The rapid breathing echoed in the narrow mine tunnel, the sound overlapping repeatedly, returning to the man's ears like thunderous roars.
The man, as if tireless, sprinted madly, not stopping even as the sharp edges of the crystal ore cut bloody marks into his skin.
Compared to being caught by that monster, the physical pain was easy to endure.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."
The man wept in fear, crying and muttering to himself, "I'm sorry, everyone."
For a chance at his own survival, he locked the door at the bottom of the mine, leaving the others there to face the monster. The man knew they were doomed, but their deaths would undoubtedly buy him some time.
Cold air surged into the mine, the ground becoming slippery and covered with ice. The man stumbled and almost fell, but upon seeing the light at the cave entrance, he burst with tenacious life force.
Survival is the instinct of all creatures, even soulless demons.
