A Date Proposal

With the assurance of a clear path, Emily cautiously advanced through the labyrinthine corridors, her senses on high alert.

She remained mindful of her surroundings, scanning for any signs of danger or unexpected encounters.

As she navigated through the dimly lit hallways, a sense of eerie stillness enveloped her.

Emily's heart raced, but she channeled her focus. The silence was broken only by the soft echoes of her footsteps reverberating through the empty corridors.

Each step brought her closer to the supply depot, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, that unseen eyes followed her every move.

She kept a firm grip on her weapon, the hilt of her blade providing a reassuring weight in her hand.

"Let's hope there are no lurking zombies in the darkness. As far as I remember, you don't have the ability to see in the dark," Alex expressed with concern.

"Damn, Alex, how do you know that?! Did you have sex with Emily or something?!" Mark retorted, teasingly.

Alina suppressed a smile, amused by their banter. Slayer Knights could gain insight into each other's abilities through their intimate encounters, a unique aspect of their bond.

These encounters often revealed hidden abilities, strengths, and vulnerabilities that they could utilize in their battles against the undead.

"Enough, Mark! I'm having a conversation with Alex," Emily snapped.

"Alright," Mark replied, his fingers digging into the zombie's neck, forcing its decayed eyeballs to burst. "Ewww! I just poked the zombie's eye until its disgusting fluids sprayed everywhere!"

They were all winced at Mark's gruesome comment but quickly regained her composure. The Slayer Knights were no strangers to the grotesque nature of their battles.

Each one had their unique way of dispatching the undead, showcasing their skills and resourcefulness in the face of relentless danger.

Tibby rolled her eyes in response to Mark's attention-seeking behavior. He was always seeking ways to stand out and gain the favor of Upper Society.

It seemed that he would go to any lengths to kill zombies in unconventional and attention-grabbing ways, all in the hopes of impressing the elite.

"Alex, let's go on a date after this mission!" Emily exclaimed over the radio.

"Hey, why do you have to talk about it on the radio?!" Mark protested. "Ah, I see, you want to create a romantic drama in front of Upper Society?"

"It's not just about sleeping together to share abilities. I want a real date. Let's go to a cafe and watch a movie," Emily said again, disregarding Mark's accusations.

Alina kept a subtle smile on her face, silently enjoying the interaction between Emily and Alex.

While she had become somewhat jaded towards love, both in the past and present, she couldn't help but find amusement in watching others fall for each other.

It was like witnessing a romantic drama unfold before her eyes, providing a momentary escape from the harsh reality they were all facing.

Alex, on the other end of the line, paused for a moment, considering Emily's proposal. He knew that relationships within the team required careful navigation, but he also valued and enjoyed recent connection he had with Emily. After a brief hesitation, he responded, "Sure, Emily. Let's go on that date. We all deserve some moments of happiness amidst the chaos."

Before Emily respond, Mark interjected with a provocative comment, attempting to inject his usual dose of mischief into the conversation. "Are you two planning a threesome? Can I join you two?" he jeered.

"Mark, you weren't invited!" Emily retorted, clearly annoyed by his remark.

"Fufufu, I hope you both catch a virus when you guys connect later!" Mark cursed while injecting the antidote into his neck.

He winced in pain. Due to his profile as a close-combat fighter without weapons, Mark often found himself exposed to the scratches of the zombies.

As compensation, the Upper Society provided him with an ample supply of antidotes.

The pain subsided gradually as the antidote worked its magic, neutralizing any potential infections that might have been transmitted through the zombie's claws.

Mark took a deep breath, feeling the revitalizing effects of the antidote coursing through his veins.

"Alex, have you completed the task of identifying the individuals who need to be evacuated?" Alina inquired with concern etched on her face.

"Yes, Alina. There are approximately 8 to 10 people located on the 4th floor of the right wing of the hospital. They have gathered together, overwhelmed by fear," Alex replied, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

"Very well. Please keep me informed if you notice any further suspicious activities," Alina instructed, her determination shining through as she swiftly made her way towards the functioning elevator.

"Understood. Now, Mark, your mission is to rescue an administrator who has locked themselves in the communication room," Alex directed, fully aware of the challenging nature of the task at hand.

"Yes, I'm aware. I've been moving the lifeless bodies of the infected individuals and securing them in a designated room before they undergo the dreadful transformation into zombies. It's frustrating how I always end up with the most arduous assignments!"

Mark grumbled, his frustration evident as he struggled to drag the bodies of the communication center staff showing early signs of the Montagne virus incubation, their convulsions intensifying.

The bodies of the afflicted were in a gruesome state, with limbs torn apart and organs strewn about, presenting a macabre sight that further compounded the already dire circumstances.

With determination, Mark forcibly hurled the bodies into a room, ensuring their confinement within. The task ahead would become relatively easier now, as he wouldn't have to engage in combat with a fresh wave of ravenous zombies.

As Mark closed the door to the room, the sound of the lock clicking echoed in the dimly lit corridor. He took a moment to catch his breath, his heart pounding with a mixture of exhaustion and adrenaline.

The eerie silence was punctuated only by distant groans that served as a constant reminder of the impending danger lurking within the building.

Suddenly, a loud crash jolted Mark from his thoughts, causing him to jump. "Oh, great," he muttered sarcastically. "Another surprise guest? Maybe it's the zombie dance troupe coming to entertain me."

A figure emerged from the shadows, stumbling towards Mark with unsteady steps. It was a back-office girl, her once pristine uniform now torn and bloodstained.