Zombie Caught Alive??

It was around 5 in the evening, the dimming sunlight casting long shadows across the desolate college campus. Sitting on the weather-worn bench, I gazed at the captivating young woman in front of me. She was earnestly explaining her compelling argument for bringing a zombie into our makeshift laboratory.

"I can study the aberrations within them, understand what parts have mutated. We must decipher how they've gained unnatural strength, even when biology dictates otherwise. Furthermore, unlocking the mystery of how these once ordinary students transformed into these bloodthirsty monsters could be invaluable," she asserted, her tone brimming with determination.

I leaned back, crossing my arms, and met her serious gaze with a hint of skepticism. "It's not about your demand, it's about the peril I'd be putting myself in. Risking my life for this endeavor, what would be my reward? Nothing. I refuse to be swayed solely by a pretty face in the midst of this dire predicament."

She clasped her hands together, her eyes unwavering. "Why can't you grasp the urgency of this? I'm not equipped to combat them physically, but you are. You possess the experience and the prowess. This is not just for me; it's for all of humanity. It's for our survival, our future, and for your sake, mine, and everyone else out there."

I sighed, shaking my head. "Titles and accolades won't save me from becoming zombie chow if I get caught."

Her eyes narrowed with frustration. "Are you truly that obstinate? You won't reconsider?"

I leaned in closer, our faces mere inches apart. "I won't," I declared firmly.

Suddenly, she stood up, her hair fluttering in the slight breeze. "What if I offer myself to you?" she proclaimed, her voice unwavering.

I smirked, not falling for the dramatics. "This isn't a movie or anime where I'd instantly agree just because you offered yourself. Nice try, miss."

She gritted her teeth. "You... Fine! I'll do it on my own."

"Feel free to try," I responded nonchalantly.

Defeated, she attempted one final plea. "I won't share my ration with you."

With a shrug, I conceded, "Alright, I'll head out after regrouping and won't disturb you. I promise."

She let out an exasperated sigh. "Ughh... Fine, you win. I'll venture out alone. Just lend me that iron rod of yours," she said, motioning to the sturdy metal rod I had kept beside me.

A mischievous grin crept across my face. "You know, I could make a rather inappropriate joke right now."

She raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Sure, go ahead. But remember, this world may not be as forgiving as the one you knew, especially if the virus has spread beyond the college grounds."

A playful smirk tugged at my lips. "You know what? Let's give it a shot. In this world devoid of ordinary pleasures, this might be the closest thing to fun," I said, taking hold of the iron rod with newfound determination.

"Really, you'll actually do it?" Her voice held a spark of hope as a sudden smile graced her face.

"Miss, didn't you say you could read my expressions? You must know that I'm already fully committed," I replied with unwavering determination, adding a touch of humor to the conversation.

She let out an excited sigh. "Oh, thank you so much! This will be my first time experimenting on them. It's going to be quite the adventure. But first, let's strategize before we take action," she suggested, her playful smile revealing her anticipation.

I couldn't help but feel a flicker of doubt as I looked at that eerie grin of hers, but I couldn't backtrack on my word. Resolutely, I joined her in the planning process.

---

" I will just throw it at last and then close the door, right??" I asked her as she observed the glass flask in my hand.

"Indeed, that's the final step," she replied with a solemn expression.

We meticulously planned our actions, considering the horde of zombies outside.

---

"Shall we begin?" I stood near the closed door, stealing a final glance at the lovely face behind me.

"Come here, chuu**," Jazmen unexpectedly uttered, pulling my face closer and planting a brief kiss on my lips.

With no hint of embarrassment, she said, "You're brave, and I appreciate it," releasing my face.

I licked my lips in astonishment, her unexpected kiss fueling my determination. 'I didn't expect that, but it's great motivation. At least I have something to fight for,' I thought before gently opening the door.

As the door creaked open, I cautiously peered outside, assessing the situation. 'One on the right, approximately 4 feet away. Another on the left, roughly 10 feet distant,' I estimated.

I retrieved a glass flask from my back pocket after taking a single step beyond the door. With a spoon from my glove, I lightly tapped the flask, producing a ting* sound.

The zombie on the right reacted swiftly, shuffling towards me.

Inside the room, I stomped my foot firmly on the floor, signaling my presence.

As the sluggish zombie entered the room, a bit of liquid splashed onto its knees.

Swiftly, I swung my rod, shattering both of the zombie's knees with a sickening glurug* sound.

It fell with an eerie cry, not due to pain but as if it sensed something amiss.

Seizing the opportunity, I sprinted out of the laboratory.

We couldn't allow any zombies to breach the lab; even the seemingly weakest ones possessed formidable physical strength.

Outside, I encountered the zombie from the left, gripping my rod tightly with my shoulders squared and my body poised. I swung it with all my might, causing the zombie's head to twist grotesquely, almost tearing its skull open.

But to my surprise, the zombie became even more frenzied.

With its hands outstretched, it attempted to grasp me and bite, but I was no novice when it came to dispatching these creatures, even in challenging situations.

Using the end of my rod, I pushed its head slightly backward and delivered a powerful blow to the center of its skull.

The skull almost split in half but somehow clung on.

Nevertheless, the shattered skull and nearly obliterated brain significantly slowed down the zombie. I struck it from the side once more, and it fell lifeless just in front of the laboratory door.

I spotted more zombies in the hallway, closing in from both sides, and decided to use my last resort.

Drawing a larger glass flask, I hurled it about 10 feet away from the laboratory. The zombies immediately diverted their attention, drawn by the shattering glass and the loud noise it produced.

Moreover, the commotion attracted the attention of a nearby closed door, constructed of thin, transparent plastic and glass. The zombies smashed it open, pouring out of the classroom, increasing the small number in the hallway by many fold.

Feeling overwhelmed, I silently closed the door and retreated into the library.