.

— But you, my dear… You are truly special.

He raised his weapon again.

And this time…

He aimed for her heart.