With his unique black and white vision, Malachi experienced the world in a completely different way.
Curiously, this time, Malachi found that he could perceive more details than before, even though the manner in which he viewed things was different from the norm. It made him wonder if the enhancement was due to his growing familiarity with using his ability, or if it was because the power itself had evolved in some way.
Nevertheless, Malachi chose not to dwell on matters he couldn't control. Instead, he concentrated on the primary reason for activating his ability. This newfound view allowed him to clearly see the figures up ahead on the road.
Unlike his previous reliance on incredible eyesight and moonlight to discern the outline of the figures, Malachi's unique black and white vision provided a much clearer view.
They're more than three.
Malachi's unique vision continued to function consistently, unaffected by the changing lighting conditions.
To Malachi's surprise, he realised that the number of figures on the road in front of him exceeded his initial estimate of three.
There were three figures at the front, but now he could see three more in the distance, forming a total of six figures standing on the road.
The figures at the back were further away, yet Malachi's exceptional vision, bolstered by his activated ability, enabled him to spot them with relative ease. His ability was undoubtedly proving to be a valuable asset.
They're likely zombies. Six zombies.
With his unique vision, Malachi observed that each of the zombies was emitting a red light from their chest. If they were humans or perhaps people who had no ability, it should have been grey.
When Malachi first activated his ability, this was the colour Anna's body outline was emitting from her chest.
To confirm that he wasn't jumping to conclusions, Malachi turned to look at his wife beside him. Just as he remembered, there was indeed a grey light emitting from her chest, but it was very dim.
It was the same with his daughter when Malachi turned to look at her. Only he and David had their hearts emitting red light in the car.
Malachi's doubts about the figures on the road being zombies stemmed from the fact that he found it highly unlikely for six humans to stand motionless in the middle of the road in the midst of the chaotic world.
However, Malachi also recognized that whether these figures were zombies or humans with unique powers, they could pose a potential threat. Therefore, he remained cautious for either scenario, understanding that both zombies and humans with extraordinary abilities could be dangerous.
I can't turn back though.
Malachi faced a challenging predicament on the road. While he couldn't turn back, he was confronted with six potential obstacles, and he remained uncertain about the situation they posed.
What am I going to do about this?
Just as various thoughts flashed through Malachi's mind, his senses abruptly picked up a sound from behind him.
Swiftly, Malachi deactivated his ability and swiftly turned to glance at the rearview mirror.
Malachi saw a truck swiftly barreling forward. Like his car, the truck operated without its lights on, but its speed generated a subtle noise.
In no time, the truck passed his car and continued forward without any indication of slowing down, despite the presence of the six motionless figures in front of it. However, Malachi observed an unusual behaviour. The figures on the road remained motionless even as the truck approached. The three figures at the front only moved when the truck was less than twenty metres away, but instead of evading the speeding vehicle, they charged towards it.
Despite this, the truck displayed no intention of stopping and ploughed ahead. It wasn't long before the two collided, with the truck crashing into the three figures and sending them flying. The impact produced a loud sound that reverberated. The other three figures, positioned behind the initial trio, rushed forward and charged at the oncoming truck, meeting a similar fate.
Malachi's heart twisted as he watched the truck continue to speed away without stopping. He really wanted to believe that these six figures he'd encountered were not zombies.
As a range of thoughts flooded his mind, he realised what he had to do now that the road was clear.
Malachi firmly pressed down on the gas pedal, propelling the car and his family forward at a rapid pace.
As he continued to drive, he came across a smashed security stop.
Malachi assumed it was the same truck from earlier that had caused this destruction. While pondering the reasons behind the truck driver's extreme behaviour, Malachi didn't stop and maintained his course.
A few minutes later, Malachi reached the end of the isolated road, and his car started to descend a hill. Unlike his earlier high-speed journey, he slowed his car and gazed at the city ahead as it descended onto level ground.
To Malachi's astonishment, he was indeed closer to an urban area, but what he didn't anticipate was the sight of complete devastation.
The city lay in ruins, with collapsed skyscrapers, burning cars, smoky rooftops, and widespread destruction.
Malachi's frown deepened, and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
Just what in the world happened?