Mutation Abyss-Chapter 32: Martial Law

Andres ran toward them, breathing heavily. "You two, come inside. Right now."

Theo and Calix rushed inside with Andres. The living room TV was already on, flashing with bold red text and a loud alert tone.

[EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM – PLEASE STAND BY]

The screen cut to a serious-looking newscaster sitting stiffly behind a desk. Her voice was calm, but the tension was clear in her eyes.

"This is a national emergency alert. As of 5:43 AM, the government has declared a state of martial law in all major cities. Residents are advised to remain indoors and avoid all travel. All borders and highways are closed until further notice."

The screen quickly shifted to shaky footage, a group of infected people sprinting through a neighborhood, faster and more aggressive than before. Screams echoed from the background. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

"Reports confirm a sudden mutation in the infected population. They are now faster, more violent, and spreading beyond containment zones. The military has been deployed. All civilians must comply with lockdown protocols immediately."

The screen flickered again, showing a map with flashing red zones growing larger by the second.

Theo's mouth went dry. Calix's fists clenched beside him.

Andres whispered, "We need to immediately gather supplies..."

Theo didn't waste a second. "Alright, listen. We need to move now. If we have to split up, that's fine. Just focus on the essentials: water, canned goods, rice, medicine, batteries, candles... Anything that lasts. And if you spot power banks, grab them."

Calix nodded and quickly pulled out two duffel bags.

"Are stores even open?" Aries, appearing suddenly, asked groggily. She rubbed her eyes and added, "Let me grab some bread, and I'll come with you."

"Only the 24/7 stores are open," Andres replied. "But they'll get crowded fast, so we need to beat the rush."

Then he turned to Aries with a serious look. "No. You stay here and help Aunt Brenda."

Aunt Brenda smiled gently at Aries. "Yes, dear, you can help me sort through supplies. I was planning to start planting some vegetables and maybe a few fruit trees out back. We'll need all the food we can get."

Then she turned to the boys and added warmly, "But before you go, come grab a quick bite. You'll need the energy."

Soon Theo and Calix were out the door in minutes.

"I'll take the other side of town," Andres said as he hopped into his pickup truck. "There's a supply depot past the old gym. Might still have stuff left if I'm fast."

Theo gave him a quick nod. "Be careful. Don't take risks if there's already a crowd."

Andres revived the engine. "Same to you."

Theo and Calix moved to his car. Calix took the driver's seat and asked, "Where are we going exactly?"

"Down near the corner market, two blocks from here. I remember there's a 24/7 store and a small pharmacy. Not a big chain, but they might have what we need. And you know the area better, so stick with me," Theo answered as he put on his seatbelt.

"I'm not letting you go alone anyway," Calix said, glancing at the shadowed streets as he drove. "This place is starting to feel... off."

As they turned a corner, Theo noticed movement ahead. A couple of people were already outside the convenience store, pacing nervously, eyeing the door like hungry wolves. One man had a large backpack, already half-stuffed.

"Too late to be early," Calix muttered.

"We'll work fast. We're not here to hoard, we grab what we need and go."

They hurried inside, slipping past the others. The store was dimly lit, the buzzing lights flickering. A teenage clerk stood behind the counter, eyes wide with fear as he nervously looked at a small TV showing the emergency news on mute.

Theo's eyes darted from aisle to aisle. "Split up. I'll get the food. You check the hardware section, grab batteries, candles, maybe even flashlights or a gas lighter."

"Got it," Calix replied, already moving.

Theo went straight for the rice packs, then filled a basket with canned beans, tuna, and soup. Most of the instant noodles were already gone. He didn't bother picking favorites. Survival didn't care about taste.

As he turned a corner, he nearly bumped into someone, another shopper with wild eyes, clutching five boxes of painkillers.

People were starting to panic. His phone buzzed in his pocket. A message from Andres:

[Roads are getting blocked. Police are setting up barricades. Hurry.]

"Shit," Theo muttered.

He grabbed a few last items, energy bars, a small bag of sugar, and a box of multivitamins, and rushed toward the checkout.

Calix met him at the front with arms full of supplies. "Let's go. Now."

They didn't wait for a bag. Tossed everything into their duffels, paid in cash, and stormed out the door.

Just as they stepped onto the street, a sudden BOOM echoed from somewhere in the distance like an explosion. The ground vibrated faintly beneath their feet.

Theo froze. "What the hell was that?"

Before Calix could answer, sirens blared. Not police sirens but the kind used for city-wide emergencies.

People stopped in their tracks. Some ducked. Others pulled out their phones, looking around in confusion.

Then, from a speaker mounted on a nearby light post, a voice rang out, cold and robotic:

"Martial law is now in effect. All civilians must return to their homes immediately. Any resistance will be met with force."

Theo and Calix locked eyes.

"We need to get back. Now," Theo said, already running.

Inside the car, Theo glanced at Calix, his voice steady but thoughtful. "Do we have a map of the province? I'm thinking of helping out once in a while... You know, with the military. Taking down those Infectees."

Calix looked surprised but impressed. "That's a bold move. You sure about that? But then again, I guess you've got the guts for it."

Theo nodded, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "I also need to test the limits of my abilities. I can't just wait around."

Calix smiled, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. "Don't worry. My father has everything you'll need. He was born here and knows every corner of this province like the back of his hand. It was part of his job after he retired from the military, surveying areas, mapping routes, even helping out with local rescue missions."

"Sounds like the perfect guide," Theo said. "We'll need every bit of that knowledge if we're going to survive and help others."

"He still keeps records too, old maps, notes, even radio frequencies for emergency channels," Calix added. "I'll ask him to show them to you later."

Theo simply nodded, eyes still on the road ahead. Just as they turned onto the main road, Calix suddenly hit the brakes because a man was standing in the middle of the street, waving his trembling arms. He looked scared and tired. His clothes were ripped, and there were dark stains on his shirt.

"Help! Please!" the man cried, limping toward the car.