Echoes Of The Undying

Chapter 13: Supply Run to the Haunted Mall

The late afternoon sun cast a fading light over Serenity Vale High School as the students of Horizon Shadow Class assembled in the central courtyard. The makeshift encampment buzzed with activity as various groups prepared for their respective tasks. Max and his team—Olga, Jarezza, Mae, and Filbert—gathered with their classmates for a final briefing before setting out on their supply run.

Max scanned the assembled faces, noting the mix of worry and determination. The class had become like family, bound together by their shared struggle. Nearby, a few of them—Randy, Vivie, and Farhanah—waited for their turn in the rotation of tasks.

“Alright, everyone, listen up,” Max called out, drawing the attention of his fellow students. “We’re heading out to scavenge for supplies. The grocery store and hardware store are our main targets. We need food, tools, and anything else we can find.”

Lorenda stepped forward, a look of concern on her face. “Be careful out there. We’ve heard reports of increased zombie activity around the old hardware store. It’s risky.”

Mae nodded, tightening her grip on her backpack. “We’ll be cautious. The plan is to get in and out quickly. Jarezza’s leading the way, and Filbert will handle navigation.”

Farhanah, checking her own gear, added, “We’ve been working on fortifying the east wing. If you’re delayed, let us know so we can adjust our patrols.”

“Got it,” Jarezza said, giving a thumbs-up. “We’ll keep in touch. Just make sure the perimeter stays secure.”

Randy, leaning against a nearby wall, offered a reassuring smile. “You guys have got this. We’ll hold down the fort here. Just come back safe.”

Max appreciated the support and camaraderie. “Thanks, everyone. We’ll be moving out in ten minutes. Stay sharp, and we’ll see you soon.”

As the team finished their final checks and prepared to leave, the mood was a blend of anxious anticipation and hopeful determination. Max gave one last nod to his classmates, acknowledging their solidarity. The group set out, ready to face the dangers beyond their fortified walls, each step a testament to their resilience and unity.

The tension in the air was palpable as Max, Olga, Jarezza, Mae, Filbert, Vivie, Farhanah, Rendy, and Affendy prepared for their mission. The group's objective was simple but critical: gather more supplies, specifically food and medication, to sustain their classmates at Serenity Vale High School. Their destination was a nearby mall, rumored to be teeming with both supplies and the undead.

"Alright, everyone ready?" Max asked, his voice steady despite the nervous glances exchanged among the group. His natural leadership made him the unofficial leader of this team, and the others trusted his judgment.

"Ready as we'll ever be," Olga replied, adjusting her backpack. She was known for her resourcefulness and calm demeanor, traits that would prove invaluable on this mission.

Jarezza gave a mock salute, trying to lighten the mood. "Let’s just hope the zombies are in the bargain section today."

"Yeah, a two-for-one special," Vivie quipped, earning a few chuckles. Humor was their way of coping with the fear that gnawed at their insides.

As they made their way to the mall, the streets were eerily silent, the once-bustling town now a ghostly shadow of its former self. The group moved cautiously, their makeshift weapons at the ready. Filbert led the way, his eyes scanning for any movement.

"You know, this feels like one of those horror movies," Farhanah whispered, her voice barely audible. "Except we're the main characters."

"And we don’t have a script to tell us what’s coming," Mae added, gripping her weapon tighter.