For a moment, the soft glow of the room and the sense of accomplishment dulled the ever-present tension of their world.
The groans of zombies outside and the distant sounds of chaos were just background noise, reminders of the challenges they had conquered.
Aurielle's grin widened as she glanced at Linsley. "You know, for a date, this is turning out pretty great."
Linsley leaned back, his smirk never fading. "Wait until I bring out the candlelight dinner."
Her laugh rang out, bright and unrestrained, cutting through the oppressive atmosphere like a beacon of light.
For the first time in the simulated apocalypse, survival wasn't just a necessity—it was something they were beginning to excel at. The world around them no longer felt like a constant fight for their lives but a battleground where they were steadily gaining control.
…
The following day, the quiet hum of progress set the tone as they began reinforcing their setup.