Ch 4 Chapter 4: The Flood Awakens
The corridors of the Forerunner installation were silent now, but that silence was worse than any gunfire. My system interface buzzed constantly, scanning, analyzing—but this time, the readings were… unfamiliar. Organic contamination. Rapidly spreading.
"Spartan-0051," the system warned, "unknown biological threat detected. Infection rate accelerating. Probability of survival without intervention: 43%."
I gritted my teeth inside the helmet. My first instinct was to run, but the system overrode panic, highlighting the safest paths and attack points. My reflexes and shield enhancements would be tested like never before.
We rounded a corner—and the truth hit like a hammer. The hallway was filled with Flood forms, grotesque and writhing, their claws scraping against the metal floors. They screamed in a chorus of alien agony. One surged toward us, faster than anything I'd anticipated.
"Take them down!" the Sergeant shouted, firing his assault rifle, but bullets barely slowed the monstrous creatures.
The system's HUD lit up with options. Recommended actions: kinetic blade augmentation; projectile enhancement; mobility spike activation.
I tapped the interface. Instantly, my combat knife glowed with energy, my rifle fired rounds at enhanced velocity, and my reflexes surged beyond human limits. I became a blur of motion—dodging, slashing, shooting. The Flood forms fell like wheat before a scythe.
"Spartan-0051… how—" the Sergeant began, but another Flood form leapt from the ceiling. I barely dodged, rolling, shield flaring, and stabbed the creature in one fluid motion.
"System," I muttered mid-battle. "What's the long-term risk of infection?"
"Direct exposure without containment will result in assimilation. Probability: 97% for unarmored personnel. Your MJOLNIR armor provides limited immunity. Suggest immediate neutralization and retreat."
I nodded without slowing, systematically eliminating Flood after Flood. Each kill granted experience points, new skill upgrades, and system prompts: Enhanced environmental scanning, threat prioritization, adaptive combat algorithms.
The squad kept up as best they could, but it was clear—I was carrying the fight. My system suggested an exit route, but the Flood were closing in from every side.
And then, the worst sight of all: a massive Flood combat form, towering over the squad, its mass pulsating with grotesque energy. Its limbs were armored with organic plating, and its glowing red eyes focused solely on me.
"System," I whispered, adrenaline surging, "what's the best strategy?"
"Option one: frontal assault—high risk, high reward. Option two: lure into environmental hazard—moderate risk, high reward. Option three: tactical withdrawal and regroup—low risk, moderate reward."
I smiled under my helmet. "Let's make it interesting."
Using enhanced speed, I dodged the Flood's first strike, leading it into a corridor lined with Forerunner energy conduits. One misstep, and its mass struck the conduits, creating an energy surge. I fired my grenades in perfect timing—the explosion of Forerunner tech and Flood biomass was catastrophic.
The creature fell. The hallway went silent. My heart pounded, my armor scorched from energy feedback. I scanned the area. The Flood had been contained… for now, but the system warned me: primary infection vector still active. Reinforcements will arrive.
The squad looked at me with a mixture of awe and fear. "I've never seen a Spartan move like that," the Sergeant said quietly.
"Neither have I," I admitted. Inside, the system pinged: Level Up! Combat proficiency increased. Shield and reflexes fully upgraded. New skill unlocked: Adaptive Combat Protocol.
I flexed my enhanced fingers inside the gauntlets. This was no longer just survival. This was evolution. The Flood were terrifying—but they would make me stronger.
Outside, the installation hummed ominously. Ancient secrets waited, Covenant patrols lurked, and the Flood… were coming back.
And I would be ready.