Footsteps clanked on the metal floors, the narrow path swaying under the weight of the armed group. “Hurry up! We don't have much time!” the leader barked, ushering the others into the elevator.

“L, Ciel! Move it! They're closing in!” the man shouted, his eyes fixed on the approaching figures. A young man in an armored suit supported a young woman, her arm slung around his shoulder for support.

“Shut up! Can't you see she's hurt?” the young man snapped, continuing to help the woman towards the elevator. In the distance, the sound of metal scraping against metal and thunderous footsteps grew louder, the small bridge wobbling under the pressure.

Loud shrieks filled the cramped space, causing the others to cover their ears against the painful noise that echoed through the area.

“Damn it,” the leader muttered under his breath, raising his rifle and aiming at an empty corner of the hall. “Get inside! NOW!” he barked, his voice sharp and commanding. The young man kept his rifle trained on the same spot, his eyes wide with anticipation.

The young man and woman hurried towards the elevator, just a few steps away. The leader's eyes remained fixed on the corner, his breathing shallow and rapid, heart pounding with a mix of fear and adrenaline. “Where the hell are you…?” he whispered, finger tightening on the trigger.

Unbeknownst to them, something was crawling along the ceiling. Its eyes glowed a dim red as it crept closer to the leader. Its maw opened unnaturally wide, revealing rows of jagged, crooked teeth. Saliva dripped from its mouth, landing on the young man's head.

The young man froze, then snapped his head up to the ceiling. “Captain! It's right above us!” he yelled, panic in his voice. He stumbled back, causing the young woman to lose her grip. “Gah! Damn it, Ciel!” she hissed, clutching her wounded shoulder.

The leader looked up, alarmed by Ciel's shout. The creature above them let out a blood-curdling screech, causing everyone to wince in pain.

The man dropped his rifle, clutching his ears as if they might bleed. “Motherfucker…” he gritted his teeth, stepping back. In the corner of the hall, another creature emerged, thin and skeletal, standing on all fours with long, frail arms and bent hind legs.

Beneath the bridge they stood on, another creature appeared, creeping up behind the captain.

Ciel shouted, “Captain! Behind you!” his voice filled with desperation and fear. The captain turned to face the creature. “Fucking hell…” he muttered, his voice weary. The creature screeched and grabbed him, pulling him down beneath the bridge.

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“Captain!” Ciel shouted, sprinting towards the Captain’s direction before being intercepted by two creatures. Their heads twitched and snapped, closing in on Ciel, the weight of their bodies causing the fragile bridge to wobble beneath them.

Ciel's eyes darted around, panic and fear etched across his face as he stepped back. The young woman slowly stood, still clutching her wounded shoulder. “Get inside the elevator, Ciel…” she urged, her gaze fixed on the creatures with a mix of anticipation and annoyance.

Ciel turned to face the young woman, then nodded. He took a hesitant step back before turning around and dashing towards the elevator. The creatures screamed and galloped after him. The young woman followed closely behind him.

As they reached the elevator, Ciel stumbled inside and turned to the young woman. “L, get in quick--” his words were cut short as the metal gates closed on him, leaving L outside. “You... What... What do you think you’re doing..”

Ciel looked at L with fear and uncertainty, as her hand hovered over the button that would send him to safety.

“Getting you out of here,” she said, slamming her hand on the button. The sound of steel scraping against steel echoed as the elevator jolted before slowly ascending.

“L, no! Don’t you fucking dare!” Ciel's eyes widened as he knelt on the floor, watching L back away, the creatures’ screeches echoing through the chamber, muffled by the elevator walls.

Moments later, the elevator stopped abruptly, and Ciel, still on his knees, heard footsteps approaching. As he looked up, he saw his other colleagues.

“Ciel?” a young woman called out, her voice laced with urgency. She had light raven hair and pale lavender eyes that resembled those of a cat. “Where are Captain Hugo and L?” Her gaze fixed on him, a mix of unease and concern on her face as she helped him to his feet. The others quickly gathered around, some bearing wounds, others with only minor scratches and cuts.

Ciel opened his mouth to respond, but no words emerged, only a choked sound. The group looked at him with growing concern, noticing the bloodstains on his shirt—remnants of L's earlier injuries.

“Ciel, where are Captain Hugo and L?” the young woman repeated, her voice tinged with an edge of desperation as the others waited anxiously for his answer.

He remained silent for a few moments, replaying the harrowing events in his mind. Just as he was about to speak, a thunderous explosion erupted from beneath them, causing the ground to tremble. The group gasped in shock, some reaching out to steady themselves.

They peered into the elevator, through small gaps at the edges. Below, they saw a bright, fiery explosion, its red flames briefly illuminating the darkness before fading away.

“Oh shit…” one of them muttered in disbelief, as the rest of the group stared at the elevator, eyes wide with shock.

Ciel's eyes widened as he dropped to his knees, peering through the small gaps with desperate eyes. “No, no, no, no… Fuck, L!” he shouted, panic and fear etched across his face as he imagined L causing the explosion and getting caught in it.

“L!” His shouts echoed throughout the room, while the others stood in stunned silence, grappling with the realization that their captain and comrade might have perished underground.