Chapter 4: A Beacon of Hope
Azizah paced through the secured area in the underground parking lot, keeping her senses sharp. The officers around her were visibly shaken but alive—a victory in itself. She couldn't relax yet; the system's challenge was still in progress. Her goal wasn't just survival but ensuring that every officer under her care made it out alive.
Leon approached her, his face a mix of determination and exhaustion. "What's the plan now?"
Azizah crossed her arms, thinking. "We need to clear the west wing. If anyone is still alive there, we can't leave them behind."
Leon hesitated but nodded. "Alright. I'm with you."
Marvin, standing nearby, overheard their conversation. "Are you sure about this, Lockhart? The west wing is a death trap."
"I know," Azizah replied. "But if there's even a chance of saving more people, I have to try."
Marvin studied her for a moment before nodding. "I'll stay here and keep the others safe. Be careful out there."
Azizah turned to Leon. "Gear up. We're moving out in five."
---
The West Wing
Azizah and Leon moved cautiously through the west wing, the dim corridors eerily silent except for the occasional groans of the undead. The flickering overhead lights cast long, distorted shadows, making every step feel like a gamble.
Azizah's enhanced reflexes kicked in when a zombie lunged at them from a side door. Without hesitation, she delivered a powerful Spinning Bird Kick, sending the creature crashing into a wall. Leon finished it off with a well-placed shot to the head.
"You're… really good at this," Leon remarked, his tone a mix of awe and confusion.
Azizah smirked. "Let's just say I've had a lot of practice."
They continued down the hallway, clearing out any zombies they encountered. Azizah's system chimed softly, reminding her of her progress.
---
Objective Update:
Officers Remaining: 12
Bonus Survivors Found: 0
Challenge Progress: 60%
---
As they reached the records room, a faint sound caught Azizah's attention. She motioned for Leon to stop and listened closely. It was a muffled cry for help.
"There's someone in there," she whispered, pointing to a nearby office door.
Leon nodded, his grip tightening on his pistol. Azizah took point, kicking the door open with enough force to startle the zombies inside. Three undead turned toward them, their decayed faces twisted into grotesque snarls.
Azizah didn't waste a second. She launched into a flurry of kicks, her Chun-Li skills sending the creatures flying. Leon covered her, his precise shots finishing them off.
In the corner of the room, huddled behind an overturned desk, was a young female officer. She looked up at them, her face streaked with tears.
"You're safe now," Azizah said gently, extending a hand to the woman. "Come on. We're getting you out of here."
The officer hesitated for a moment before taking Azizah's hand. "Thank you… I thought I was done for."
"What's your name?" Leon asked, helping her to her feet.
"Rita," she replied, her voice shaky. "Officer Rita Phillips."
Azizah smiled. "Nice to meet you, Rita. Let's get back to the others."
---
The journey back to the parking lot was tense but uneventful. Rita stayed close to Azizah and Leon, her fear evident in every step. When they finally reached the secured area, Marvin and the others greeted them with a mix of relief and surprise.
"You found her," Marvin said, a rare smile crossing his face.
"She's lucky we got there when we did," Azizah replied, her tone serious. "The west wing is crawling with zombies."
Marvin nodded grimly. "We'll hold here for as long as we can, but this place won't stay safe forever."
Azizah agreed. The parking lot was a temporary refuge at best. They needed a long-term plan—a way to escape the city altogether.
---
System Update
As Azizah sat down to catch her breath, the system chimed again.
---
Objective Update:
Officers Remaining: 13
Bonus Survivors Found: 1
Challenge Progress: 80%
Reward Unlocked: 3 Gacha Spins (Claimable Upon Challenge Completion)
---
Azizah's eyes widened. She was so close. If she could just secure the remaining officers and lead them out of Raccoon City, the challenge would be complete. The promise of three gacha spins hung tantalizingly before her, but she knew better than to get complacent.
---
As night fell, the group gathered to discuss their next move. Marvin laid out a map of the station, pointing to a potential escape route through the sewers.
"It's risky," he admitted, "but it's our best shot. The surface streets are overrun."
Azizah studied the map, her mind racing. The sewers were a nightmare in the game, filled with mutated creatures and traps. But if it was their only way out, she'd make it work.
"Alright," she said finally. "We'll move at dawn. Everyone needs to rest and prepare."
---
To Be Continued...