The back door of the building collapsed, revealing an evolved zombie with a large body and tough skin. The creature moved slowly but threateningly.
"Aim for its joints!" Pan shouted as he fired the first shot.
The bullets hit the creature, but only a few managed to injure it. Rico threw a grenade toward its legs, creating a huge explosion that knocked the creature down.
"We need to get out now!" Pan said. The team quickly moved through the side window, shooting to clear a path out.
After managing to escape, they continued moving under the shadows of the night, carrying the big question about this new threat.
November 12, 2058 – Morning
The morning sky appeared dark even though the sun had started to rise. Aegis Team stepped carefully along a road filled with ruins and burned vehicles. The journey to Omega Zone felt increasingly difficult, especially with the evolved zombies looming over them since leaving the central base.
"Do you think we'll really find researchers there?" Cong asked while scanning the area ahead with his rifle in hand.
Pan walked in front, leading his team with firm steps. "We don't know for sure, but it's our only hope right now. If anyone survived in Omega Zone, they might have answers."
Elis, walking beside Dail, looked tired but still tried to keep her spirits up. "I don't want another place like the central base," she said softly.
Dail patted the girl's shoulder gently. "We'll make sure you stay safe, Elis. That's our promise."
The Strange Signal
As they continued their journey, Cong suddenly stopped and signaled the others. "Major, there's something up ahead."
Pan immediately raised his hand, signaling the team to be on alert. From a distance, they saw a man staggering, his body covered in wounds, with a rifle slung over his shoulder.
"Who is he?" Rico whispered, aiming his rifle.
"Wait," said Pan. "We need to make sure he's not a threat."
The man finally noticed their presence and weakly raised his hand. "Please... don't shoot. I'm not infected," he said in a hoarse voice.
Pan stepped forward cautiously. "Who are you? And what are you doing here?"
The man sighed and tried to stand tall. "I... I'm Lieutenant Hart. I was with the research team stationed at the central base."
A Conversation that Changes the Course
After confirming that Hart was not infected, the team took him to a small building to rest for a moment. Pan asked for further explanation while Rico kept watch outside.
"What happened at the central base?" Pan asked seriously.
Hart stared at Pan with weary eyes. "The central base was the beginning of it all. When the outbreak started spreading, they moved our research to Omega Zone. But we lost contact with them several months ago."
Cong furrowed his brow. "Omega Zone? So the research is still there?"
Hart weakly nodded. "Maybe. Omega Zone is one of the Coalition's largest labs for studying this outbreak. But the last we heard, they were being attacked by zombies coming from the central base."
Dail, sitting next to Elis, asked, "Do you know what they were researching there?"
Hart nodded. "They were studying this outbreak from the beginning. Even before it spread to humans, the outbreak was first discovered in animals at the border of the Dominion of Varex. Our research at the central base was a continuation of what they started in Omega Zone."
Rico, who had just re-entered the room, interrupted, "So if we go to Omega Zone, will we find answers?"
Pan answered firmly, "We have to try. If there's any data or anyone still alive there, it could be the key to stopping this outbreak."
Heading Toward Omega Zone
After resting for a moment, Aegis Team decided to change their objective to Omega Zone, located south of the central base. Hart joined them, despite still being weak.
"Omega Zone isn't an easy place," Hart said. "If their data is still there, we might find something really important. But we have to be prepared for the worst."
Cong checked his rifle while walking. "The farther we go, the less supplies we have. We need to find a way to survive longer."
Pan turned to his team. "We don't know what's waiting for us there. But this is the only lead we've got. Everyone, stay alert."
With renewed determination, Aegis Team stepped toward Omega Zone, bringing new hope that the answers to the outbreak might be there.
In the distance, a man stumbled toward them, his body covered in wounds and his breath heavy. Pan raised his hand, signaling the team to stay calm.
"I need... help," the man said in a hoarse voice.
But before Pan could respond, the sound of heavy footsteps came from the direction of the forest behind the man. A large shadow appeared among the trees, moving at an unnatural speed.
"Prepare for combat!" Pan shouted.