The Road to the Military Depot

The first light of dawn filtered through the cracked windows of the abandoned train station. A thin mist clung to the ground outside, muffling the distant sounds of the waking city. Inside, the group prepared for their next move in silence.

Xu Lian secured the straps of her backpack, double-checking the weight of the supplies inside. They had to leave now. The gang's forces would be scouring the city after last night's chase, and staying put was not an option.

Guo Chen finished assembling his rifle and slung it over his shoulder. "We stick to the backroads, no unnecessary risks."

Yu Xian, already dressed and armed, nodded. "If they spot us again, we don't hesitate we take them out."

Jiao let out a low whistle as he pulled his jacket on. "Man, this is way too much action before the world even ends."

Lian gave him a sharp look. "That's why we need to get out of here. This city is already becoming a battlefield."

The others didn't argue.

With their decision set, they moved out, blending into the early morning haze.

---

Navigating the City

Their path led them through abandoned construction sites, half-finished high-rises, and forgotten alleys, avoiding main roads where patrols were most active.

Chen took point, leading them through a narrow corridor between old buildings. The air was thick with the scent of damp concrete and rust.

Lian's senses were on high alert. Even though the streets seemed quiet, she knew better than to trust the silence.

Halfway through their route, Jiao suddenly froze, holding up a hand. "Wait."

Everyone halted instantly, hands on their weapons.

Lian followed his gaze to the rooftops. A sniper.

Yu Xian cursed under his breath. "They've got lookouts."

Chen's eyes scanned the surrounding area. "We can't risk a fight here. We find another way."

Lian considered their options. If they turned back now, they'd lose precious time. But if they were spotted, they'd be forced into a fight they weren't ready for.

A sewer entrance caught her eye. She looked at Yu Xian. "How do you feel about taking the tunnels?"

Jiao grimaced. "That's disgusting."

Chen smirked. "Better than getting shot in the head."

Yu Xian sighed. "Let's go."

---

The Underground Route

The sewer tunnel was damp and reeked of stagnant water, but at least it was empty. The group moved carefully, their flashlights cutting through the darkness.

Jiao muttered, "If I step on a rat, I'm leaving you all behind."

Lian rolled her eyes but remained focused. The tunnels weren't just a shortcut they were a test. A reminder of the kind of places they'd have to survive in once the world collapsed.

After nearly twenty minutes of trekking through the underground, Chen stopped abruptly. He held up a fist, signaling for silence.

A low shuffling sound echoed ahead.

Lian stiffened. Footsteps.

Yu Xian whispered, "We're not alone."

Chen raised his gun. "Whoever it is, they've been waiting."

A voice called out from the darkness. "Drop your weapons."

Lian's pulse spiked. A trap.

---

A New Player

A man stepped out of the shadows, flanked by two others. He was tall, lean, with the stance of someone who had seen real combat.

His gun was steady as he eyed them. "You're the ones who hit the warehouse, aren't you?"

Lian didn't react. "Depends on who's asking."

The man smirked. "Relax. If I wanted you dead, you wouldn't have seen me coming."

Chen didn't lower his gun. "Then what do you want?"

The man took a step closer. "Same thing as you survival."

Lian studied him. He wasn't with the gang. So who was he?

Yu Xian asked the question on everyone's mind. "You military?"

The man hesitated, then nodded. "Former."

Lian exchanged a look with Chen. Could they trust him?

The man exhaled. "Listen, I don't care about whatever trouble you've gotten into. But if you're heading for the military depot, you'll want my help."

Chen narrowed his eyes. "And why's that?"

The man smiled slightly. "Because it's already been claimed."

---

A Dangerous Revelation

The weight of his words settled over the group.

Lian's heart sank. If the depot wasn't empty, then their plan was already falling apart.

Yu Xian crossed his arms. "Who's taken it?"

The man shrugged. "A mix of ex-military, mercenaries, and some… less savory types."

Chen muttered a curse. "Great. More complications."

Lian turned back to the man. "And you? What's your role in all of this?"

His expression darkened. "I used to be one of them. Not anymore."

Jiao tilted his head. "Let me guess. Bad breakup?"

The man smirked but didn't answer.

Lian's mind raced. They needed that depot. But walking into a fortified base with an unknown force inside was suicide.

Unless…

She looked at the man. "You said you can help. How?"

He hesitated, then said, "I know how to get you in."

Yu Xian eyed him warily. "And why would you help us?"

The man's gaze was sharp. "Because I want them dead."

Silence stretched between them.

Lian studied his face. There was something personal in his answer. A grudge. A past that still haunted him.

It made him dangerous.

But also useful.

Lian nodded slowly. "Then let's talk."

---

Next Steps

The group moved further into the tunnels, away from prying eyes.

As they sat, Lian spoke first. "We're heading to the depot because we need a base. If we take it, we're keeping it."

The man nodded. "Then you'll need a plan."

Chen leaned forward. "We're listening."

The man's expression turned serious. "First, you need to know what you're up against."

He pulled out a crumpled map, spreading it on the ground. "They've fortified the depot with fences, traps, and snipers. The main entrance is a death trap."

Yu Xian frowned. "Then how do we get in?"

The man tapped a spot on the map. "Here. There's a hidden service tunnel. Most of them don't even know it exists."

Jiao raised an eyebrow. "And you do?"

The man's expression was grim. "Because I helped build it."

Lian exhaled slowly. This was their chance.

It was dangerous. But if they pulled it off, they'd have a secure base before the apocalypse even started.

She met the man's gaze. "What's your name?"

He hesitated, then said, "Lin Wei."

Lian extended a hand. "Then welcome to the team, Lin Wei."

As they shook hands, she knew one thing for sure things were only going to get more dangerous from here.

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