1 Help!

Year 2098, New Delhi Block - 54

On the desolate streets of New Delhi, a man moved cautiously, his gaze sweeping the surroundings, ensuring there were no hidden dangers lurking nearby. The once bustling thoroughfares now lay barren, devoid of any human presence. Instead, there were other beings in motion—zombies. This state of affairs had persisted for half a year since the outbreak began, when a normal day turned into utter chaos as people inexplicably began biting and attacking one another, plunging the entire city into chaos.

I am uncertain of the situation in other countries as all communication channels have ceased to function, and I find myself alone, without anyone to turn to. It has been two harrowing years since then, yet I continue to survive, thanks to a gift bestowed upon me before this apocalypse.

The day before everything started, I received a delivery at my home. Curiosity consumed me as I pondered the sender's identity. With no parents and few friends, I had no immediate guesses. Eventually, I gave up speculating and decided to open the package. Inside, I discovered two devices and a letter. The first device was an advanced-looking wrist device with a built-in display. Despite my attempts to activate it, it remained inavtive. The second device, a metallic cube of exquisite craftsmanship, also caught my attention.

Accompanying the devices was a letter that addressed me as Mr. Arlo. It began with the declaration that I had been chosen to safeguard humanity. The contents explained that the wrist device would aid me in eliminating zombies and ensuring my survival. As for the space cube, it contained a dimension of its own, housing an array of weapons, equipment, and an AI assistant to assist me in various tasks. Both devices were currently in standby mode and would activate the following afternoon. The letter conveyed a dire warning—the impending end of the world. The next day, an onslaught of zombie attacks would breakout, with infected humans turning on each other. To ensure my safety, I was instructed to wear the wrist device at that time. The letter said the importance of staying alive and protecting as many remaining humans as possible.

Initially, I dismissed it as a prank or a peculiar occurrence. Thinking little of it, I placed both devices on a table and proceeded to enjoy a hot shower. While bathing, my thoughts turned to the night shift at the hotel, contemplating the fatigue that awaited me. I decided to bring along some movies and snacks to make the night more bearable. After dinner, I dressed for work and, as I was about to leave, an internal debate ensued: Should I take the wrist device with me? Ultimately, I opted to carry it while leaving the cube hidden in my room.

Arriving at the Regent Grand Hotel, I encountered the manager at the reception desk, who greeted me with a "Good evening, sir." The manager expressed relief at my arrival and promptly entrusted me with handling the reception desk for the night, while he departed, promising to return the following afternoon. Though inwardly frustrated at being left with all the responsibilities yet again, I maintained a pleasant demeanor and assured him of my compliance.

With the blink of an eye, morning arrived. At the Regent Grand Hotel, precisely 11:45 am, I glanced at my backpack, where the wrist device resided, and muttered to myself, "It's almost noon; I hope it was all just an elaborate prank."

Resuming my duties, I immersed myself in work until 12:10 pm, when a sudden realization washed over me, bringing a mix of relief and curiosity. "So, it was merely a joke after all. As long as it remains fictional, I wonder who sent that mysterious package."

However, my train of thought was swiftly disrupted as a woman burst through the hotel's entrance, desperately pleading for help, clutching her injured neck. Witnessing her distress, I momentarily stood stunned, then swiftly rushed forward, asking, "What happened to you, ma'am?"

She gasped for breath, recounting the encounter. "A stranger attacked me, biting my neck. His actions were incomprehensible, as if he had lost his mind."

With a calming voice, I reassured her, "Please, ma'am, try to relax and apply pressure to your wound. I will call an ambulance for immediate assistance. You will be fine."

Hastening to the reception desk, I dialed a staff member's number, requesting their aid in tending to the injured woman and summoning an ambulance. To my dismay, there was no response from the other end of the line. Frustration tinged my words as I exclaimed, "Are you kidding me? In a city with countless hospitals, not a single line is functioning!"

In that moment, a shriek pierced the air, originating from the lady staff member positioned behind me. Turning swiftly, my eyes widened in terror as I beheld an unimaginable sight—the woman who had sought help was now sinking her teeth into the staff member's neck.

With a mix of horror and determination, I shouted at the bewildered assailant, "What are you doing, ma'am?"

Rushing to the defense of the lady staff member, I forcefully separated the two, delivering a punch to the attacker's face. Subsequently, I seized the lady staff member and guided her to a nearby room, securing the door behind us.

The frantic woman attempted to reach us, pounding on the door with her hands and head.

Addressing the shaken staff member, I uttered, "Hold on; I will call for additional staff to join us. Together, we will confront this deranged woman. Stay strong."

Nodding in agreement, the lady staff member whispered, "Please be careful."