(Slightly creepy, proceed with caution)
The Bizarre Adventure of Winning Wine (Episode 2)
Shadows, something people often overlook.
Because it is so common, it is often overlooked.
Everyone has a shadow, without exception. This thing that everyone has is often divided into different classes to highlight one's differences. But shadows are different. Shadows cannot be divided into different classes; a shadow is simply a shadow.
A reliable shadow, a shadow that will not separate from its master, a shadow that will not leave the light, a shadow that will not hide from the darkness.
As long as the angle is right, a thin person can appear to have a fat shadow, and a fat person can appear to have a very thin shadow. Ten people can stick together to share one shadow, and one person can appear to have two shadows.
Ultimately, a shadow is just a shadow.
I've rambled on a lot about shadows because this is a story about shadows, and the story takes place in a world inextricably linked to shadows.
"Alarm—Alarm—"
The piercing alarm shattered the silence of the night; the electronic sound seemed to be straining to carry the sound as far as possible.
"Sunrise will be here in 15 minutes!"
"Sunrise will be here in 15 minutes!"
"Expedition members who are collecting supplies outside, please enter the nearest escape passage in the dark as soon as possible and head to the underground survival base."
"If you don't have a chance to enter the survival base, please find shelter nearby. Find a room with curtains, a car trunk, or even hide behind a large rock... Whatever you do, whatever you do, never, ever let the light cast your shadow!"
"Once your shadow is detected... all survival bases will refuse you entry!"
"Sunrise will be in 14 minutes!"
"........"
The shrill broadcast echoed through the abandoned city, trying to reach every corner.
Logically speaking, 15 minutes before sunrise, any team or individual with common sense would not remain outside and would return to the survival base in advance, or at the very least, return to the 'safe house'.
However, unexpected events always occur during exploration.
This exploration team, named 'Frostfall', consists of five people, three men and two women, all aged between 23 and 28. The team leader is a 26-year-old woman named Du Juan.
According to the original expedition plan, they were supposed to take advantage of the darkness to go to an abandoned gas station 80 kilometers away and bring back at least 200 liters of gasoline for their survival base.
Everything went smoothly on the way there, but the return trip wasn't so lucky.
While passing several streetlights, they were attacked by 'shadow' monsters. There were no casualties, but the vehicle was completely destroyed.
To get rid of the shadow monster, they built a wall of fire with gasoline, which is one of the most effective defenses against the shadow monster.
The wall of fire separated the Shadow Monster and the Frostfall Squad, blocking their way home.
"Today, I have to spend the whole day outside!"
As the team leader, Du Juan possessed outstanding decision-making ability. Without any hesitation, she decisively chose an underground warehouse in a shopping mall as a temporary safe house and rushed in with the remaining gasoline and her wounded team members.
As the sunrise time announced over the loudspeaker drew closer, they hid in a corner of the underground parking lot, repeatedly checking their surroundings, smashing all the mirrors, and blocking any possible sources of light...
The broadcast's sound penetrated the basement, carrying a somewhat serious tone.
"The sun is out. Wherever you are, good luck. See you next night, if the sun sets again..."
After the broadcast faded, the dark basement was utterly silent. Even breathing slowed down, and tension was written all over everyone's face. An emotion called fear circulated among the five-person team, growing ever stronger.
As the team leader, Du Juan knew that things couldn't go on like this; otherwise, their team would collapse before any danger even arrived.
She began, "After sunrise, the sun has just crossed the horizon. The entrance to this parking lot we chose faces south, so the sunlight won't reach us so quickly."
Her voice had a magical quality that instilled confidence in the other four.
Those who can become team leaders must have accumulated more than 300 hours of daytime survival. As long as they follow the team leader's orders, they should be able to survive the daytime!
Someone in the group mustered up their courage and asked,
"Captain, how long is sunrise now?"
Du Juan looked solemn.
"The latest research report states that it takes 18 hours."
Are we going to have to stay here for 18 hours...?
"No need. The actual sunlight exposure only lasts for 3-4 hours. You can even take a nap now, otherwise you'll be exhausted before the battle even begins."
Du Juan tried her best to downplay the emotion called fear, and even took the lead by closing her eyes, soon emitting soft snoring.
Under the captain's leadership, the tension among the other four eased somewhat, leaving only one person on guard duty while the other three fell asleep one after another.
Hearing the snoring beside her, Du Juan opened her eyes, completely lacking her previous confidence, and instead filled with unease and worry.
18 hours of sunrise, 3-4 hours of battle, and shadow monsters that could appear out of nowhere...
Will they really make it back alive?
The cuckoo did not know the answer.
Time passed second by second. Several hours later, the sun swayed erratically in the sky, and sunlight began to invade from the entrance. As the sunlight entered, some shadow monsters also took the opportunity to rush in!
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
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