24 Marks Conjecture and the Fate of the Survivors Inside the TechZone (1/2)

12:03PM – City Mall Bacoor Rooftop

Everyone formed a circle to discuss what they should do next. As the chairs available isn't enough, the each of the girls had sat on one while the males except Mark laid some flattened empty boxes on the floor and sat on those. Mark on the other hand was also given a chair due to his condition. His chair was previously used by Sariya who now sat on her mother's lap.

”What are your plans now?”

Bernard asked the young people in front of him and what happened surprised him. Except for his son, Joseph, Calvin, who was with him here in the rooftop and the innocent Sariya, everyone looked at Mark as if they all planned it together.

”Hah, why are you all looking at me?” Mark sighed.

”Hahaha, I don't know, I just…”

Ange let out a dry laugh as her voice trailed off. They all slowly averted their gazes from him. Except Mei, that is.

Though none of them want to admit but they are very clueless of what to do and Mark, who seemed unfazed as he dealt with the zombies and managed to get them this far might have an idea of what they should do next.

The only person who seemed to want to do something was Fernan but he knew that he might not be capable of actually doing it.

Bernard and Mark looked at Fernan at the same time as he looked disturbed and thinking of something deeply. Then, as he steeled himself, Fernan raised his hand.

”I want to go back inside. I want to get to the TechZone.”

Everyone understood why. Bernard and the rest already heard of their story so they also understood his reasons.

But Mark spoke.

”That would be hard.”

Everyone agreed as they all nodded. The only way they can use to get there right now is the back corridors which are now teeming with zombies.

As if he managed to read their minds, Mark continued.

”Don't misunderstand me. I'm not talking about the zombies in the back corridors. I already had a good idea on how to deal with those.”

”Then what do you mean?”

Fernan had a bad premonition about the way Mark is talking.

”The TechZone, it should be filled with zombies right now.”Mark said calmly.

Everyone was shocked and Fernan felt as he had been struck with lightning. He asked Mark shivering.

”H-How?”

”Are you sure about this?” Bernard was also worried.

”A hundred percent. Actually, the zombies we encountered when we exited the cinema came from the TechZone. As for proof…”

He looked at Ange.

”Remember that large fat zombie?”

”Yeah, it looked gross. All that fat jiggling as he ran. Ugh.”

Ange looked disgusted as she remembered that zombie's appearance.

”He should be the person that caused us to be locked out. It is hard to recognize him since his clothes are in tatters and his body 'changed', but I'm quite sure that it is him. The fat man followed by a body guard.”

”That's--”

Fernan grimaced. He also remembered him though he did not see what he turned out to be as a zombie since they did not try to look back as they escaped to the emergency exit.

Strange enough, when Mark said that the guy was a 'fat man followed by a body guard', both Ange and Paula jolted on their seats.

Mark looked at the two college girls with eyes like he was cleared of confusion. He watched their expressions and if this was anime, he was sure that there should be black aura enveloping the two. The males were surprised by their reaction but Reyah looked at the two as if she had some understanding and also pity is obvious in her eyes.

Realizing their inappropriate reaction, the two apologized and sat properly on their chairs but the dark atmosphere around the two did not lessen a little bit.

Then to their surprise, Mark spoke to the two.

”He is the reason right?”

”The reason of what?” Joseph can't help but butt in.

Ange and Paula looked at Mark but stayed silent. As Joseph asked, Mark looked at him and continued.

”That fat man is the reason why only these two girls remained of their group.”

The two girls trembled when Mark said that while Reyah shook her head. Seeing the confusion of the others, Mark decided to say more.

”When the zombies entered the Mall and everyone started running down the escalators. I already saw these two.” He pointed that the girls who now hung their heads down.

”I think… There should be another six or seven students with them. I saw their group among the people escaping.”

The whole group looked at the two. They don't know what to say. They want to know the whole story but it would be unlikely for the two to tell. Furthermore, it would just make these two remember their bad experience.

The atmosphere turned sour again.

Then, without minding the drop in mood, Mark spoke.

”Paula looked fine but this gloomy face doesn't suit you Angeline.”

The two looked at Mark confused why would he say something like that. The others were the same.

”What do you mean?” Ange replied weakly.

”You look UGLY.” Mark smiled sinisterly.

Then she snapped. She even stood up from her seat.

”WHO ARE CALLING UGLY!!!”

Then there was silence and Mark stayed smiling.