Azizah's group moved cautiously, keeping to the shadows as they navigated toward the next possible survivor location. The eastern district was vast, its crumbling buildings and flickering streetlights creating a labyrinth of danger.
Azizah's system pinged softly, alerting her to nearby movement.
"We've got activity," she whispered, holding up her hand to stop the group. Jill and Leon immediately raised their weapons, scanning the area.
"Where?" Jill asked, her voice low.
Azizah pointed toward a narrow alley. "In there. Feels like a small group."
Kevin stepped forward, his grip tightening on his shotgun. "Let me take point."
"Not alone," Azizah said firmly. She gestured for Claire and Jill to cover the rear. "Leon, with me. The rest of you, hold position until we know it's safe."
The alley was dark, the only light coming from a broken streetlamp at the far end. Azizah and Leon moved cautiously, their footsteps muffled on the cracked asphalt. As they approached a bend, a soft sound reached their ears—a low groan, followed by hurried whispers.
"Hold up," Leon said, raising his hand.
Azizah strained to listen. She could make out voices now, hushed but firm. One voice, deep and commanding, stood out above the rest.
"Stay quiet and stick together," it said. "If they get close, we fall back."
Azizah stepped forward, keeping her baton ready. "RPD! We're here to help! Don't shoot!"
The whispers stopped abruptly. A moment later, a man stepped into view. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a rugged look and a crowbar in hand. His piercing eyes studied Azizah and Leon before he spoke. "RPD? That's a first. Most of your lot didn't make it."
Leon raised his hands in a show of goodwill. "We're trying to get as many survivors as we can to safety. Are you hurt?"
The man shook his head. "Name's David King. I'm fine, but some of us could use a hand."
Azizah glanced behind him and saw two figures emerging from the shadows. The first was a middle-aged man in a white lab coat, his expression calm but weary. He adjusted his glasses and offered a small nod. "Dr. George Hamilton," he said. "I'd shake your hand, but, well…" He gestured at the blood-stained gloves he wore.
The second figure was a woman with short, sleek hair and a confident stride. She carried herself like someone used to taking charge. "Alyssa Ashcroft, freelance journalist," she said, her tone brisk. "And before you ask, yes, I know this city's gone to hell, and yes, I'm writing about it."
Azizah smirked at her candor. "You're lucky you made it this far."
Alyssa shrugged. "Luck's got nothing to do with it. I've been running circles around these things since day one."
Leon glanced at David. "How many of you are there?"
"Just us three now," David said grimly. "We started with more, but… well, you know how it goes."
Azizah nodded, understanding all too well. "We've got a larger group nearby. Supplies are tight, but you're welcome to join us."
George frowned. "And what's the plan after that? Hide until the city's overrun? Or do you have a real way out?"
Azizah hesitated. The truth was, she wasn't sure. But her system's missions always hinted at something bigger, something worth fighting for. "We're working on it," she said finally. "The more people we have, the better our chances."
Alyssa raised an eyebrow. "You sound confident. You sure you're not leading us into another deathtrap?"
"I've gotten us this far," Azizah replied evenly. "You're welcome to stay here if you think it's safer."
David chuckled. "She's got a point, Alyssa. I'd rather take my chances with them than stick around here waiting for another horde."
Their conversation was cut short by a sudden crash from deeper in the alley. Everyone froze, weapons raised. Azizah's system flashed a warning.
---
System Alert:
Hostile Entity Detected: Nemesis.
Objective: Escape without casualties.
Reward: +100 Points, +2 Gacha Spins.
---
Azizah's blood ran cold. She had hoped they were far enough from Nemesis's hunting grounds, but the thunderous roar that followed shattered that hope.
"Run!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the panic.
The group bolted as Nemesis's massive frame appeared at the far end of the alley. Its deep, guttural growl echoed as it raised its rocket launcher, aiming at the fleeing survivors.
Azizah grabbed George by the arm, pulling him out of the line of fire just as the rocket exploded against the wall. Debris rained down, cutting off their escape route.
"Split up!" Jill yelled, firing at Nemesis to draw its attention. "We'll meet at the warehouse!"
David and Alyssa ducked into a side alley, with Leon and Claire close behind. Azizah stayed with Jill, her system highlighting weak points on Nemesis's body.
"We need to slow it down!" Azizah called.
Jill nodded, reloading her pistol. "I've got an idea. Cover me!"
Azizah launched into action, her gloves glowing faintly as she unleashed a flurry of kicks to Nemesis's legs. The creature staggered but quickly regained its footing, swiping at her with terrifying speed. She dodged, narrowly avoiding its massive fist.
Jill took the opportunity to toss a grenade at a nearby gas line. The explosion created a wall of fire, temporarily blocking Nemesis's path. "Move!" Jill shouted, grabbing Azizah's arm.
The two women sprinted through the debris-filled streets, the sound of Nemesis's growls fading behind them. By the time they reached the warehouse, the rest of the group was already there, breathing heavily but alive.
David leaned against a crate, his crowbar resting at his side. "Well, that was a hell of a welcome party."
George checked Alyssa for injuries, his movements precise and practiced. "You're lucky to have someone like her leading the charge," he said, nodding toward Azizah.
Alyssa crossed her arms, her skeptical gaze softening slightly. "Maybe you're not as reckless as you look."
Azizah managed a tired smile. "Glad you're starting to see that."
Her system chimed softly, signaling the completion of their objective.
---
Objective Completed: Recruit survivors.
Reward: +100 Points, +2 Gacha Spins.
---
Azizah exhaled, her relief short-lived. The team was growing stronger, but the challenges ahead would demand everything they had—and more.
---
To Be Continued...