But together, the two women moved like a single force.
They covered each other's blind spots.
They shared openings.
They never wasted time.
Eventually, the last monster fell.
Yan Cijin leaned against the wall.
Bai Li looked upward.
There was only one flight left.
The golden light poured down the stairs.
It was so bright that it hid the ceiling.
They climbed.
At the top was a small landing.
A single door stood there.
The door was enormous.
Steel reinforced with concrete.
Golden vines wrapped around its frame.
The entire surface was covered in scratches.
Not from human weapons.
From claws.
Thousands of them.
Yan Cijin stared.
"That is it."
Bai Li nodded.
She stepped closer.
The door vibrated.
Once.
Twice.
Then something slammed into the other side.
BOOM.
The entire landing shook.
Yan Cijin steadied herself.
"There are a lot of them."
Bai Li looked at the door.
"Yes."
Another impact.
BOOM.
This time, a crack appeared in the concrete beside the frame.
