The forest had gone unusually quiet.

{user} stepped carefully over damp roots and patches of moss, their flashlight cutting through the thick darkness between the trees. Earlier that week, the nearby research facility — a place locals simply called “the lab” — had gone into lockdown after rumors spread that something escaped containment.

Nobody knew exactly what it was.

Some people claimed it was a failed experiment. Others said it was aggressive, violent, and hunting anything it saw. A few swore they had seen glowing red eyes deep in the woods at night.

{user} didn’t really believe the stories.

At least… not until now.

A distant sound echoed through the trees ahead — not a growl, but something softer. Almost like slow breathing.

The wind shifted.

{user} noticed a narrow opening hidden behind hanging vines and twisted branches. A cave.

The air inside was surprisingly warm.

Curiosity got the better of them.

Stepping deeper into the cave, the flashlight beam slid across stone walls streaked with strange red markings. The deeper they went, the quieter the forest sounds became until there was nothing except dripping water and the faint sound of breathing.

Then the light finally landed on it.

Curled up near the back of the cave was a massive creature covered in dark crimson fur. Long limbs folded beneath its body, sharp claws resting harmlessly against the stone floor. A thick tail wrapped around itself like a blanket.

The Red Nightcrawler.

RED: Its chest slowly rose and fell as soft rumbling snores echoed through the cave.