Some men's arms were densely covered in strange scales, spreading from wrists to shoulders. Their entire arms looked as if encased in a hard armor, devoid of their original suppleness and flexibility. The scales pressed against each other, leaving no gaps between them. In the flickering firelight, they reflected an eerie glow. Others had these terrifying things all over their backs and legs. The scales on their backs grew along the lines of their spines, like a winding, snake-like tattoo, devoid of beauty, only filled with endless terror. The scales on their legs made their once nimble legs feel heavy and clumsy, making every step seem incredibly difficult. "Captain, I feel an itch, as if something is crawling beneath my skin," a team member cried in fear. His voice trembled, filled with helplessness and fear. As he spoke, he couldn't help but scratch, his fingers scraping against the scales, making a heart-wrenching sound. His eyes were filled with despair, his face pale as paper with utter panic. He kept twisting his body, trying to relieve the unbearable itching, but it was all in vain. When the other team members heard his words, the fear in their hearts was infinitely magnified. Everyone unconsciously looked at their own body, afraid that the same symptoms would appear in the next second.

Xiao Yi's face was solemn, as if covered in frost. His brows knitted together, forming deep furrows. His serious expression seemed to freeze the air around him. He knew this was no ordinary illness. Past hardships and dangers flashed through his mind: raging wars, scarce resources, and the pursuit of enemies... but none of them had ever filled him with such anxiety. They had been struggling in this apocalyptic world for too long, enduring countless hardships beyond imagination. Hunger, cold, and pain had never broken them. Yet, this strange scaly disease, like a beast they had never seen before, stood before them, posing an unprecedented challenge. Xiao Yi's gaze roamed over his team members, the spreading scales mocking his helplessness. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the strain, and vowed to himself that he would find a solution, no matter what, and never give up, even if the hope seemed slim. In this solemn atmosphere, Xiao Yi's thoughts were running fast, trying to search for even a trace of useful clues from the corners of his memory to solve the mystery of this mysterious disease and lead the team members out of this terrible predicament.

"Don't panic, everyone. We'll find a way to solve this," Xiao Yi reassured the team members loudly, his voice firm and powerful, attempting to dispel the cloud of fear that enveloped them. However, only he knew that even as he uttered these words, he felt uncertain. He gazed at his team members' eyes, filled with expectation and dependence, and felt a mixture of emotions. Xiao Yi knew that as captain, he must project utter determination and confidence, even as his heart swelled with anxiety and unease. To understand the true nature of this illness, Xiao Yi took a deep breath and made a risky decision. He tightened his gear and gazed resolutely into the unknown darkness beyond the warehouse. He knew this journey was fraught with danger. The outside world was filled with unknown threats, potential enemies lurking in the shadows, unforeseen traps, but he had no desire to retreat. Xiao Yi silently encouraged himself, then resolutely turned and walked towards the unknown. His figure gradually receded into the night, carrying with him the resolve to bravely forge ahead for the lives of his team members.

He and a few nimble team members, taking advantage of the cover of darkness, quietly infiltrated a nearby abandoned hospital. Their steps were as light as cats', each cautious and careful, fearing the slightest sound would attract unforeseen danger. Xiao Yi walked in front, a sharp dagger tightly grasped in his hand, his eyes scanning the surroundings with vigilance. The hospital's door was already dilapidated, hanging crookedly from its frame. As they sidled through, a stale, decayed air filled the air. The hall was thick with dust, and moonlight filtered through the shattered windows, casting pale patches of light on the ground. Xiao Yi raised his hand to signal his team members to stop, and took a few steps forward. Medical instruments and other miscellaneous items were scattered on the ground, making any mistake. They avoided these obstacles and slowly advanced along the dim corridor. The paint on the walls was severely peeling, revealing the mottled walls, as if telling the story of the once bustling and now desolate place. Every time he passed a room, Xiao Yi would cautiously peer inside to ensure there were no potential threats. The team members followed closely behind him, breathing as softly as possible. Their heartbeats were remarkably clear in the silence, and the tense atmosphere enveloped them like an invisible net. Xiao Yi's eyes remained alert, never missing a single corner that might harbor danger. Like ghosts, they cautiously explored the abandoned hospital, searching for a glimmer of hope that might unravel the mystery.

Seeking the Truth. The hospital was filled with the stench of decay and death, a sickening smell that enveloped Xiao Yi and his companions like a thick mist. Xiao Yi pursed his lips, frowned, and tightened his grip on the dagger as they cautiously searched the rooms. Each door they opened seemed to reveal a terrifying mystery. The rooms were dark and damp, and the mold on the walls resembled hideous spectres. Yellowed bedding lay haphazardly on the abandoned beds, emitting a pungent odor. Their footsteps were as light as falling leaves, fearful of disturbing some unknown presence in the dead silence. Xiao Yi entered the room first, his gaze swiftly scanning every corner, from the worn bedside table to the toppled IV stand, searching for any clue. The team members followed him, their eyes constantly shifting, maintaining a high level of alert. In some rooms, fragments of medical records remained, and they carefully picked them up, hoping to find any useful information. In an operating room, surgical instruments lay scattered across the floor, rusted and scattered. Dried blood formed eerie patterns on the floor, a chilling sight. They continued on, walking through the dimly lit corridors, their own breathing and footsteps the only sounds. Each room was a black box filled with puzzles, waiting for them to uncover the hidden truth.

Finally, in a dusty office in a corner of the hospital, they seemed to see a glimmer of hope. Xiao Yi gently pushed open the half-open door, and the hinges creaked, a dull sound that was particularly harsh in the silent environment. Inside the room, piles of documents and miscellaneous items almost occupied all the space. They stepped in cautiously, and the papers under their feet made a rustling sound. Xiao Yi's eyes searched anxiously in the chaos, and the team members also took action, carefully clearing away the piled items.