Four months to doomsday

The night swallowed them whole.

Xu Lian moved like a shadow, her breath steady despite the weight of their mission. Guo Chen was a step behind her, his movements controlled, his senses sharp. Jiao, though grumbling under his breath, kept pace, his rifle at the ready.

The city was a graveyard. Cars sat abandoned, some rusted from months of neglect, others splattered with dried blood. Buildings loomed over them like silent witnesses, their shattered windows reflecting the moonlight.

But the worst part?

It was too quiet.

Lian's instincts screamed at her. This wasn't the chaotic world she remembered this was something else. Something controlled.

Someone had tamed this part of the apocalypse.

---

Tracking the Enemy

They had intercepted a signal on the stolen radio before leaving. A voice, calm and calculating, had instructed the now-dead scavengers to check in. When no response came, the leader had simply said:

"Move to secondary location. Confirm hostiles."

That meant two things:

1. The enemy knew something had happened.

2. They were regrouping.

Lian and the others followed the faint echoes of distant movement, keeping to the shadows. They crossed through ruined streets, careful to avoid areas where the dead still lurked. The last thing they needed was a horde slowing them down.

After nearly an hour, they found it.

A military outpost or what was left of one.

---

The Hidden Threat

Lian crouched behind an overturned truck, her eyes narrowing at the scene before her. Sandbags and makeshift barricades had been set up around the former outpost. A watchtower stood tall, a lone guard surveying the area with a scoped rifle.

They weren't just scavengers.

These people were organized. Armed. Dangerous.

Jiao cursed under his breath. "That's a goddamn fortress."

Chen studied the setup. "Not just that. They've been here for a while."

Lian exhaled. "They're not just survivors. They're building something."

Jiao scowled. "Great. So what now? Walk up and ask if they're taking applications?"

Chen ignored him. "We need to get closer."

Lian nodded. "We find a weak spot. See how many people are inside."

Jiao groaned. "I hate this plan."

---

A Fatal Mistake

They split up, circling the outpost from different angles.

Lian moved along the side of the base, keeping her steps light. From her position, she could see a stockpile of weapons and supplies crates filled with food, ammunition, even fuel.

This wasn't just a camp. It was a command center.

Her stomach twisted. If these people were prepared before the outbreak, that meant one thing they had known it was coming.

A shiver ran down her spine.

She turned back to signal the others—

Snap.

A boot against loose gravel.

Lian whipped around, but it was too late.

A cold barrel pressed against her temple.

"Move," a voice ordered.

---

Captured

Lian's heart pounded, but her face remained unreadable. Slowly, she raised her hands.

A man stood behind her, his gun steady. He wore a military vest, his stance too disciplined to be a mere scavenger.

A soldier.

Not just any soldier—one who had survived this long, one who followed orders.

Before she could react, another guard appeared, shoving Chen forward. Jiao was already on his knees, his hands behind his head.

Chen's jaw tightened. "Damn it."

Jiao glared at Lian. "I told you I hated this plan."

The soldier ignored them. He pressed his radio.

"Targets acquired. Bringing them in."

Lian's stomach dropped.

They had walked straight into the wolf's den.

---

The Enemy Revealed

They were dragged through the outpost's gates, past rows of weapons, supplies, and men standing at attention. This wasn't a random group of survivors. This was an operation.

A tall figure stepped forward, his presence commanding. He was older, his face lined with experience, his uniform worn but still intact. A military officer.

His gaze swept over them before landing on Lian.

"Well," he said, voice calm. "You must be the ones who killed my men."

Lian stared back, refusing to show fear. "They attacked us first."

The officer chuckled. "That's what scavengers do." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "But you're not just survivors, are you?"

Lian didn't answer.

The officer studied them for a long moment before sighing. "Take them inside. We have much to discuss."

As they were led deeper into the outpost, Lian's mind raced.

This wasn't just another fight for survival.

This was a war waiting to happen.

---