After defeating the Bladeback Howler, the trio continued their journey towards the police station. Along the way, they spotted several more of these menacing wolves and deftly maneuvered around them, avoiding confrontation. An hour of cautious travel later, they found themselves nearing their destination.
"Once we turn right, we should see the police station. Don't rush; ensure the coast is clear," advised Liam, who was most familiar with the area, given that he worked at the police station.
As they approached the corner that would reveal the police station, they were taken aback by the sight before them.
"No!"
"Damn it!"
"How can this be?"
The police station stood mostly unscathed, but that wasn't what alarmed them. Surrounding the building were numerous Bladeback Howlers, some surveying the vicinity, while others appeared to be resting. Why were all these creatures gathered here? Well, that was because of the most unsettling sight there, a large blue portal at the center of the building, marking the entrance to a dungeon.
"What's happening? Even the police station's overrun by those creatures. What do we do now?" Asher voiced, uncertain of their next move.
"I don't kno-"
Crack.
A sudden noise from behind made Liam whirl around, handgun aimed and ready for any threat.
"Easy there! You wouldn't shoot your own Captain, would you, Officer Smith?" An older, bald man in a police uniform—the same as Liam's—stepped forward with a smirk.
"C-CAPTAIN!" Liam's face lit up with recognition, and he hurriedly closed the gap between them.
"Captain?" Asher and Sarah exchanged puzzled glances.
The man who stepped forward wore the unmistakable insignia of the police station's. However, what struck Asher the most was the man's advanced age—well beyond the usual retirement years. Each step he took seemed laborious, his limbs frail and shaky. The captain's presence in such a dire situation, given his evident physical vulnerability, left Asher deeply puzzled.
https://i.imgur.com/S3Ii4tH.png [https://i.imgur.com/S3Ii4tH.png]
"I'm relieved to see you're okay, Captain!"
Thud.
"Quiet down, you fool! Do you want those creatures to find us?" The elderly captain reprimanded, giving Liam a light smack on the head with his frail hands.
Liam chuckled sheepishly, "My apologies, Captain. I was just so happy to see you. What happened to the station? And the others?"
The captain replied gravely, "This isn't the place to discuss this. Follow me."
The trio fell in step behind the old captain, matching their pace to his deliberate, slow march. After a few minutes, the captain led them to a building that appeared to have weathered the chaos better than its neighbors. Its walls were intact, and the windows were barred, hinting at its possible use as a refuge.
The captain approached the entrance and paused momentarily. Then, with surprising agility for his age, he rapped on the door in a peculiar rhythm—three short knocks, a brief pause, two long ones, another pause, and then a single sharp knock. It seemed like a coded message, a secret handshake translated into sound. The group waited with bated breath, wondering who—or what—might answer.
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The door creaked open to reveal an elderly woman, her face lined with age and eyes sharp with a mixture of concern and relief. The trio exchanged glances, curiosity evident in their expressions. Before they could ponder on her identity, they watched in surprise as the old captain leaned in, giving the woman a gentle kiss on the cheek.
"Albert! How could you leave me alone for so long?" she chided, her voice carrying a blend of worry and affection.
The captain gave a rueful smile, "I'm sorry, Honey. Things just ended up this way."
Seeing their interaction, it dawned on the trio that the woman was none other than the captain's wife. The stern, commanding leader had a softer side, one that was devoted to the woman before them. The realization added another layer to the situation and deepened their respect for the elderly man.
"Oh! You've brought survivors with you! Please, come inside. Can I offer you something to eat or drink?" the elderly woman offered warmly, her voice gentle.
"Let's move inside. We'll talk there." the captain directed.
"Right away, sir!" Liam responded promptly.
"Thank you for letting us in." Asher said gratefully.
"We appreciate your hospitality." Sarah added.
The old woman turned to Sarah, her eyes taking in the younger woman's appearance. "Dear, your hair's in quite a state. It must have been tough out there. Would you like to freshen up with a shower?"
Sarah's eyes brightened at the suggestion. "A shower? Mm!"
The warm, inviting interior of the house was a stark contrast to the desolation outside. Soft lamplight illuminated the cozy living area, revealing plush chairs and worn-out couches that told stories of countless family gatherings. Framed photographs adorned the walls, capturing happier times that seemed a world away.
The captain's wife, moved with surprising agility for her age, leading Sarah to a bathroom equipped with basic needs. "You'll find towels in the cupboard. Take your time, dear." she said kindly, leaving Sarah with a grateful smile on her face.
In the main room, the captain motioned for Liam and Asher to sit.
Asher remarked, "It's surprising that your building was affected so slightly when all the others weren't."
The old man responded, "I share your surprise. Perhaps God showed us some mercy."
A sense of urgency clouded his eyes. "We don't have much time," he began, "The creatures outside are growing in number, and it's only a matter of time before things get worse."
Liam leaned forward, eager to grasp the depth of the captain's statement. "What do you mean we don't have much time?" he asked.
The captain paused, choosing his words carefully. "My knowledge of the global situation is limited, but this much is clear: the longer that portal remains open, the more creatures will emerge, escalating the threat we face. Officer Carl briefed me on the situation."
"Officer Carl's here? Oh, what a relief he's safe!"
"Officer Carl?" Asher questioned.
"Yes, he's my mentor." Liam responded with admiration. "It's no exaggeration to say he's the one I respect and learn from the most."
Asher nodded in understanding.
The captain interjected, "About Officer Carl, he ventured into the portal to halt the creatures' emergence. That was five hours ago, accompanied by three other officers."
Asher's eyes widened in alarm. "Five hours? That's an eternity in there! What if he's in danger?"
The captain sighed, "I share your worry, but it was their call. I couldn't dissuade them. Their objective seemed to be clearing the portal to regain access to the emergency communication line within the station."
Liam caught on, "So he's trying to establish contact with the higher-ups, possibly even the military."
The captain nodded, "Exactly. And from what Clark shared, before this unexpected catastrophe they had been relocated to this 'Tower of Awakening'. It's said that those with certain potential can enter and awaken special powers. Have you experienced this too?"
Liam responded affirmatively to the captain's inquiry. "Indeed, both of us have acquired abilities to combat those monsters."
The captain paused, taking a deep breath and gathering his thoughts. "I recognize the weight of what I'm about to ask, but will you heed one final request from me as your captain?"
Liam straightened up, determination evident in his stance. "Captain, always. What do you need?"
The captain's voice quivered with urgency, "Please, secure the portal and save our officers, if time hasn't run out for them."
Liam glanced over at Asher, seeking his thoughts on the captain's request. Asher seemed deep in contemplation for a moment.
"This seems like our only option. The emergency communication device in the station is our final hope." Asher reflected.
He then gave a firm nod of agreement.
Seeing the determined nod from both Liam and the affirmation from Asher's, the captain's eyes shimmered with gratitude. "Thank you, both of you," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Sarah, having returned from her shower, took in the scene. Her damp hair framed her face, and she looked refreshed but concerned. "What did I miss?"