Story 545: The Toxic Zone

The team stood at the edge of the quarantine zone, a desolate wasteland littered with biohazard containers and rotting remains. A faint green mist hung in the air, carrying the stench of decay and chemicals. The sun cast an eerie glow through the haze, illuminating the figure shambling toward them—a zombie clad in a tattered safety vest, its gaunt frame riddled with signs of advanced mutation.

“Radiation levels are spiking,” Ethan warned through the comms. “Whatever’s keeping these things alive here isn’t natural. You need to be quick.”

Marcus adjusted his mask, his voice muffled. “We’re not leaving until we figure out what’s causing this.”

The zombie let out a low growl, its glowing, yellowed eyes locking onto the team. As it staggered closer, Riley picked up her rifle.

“Let me put it down,” she said, taking aim.

“Wait,” Lila interjected, stepping forward. “Look at its gear—it was a worker here. There might be something on it we can use.”