Zombie Survival System-Chapter 128: The Water Trial (3)

Alexandre focused, closing his eyes for a few seconds to mentally isolate himself. Ever since the experiments ended and he returned to a supposedly "normal" life, Alexandre had developed an unusual perception of his body. He no longer saw it as truly part of himself, but rather as an object—just a vessel of flesh and muscle he could control at will. Undoubtedly, this was a grim legacy of the trauma he endured as a child. Nevertheless, this strange ability proved useful in extremely stressful situations like this. He meditated briefly, clearing his mind, and easily regained control. Yet, oddly enough, his body continued trembling, as if influenced by some external factor. His fear, however, vanished effortlessly.

Opening his eyes again, Alexandre watched the disturbing chaos unfold around him. Hundreds of students were succumbing to a collective hysteria, disoriented and panicked by the icy ocean depths beneath them. Many cried out in terror, desperately grabbing at nearby swimmers in a futile attempt to remain afloat, turning the area into a hazardous zone where each person posed a potential threat to others.

Understanding the danger, Alexandre immediately decided he had to distance himself quickly from this deadly chaos and rejoin the leading group. He started swimming methodically, cautiously avoiding panicked students who tried to grab anyone within reach. His strategy worked effectively—he moved through the chaos without incident.

But just as he began breaking away from the dangerous area, something caught his attention. Marlon, not far away, appeared utterly terrified and disoriented. His movements had become erratic, his face pale with fear. Alexandre instantly recognized the symptoms; Marlon was trapped in the same uncontrollable terror he'd experienced moments earlier.

He glanced back, noticing rescue boats approaching to pick up students who were lagging far behind, unable to continue swimming. Alexandre quickly understood what this meant—elimination.

He faced a critical decision. He could either follow his original strategy and escape the hazardous area to ensure his qualification, or risk his own chance at success by trying to help Marlon. Alexandre knew assisting Marlon was dangerous; given Marlon's strength and current panic, attempting a rescue might end in injury for both of them.

Still, Alexandre remembered his promise to his comrade. Without a second thought, he swam decisively toward Marlon.

He adopted the front crawl to reach Marlon quickly. As he navigated through the panicking group, the situation around him was terrifyingly chaotic. Students fought desperately, some trying to use others as lifebuoys, pulling them beneath the freezing waves.

After a tense few minutes, Alexandre finally reached Marlon, but what he saw shocked him. Marlon was completely disoriented, fear paralyzing him entirely. His eyes stared blankly, unresponsive to Alexandre's presence.

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"Marlon!" Alexandre shouted urgently, trying to penetrate his friend's mental wall of fear. "This isn't real! It's just a phobia caused by the Z Virus!"

But Marlon remained trapped within his own mind, deaf to Alexandre's voice.