Apocalypse: Reborn with a Soul Sync Farming Space System-Chapter 182 Narrow Escape

Jack did not slow down as he pulled Tina along, his grip firm around her hand while they ran through the narrow gap Ida had created.

Their feet struck the forest floor in uneven rhythms as branches scraped against their arms and clothes, leaving faint stings that neither of them paid attention to. The sounds behind them were growing louder and closer with every passing second.

Gunshots echoed from behind them, a little assurance that Ida was fine and that she might be right behind them. But the growling sound that became louder made their hearts pound in their ears.

The animalistic movements echoed through the trees as the monsters pursued them, their growls low and terrifying as they tore through the underbrush without restraint, making it clear that distance alone would not keep them safe for long.

Tina stumbled when her foot caught against a root, her body tilting forward as a small gasp escaped her lips, but Jack tightened his hold immediately and pulled her back up before she could fall. His breathing grew heavier as he forced himself to keep moving despite the strain in his legs.

"Stay with me," he said, his voice urgent as he glanced at her briefly before looking forward again. "Don’t let go."

"I won’t," Tina replied quickly, her voice trembling but firm as she tightened her grip on his hand, her other hand clutching the dagger tightly as if it were the only thing that was keeping her together.

They pushed deeper into the forest, their path uneven and filled with obstacles, yet neither of them slowed, because the presence behind them was undeniable, closing in with every passing second.

A shadow moved beside them, fast and blood chilling.

Jack’s eyes flicked to the side as a figure darted between the trees, its movement smooth and controlled as it kept pace with them, its presence pressing against his senses like a warning he could not ignore.

"They’re following us," Tina said quietly, her voice shaking despite her effort to stay calm.

"I know," Jack replied, his jaw clenching as he scanned the surroundings, searching for any opening that would allow them to escape.

"We just need to reach the hideout," he added, his voice lower now but filled with determination. "Once we get there, we’ll be safe."

Before he could take another step, the monster stepped out from the shadows, its body low and tense as it blocked their path, its black eyes fixed on them as it let out a low growl that made Tina’s breath hitch.

Jack stopped immediately, pulling Tina behind him as he raised his butcher knife. His stance shifted despite the tremor in his hands, his body placing itself between her and the danger without hesitation.

"Stay behind me," he said quietly.

Tina shook her head, her grip tightening around his arm as she stepped closer instead of back.

"Hmm," she said, her voice soft but resolute.

Jack’s brows drew together slightly as he glanced at her.

"You have to run," he said, his voice more urgent now. "If something happens, you run, okay?"

Tina shook her head, her fingers tightening around the dagger.

"We run together," she said, her voice trembling but firm. "I’m not leaving you here."

For a brief moment, Jack said nothing, his chest tightening as he looked at her, the weight of her words settling heavily in his heart.

Then, before the blink of an eye, the monster lunged at them.

Jack reacted instantly, stepping forward as he swung the knife with all his strength, the blade grazing the creature’s side as it twisted mid-air, its claws slashing toward him.

Pain shot through his arm as the claws tore through his sleeve, leaving behind shallow cuts that burned sharply. But he did not step back, forcing himself to hold his ground.

"Tina, run," he shouted, his voice strained.

But Tina did not move. Instead, she stepped forward. Her small brows furrowed as anger almost swallowed the fear in her eyes.

"Bad catty, how dare you hurt Jack!" Her small frame moved past him as she drove the dagger forward with both hands, the blade sinking into the creature’s side as it let out a sharp growl, its body jerking from the unexpected strike.

Dark black blood oozed from its wound, coating Tina’s dagger.

Jack’s eyes widened in shock.

The creature staggered, its movement faltering just enough to create an opening.

"Now," Tina said, her voice shaking but urgent.

Jack quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her back, both of them turning and running at once. Their steps were faster now as they pushed through the ashened landscape with everything they had left.

"Why are we running? I almost got the big bad cat." Tina said, gasping in between her words.

Behind them, the monster roared in fury and charged at them, but this time they did not look back.

"That is the reason Tina," Jack said referring to the roar behind them. "We managed to injure it by sheer luck, there is no way we can take on that big bad cat."

The outline of the hideout came into view.

Jack’s eyes locked onto it as relief surged through him, his grip tightening around Tina’s hand as they rushed toward it, their bodies moving on instinct as they reached the concealed wooden platform hidden beneath the burnt debris.

Jack let go of her hand only long enough to grab the edge of the platform, his fingers slipping slightly from sweat before finding their hold, and with a strained effort, he pulled it upward.

The wooden cover opened slightly.

"Go," he said quickly, glancing in the direction they were running from. The monster was already in sight, and it was not just alone, few others had joined the hunt.

Tina quickly slipped through the opening, her small body disappearing into the space below, and the moment she was inside.

As if the monsters knew that they were going to get away from their reach, they increased their speed. Only a few meters away from them.

Jack followed after her, dropping down quickly before pulling the platform back into place above them.

The sound of it closing echoed through the forest. In the next second, heavy pounding echoed above the platform. Followed by angry growls and scraping.