Li Wei approached the small group of survivors, his imposing figure contrasting with his caution. Joel, with his weathered face and steely gaze, was the first to react, raising his revolver. Ellie, by his side, looked at him with grim curiosity.
"We are not a threat," Li Wei said, his voice resonating with calm authority. "We are from Super Earth. We come to help."
Joel narrowed his eyes, assessing him. "Super Earth... What the hell is that?"
"We are a force fighting for freedom and survival across many worlds," Li Wei replied, revealing no details. "We know what has happened to you. We know about the infection. And we know that you two... are important."
Ellie, with her inscrutable expression, stared at him. "Important... Why?"
"Aegis," Li Wei said, and a holographic image of Ellie appeared in front of them, displaying data about her immunity to Cordyceps. "You are the key to a cure. And we are going to help you find it."
Disbelief washed over Joel and Ellie's faces. The idea of a cure, after so many years of despair, was almost incomprehensible.
"A cure...?" Joel whispered, his voice filled with cautious hope.
"It's real," Li Wei assured. "And we are going to protect you. We are going to ensure humanity survives in this world."
The Super Earth Sanctuary and the Shadow of War
As Li Wei spoke with Joel and Ellie, the Helldivers and Super Earth Elite Soldiers moved with ruthless efficiency. They established a secure perimeter around the group of survivors, using camouflage technology and advanced sensors to detect any threat.
Aegis coordinated the construction of a makeshift camp, using prefabricated materials transported from the Fortress of Justice. Within hours, what had been an abandoned ruin was transformed into a fortified sanctuary, with safe shelters, medical supplies, and an automated defense system.
Other survivor groups, drawn by the promise of security, began to arrive. Gaunt families, frightened children, weary elders. Super Earth welcomed them all, providing food, water, medical care, and the protection of its soldiers.
Li Wei observed the scene with a mix of satisfaction and concern. He had brought hope to this world, but he knew it wouldn't be easy. The infected were a constant threat, but the human factions were just as dangerous.
"Aegis, maintain a constant scan of the area," Li Wei ordered. "I want to know everything that moves. And I want a report on the human factions in this world. We need to know who we're up against."
"Commander, multiple factions have been identified. The Hunters, a group of raiders operating in urban areas. The WLF, a fanatical militia with a strong presence in Seattle. And the Fireflies, a paramilitary organization seeking a cure, but with questionable methods," Aegis reported.
Li Wei frowned. The Fireflies... a group seeking the same thing as him, but who wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice innocent lives in their pursuit.
The Firefly Attack and the Fire of Despair
The peace of the camp was short-lived. Just as night fell over the ruined city, Aegis's sensors detected a hostile approach.
"Commander, detecting an armed group. Approaching from the East. Identification: Fireflies. Movement pattern: Attack," Aegis alerted.
Li Wei braced himself. He knew the Fireflies were relentless. And he knew they wouldn't hesitate to use force to get what they wanted.
First-Person Account (through Li Wei): "Helldivers, prepare for combat! Soldiers, defend the perimeter! Protect the civilians!" I ordered. Adrenaline surged through my veins, the familiar hum of war resounding in my ears. But this time, it wasn't just a mission. It was a promise. A promise to Joel and Ellie. A promise to the survivors who had found a sliver of hope in this hell.
The Fireflies attacked with fanatical ferocity, throwing grenades and firing their automatic rifles. The Helldivers responded with lethal precision, their plasma weapons mowing down the attackers. The Elite Soldiers, though outnumbered, held the line, defending the perimeter with unwavering bravery.
Amidst the chaos, I saw Joel and Ellie, sheltering behind a makeshift cover. Joel fired his revolver with surprising accuracy, while Ellie watched with a grim expression, her knife ready.
"Commander, they're targeting the girl!" a Helldiver shouted.
I saw a Firefly sniper aiming his rifle at Ellie. Without hesitation, I lunged forward, placing myself between the bullet and the girl. The impact struck my shoulder, the Helldiver armor absorbing most of the energy, but the pain was intense.
"Commander!" Momo shouted, her voice filled with horror.
I ignored the pain, activating my Helldiver rifle. With brutal precision, I brought down the sniper, his body falling lifeless to the ground.
The Firefly attack was repelled, but the cost was high. Several soldiers and survivors died. And the war in this world had only just begun.