Mutation Abyss-Chapter 39: Red Zone H3

Theo didn't answer Aries just yet and quickly sent a short message on his mobile phone first.

Calix glanced at him and seconded Aries, "She is right. The Red Zones are under heavy surveillance. The military is stationed at the barriers. We can't just stroll through the main checkpoint. How can we sneak in?"

Theo, sitting in the passenger seat beside Calix, glanced out the window and then turned to both of them. "We're not sneaking in."

Calix shot him a sideways look. "Then what are we doing?"

Theo let out a slow breath. "Three days ago, when I went on that supply run with Uncle Andres, I ran into someone.... Commander Brix Miller."

"Brix Miller?" Aries echoed, frowning. "Military?"

"Yeah," Theo nodded. "He's the one overseeing the Agro Province perimeter right now. I was with him before in the clearing of Metro Doctors Hospital. We talked. I told him what I've been planning about wanting to help with clearing infected zones and rescuing anyone still trapped."

Aries blinked. "And he just... agreed?"

"He didn't care about rank or whether I was officially part of AMSO," Theo said. "He just said, 'You don't need to flash a badge to save lives. If you're willing to fight and not get yourself killed, that's all I need.'"

Calix gave a short whistle. "Didn't think anyone up the chain still had that kind of mindset."

Theo gave a half-smile. "Neither did I."

As the truck rolled closer to the outskirts of Red Zone H3, the dull orange glow of the warning lights shimmered in the distance. Theo exhaled slowly. It had been a while since he'd seen real action. But more than that, he was hoping, just hoping, that he might still find survivors in the area.

That was the harsh reality of what the world had become. They couldn't even fully blame the government. AMSO and the military were doing their best, locking down infected areas, setting up barriers, and trying to contain the spread.

In some places, people were lucky. AMSO recruits reached those locked areas in time, fought off the infectees, and rescued the survivors. But not everywhere was that fortunate.

Some zones were completely cut off. Towns left to survive on their own, trapped behind barricades, surrounded by monsters, and waiting, sometimes in vain, for rescue. Agro Province was one of those unlucky places. Several of its districts had been sealed off early, and operations there were limited.

Theo had heard that only a handful of AMSO units had been assigned to clear the area. That meant any survivors left behind had been fending for themselves in isolation. The government provided food and medical supplies once a week, dropping them in boxes from helicopters. But it was never enough. freewebnoveℓ.com

Theo clenched his fists on his lap. He knew he could do more. He had the power now, no matter how unstable or unfamiliar it still felt. Going in wasn't just about completing a quest or gaining experience. It was a chance to save lives. A double win. Strengthen his abilities and give someone else a chance to live another day.

As the truck approached the barricade, Theo leaned forward. Soldiers flanked the sides of the road, weapons ready. Theo mentioned Commander Brix's name. One of them spoke into a radio, and a few seconds later, the gate creaked open just a crack, enough to let the truck roll through.

Then a familiar figure stepped into view.

"That's him," Theo said quietly.

Commander Brix walked toward them, dressed in full tactical gear. His expression was unreadable until he spotted Theo through the windshield.

"You actually came just minutes before I read your text message," Brix said, arms crossed. "And brought a welcoming committee, huh?"

Theo unbuckled and leaned halfway out the window. "They will just wait for me inside the car."

Brix glanced at Aries and Calix. "Alright. I'll keep an eye on them from here."

Then he turned to Theo and added, "You're lucky. AMSO hasn't sent any units into this zone yet, so you can move freely for now, no one's around to kick you out."

Then Brix reached into his vest and handed Theo a folded map. Call me if it gets ugly, we'll get you out."

Theo took it and gave a firm nod. "Thanks, Commander."

Brix gave a dry chuckle. "Don't thank me yet. Just get back in one piece."

Theo nodded and began to ready himself. As he moved toward the entrance, Aries and Calix followed, double-checking his own tactical gear. Aries adjusted his radio and then slipped a flare gun into the side pocket of his backpack.

"Just in case you need help and can't reach us, fire this," she said, giving him a firm look.

Her eyes flicked toward Commander Brix, who was busy talking to his soldiers. Lowering her voice, she asked, "Won't he at least send one soldier in with you?"

"They can't," Theo replied. "Only AMSO personnel are authorized to enter. Brix's orders are just to supervise the perimeter and make sure the Infectees don't breach the barriers."

"And yet, he's letting you walk in there alone, like it's nothing?!" Aries grumbled under her breath.

Theo chuckled. "Relax. I volunteered. He didn't force me. If anything, he's risking his own position by even letting me in. But the thing is... he cares. He's more worried about the people still trapped in there than rules."

He glanced at the barrier ahead and added, "The government has given AMSO full control over Red Zone operations now. Regular military isn't allowed inside unless AMSO units specifically request backup. That's just how things are."

She still looked uneasy, but after a moment, she gave a reluctant nod. "Fine. But if anything looks wrong, pull out quickly. No hesitation."

"Agreed," Theo said.

"Ready?" Brix asked from behind, and Theo nodded. Brix gave the signal, and soon, the barrier slowly opened. Theo turned to Aries and gave her a reassuring smile.

"I'll be fine," he said gently.

Aries tried to smile back but worry clouded her eyes.

Without another word, Theo stepped forward. He took a deep breath before crossing the threshold. A moment later, the barrier slid shut behind him.