Chapter 2
[HOST IDENTIFIED.] [System Rebooting: Host has been selected.]
[Host physical condition: Critical… emergency healthcare administered.]
I coughed loudly, something jerked my heart roughly forcing me into consciousness. Blood gathered in my mouth. [Calculating survival possibility… 51%]
With pure surprise, I smiled weakly, at least I still had a chance at life.
[Host selected has one goal. Find the Elixir and administer to infected individuals]
Wait… wait… “I'm—" the words got stuck in my throat. Even breathing felt like a chore. I cursed underneath my breath.
A bright holographic screen appeared in front of me. It hung four inches above the bridge of my nose.
I groaned in pain. My breathing had stabilized by now but it was still painful. Also, the ringing sensation had reduced. [Objective: Meet teammate and survive]
I forced myself to sit up. I reached for the gas mask and put it on again. I was able to breathe properly again and somehow the cupboard had vanished.
My bag of spices was still at arms length. I let out a sigh of relief. I looked up at the screen, it was still there. It read; Host Attributes: Name: Elodie Callaway
Strengths: 9 (Average Female: 6.5)
Agility: 7.8 (Similar ability to Cheetah; needed for mission progression).
Endurance: 5.5 (Ability to watch favorite character die without breaking down. Permissible interactions).
Reaction: 2.5 (Extremely gullible and naive. Below average).
Resistance: 4 (Infection imminent if bitten).
I hit the screen, all these were incorrect to me. My hand slid through, it wasn't a physical tablet. I began to sulk.
[Vital Information: Teammate approaching].
A young boy who looked my age entered the store. He had a visible scar on his face and he looked injured because he was limping.
His eyes met mine and I felt a cold surge in my spine. Then a smile spread across his face as he tried to reach me faster.
When he stood face to face with me, he stretched out his hand for a handshake, “The name's Ian, Ian Moretti”.
His grip was strong even when injured. He pulled me up to my feet, “I'm Elodie Callaway," I introduced myself.
I picked up the bag holding the spice and tied it to the hem of my shirt. I couldn't imagine losing it after all the trouble it took to get it.
Zombies began to hit on the window panes, attempting to break in. I knew a shortcut that led back to my house.
Without any explanation I put his arm around my neck and assisted him. We half-walked half-ran the entire way.
By the time we stood in front of my door we were panting heavily. The zombies were on our tails.
I pushed the door open and threw him inside before entering myself. In a split second I bolted it and slid down to the floor, " Phew, that was close,” I exclaimed.
He began to giggle. Was this a game to him? Our lives were in danger. **********
"I'm so sorry that I—,” Julian's voice came from the other end of his phone.
He was my boyfriend. We had been together for four years. He was also my childhood friend.
It was rare for him to hit up my phone. Usually we communicated via text messages. Did something happen?
Ian was seated at the table munching on the weetabix biscuits Melody, my younger sister, offered him.
The line went dead.
Had zombies attacked Julian? Was he safe?
I began to pace around. The phone glued to my fingers, “Julian’s in danger," I screamed.
Ian covered his ears. “Does he live close by?" He asked.
I shook my head. He lived ten streets away ever since his family moved because they found out we were a thing.
Ian arched his eyebrows at me. “You're lucky I know how to drive. We'll gather up empty jerricans so we can fill them up with fuel," he said.
Melody's door opened. It was just opposite the living room where Ian and I were. Mom had relocated to her own room upstairs.
"I don't know…” her face was pointed to the floor, "... I want to come with you,” she said.
I waited for her to finish. "It's too dangerous, Melody,” I shot at her. She grabbed the hem of her shirt.
Her knuckles tightened. She raised her head and looked directly at me, "I've played a lot of fighting games. I can be of help".
I ignored her and took Ian by the wrist. We headed for my family's jeep. I tossed the keys in his hand and jumped into the passenger’s seat.
Some zombies had already taken notice of us but we zoomed off before they came in contact.
We took a risky stop at the gas station. We were also almost at Julian's. I couldn't help but worry for him.
The jeep already had six or seven jerricans in its boot— remember I said Mom was a hoarder.
Ian was only able to fill four of the jerricans when we got surrounded. My head began to ring again, and I think the same thing was happening to him because he pressed his palm against his face. [Warning: Hostile enemies approaching]
“Of course, we can see that," I yelled at the invisible voice, and one of the zombies lunged at me.
But Ian managed to ward it off. I had to do something. Anything.
[Host should choose between these three objects: knife, club, or spear]
"What are we… in the ice age?” I yelled at it. [Request terminated… 79%]
“Spear!" I screamed.
[Host selected spear].
An iron headed spear materialized in my hands. I turned to Ian, he was holding a wooden club. I held back my laughter.
The more I stabbed the zombies, the faster they revived. I was losing hope, "Aim for their brains,” Ian instructed.
It worked. They were falling flat on the ground. In less than an hour we were done with them.
I high-fived him but he looked puzzled. Wasn't he accustomed to things like this?
[Mission Completed. Lvl 2 Gun Acquired].