Arjun and his team were steadfast in their efforts to build a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. Their days were spent training, scavenging, and fortifying Shruti's house. The addition of new skills and resources had bolstered their morale, but the ever-present threat of the undead hung over them like a dark cloud.
Meanwhile, Raghu and his group had been on the move for over six hours. They were heading towards Vasai West, desperately trying to avoid the hordes of zombies that now infested Mumbai. The journey, which would have taken just three hours under normal circumstances, was agonizingly slow due to the dense population of the city and the swarms of undead that now roamed its streets.
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, had a population of over 21 million people before the apocalypse. With a population density of more than 21,000 people per square kilometer, the city was a ticking time bomb when the zombie virus hit. It was estimated that at least 15 million of its inhabitants had turned into zombies, making it one of the most dangerous places in the country.
Raghu's decision to steal the bus had been impulsive, and now he and his group were paying the price. They had forgotten to bring their weapons, and only Amit had managed to grab a staff. This oversight had left them vulnerable and unprepared to face the challenges ahead. As they zigzagged through the city, Raj filled the tank of the bus for the fourth time since they left. They were aimlessly wandering, unsure of where to go or what to do next.
Raghu and Amit took it upon themselves to use the staff to fend off any zombies that got too close, hoping to gain some experience and level up. Raghu swung the staff with all his might, striking down a few zombies. The sense of accomplishment was fleeting, however, as a new threat emerged from the shadows.
A towering figure lumbered into view, standing nearly two meters tall. Its grotesque form was a chilling sight, its muscles bulging with unnatural strength. This was no ordinary zombie. It was a Type-1 Strength-Evolved Living Dead, Level 10, with the strength of two normal humans and the speed three-quarters that of an average person. They would later refer to it as L1.
Raghu's heart pounded in his chest as L1 turned its malevolent gaze towards him. He tried to retreat, knowing that while L1 was incredibly strong, its speed was still relatively slow. But L1 had other plans. With a roar, it lunged at Raghu, its powerful arms swinging with deadly intent.
The fight was over in seconds. L1's brute strength was overwhelming. It caught Raghu with ease, lifting him off the ground and tearing him apart with horrifying force. Raghu's screams echoed through the air, but they were quickly silenced as his body was ripped in two. His group watched in horror, paralyzed by fear.
Amit tried to rally the others, but the sight of Raghu's brutal death had sapped their courage. Panic set in as L1 began moving towards the bus, its eyes fixed on the remaining survivors. They scrambled to get inside, hoping the vehicle would provide some semblance of safety. But the zombies were closing in from all sides, cutting off their escape.
Desperation took hold. Raj revved the engine, attempting to plow through the horde. The bus lurched forward, crushing several zombies under its wheels. But it was no match for L1. The strength-evolved zombie struck the bus with tremendous force, causing it to shudder violently. The survivors inside were thrown about, their hope dwindling with each passing second.
The bus's metal frame groaned under the strain as L1 continued its assault. With one final, devastating blow, it breached the vehicle's side, sending shards of metal flying. The survivors' screams were short-lived as L1 tore through them, their lives snuffed out in a matter of moments.
The aftermath was a scene of carnage. L1 stood amidst the wreckage, bloodied and victorious. Raghu's grandiose promises of protection and leadership had come to a tragic end. His group, who had followed him out of desperation and discontent, had paid the ultimate price for their decision.
The rise of L1 marked a new and terrifying chapter in the apocalypse. Its strength and ferocity were unmatched, and its presence had dire implications for humanity. The rate of infection increased by at least 5% as people succumbed to the zombie virus, the odds of survival growing slimmer by the day.