Rest is Overrated
The sanctuary's quietness was almost suffocating, a stark contrast to the chaos brewing outside. Alexia stood in the armory, that she didn't know was there until the system pointed it out, inspecting the array weapon laid out before her. The weight of responsibility hung heavily on her shoulders. Everyone was counting on her plan.
Behind her, the door creaked open, and Damien stepped inside. His presence was always steady, commanding the air around him without effort.
"You're overthinking," he said without preamble, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall.
Alexia didn't look up from the rifle she was examining. "And you're stating the obvious."
Damien smirked faintly, but his tone remained serious. "Plans are in place. The traps are set. We'll handle the horde, Alexia."
She glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "You sound awfully confident."
"Because I am," he replied. "I've seen worse odds than this and come out on top."
She set the rifle down and turned to face him fully. "This isn't about odds, Damien. It's about survival. One mistake, one oversight, and we lose everything."
"And you've accounted for everything," he countered. "You've thought of every angle, every possibility. Trust yourself. Trust us."
Alexia opened her mouth to argue but stopped. His steady gaze was unwavering, and for a moment, she allowed herself to believe him.
"Fine," she said finally. "But if this goes south, I'm blaming you."
He chuckled, pushing off the wall. "I'll take full responsibility. Now get some rest. You'll need it."
As Damien left, Alexia let out a slow breath. Rest wasn't an option,
[Horde status: 13 hours until impact.]
Her grip tightened on the edge of the table. Thirteen hours felt like an eternity and no time at all.
In the common area, Quinn was perched on a crate, sharpening his shadow-forged blade. Alex sat across from him, tinkering with a compact drone. The tension in the air was palpable, but neither man spoke.
When Alexia entered, both looked up.
"Shouldn't you be resting?" Alex asked, his tone light but tinged with concern.
"Shouldn't you?" she shot back, walking over to inspect the drone.
Alex shrugged, focusing on the delicate wiring. "Rest is overrated."
Quinn smirked but didn't comment. Instead, he tilted his head at Alexia. "You look like you're carrying the weight of the world. Again."
"I am," she replied dryly.
"Well, share the load," he said, tossing the blade into the air and catching it effortlessly. "We're all in this together."
She rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. "You're awfully chatty tonight."
"Just trying to lighten the mood," Quinn said, standing and stretching. "Want me to sing you a lullaby? Maybe tuck you in?"
Alex snorted, and Alexia shook her head. "I'll pass, thanks."
The banter eased the tension, if only for a moment.
The hours passed in a haze of preparation and waiting. The team rotated shifts, some resting while others kept watch. Alexia tried to rest but found herself back in the armory, checking weapons and supplies.
When the system's voice echoed in her mind, she froze.
[Movement detected. Distance: 1 kilometer outside of sanctuary. ETA: 30 minutes.]
She bolted upright, her heart pounding.
Alexia rushed to the common area, where Quinn and Damien were already gearing up. Alex stood by the map, his drone hovering beside him.
"They're closer than expected," Alexia announced. "We need to move now."
Damien nodded, his expression hard. "Positions, then. Everyone knows the plan. Stick to it, and we'll make it through."
Quinn's shadow coiled around him, darker and more restless than before, before Alexia flashed them out of the sanctuary.
The team moved into positions as the horde approached. Alexia and Quinn manned the choke point, while Damien and Alex took higher ground to monitor and provide support. The traps were armed, the barricades secured.
The first infected came into view, their twisted forms illuminated by the pale moonlight. Alexia gripped her Katana tightly, her muscles coiled with tension.
"Here we go," Quinn muttered, his voice low.
The horde poured into the alley like a tide of nightmares. The traps triggered one after another, explosions and shrapnel tearing through the masses. Screams and guttural growls filled the air, but the infected kept coming.
"Hold the line!" Alexia shouted, swinging her katana with precision. Each strike was calculated, her system guiding her movements.
Quinn moved besides her, his shadows dancing like living blades. He was a force of nature, cutting through the infected with brutal efficiency.
Above them, Damien's voice rang out. "Incoming from the east! Alex cover it!"
The drone darted towards the new wave, releasing a small payload that detonated on impact.
Alexia's arm burned with exertion, but she didn't stop. The infected were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless.
"We need to fall back!" Quinn yelled over the chaos.
"Not yet!" Alexia replied, swinging her katana into another infected. "Hold a little longer!"
Suddenly, a shriek pierced the air, and an evolved infected emerged from the horde. Its elongated limbs and grotesque features marked it as a new threat.
Alexia's blood ran cold. "Damien! Target the evolved!"
"I see it!" he called back, his eyes narrowing as he directed Alex to provide cover.
The evolved lunged toward Alexia, its speed shocking. She barely had time to react, dodging its claw by a hair's breadth.
Quinn was there in an instant, his shadows forming a protective barrier around her. "You owe me one," he said, smirking despite the danger.
Together, they faced the creature, their movements synchronized. Alexia struck low while Quinn's shadow attacked from above, overwhelming the creature.
As it fell, Alexia let out a shaky breath. But there was no time to rest. The horde was still coming.
"Alexia to the sanctuary!" Damien voice rang out.
Alexia nodded, signaling the others to stand closer and she flashed them into the sanctuary.
As they reached the sanctuary, Alexia's mind raced. The battle had just begun, and the real test was still ahead