もののけ | monster | soshiro hoshina (Kaiju No. 8) (COMPLETE)

きゅう | nine

もののけ | kaiju | monster

09

THE TOKYO MALL CRISIS
(PART 2)

Soshiro

I BREATHED HEAVILY, my heart pounding in my chest as I crouched behind a toppled concrete pillar. The once bustling street around me was now a scene of devastation and chaos. Buildings lay in ruins, their facades crumbled under the immense power of the Daikaiju's roar earlier. Debris littered the ground, making every movement a precarious dance amidst the rubble.

I had been forced to hide three times already, each time hearing the ominous sounds of approaching footsteps and urgent voices. It was the Defense Force, their presence an unwelcome reminder of the danger I was in. Being caught in a restricted zone like this could mean serious trouble—perhaps even arrest, given the severity of the situation.

The roar of the Daikaiju still echoed in my ears, a constant reminder of the monstrous threat that loomed over the city. Its power was staggering, evident in the shattered buildings and overturned vehicles strewn across the streets. The mere thought of facing such a creature sent a chill down my spine, but I couldn't afford to dwell on fear now. Kiyomi was still somewhere inside that mall, and I had to find her.

I peered cautiously around the corner of the pillar, scanning the area for any sign of movement. The street was momentarily clear, but I knew I couldn't stay hidden for long. The Defense Force was systematically evacuating civilians and securing the perimeter. If they spotted me, there would be no escape.

With a deep breath, I made a decision. I needed to find a way, to move unnoticed through the chaos. The sounds of distant sirens and the occasional rumble of another building collapsing filled the air, adding to the surreal atmosphere of destruction and desperation.

Carefully, I adjusted my position, keeping low to avoid detection. My katanas felt heavy at my side, a constant reminder of the danger I faced. I had trained for moments like this, but nothing could prepare me for the reality of being hunted in a war zone.

Suddenly, voices grew louder, drawing nearer. I pressed myself against the pillar, my heart racing as adrenaline surged through my veins. The members of Defense Force were close, their footsteps echoing against the broken pavement. I held my breath, praying they would pass without noticing me.

"Area secured, move to the next quadrant!" a voice called out, the urgency clear in their tone.

I dared a quick glance around the corner of the pillar, my heart pounding so loudly I feared they might hear it. The members of the Defense Force were focused, scanning their surroundings with disciplined efficiency. Their weapons were held at the ready, a clear indication of the danger that lurked in every shadow.

Once they were out of sight, I let out a silent sigh of relief. But there was no time to waste. I had to keep moving, to find a way into the mall without attracting attention. Every second counted, and Kiyomi's safety depended on my ability to navigate this nightmare.

I scanned the area once more, plotting my next move. The mall entrance was just ahead, its shattered glass and twisted metal a stark reminder of the chaos that awaited inside.