Chapter 9: Escape From The City

As the truck continued its tumultuous journey down the road, a sense of urgency enveloped everyone inside. Shen Feng, now fully back on the roof, resolved to reinforce their defenses before they faced any more close encounters with the undead.

"Hang tight!" he shouted, steadying himself as they navigated uneven terrain. His heart raced as he scanned the horizon for movement. There was no time to lose.

Inside the truck, tension gripped Chang Jianyi, who remained alert beside Lao Yang as they maneuvered through a sea of abandoned vehicles. "We can't slow down now!" she urged, her voice a mix of fear and determination. "Keep your focus, we need to look for a safe route!"

Lao Yang tightened his grip on the wheel, sweat beading on his forehead. "I see a path—there, to the left! We can skirt around those wrecks!" He veered sharply, the tires squealing against the pavement as they pivoted away from a horde of shambling shadows.

As the truck swerved, Shen Feng balanced precariously on top, the wind whipping around him. Just as he was about to take a moment to breathe, the unmistakable sound of rapid shuffling broke through the cacophony of the engine. He could feel it before he saw it: a new threat was approaching.

"Agh! Maybe the zombies are faster when they're angry!" he muttered under his breath as he prepared for an onslaught. He had encountered enough of their kind to understand that the chaos created by his teammates would undoubtedly attract more.

Suddenly, a zombie leapt onto the back of the truck, lurid yellow eyes fixed on Shen Feng. It was another speed-type, its agility making it a formidable opponent. "Not again!" he growled, anticipating a struggle.

The creature lunged forward, claws extended, aiming for his throat. Shen Feng ducked just in time, rolling off the side of the truck and landing on the pavement with a thud. Pain shot through his body, but he could feel the adrenaline course through him like fire.

Establishing his footing, he quickly regained his composure and drew the crowbar from his belt. "Come on! Is that all you've got?" he taunted. The zombie snarled, its teeth snapping menacingly as it prepared to pounce again.

Back in the truck, Chang Jianyi and Lao Yang exchanged horrified glances. "We can't just leave him out there!" Chang Jianyi insisted, her expression tight with worry.

"He can handle it!" Lao Yang replied, though doubt flickered in his eyes. "But we can't stop for him! We have to keep moving!" The thought of losing Shen Feng sent chills down his spine, but urgency outweighed sentiment.

Shen Feng faced the zombie head-on. Timing was everything. He feigned to the left, then swung his crowbar hard to the right, connecting with the side of the zombie's skull. The creature staggered but didn't fall, its relentless hunger driving it forward.

With a surge of determination, he turned the crowbar around and thrust it into the creature's throat with all his might. The sickening squelch of flesh rent as the zombie crumpled to the ground, defeated.

Panting heavily, Shen Feng looked up to see the truck still moving down the road, the distant sound of Chang Jianyi's voice reaching him: "We need to find an alternative route before more of them arrive!"

He quickly scrambled back onto the truck, relaying his warning. "We've got to get moving! The noise is just going to bring in more!"

Lao Yang accelerated, adrenaline coursing through him as he navigated through the chaos, weaving expertly around abandoned vehicles and debris. The road ahead grew more treacherous by the minute, littered with obstacles that could easily spell disaster if they weren't careful.

As they turned another bend, the sight of a small grocery store came into view, its windows shattered and doors ajar. "Should we stop for supplies?" Lao Yang asked breathlessly, glancing at Shen Feng for approval.

"Only if we can get in and out quickly! We can't risk a long stay, especially not with those speed monsters about!" Shen Feng declared, clenching his fists. Time was ticking, and any delay would leave them vulnerable.

Chang Jianyi nodded. "Let me direct the others. We'll grab the essentials—food, water, anything we can carry. But we need to be quick!"

As the truck slowed, the group began to disembark, weapons raised and eyes wide with caution. Shen Feng took the lead, scouting ahead. "Stay alert and stick together!"

They slipped through the entrance, and Shen Feng's heart sank at the sight of scattered items and signs of struggle. Boxes lay toppled, and hints of bloodstains marred the floor. Fear gnawed at him, but he pushed it aside—now wasn't the time for hesitation.

"Grab what you can!" he ordered, sweeping through the aisles. Chang Jianyi and the others began tossing supplies into a backpack and baskets, each second feeling agonizingly drawn out.

Suddenly, a cacophony of moans arose from the back of the store, making everyone freeze in their tracks. "Zombies," Shen Feng hissed, eyes darting toward the source.

"Quick, we need to-" he started, but before he could finish, the sound of shuffling footsteps echoed louder, drowning out his warning. Without thinking, he raised his crowbar, ready to protect everyone, instincts kicking in.

The door was blocked, and the only way to escape was through the front. "We move now!" he yelled, as a wave of grotesque figures emerged, drawn to the noise.

Zombies burst into the aisle, and Shen Feng charged toward them, swinging the crowbar with all his might. He felt the impact resonate through his bones, pushing forward to clear a path for the others.

"We can't stay here!" Chang Jianyi shouted, desperately pulling supplies as she ordered everyone out. The tension escalated as more undead poured into the store, each moment growing more frantic.

"Go, go, go!" Shen Feng yelled, echoing the urgency in the air. With each swing, he pushed the wave aside, creating a narrow space for the others to escape.

Everyone rushed past him, one by one, and soon it was just him and Lao Yang left. Grim determination filled Shen Feng's mind as he prepared to give them the chance they needed. Finally, Lao Yang found a small window of escape and made a hard dash towards it.

"Shen Feng!" Lao Yang called back, panic in his voice.

"I'll hold them off, just go!" Shen Feng shouted, feeling the weight of the moment. Driven by adrenaline, he began to fall back towards the door, ready to fend off the zombies with the strength of sheer will.

At that moment, he knew they had to escape. Together.