Chapter 6: LEVEL 2 HIGH EATER: THE RUNNER.
Randy’s broken body lay half-swallowed, his head caught in the Eater’s snapping jaws.
Mars muttered, "Level 2 High Eater... Runner class. The Nemesis of all. Shit. I didn’t think we’d run into him tonight. I was hoping to move on to the next zone without ever facing this damn nemesis."
He tightened his grip on his hammer.
"In just one move, it snatched Randy and went straight for the kill. Our suits help our bodies heal fast, so killing us means beheading us. And this bastard... it knew that. Didn’t even hesitate."
Mars took a step forward, eyes locked on the creature.
"So you’re the one that’s been killing all the rookies, huh? Look at you, reeking like death. That stench... you’ve been feeding on too many Eater Blades, haven’t you?"
The Runner crouched low, unbothered, licking the last remnants of Randy’s skull off its claws. Then slowly, almost with satisfaction, it swallowed.
Mars’s chest tightened. His breath trembled. Rage flared behind his eyes as his grip on the hammer shook.
"You piece of shit... He was like a brother to me. My squad. My blood."
He stepped forward, jaw clenched so tight it hurt.
"You’ve eaten too many of us. That killing streak ends tonight. By my hammer."