Alice had been to the Hive before and she'd escaped from it. She knew these corridors.
With Alice leading, the three of them slipped into the Hive without trouble. Instantly, the world turned pitch black.
Vincent Fox grew cautious. Having seen the story's plot, he knew the Hive was treacherous. No matter how strong he'd become, one misstep could doom him.
"Be careful," Vincent cautioned. "If Umbrella's headquarters really is down here, it'll be extremely dangerous."
Though Carlos Young and Alice were only his unwitting allies, Vincent nonetheless hoped Alice would survive. She was the heroine of this world if she died here, unexpected complications might arise.
Alice and Carlos both nodded gravely. Neither was reckless; both respected Vincent's warning.
Quietly, the three began edging forward, searching for a route to the Hive's lowest level.
…
Elsewhere, a group of War Saint Academy students huddled in a ruined room, surrounded by slow-moving zombies.
"I'm out of bullets!"
"Same here no ammo left!"
"We're done for! We're going to die!"
"I, I don't want to die! I haven't even found a boyfriend yet… sob."
Attracted by prior gunfire, the zombies pressed in closer. The students were nearly out of options.
Just when all seemed lost, a high-pitched thwip cut through the chaos. An arrow flew in unerringly, piercing a zombie's skull.
One after another, more arrows rained down and every shot found its mark.
The students gaped in disbelief.
A crisp female voice rang out, "What are you waiting for? Get over here now!"
The survivors looked up and saw their rescuer had cleared a path through the undead. Hope renewed, they scrambled to safety.
Moments later, they sheltered in a nearby room. Peering out, they recognized their savior.
"Class president!"
"We didn't expect you to save us!"
"Thank goodness!"
"Your archery is incredible!"
They stared at Autumn Su in awe and gratitude some of the boys' eyes even glinted with admiration.
Autumn Su regarded them calmly. "I'm glad you're all safe. Stay alert the days ahead will be long."
Without another word, she turned and left.
Previously, she would have stayed to team up, but after Vincent's selfless act, her heart had grown colder. She no longer wanted close ties with anyone her thoughts lingered on that one man's unwavering sacrifice.
…
Meanwhile, deep in the Hive, Vincent, Alice, and Carlos pressed onward. They soon reached the core: a transparent passage barred their way.
Vincent paused at Alice's warning. "Careful, Alice this corridor is dangerous."
Alice frowned, then stepped forward. "I'll go first and shut it down."
Vincent hid a grin. Perfect Alice, the natural protagonist, volunteered to risk herself. He would gladly let her lead.
Carlos only managed a cautious, "Be careful," before Alice vanished into the glowing corridor.
No sooner had she advanced than the passage's defense sprang to life: a white-hot cutting beam formed at the far end, racing toward her neck.
Alice deftly dodged each deadly laser in a blur of motion several passed mere inches from her throat.
Vincent marveled: her speed and reflexes were extraordinary, even compared to his own capabilities.
At last, Alice reached the switch and deactivated the lasers. "It's safe. You both can come through."
Vincent and Carlos joined her. Alice's face was solemn.
"Something's wrong," she said. "This place should be abandoned but its power systems are still active."
Carlos frowned. "You mean someone's maintaining it?"
Alice nodded. "Your intel must be true."
Feigning analysis, Vincent replied, "We're in serious danger now. Umbrella's leadership may already know we're here and they won't let us proceed unchallenged."
Before he could finish, a monstrous roar echoed from the darkness…
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Looking for feedback on this pivotal chapter your thoughts and comments keep the story going!