[Jared]
“Hah… Hah…”
Scenes of trees whizzed past in a fury of blur as Jared sprinted as fast as his legs carried him. He paid no mind to the minor sprain he had obtained from jumping the three feet gap between the balcony and a nearby tree, and then clumsily climbing down the sturdy yet rough trunk. It was running as if he was being chased by the hounds of hell.
‘Well, not hounds but zombies… But either way, death would come very painfully. I just hope that the others are alright. With the horde of zombies on practically every floor, the others are either already dead or have long escaped.’
At that thought, Jared felt his heart throb painfully against his chest as all the air within his body seemed to be sucked out. But Jared simply reasoned that his body was not fit to endure such a burst of energy usage. In fact, the last time he ever did something physical was when there were compulsory PE classes in school.
“Hah… Hah…” Jared smiled despite feeling his throat burn.
‘I remember not being so winded after a few minutes’ run. In fact, I would still have the energy to play basketball with my classmates… And even if I were to physically exhaust myself to the point of collapsing to the floor, there were no repercussions… But it’s a different story now. When I’m out here, every second could bring about a whole different outcome. Hah… Those were the days. Everything was simple back th-’
BOOM!
The ground quaked from beneath Jared’s feet, causing him to stumble and trip over a large tree root that protruded from the ground. It was only when he fell and landed on his butt that Jared finally looked back in the direction of where the facility was located.
Jared gasped.
Although the view of the entire facility was obstructed by the dense trees, Jared was still able to see the very top of the main building of the facility- the side of the building in which he was once confined.
The initial shock was slowly replaced with a sense of relief. A smile touched Jared’s lips as he spoke quietly.
“I’ll never have to return to this place. I’m finally free…”
It was already the crack of dawn but the sky over the facility was still shrouded in darkness as thick, billowing smoke rose. Below the smoke, there were scatters of radiant light that seemed to dance through the little gaps between the leaves of the trees that obstructed the view.
The facility was on fire.
For the first time since the chaos, Jared simply sat and stared, enjoying the newfound freedom that was given to him. After everything that had happened to him over a course of several months, it felt like a burden that had been weighing on him the entire time finally being lifted.
Jared chuckled cynically.
‘I may not have had the time earlier to relish the joy of exiting the facility earlier because I was too concerned about escaping the horde of zombies, but I doubt I’d feel this immense joy even if I were to leisurely walk out of the facility without being chased… No, not at all… Looks like it was the absolute ruin of the facility that brought me the ultimate joy… Is this a sign that I’m innately destructive? Or can this simply be viewed as some form of redemption on my part despite not having a direct hand in this fire…’
GROWL
At the sound of a couple of groans, Jared was instantly on the alert again. Grabbing a rather large branch that was on the ground, Jared held it with both hands as he scanned the area. But there were no zombies in sight.
‘Phew… I guess that their movements are obstructed by these dense trees. It was foolish of me to stay transfixed in the middle of the forest, but I’m glad for the temporary concealment. I’m sure that many of the zombies in the immediate area would be drawn to all the commotion back at the facility. The raging fire especially is basically a beacon for the horde to gather. I’ll think of what is my next step once I’m in a safer area. Right now, I’ll be a sitting duck.’
GROWL
‘Yeah, my priority is to survive now. I’ll do the thinking later.’
Jared cautiously navigated the forest as he kept his eyes peeled for any signs of movement. Movement from either the approaching zombies or his friends who may similarly be seeking refuge in the safety of the dense forest.
However, until that moment arrives, it would appear that Jared was all alone by himself.
.
.
.
.
.
.
[Point of view of an unknown person]
A hooded figure stood tall on one of a nearby tree and watched as the mental asylum was progressively consumed by the raging fire. Similar to the flames, the figure felt rage from deep within. Despite all the preparation, obstacles, and challenging journey, it would appear that the timing was irritatingly inopportune.
The figure sighed.
“I will not let my chance just slip away from me like that.”
A sinister smile began to form.
“I may have been late this time, but I shall have what I came for. It’s all a matter of time.”
The figure spotted two stray zombies hanging precariously on the sides of a balcony on the fourth floor of the main building.
The figure chuckled.
“I guess that half of that mystery has been somewhat answered.”
SHATTER
The figure gave a low whistle, but the zombies that shuffled merely inches away from the tree the figure was perched on paid no heed. The sound of glass and furniture breaking and shattering as the building began to give way and collapse under the intense heat was far louder.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. I guess the zombies here truly are a hopeless case. Oh well, that will all change in the future.”
The figure sat on a branch as more zombies charged mindlessly into the fire.
“Well, not that any of this really matter to me.”
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][]
[[Author’s note:]]
This chapter is on Day 146.
*The ‘present’ (the prologue, which is listed as part of chapter 1) is Day 305.
.
.
.
.
.
.
[[Question time:]]
Do you have any ideas of who this mysterious figure is? Could it be a character we know or an entirely new character?
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][]
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Nation 27 CH 38: Why has it come to this?
[Jared][Back in the past…]“Hello, everyone. It’s Jared, and this is World Crafter. I know it has been a long while since I’ve last streamed or even uploaded anything online, but my exam is finally over! I’ll start playing more regularly from today onwards!”Jared double-checked on his play settings, before smiling into the camera again.“I caught little snippets of the new mob and biome the game creators have made and I can’t wait to play in a new world… in a beta version, to be exact. Hahaha.”------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[[Super chat]][Welcome back!][Miss you! uwu][Jaredddddd! Glad that you’re back!][The new mobs? Especially The Thing? Ughhh][Bruh… Doesn’t he know that the game creators have beefed up the hostile mobs really high af?][Lmao. I wonder if he’s going to explore the Dark City~][He just returned… There’s no way he’ll immediately go to the Dark City, right?][Why not? Just cheese it by
Nation 27 CH 39: A Blur Of Motions
[Mike][17 November 2021, Wednesday]The air was crisp as the late autumn leaves crunched beneath Mike’s combat boots, echoing through the dense forest. With each step, he moved cautiously, blending into the muted palette of earthly tones. The forest seemed to hold its breath in the faint early morning sunlight that was mostly blocked out by the tall trees.In the days after escaping the zombie-invaded facility, Mike had grown accustomed to the muted and barren landscape of the forest. The blaring alarms, fire, and explosions at the facility had drawn all the zombies within the county towards it. Out here and quite a distance away from the facility, there were seemingly no zombies remaining. ‘It would probably take a long time for those zombies to naturally wander out from the facility- assuming that they remained in one piece after those countless explosions.’Even so, he found an unusual sense of discomfort in the current silence of the forest. The absence of the usual rustle of le
Nation 27 CH 40: Missing A Piece To The Puzzle
[Mike][18 November 2021, Thursday--- the following day]Even though it was the afternoon, the forest was dimly lit by the muted sunlight penetrating the thick canopy of trees. If one wasn't particularly attentive to the time, the day could easily be mistaken for evening. The occasional cool breeze of autumn that swept through the forest only added to the illusion, contributing to the atmospheric ambiguity of the surroundings.Scrape, Scrape, Scrape.Mike looked up towards the canopy of trees. The scant sunlight that managed to filter through the forest canopy resembled twinkling lights as the passing breeze playfully teased the leaves.‘Have I ever felt this calm during these recent weeks we’ve been traversing this dense forest?’“Hm…” David grumbled beside Mike.Scrape, Scrape.Adamant to not look at his grumpy comrade, Mike wiggled slightly away without ever getting up. It was the first time since leaving the facility that he had time to appreciate the intricate pattern that the ca
Nation 27 CH 41: A Dreaded Reply
[Jared][18 November 2021, Thursday--- that evening]The flames of the campfire flickered as its embers emitted warmth in the midst of the cool night air. The flames cast a soft glow in the clearing of the forest that was plunged into an almost pitch darkness. The small group was huddled together, their faces illuminated by the flames of the campfire as they awaited for the rabbit stew to cook over the fire. The quiet settled over the group like a heavy blanket. It was not unsettling nor unnerving in any sense, but rather a shared acknowledgment of the challenges that lay ahead. Earlier in the day, there had been scattered conversations as they foraged for supplies or tended to their makeshift shelter. But now, as the darkness enveloped the landscape, a somber mood descended upon the group.Jared glanced at the small group gathered around the fire.David was busy filing off the makeshift spear he had carved out of a long branch earlier that day, while Mike continued to watch over the
Nation 27 CH 42: I Can Make This Work
[21 November 2021, Sunday]The small group moved cautiously through the dense forest, their footsteps muffled by a carpet of fallen leaves. The dark canopy overhead swallowed the feeble light of the moon, casting an eerie glow on the uneven path beneath their feet. Hours of traveling in the oppressive silence and pitch-black darkness had left the group both physically exhausted and mentally drained. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig sent shivers down their spines, their senses heightened by the unknown lurking in the shadows.As they trudged on through the silent forest, a sense of isolation enveloped them. The air was thick with an unspoken tension, and each member of the group clutched their makeshift weapons a little tighter. The only sounds that accompanied them were the muted crunch of leaves and the occasional whisper of the wind through the trees.Many hours later, just as their weariness threatened to overwhelm them, the forest seemed to come alive. Birds chirped overhe
Nation 27 CH 43: How Is That Possible?
[Jared][21 November 2021, Sunday--- Noon]As the group approached the center of the town, the atmosphere became increasingly eerie. The once lively streets now stood still, devoid of any signs of life. The abandoned buildings loomed over them, casting long shadows that seemed to whisper secrets of the town's mysterious past.Not even Brien, the leader of the former military personnel, could shake off the unsettling feeling that tightened his chest. "This doesn't make any sense," he muttered as he glanced at both Mike and David, who also seemed to be at a loss for words.Everyone in the group exchanged nervous glances but continued on their journey, their curiosity overcoming their apprehension. But as they neared the town square, a heavy silence hung in the air. Unlike earlier, the abandoned buildings and houses looked worn down and vegetation have long started to grow along the structures. In only the course of a few months of the zombie infestation, it contradictorily looked like
Nation 27 CH 44: Are You Done With This Little Game Of Yours?
Warning: This chapter contains disturbing descriptions of violence and gore that might be uncomfortable for certain readers. Please read at your own discretion.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------In a once peaceful forest, where birds of varying species chirped cheerily high up in the trees and small, young animals growled playfully as they ran about in glee, there existed a hidden haven untouched by the human presence for decades. Deep within this forest, where sunlight filtered through the dense canopy to dapple the forest floor with shifting patterns of light and shadow, lay a serene and lively playground for wildlife.The ancient trees stood tall and proud, their branches reaching towards the sky like outstretched arms embracing the heavens. Moss clung to thei
Nation 27 CH 45: He Had An Air Of Refinement About Him That Belied His Sinister Intentions
Warning: This chapter contains disturbing descriptions of gore and unhealthy thoughts of self-harm that might be uncomfortable for certain readers. Please read at your own discretion.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------[Lyra]In the dense thicket of the forest, where sunlight barely pierced through the thick canopy Lyra found herself trapped in a nightmare of constant pain and despair.Every breath she took was a struggle- each inhale was a sharp stab of agony. Her eyes were glazed over with pain and exhaustion. The hike, if it could even be considered as one, was torturous and an incessant test of her endurance to pain. It felt like she was stepping on broken glass shards, except the pain was not limited to just the soles of her feet but radiated throughout her e
Latest Chapter
- Nation 27 CH 48: Fixation 3
- Nation 27 CH 47: Fixation 2
- Nation 27 CH 46: Fixation 1
- Nation 27 CH 45: He Had An Air Of Refinement About Him That Belied His Sinister Intentions
- Nation 27 CH 44: Are You Done With This Little Game Of Yours?
- Nation 27 CH 43: How Is That Possible?
- Nation 27 CH 42: I Can Make This Work
- Nation 27 CH 41: A Dreaded Reply
- Nation 27 CH 40: Missing A Piece To The Puzzle