One to Won

Chapter 8: Back to the Reactor

The next morning was slow, people waking up late, being lazy, and everybody is relaxed. Only a few people were walking around, finding something to do, and a few more people doing their work. Overall, the morning wasn't the most exciting. Mei was covering Aura's duties on the farm, making sure she follows the correct procedures. Lynara was in the medical center, talking to doctors and checking the patients. Ezar was at the new base expansion underground, helping with the construction. Thankfully, there was minimal damage to the underground expansion. The base is in much better condition than the last day, having most of the damage repaired and most equipment replaced. The silence then gets interrupted when a familiar roar fills the air, but much louder than usual, to the point that even the underground heard it. Of course, this alarmed everyone, now falling in to prepare for a battle while shouting to each other, asking questions about what may come their way. Mei, Lynara, and Ezar gather, also preparing themselves. Without saying a word, they got everything ready, then went to the margin of the base walls, getting a view of the outside. Not to their surprise, a horde can be seen quickly approaching them. "Well, here we go again." "I'm not happy about this..." "None of us are, that's why we're doing this." "My brain can't process that..." "Will you two please start shooting already?" Putting aside their confusion, Mei and Lynara also start opening fire, as well as everybody else. It wasn't a difficult horde, but another roar can be heard, beginning another horde. When they thought they'd get a break, another roar could be heard. Thankfully, none could reach the base, but it was difficult keeping the infected out. The raids themselves weren't that difficult, but it was keeping up with how many rounds they attacked. This felt reminiscent to Mei and Ezar, having the same experience back at the port. This time, they had a better chance of survival. After what felt like an eternity, the last wave was cleared, finally giving them a break. There were no more roars, just silence in the distance while the rest chatted among themselves, completely exhausted. "You know, considering how many we're killing, shouldn't their numbers go down?" "That makes sense, unless something is producing more..." "You're saying the reactor is still working?" "After that explosion? Lyn, do you hear yourself? That explosion was huge!" "Mei, anything can happen. You saw the reactor's state when we first saw it after the accident." "I've made up my mind, we're going back to our home city." Mei and Lynara look at Ezar in confusion and shock at the same time, both speaking in sync. "Wait, what?!"

"You can't just simply say stuff like that, it's a long way from here! We left that place for a reason, right?" "I know, but if we want to stop fighting to survive, we must eliminate the problem at its core." "As much as I hate this idea, I'm going where brother goes. Are you sure you want to stay, Lyn?" "Who said I'm staying? I'm not missing any action!" "Well, it's decided. We leave tomorrow?" "Why not today?" "You sure you're not tired?" "To be fair, we need to make sure we have everything prepared too." "Tomorrow it is then!" "You guys go ahead and start preparing. I'm feeling a little sleepy..." "Sure, we'll go ahead." Ezar gives Lynara a kiss on her head before she leaves to take a nap, then he stands up while Mei smirks at him. "Ooh, I think I smell something sweet~" "Heh, keep it down alright? Don't want to attract any attention." "My lips are sealed, but no promises~" "Guess that's the best you can do." Both start with borrowing something to travel with, as well as a map so they won't get lost again like before. Thankfully, someone found a working printer, so now they can print maps all they can. Of course, they had to tell the commander. He wasn't happy about it, but he understands that they aren't the type to sit still. He generously offered to let them use one of their vehicles. They were offered a car, but in desperate need of maintenance. Its wheels are off, the engine is detached, and its tank is as dry as a desert. Still, they gladly took the offer since it was better than nothing. They also planned to bring a few canisters of extra fuel, food, and water since the journey is going to be long. Their first stop was Echolysis Underground, where Ezar first stayed in. Apparently, that route is quicker since it was just a straight way to the city. They each grabbed a gun to have something to defend themselves with, bringing several rounds with them for reloading. They picked up three walkie talkies, ropes, hooks, grenades, three night-vision goggles, and three gas masks, just in case they ran into unexpected issues. As for medical items, a few first aid kits and extra bandages will, as well as an infected blood extraction kit that was recently prepared by the people at the medical center. Of course, they not only double or triple checked, but quadruple checked that they had everything they'll need for this trip, because it may be their last one before being successful or failing, considering they are probably heading for what may be the nest of the infected, only producing more each moment. So, they had to make haste and make sure everything would go as planned.