Chapter 15: Temporary Refuge
As morning rising, The group moved quickly, searching for better temporary base where they could rest and regroup. Azizah's system chimed softly, indicating that the challenge had been updated.
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System Update
Objective: Secure a Safe Haven
Challenge: Locate a suitable temporary base and fortify it.
Reward: +50 Points,
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Azizah glanced at Leon, Kevin, and Claire, who were helping Sherry and Annette stay steady. "We need to find shelter before another horde finds us," she said, her tone commanding but calm. "There should be an abandoned warehouse nearby. It's defensible and large enough for all of us."
Ada raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know that?"
Azizah shrugged, her face unreadable. "Call it intuition."
Ada smirked but said nothing.
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The Search
The trek to the warehouse was slow. The streets were littered with corpses, overturned vehicles, and remnants of barricades hastily constructed and quickly overrun. Every shadow seemed to hide potential threats.
Sherry clung to Claire's hand, her wide eyes darting around nervously. "Are we going to be okay?" she whispered.
Claire crouched to meet her gaze. "We'll be fine, Sherry. Stay close to me."
Azizah led the group with her baton in hand, every step calculated. Her system highlighted potential threats, and she relayed instructions to the group.
"Leon, take the left flank. Kevin, cover the rear," she ordered, scanning their surroundings. "Claire, keep Sherry in the middle."
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The Warehouse
The group reached the warehouse after an hour of tense travel. The building was large, with a corrugated metal exterior. Its windows were shattered, and the doors hung loosely on their hinges. It was far from ideal, but it was better than nothing.
Azizah stepped inside first, her enhanced senses alert. The warehouse was mostly empty, save for a few crates and barrels scattered around. There were no immediate signs of danger.
"This will do," she said, motioning for the others to enter.
Leon and Kevin began barricading the doors with whatever they could find, while Claire and Annette tended to Sherry. Ada leaned against a wall, watching everything with her usual calm detachment.
Azizah's system chimed again.
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System Update
Objective Completed: Secure a Safe Haven
Challenge Progress: 100%
Reward Claimed: +50 Points, 2 Gacha Spins.
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Azizah allowed herself a moment of relief. They were safe—for now.
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Spinning the Wheel
Azizah found a quiet corner and activated her system. She still had multiple spins available, and now was the perfect time to use them.
"Let's see what fate has in store," she muttered, selecting the gacha spin option.
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Spin 1: Five Herbs (Healing Items - Resident Evil)
A collection of glowing herbs materialized in her inventory. She smiled, knowing they would be invaluable in the days to come.
Spin 2: Tifa's Leather Gloves (Final Fantasy VII)
Azizah's breath hitched as she held up the familiar gloves. The leather was supple yet sturdy, a perfect blend of comfort and combat efficiency. She slipped them on, feeling a surge of strength and familiarity.
Spin 3: empty can (Zonk)
The final spin left her momentarily disoriented but accept her luck for now.
Azizah returned to the group, her newfound items in tow.
She handed the herbs to Claire. "Use these if anyone gets injured. They're more effective than they look."
Claire nodded, her expression cautious but grateful.
Azizah showed Kevin and Leon the gloves. "These should give me an edge in close combat," she said, flexing her fingers.
Kevin chuckled. "You're full of surprises."
"That's one way to put it," Leon added with a grin.
The warehouse was dimly lit, the only light coming from a few scattered lanterns and the occasional beam of moonlight through cracked windows. Despite the chaos outside, the group found a fleeting sense of safety in their temporary base. Leon, Kevin, Claire, and Sherry huddled around Marvin, who had arrived with the rest of the surviving RPD officers.
"Good work securing this place," Marvin said, his voice weary but grateful. He scanned the group, his gaze lingering on Annette and Sherry. "It's better than the station… for now."
Azizah nodded, though her thoughts were elsewhere. Her system had been silent since their arrival, yet a sense of unease lingered. She couldn't shake the feeling that their challenges weren't over.
Marvin cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Before we settle in too much, there's something urgent we need to discuss."
"What is it?" Leon asked, crossing his arms.
"One of the survivors we rescued managed to track down Chief Irons' location," Marvin said. "He's alive and holed up at the orphanage on the outskirts of the city."
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To Be Continued...