Chapter 24: The Footsteps of New Danger

November 21, 2058 – Morning

The morning sun broke through the darkness, but its light appeared dim, obscured by thick fog hanging around the remains of Omega Zone. Aegis Squad and Leoric's group walked in silence, their footsteps muffled by the damp earth covered with decaying leaves. No one spoke, but the tension among them was still palpable.

Pan Colman paused briefly at the intersection of the path. He raised his hand, signaling for the group to stop. Hart approached, carrying the worn map they had been using since the beginning of the journey.

"What are we facing ahead?" Pan asked in a low voice.

Hart studied the map carefully. "There's an old bridge about a kilometer from here. After that, we'll enter a dense forest. It was known as the Green Zone before the outbreak, but I'm not sure what condition it's in now."

Leoric, overhearing their conversation, approached. "The Green Zone? That's an area controlled by more intelligent zombie species," he said warily. "We had wanted to pass through that area before, but it didn't seem easy, so we turned back and returned to Zenith Complex."

"More intelligent?" Elis asked, her eyes wide. "You mean like the mutated zombies in Zenith Complex?"

Leoric shook his head. "I'm not sure, but it could be like that. They're not as strong as the ones from yesterday, but their variants are numerous. At least we've fought some of the zombies from Omega Zone. So if we're not careful, we might end up trapped in their territory."

Hearing this, Pan sighed deeply. "We don't have another choice. All the other routes are too far, and we don't have the time. Therefore, we have to go through the Green Zone."

Worrying Tracks

As they continued their journey, the atmosphere grew even quieter. Elis felt an eerie chill despite the sun beginning to rise. She glanced around, trying to ignore the creeping sense of fear settling in her mind.

"Something's not right," Elis muttered.

"What do you mean?" Hart asked, turning around.

"There's no sound of birds or other animals," Elis replied, her eyes scanning the surrounding forest. "It seems like all living creatures are avoiding this place."

Pan, hearing their conversation, became alert. He signaled for everyone to stop again. "Let's check the surroundings. Make sure no one is following us."

Leoric and Mira spread out to the left, while Pan and Hart checked the right. Elis remained in the center with one of Leoric's remaining team members, a man named Theo.

"Are you okay?" Theo asked in a calm tone.

Elis nodded, though her hands trembled as she held her rifle. "I just… feel like something is watching us."

Theo gave a faint smile. "That's normal. Places like this make everyone feel that way. But don't let fear take over."

Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the bushes ahead. Theo immediately raised his weapon, his eyes sharply focused on the noise.

"Get ready," he whispered.

From behind the bushes, a thin, injured deer appeared. But before they could feel relieved, the deer collapsed to the ground, and several small, fast-moving zombies emerged from its body.

"Parasitic zombies," Theo said anxiously. "Run!"

The Battle at the Bridge

Aegis Squad and Leoric's group ran at full speed toward the old bridge Hart had mentioned earlier. However, when they arrived, they realized the bridge was old, and some of the wood appeared fragile.

"We don't have time to look for another way," Pan said. "Leoric, you and your team go first. Make sure the other side is safe."

Leoric nodded and led his team across. The wooden planks of the bridge creaked under their weight, but they made it to the other side.

"Hurry, your turn!" Leoric shouted from the other side.

Pan led Aegis Squad to cross. But as they were in the middle of the bridge, the parasitic zombies appeared from behind the bushes, leaping in unnatural movements.

"Shoot them!" Pan yelled.

Elis, Hart, and Pan tried to hold off the zombies, but there were too many. One of the wooden planks on the bridge broke, causing Elis to almost fall. Theo, still nearby, quickly pulled Elis to safety.

"Come on, we have to keep moving!" Theo urged.

They finally made it to the other side, but not without casualties. Some parasitic zombies managed to latch onto Hart's clothing, but he quickly slashed them off with his knife. Everyone was panting but alive.

Signs of Danger Ahead

On the other side of the bridge, Leoric pointed toward a small hill in the distance. "We can take shelter there for now. From there, we can also monitor their movements."

As they began moving toward the hill, a heavy sound, like something being dragged, came from behind. Everyone immediately turned around, but saw nothing.

"What's that?" Elis whispered, her eyes glancing toward the rubble around them.

From behind a burning car, a large figure appeared, its bloated body covered with cracked, fragile skin. The zombie moved slowly, each step sounding like liquid hissing from inside its body.

"Exploding zombie," Leoric said seriously. "Don't let it get close!"

They shot to stop its movement, but when the zombie was hit, its body exploded with a soft, terrifying sound. Sticky fluid and organs splattered in all directions. From its open abdomen, small parasitic zombies emerged and attacked quickly.

Theo, who was closest, was injured by the flying organs and toxic fluid. He fell, groaning, trying to hold off the parasitic zombies emerging from the exploded zombie's body.

"Theo!" Elis shouted, running toward him.

Theo coughed, blood flowing from a wound on his arm. "I… I can still move," he said weakly, though it was clear he was in pain.

"We have to move now," Pan said firmly. "If we stay here, more zombies will come."

Carefully, they lifted Theo and continued toward the hill. Their alertness was heightened, realizing that the threats in the Green Zone were far deadlier than they had imagined.

Suddenly, a rumbling sound grew louder from below the hill. Pan immediately signaled for the team to prepare.

"They're coming," Leoric said, drawing his weapon with a serious expression.

From behind the rubble, a large creature with a bloated body and a low growl appeared. Another exploding zombie moved slowly, but its threatening aura was palpable.

"Target from a distance! Don't let it get close!" Pan shouted.

However, before the first shot was fired, the zombie suddenly stopped. Something inside its body seemed to move, creating an even greater sense of fear.