"The main gate is guarded by dozens of heavily armed Umbrella Corporation personnel, with heavy weapons mounted on the walls. Even with this armored vehicle, it's impossible for us to break through," Sergeant Peyton said, looking at Wang Ye with doubt. Their current resources seemed insufficient against such tight security.
"If they've locked the door, we'll just open it again," Wang Ye replied with a knowing smile. Turning to the group, he added, "Everyone, get in the vehicle. We still have some time. Let's check the area for other survivors."
The armored vehicle sped through the streets, its reinforced tires crunching over debris and bloodstained asphalt.
The T-virus had already consumed the city. Streets and alleys teemed with hordes of zombies, their moans echoing ominously.
Despite searching for a long time, they found no survivors, deepening the oppressive atmosphere inside the vehicle.
The group sat in tense silence, staring out at the once-thriving city now transformed into a wasteland. Anxiety was etched into every face—except for two.
Wang Ye and Alice, seated in the driver's cabin, were an anomaly. They chatted animatedly, their laughter occasionally breaking through the somber mood.
The banter from the cabin gradually lightened the tension, softening the grim air that hung over the group.
Suddenly, a series of sharp beeps sounded.
"Sir, why is the communicator going off by itself?" Alice asked, puzzled.
"It's probably someone from Umbrella trying to locate the missing vehicle," Wang Ye replied casually, keeping his eyes on the road. "Pick it up and see what they want."
Alice nodded, answering the call. Static crackled through the device, the signal weak.
"Oh, I thought you'd never answer," a broken voice said through the interference.
"Who are you?" Alice demanded.
"I can... help you escape Raccoon City. You're nine people… But first, we must... make a deal. Do you agree?"
Alice glanced at Wang Ye, who nodded.
"State your terms, and we'll consider them," she replied.
"I'm Dr. Charles, a senior Umbrella employee overseeing genetic and viral research. This afternoon, they came to evacuate me, but… they left my daughter Angela behind. They said the transport responsible... lost contact. I need you to find my daughter... and in return, I'll tell you how to get out!"
Wang Ye slowed the vehicle and pulled to the roadside. Taking the communicator, he said, "We don't need your help to leave, but we'll do our best to find your daughter. We'll be near the school shortly. Whether we find her or not—or if she's already turned—we leave in 30 minutes."
With that, Wang Ye ended the call.
"You all heard him. Angela's the daughter of a senior researcher, which means she likely carries the antidote—a resource we desperately need. We'll find her and retreat immediately," Wang Ye explained, steering the armored vehicle toward the school's entrance.
"Split into two teams to search. Time is limited. No matter what, regroup here in 30 minutes," he instructed.
The city's power outage plunged the surroundings into darkness, their only light coming from the vehicle's headlights and handheld torches.
First Floor
Wang Ye led JD, Rain, and Kaplan to search the first floor, their footsteps echoing in the empty corridors.
"What are your plans after this?" Wang Ye asked casually, scouting ahead while the others guarded the rear.
"I haven't thought that far ahead. Everything's happened so fast—it still feels like a dream," Kaplan admitted.
"Same here," JD added.
"Sir, could we join Hydra?" Rain asked hesitantly, glancing at the others. "We've been abandoned by our superiors and even targeted for elimination. If you'll take us in, we'd like to follow you."
"Oh? All of you want to join?" Wang Ye turned to face them, eyebrow raised.
The three nodded quickly, clearly having discussed it beforehand. Rain had taken the chance to speak for them.
"You can join—if we make it through tonight alive," Wang Ye replied with a grin. "For now, focus on finding Angela. Stay alert and watch for Lickers," he warned, pointing to deep claw marks gouged into the walls.
The sight of the marks sent a chill through the group, vivid memories of past encounters with Lickers flashing in their minds.
The school's spacious layout allowed for quick searches, but it felt disturbingly empty. There was no sign of students or staff—only the heavy silence of abandonment.
"This place feels off," Wang Ye muttered, his senses on edge. "Let's finish searching the classrooms ahead and regroup with the others. We shouldn't linger."
Second Floor
Alice's team moved cautiously through the darkened hallways, their torches casting long, flickering shadows.
Claw marks gouged into the walls suggested the presence of Lickers. The group exchanged uneasy glances but pressed on, weapons drawn.
Alice, usually calm under pressure, felt a growing sense of danger. At first, she dismissed it as nerves, but the feeling intensified with every step.
Erring on the side of caution, she led the group into an empty classroom to regroup and reassess.
Suddenly, Matt froze, his eyes widening in alarm.
"Something's wrong!" he whispered urgently, scanning the room.
Before the others could respond, small zombies began crawling out from under the desks.
Their pale, decomposing forms moved with unnerving speed, and their numbers multiplied rapidly.
The team turned in shock, weapons raised. The creatures had been lying in wait, like predators stalking prey.
"Shit! Have they developed intelligence?" Peyton exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief as he watched the horde closing in.
(End of Chapter)
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