*This Chapter Takes Place From Tyrell's Point Of View.*

I woke up with my vision blurry and my head aching. I panted, my face sweating, coming to the realization that it was a nightmare. The room I was in was dark and dimly lit by the hole in ceiling. Luckily most of the withered were crushed when the floor collapsed. I staggered to my feet, the room still echoing with the chaos of battle from the different areas of the tower. I had to keep moving. The withered were relentless, and there was no time for rest. My swords felt heavy in my hands, but I clenched them tighter.

The remaining withered closed in, their dull eyes fixed on me. They rushed to me, but I parried their attacks, my blades slicing through their decaying flesh. But they kept coming, driven by an insatiable hunger. I spun, severing a withered head from its shoulders, then cut another's legs off before stabbing its head. My muscles screamed in agony, but I pushed forward.

And then I saw them—the last few remaining withered were different. Their bodies were had thick black thorns all over. They were the mutated abominations, the result of the SKYTECH's twisted experiments. Their eyes glowed white when they saw me, and their movements were more coordinated.

One lunged at me, its claws snapping forward. I ducked, narrowly avoiding the lethal attack. Another launched thorns from its head, aiming for my chest. I deflected them with my swords, but the impact sent shockwaves through my arms. These withered were tougher. I fought back, severing their limbs, but they kept coming. My heart pounding fast. The room trembled, cracks forming in the walls. I had to end this.

With a final surge of strength, I lunged at the last withered variant. I cut through its thorns, severing them. It screeched, but I drove my blades into its skull, its thorns wilting. It collapsed, twitching. Ignoring the pain in my head, I gripped my swords tightly and scanned the room. The walls had scars from previous encounters—bullet holes, claw marks, and black stains. But there was something different this time. A low growl echoed from the shadows, and I knew I wasn't alone. There was something else.

Emerging from the darkness, the wither variant revealed itself. Its head was encased in thorny vines, twisting and writhing like serpents. Its elongated limbs ended in sharp, needle-like claws. This one seemed to be more evolved than the mutated ones. The creature lunged at me, its movements unnaturally fast. I parried its attack, the clash of steel ringing through the air. Then it struck. One of its vines shot forward, faster than I could react. It grazed my wrist, leaving a searing pain. I gritted my teeth, feeling a rush of adrenaline.

A lot of questions ran through my head. I was wondering if I was infected or not. Then my mind trailed back to the day I met Marina and Ethan. One of the survivors had been attacked by a similar wither and became infected. Was it possible that I too was infected? No. There was no time to dwell on it. I lunged at the wither variant. My swords slashed through its thorny vines, severing them one by one. It screeched, its eyes widening in surprise. But it fought back, its claws slashing across my jacket. I staggered, blood dripping from the scratch on my wrist.

Finally, I saw my chance. The creature's head was exposed—the vulnerable core inside its head. I threw my sword into its skull. The vines fell and the creature collapsed. As the adrenaline subsided, pain flooded my senses. I fell to my knees, clutching my wounded wrist. Only then did I notice the blood staining my glove. The scratch was deeper than I thought, and the venom from the thorny vine was already taking its toll.

But I had no time to rest. I stumbled toward the exit, drops of my blood dripping to the floor, still holding one of my swords in hand. The wither variant lay defeated behind me. I opened the door and collapsed again. I pushed myself up and sat, laying back on the wall. I felt tired. My mind reeled with different memories. 

I remembered the good times I had with everyone while still at Base Alpha. My body started to weaken. I felt as if I had failed. Failed to protect everyone. Failed to return to Lily safely like I had promised. Failed to continue living. Failed to complete my father's goal to cure the world from this curse. I could feel my body weakening with every second. Aches and sharp pains almost everywhere in my body. The world around me felt as if it was spinning with each heavy breath I took. I opened my Eralink and opened the notepad app.

[Note Entry]
Date: 5 March 2024
Dear Elena, Marina, Ethan, Lily, and Old Man Samuel,
I hope this message reaches you all. By the time you read this I'll probably have turned into a wither. There are things I need to say, and I hope you'll understand.
I've failed. Failed to find the Haven file. Failed to accomplish my father's wish. Failed to return safely. Failed to see all your smiles one last time.
Elena: You saved me from the raiders, and I owe you my life. Your courage and determination kept me going when all seemed lost. Your laughter in the morning during breakfast always put a smile on my face. You helped me at my lowest moment despite barely knowing me. It feels as if I've known you my entire life. I'm sorry for any moments of doubt or frustration. You deserve better than a broken world.

Marina and Ethan: You two always knew how to have fun. I enjoyed the times we hung out together. We had fun, laughed and even cried together watching cheesy romance movies. We fought side by side and helped other survivors along the way. You both deserve to live happily for the rest of your lives.
Old Man Samuel: Your wisdom and resilience have been a beacon of hope. I enjoyed sitting at the campfire listening to your songs and stories. You've seen more than anyone should, and yet you continue to fight. Thank you for being a guiding force. I hope you continue guiding others like you did with me.
Lily: You're like the little sister I never had. You always laughed when we played together and cried whenever I had to leave. You're one of the people we fight for so you can live happily ever after in the fairy tales I always read to you before you slept. I promised to keep you safe and also return safely from this mission. But I've failed and broken the promise. I'm sorry, Lily. You're still very young and no child deserves to live in such a harsh world. You deserve happiness and a better future.
To all of you, I apologize for my shortcomings, my failures. I ask that you remember our laughter and the warmth we shared together despite knowing each other for such a short amount of time. Hold onto those moments—they're what keep us human in this desolate landscape.
Stay strong, my friends. And if I don't make it, know that you've made my journey worthwhile. I hope you all find the cure and live happy lives and forget about this forsaken world.
With gratitude and regret,
Your friend, Your brother, Your comrade
-Tyrell Mitchell

I saved the note, my vision blurring. The room spun around me, and I wondered if anyone would find it. If they'd know how much they meant to me. Looking up, I smiled as I started feeling my body wither. Then darkness claimed me.
End Of Chapter 12.