Ice Age

The immense tiger halted and gazed at its prey. It looked strange, but the tiger was definitely smiling, and its eyes had narrowed to slits. Sarah and the others had stormed the cafeteria—the place meant for meals—and well, the ghouls were indeed having theirs. They were not particularly happy about the interruption. The temperature rose.

(Darkborn in Nade’s head: Just give me your body, and all the pain will stop!)

‘No!’ Nade bellowed, and ice spikes erupted from his body, shooting in every direction. Luckily, the others were already inside the cafeteria. The tiger, unfazed by Nade’s display, destroyed the incoming ice spikes with a single swipe of its paw. Then it let out a powerful cry. Just in time, Nade created an ice wall behind him, sealing off the way to the cafeteria. The reason for that would now become clear. The tiger’s cry rattled every bone in Nade’s body. It felt like his organs and even his skin were being torn apart. Nade spat blood and dropped to his knees. His breathing was weak—too weak.

(Darkborn: If you die, I’ll simply return to my home and come back one day—either in my own body or through a human host. So why are you fighting me so hard?)

‘Damn, the tiger’s already a problem, and now you too? Ever since we met that other darkborn, you’ve become more active!’ Nade crawled onto his back, mumbling, ‘Don’t worry, I won’t die. And you’re not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me! And now, to you!’ He placed his palm on the floor—and instantly, the ground froze. Ice crept across the floor and walls. Nade’s breath was still faint, but it was there.

‘Will I be torn apart by your claws—or will you freeze first?’

The ghouls lunged at the three near the entrance. While Rick and Emilia opened fire, Sarah rushed to the ice wall.

‘Nade! Nade!’ Then she heard his voice—weak, yet clear:
‘Go to the basement and then to the helicopter. I’ll meet you on the roof! Go!’ Sarah stood silently for a moment. She slammed her fist against the ice wall, then finally replied:

‘Don’t die. That’s an order!’ She turned around, gripping her gun firmly. Rick and Emilia were doing their job well. Some ghouls had already fallen, and more would follow. Suddenly, the remaining ghouls ran toward each other, merging in the center of the cafeteria. Rick and Emilia opened fire to prevent the fusion, but one ghoul threw itself into the line of fire—sacrificing itself so the others could finish the transformation.

They merged into a giant ghoul. Its arms were slightly longer than its legs, making it stand on all fours. The sight froze Emilia and Rick for a moment—until Sarah stormed forward, shooting at the beast, which shielded itself with one massive arm. While running, Sarah called out:

‘Distract this giant! I’ll head to the kitchen and fetch us something nice!’ Both replied with a strong:

‘Yes, Miss President!’ To regain the giant’s attention, Rick took out a grenade and hurled it at the ghoul. Boom! The blast only scorched its skin—but it worked. Now, they had the ghoul’s full attention.

The tiger let out another cry—stronger than before. Nade hid inside an ice sphere, which shattered from the sonic blast, but it had served its purpose. He was still alive. The tiger charged and slammed its body into Nade, hurling him against the ice wall. Nade got up immediately and reinforced the wall behind him. A smile crept across his face as the tiger charged again. Nade slammed his fist into the ground.

Suddenly, the earth beneath the tiger erupted, launching the beast into the ceiling. But it didn’t stop there. The tiger crashed through one ceiling—then another, and another… until it broke through the final ceiling and shot into the sky. Mid-air, the tiger twisted its body and landed back on the ground. Just then, Nade emerged from the hole. He gazed at the red moon.

‘So, it has really started. Well, tiger… it’s time to end this!’ The wind howled. The clouds were dark.

(Darkborn: You’ve reached your limit—and you know it!) Nade ignored her. He raised one arm, and suddenly fear struck the tiger.

(Darkborn: If you use more of my power without my permission, you’ll collapse—or worse, die! And if you do die, the ghouls will devour your body. On second thought… yes, go on! Let them feast on your corpse!)

‘I can’t die. That’s an order—from Sarah!’

(Darkborn: You’ve grown fond of that woman. What if I were to force a possession even if only for a matter of seconds and then ki–)

‘Don’t you dare!’, Nade grunted, his tone overflowing with anger. The female voice calmed down in his head and Nade could fully concentrate on the fight.

Above him, the clouds gathered and began to glow faintly white. At their center, a radiant blue light shone. The tiger trembled—but it knew this was the best moment to strike. It charged. Nade’s eyes turned dark blue. His hair turned white and grew longer.

‘Let’s end it.’

Rick and Emilia had bought enough time.

They were still alive—but just barely. Their bodies were wrecked; one more hit might kill them. That’s when Sarah came running back—with a flamethrower and a bottle filled with oil.

‘Come and get me!’ she yelled. When the ghoul turned to her, she dropped the flamethrower and the bottle—then sprinted at the monster. The ghoul forgot about Rick and Emilia and focused on Sarah. With one leap, it soared above her. Then its arms came crashing down like hammers. Sarah dove to the side. The force of the impact sent debris flying—one stone hitting her in the head. She was still conscious but lost her balance and fell to the ground. She lay there, exposed. A perfect meal.

Then the ghoul felt something on its back—Emilia. She had used its spine as a springboard to leap into the air—right above its head. Just as the monster raised its gaze, Emilia poured the oil over its face and down its throat. At the same time, Rick launched himself into the air—flamethrower ready. Flames engulfed the ghoul’s head. It roared and swung its massive arm at Rick. Rick used the flamethrower as a shield. It shattered—but absorbed enough of the blow to keep him alive. He was still hurled into the ground.

The ghoul collapsed—dead. Emilia ran to Rick and helped him up. He was in terrible shape, but breathing. Sarah grabbed the black box, joined them, and said:

‘We’re going up! Nade will be waiting for us there.’

It had grown so cold that it started snowing. But this wasn’t ordinary snow—anyone it touched began to freeze. The tiger was no exception. Though the snow couldn’t freeze it entirely, its limbs were stiffening. Nade still held his arm high. Now, the same light that had formed in the clouds was glowing in his palm.

‘Ice Age—’