025 A common man gets angry

"I agree with Virat. Instead of waiting for death, we should take a gamble!"

 Fear of death is human nature, so almost as soon as the hook-nosed man finished speaking, a middle-aged man in military uniform voiced his agreement: "I'm willing to send two men to participate in this mission to distract the zombies!"

 "Exactly. Individual lives are small, but the research data in our hands is of paramount importance and must not be lost."

 At the same time, another senior officer in uniform nodded and added, "I'll send someone too!"

 "Count me in!"

 "Me too!"

 Driven by fear or a genuine desire to safeguard the critical research data, the assembled leaders quickly reached a consensus, each contributing elite personnel to form a task force for the dangerous mission. Soon, this "suicide squad" grew to eight members.

 "Still not enough!"

 But the hook-nosed man shook his head, fixing his gaze on Anirudh. He spoke firmly: "I admit these people are skilled, but relying on them alone might not buy us enough time. I believe this brother here, with his extraordinary skills, could greatly increase our chances of success if he joins."

 "Enough!"

 Before Anirudh could respond, Chandan exploded with anger, yelling, "What do you mean by this? Are you just trying to send him to his death?"

 "No, this is for everyone's benefit," the hook-nosed man replied coldly. "If this man managed to acquire that severed tongue from a high-tier zombie, his strength must be exceptional. Surely he can hold out for a few minutes, right? I promise that as soon as we reach the helipad, we'll send the helicopter to rescue you!"

 "Exactly! It's just a matter of holding out for a few minutes, not a death sentence!"

 "This mission is vital—how can you hesitate? Look at the others! No one else is complaining!"

 "He's right. If you help us succeed, you'll be a hero, and we'll reward you handsomely. If you refuse and this mission fails, you'll be the one responsible!"

 "Enough talk! You're going whether you like it or not!"

 Faced with a room full of officers pressuring him, some even drawing weapons, Anirudh realized he had little choice. Despite Chandan's impassioned pleas to his father for help, Lakshmipati remained silent, his expression inscrutable.

 Silence can be as loud as words.

 "Fine. I agree," Anirudh finally said, suppressing his anger. He knew resistance would likely result in being shot on the spot. He clenched his fists and forced himself to remain calm.

 "Brother!" Chandan exclaimed, his voice filled with anxiety and guilt.

 "It's fine," Anirudh reassured him with a faint smile. "I have a severed tongue. The zombies won't pose much of a threat to me."

 "You can't take the tongue with you," the hook-nosed man interrupted, his tone sharp. "Your job is to draw the zombies away. If you carry that severed tongue, how can you lure them? Besides, our safety is paramount. The tongue must stay with us."

 "That severed tongue belongs to him!" Chandan roared, his anger surging. "How dare you demand he give it up!"

 "It's an emergency," the hook-nosed man sneered. "For the greater good, sacrifices must be made. I guarantee that once we're safe, we'll compensate him generously."

 "Compensate my ass!" Chandan erupted, drawing his gun. He lunged at the hook-nosed man, only to be stopped by his father, Lakshmipati, who grabbed his arm and whispered, "Stand down. Think of the bigger picture."

 Lakshmipati's words struck a nerve. The hook-nosed man smirked, emboldened by the senior officer's tacit support. "For the greater good, Chandan."

 But Anirudh had had enough. A cold fury burned in his chest as he looked at the so-called leaders before him. Their lofty words about sacrifice and the greater good were nothing more than excuses for their own cowardice.

 "What's your decision, brother?" the hook-nosed man asked smugly, certain of his control over the situation.

 "My decision? Here it is!" Anirudh roared.

 With a sudden burst of speed, Anirudh launched himself forward like a predator striking its prey. His movements were so fast that no one in the room could react in time. In an instant, he reached the hook-nosed man.

 With a single punch, he sent a soldier who tried to block him flying across the room. His other hand shot out like lightning, grabbing the hook-nosed man by the throat.

 "Stop him!" someone shouted, and the room erupted into chaos.

 The hook-nosed man, realizing the danger he was in, tried to aim his gun at Anirudh, but before he could pull the trigger, a gunshot rang out.

 Bang!

 The gun flew out of the hook-nosed man's hand as Chandan fired, disabling it with a precise shot. He turned his weapon toward another soldier who had raised his gun. "Don't move, or the next one won't miss!" Chandan growled.

 Taking advantage of the moment, Anirudh drove the hook-nosed man toward a window. With a powerful shove, he smashed the man through the glass, leaving him dangling precariously over the edge.

 Shards of glass rained down, mingling with the hook-nosed man's blood as it dripped toward the horde of zombies below. The creatures roared and clawed at the air, their frenzy intensifying as they sensed fresh blood.

 In an instant, the power dynamics in the room shifted. Anirudh stood at the shattered window, holding the hook-nosed man's life in his hands. "Who's in charge now?" he demanded, his voice cold and unyielding.