The audacious plan to relocate to the military surplus store was set. Marcus's house, though fortified, was a temporary solution. The surplus store, under Anya and Jax's guidance, offered the robust security and extensive resources they desperately needed.
The two-mile distance between the locations, much of it through residential areas and dangerously close to the zombie-infested strip mall, was their primary obstacle.
"We'll need to create a distraction," Anya explained, pointing at the map spread across a dusty crate in the surplus store. Jax leaned over, his burly arms crossed, while Ethan and Marcus listened intently. "Something big enough to pull the main horde away from the direct path. The sirens from that old, abandoned police cruiser near the main road could work. It's a long shot, but worth trying."
"Then, a rapid movement," Jax added, his voice gravelly. "Hit the gas in a vehicle. We have an old armored delivery truck here, barely running, but it's got some protection. We'll pick them up and push through."
"An armored truck?" Ethan's eyebrows rose. "You didn't mention that."
"Saving the best for emergencies," Anya said, a faint, wry smile touching her lips. "It's slow, heavy, and a gas guzzler, but it'll get us through most of the shamblers."
**\[New Objective: Execute Relocation Plan. Sub-objectives: Create diversion, extract group from Marcus's residence, transport to Military Surplus Store. Reward: 200 Experience Points upon successful completion.]**
The plan was set for early the next morning. Dawn offered the best visibility without the harsh glare of midday or the oppressive darkness of night.
Ethan and Marcus returned to Marcus's house under the cover of late evening, slipping back through the barricaded gate. The immense relief on Mr. Henderson's face, and the others, was palpable when they saw them.
Ethan quickly explained the alliance, Anya, Jax, and the new, formidable base. Fear was still present, but the prospect of a more secure future, and the presence of trained military personnel, brought a renewed sense of hope to the group.
"A real soldier?" Chloe asked, her eyes wide. "And an armored truck?"
"It's our best shot," Ethan confirmed. "But it's going to be dangerous. We need to be ready to move the moment the truck arrives."
The night was restless. Everyone tried to get what little sleep they could, knowing the next day would test their limits. Ethan spent a few minutes in solitude, looking over his System. He still had that unspent **Point** from his last level up.
He decided to put it into **Stamina**. The relentless pace of survival, the constant need to be alert, the physical demands of scavenging and fighting – more endurance was critical.
**\[Point allocated to Stamina. Stamina: 9 (+1).]**
The subtle surge of energy confirmed the allocation. He felt a bit less exhausted, a fraction more prepared for the ordeal to come.