The Command Cruiser descended slowly, settling behind a dirt slope. Wraithshade stepped out first, followed by Hexarm and Bloodleech, emerging from the hatch with a quiet intensity.
Ethan and the others stayed back, watching from a distance. It wasn't their turn to act yet.
Up ahead, on the horizon, loomed a zombie nest. The open field surrounding it was crawling with patrols—zombies in loose clusters, some standing still, others wandering aimlessly, low growls rumbling from their throats.
"Heh heh… Let me go first," Bloodleech said with a twisted grin.
He dropped to all fours. The folds on either side of his face began to split open, slowly peeling back to reveal the raw muscle underneath.
Then, the worms came.
They slithered out from the gashes—thick in the middle, tapering at both ends, slick with a viscous slime. Tiny, needle-like teeth lined their mouths, twitching hungrily.
