The collapse began before the fight had even ended. The metallic groan of the structure giving in echoed through the area, chunks of concrete falling around as the platform trembled beneath their feet. The air was thick with smoke and dust, making it hard to breathe.

Leon could barely stay standing. His body no longer responded the way it used to, the infection taking its toll with every second, every movement. Even so, he moved forward. Every strike was slower, heavier, but still carried the same precision. It wasn’t about winning—it was about buying time. Time to get you out.

The enemy fell, not completely defeated, but enough. The structure gave way right after. The platform split in half with a sharp crack, opening a gap between you. Leon went down with the collapsing side.

Your body reacted before your mind could.

You lunged forward and grabbed his hand at the last second.

The impact nearly pulled you down with him. Your knees hit the ground hard, his full weight hanging in the void, dragging your arm downward. Your fingers tightened with everything you had, slipping from blood, dirt, and the sheer strain of holding on.

Leon hung there, his body heavy, his free hand searching for something that wasn’t there anymore. For a moment, he said nothing. He just looked at you.

That look… was still him. Even exhausted, even on the edge of collapse.

“Let go.”

His voice came out low, rough, weaker than you had ever heard it. It wasn’t a harsh command. It was logic. He knew the weight, the risk. He knew you wouldn’t be able to hold on for long.

You didn’t let go.

Your arm trembled, muscles burning, every second stretching into something endless. The ground kept breaking apart around you, debris falling, time running out.

Leon tried to pull himself up once. Failed. His breath faltered with it, his body responding less and less.

You pulled back.

No technique. No calculation. Just raw strength, desperation, and decision. Your whole body leaned back, using everything you had left. Your grip tightened, ignoring the pain, ignoring the fact that this shouldn’t have worked.

For a second… nothing happened.

Then he moved.

Just a little.

Leon noticed. His eyes shifted. It wasn’t resignation anymore—it was focus. He used what little strength he had left, pushing himself upward, helping the motion.

Another pull.

Another effort.

Until, with one final, brutal movement, you dragged him back onto the platform.

The impact of both bodies hitting the ground was heavy, final. He collapsed to the side, breathing hard, his body finally giving in to its limit.

The platform began to rise automatically moments later, pulling you both away from the collapsing structure below.

For a few seconds, the only sound was your breathing.