A loud crash from inside the building made the team exchange uneasy glances. Pan signaled for them to approach cautiously, weapons at the ready.
Dail gently pushed open the half-ajar door. Inside, the air was damp and metallic, a mix of rust and decay lingering in the dark atmosphere.
"Stay sharp," Pan whispered.
As they neared the source of the noise, Rico slipped on the wet floor, accidentally discharging his weapon. The gunshot echoed, putting the entire team on edge. The tension broke when they realized the "loud crash" they'd heard earlier was just a large tree root breaking through the building's wall.
"Seriously, Rico?" Cong shook his head, stifling a small laugh.
Pan sighed. "Next time, watch where you step."
November 9, 2058 – Morning
Morning mist enveloped the narrow trail as Aegis Squad continued their journey. Towering trees lined their path, casting shadows that blocked out much of the sky. Elis, carried by Dail, looked slightly better after being given food and water.
"Are you feeling better, Elis?" Dail asked gently.
Elis nodded faintly. "Yes. Thank you."
"Good. We'll find a safer place soon," Dail said with a reassuring smile, though he knew the journey was far from safe.
Ahead, Pan led with steady strides, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Cong and Rico flanked the team, keeping a close watch for threats.
"Major," Cong called out suddenly, "something's up ahead at two o'clock. Looks like a wrecked military vehicle."
Pan nodded. "Let's check it out. There might be useful supplies."
Discovery at the Wreckage
The team approached the wreck cautiously. A military truck lay overturned at the side of the road, dried bloodstains marking the area around it. Pan gestured for the team to stay alert.
"Rico, check inside," Pan ordered.
Rico nodded, prying open the half-destroyed rear door of the truck. Inside, he found several intact supply crates.
"We've got ammo and… documents," Rico said, pulling out a stack of files stored in a metal case.
Pan took the documents and read through them carefully. His expression hardened as he came across a page detailing "Operation Rain."
"What is it?" Cong asked, leaning in to look.
Pan exhaled heavily. "It's one of Dominion's projects. They created artificial rain laced with modified chemicals to spread pathogens."
Hearing this, Dail asked, "So the rain we experienced yesterday… was that part of their experiment?"
"Most likely," Pan replied grimly. "It explains why zombies appear after the rain. The pathogen might be activated by certain levels of moisture."
Elis, overhearing the conversation, looked terrified. "So they're doing this on purpose… to turn us all into monsters?"
Dail tried to comfort the girl. "We'll stop this, Elis. Don't worry."
Pan packed the documents into his bag. "We need to bring this to HQ. If this is true, it's critical evidence for understanding what we're dealing with."
A New Threat
After leaving the wreck, the team resumed their journey toward the border zone. Heavy footsteps echoed from behind, prompting Cong to check with his binoculars.
"Zombies. About ten of them. They're moving fast," he reported.
"Prepare defensive positions!" Pan commanded.
The team quickly took cover behind large trees. Rico set up a makeshift trap using grenades, while Cong positioned himself with his sniper rifle.
"They're in range," Cong said.
"Fire!" Pan ordered.
The battle began. Bullets flew with precision, but one of the evolved zombies broke through with startling speed. Rico hurled a grenade, eliminating it just before it reached them.
"Are they getting faster?" Dail asked, panting.
Pan nodded. "The pathogen seems to be evolving. We can't stay here any longer."
Once the area was secure, the team pressed on. But the grim expressions on their faces reflected the mounting danger of their mission.
Back to the Main Road
By late afternoon, they reached the main road leading to the border zone. Elis seemed calmer, though her eyes still betrayed fear.
"Will we be safe there?" she asked Dail.
"I don't know, Elis. But we'll do our best to protect you," Dail replied softly.
Pan glanced at his team. "We need to reach the border before nightfall. The longer we stay out here, the greater the risk."
Before they could continue, Cong raised his hand, signaling them to stop. "Major, there's something in the woods behind us," he said, his voice tense.
Elis, standing close to Dail, gasped softly.
"They're coming," she whispered, barely audible.
...