Chapter 3: Chapter 3: A Challenge to Rewrite Fate
Chaos erupted as the doors of the Raccoon City Police Department (RPD) burst open, and the horrors of the outbreak spilled inside. Grotesque, bloodied figures stumbled forward, their moans sending chills down Azizah's spine. Gunfire echoed through the main hall as officers scrambled to fend off the approaching horde.
Azizah raised her baton, her other hand instinctively brushing against her sidearm. But before she could move, a familiar ding resonated in her mind, halting her in her tracks.
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System Challenge Activated
Challenge: Change the Fate of RPD
Objective: Rescue as many RPD officers as possible.
Reward: 3 Gacha Spins
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Azizah's breath caught. Her mind raced as she processed the implications. She'd played this game before—she knew what was supposed to happen. By the time the dust settled, only Leon Kennedy would walk out alive. Everyone else, from Marvin Branagh to the rookie officers, would meet a grim fate.
But now, the system was asking her to defy the odds. She had to change a narrative she knew all too well, and the stakes were higher than ever.
"No time to panic," she muttered to herself. "Focus, Azizah."
"Lockhart!" Leon's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He was at her side, his pistol aimed at the oncoming horde. "What do we do?"
"Stick to me," Azizah replied, her tone firm. "We're going to save as many people as we can."
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The Fight for Survival
Azizah's enhanced reflexes kicked in as the first wave of zombies surged forward. She spun into action, delivering a devastating kick to a nearby undead that sent it sprawling. Beside her, Leon fired his weapon, each shot hitting its mark with surprising precision for a rookie.
"Fall back to the east corridor!" Azizah shouted to the officers, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Regroup and barricade the doors!"
Marvin Branagh, still uninjured at this point, took charge of rallying the panicked officers. "You heard her! Move, now!"
Azizah covered their retreat, using Chun-Li's Lightning Legs to knock back any zombies that got too close. The power of her kicks stunned the creatures, giving the officers precious seconds to escape.
Once the hall was clear, Azizah and Leon bolted after the others, slamming the heavy doors shut behind them. Marvin quickly directed a few officers to stack furniture against the entrance, creating a makeshift barricade.
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RPD East Wing
The officers huddled in the dimly lit corridor, their faces pale and drenched in sweat. Azizah scanned the group, counting heads. Including herself and Leon, there were twelve officers left. Twelve lives to save.
The system's ding sounded again, drawing her attention.
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Objective Update:
Officers Remaining: 12
Bonus Reward: +1 Point for Every Officer Rescued
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Azizah clenched her fists. She couldn't afford to lose a single person. "Alright, listen up," she began, addressing the group. "This station isn't safe anymore. We need to move to a more secure location. Does anyone know the layout of the underground parking lot?"
"I do," Marvin said, his voice steady despite the tension. "It's not far, but the route is risky."
Azizah nodded. "Then we'll move in teams. Marvin, take half the group and secure the parking lot entrance. Leon and I will cover the rear."
"What about the west wing?" one of the officers asked. "There might still be survivors over there."
Azizah hesitated. The west wing was crawling with zombies in the game, but if anyone was still alive there, she couldn't abandon them. "We'll split up once the parking lot is secured," she decided. "Right now, we stick together."
Marvin gave her a sharp nod. "Let's move."
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The Escape Plan
The group moved cautiously through the dimly lit corridors, the distant moans of zombies creating an ominous backdrop. Azizah led from the rear, her senses on high alert. Every shadow, every flicker of light, felt like a potential threat.
As they turned a corner, a zombie lunged from a side door, grabbing a young officer by the arm. The man screamed, struggling to break free.
Azizah reacted instantly, her legs moving faster than her thoughts. She delivered a spinning kick to the creature's head, sending it crashing into the wall. Leon stepped in, finishing it off with a precise shot to the head.
"You okay?" Azizah asked, pulling the officer to his feet.
"Y-yeah," he stammered, his face pale. "Thanks."
"Stay close," she warned. "No one gets left behind."
They continued their slow advance, taking down any zombies they encountered. By the time they reached the parking lot entrance, Azizah's muscles burned from the constant fighting, but she couldn't let herself stop.
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The Underground Parking Lot
The parking lot was eerily quiet, but Azizah knew better than to trust the silence. She motioned for the group to spread out, searching for anything useful.
"Lockhart," Marvin called, pointing to a locked security gate. "If we can get this open, it'll lead to a safer area."
Azizah nodded. "Leon, see if you can find the keys. The rest of you, fortify this area. We'll need to hold out here for now."
Leon ran off, and Azizah turned her attention back to the group. She felt the weight of their lives pressing down on her, but she refused to give in to despair. The system's challenge had given her a purpose beyond mere survival. She would rewrite the fate of this station, no matter what it took.
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A Glimmer of Hope
After what felt like hours, Leon returned with the keys, and the group managed to unlock the gate. The officers moved into the secured area, setting up a temporary base. For the first time since the outbreak began, Azizah allowed herself a moment of relief.
But the challenge wasn't over yet. The system chimed again, its familiar ding filling her mind.
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Objective Update:
Officers Remaining: 12
Challenge Progress: 50%
Reward Unlocked: 3 Gacha Spins (Claimable Upon Challenge Completion)
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Azizah's heart raced. She wasn't done yet, but the promise of the reward spurred her on. She clenched her fists, determination burning in her chest.
"We're not out of the woods yet," she said aloud, addressing the group. "But we've made it this far. Stick together, and we'll all make it out alive."
As the officers nodded, a faint smile tugged at Azizah's lips. She was rewriting their fate, one step at a time.
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To be continued...