As soon as they opened the steel door, Alan dashed forward, and the other three quickly followed suit. The mobs outside began to descend into chaos once again. Alan pushed and kicked his way through the disoriented crowd, receiving a notification from the lingering smoke he inhaled.
[You Received Status: Disorientation level One]
[Perception lowered by 30%]
Coupled with the stamina penalty caused by the cold, breaking through the mob became increasingly challenging. Alan gritted his teeth, urging himself to push a little further.
"Just a bit more!"
However, his concentration was shattered when he heard Vicky's voice calling out from behind, "They've got Luis!"
Alan let out a heavy sigh, his frustration evident. "Him again..."
"Please, help me!" Luis screamed as the mob closed in on him.
Alan turned around and witnessed Luis being overwhelmed, screaming as people clawed at his back and kicked him to the ground. In the real world, such acts of brutality were rare, but in this apocalyptic scenario, fear took hold, and it was also part of the game mechanics designed to hinder the players' success.
The mob charged ferociously, akin to a pack of baited animals. There was a real risk that they could kill the defenseless Luis and harm anyone attempting to assist him.
"Help him!" Vicky pleaded, trying to convince Alan and the others to turn back.
Sam, the bulky guy, didn't even hesitate and continued running across the street. Alan swiftly assessed the risks. Luis was now surrounded by ten mobs, with more pouring in every second. It was undeniably dangerous to turn back. Knowing it was a difficult choice, Alan made a tough decision.
"No, it's too risky!"
The disappointment in Vicky's eyes was palpable as she decided to go back and help Luis on her own.
"Stop!" she shouted.
Vicky attempted to aid Luis but was elbowed by one of the mob members, causing her to lose her balance and fall to the ground. If things continued at this rate, she would suffer the same fate as Luis.
Alan felt a pang in his chest, torn between wanting to help them and understanding the consequences. But persisting in helping them would only jeopardize their chances of success.
Prepared to leave, Alan suddenly witnessed Milo, once again, come to the rescue. The Italian-American man fearlessly charged into the crowd, delivering powerful punches that knocked out the attackers one by one.
Seeing a glimmer of hope, Alan made a split-second decision and plunged back into the mob.
[Impact: Inflicts 15 Damage]
[Impact: Inflicts 17 Damage. Target Knocked Out...]
He swiftly took down the assailant who had attacked Vicky, helping her to her feet. Vicky smiled gratefully and said, "I knew you were a good person."
Alan chose to ignore her comment as another mob member lunged at him. Alan skillfully blocked the attack, seizing the assailant's arm and slamming him to the ground.
[Impact: Inflicts 10 Damage]
Before Vicky could respond, Alan glanced at her and replied, "No, I'm not... not really," before swiftly delivering another powerful kick.
[Impact: Inflicts 18 Damage. Target knocked out...]
However, this action drew the attention of eight more mobs, and as Alan tried to fend them off, one managed to strike him from behind.
[Impact: Received 5 Damage]
Undeterred, Alan maintained his composure as Milo rushed to his aid, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks against the incoming mobs, his battle cry resounding through the chaos.
"Fight me!"
Inspired by Milo's strength and courage, Alan's confidence soared, urging him to lend a hand.
"Get him out!" Alan shouted to Vicky, who swiftly pulled the half-conscious Luis across the street, with Alan and Milo protecting her from behind.
Whether due to their displayed strength or the game mechanics themselves, the mobs gradually ceased their pursuit, allowing them to escape safely.
Vicky propped Luis against a building wall, his injuries apparent and his consciousness fading. Without wasting a moment, she tended to him with a Gauze Bandage.
The bandage was applied to cover the bruises, and the game mechanics kicked in, gradually restoring Luis's HP. Not taking any chances, Vicky took a second bandage. Since the healing effect couldn't be stacked, she waited for 90 seconds before applying the second bandage, effectively restoring a total of 60 HP. Soon, the Mexican man regained his strength, stood up, and flashed a broad grin.
"Thank you for saving my ass, bro... Sis," he said, peeking at the always-silent Milo. "And you too... bro."
"Alright, let's not waste any more time. We need to keep moving. Let's go," Alan said, eager to press forward.
As they were about to proceed, Vicky suddenly realized something and asked,
"Where is Sam?"
Luis, still irritated by Sam's desertion, replied, "Who cares about him... That piece of shit already got what he came for and left us."
Recognizing the futility of searching for the runaway, the group decided to leave the scene. However, moments later, a chilling scream pierced the air.
"Arrrghhh!!"
"It's Sam!"
The group quickly headed toward the source of the scream, which led them to an alleyway just around the corner. What they witnessed left them stunned.
Sam, the bulky man, lay lifeless on the ground, blood pouring from a wound in his chest. The assailant, a man clad in a black jumper with a blood-stained knife in hand, stood over him. Two other men in red tracksuits flanked him, each brandishing weapons.
It was evident from their appearances that all three were players.
Within seconds, Sam's breathing grew shallower until it ceased altogether.
Alan calmly approached the bleeding body, checking for a pulse before delivering the grim news.
"He's dead."