The imposing figure of the tiger receded into the distance, fading from Jerry's sight, leaving behind only the remains of the fallen ants. Jerry, holding Kelly, ventured into the nearby apartment building, and the inhabitants sighed with relief upon seeing them. However, their relief was short-lived as Kelly's critical condition became evident. She was the linchpin of their group, their emotional anchor, and now she lay unconscious, unreachable.
As Jerry grappled with fear and uncertainty, a loud voice echoed from below, "Is anyone here?" Jerry dashed to the window, spotting several armored vehicles. "We're here!" he shouted in response.
A voice boomed from one of the vehicles, "Stay calm. Are there any super-powered individuals among you?"
"Yes, both of us!" Jerry replied, pointing to Kelly.
Slowly, the doors of the armored vehicles opened, revealing two heavily armed soldiers. Their eyes, filled with caution, focused on Jerry and Kelly. "Our sensors detected energy signatures of super-powers, especially from her," one soldier noted, pointing at Kelly.
A knot of anxiety formed in Jerry's stomach. He was aware of Kelly's formidable abilities but hadn't anticipated the military's knowledge of them. The soldier continued, "We have orders to escort super-powered individuals to a secure zone. You will be protected."
"She's injured and needs medical attention," Jerry emphasized.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
The soldier hesitated, then ordered, "Get in. We'll take her to the nearest medical station."
As they journeyed to the military base, the inquisitive soldier asked, "Besides her, who else has powers?"
After some deliberation and recalling the tiger's warning, Jerry divulged only a portion of the truth. "I can transform into a mosquito."
The soldier chuckled, "Such a puny power, especially compared to hers."
Embarrassed, Jerry remained silent, knowing the current situation was exceptional. Kelly's well-being was his priority. The roaring engines seemed to drown out the world as he clung to Kelly's hand, trying to offer solace. The scenes outside were harrowing – once vibrant cities lay in ruin, with abandoned vehicles strewn across the streets and remnants of fires and explosions everywhere. To make matters worse, mutated creatures roamed freely, scavenging for food.
Three hours later, the imposing walls of the military base came into view, offering a semblance of safety. Soldiers moved briskly, their faces etched with determination and concern.
Kelly was immediately taken to the medical bay. As doctors and nurses worked feverishly around her, Jerry waited anxiously outside. The talkative soldier, now known to be a squad leader named Allen, seemed to want to converse but hesitated.
Soon, a doctor approached, "She's stable but will need further care and observation."
Relieved, Jerry inquired about the current world situation. Allen briefed him on the aftermath of nuclear explosions and subsequent calamities that had resulted in significant casualties. He mentioned the emergence of super-powered individuals and the military's classification system for them. Jerry's ability, though seemingly minor, was deemed valuable for reconnaissance and transport in a world where aircraft were at risk from mutated bird flocks.
However, Allen's disclosure was interrupted by an affluent man, who protested the idea of mandatory military service. Allen quickly silenced him with a stern rebuke, reminding everyone of the gravity of their new reality.