Free Web NovelChapter 129: Waiting For Rescue (2)
As Lova approached the car, her heart sank at the sight of the damage caused by the insectoid’s pincer attack.
The once reliable engine now lay in disarray, wires and components hanging loose, a clear sign that their means of transportation had been rendered useless.
She stared at the mangled mess, frustration and concern flooding her mind.
"Oh no," Lova muttered under her breath, disbelief evident in her voice. "The engine... it’s completely wrecked."
Shinon, who had been examining the remains of the defeated insectoid nearby, turned his attention to Lova, his expression shifting from battle-readiness to concern as he saw the distress on her face.
"What’s wrong, Lova?" Shinon asked, utterly oblivious to the damage the insectoid caused to the car.
"What part of completely wrecked do you not understand?" Lova shook her head, trying to compose herself. "The insectoid’s attack... it has completely damaged the engine. We’re stranded here, Shinon. No way back to the settlement." fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
Shinon’s brows furrowed as he assessed the situation. He knew the significance of their predicament. They were far from the safety of the settlement, with no means of transportation.
As such, it would be suicidal to try and engage the insectoids as they would swarm them, and before they know it, they’d be torn to shreds.
Then Lova left for the car and retrieved something from the trunk. It was a small radio, and Shinon sighed in relief, thinking they would get someone from the settlement to help them return and be done with the mission for now.
However, Lova just stood there, staring at the radio. Lova’s frustration lingered in the air as she realised the consequences of their actions. She took a deep breath to steady herself. Her hands trembled slightly as she dialled the frequency connecting her to the settlement.
As she pressed the transmit button, static crackled through the radio before a voice responded on the other end. It was Marcus who answered her call.
"Lova, what’s the situation out there?" Marcus’s voice carried a mixture of concern and urgency.
Lova took a moment to compose herself, her voice steady as she relayed the news. "Marcus, we encountered an insectoid but could not capture it alive. However, we managed to obtain some valuable samples."
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and Marcus responded, his tone sombre.
"I see. That’s disappointing, but at least you could retrieve some samples. We’ll have to make do with what we have. Unfortunately, I have some concerning news as well."
Lova’s brow furrowed, her heart sinking. "What is it, Marcus?"
Marcus took a deep breath before continuing. "A small horde of zombies is heading towards the settlement. It will take us a couple of days to fortify our defences and prepare for their arrival. We need you and Shinon to return as soon as possible."
Lova exchanged a quick glance with Shinon, their eyes silently communicating the predicament they found themselves in. She then pressed the button on the radio to respond to Marcus.
"Marcus, our situation is dire," Lova replied, her voice steady but laced with a hint of desperation. "We can’t make it back in time on foot without being attacked by the insectoids. Our only option is to wait for assistance or find another means of transportation."
A brief silence followed as they awaited Marcus’ response. Finally, his voice crackled through the radio, filled with concern.
"Lova, I understand your situation, but we face challenges here. A small horde is heading towards the settlement, and we need every capable person to defend it. I can’t spare anyone at the moment. Even for you."
Lova’s brows furrowed, frustration mingling with a hint of desperation. She knew the settlement’s safety was essential, but they couldn’t afford to be stranded in the wilderness for too long.
"You got to be kidding me, Marcus. We’re out here alone. We need assistance," Lova pleaded, her voice tinged with urgency. "If we don’t get help soon, it might be too late-"
Marcus’ voice carried a note of empathy as he interjected, "I understand your predicament, Lova, but I can’t risk the safety of the settlement. With the fastest car already taken by you, it will take me at least 24 hours to reach your location safely. Is there any other way you can manage till then?"
"We’ll have to find another solution, Marcus. We can’t wait for 24 hours. Our best chance is to lay low, and hopefully, everything will be alright." Lova sighed, frustration evident in her voice.
With that, Lova turned off the radio, the weight of their situation settling upon them. They were alone, stranded, and facing an uncertain journey back to the settlement.
The sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the landscape as the day drew close. Shinon looked around, realising they needed a safe place to spend the night. He turned to Lova, his voice laced with concern.
"I guess we should start looking for someplace to spend the night," Shinon remarked.
Though still harbouring her frustrations from earlier, Lova knew that Shinon’s words held truth. They had no choice but to find shelter for the night. With a begrudging nod, she acquiesced.
"Fine," Lova replied, her voice tinged with annoyance. "We’ll stop for the night. But don’t even think about taking advantage-"
"Geez, will you cut it out? You’re not my type that I’d make a move on you even with a ten-foot-long pole."
Despite their disagreements, they scouted the area, searching for a suitable place to make camp.
They stumbled upon a secluded clearing nestled among towering trees, offering some protection and privacy. The area seemed relatively safe, with no immediate signs of danger.
"We’ll settle here for the night," Shinon suggested, his eyes scanning their surroundings for hidden threats. "It’s secluded enough to provide some cover, and the trees will help shield us from the elements."
Lova glanced around, her gaze lingering on the dense foliage. Reluctantly, she agreed. "Fine, Shinon. This will do. But don’t let your guard down. We can’t afford any surprises." freeweɓnøvel.com
"Oh, so I’m gonna stand guard while you sleep and dream about paradise?" Shinon retorted. "Don’t forget, I did all the work while you... did whatever you were doing inside the car."
Lova’s cheeks flushed once again as she was reminded of the scene from before and rushed back to her feet, "Fine, I’ll start guard for four hours; we’ll switch afterwards!"
"Agreed!"
