The Aftermath Has Yet to Settle

The crack in the rocks finally fell silent. The stench of blood and acid lingered in the narrow space, mingling into a nauseating reek. Green liquid splattered across the rock walls, slowly corroding the stone and leaving behind pits and scorch marks. A faint white smoke filled the air, stinging their eyes.

The three fallen Soldier Ants sprawled across the center of the passage, their massive bodies nearly filling the crack. Their limbs still twitched faintly as green liquid flowed along the ground, pooling into a shallow trail that meandered into the distance.

Ryan leaned against the rock wall, his twin blades planted beside his feet, his fingers clamped tightly around their hilts. His chest heaved violently, each breath thick with the smell of blood. The wound at his shoulder had split wide open, and the mixture of blood and acid had only worsened it. Even so, he remained on guard, staring fixedly at the dark exit ahead.

The Lead Hunter knelt on one knee, his spear completely shattered, leaving only a sharp fragment of the shaft. His arm was numb from exertion, and blood dripped through his fingers. The Greatsword Hunter sat slumped beneath the rock wall, the bandages around his shoulder stained black. His chest rose and fell heavily, and the hand gripping his greatsword trembled nonstop. The Archer Hunter leaned against the rock wall, clutching a broken arrow tightly. His breathing was rapid, but his eyes remained fixed ahead, as though afraid a new enemy might pounce out at any moment.

"We... we're still alive." The Greatsword Hunter muttered to himself, his voice so weak it was nearly inaudible.

The Archer Hunter gave a bitter smile and said quietly, "But from the looks of it, another wave will finish us off."

The Lead Hunter raised his head