章 161: The Final Heartbeat      

#4 darted left and right, using the control panel as cover, but the creature was faster, stronger, and more skilled. It was only a matter of time before it caught up to him.

With a desperate burst of speed, #4 leaped onto the control panel, his small hands scrabbling for the lever. The creature roared in fury, realizing what he was trying to do. It lunged at him, its blade slicing through the air.

#4 cried out as the blade caught his side, a searing pain tearing through him. He felt blood soak into his fur, but he didn't let go of the lever. He couldn't let go. With every ounce of strength he had left, he pulled the lever down.

The gates began to open with a deep, resonant rumble, the sound vibrating through the very walls of the city. But #4 barely had time to register the success before the creature was upon him. It grabbed him by the throat, lifting him off the ground with a snarl of rage.