The blast hit like a wave.
Flames tore through windows, ripping across the floor and sending the squad flying back into walls, desks, anything that could stop their momentum. Glass shattered everywhere. The heat alone made it hard to breathe.
Caden slammed into a pillar, groaning as he pushed himself back up. "Everyone check in!"
One by one, voices came through, shaken, but alive.
"I'm good"
"Still up"
"Minor burns"
Caden exhaled. Good. Still in this.
Across the room, Renn stood up slower than the rest, brushing dust off his jacket like this was just another day. His eyes stayed locked on the beast outside.
"That thing adapts fast," Renn said calmly. "It's not just reacting, it's learning."
Caden stepped up beside him, looking out the blown-out wall. The T-Rex stomped through the street below, fire still leaking from its mouth, tail smashing through anything left standing. It wasn't just attacking, it was trying to flush them out.
"We keep moving," Caden said. "Don't let it predict us."
Renn nodded once. "Good. Keep thinking like that."
Caden turned back to the squad, his voice sharper now. "New plan, hit and move. No one stays in one position longer than ten seconds. Keep rotating floors if you have to."
The squad moved again, spreading out through the building.
Outside, rockets streaked down from different angles, one from the left rooftop, another from a parking structure across the street. Explosions slammed into the beast's side, finally forcing it to stagger.
It roared, louder this time, angrier.
Caden saw his opening.
"Focus fire on the legs!" he shouted into comms. "Slow it down!"
More shots rang out. Coordinated now. Controlled.
The beast's movement started to falter.
Then,
A distant sound cut through the chaos.
WHUMP WHUMP WHUMP
Helicopters.
Caden looked up just as multiple Guardian transports and heavy response units flew in overhead.
Renn smirked slightly. "Took them long enough."
Caden allowed himself a quick breath of relief. "Alright… now we finish this."
From above, heavy-caliber rounds rained down, targeting the beast's upper body. On the ground, SWAT units rolled in with armored vehicles, setting up containment zones.
The T-Rex let out one final furious roar and turned,
Not retreating.
Charging straight toward the incoming forces.
Caden tightened his grip on his weapon, eyes locked in.
"Yeah…" he muttered.
"Guess we're not done yet."