Chereads / ZO2014: Extinction / Chapter 32 - Breakpoint (2)

Chapter 32 - Breakpoint (2)

Cody, ever attentive to the wounded survivor, lent his support. "1.2," he counted, aiding her to her feet. Mr. Peterson hustled over, joining Cody in assisting the injured survivor. Together, they ensured she could stand and move, their collective effort a symbol of solidarity amidst the turmoil.

 

Meanwhile, Jackal approached Sarge, who nursed an aching shoulder. "Stalker's losing it, man," Jackal reported. Sarge, meeting Jackal's gaze, inquired, "Where is he?"

 

"I'm hearing chaos on the third floor. Andrew's climbing out of a window," Jackal informed. Determination flickered in Sarge's eyes. "Time to lend him a hand."

 

Concerned for his well-being, Jackal questioned Sarge's decision. "Are you sure?" Sarge, despite his injury, rose resolutely. "I'll be fine. Not the worst I've faced," he assured, a wry grin accompanying his words.

 

In another corner, Maddy attended to Zach, still unconscious and unnaturally pale. Jug and Zoe hovered nearby, seeking reassurance. "Will he make it?" Jug inquired, glancing at Maddy.

 

With conviction, Maddy responded, "Yes, he's strong. He'll pull through." She offered a small, comforting smile, her hand steadfastly holding Zach's.

 

As doubts crept into Zoe's mind, she voiced her concerns in hushed tones. "If he turns, we know what we have to do." Maddy, without looking away from Zach, intercepted the unsettling conversation. "Not you too," she retorted firmly, acknowledging the grim reality without succumbing to it.

 

In the midst of the turmoil, Stalker executed swift and brutal moves, fending off the biters surrounding him. Andrew, a determined climber with a soldier's past, ascended to the third floor, grappling with doubts along the way.

 

His near-fall tested his resolve, but Andrew regained control, muttering curses to himself. As he reached the third-floor windowsill, a cascade of biters tumbled down the stairs toward Stalker. Andrew dispatched them, seamlessly blending into the chaos.

 

Stalker, undeterred, countered a biter's ambush with a swift maneuver, displaying a calm demeanor even in the face of danger. Andrew arrived, urging Stalker to move. "Brother, we need to go!" Andrew insisted.

Stalker, immersed in the frenzy, relentlessly swung his axe, each blow precise and calculated. Another biter fell victim to his deadly assault, the axe penetrating the top of its head, causing it to freeze before succumbing to the black blood oozing from the wound.

 

Meanwhile, Rudy strategized within the swarm of biters, utilizing debris to lure some away. The children, under his guidance, followed quietly, their eyes averted from the gruesome scene. Staying focused, Rudy whispered his approval to the children, emphasizing the importance of avoiding eye contact with the approaching biters. "Don't look at them."

 

One curious child, Toby, dared to defy the directive, glancing at a biter with brown hair – reminiscent of his own. The biter, a woman, shared the fate of the others, a dart protruding from her neck. Horror struck Toby as he realized the eerie resemblance, and a scream escaped him.

 

The biters, alerted by Toby's scream, turned toward the children. Rudy, forced into action, thrust his knife into the back of the approaching woman's head. "DOWN THE STAIRS!" he commanded, grappling with another biter as the children rushed downstairs.

 

Toby, paralyzed by shock, hesitated at the top of the stairs. Rudy urgently shouted, "TOBY, GO, GO!" His screams echoed as biters approached the frozen boy.

 

Meanwhile, Stalker and Andrew, alerted by the children's cries, faced the encroaching danger. Stalker called out to Andrew, eyes widening with urgency. "Andrew!"

 

In response, Andrew swiftly armed himself with gun and knife, delving into the approaching biters. The resilience of the soldiers within them shone through, as Andrew plunged his knife into one biter after another.

 

A sudden setback occurred when Andrew's knife handle snapped off. Unfazed, he adjusted, employing his pistol with precision. "Fuck," he muttered, facing a biter dangerously close. Two shots to the chest sent it stumbling, and with a swift motion, he crushed its head against the wall.

Andrew, swift and relentless, fought off biters with precision. He yanked one down, sending it sprawling as he swiftly shot two others, their heads snapping back with each bullet.

 

His keen eyes caught a pair of scissors lodged into a biter's chest. Without hesitation, he retrieved them, separated the blades, and skillfully dispatched two biters. Andrew's focus intensified as he approached another pair, expertly plunging the scissor blades into their heads before advancing toward the children.

 

With a click, Andrew holstered his empty pistol, resorting to shoving biters aside as he made his way to the kids. "GET BACK!" he commanded, ensuring their safety.

 

Rudy descended the stairs with Toby on his back, tossing a knife to Andrew. "Here!" he shouted. Andrew caught it mid-air, seamlessly incorporating it into the battle.

 

Stalker joined the fray, swinging his axe with deadly efficiency. The rhythmic thuds echoed as Stalker cleared a path, ensuring the safety of the group.

 

Rudy, always resourceful, had an idea. "COVER ME, I GOT AN IDEA!" he announced before darting into a hotel room. Andrew nodded, holding the line against the approaching biters.

 

Toby, terrified, observed the chaos, biters descending from the stairs. A hand appeared at the windowsill, and a figure climbed up, armed and ready. The first shot rang out, taking down a biter, revealing Sarge's determined face. Jackal followed suit, ensuring a safe ascent.

 

Cob monitored the situation from outside, ensuring Jackal's safety. "I'LL BE WAITING DOWN HERE!" he shouted.

 

Sarge encountered a pistol jam, but Jackal swiftly eliminated the threat, and Sarge recommenced his relentless assault. "HELP THE TWO, I GOT THIS!" he yelled, urging Jackal to assist the others.

 

Above, the structure strained under the pressure. Stalker, quick to react, pulled Andrew back. The roof above them crumbled, debris raining down on the biters below.

 

The growls persisted, revealing a biter emerging from the wreckage. Rudy, amidst the dust, finished his task. Running towards the windowsill with makeshift ropes, he secured them around a sturdy pipe. "Okay!" he announced.

 

Jackal, attentive to the kids' safety, ran to the windowsill. "COB, MAKE SURE NONE OF THE KIDS FALL!" he commanded, ready for the next phase of their escape.