Chapter 10: The Alligator Awakens

The group moved cautiously through the labyrinthine sewers, the sound of rushing water growing louder as they descended further. The air was damp and cold, and every shadow seemed to harbor unseen danger. Azizah's mind was racing as she mentally prepared for what was coming: the infamous sewer alligator boss.

Her system had been quiet since their encounter with Annette Birkin, but that silence only made her more anxious. She gripped her baton tightly, her enhanced reflexes on high alert.

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The group reached a wide tunnel, the water rising up to their ankles. The stench was overwhelming, and Claire held Sherry close to shield her from the filth as much as possible.

"What is this place?" Kevin muttered, scanning the area with his flashlight.

"The sewers," Ada replied dryly. "Umbrella's idea of waste management."

Azizah stopped abruptly, holding up a hand. "Wait. Something's wrong."

Leon glanced at her. "What is it?"

She didn't have to answer. A deep, guttural roar echoed through the tunnel, reverberating off the walls and sending chills down everyone's spines. The water rippled violently, and Azizah's system finally chimed.

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Warning: Hostile Entity Detected

Entity: Mutated Alligator

Prepare for Combat

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Azizah's heart pounded as she turned to the group. "We need to move. Now."

"What is it?" Claire asked, her voice tight with fear.

"No time to explain," Azizah replied, ushering them forward. "Just run!"

The group sprinted down the tunnel, the sound of the massive creature's movement growing louder behind them. Water splashed around their feet as the mutated alligator surged forward, its massive body tearing through the tunnel like a freight train.

"Holy sh#t!" Kevin shouted, firing his shotgun at the creature. The pellets barely scratched its thick, armored hide.

"Keep moving!" Azizah yelled. "It's too big to fight head-on!"

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The tunnel sloped downward, the group barely keeping ahead of the massive alligator. Azizah's system flashed in her vision, highlighting weak points and potential hazards in the environment.

"There!" she shouted, pointing to a damaged pipe hanging above the tunnel. "Shoot it!"

Leon didn't hesitate. He aimed and fired, the bullet striking the pipe and causing it to burst. Steam and debris exploded outward, momentarily slowing the alligator.

"That won't hold it for long," Ada warned, her voice calm despite the chaos.

Azizah scanned the area, her mind racing. She knew from the game that there was a way to take the creature down without engaging it directly. They just had to reach the right spot.

"Head for the storage area!" she called out, leading the group toward a side tunnel. "It's our best shot!"

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The Final Stand

The group burst into a large chamber filled with debris and broken machinery. At the far end of the room, Azizah spotted what she was looking for: a large gas canister precariously hanging from a crane.

"This way!" Azizah motioned for the group to keep moving. "Claire, get Sherry to safety. Leon, Kevin, Ada—cover me!"

The massive alligator barreled into the chamber, its jaws snapping as it roared in fury. Azizah moved quickly, dodging debris as she climbed onto a platform. She grabbed a crowbar and pried the gas canister free, sending it rolling toward the creature.

"Now!" she shouted. "Shoot the canister!"

Leon raised his pistol, his hands steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. He fired, the bullet striking the canister and causing it to explode in a massive fireball. The force of the blast sent water and debris flying, and the alligator let out a deafening roar as it was engulfed in flames.

When the smoke cleared, the creature's massive body lay still, half-submerged in the water.

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System Update

Azizah's system chimed again, the familiar sound filling her mind.

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Objective Update:

Hostile Entity Defeated: Mutated Alligator

Reward: 30 Points + 1 Gacha Spin

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Azizah let out a shaky breath, her muscles trembling from the exertion. She climbed down from the platform and rejoined the group.

"That was…" Leon began, his voice trailing off.

"Insane," Kevin finished, still clutching his shotgun.

Claire hugged Sherry tightly, her face pale. "Is it over?"

"For now," Azizah replied, her voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. "But we need to keep moving. The lab isn't far."

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To Be Continued…