Only V

Chapter 4 - Last Resort

"I am not very sure about this", Ishan says in an unnerving voice

"There is no other choice, we have to do this", Akash replies

The unsettling behaviour of the situation was itching the hell out of everyone present in the room except Dauji who was the only calm one. Nervousness took the best out of the rest.

"Let's get over to the roof, maybe we can get a clear view", Pratyush suggested

"I second that", Avyan says

The roof was locked up with chains so strong, even Anirudh's hammer would not dare to touch them. Dauji came along and opened the lock a few minutes later with an odd and clanky looking key.

"It's not that dark outside", Akash says

"It's because of the lights I fitted with you guys back when this pandemic started", Dauji says

The boys went over to the other side of the roof to get a clear view of the parameter.

"The fences are quite tough", Avyan said to bring upon a sense of relief to others and to himself

"I bet I could jump over them in one shot", Anirudh affirms

"They are not high enough to prevent a human from jumping across using insulation of course. However, I think it provides a good protection from those creatures.", Pratyush puts forward

"Look over there, the campus lake is...", Avyan is interrupted

(AAAAAAhhhhhhhh)

"What happened? Was that Dauji?", Ishan says

Everyone runs over to the other side in a hurry.

"Wh-What? How?", Akash says

"Everyone, duck down, DON'T LOOK OVER", Pratyush shouts in horror

The boys see a wounded Dauji, shot by an arrow just under his right shoulder.

"Is he still alive?", Ishan asks nervously

"Yes. He is still breathing but I don't know for how long", Avyan says while trying to lift Dauji up

"I'll take care of the wound right away; Anirudh and Ishan help me get him downstairs as fast as you can. Lifting a man this size is not something I can do alone", Akash says followed by the three struggling but carrying Dauji to the door while also staying low as to not expose their heads.

"No zombie would use a bow, would it?", Avyan asks profusely

("It can't be; they have to be mindless if they are even similar to what I think them to be", Pratyush thinks nervously)

"I am not sure", Pratyush replies

"What else, did they discover the wheel yet?", Avyan says

(...)

"I take a risk. I'll peek and see if they try to hit me. Their accuracy can't be this good.", Pratyush gets on his knees

"What do you see?",

"nothing",

"What?",

"Yes, the field's empty as far as my vision goes; can't be sure in the dark."

With no reason left to stay anymore on the roof, both of them head downstairs confused. They assumed a zombie rampage, but not so sure now. Confused as if they avoided an all-out war or are in a trap.

"He's bleeding more than I estimated", Pratyush said aloud

"Keep your mouth shut, I can't work in a mess", Akash continues,