Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Calm Before the Storm
The sound of her alarm jolted Azizah awake. It was a harsh reminder that she wasn't in her old world anymore. As she stretched, her muscles ached slightly from her late-night practice session, but the newfound strength in her legs reassured her.
"Alright," she muttered, rolling out of bed. "Time to get to work."
After a quick breakfast and some stretches, she donned her uniform and checked the system. A blue screen appeared before her as if on command.
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Daily Missions
1. Complete a patrol shift without injury. (Completed)
2. Assist a civilian in need. (Incomplete)
3. Practice your skills (100 kicks). (Completed)
Points Earned: 10
Total Points: 10
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"Ten points… not bad," Azizah muttered. She navigated through the system menu and found the shop. There were various items available—skills, weapons, and survival tools—but everything of real value was far beyond her current point total. Still, it was good to know what she could aim for.
"Alright, Azizah," she said to herself, tying her boots. "Let's try to survive another day."
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RPD Headquarters
The day started off uneventfully, much to Azizah's relief. She patrolled the west wing of the station, nodding to her colleagues and keeping an eye out for anything unusual. It was hard not to feel a sense of foreboding, knowing what was coming. Every creak of the floorboards, every flicker of the fluorescent lights, made her nerves jump.
She was halfway through her shift when a familiar figure walked through the front doors of the station—a young man with sandy-blond hair, wearing a leather jacket and looking completely out of place.
"Leon…" Azizah whispered under her breath.
As in the game, he was late. And as in the game, he looked lost. She quickly approached him before anyone else could.
"Officer Kennedy?" she asked, forcing a smile.
Leon turned to her, his boyish face lighting up with relief. "Yes! That's me. Sorry, I'm late. I—"
Azizah held up a hand to stop him. "Don't worry about it. First-day jitters, right? I'm Officer Lockhart. Welcome to RPD."
"Thanks," Leon said, visibly relaxing. "I didn't know anyone would actually remember I was supposed to start today."
"Oh, we never forget a rookie," Azizah teased lightly. "Come on, I'll show you around."
She led him through the station, pointing out key areas like the briefing room, the locker rooms, and the armory. Leon listened intently, his enthusiasm almost making her forget the horror that awaited them.
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Later That Night
Azizah's shift had ended hours ago, but she couldn't bring herself to leave the station. She sat in the dimly lit break room, sipping a cup of coffee and reviewing her system.
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Points: 15
Free Spin Available
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She'd been saving her points and free spin for a moment like this. Knowing the outbreak was imminent, she needed something—anything—that could give her an edge. Taking a deep breath, she activated the spin.
The wheel appeared, spinning rapidly before finally slowing to a stop.
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Reward: Enhanced Reflexes (Level 1)
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Azizah felt a rush of energy flood her body as the skill took effect. Her senses sharpened, and she could feel a subtle difference in how her body responded to even the smallest movements. She tested it by throwing a pen into the air and catching it with ease, even as it spun chaotically.
"Not bad," she muttered. "This should help."
Her relief was short-lived.
Suddenly, the faint sound of shouting echoed from the front of the station. Azizah froze, her heart pounding. She raced to the main hall, where several officers were gathered near the front desk.
"What's going on?" she asked.
One of the officers turned to her, his face pale. "There's been an attack downtown. Something about… people acting like animals. Biting, scratching. Dispatch is overwhelmed."
Azizah's blood ran cold. It was starting.
Chief Irons stormed into the hall, barking orders. "Alright, everyone, listen up! This isn't a drill. We've got reports of violent incidents all over the city. Teams one and two, head to the affected areas and provide backup. The rest of you, secure the station. No one gets in or out without clearance."
Azizah caught Leon's eye from across the room. He looked nervous but determined.
"Leon!" she called, motioning for him to follow her. He jogged over, his hand resting on the holster of his sidearm.
"What's happening?" he asked.
"Something bad," Azizah replied grimly. "Stick with me, and we'll get through this."
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Moments Later
As chaos erupted outside the station, Azizah and Leon worked together to secure the main hall. The system chimed in her mind, alerting her to a new mission.
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Emergency Mission: Survive the Initial Outbreak
Rewards: 50 Points, Weapon Upgrade
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"No pressure," Azizah muttered under her breath.
She felt the ground tremble slightly as something heavy slammed into the station's front doors. The officers around her raised their weapons, their fear palpable.
"Azizah," Leon whispered, his voice barely audible. "What do we do?"
She tightened her grip on her baton, her mind racing. "We hold the line."
The doors burst open, and chaos spilled into the RPD.
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To be Continued..