The east wall still smoked from acid damage as the defenders stood down. Repair crews moved in immediately, but the mood across the hub was tense. Two back-to-back sieges in such a short time had everyone on edge. Whispers spread faster than the alarms: the dead were learning. And some survivors were starting to look at Ted with open fear rather than suspicion.
Ted was escorted back to the medical wing under heavier guard than before,four armed personnel now, with Marcus and Jax trailing like vultures. Elena tried to follow but was firmly told to return to her assigned duties.
Dr. Thorne was waiting, the scan pod already recalibrated and humming with fresh power. Colonel Voss stood in the observation room, arms crossed, her face grim.
"Finish it," she ordered. "No more interruptions."
Ted lay back in the pod once again. As the lid sealed and sensors locked onto him, he pushed **Minor Flesh Crafting** and every ounce of mental control he had. Essence flowed freely,60 this time, layering disguise upon disguise: dampening neural echoes from recent Horde Command usage, smoothing regenerative signatures, and masking any lingering command "residue" in his limbic system.
The machine whirred to life.
Dr. Thorne's eyes widened almost immediately at the incoming data. "The patterns are clearer now. Regenerative capability far exceeds normal human limits. Neural activity shows structured interference signature, almost like an external interface. This isn't simple resistance. This is adaptation… possibly control."
Marcus slammed a hand against the glass. "I knew it! He's commanding the dead! Lock him up before he brings the whole horde inside!"
Colonel Voss didn't respond immediately. She stared at the monitors, weighing lives against risk.
Ted's heart pounded against his ribs, but he forced calm. The System flashed red warnings:
*[Deep Scan at critical stage. Masking at 64%. Trace command patterns detected. High risk of containment order.]*
The pod finally hissed open. Dr. Thorne stepped back, pale.
"Colonel… the data suggests he possesses an active anomalous ability linked to the Necro-Virus. Not infection in the traditional sense, but something new. He could be an asset… or the greatest threat inside these walls."
Colonel Voss made her decision.
"Harlan, you are hereby placed in temporary observation in the containment wing. Non-invasive study only, for now. We will determine if you are an asset or a danger. Guards, escort him."
Two soldiers grabbed Ted's arms. Marcus grinned triumphantly. "Finally."
As they marched him through the corridors toward the reinforced containment wing, Elena appeared at a junction, eyes wide with alarm. She couldn't reach him through the guards, but their Ally Bond sent a clear pulse: *I'm not leaving you.*
The containment wing was colder, darker. Thick glass cells lined one side, some holding captured mutated zombies that slammed against the barriers with mindless rage. Ted was placed in an empty cell, reinforced walls, monitoring cameras, a single cot, and basic sanitation.
The door sealed with a heavy clang.
Dr. Kane spoke through the intercom. "We'll begin non-invasive tests tomorrow. Cooperate, and this can be quick. Resist, and it becomes… unpleasant."
Marcus's voice came through as well, gloating. "Enjoy your new home, Harlan. I'll be watching every test."
The lights dimmed to night cycle.
Ted sat on the cot, alone for the first time in days. The hunger from Enhanced Regeneration I was rising sharply now that feeding had been limited. His hands clenched as the System delivered a stark update:
*[Emergency Quest: Avoid Permanent Containment – Critical.]*
*[New Branch: Escape or Subvert.]*
*Reward for success: Major Essence + Level 3 Unlock Path.*
He opened the shop mentally, staring at his remaining 654 Essence. Options for upgrades felt urgent now,stronger disguise, better command, or something to help him break free.
But more than power, he needed a plan.
Elena was still out there.
The hub's research data on the virus might hold answers or the key to his evolution.
And outside the walls, the dead were growing smarter every day.
Ted leaned back against the cold wall, eyes glowing faintly with blue System text in the darkness.