The warehouse offered a temporary reprieve, but tension hung heavy in the air. Azizah's group huddled around Marvin, who was marking escape routes on a map. Jill Valentine leaned against a nearby wall, her eyes scanning the room for threats. Claire was with Sherry, the young girl clutching a stuffed toy someone had salvaged during their journey.
Azizah's system chimed softly, indicating a new objective.
---
System Update
New Objective: Locate and ally with additional survivors.
Bonus Objective: Recruit individuals with unique skills.
Reward: +50 Points, +1 Gacha Spin.
---
Azizah frowned as she studied the map. "Marvin, what's the status of the survivors we left near the RPD checkpoint?"
"Scattered," he replied grimly. "We've picked up reports of smaller groups trying to make their way to safety. Some were last seen in the city's eastern district."
Azizah nodded. Her system's notification hinted that the survivors were crucial to their survival. "We'll head there next. There might be people who can help us."
Jill raised an eyebrow. "And what if we're walking into a trap?"
Azizah met her gaze, her expression unwavering. "We've faced worse."
---
The group set out as night descended, casting eerie shadows over the desolate streets. The eastern district was quieter than expected, save for the occasional groan of distant undead. Azizah led the way, her baton ready, while Jill flanked their right side with her pistol drawn. Leon and Kevin covered the rear, scanning for threats.
Azizah's system highlighted movement in a nearby building—a two-story structure with boarded-up windows. She signaled for the group to stop and whispered, "There's someone inside."
Leon frowned. "How do you know?"
"Call it intuition," Azizah replied, earning a skeptical look from Jill.
They approached cautiously, their footsteps muffled by the cracked pavement. Azizah knocked on the door lightly. "RPD! If there are survivors in there, we're here to help."
For a moment, there was silence. Then, the sound of footsteps echoed from inside, followed by a voice. "RPD? Is… is Kevin with you?"
Kevin stepped forward, his brows furrowed. "Yeah, it's me. Who's asking?"
The door creaked open to reveal a young man with a weary expression. He was wearing a firefighter's uniform, its edges singed and dirtied. "Jim," he said, relief flooding his face. "Jim Chapman. I thought I was the only one left alive."
Azizah recognized him immediately from the Resident Evil Outbreak series. Her heart raced as she realized this was just the beginning.
---
A Growing Team
Inside, the group found three other survivors:
1. Yoko Suzuki, a quiet young woman clutching a laptop.
2. Cindy Lennox, a waitress with an endearing smile despite the situation.
3. Mark Wilkins, an older man with a military background, his steady demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos outside.
The room was dimly lit, with makeshift barricades blocking the windows. Supplies were sparse, and the group looked exhausted but alive.
"Kevin!" Mark said, rising to his feet. His weathered face broke into a smile. "You made it out. I figured you'd be one of the lucky ones."
Kevin chuckled, clapping Mark on the shoulder. "Barely. But I see you've been keeping yourself busy."
Yoko shifted nervously, glancing at the newcomers. "Are you all… safe?"
"Safe enough," Jill replied, her tone brisk. "But we need to move. This place won't hold for long."
Azizah stepped forward, addressing the group. "We're gathering survivors to head to a more secure location. If we work together, we have a better chance of surviving."
Jim crossed his arms. "And if we don't?"
"You'll die here," Jill said bluntly, earning a glare from Claire.
"Look," Azizah interjected, her voice firm but kind. "We've already lost too many people. Staying here isn't an option. You've seen what's out there—it's only going to get worse."
Mark nodded slowly. "She's right. We can't keep hiding."
---
Another Horde
Their conversation was interrupted by a loud crash. The barricades at the front of the building rattled violently as a group of zombies began to force their way inside. The moans of the undead filled the air, sending chills through the survivors.
"Damn it," Jill muttered, raising her weapon. "We've got company."
Azizah's system flashed a warning:
---
System Alert:
Objective Update: Protect all survivors.
Hostile Entities Detected: 15 standard zombies, 2 Crimson Heads.
---
"Everyone, get ready!" Azizah shouted. "Mark, Cindy—help secure the barricades. Yoko, stay behind cover. The rest of you, with me!"
The group sprang into action, each person falling into their role. Jim grabbed a fire axe and positioned himself near the back. Mark reinforced the barricades with Cindy's help, while Jill and Leon opened fire on the approaching zombies.
Azizah's gloves glowed faintly as she launched into the fray. With a spinning kick, she sent one zombie flying into another, buying the others precious seconds. Kevin and Claire worked together to take down a Crimson Head, their combined Shotgun firepower keeping it at bay.
Yoko peeked out from her hiding spot, offering tactical advice. "Aim at the nearby Gas Barrel! It will slow them down!"
Leon nodded, adjusting his aim. "Got it!"
The battle was chaotic, but thanks to their teamwork, they managed to repel the horde. The Crimson Heads fell last, their crimson eyes dimming as they collapsed in heaps.
---
A New Alliance
As the dust settled, Mark looked at Azizah with newfound respect. "You know your stuff."
Azizah shrugged, wiping sweat from her brow. "I've had practice."
Jim sat down heavily, his axe resting beside him. "Alright, I'm in. But if this goes south, I'm blaming you."
Cindy smiled faintly, handing Sherry a small candy she'd been saving. "We'll follow your lead."
Yoko hesitated but eventually nodded. "We'll join you, for now."
Azizah's system chimed again:
---
Objective Completed: Recruit survivors from the eastern district.
Bonus Objective Completed: Ensure all survivors survive the encounter.
Reward: +50 Points, +1 Gacha Spin.
---
Azizah smiled, though her heart remained heavy. They had won this round, but the true fight for survival was just beginning.
---
To Be Continued...