A torrential downpour cascaded from the heavens, lightning illuminating the rain-curtained sky with each flash. Across the storm-drenched landscape, hordes of zombies howled at the thunderclaps that agitated them into frenzied attacks on buildings or cannibalistic brawls. In Xin'an Town's flooded shantytown, survivors cursed knee-deep in sewage, while urban survivors trapped in high-rises rejoiced—using buckets, pots, and trash cans to collect life-saving rainwater.
The police armored truck plowed through waterlogged roads.
"Cu... Cube..." The girl spoke hesitantly.
"I'm here. What is it?"
"Can... we stop? I want... to wash in the rain..."
The Cube paused, scanning the pounding rain through windshield wipers struggling to keep up. Though the droplets stung human skin, it relented. The truck pulled over, parking lights glowing faintly.
Seizing the chance to rinse mud-caked wheels, the Cube leaped out first. Its scanners confirmed the overgrown field held no threats. One wheel spun furiously in a puddle, followed by the other, before the droid clambered back to the passenger seat.
"Throw those clothes. There's clean ones in the back."
"Thank you..." The girl stepped into the deluge fully dressed. Through the storm's roar, the Cube's sensors detected her muffled sobs. Her plummeting body temperature prompted it to activate the heater silently.
Fifteen minutes later, she returned trembling to find dry clothes and warm air. "Hypothermia risk. We'll secure medicine later."
As the girl nodded, the Cube's optics focused on the dashboard GPS—dead until its clawed hand jolted it awake. Maps flickered until highlighting a secluded police training center nearby.
"Stomp the pedal. We're looting."
The truck surged forward...
Thirty minutes later, they faced high iron-clad gates bearing police insignia. Scans revealed minimal undead: two in the courtyard, fourteen inside the main building. A weapons cache glowed in the Cube's HUD.
"Lock doors after me." Before protests, the Cube launched into the storm.
*Click-clack—* Six propellers unfolded mid-leap, battling the downpour as it transformed fully into helicopter mode. Searchlights pierced the training center's third-floor windows.
*Rat-tat-tat!*
Machine guns shattered panes beside barred armory windows. Below, zombies shambled unaware of their new role as unwitting guards.