The large shadow leaped out of the forest, revealing an evolved zombie with a large body and tough skin. The man who had asked for help fell, unable to escape.
"Aim for its joints!" Pan shouted as he fired the first shot.
Cong and Rico joined in, shooting at the creature, but their bullets only slightly slowed it down. The zombie attacked the man, forcing Aegis Team to retreat to avoid greater danger.
"Take the data and fall back now!" Pan commanded.
The team successfully escaped to the next village, but the brief battle left a bitter feeling in their hearts. What else would await them ahead?
November 12, 2058 – Afternoon
The journey to Omega Zone brought Aegis Team into increasingly desolate and dangerous territory. Tall trees lining the road cast dark shadows, while the rustling of leaves sounded like whispers from something unseen.
"The farther we go, the stranger this place feels," muttered Cong, scanning the surroundings with his night vision binoculars.
Rico, walking behind, snorted. "Stranger is better than an evolved zombie attacking us nonstop."
Pan, leading the way, stopped for a moment to check the map given by Hart. "We need to reach a village near Omega Zone before nightfall. It might be abandoned, but at least we can find shelter there."
Dail glanced at Elis, who seemed exhausted but still walking beside him. "Are you okay, Elis?" he asked gently.
Elis nodded slightly. "I just wonder if the village will really be safe."
Dail smiled. "We'll make sure it's safe before you go in, don't worry."
Suspicious Tracks
As they neared the village, Cong suddenly stopped and signaled for the team to be quiet. "Major, I see something," he whispered, pointing at the ground ahead.
Pan moved closer and saw fresh footprints. "Humans," he murmured. "But we don't know if they're survivors or a threat."
Hart stepped forward, his face tense. "Omega Zone is a strategic location. If anyone survived, they might have taken refuge in this village. But we must stay alert."
Pan nodded. "We'll approach the village cautiously. Cong and Rico, you're up front. Dail, stay with Elis. Hart, stay in the middle."
Arrival at the Village
The village looked like a shadow of the past. Wooden houses stood in ruin, some scorched by fire. The streets were littered with debris, and the air smelled foul.
"This place... has been abandoned for a long time," Rico said while inspecting one of the houses.
Cong opened the door of a small house at the end of the road. "Empty. No signs of life."
Pan led them to the center of the village, where a large hall stood with its door half open. "We'll shelter here for the night. But before that, make sure the area is safe."
The team immediately scattered to inspect the village. Dail and Elis checked an old well, while Cong and Rico inspected the surrounding buildings. Hart sat on the steps of the hall, looking deep in thought.
"You seem to be holding something in," Pan said, sitting beside Hart.
Hart sighed. "I'm just thinking... if Omega Zone is destroyed, what's the point of us going there?"
Pan gazed at the setting sun. "Because we need answers. And if even one person survived, that's enough reason to try."
Sounds in the Night
Nightfall came quickly, bringing with it thick darkness. The team gathered inside the hall, trying to warm themselves by the small fire they lit. Elis slept beside Dail, while the others kept watch.
However, their calm was shattered by the sound of heavy footsteps outside. Cong immediately stood up, gripping his rifle tightly.
"There's something outside," he whispered.
Pan signaled the team to prepare. "Rico, guard the back door. Cong, come with me to the front."
The sound drew closer, followed by a low growl. Through the door crack, they saw a large shadow with glowing red eyes.
"Evolved zombie," Hart whispered, his face pale.
The creature broke the door with one powerful blow, forcing the team to retreat. Pan immediately shot at the zombie's head, but the bullet only caused it to stagger momentarily.
"Grenade! Now!" Pan shouted.
Cong threw a grenade at the zombie, creating a huge explosion that destroyed the door and part of the hall's wall. However, the blast attracted more zombies from the direction of the village.
"We can't hold out here!" Rico shouted while shooting at the approaching horde.
Pan looked firmly at his team. "We fall back into the forest. Now!"
Heading Toward Omega Zone
With quick steps, they fled the village now overrun with zombies. Pan led the way, ensuring the path was safe, while Dail carried Elis, with Cong and Rico guarding the rear.
After several hours of running, they finally stopped at the edge of the forest. They were out of breath, but no one was injured.
"They're getting more and stronger," Rico said, checking his almost empty weapon.
Pan nodded. "And that means we have to get to Omega Zone as quickly as possible. We need answers, or all of this will be for nothing."
With growing determination, Aegis Team continued their journey toward Omega Zone, even as danger loomed over every step.
As they neared a village near Omega Zone, Cong suddenly stopped and raised his hand as a signal to halt.
"What do you see?" Pan asked.
Cong pointed to a collapsed house, but from inside, a faint glow could be seen, like a dying campfire.
"Maybe someone's hiding," Rico said, aiming his rifle toward the house.
Pan signaled for the team to move closer. But as they approached the door, a loud sound from inside shattered the silence. A scream of pain echoed, followed by the sound of something falling.
"Prepare for combat!" Pan yelled, as Rico slowly pushed the door open.