After confirming the apartnt’s location, the soldiers drove their military trucks into the residential complex.
The children danced happily, running toward the soldiers who arrived with confidence.
There were a total of 25 personnel, 15 soldiers and 10 elite mbers. Their task was simple: evacuate the survivors and bring them to the city.
"Alright. Everyone listen!"
"We brought two military trucks that can carry around 60 people. Line up properly and board the trucks in an orderly manner," the evacuation captain explained.
"The elderly first, then the children, and finally the young adults."
No one objected. His command sounded like a promise of a better life. One by one, they boarded the trucks and sat neatly.
Aamon and Mia stood beside the line, watching them carefully. The evacuation captain approached Aamon and gave a salute.
Aamon’s status was higher than his, just as Commander Robert had explained. Even though there was a large age gap, the difference in rank ant he still had to show respect.
"Is there anything else?" the man asked. Aamon shook his head.
"Just here," he replied.
Aamon glanced to the side, noticing the two forr raiders standing in line as well. He had already told Mia that they needed to be handed over to Robert for interrogation.
"Alright. Once everyone is on board, we’ll leave."
"Thank you for coming, Captain."
"It’s my duty to help others," the man said before heading back to organize the line.
Aamon took out a docunt and handed it to Mia. She looked surprised as she lowered her head to read it.
"What is this?" Mia asked.
"I believe it’s a map showing the locations of other raider groups."
"Are there other raider groups? That’s surprising," Mia replied.
"At first, I didn’t believe it either. But the other docunts showed transactions between yesterday’s group and others."
Mia tightened her grip on the docunt, reading it carefully. She had thought Darren’s group was the only one in the city. But reality said otherwise.
What Aamon said was true. There might be other raider groups in the city.
"What do you want to do with this?" Mia asked.
"Go to the army headquarters and hand it directly to Robert."
"Tell him I found it and that I’m the one asking him to investigate it," Aamon added.
"Will... he believe ?"
Aamon nodded. He was sure Robert would trust Mia, especially with many witnesses who saw Aamon at the evacuation site.
The chance of Mia lying in Robert’s eyes was very small.
"He will."
"Alright," Mia said, storing the docunt in her inventory.
The line of survivors grew shorter. It was ti for Mia to leave. Just before boarding, she stopped and turned around. Her eyes were watery as they t Aamon’s.
Her heart pounded, her face flushing red. Everyone began looking at her, waiting.
"Thank you for everything, Aamon," Mia said softly.
"Take care of yourself."
"Hmm."
Mia wiped her tears, turned around, and climbed into the truck, joining the other survivors. Selena was there beside her, waving goodbye to Aamon.
The evacuation captain approached Aamon again. "You’re not coming?"
Aamon shook his head slowly. "No."
"Alright. Take care of yourself, Aamon."
He turned and ordered his n to prepare to move. The trucks roared to life, exhaust smoke billowing as they drove away.
Aamon remained in front of the apartnt, alone, watching the evacuation unfold smoothly. Many of them waved, saying goodbye and thanking him.
The two military trucks disappeared from sight. Aamon let out a quiet breath of relief. He never expected to save an entire group when his original purpose was just to refuel.
At least they’re safe now.
Aamon turned around and walked toward his motorcycle. There was no one left at the apartnt, nothing left for him to do.
He started the engine and rode away, his destination not Chicago, but Indianapolis.
***
The next day
Aamon rode alone along the intercity road. The orange glow of dawn filled the horizon. He had been traveling for eight hours, avoiding monster-filled city roads and searching for alternate routes.
Sotis he had to take long detours. Other tis, he had to face monsters. But one thing was certain throughout his journey.
He hadn’t encountered a single survivor.
Although Aamon initially planned to go straight to Indianapolis, the distance was too far and ti-consuming without proper routes.
Without a map, this is pointless.
Because of that, Aamon changed his plan. He would make a stop in Springfield first, search for a map, rest, and hunt monsters.
After getting a map, he would continue to Indianapolis.
He sped along a four-lane highway, where abandoned cars and trucks blocked the road.
Fortunately, the flexibility of his motorcycle allowed him to pass through the obstacles. But sothing worried him.
If I don’t find a rest area and fuel soon, I might end up walking the rest of the way.
It wasn’t just fuel. Ti was also a concern. Night would co, and being alone on the road without shelter could be dangerous.
After 30 minutes, Aamon spotted a large rest area with a gas station. Many trucks and cars were scattered around. He hoped the fuel there wasn’t empty.
He entered the area and saw ruined buildings, abandoned, dirty, and neglected. There was a motel inside. The exterior was heavily damaged, but he hoped the rooms were still usable.
Aamon filled his tank, then rode toward the motel. He summoned his sword, staying alert in case monsters appeared.
The door creaked open. Inside, the furniture was in a ss. Several human corpses lay rotting, blackened and covered in flies.
One by one, he opened the motel rooms. Most were ssy, but only a few were contaminated with the stench of decay.
At the last door, Aamon reached out and tried to open it.
"Akhh!"
His hand burned the mont he touched the handle. It startled him. That clearly wasn’t caused by a monster.
Is soone inside?
He glanced at the window. The curtains were closed, unlike the other rooms.
Should I break the door down?
WOSH!
Aamon heard an arrow from behind. He turned quickly, raising his sword and deflecting it.
His sharp gaze locked forward. Two people stood behind him, a man and a woman. The man held a sword, while the woman carried a bow.
Other survivors? I thought no one was here.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" the man shouted.
"I’m a traveler. I found this place and planned to stay the night," Aamon replied.
"This place belongs to us!" the man snapped. "Leave before I kill you!"
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