Chapter 98: The Neighbors Are Doing Extreme Survival, And We're Having a BBQ: The Difference in the World!
On a serene weekend morning, sunlight filtered through a thin mist, scattering over the quiet town streets.
A spacious family SUV smoothly drove out of the Connors' garage; John gripped the steering wheel, an irrepressible excitement on his face, humming a 70s rock classic.
In the passenger seat, Sarah was checking the food list in the picnic basket, occasionally reminding her husband to drive slower.
In the back seat, the three little girls presented three completely different states.
Lily was pressed against the car window, showing intense curiosity about everything outside, like a true ten-year-old eagerly anticipating an outing.
Emma, on the other hand, wore headphones, engrossed in a book, oblivious to the outside world.
Esther sat in the middle, quiet, neither looking out the window nor reading a book, just sitting there, like an exquisite but soulless doll.
Not far behind the SUV, a low, rhythmic engine roar attracted the attention of passersby.
Edward rode his heavy motorcycle, Fenrir, its black body gleaming with a metallic sheen in the sunlight.
Behind him sat Carrie, clutching his jacket tightly.
The girl's cheeks were a bit flushed from the wind, both nervous and excited.
This was her first time on a motorcycle, and with Edward, no less.
The whistling wind, the warmth from Edward's back, and his steady heartbeat made her feel like she was dreaming.
She carefully turned her head, looking at Edward's determined profile, her heart filled with an unprecedented sense of security and a touch of sweetness.
The convoy, one after the other, drove away from the familiar town, heading toward the vast wilderness forest of West Virginia.
After more than an hour's drive, they finally arrived at their destination—a designated camping area in Oak Creek State Park.
The terrain here was open, next to a babbling creek, and the scenery was indeed beautiful.
However, it seemed a bit more "crowded" here than they'd imagined.
To the left of their campsite, about a hundred yards away, was a group of listless-looking young people.
There were about a dozen of them, dressed in uniform gray tracksuits, either sitting or lying on the grass, each with a numb expression and vacant eyes, as if their souls had been drained.
A middle-aged man in a coach's uniform was holding a megaphone, giving them some kind of motivational speech.
"See that? That's the so-called 'digital detox camp,'" John explained softly to Sarah after parking. "They send kids addicted to phones and the internet here, confiscate all electronic devices, and make them experience life without technology."
Edward parked his motorcycle, helped Carrie off, and also glanced over there.
A strong scent of "withdrawal symptoms" emanated from the young people, filled with anxiety and emptiness.
To the right of their campsite, however, was another scene entirely.
A perimeter had been set up there, several burly men carrying cameras moved back and forth along the edge of the woods, and people in director's vests were shouting into walkie-talkies.
"What are they doing over there? Filming a movie?" Sarah asked curiously.
"Oh, I know about that!" John seemed well-informed. "It's a reality show called 'Apocalypse Survivor.'
They find a few contestants, drop them into this remote wilderness, give them only basic tools, and make them survive for six days.
The last person standing gets a hundred thousand dollars in prize money."
Tech addicts and challengers struggling in a simulated apocalypse.
These two groups, along with their own group who came to enjoy warm family time, formed a peculiar and ironic picture.
"Alright, never mind them." John pulled a large tent bag from the trunk. "Let's find the best spot! By the creek, backed against the woods, perfect!"
Like an energetic kid, he directed Edward to start setting up camp.
The father and son worked in perfect sync, and soon, two tents, one large and one small, stood on the grass.
Sarah, meanwhile, took Carrie and began organizing the food they'd brought.
She spread out a huge plaid picnic blanket, arranging sandwiches, fruit salad, grilled chicken wings, and various snacks one by one, and the aroma of food quickly filled the air.
"Lily, Emma, Esther." Sarah called out to the three little girls who'd already started wandering nearby, "Don't run too far, just play where we can see you."
She paused, then smiled at the somewhat nervous Carrie beside her: "Carrie, would you mind helping me keep an eye on them? These three sometimes lose track of time when they're playing."
"Ah... yes, yes, Mrs. Connor!" Carrie quickly nodded. Being trusted with such an important task filled her with joy, feeling accepted by the family.
She immediately jogged over to the three girls, trying to play the role of a reliable older sister.
Edward had just hammered the last tent stake into the ground, straightened up, and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
He watched his mother warmly preparing food, his father contentedly fiddling with his new fishing rod, and Carrie trying a bit clumsily to bond with the three younger girls.
Everything looked so perfect, so peaceful.
However, just then, a faint, chilling, and hungry malice, like cold air seeping from deep underground, silently spread from the depths of the forest.
His movements paused, and the relaxed expression on his face instantly vanished.
He raised his head, his gaze fixed on the depths of the forest, which the sunlight couldn't fully penetrate and appeared somewhat ominous.
Something... was in there.
And that something seemed to have taken an interest in the vibrant life force at their campsite.
Edward remained calm; he didn't want to ruin his family's good mood.
He lowered his head, continuing to organize the ropes in his hand, and at the same time, a mental wave quietly emanated, precisely connecting to Lily's mind, who was playing hide-and-seek with Carrie.
"Marquis."
Edward's voice echoed directly in Lily's consciousness, carrying an undeniable command.
Lily, who was about to hide behind a large tree, suddenly stiffened.
Her innocent and lovely smiling face, in the instant she turned around with her back to Carrie, became cold and indifferent.
"Pay attention to your surroundings, especially the depths of the forest," Edward's voice continued. "Something's coming. Keep an eye on Emma and Esther, don't let them or Carrie wander too far, and absolutely do not let them approach the forest alone."
Lily's lips moved silently, as if in response.
"Understood."
The next second, the coldness on her face instantly melted, transforming back into the lively and adorable little girl.
She turned around and gave Carrie, who was looking for them, a sweet smile: "Sister Carrie, come catch us!"
Carrie looked at her innocent smile and also laughed, completely unaware of the momentary change.
Edward withdrew his mental link, but his vigilance didn't slacken in the slightest.
He knew Lily's abilities; as a summoned demon, Marquis's perception of malice was sharper than his.
With her watching, at least the rear would be safe.
Now the question was, what exactly was that thing in the forest?
Was it an ordinary predator? Or... like the Creeper, a "monster" attracted by certain characteristics of this land?
"Edward! What are you spacing out for!" John's loud voice interrupted his thoughts. "Come on! Help me set up the grill! Today I'm gonna let you taste my secret grilled fish!"
"Coming, Dad." Edward responded, temporarily suppressing his concerns, a relaxed smile returning to his face as he walked over to help.
No matter what was in the forest, if it dared to disturb his family's camping trip, he'd make that thing understand what a true "Apocalypse Survivor" was.
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