Chapter 8: Strange Whimpering

In a dramatic turn of events, the unfolding scene completely challenged the perceptions of the trio.

"Brother Walker, what do we do now?" inquired one of the members, a stark contrast to his earlier bravado. The leader, Walker, responded with a furrowed brow, deep in thought over their dire situation.

"Our only hope is that their crossbows are ineffective," Walker decided with visible concern. David, initially hesitant, quickly agreed, ready to face the impending confrontation.

However, at that crucial moment, Lin, the adversary's leader, ordered an attack. The sound of crossbows firing filled the air. A bolt, precisely shot by a zombified doctor, struck David in the head, instantly killing him.

"This can't be happening..." Walker uttered in disbelief as he witnessed his comrade's fall. His risky bet had backfired dramatically.

The assault didn't stop. Another of Walker's group was swiftly eliminated by an arrow, expertly fired by a former athlete zombie, which pierced the victim's throat.

Walker's fate was different but no less grim. A fitness trainer zombie, lacking precision but still lethal, shot an arrow into Walker's chest, puncturing his lung. The pain was unbearable, and Walker collapsed, screaming in agony. He tried to get up but was quickly overpowered by a coach zombie. This creature, while aggressive, did not immediately devour its prey, awaiting a signal from their leader, akin to the behavior of wolves led by a Corpse King.

In his pain, Walker realized these zombies were not just mindless creatures; they were organized, disciplined, and their leader was Lin. "Could they understand human speech?" he wondered, amidst his suffering.

Desperate, Walker begged for mercy, promising anything in return for his life. Lin approached him, removing the arrow from Walker's chest. Blood flowed freely as the arrow was pulled out, causing Walker to scream again.

Lin, curious, took a plastic straw and inserted it into Walker's wound, tasting the blood. However, he quickly spat it out, disgusted by its high fat content.

Walker, confused yet hopeful, thought his unappealing blood might save him. But his hope was short-lived as Lin signaled for his execution. The zombie trio, hungry and indiscriminate, descended on him. They feasted voraciously, their loyalty to Lin growing stronger with each bite.

Afterward, as the zombies lingered, still smeared with blood, a phone rang. It was found in the pocket of clothing belonging to Walker. Lin answered and was met with a threatening demand for the return of supplies, revealing that Walker's wife was being held captive. Lin now understood Walker's desperation to gather supplies, driven by coercion and manipulation from others.