The Edge of Control

Mu Qinglan POV

March 17th, 2025 — 10:08 PM

Longwan University — Linbei Campus, North Lab Block, Sector C2

—

The wall behind us detonated without warning.

I dropped flat and rolled behind the nearest overturned desk. Shrapnel bounced off the steel, a chunk of debris missing my face by less than a hand's width.

"Fall back!" I shouted.

Deng Hua was already moving. He had Chen Xun slung over his shoulder — the smaller scout was conscious, barely, arm dangling, blood trailing behind them in a slick streak across the tile.

Guo Fan ran after them, empty-handed except for the pipe he kept waving like it meant something. Useless.

Liang Qiu came last. She turned mid-step, slammed the steel side door shut, and kicked a splintered table leg through the handle bracket.

"Structural breach upstairs," Liang Qiu said. "Undead incoming. Thirty seconds or less."