A loud, sharp scream cut through the chaos of the fire, the sound of the emergency brake kicking in, and metal scraping against metal with a force that felt like it could shake the ground itself.
Jun gripped the lever tightly, his body stiff and strong, trying to hold the train together against the wild force trying to rip it apart.
His back, covered in painful burns, cried out in agony, while his body worked hard to heal itself, even as fresh waves of pain hit him again and again.
The view outside the windshield turned into a dizzying mix of bright lights and loud sounds, as the train shook like it was in trouble.
The sudden stop pushed them forward, and they clung tightly to the controls and railings, trying to avoid being thrown against the front glass.
"Hold on! Just hold on!" Rebecca shouted, her voice struggling to be heard above the noise.
Her knuckles were white as she held onto a support pole, her body pressed against his in the wild movement, a warm, solid presence amidst the confusion.
Then, just as quickly as it started, the train came to a halt. It was a strange, unsettling feeling, like everything was moving in slow motion.
The train had gone off the tracks because of the sudden stop, and it leaned heavily to one side.
Jun and Rebecca were thrown hard against the wall of the engine car.
With quick reflexes, Jun wrapped his arms around Rebecca, protecting her from the force of the impact, using his body as a shield once again.
"....." x2
A hush fell over them, wrapping around like a soft blanket.
It wasn't totally silent; instead, there was a soft quiet filled with gentle sounds all around. They could hear the gentle sound of steam hissing out, the distant crackle of a fire, and the quick, steady thump of their own hearts, all matching each other perfectly.
They remained motionless for what seemed like forever, soaking in the surprising silence, nestled together in the softly lit, slightly askew cabin.
"You're crushing me," Rebecca whispered, her voice so soft it was almost a secret as she nestled her face against his chest.
"Sorry," Jun said with a grunt, easing his grip but still holding on tight.
His senses, guided by his sharp [Threat Sense], reached out into the unfamiliar surroundings.
He felt the fading warmth of the fire and heard the creaking of bent metal, but there was no sign of danger nearby.
For this brief, treasured moment, they were safe.
He moved slightly, a sharp pain shooting through him that made him hiss between his teeth, his back and leg complaining loudly.
"Let me take a look," Rebecca said, her instincts as a medic kicking in.
She carefully pressed against his chest to make some room, her eyes growing wide as she noticed the severe burns on his back peeking through his torn shirt.
The skin was a furious, blistering red but already starting to lighten and smooth out at the edges as his body worked its incredible healing magic.
"My god, Jun… you should be in shock, you should be…"
"I've got a great painkiller," he said, cutting in with a faint, pained smile, nodding towards his head as if to hint at the System, "And a really good doctor."
She didn't smile back. Her face showed a mix of wonder, fear, and a growing worry that seemed more personal than work-related.
Her fingers moved softly and carefully through the air just above the hurt skin, not actually touching it, but sensing the warmth coming from it.
"I'm the guy who's got your back," he said, his voice calm and even, his gray eyes locking onto her brown ones in the dim light. "Nothing else is important at this moment."
He finally pulled away, using a control panel to lift himself up. His leg, now healed but still shaky, managed to support him.
As he looked out through the slanted windshield, he was met with a sight of complete destruction.
The train was a mess, half off the tracks and leaning against a steep, wooded hill.
The cars behind them were nothing but a smoldering, blackened wreck. Also, the forest that surrounded them was marked by fire, with patches burning here and there.
This made the air thick with the sharp smell of smoke and melted plastic.
"We have to get out of here," Jun said firmly, making it clear there was no room for debate. "If that fire hits another fuel line, it could explode, and we'd be trapped."
Rebecca nodded, her throat tight as she looked around at the destruction. "Training Facility," she said, her voice growing stronger as she zeroed in on their goal.
"It has to be nearby; it was where the train was headed. We can find supplies there, a safe room for communications, and maybe even my team."
"Alright, that's our destination now," Jun said, nodding in agreement. He started to look around the tilted cabin, his [Threat Sense] quietly on the lookout for anything that might help.
His gaze landed on a locked weapons locker fastened to the wall. The metal was banged up from the crash, but the lock looked strong and secure.
"Step back," he told Rebecca.
He didn't need to pick the lock this time. Instead, he grabbed the handle of the locker, steadied himself on the slanted floor, and focused all his strength into one powerful tug.
The metal of the lock creaked and protested, then suddenly broke apart with a loud CRACK, causing the door to swing wide open.
Inside, wrapped in soft foam, were two stunning yet dangerous items: a fully equipped [M4 Assault Rifle] and a shiny, black [Benelli M3 Shotgun], along with a few boxes of bullets.
"Jackpot," Jun said, a genuine smile breaking across his face for the first time in ages.
He picked up the shotgun, feeling its solid, heavy weight—a promise of what was to come.
It was so different from the rough rebar he had been using. He handed it to Rebecca, along with a box of shells.
"Do you know how to use this?" he inquired.
She picked it up, her hands moving smoothly and confidently as she examined the action. The weight of the weapon felt reassuring, strengthening her determination.
"S.T.A.R.S. basic training," she said, a hint of her former pride shining through. "I'm better with a handgun, but this will work just fine."
He tossed the M4 over his shoulder, feeling its weight settle in a way that made him feel more like himself.
It was a familiar feeling, one that reminded him of the predator he was turning into—armed and ready for anything.
They pushed hard against the side door of the tilted engine car until it finally gave way. Cold night air, filled with the smell of smoke, rushed in and felt refreshing after the heat inside.
They climbed out, their boots making crunching sounds on the gravel and shattered glass.
Finally, they stood on solid ground, the wrecked train towering behind them like the remains of a giant metal snake.
In front of them, just beyond the trees and shrouded in the early morning darkness, loomed a big, European-style building.
It was the Training Facility, a place filled with mystery and hidden stories. This was where they were headed, their new place to explore and discover.
Jun felt his [Threat Sense] shift from a low buzz to a sharp jolt. It wasn't just one big danger he sensed; instead, there were many smaller, eager threats lurking in the woods around the facility.
They were watching, filled with a mindless, hungry desire to pounce.
The train ride was tough, a harsh way to start things off. He felt a chill of certainty as he realized that the facility would be the place where they would put their fate on.
•••
The quiet of the forest was not what it seemed. Jun's [Threat Sense] showed a dark scene, like a mental map filled with many small, hungry dots creeping through the trees around the facility. They were being watched, encircled by a slow, lurking crowd.
"Looks like we've got company," Jun said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
He tightened his grip on the M4, feeling the cold, smooth metal against his hands, so different from the rough rebar nearby.
His sharp gray eyes scanned the tree line, taking in every detail, missing nothing. "There are so many of them, all around us. They definitely know we're here."
Rebecca lifted the shotgun, the noise of her loading a round echoing in the stillness. "Zombies?" she inquired, even though her voice hinted that she already had a feeling about it.
"Yup," Jun said, a slight smile on his face that didn't quite reach his eyes. "They're not very quick, and they don't have a good plan. We can make our way through. The main entrance of the facility is our best option; it seems the strongest."
"Are we really going to charge straight in?" Rebecca frowned and asked, "Are we really going to have our backs to the woods? That's a really big risk."
"This isn't an attack; it's a message," Jun replied, his gaze fixed on hers, a bold and assured spark shining in his eyes. "We're done hiding. We're not just getting by anymore; we're moving forward."
Jun then gave Rebecca a soft smile. "We approach that door, ready to deal with anything foolish enough to stand in our path."
He noticed the uncertainty in her eyes, the deep-rooted lessons that urged her to be careful and quiet. But he also caught a glimpse of the fire of rebellion he had sparked, the faith she was beginning to put in him.
"Are you really sure about this?" she asked, her voice calm even though she felt scared inside.
"I've never felt more certain," he said, lowering his voice to a secretive tone, "And honestly, I'm done with stumbling around in the shadows. Let's shine some light on this."
With that, he spun around, lifted the M4, and let out a loud, booming shot into the sky.
As soon as it happened, the forest came alive. The low moans of the undead grew louder, turning into a wild symphony of desperate hunger. Shadows started to stumble out from the trees, pulled toward the noise like moths drawn to a bright light.
"Look! They're coming!" Rebecca shouted, her voice a bit shaky but strong, as she pressed the shotgun against her shoulder, standing firm and ready.
"Save your bullets, shoot in short bursts, aim for the head," Jun said, his voice steady, like a solid rock amidst the growing storm of chaos. "I'll stand in the middle; you keep an eye on the sides and make sure they don't close in on us."
The first wave came at them, a disorganized group of former scientists, security guards, and maintenance workers.
They moved awkwardly and slowly. Jun's M4 fired in quick, sharp bursts, tat-tat-tat, each shot hitting its mark and taking down a zombie right where it stood.
Thanks to his [Threat Sense], he could see movement out of the corner of his eye, allowing him to turn and shoot without a moment's pause, creating a flawless and deadly rhythm.
Beside him, the Benelli erupted with a loud BOOM, the sound hitting like a wave.
The buckshot spread out at close range, causing chaos as it tore through heads and bodies, sending zombies tumbling backward.
Rebecca stood firm, her jaw clenched tight, each pump of the shotgun showing just how determined she was.
"Reloading!" she shouted, tossing out an empty shell.
"I got it covered!" Jun quickly reacted, moving to protect her side as he took down two zombies that tried to sneak up during the short pause.
His actions were smooth and effective, showing how much he had changed from the frantic fighter on the train.
Now, he was like a soldier, commanding his own little war zone.
They started to move forward slowly and carefully towards the main entrance of the facility. The two of them were like a powerful force, pushing their way through the crowd of undead.
The grass around them turned into a blanket of motionless, twitching bodies.
"You're… really impressive at this," Rebecca said between her shots, taking steady breaths as she focused.
"I pick things up quickly," Jun said, a faint smile appearing as he took down a zombie that got too close with a precise shot right to the forehead. "Plus, I have strong reasons to keep going."
As they battled their way, something unusual started to happen between them—an unspoken connection.
Jun's sharp instincts and powerful attacks created a protective zone, a bubble of chaos where Rebecca moved freely.
Her shotgun became the perfect response to any danger that dared to come too close.
They weren't just two individuals fighting side by side anymore; they had transformed into one strong, united force.
They arrived at the broad, concrete steps that led up to the main doors of the facility. This grand entrance had turned into a stage for their last stand.
A bigger group of zombies, attracted by the ongoing gunfire, was closing in on them.
"Let's give it one last big effort!" Jun shouted, his voice rising above the noise. He knelt down, creating a steady base to shoot from.
The M4 was now blasting away in full auto, taking out the enemy soldiers rushing toward him. Empty shell casings fell around him like a shower of metal rain.
Rebecca stood next to him, like an angel ready for revenge. The shotgun went off with a loud bang, each shot making a small space in the crowd that was stumbling forward.
The strength of the gun felt thrilling, a real sign of their desire to survive.
At last, the final immediate danger was gone, and the gunfire stopped, leaving a quiet that rang in their ears.
The groan faded away, and the few zombies that were left seemed unsure about getting closer to the heap of their fallen comrades at the bottom of the steps.
Jun stood up, his heart racing with excitement and the thrill of victory. He glanced over at Rebecca, who was catching her breath, her chest rising and falling quickly.
A light sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead, and there was a little smudge of gunpowder on her cheek. She looked full of energy, vibrant, and strong.
"Do you see?" he said, a real, weary smile spreading across his face, "This is a statement."
She laughed, a light and breathless sound, as the stress of the fight faded away. "Alright, alright, you were right. That was… really something."
Their moment of victory didn't last long. Suddenly, they heard a new sound—not the usual moans, but the loud, strong roar of a helicopter.
Its searchlight cut through the trees, and the thumping of its blades created a beat that didn't bring hope but hinted at a different kind of trouble ahead.
Jun felt a sharp tingle of danger, not like the wild, mindless urge of zombies, but with the clear, steady aim of a skilled hunter. The helicopter was definitely here for them.
"We don't have much time left," he said, his smile fading as a serious look took over his face. "Let's go inside; that bird isn't nice."
They faced the big, fancy double doors of the building, knowing that the next part of their nightmare was just beyond them.
The noise of the helicopter getting closer reminded them that not all their enemies were slow and mindless; some were smart and well-organized, and now they were being watched.
•••
The grand double doors of the building stood tall and impressive, made from thick, dark wood and reinforced with iron bands.
They looked even more striking against the backdrop of the chaos outside. But these doors were locked tight, serving as a stubborn barrier between them and whatever safety—or new nightmare—awaited inside.
"Step back," Jun instructed, his tone serious once more. The fleeting sense of victory had vanished, replaced by the deafening sound of the helicopter drawing closer, its roar becoming more threatening, like a predator stalking its next meal.
He didn't waste any time with the lock. Instead, he lifted the M4 and fired a steady burst right at the spot where the two doors met.
The powerful rounds tore through the old wood, breaking apart the inner workings. With a strong kick from his enhanced leg, the right door swung open with a loud creak, unveiling a vast, shadowy entrance hall.
They quietly entered, the heavy silence of the facility wrapping around them like a thick blanket. The noise of the helicopter faded quickly, turning into a far-off, constant worry.
The air felt cold and stale, filled with a faint, familiar metallic scent that they had grown all too accustomed to.
Jun hurriedly shoved the broken door mostly closed, leaving just a small gap, a little allowance for a quick escape if they needed it.
The grand hall was a striking sight, filled with gothic beauty, yet it felt frozen in a moment of fear.
The marble floor stretched out beneath them, and a grand staircase rose up, while suits of armor loomed quietly in the shadows.
However, the elegance was marred by chaos, with furniture turned upside down, medical supplies scattered about, and dark, dried stains that tarnished the pale stone.
"Welcome to the madhouse," Rebecca whispered, her voice bouncing off the walls in the large, empty space.
She held the shotgun up high, her eyes darting around, taking in the many archways and shadowy hallways that stretched out from the main hall.
Jun's [Threat Sense] buzzed softly in the background, a steady reminder that the facility was alive with activity.
It wasn't empty; it was filled with life, but that life was quiet, tucked away behind walls and closed doors, like a slumbering infection. For the moment, though, the area around him felt safe and clear.
"We really need to locate a map or a communications room, anything at all," Rebecca said, her instincts kicking in. "We have to track down my team, and we need to understand what we're up against in this place."
"I get that, but first, we really need to establish a strong position," Jun replied, his practical side taking charge above everything else.
"We need to discover a secure room, a spot where we can stand our ground if that helicopter chooses to land and bring some unexpected visitors, or if the local animals become too inquisitive."
He looked over at a big, sturdy oak door tucked away beneath the main staircase. It had a sign on it that read 'Security Office.' "There it is. That's the first thing we need to accomplish."
They hurried across the shiny marble floor, their footsteps echoing loudly in the quiet space. Every shadow around them seemed to twist and turn, as if ready to spring to life.
Jun reached for the door to the Security Office, but it wouldn't budge; it was locked, secured by another electronic keypad.
"Let me do this," Rebecca said, taking a step closer. Her fingers moved quickly over the keypad, filled with determination. She entered another S.T.A.R.S. override code, and this time, the light turned green. With a gentle click, the lock released.
The office felt tiny and cluttered, as if it had been turned upside down. Monitors lay shattered, and papers were scattered all over the floor.
Despite the chaos, the door stood strong, and the big one-way mirror that overlooked the main hall remained unbroken.
It was a great spot to hold out and defend.
Jun pushed a heavy metal chair against the door, making sure it was locked tight.
As the chair slid into position, a deep wave of tiredness washed over them, a feeling that had been held back by their adrenaline and determination. Now, it finally hit them both.
Rebecca propped the shotgun against the wall and settled into the swivel chair behind the desk. She let out a deep, shaky breath and turned her gaze to Jun, really focusing on him.
She noticed the fading blisters on his back, the ripped and bloodstained clothes, and the fierce spark of life in his gray eyes that seemed determined to shine on, no matter what.
"You really should take a break," she said, her voice gentle, filled with a warmth that felt more personal than just a job.
"I know your body is in the healing process, but remember, you're not a machine. You've been pushing yourself hard ever since... well, ever since I found you."
"I'm fine," he tried to say something, but the words sounded empty, even to him. [Pain Suppression] could only help so much; the mental and physical strain from the last few hours felt like a heavy burden resting on his soul.
"You're not," she said firmly, getting to her feet and moving closer to him. She didn't reach for his wounds; instead, her hands found their way to his shoulders.
Her thumbs began to gently massage the tight muscles in his neck.
The moment their skin touched was like a spark, sending a wave of warmth through him that chased away some of the tiredness and hurt. It felt like a different kind of healing.
"Please, just take a seat for a moment. I'm asking you to do this."
He felt too weary to fight it anymore, so he settled on the edge of the flipped desk, letting her ease the tightness from his shoulders.
Her hands were strong but also soft, and her presence felt like a calm harbor in the chaos of his life.
He shut his eyes, and for the first time since waking up in this terrible dream, he allowed himself to be completely open and vulnerable with her.
Her hands came to a stop, and he sensed her moving in closer. The warmth of her body wrapped around him like a comforting glow.
He slowly opened his eyes, and there she was, just inches away. Her brown eyes were locked onto his, searching deeply, filled with a mix of emotions—thankfulness, wonder, a hint of fear, and something even more profound, something that felt both warm and frightening at the same time.
"You know, back there… on the steps…" she began, her voice gentle and a bit shaky, "I've never felt so… strong, so alive, even with all that sadness around us. It was all because I was with you."
Jun lifted his hand, rough and worn, and gently cradled her cheek. His thumb brushed over her smooth skin as he spoke softly, "We make a great team," his voice thick with feeling.
"It's deeper than that, and you know it," she whispered, leaning closer to him, her eyes briefly closing before opening again, shining with a fierce determination. "Whatever this is, whatever you are... I'm not scared of it, and I'm definitely not scared of you."
"Rebecca…" That was the last wall they had to break down, the final doubt that vanished with just a glance.
In that quiet moment, they both understood that in a world filled with monsters, they had discovered something genuine, something truly worth standing up for.
He didn't kiss her, not just yet. The moment felt too deep, too delicate. Instead, he drew her into a strong, fierce hug.
Her arms wrapped around him, holding him just as tightly. They stood there in the messy security office, two survivors clinging to the only real thing left in their broken world.
The distant thump of the helicopter felt like a fading memory, while the groans of the undead were just a far-off sound.
In this one beautiful moment, they felt safe, standing at each other, and they were filled with strength.
[Zombies Killed: 47. Points: +235]
[Survival Objective Updated: Explore the Training Facility.]
(To be Continued)
•••
Jun's Current Status:
Points: 250
Skills: Basic Strength, Lockpicking, Threat Sense, Enhanced Regeneration, Pain Suppression
Equipment: M4 Assault Rifle (2 magazines), Combat Knife
Bound Companions: None
Active Objectives: Explore the Training Facility.