We entered the forest, the dense trees surrounding us like a protective barrier. The air was cooler here, quieter, the thick canopy above shielding us from the harsh gray sky. It was better than staying out in the open, exposed to whatever threats might be lurking in the wasteland. The others seemed to relax slightly, though their eyes remained alert.

I wasn't worried about anything in the forest. If anything dared to come after us, it would quickly learn the consequences. My focus remained on the path ahead, my steps deliberate, as always calculating. The trees provided cover, but they also created shadows—places for dangers to hide. Not that it mattered.

Leon glanced around, his hand resting on the hilt of his knife. "At least we've got some cover now. Out in the open was too risky."

Jill nodded, scanning the treeline. "We need to keep moving, though. Who knows what's out here?"

Chris kept his rifle raised, ever vigilant. "Agreed. We stick together, stay sharp."

I walked ahead of them, calm and detached, the forest giving me a sense of isolation I didn't mind. The world had changed, and so had I. Whatever this forest held, it was no more dangerous than the experiments we had left behind. For now, it was a temporary refuge—a place to plan our next move.