Rico pointed his flashlight at the corner of the room. The sound of the falling object came from an old shelf that had collapsed due to termites.
"Seriously, just this shelf?" Cong sighed in relief but remained alert. "I almost thought we were going to be attacked."
However, the tense atmosphere returned when Elis pointed at a broken window. "There's something outside," she said with a trembling voice.
The team immediately moved to the window to check, and they saw a large shadow swiftly moving in the distance. "What is that?" Rico asked in a panicked tone.
Pan answered shortly, "Whatever it is, we don't want to meet it. Let's go."
After confirming there was nothing dangerous at the post, they continued their journey to the central base.
November 11, 2058 – Morning
"Major, is it still far? It seems Elis is also tired from the long journey," Dail said while giving Elis some water.
"We should have arrived by now, but because of this fog, we can't see much. That's why I asked everyone to stay alert," Pan said, directing his weapon around.
Suddenly, a strong wind blew the fog away in the area, and only the cloudy morning sky was visible, seemingly reflecting Aegis Team's mood as they approached the central base.
The grand building that was once guarded by many soldiers now only had scattered bodies everywhere. Thin smoke was still rising from some areas, a sign that the attack had just occurred.
Elis, carried by Dail, looked at the ruins with fearful eyes. "Did… everyone here die?" she asked in a small voice.
Dail patted her head, trying to calm her. "I don't know either, Elis. But we'll find out together."
Pan stood still in front of the half-destroyed gate, looking at the broken gates with a serious expression. "We're going in. Look for survivors, documents, or anything that can tell us what happened here. But stay cautious, there might still be zombies here."
Cong raised his sniper rifle and scanned the area. "So far, it's safe, Major. But I don't like this atmosphere. It's too quiet."
"That just means we have to be more careful," Pan replied, signaling the team to move.
A Surprising Discovery
Inside the central base, the scene grew even more heartbreaking. The corridors, once bustling with activity, were now filled with scattered bodies. Some showed signs of resistance, with weapons still grasped in their hands.
Rico frowned as he checked one of the bodies. "They didn't stand a chance. Looks like the attack happened so quickly."
Cong found something on a half-destroyed table. "Major, this… a log of the base's activities."
Pan took the log and quickly read it. "…'Sudden attack from the north. The creatures are too many. The communication system is down. No reinforcements.'" Pan closed the log with a grim face. "They knew they wouldn't survive."
Dail, still holding Elis, looked around. "Is it possible that someone survived here?"
Pan shook his head. "We don't know. But we have to keep searching."
A Mysterious Signal
As they continued searching, Cong picked up something on his portable radio. Static, followed by a faint voice.
"…to… here… bunker…"
Cong looked at Pan. "Major, there's a signal. Someone might still be alive."
Pan immediately took the radio. "This is Aegis Team. We've received your signal. Who is this? What's your location?"
After a few seconds, the voice returned, though still crackling. "…Omega Zone…researcher…answers…"
Pan lowered the radio, his face deep in thought. "Omega Zone. That could be the research bunker mentioned in the previous documents."
Rico nodded. "So, we have a new objective. But how do we know this isn't a trap?"
"We don't know," Pan replied firmly. "But if they have answers, it's a risk we have to take."
New Clues
Before leaving the central base, the team found a map showing the bunker's location in Omega Zone. Alongside the map was a small handwritten note.
"If you're reading this, it means we've failed. The bunker is our last hope. Be wary of the creatures inside. They are not just victims, but also weapons."
Cong read the note aloud. "'Creatures inside?' Does that mean there's something worse than zombies there?"
Pan put the map and note into his bag. "We'll find out when we get there. Now, let's leave before something else shows up."
Meanwhile, Rico, who was keeping watch at the door, started looking around, hoping there were still survivors. "Isn't there anyone left from this pandemic? Hmm… But isn't there something strange? Like something we missed. But what is it?"
Then suddenly, when Rico turned to look into the room, a zombie appeared behind him, letting out a loud noise before charging at him.
Rico fell and tumbled. On the floor, Rico could only scream for help. Cong immediately shot the zombie. "Good thing your big bag blocked the zombie. You almost got hurt," Cong said while helping Rico up.
With heavy steps, the team left the central base, which was now just a memory. Their hope now rested on the bunker in Omega Zone, though a greater threat might be waiting for them there.
Pan led the team along a path surrounded by ruins. The sound of the night grew quieter, only the wind rustling through the dead trees.
"Major, there's something odd," Cong said, staring at large footprints in the dirt. "This isn't an ordinary zombie. The footprints are too big and heavy."
Pan examined the tracks with his flashlight, his face serious. "We need to move faster. Whatever this is, I don't want to meet it unprepared."
Suddenly, a rumbling sound came from the distance, followed by a roar that sent chills down their spines. Elis gripped Dail's arm tightly, her eyes filled with fear.
"Everyone, stay alert!" Pan shouted.