The team returned to the safe zone as the sun began to set, its golden rays casting a soft glow over the fortified walls. Exhausted but relieved, they dragged their supplies through the heavily guarded gates. The guards quickly inspected their haul and waved them through, their faces a mix of envy and admiration.

Inside, the safe zone was bustling with activity. Makeshift tents lined the streets, and groups of people gathered to share scant meals or exchange hushed conversations. Children played with scavenged toys while their parents kept watch, their eyes darting nervously toward the gates.

Carter led the team toward the central command tent, where the council awaited their report. Jiang Ye walked beside him, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of the Lingfeng Sword, his mind replaying the events at the warehouse.

The council consisted of military officers and civilian leaders, their faces marked by fatigue and tension. As the team entered the tent, the room fell silent.

“Report,” one of the officers said curtly.

Carter stepped forward. “We brought back some supplies: canned food, bottled water, and medical kits. But there’s something you need to know.”

He glanced at Jiang Ye, who stepped forward as well. “The warehouse was... unusual. There were no zombies, but it was filled with mutated rats. They were fast, coordinated, and highly aggressive. We barely made it out.”

A murmur rippled through the room. A middle-aged civilian leader with sharp features leaned forward, her eyes narrowing.

“Mutated rats? Are you saying the virus is affecting animals?”

“It’s possible,” Jiang Ye replied. “But we need more information. If these mutations spread, the safe zone’s defenses might not hold.”

“We’ll increase patrols and reinforce the gates,” another officer said. “But supplies remain the priority. We need to keep sending teams out.”

The room’s tension was palpable. The council began debating their next steps while Jiang Ye’s team stood silently, waiting for the meeting to conclude.

After the debriefing, the supplies were taken to the distribution center. A long line had already formed down the street, families clutching ration cards with desperation etched on their faces.

Anna watched the scene with a heavy heart. “It’s never enough, is it?” she murmured.

“No,” Elaine replied grimly. “But it’s all we can do.”

The team handed over the supplies and stood to the side, observing the process. Tensions ran high as people argued over portions. A young mother broke down in tears when she was told there wasn’t enough formula for her baby.

“This can’t go on,” Michael said, his voice low but firm. “We need a better system—more resources, more security.”

Jiang Ye nodded. “But first, we need to survive. If the mutations spread, none of this will matter.”

That evening, the team gathered around a small fire in their corner of the safe zone. Emily sat on Michael’s lap, her head resting against his chest as he quietly reassured her. Elaine sharpened her metal rod while Wang Han tried to lighten the mood with a joke, though his usual humor felt forced.

Jiang Ye stared into the flames, his mind replaying the image of the mutated rats swarming toward them. The scene was seared into his memory. He knew they couldn’t rely on luck forever.

“We need to prepare for what’s coming,” he said finally, breaking the silence. “More training, more supplies, and better coordination. This safe zone won’t last if we don’t adapt.”

The others nodded, their expressions serious. Even Wang Han, who usually deflected tension with humor, looked determined.

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“Then let’s make sure we’re ready,” Elaine said. “No more close calls.

The morning air in the safe zone carried a rare sense of calm, but Jiang Ye knew better than to trust it. The memory of the mutated rats and their coordinated attack lingered in his mind, a constant reminder that the world was evolving—and not in humanity’s favor. He sat near the perimeter wall, sharpening the Lingfeng Sword, its blade gleaming under the faint sunlight.

Elaine approached, carrying two steaming cups of instant coffee.

“Here. Thought you could use this,” she said, handing one to Jiang Ye. Her usual confident demeanor was muted, her expression thoughtful.

“Thanks,” Jiang Ye said, accepting the cup. He took a sip, letting the bitter warmth ground him.

Elaine settled down beside him. “So, what’s the plan? You’ve been quiet since the council meeting.”

Jiang Ye exhaled deeply. “We can’t ignore what we saw. If the virus is mutating animals, it’s only a matter of time before we face something worse. We need to start thinking beyond just surviving day to day.”

Elaine nodded. “The others feel it too. Michael’s been sticking close to Emily; Anna’s doubled down on her medical prep. Even Wang Han’s been quieter.” She paused, glancing at Jiang Ye. “You’re thinking about training us, aren’t you?”

Jiang Ye turned to her, his gaze steady. “Yes. We’ve all survived so far, but that won’t be enough for what’s coming. Everyone needs to be stronger, faster, smarter.”

Before Jiang Ye could elaborate, a commotion erupted near the central square. Shouts echoed through the camp, drawing Jiang Ye and Elaine to their feet. They abandoned their coffee and rushed toward the noise.

A crowd had gathered around one of the smaller medical tents. Inside, a man lay on a cot, writhing and groaning. His skin was pale, almost translucent, and his veins stood out in dark, spider-like patterns. Anna and Reynes were already inside, frantically checking his vitals.

“What happened?” Jiang Ye demanded as he pushed through the crowd.

“He came back from a scavenging run last night,” Anna explained, her voice tight. “Said he’d been scratched by something in an alley. We thought it was just a minor wound, but this morning...” She gestured helplessly at the man.

Reynes added, “We’ve seen infected wounds before, but this... this is different. His heart rate is erratic, and his temperature’s through the roof. He’s mutating, but not into a zombie.”

The words sent a chill through the crowd. Whispers spread like wildfire: “Another mutation?” “What does this mean?” “Are we all at risk?”

“Everyone back!” Carter barked, pushing the crowd away from the tent. “Give them space to work.”

Inside, the man let out a guttural scream, his body convulsing. His fingers began to elongate, nails sharpening into claws. Anna and Reynes stepped back, their faces pale.

“We have to contain him,” Jiang Ye said, stepping forward. “If he fully mutates, he’ll be a threat to everyone here.”

Michael arrived, carrying his rifle, his face grim. “What’s the plan, Jiang?”

Jiang Ye glanced at the man on the cot, who was now thrashing violently, his eyes glowing faintly with an unnatural light.

“We can’t let him turn,” Jiang Ye said firmly. “If this mutation spreads, it could be worse than the zombies.”

“There’s still a chance we can help him,” Anna protested. “We don’t know enough yet.”

“And if we’re wrong?” Elaine countered, her grip tightening on her metal rod. “We’ve seen what these mutations can do. Are you willing to risk the whole camp?”

The tent fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Jiang Ye finally spoke, his voice steady but tinged with regret.

“Michael, guard the entrance. No one else comes in. Elaine, Reynes, get ready to neutralize him if he breaks free. Anna, I need you to do what you can, but if there’s no progress within the hour, we make the hard call.”

Anna’s hands trembled as she nodded. “Understood.”

The next hour was a blur of tense activity. Anna and Reynes worked tirelessly, administering sedatives and monitoring the man’s vital signs. The crowd outside grew restless, their murmurs of fear and frustration rising with each passing minute.

Inside the tent, Jiang Ye remained vigilant, the Lingfeng Sword unsheathed and ready. His gaze never left the mutating man, whose breathing had grown shallow and labored. His claw-like fingers twitched involuntarily, and his glowing eyes darted around the room, filled with a primal hunger.

Finally, Anna stepped back, her face etched with defeat. “I’ve tried everything. He’s too far gone.”

Jiang Ye nodded grimly. “Then we end it.”

Elaine and Michael moved into position as Jiang Ye raised his sword. The man let out one final, guttural roar before Jiang Ye struck, his blade swift and precise. The tent fell silent, save for Anna’s quiet sobs.

As the body was removed and burned outside the camp, Jiang Ye addressed the gathered crowd. “We don’t know how far these mutations will go, but we do know this: the virus is changing. We need to stay vigilant, stay united, and prepare for the worst.”

The crowd dispersed slowly, fear evident in their eyes. Back at the fire that evening, Jiang Ye gathered his team.

“This changes everything,” he said. “Mutations aren’t just isolated to animals anymore. We’re going to see more cases like this, and we need to be ready.”

Elaine nodded. “What’s the plan?”

“Training starts tomorrow,” Jiang Ye replied. “If we want to survive what’s coming, we need to be stronger than ever.”

The group exchanged determined looks, the firelight reflecting in their eyes. They knew the road ahead would be perilous, but together, they would face it head-on.