Katie's Pov
Katie gazed out the tinted window of the armored vehicle, watching the fortified walls of her family's estate recede into the distance The driver a stern-faced soldier, navigated the streets of Free City X4 with practiced ease
As they drove through the city, Katie saw citizens going about their daily lives, amidst the remnants of a world ravaged by the Zeron virus Walls adorned with barbed wire and guard towers stood as stark reminders of the dangers outside. Sandbags and barricades reinforced key intersections and blocks.
Drones, their faces expressionless, scrubbed the streets clean, their dark brown uniforms marked with the city's insignia on their left shoulder. Workers in hazmat suits cleaned debris while armed guards watched over them . A group of scavengers armed and armored, prepared for a supply run beyond the city walls
In the central square, the imposing Council Chambers towered above, its stone façade emblazoned with the city's emblem of a golden eagle on a white fileld. Heavily armed guards patrolled the perimeter, scanning the crowds with alert gazes
Soon the vehicle pulled up to the entrance of Aurora Academy, a fortified school complex nestled within the heart of Free City X4. The building's sleek design and reinforced walls made it a sanctuary for the city's elite and privileged youth.
As she stepped out of the vehicle, she joined a stream of students flowing into the school. The courtyard bustled with activity with students chatting and laughing as they headed to their classes.
Her best friend Marcus, son of Councilor Edmond, flashed a charming smile at her as he saw her walking through the gates towards him. Nearby her other friend stood chatting with three other girls while giggling.
Lena Reyes, daughter of Dr. Sofia Reyes a renowned scientist and politician was busy fixing her makeup her dark hair pulled into a tight ponytail . Jaxson Jax Lee, a skilled tech-whiz with a reputation for hacking leaned against a pillar, eyeing the crowd as he chewed on a straw.
" Hey, Katie heard your dad's leading the next supply run outside". Marcus said falling into step beside her . Katie nodded, her eyes scanning the courtyard " Yeah he's been planning it for weeks now".
Just as Marcus opened his mouth to respond, the sound of multiple helicopters thundered overhead their rotors whipping the air Military jeeps sped past the school entrance sirens blaring Students conversations faltered, their heads turning toward the commotion.
Lena frowned. "What's going on .Jax eyed the chaos " Looks like we've got a situation near one of the walls" . Marcus's expression turned serious as he stared at the vehicles rushing past . " Maybe it's related to the rumors about increased horde activity near the southern wall" he comments causing everyone to stare at him.
He shrugged " It's just a rumor though" he said dismissively" Katie's heart quickened. Her father had mentioned nothing about increased undead threats as more helicopters passed overhead their shadows dancing across the courtyard.
The once-clear sky filled with the hum of military aircraft. Soon their headmaster Mr Camron, standing at the entrance, called out " Alright, students Inside now We'll proceed with classes as scheduled".
The students hastily gathered their belongings and filed into the school. Katie followed, her senses on high alert
As they entered the fortified building, the sounds of chaos outside grew fainter, replaced by the familiar hum of the school's systems Katie took a deep breath, trying to shake off the creeping feeling of unease.
She headed to her first class, Survival Tactics and Strategies (STS), taught by Instructor Ryder. Ryder was a tall powerful built man and also a veteran of the border wars, a series of bloody conflicts between them and their neighbours to the north the free city H7 over territory and the dwindling supplies.
The classroom was filled with students from influential families all eager to learn the skills necessary to survive in the treacherous world beyond the city walls
Soon Instructor Ryder began the lesson, his voice commanding attention. " Today, we'll discuss defensive strategies against horde attacks , your ability to adapt and respond will mean the difference between life and death".
Instructor Ryder's eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering on each student. " Before we continue, let's review what we know about the undead – specifically, the Zeron-infected."
Katie nodded, her mind racing with the lessons she'd learned from him already. From what we've observed Ryder began.
" The Zeron virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, primarily through bites or scratches, Once infected the virus rapidly spreads reanimating the dead and transforming the living into violent primal flesh eating creatures".
Lena spoke up, her voice confident " The virus attacks the brain's cerebral cortex erasing cognitive functions and leaving only basic instincts".
Ryder nodded " That's correct, Lena. The Zeron-infected – or 'Infected as we've come to call them are driven solely by a primal urge to feed and spread the infection"
Jax leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with curiosity " What about the different stages of infection? We've heard rumors of some people surviving being bitten as long as you stop the infection from spreading" he said
Ryder's expression turned grime." Yes, there are distinct stages. The initial infection stage marked by rapid deterioration and aggression. The 'Feral' stage, characterized by mindless violence and increased strength And the 'Decay' stage, where the infected begin to deteriorate physically"
Marcus frowned. What about the rumors of infected retaining some cognitive function This time however Ryder's pause was palpable. Those rumors are unsubstantiated, Marcus. But we do know the Necros's behavior can be influenced by other factors".
Katie sensed a hint of unease beneath Ryder's words. What did he know that he wasn't sharing
Suddenly, the school's intercom crackled to life. "Attention, students and faculty. We have code red a situation developing outside the city walls. Please remain calm and follow evacuation procedures to the designated evacuation zones in a calm and orderly manner".
The intercom's words were barely out when the sound of machine guns and other weapons echoed through the air shaking the school's walls The students' heads snapped toward the windows as the once-distant gunfire grew louder.
"What's going on?" Lena whispered, her eyes wide Jax expression turned grim as he turned towards the increasing sounds of battle." I don't know but whatever it is I have a feeling we aren't going to like it
Soon Students rushed to the windows, pressing their faces against the reinforced glass. Katie joined them, her heart racing
Outside, the city's defenses were in full swing Machine guns and cannons blasted away the barrels pointed downward The students couldn't see what the soldiers were firing at, but the intensity of the gunfire sent a chill through the air.
Marcus's voice was low and urgent. "This isn't just a drill is it?". Jax's eyes scanned the chaos." We need to get out of here, now"
Ryder called out, "Alright, stay calm everyone we'll follow evacuation procedures now let's move" . But Katie's attention was fixed on the muffled sounds of chaos outside The gunfire, the shouting – it was all so terrifyingly real.
Suddenly, the window rattled, and the sound of scraping echoed from below. Katie recoiled her heart racing. And soon she could hear screams and the sounds of chaos in the hallways which could only have meant one thing.
The dead had breached into the city.