CHAPTER TWENTY: THE MISSION BELOW

Morning at the Training Grounds

The sun rose over the New World Order settlement, casting long shadows across the training yard. Jace stood at the center, watching a group of young recruits move through a drill. The abandoned apartment complex outside the gates had become a controlled practice zone, a place where survivors learned how to fight the dead.

"Keep your stance firm," Jace instructed, gripping a wooden training knife. "You get just one mistake out there, and that's it. Make it count."

One of the recruits, a lanky boy named Tolu, hesitated as he faced the training dummy. He stabbed weakly, barely penetrating the thick padding. Jace stepped in, correcting his grip.

"Don't hesitate," Jace said, his voice calm but firm. "Because they won't."

Tolu swallowed hard and nodded, adjusting his hold.

Before the lesson could continue, a military officer approached. Dressed in tactical gear, his expression was sharp and professional. "Jace, you're needed at HQ."

Jace sighed, nodding as he turned to the recruits. "That's it for today. keep practicing."

As the recruits dispersed, Jace followed the soldiers toward the government building where the rest of the team awaited him.

The room was tense. Reed, Kunle, and a handful of elite soldiers sat around a holographic map displaying their route. At the head of the table stood Wallace Adams, the high-ranking officer in charge of the operation.

"We have a lead on a shipped medication cargo," Wallace began. "It was meant for emergency government storage before the world went to hell. The shipment was abandoned when the city fell. Our job is to retrieve it."

Jace folded his arms. "What's the route?"

Wallace pointed at the glowing map. "The shipment is inside a warehouse near the old shipping yard. The problem? It's too close to the slum zones, meaning we'll get spotted if we roll in with trucks."

Reed leaned in, frowning. "So what's the plan?"

"We go underground."

The room fell silent.

"The subway tunnels are our best shot," Wallace continued. "It's risky, but if we move quietly, we'll make it to the warehouse without attracting attention. Once we locate the cargo, we'll contact the pickup team. Two helicopters will transport the meds out."

Jace exchanged glances with Kunle. "And if we run into trouble?"

Wallace's expression darkened. "We adapt."

Jace sighed. "Alright. We'll stick to the plan ."

Moving out towards the street, Jace and Kunle walked together talking about the risk of the mission. "You know we might still decline this offer and sit ourselves out of this suicide mission," Kunle says to Jace. Then he says to him "I know it is dangerous down in those tunnels, but this our chance, and after this mission, it's over." Then they both came to a stop at a playground field about to bade themselves goodnight when little Ayanfe came running over. "Dad! Dad! Uncle Kunle!" he called out until he reached for his Dad's arms. "How're you doing sheriff?" Jace says joking about his costume. "Howdy little man," Kunle says greeting Ayanfe. "Let's say bye to him," Jace says instructing the kid. "Goodnight Uncle Kunle," Ayanfe says wavering to Kunle. " Make sure you rest well we've got a long day tomorrow," Jace says reminding him of their mission. Kunle walks away wavering at the both of them.

The entrance to the underground was a rusted stairwell leading down into darkness. The air was thick with stagnant water, mold, and decay. Jace clicked on his flashlight, scanning the tunnel ahead.

The group moved in formation-Jace, Kunle, Reed, and six soldiers. Their boots echoed softly against the tiled floor, their breathing controlled.

"Damn," Kunle muttered. "Smells like death."

"Stay sharp," Jace warned.

They pushed deeper, past abandoned turnstiles, where half-eaten corpses lay slumped over benches. The silence was unnerving, broken only by the distant dripping of water.

Then a noise.

A shuffling.

Everyone froze.

Kunle turned his rifle's flashlight to the left. In the far shadows, a walker with its intestines dragging lurched toward them. Then another.

Then dozens.

"They're nesting here," one soldier whispered.

Jace motioned for silence. "We move slowly. Don't draw attention."

The group pressed forward, slipping through the rotting remains of the old world. They passed an abandoned train car, its windows smeared with blood, its doors slightly open.

Then, it happened.

A young recruit named Dele panicked. A walker brushed against him, and in terror, he flinched and ran straight into a rusted locker, sending it crashing onto the ground.

The echo traveled down the tunnel like thunder.

A chorus of moans followed.

Then - chaos.

"RUN!" Jace shouted.

The dead surged forward, spilling from the train, from the tunnels, from the shadows. Jace and the team sprinted, dodging grasping hands, and weaving through the darkness. A soldier tripped, screaming as he was dragged down.

Jace didn't look back.

They reached an emergency exit, barricading themselves inside. Dele was hyperventilating, his hands shaking.

Reed grabbed him by the collar. "You almost got us killed!"

Jace pulled Reed back. "Save it. We're not safe yet."

The group stayed on the train till the following morning. And luckily the horde had already migrated.

After surviving in the subway, the team finally reached the warehouse. The shipment was still intact - crates of antibiotics, painkillers, and medical supplies.

Jace activated the radio. "This is Alpha Team. We have the package. Send the birds."

Minutes later, the sound of helicopter rotors filled the air. Two choppers descended, soldiers rappeling down to secure the cargo.

Jace wiped the sweat from his brow, watching as the crates were loaded onto the aircraft. For once, it seemed like they had won.

But in the distance, a figure stood watching.

A man draped in dark, ceremonial robes, his face hidden behind a carved wooden mask. A scout from the Egun-Egun clan.

Jace felt a chill run down his spine.

"They were watching us the whole time," Kunle muttered.

As the helicopters lifted off, the figure slowly turned and disappeared into the ruins.

The mission was over. But this old threat of Jace might come to find him.