Gordon, standing on the verge of collapse, seemed to ignore Aspen's frantic words. His face twisted in agony as the grotesque hump on his back began to writhe under his clothing. It was as if something alive were crawling beneath the fabric.

A faint but ominous pop echoed as the hump on Gordon's back cracked open slightly, oozing a viscous, toxic pus.

The corrosive liquid immediately burned through his clothing and skin, producing smoke and leaving grotesque, pitted scars.

It was a h