The sound grew closer, and from behind the shadows, an evolved zombie appeared. Its body was large, with skin that looked like steel. The creature let out a low growl before attacking.
"Aim for the joints!" Pan shouted as he fired the first shot.
Rico and Cong joined in, shooting at the zombie, but the creature seemed unaffected. With quick movement, it attacked, almost hitting Elis if Dail hadn't pulled her aside just in time.
"Grenade!" Cong shouted as he threw one toward the zombie. The loud explosion shook the room, and the zombie finally fell, but not without leaving considerable damage around.
The team continued their exploration, but the atmosphere grew more ominous. They knew the threat in this facility was greater than they had anticipated.
November 14, 2058 – Noon
After leaving the forgotten facility, Aegis Team continued their journey cautiously. The afternoon sky looked gray, and the cold wind blew, carrying the smell of wet earth. The road they were following had become rockier and steeper, forcing them to slow down.
"How much farther to Zone Omega?" Cong asked, wiping sweat from his brow.
Alaric checked the small tablet displaying a digital map. "About two days' journey if we keep moving without interruptions. But with our current condition, it may take longer."
Pan stopped for a moment to check the surroundings. "We need shelter for tonight. If we keep moving without resting, we'll run out of energy before we get there."
Elis, walking beside Dail, clutched his hand tighter. "Will we be safe tonight, Major?" she asked in a small voice.
Dail looked at Pan with hope. "We'll make sure we're safe. Whatever it takes."
A Forgotten Village
At the end of the rocky road, they found a small village that appeared to have been abandoned for a long time. The wooden houses there looked fragile, with cracked walls and broken windows. However, the place seemed quiet enough, with no signs of zombies or other creatures.
"We can spend the night here," Pan said while surveying the area. "Cong, Rico, check the houses to make sure there's no danger. Hart, Alaric, see if there's anything we can use here."
The team quickly scattered to check the village. Elis stayed with Dail, while the others moved with weapons at the ready.
Rico opened one of the houses that appeared more sturdy than the others. Inside, he found several cans of food still sealed and a pile of old blankets. "We're lucky here," he said, calling Cong to help him carry the supplies.
Meanwhile, Hart found a portable radio in one of the houses. "If this still works, we could try searching for a signal from Zone Omega or somewhere else that might be safe," he said, handing the radio to Alaric.
"Good," Alaric replied. "We can try using it after dinner."
Sounds in the Darkness
Night came quickly, bringing deep darkness. Aegis Team gathered in one of the sturdiest houses, lighting a small fire to keep warm. Elis fell asleep beside Dail, while the others sat in silence.
However, their tranquility was broken by the sound of heavy footsteps outside. Cong immediately got up and grabbed his rifle. "Major, there's something outside."
Pan signaled for the team to prepare. "Rico, guard the back door. Cong, stay with me at the front."
The sound grew closer, followed by a low growl that sounded like a large creature. Through the window gap, they saw a large shadow moving between the trees.
"Is that the same creature as last night?" Hart whispered with a tense face.
"Don't know. But we're not taking any chances," Pan replied, signaling Cong to scan the area with the night-vision binoculars.
Cong aimed the binoculars and saw something that shocked him. "Major, it's not just one. There are three of those big creatures, and they're heading straight for us."
An Impossible Battle
Before Pan could give an order, one of the large creatures broke through the house's wall. The team immediately opened fire, but like before, their bullets had little effect.
Rico threw a grenade that hit one of the creatures, creating a large explosion that made it retreat. However, the other two creatures attacked with greater force.
"We can't hold out here! Get out now!" Pan shouted, helping Elis escape through the window.
Cong and Rico provided covering fire while the others fled into the forest. However, the creatures kept chasing them, destroying anything in their path.
A Surprise in the Forest
In the midst of their flight, they found a small cave hidden behind some bushes. Pan signaled for the team to enter and hide inside.
"They're too big to fit in here," Alaric said, trying to catch his breath.
"But they know we're here. We can't stay long," Pan replied firmly.
Elis hugged Dail tightly, her body trembling. "Will they find us?"
Dail stroked the girl's head. "No, Elis. We'll protect you."
Outside, the sounds of the creatures continued, as though they were waiting for Aegis Team to emerge. Pan looked at his team seriously. "We need to think of a plan. If they stay here, we won't have a chance to get out alive."
Alaric looked at the radio he still carried. "Maybe we can distract them with sound. If we turn on the radio somewhere far enough, they might go toward that."
Pan nodded. "That's a good idea. But who will turn it on?"
"I will," Hart said without hesitation. "I brought us here, and I'll make sure you all get out safely."
Pan looked at Hart seriously, then nodded. "Alright. But be careful."
A Brave Sacrifice
Hart took the radio outside the cave, moving carefully between the trees. He turned on the radio and placed it on a rock, turning the volume up to the maximum. The loud static noise drew the creatures' attention, and they immediately started moving toward the sound.
Hart returned to the cave, out of breath. "They're gone. We have time to escape."
Pan quickly signaled for the team to move. With quick but cautious steps, they left the cave and continued their journey toward Zone Omega, leaving the large creatures behind. However, in everyone's mind, one question kept spinning: how many more dangers awaited them ahead?