The Lazy Chronicles: Apartment of the Apocalypse-Chapter 56: Threads of the Unexpected

Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Threads of the Unexpected freewebnøvel_com

The sound of footsteps echoed through the damp parking garage. The group moved cautiously, their eyes scanning for any sign of trouble. Mallory took the lead, her wrench swinging lazily over her shoulder as she stepped over a pile of discarded shopping carts. Blinky, perched on her shoulder, chirped quietly, his glowing eyes darting in all directions.

"Why do abandoned parking garages always feel like the start of a bad horror movie?" Greg muttered, gripping his mop handle.

"Because they are," Kaelyn replied flatly, her knife drawn.

"Maybe we’ll stumble across a popcorn machine," Greg quipped.

Mallory rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself. "Focus, you two. Altair’s readings said the signal was somewhere around here, right?"

Altair nodded, holding up his tablet. "Yes, but the interference is stronger than before. Whatever it is, it’s not static anymore—it’s moving."

"Wonderful," Vanessa said with a groan. "Just what we need. A mobile apocalypse generator."

As they pushed deeper into the garage, the air grew colder, and an unnatural stillness settled around them. Mallory glanced at Greg, who looked as though he was about to crack another joke, but he remained quiet. Even Blinky seemed on edge, his usual playful chirps replaced by low, worried hums.

The tension broke when a sudden voice called out from the shadows.

"Hold it right there!"

Everyone froze, their weapons raised. From behind a row of abandoned cars stepped a figure Mallory hadn’t expected to see again in a million years.

"Alex?" she said, her voice tinged with disbelief.

The lanky young man emerged into the dim light, his familiar messy hair and oversized hoodie making him look as though he’d just rolled out of bed. He was holding what appeared to be a modified taser, its sparking prongs pointed directly at the group.

"Mallory?" Alex blinked, lowering the weapon. "Wait, it’s really you? Holy crap, I thought you were dead!"

"That’s rich coming from you," Mallory said, lowering her wrench but keeping her guard up. "What are you doing here?"

Alex scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "It’s a long story. I’ve been... well, surviving. Kind of. This place has been my hideout for a while now. I’ve been working on some tech to keep the zombies at bay."

"Tech?" Altair’s interest piqued instantly. "What kind of tech?"

Alex gestured for them to follow, leading them deeper into the garage. They soon found themselves in what could only be described as a makeshift lab. Tables were covered with wires, circuit boards, and strange glowing devices that looked like they belonged in a sci-fi movie.

"This is impressive," Altair said, examining one of the devices. "How did you manage all this?"

"Lots of trial and error," Alex replied with a shrug. "And a bit of luck. This one, for example—" He picked up a small orb emitting a faint blue light. "—emits a sound frequency that confuses zombies. Keeps them from getting too close."

"Useful," Mallory said. "But why are you holed up here? There’s safety in numbers, you know."

Alex hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It’s... complicated."

"Complicated how?" Vanessa pressed.

Before Alex could answer, a loud crash echoed through the garage, followed by a guttural growl. The group spun around just in time to see a massive zombie—easily twice the size of any they’d encountered before—emerge from the shadows. Its glowing red eyes locked onto them, and it let out a roar that shook the walls.

"Okay, that’s new," Greg said, his voice trembling.

"Run!" Alex shouted, grabbing a device from the table.

The group bolted, weaving through the maze of abandoned vehicles as the monstrous zombie gave chase. It smashed through cars like they were made of paper, its sheer strength making it clear that fighting was not an option.

"Any bright ideas, Alex?" Mallory yelled as they ran.

"I might have something!" Alex replied, fumbling with the device in his hands.

"Might?" Kaelyn snapped. "That’s not comforting!"

They rounded a corner and skidded to a halt in front of a massive metal door. Alex quickly punched a code into a keypad, and the door slid open just enough for them to squeeze through.

"Inside!" he shouted.

As soon as they were through, Alex slammed the door shut and activated a series of locks. The sound of the zombie pounding on the other side echoed through the room, but the door held firm.

"Care to explain what that thing was?" Mallory asked, catching her breath.

Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It’s part of why I’ve been staying here. That thing—it’s not a regular zombie. It’s... enhanced. Smarter, stronger, faster. I’ve been tracking them for weeks."

"And you didn’t think to share this information with anyone?" Vanessa asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Who was I supposed to tell?" Alex shot back. "I didn’t even know anyone else was alive!"

Mallory held up a hand. "Enough. We can argue later. Right now, we need a plan."

Alex nodded and turned to his lab, grabbing another device. "This might help. It’s a sonic grenade—should disorient it long enough for us to get away."

"Should?" Greg said. "You and your maybes are going to get us killed, dude."

"Do you have a better idea?" Alex snapped.

Greg opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by another deafening roar.

"Let’s just go with the grenade," Mallory said.

Alex handed her the device and explained how to use it. As they prepared to face the creature again, Mallory couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of déjà vu. It was just like old times—facing impossible odds with a ragtag group of misfits.

When they opened the door, the monster charged at them immediately. Mallory tossed the grenade, and a high-pitched whine filled the air. The zombie staggered, clutching its head, giving the group just enough time to escape.

As they ran, Mallory glanced at Alex. "You’re coming with us this time."

Alex hesitated but nodded. "Alright. But don’t blame me if things get weirder."

"Weirder?" Greg said, laughing. "Buddy, you’re about to join the circus."

Mallory smiled despite the chaos. With Alex back in the mix, things were bound to get more interesting—and more complicated.

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