Story 564: The Manor Awakens

The ZETU team braced themselves as the iron door in the basement groaned open, revealing a chamber shrouded in darkness. A wave of cold air rushed out, carrying the stench of death and something older—something unnatural. Captain Marcus Kane tightened his grip on his shotgun, signaling Derek to raise his shield.

“Stay behind me,” Derek whispered, his voice steady despite the eerie hum growing louder.

Inside the chamber, a massive circular pit dominated the room. Around its edges were ancient carvings etched into the stone floor, glowing faintly with an ominous red hue. The pit’s depths seemed endless, a swirling vortex of shadows pulsating within.

Marcus clicked his comms. “East wing, report. We’ve got something... unexplainable down here.”

The response crackled with static before Jenna’s panicked voice came through. “We’re under attack! These zombies aren’t normal—they’re fast, organized, and... glowing! They’ve got some kind of hive mind!”