Chapter 12: Eerie Encounters
The former capital city stood in ruins, a stark contrast to the vibrant metropolis she had once known. Broken buildings and the growls of countless zombies filled the air, shrouding the city in an unsettling atmosphere. Li Mei's heart raced as they drove through the desolate streets, the absence of attacking zombies sending chills down her spine.
Exiting the car, Chen Wei divided the group into two teams, leaving Xia and Lian to stay with Li Mei. An unspoken understanding passed between the members, a familiarity with the situation that left Li Mei feeling even more on edge.
As they ventured into the dilapidated buildings, Li Mei couldn't shake off the sense of déjà vu. It was as if a memory whispered in the recesses of her mind, hinting at something significant that had occurred when Chen Wei and the others had left her behind in the past. A surge of curiosity and unease coursed through her veins.
Something will definitely happen, her mind entertained this thought.
Sitting in the car with Xia and Lian, Li Mei's thoughts wandered. Chen Wei's protective nature and his tendency to take her along on missions since what happen last time when he left her with xia, evoked a strange mix of emotions within her. She questioned the origin of these feelings, startled by the realization that she was becoming reliant on his presence.
Lost in her contemplations, an hour passed, and still, there was no sign of the other team's return. Xia and Lian remained unperturbed, casually chatting as if this were an everyday occurrence. But Li Mei couldn't shake off her worry, feeling like a fretful spouse left home alone.
Suddenly, a distant rumble caught their attention. Without hesitation, the three of them headed toward the source of the noise. As they neared the location, the sight of numerous slain zombies strewn about made their hearts skip a beat. Lian observed the gruesome scene, noting that Chen Wei and the others were not responsible for the carnage.
Continuing onward, they soon encountered a chilling presence, one that stirred a sense of familiarity within Li Mei. There, in the midst of a skirmish between two zombies, stood the peculiar creature that had passed by their car earlier. It possessed an eerie expression, different from the mindless gazes of the other zombies.
As Li Mei about to take a step forward she was startled by the hand that grab her shoulder only to find it's Chen Wei, Li Mei sigh in relief.
Chen Wei's grip tightened on Li Mei's shoulder as he whispered for her to stay still.
Whispering to Chen Wei, Li Mei asked, "What's happening?" His response sent shivers down her spine. "That's not just a zombie," he revealed quietly. "It's known as a batch 18, a failed experiment." Li Mei's mind raced, the term "batch" resonating with her dreams and memories, where she had been called a "batch one" and a failure.
Their attention was diverted as the remaining zombie let out a bloodcurdling scream, drawing the attention of other undead nearby. Seizing the opportunity, the group quickly retreated, finding solace back at the car. Chen Wei's command for them to stay inside and wait echoed in their ears, his tone leaving no room for questions.
Inside the confines of the car, Li Mei couldn't help but ponder the mysterious events that had unfolded. The presence of batch 18 and its connection to her dreams troubled her deeply.
An hour had passed, and there was still no sign of Chen Wei's return. Restlessness filled the air, and Li Mei's anxiety grew with each passing moment. She couldn't help but keep glancing out of the car window, the distant rumbling adding to her unease.
Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, an overwhelming urge to uncover the truth compelled Li Mei to take action. Without hesitation, she swung open the car door and sprinted toward the scene, relying on her ability to manipulate shadows to move swiftly and stealthily. The others shouted for her to come back, but her determination drowned out their voices.
Reaching the location, Li Mei's eyes widened as she witnessed Chen Wei engaged in a fierce battle with the batch 18 zombie. His powers, Energy Absorption and Projection, were on full display, leaving her in awe. The zombie's movements slowed under Chen Wei's assault, providing him with a distinct advantage. The scene unfolded with an intensity that both terrified and fascinated Li Mei.
From her hidden vantage point in the darkness, Li Mei observed the clash between the two formidable opponents. Chen Wei's mastery over his powers was evident as he fought with precision and strength. Each strike he delivered was met with a corresponding reaction from the zombie, creating a dance of power and survival.
Finally, with a decisive blow, Chen Wei defeated the batch 18 zombie, sending it crashing to the ground. The impact resonated through the air, the force of the strike evident in the aftermath. Li Mei's heart raced as she absorbed the sight, her emotions a tumultuous blend of fear and admiration.
Her attention was drawn to Chen Wei's next action. Instead of simply walking away, he opened the zombie's skull, revealing its brain. Li Mei watched in astonishment as he extracted a crystal from within. The crystal gleamed in the dim light, its size matching that of her palm. Aware of the danger of being discovered, she hurriedly retreated, making her way back to the safety of the car.
Upon her return, the relief on the faces of the others was palpable. It was evident that Chen Wei's orders carried great weight within the group. Li Mei realized she could relate to their trust in him, having witnessed his effortless defeat of the batch 18 creature. The way he dispatched the formidable enemy without breaking a sweat left her in awe, a newfound respect for his strength growing within her.