The sound of the infected was hushed, but we could hear each footstep echoing in the tunnel. I glanced at our group, and at a glance, I knew where they were from – five kids from the upper colonies, plus Doman, who was strangely nice to me. They stood apart, exuding confidence, some even livestreaming while on the mission. Each of them had the polished appearance of privilege, with sleek cybernetic enhancements visible beneath their skin.
Their laughter cut through the tension, and I could feel the disdain in their eyes because I was the only earth-born in the group.
"Look, a fucking rat,"
one of them sneered, a tall boy with slicked, glowing white hair and a glistening jaw implant. His name tag read Lucius. I recognized him from the roster – he's known for his combat skills and reputation for ruthlessness towards lower-born.
"Try not to trip over your own feet, lower class,"
another one chimed in, this time a girl with bright blue hair and an array of holographic tattoos dancing across her skin, Alex. She had a reputation for sharp wit and over-rank first accuracy with a sniper.
I clenched my fists, doing my best to ignore them and focus on the mission because down here, emotions get you killed.
"I'm hungry,"
Lain, a lazy-looking guy with black hair and silver Persians all over his face, said.
As for the last guy, he was quiet; nobody knew anything except that he was from the upper colonies.
The group of five exchanged knowing glances. I knew in an instant I was the weakest among them.
A voice crackled over the loudspeaker, snapping my focus back to the present.
" Guys, no need to be like this; we're all friends!"
It was Doman, with a smile, trying to lighten up the mood. "So let's keep moving," he said.
I followed the designated path, anxiety churning in my stomach. Doman fell in step beside me, his demeanor calm compared to my rising tension.
"You're brave, but don't do anything stupid, okay? We need you,"
he muttered, almost with the same smile. I felt – was he kind to me, or was he just keeping me in check?
"Listen up!"
Commander Zack's voice boomed over the earpiece system.
"Your mission will test your combat skills, strategy, and ability to work as a unit. Your objective is to extract an energy core, also called the heart. Expect resistance from the infected; a lot of you might not make it back.
I clenched my jaw. I could see Doman bristling beside me, ready. The upper-class recruits only sneered.
As we got closer, the distant sounds – droning mechanical noises, sudden clanks, and the unsettling cries of the infected – got louder. Shadows danced along the walls, and I gripped my weapon, picking up the unsettling tension in the air.
"Get ready,"
Doman said. The upper colony team moved ahead without a backward glance.
"Let them do their thing," Doman said quietly. "It's better this way; they'll carry us."
"Yeah, but they're not just our competition; they're our risk, too," I thought to myself. "If they make a mistake, it can put us all in danger."
We pressed forward, the corridors twisting and turning as we navigated the dimly lit path. The lights flickered ominously, casting heavy shadows that seemed to watch our every move.
I could hear the upper colony kids laughing and calling out, their arrogance echoing through the halls as they taunted us.
"Are you guys even capable of keeping up?"
the silver-haired guy called back from ahead. "This isn't a charity case!"
"Infected!" One of them ahead shouted.
Out of the mist, giant, shadowy, grotesque figures emerged, their bodies distorted, and eyes glowing with an unnatural thirst for flesh. A series of glowing light covers its body, and electric sparks came out. The smell of decay wafted through the air as it approached, a cacophony of guttural sounds escaping their mouths.
"Take aim!"
Doman shouted, pulling the trigger. The weapons roared to life, bolts of energy shooting forth. Doman was quick on his feet, dodging every attack from the monster just what you'll expect from the top of the sector, shooting it in the head with precision with the help of the others. The creature fell.
All the upper colonies celebrated, bragging it wasn't that hard. I looked at them, but I didn't see their faces; I saw that beast rising and twisting its shape...
"B-Behind you!"
I yelled, oblivious to what was happening so fast. I could just watch as its huge hand swung at them and sent all of them flying, each of them hitting the solid wall, spitting blood...
The silver-haired guy's arrogance transformed into sheer rage as he struggled to stand up to fight, firing at the creatures, but his aim was wild, shooting everywhere. He almost hit me.
"What are you doing?"
I shouted back at him, but it was too late. His body was left standing without a head.