Marvel: Starting with Iron Man in the Apocalypse

The atmosphere inside the armory had noticeably changed after several days of team training. The initial subtle distance and tentative approach between Chen Haotian and Tony had largely dissipated through sweat and collaborative combat drills, replaced by a tacit understanding based on mutual recognition of strength and initial trust. They even began to habitually discuss technical details or further speculations about zombie behavior during breaks, their conversations becoming less confrontational and more pragmatic.

However, this hard-won stable rhythm was disrupted by a sudden real-world problem.

"Gentlemen," Tony said, his brow furrowing slightly as he adjusted a backup power unit that utilized a void energy crystal for a slight boost in performance, "our water circulation system is alarming. The water tank's purification filter has reached its limit, and... the spare filter inventory is zero."

Chen Haotian had just looked up from his observation records of the zombie samples. His expression remained unchanged, but his eyes sharpened slightly. "The specific extent of the contamination?"

"The water quality sensor shows that several biological contamination indicators are exceeding the standard, including some...uncommon microbial colonies," Tony projected the data on the portable terminal, the red warning signs particularly glaring. "Direct consumption is extremely risky, and even boiling may not completely eliminate all pathogens. Our stored bottled water can only last for a maximum of three days, and if you include basic cleaning and hygiene needs, time is even tighter."

A water crisis is a deadly threat in any post-apocalyptic setting. The armory was not designed as a long-term survival base; its reserves are more focused on weapons and energy. Consumables, especially water treatment equipment, are clearly not a priority.

"It seems our 'fortress' has a fatal Achilles' heel." Chen Haotian stood up, walked to the projector, and quickly scanned the data. "What about external water sources? The nearby water sources marked on the map?"

"There's an abandoned riverbed running along the edge of the city, but given the zombie hordes and potential corpse contamination, the risks are enormous. Moreover, what we need are core components of a large-scale water purification system capable of handling this specific type of contamination, or to find a sufficiently safe new water source and establish a reliable purification process." Tony rubbed his temples. "The equipment in the armory is mostly used for mechanical maintenance and energy supply; it lacks specialized water treatment modules."

The situation is clear: sitting idly by and waiting for death is a dead end, while going out to find a solution is the only way to survive.

"Let's develop an action plan." Chen Haotian's voice regained its usual calm. "Priority objective: Find usable water purification equipment, especially core filter cartridges or membrane modules. Secondary objective: Survey potential safe water sources. We need efficiency, but even more so, we need to be cautious."

The two men sprang into action. Based on previous reconnaissance and map information, they narrowed down several possible target locations: a pre-war water treatment plant, the former site of a biotechnology company that might contain laboratory-grade water purification equipment, and several large supermarkets or warehouses where unopened commercial or household water purifiers might be found.

Considering efficiency and risk, they decided to prioritize visiting the biotechnology company, where they were most likely to find high-precision water purification equipment, and it was also relatively conveniently located.

They checked their equipment, ensuring they had sufficient ammunition, Tony's improved sonic device, a basic medical kit, and three days' worth of emergency rations and bottled water. Both changed into clothing that allowed for easy movement and offered some protection, and wore makeshift arm guards made by Tony.

"Jarvis, the base's defense system is yours," Tony said to the air. Although he knew Jarvis couldn't respond in this world, this habit was hard to break. "Stay alert. Any unusual activity... well, we'll talk about that when we get back."

Chen Haotian checked the rifle in his hand; it was chambered, safety off, his movements fluid and professional. "Let's go. Remember the training points: stay alert, communicate effectively."

The heavy metal doors of the armory slowly closed behind us, once again isolating the relatively safe interior from the perilous outside world. The sunlight was somewhat blinding, and a faint smell of decay permeated the air. The city remained deathly silent, save for the mournful sound of the wind whistling through the dilapidated buildings and the occasional, indistinct sounds from afar.

They advanced along the planned route, using ruins and abandoned vehicles as cover, moving swiftly and silently. Chen Haotian led the way as the scout, his sharp eyes scanning every corner that might conceal danger. Tony followed closely behind, responsible for flank and rear surveillance, his device ready to activate at any moment.

The first half of the journey went relatively smoothly. They only encountered a few ordinary zombies wandering aimlessly, which they dealt with quickly and accurately using weapons equipped with silencers, without causing a major disturbance.

However, just as they approached the area where the biotechnology company was located, and needed to cross an open area that used to be a small square but is now filled with abandoned cars and debris, Chen Haotian suddenly raised his hand, clenched his fist, and gestured to stop.

Tony immediately crouched down, using an overturned truck as cover, and asked in a low voice, "What happened?"

Chen Haotian didn't turn around, his gaze fixed on the several seemingly randomly fallen "corpses" in the center of the square ahead. His voice was extremely low: "Something's not right. The way those 'corpses' are lying is too deliberate, like obstacles set up. Also, it's too quiet around here, not even a single wandering creature. This isn't normal."

Tony followed his gaze and initially didn't notice anything unusual, but upon closer inspection, he discovered something amiss. The several "corpses" dressed in tattered clothes, seemingly disordered, actually formed a discreet passageway leading to the entrance of a half-collapsed building on one side of the plaza. The surroundings were indeed eerily silent, a stark contrast to the occasional zombie activity in the areas they had passed through earlier.

"A trap?" Tony frowned, his finger already pressed on the trigger button of the sonic device.

"Very likely." Chen Haotian's eyes were icy. "Moreover, the one who set the trap was probably not human." He recalled the super-instinctive behaviors exhibited by certain mutants in the sample analysis, as well as the metal fragment from the unknown universe. "There might be a mutant with rudimentary intelligence or guided in some way."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a strange thing happened!

The fallen "corpses" suddenly sprang up, their movements far faster than ordinary zombies. They roared, but instead of charging blindly, they split into two groups. One group rushed directly towards Chen Haotian and Tony to hold them off from the front, while the other group tried to circle around to their side and rear at great speed!

At the same time, behind the abandoned windows and broken signs around the square, more murky and malicious eyes peeked out, and low growls came from all directions, forming an encirclement!

"We've been ambushed!" Tony cursed under his breath, activating the sonic device in his hand without hesitation. A powerful buzzing sound instantly spread out, causing the zombies charging at them to visibly falter and momentarily lose their balance.

"Bang! Bang!" Chen Haotian calmly pulled the trigger, and two bullets accurately pierced the heads of two zombies in front of him. But more zombies were surging in from all directions. They were faster and more coordinated, clearly not ordinary zombies.

"We can't be trapped here!" Chen Haotian fired while quickly surveying the terrain. "Retreat to that three-story building over there! Use the confined space to offset their numerical advantage!"

Tony fired his rifle at the approaching zombies while constantly adjusting the frequency of his sonic device, trying to disrupt the horde's coordination. He discovered that while the zombies did react to the sound waves, their resistance was significantly stronger than that of ordinary zombies, and the disorientation effect lasted only a short time.

"These guys have gotten smarter!" Tony shouted, taking down an agile zombie that was trying to pounce from the side with a precise shot.

The two fought and retreated, moving towards the three-story building Chen Haotian had designated. The zombies pursued relentlessly, their encirclement rapidly shrinking. Even more chillingly, behind the horde, one or two abnormally sized individuals with visibly mutated limbs could be vaguely seen. They didn't rush forward but remained in a relatively safe position, emitting a unique, low howl that seemed to be a command, coordinating the actions of the other zombies.

"Intelligent! It really exists!" Chen Haotian's eyes sharpened; his suspicions about the metal fragments and abnormal behavior were partially confirmed. There was likely some force beyond the virus itself influencing these zombies.

Bullets whistled through the air, and the howls of zombies mingled with the buzzing of sound waves. Chen Haotian and Tony, back to back, charged toward the door of the target building. Tony quickly cleared out the few zombies at the door with a burst of gunfire, and Chen Haotian seized the opportunity to kick open the half-closed, rusty door.

"Fast forward!" Chen Haotian shouted in a low voice.

Tony slipped inside first, followed closely by Chen Haotian. Before the last zombie could pounce, Chen Haotian slammed the heavy metal door shut with his backhand and secured it with a rusted metal bolt.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!" A frantic banging and scratching sound immediately came from outside the door. The heavy metal door trembled slightly under the impact, and dust fell in a flurry.

They were temporarily safe, but they were trapped inside this unknown building. Outside were an unknown number of zombies, commanded by intelligent individuals, while they had limited ammunition and resources.

Leaning against the cold, rough wall, the two breathed slightly and quickly checked their condition and remaining equipment.

"Ammunition consumption is close to one-third," Chen Haotian quickly counted, "The sonic device has about 60% energy remaining."

Tony wiped the sweat from his brow, not from exhaustion, but from intense tension. "Looks like our water mission has started off with a 'surprise gift.' These guys... are much more troublesome than we imagined."

Chen Haotian peered through the crack in the door at the restless horde of corpses outside, especially at the two faintly visible command-type mutants, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Difficult to deal with, that also means more valuable. Since they've come to us willingly and displayed such 'interesting' behavior, we'll play along."

His gaze swept across the dimly lit corridors and staircases inside the building, his mind racing. A plan to use the environment to launch a counterattack and lure the enemy began to take shape. Crisis also contains the opportunity to turn the tide of battle. Now, they needed to find that opportunity within this unfamiliar building.