Lily watched as the cutscene continued.
> A few moments passed. T'alik looked back at the sensor screen. The Beast was still getting closer.
>
> "Officer T'alik," a voice called out from outside the tank.
>
> "Go ahead," T'alik replied.
>
> "Sir, we have incoming!"
>
> "Where?"
>
> "We've picked up the signal from the artillery. They're launching another round."
>
> "Very well. Send them in."
>
> T'alik's eyes narrowed. "And tell them to keep their eyes open. Something tells me we're not going to be able to take this thing out with one salvo.”
>
> "Will do, sir!"
>
> Another explosion rocked the tank, throwing T'alik off balance. The beast roared, its mouth opening wide. Black tendrils stretched out, reaching for the tank.
>
> "On my mark!" T'alik yelled. "Fire!"
>
> T'alik gripped the steering wheel tightly. He pressed down on the trigger, swinging the tank around and firing. The rounds hit the creature in the chest, tearing into its flesh. More tendrils sprouted from the beast, sending black blood spraying everywhere.
>
> T'alik guided the tank through the thick foliage, the massive cannon spitting fire and smoke every which way. T'alik was careful not to stray too far, as there was little chance that the artillery would miss. Every other tank was doing the same thing.
>
> T'alik directed the tank through the trees, keeping the beast in sight. As he drove, he kept his eyes peeled for any sign of the enemy. His men were doing the same. And then it happened.
>
> One of the tanks ahead exploded, sending fragments flying in every direction. T'alik cursed and swore as he steered his tank around it. Another tank followed suit.
>
> "No!" T'alik gasped.
>
> The Beast roared in triumph, breaking free from the forest. Its large body tore through the trees, crushing anything in its path. T'alik could see the dark tendrils crawling through the air, grabbing hold of his men. Screams echoed through the forest as the Beast dragged them into its maw.
>
> You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
>
> "Fall back!" T'alik screamed.
>
> T'alik steered his tank as close to the edge of the clearing as possible. He aimed the cannon and fired. The shots fell short. T'alik spun the wheel, trying to guide the tank closer.
>
> "Pull back!" T'alik commanded.
>
> The tank began to pull away from the blast zone. T'alik watched as the Beast continued to slaughter his men. He tried to avoid looking at the carnage. He didn't know how much longer he could fight.
>
> Just then, a shell landed on the front of his tank.
>
> "Move!" T'alik shouted. He grabbed the wheel, spinning it left and right. His tank lurched forward, tearing through the forest. He fired the cannons again, forcing the beast to move aside. It screeched loudly, attempting to follow them.
>
> Then, something caught his eye. Two of the tanks had managed to turn around and charge back toward the Beast. They must have been reloading their cannons. T'alik quickly backed up, letting them pass him. He sped past them and accelerated.
>
> His tank powered through the forest, desperately trying to escape. The Beast was closing in. He turned the wheel, angling the tank so that it faced the beast.
>
> "Keep firing!" T'alik hollered. "Fire until the gun runs dry! No matter what happens, keep firing!"
>
> T'alik twisted the wheel, slowing the tank as much as he dared. The Beast roared, its mouth opening wide. Black tendrils lashed out, catching hold of his tank.
>
> T'alik took aim and attempted to fire, but nothing happened. Their ammo had run dry. The Beast lunged forward, its claws tearing into the side of the tank. T'alik cried out as the hull crumpled under the assault.
>
> T'alik looked over at his passengers. The only one who wasn't injured was the driver. Everyone else was dead. T'alik climbed out of his tank, falling to his knees. His chest heaved as he fought to breathe.
>
> The Beast roared again. It was coming for him. T'alik scrambled backward, trying to find someplace safe. He backed himself against a tree, grasping the trunk tightly.
>
> "Get behind me," T'alik said quietly. He motioned to his driver.
>
> She jumped out of her tank and ran to him. She grabbed the trunk with both hands, squeezing tight. The Beast continued to roar. T'alik prepared for death as the beast closed in on him.
>
> The Beast opened its jaws, revealing teeth made of metal. It charged toward him, roaring in rage. The Beast struck. A flash of hot pain ripped across his back. He grunted as he fell, rolling onto the ground.
>
> T'alik's eyes widened as he saw the beast grab hold of his driver. T'alik looked up, watching as the Beast raised her above its head. The beast swung its claws, slicing through the woman's torso. Blood spurted everywhere. Her screams filled the air.
>
> T'alik looked down at the wound in his back, seeing blood pooling around him. He didn't feel pain. He felt only emptiness. Like his soul had been torn away, leaving him hollow. He could barely think. All he could do was watch as his world came crashing down around him.
>
> T'alik's eyes grew wider as the creature threw his driver aside. The beast turned its sights back on him. He watched as it stalked closer, its dark tendrils stretching out. He stared up at the beast, hoping to see a glimpse of salvation. But he knew it wouldn't come.
>
> As the monster loomed closer, T'alik closed his eyes. He waited for the end, not daring to look up. He just hoped it would be quick.
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