The distribution center haul was celebrated in the hub's mess hall with slightly larger rations,a rare luxury. Survivors clapped the team on the back, and even Colonel Voss sent a brief commendation note. But the mood for Ted was anything but celebratory.
Jax had wasted no time. By evening meal, Marcus had already filed a formal report with security, and word spread quickly through the integration barracks. Whispers followed Ted wherever he went: "zombies acting strange," "too good in fights," "something's off about that kid from the academy."
Ted sat at a corner table with Elena, forcing himself to eat slowly like a normal exhausted survivor. His new **Basic Horde Command** skill felt like a live wire in his mind, powerful, but dangerous to use openly.
Elena leaned in, voice barely audible. "Jax went straight to Marcus the second we got back. They're pushing for another scan or even observation. I overheard one of the soldiers talking about it."
Ted nodded, keeping his face calm. "I expected it. The command worked, though. It saved us time and ammo. The power is there, Elena, I just need to control when and how I use it."
Before she could reply, two security officers approached the table. "Ted Harlan. Colonel Voss wants you in the briefing room. Now."
Ted stood without argument, Elena rising with him. "I'm coming too," she said firmly. "I was on the same patrol."
The officers didn't stop her.
The briefing room was the same sparse space as before, but this time Dr. Thorne was present in person, along with Colonel Voss and Marcus standing smugly near the wall. Jax hovered behind him.
Colonel Voss didn't waste time. "Harlan, we've received a detailed report from your latest patrol. Jax claims that infected behaved abnormally around you, turning on each other at critical moments, almost as if directed. Multiple instances. Explain."
Ted kept his posture relaxed, activating **Minor Flesh Crafting** subtly to maintain a tired but honest expression. "The fights were chaotic, ma'am. Zombies are unpredictable, especially the smarter ones. Maybe the leader dying caused confusion in the pack. I was just fighting to stay alive like everyone else."
Marcus snorted. "It happened twice. Too convenient. And Harlan always seems to be in the exact right spot."
Dr. Thorne adjusted his glasses, studying a tablet. "The neural scan from yesterday showed minor anomalies in limbic response. Nothing conclusive, but combined with these reports… it warrants further monitoring. Perhaps a controlled observation session."
Elena spoke up before Ted could. "I was right there. The zombies got distracted when their leader went down. It's not the first time we've seen packs lose coordination. Ted fought harder than most, that's why he stood out. Accusing him based on Jax's word alone isn't fair."
Colonel Voss raised a hand for silence. "We're not accusing yet. But in these times, we can't afford risks. Harlan, you'll be restricted from solo external duties for the next week. All patrols will have additional oversight. Dr. Thorne will schedule another deep scan in three days. Any further incidents, and you go into the containment wing for study. Is that clear?"
Ted nodded. "Yes, ma'am. I understand. I just want to help the hub survive."
The meeting ended with a heavy atmosphere. Marcus gave Ted a triumphant look as they left. "Told you it wasn't over."
Outside, Elena walked with Ted back toward the barracks. "This is getting bad. They're closing in. If they put you in observation…"
"I know," Ted said quietly.
That night, alone on his bunk, Ted reviewed his status and opened the shop. With 564 Essence, he made a careful purchase to prepare for worse scenarios:
*[Flesh Crafting Upgrade purchased (150 Essence). Remaining: 414.]*
*Now allows minor structural adjustments (height/posture tweaks) and extends disguise duration to 12 hours.*
A subtle shift ran through his body as the upgrade took hold. He could hide changes even better now.
The System presented a new urgent notification tied to the growing tension:
*[Hub Integration Quest Update: Suspicion Level – Medium. External mission opportunities limited. Find a way to prove value or prepare alternative path.]*
Ted closed his eyes, the weight of the concrete walls pressing down harder than ever.
Marcus and the hub's leadership were building a case.
Elena was his only real ally inside.
And outside, the dead continued to evolve, waiting for the living to weaken.
Ted Harlan's secret was a ticking bomb.
He needed to level up faster or find a way to turn the hub's own systems to his advantage before they locked him away for study.