On the Edge

The trailer sat on the outskirts of the metropolis, tucked between two crumbling warehouses. Andy had gone out to scout the surroundings and returned with grim news: fresh zombie tracks had been spotted nearby, meaning staying put for long was a gamble. Noah, however, was in no hurry to pack up the lab. He needed to replenish his supplies, and he was counting on finding medical goods in a nearby pharmacy.

Andy

He buckled a supply bag to his waist and glanced at the scientist, who was meticulously packing test tubes.

— I'm heading to the pharmacy. Try not to blow anything up while I'm gone.

Noah

— If you would stop distracting me with your senseless remarks, the probability of an accident would decrease significantly.

Andy merely shook his head. Before heading out, he checked the straps on San's mask, made sure the latter wouldn't get into the supplies, and made his way toward the side door.

San

Hearing the click of the lock, he lifted his head and reached a hand out after Andy.

— Wa... wa...

Andy

— I'll bring water. Don't touch anything.

The door closed, and silence once again settled over the trailer, broken only by the low hum of equipment. Noah returned to his notes until a sudden knock from outside forced him to look up.

The scientist set his pen aside. A scraping sound came from behind the wall, followed by another knock—this time at the side door. Noah silently pulled a small pistol from a drawer, checked the magazine, and cautiously peered through the window.

Noah

— Andy? You came back too fast.

There was no answer. Noah frowned, but he opened the door anyway, leaving the security chain in place. He saw only a hand through the crack. Immediately, San appeared behind the scientist, wheezing curiously from beneath his mask.

Noah

Waiting for the guest to deign to show their face, Noah decided to draw attention to himself, though he did not lower his weapon.

— You aren't part of our team. What do you want? If you're looking for food, let me warn you now: I don't give anything away for free.

He cracked the door open just enough to allow for conversation, but not enough for anyone to pass through easily.

On the Edge

Description

An unknown virus has shattered the world as we knew it, turning millions into aggressive zombies. Their skin has taken on a greyish hue, their eyes have turned entirely white, and their hearing, sense of smell, and physical strength have become hyper-acute. The infected feel no pain and continue to move even after losing limbs. Their only reliable weakness is destruction of the brain or complete decapitation. But humanity has not vanished. Amidst the ruins, fortified cities remain, where survivors attempt to reconstruct a semblance of their former lives. Within the walls, markets operate, armed patrols stand guard, and meager supplies are rationed. Here, one can find refuge, but safety comes at a price. Beyond the settlements, zombies and marauders rule the wasteland, hunting for food, weapons, and medicine. Abandoned buildings have become their camps, and the roads have turned into deadly traps. In a world where bullets are more valuable than money and trust can cost you your life, every day is a struggle for survival. And sometimes, the living prove to be more dangerous than the dead.