✅ Completed Chapter
CHAPTER 276: BETRAYAL IN THE DUST
BETRAYAL IN THE DUST
As the ceiling collapses, you act quickly, using the flare to illuminate a side passage. “Over here!” you shout to the survivor, gesturing wildly. He falters, confusion crossing his face as he sees the tunnel you point to, a narrow path branching away from the now-blocked main exit.
In the red glow, his eyes flick to yours, trust edged with desperation. You wave the flare more frantically, urging him into the shadowy turn. “It’s the only way!” you insist, masking the guilt clawing at your conscience.
He hesitates, then nods, dashing into the side passage with a fleeting, grateful glance. The moment he disappears, you spin back to the debris, adrenaline fueling your every move. The path to the exit is choked with rubble, but not impassable. You can see small gaps, just wide enough for someone to squeeze through.
The tunnel quakes again; time is running out. You drop the flare, its light flickering as it rolls away, casting erratic shadows that dance like specters. You force your way through the jagged remains, ignoring the sharp edges that slice at your clothes and skin.
As you wriggle through the narrow opening, the structure shudders violently, a final warning before collapse. You’re almost free when a deafening crack echoes down the passage, and the ceiling starts to give way completely.
Your heart lurches, realizing you may have sealed both your fates. The air is thick with dust, the flare’s light dwindling as darkness closes in. You're left with one desperate thought: what now?
In the red glow, his eyes flick to yours, trust edged with desperation. You wave the flare more frantically, urging him into the shadowy turn. “It’s the only way!” you insist, masking the guilt clawing at your conscience.
He hesitates, then nods, dashing into the side passage with a fleeting, grateful glance. The moment he disappears, you spin back to the debris, adrenaline fueling your every move. The path to the exit is choked with rubble, but not impassable. You can see small gaps, just wide enough for someone to squeeze through.
The tunnel quakes again; time is running out. You drop the flare, its light flickering as it rolls away, casting erratic shadows that dance like specters. You force your way through the jagged remains, ignoring the sharp edges that slice at your clothes and skin.
As you wriggle through the narrow opening, the structure shudders violently, a final warning before collapse. You’re almost free when a deafening crack echoes down the passage, and the ceiling starts to give way completely.
Your heart lurches, realizing you may have sealed both your fates. The air is thick with dust, the flare’s light dwindling as darkness closes in. You're left with one desperate thought: what now?