Chapter 56: Now that's more like it!

"A three-headed green monster... burning with green flames?!" General Ross froze for a moment. He clearly remembered the previous reports, the dog's flames had been dark red. Green? But then he shook off his confusion, quickly regaining composure. "No matter the color. If you can catch it, bring it back. If you can't, kill it and bring the body. But I want that thing!" Ross ordered coldly. Between Luke and the dog, the dog was clearly the bigger prize. If the military could capture and study this creature, Ross was confident it would push the super soldier program to terrifying new heights. But just as he thought he had the situation under control, the radio crackled again with a shaken voice: "General... that monster, it split. There are three of them now." ... On the streets of Manhattan, the asphalt was burning. Flames raged around Doggo, whose monstrous form looked like it had clawed its way straight out of hell. And then, as if things couldn't get worse, his body began to split. From the middle of the three heads, a rupture formed, and then completely separated. One became three. Three burning, snarling beasts, each with its own legs, body, and a head still wreathed in green fire, stood facing down each soldier. A few seconds ago, it had been a three-on-one situation. Now, it was three-on-three. And yet, in front of the towering eight-meter-tall hounds, the super soldiers looked utterly insignificant. Their menacing presence from before? Completely gone. ... In the comms, General Ross's voice crackled in confusion. "What three?! Didn't you say it was just one! Are you seeing double? Explain, soldier!" But there was no answer, he was only met with silence. One minute passed. Then two. Still nothing. Ross's jaw clenched. With a curse, he ripped off his headset and hurled it across the room. Crash~! "A bunch of useless idiots!" he roared, slamming his fist on the table. "My entire career is on the line, and I'm surrounded by fools!" ... Back in the streets of Manhattan. The three massive Doggos advanced steadily, their footsteps shaking the street. The air warped with heat. The soldiers' uniforms ignited. Then their equipment melted. Even their high-tech comms liquified and dripped from their ears like wax. As their masks disintegrated, three dark, panicked faces were revealed, eyes still glowing radioactive green, but now wide with raw terror. They hadn't been trained for this. Their enhancements made them stronger, faster... but also more emotional. Their aggression had increased, but so had their fear. And right now? That fear was winning. They hesitated. Retreating step by step, their loyalty to command clashing with the instinct to run for their lives. But Doggo, or rather, Doggos, had no such dilemma. The three enormous beasts lunged. Each one pounced on a soldier, jaws snapping, fangs clamping down like hydraulic presses. The super soldiers fought back, but it was useless. Their regenerative ability was strong, but it couldn't keep up with the searing, corrosive green fire. Within moments, the battle turned one-sided. ... Farther back, the crowd had retreated almost a block away. But even from that distance, they could still feel the oppressive heat in the air. Still, no one left. Instead, confident they were far enough to be safe, phones were lifted high and they were back to recording the action. This wasn't just a monster attack. It was history in the making. ... And among them, standing in the shadows of an alley, Luke quietly observed the entire scene unfold. With the crowd pressing in, it was hard to get a clear view, until... [Ding!~ Your glasses sensed the master's frustration and decided to upgrade themselves: Enhanced X-ray Vision, Zoom Function Added, Unwanted Content Filter Activated.] Luke's eyes sparkled with glee. "Now that's more like it." He tapped the side of his frames. Finally, he wouldn't be scarred by anything unwanted when zooming in on a scene. Like men's... details... getting caught in the lens during a fight. ...