Chapter 2 - 1 - Survive
Terror had broken loose. Screams echoed as students scattered in panic. Some slipped through the gate, but many turned back, instinctively heading for their classrooms seeking familiarity, safety. But in this new world, safety was a fragile illusion.
Julian stumbled along with the others. His breath came in short gasps. His eyes darted around wildly. The world outside had become a nightmare.
A friend grabbed his sleeve, pulling him toward the building.
"THE CLASSROOM! BACK INSIDE! HURRY!" someone yelled.
They rushed back through the hallways, heading for their old classroom. Some students limped, bleeding and terrified. In the chaos, Mr. Rauf stood in the doorway, his face slick with sweat and blood that might not have been his.
"DON’T GO BACK TO THE CLASSROOM! GO TO THE EVACUATION ROOM! EVERYONE TO THE EVA—!"
He didn’t finish.
A monstrous howl cut through the air. In seconds, decayed figures lunged from the far end of the corridor fast, feral, rabid.
Mr. Rauf turned too late.
They pounced. Dragged him down. Tore him apart right before the students’ eyes. Blood sprayed, his screams cut short.
Julian backed away slowly, his face blank but his left hand trembling violently. He’d seen gore in games and movies but seeing it up close, smelling it, hearing bones snap and flesh tear... that was horror beyond imagination.