Dying Light 2: Volatile Virus

Aiden sat in silence after Spike's last words, staring into the flickering fire. The weight of what he had just learned pressed on him—the Night Hunter, the vanished people, the mysterious figure who nearly stopped it, and the GRE's interference. It was a tangled mess of history and consequences, but one thing was clear: Hartford held answers.

If people had gone into that sewer and never returned, then something was down there. Something important.

Maybe it was a cure, hidden away in the remnants of an experiment long forgotten. Maybe it was something else entirely—a truth buried beneath the city that could help him, and help everyone.

And if nothing else, this could bring him one step closer to Mia.

But before any of that, he had to be ready.

Spike, ever the realist, gave him a warning.

"You better prepare first, kid," he muttered, standing up and stretching. "That kind of trip ain't just a walk through town. Days and days of travel. No rest. No safe zones. Daytime's rough, but nighttime? That's another level. You're on your own out there."

Aiden only nodded. He already knew the dangers. But that wasn't going to stop him.

Preparation for the Journey

Before sunrise, Aiden got to work.

Weapons: He checked his machete, sharpening its edge, knowing that out there, he'd need to rely on speed over brute force. He grabbed a reinforced axe for heavier attacks and a reliable bow with a quiver of arrows—silent kills were key to survival.

Survival Gear: Aiden packed a UV flashlight, ensuring he had a defense against Volatiles. A few UV flares as well—just in case. He reinforced his grappling hook and made sure his paraglider was still functional, though he knew open terrain wouldn't always make it useful.

Medical Supplies: Aiden stocked up on medkits, bandages, and immunity boosters—traveling outside Villedor meant staying out of UV light for long stretches, and he couldn't risk turning.

Rations & Water: A long journey meant food was essential. He packed dried meat, canned food, and a few protein bars—lightweight but enough to keep him moving. He filled two large water canisters, knowing he might not find clean water along the way.

Clothing & Armor: His reinforced jacket would help against bites, and he adjusted his boots for long-distance travel. He layered up—nights would be cold, but he couldn't afford to slow down.

Maps & Intel: While Villedor's borders were familiar, everything beyond was uncertain. He grabbed an old map of the region, marking a rough path toward Hartford. Roads had changed, bridges had collapsed, but it was better than going in blind.

Once everything was packed, he stood at the edge of the safe house, watching the sky shift from deep blue to the first hints of dawn.

This was it.

Harran—the place where it all started—was still out of reach. Spike wasn't going to tell him how to get there, not yet. But Hartford?

That was the closest he could get for now.

And if there was no cure waiting for him… maybe there was something else. Something that could change everything.

Aiden took a final breath, tightening the straps on his gear.

Then, he stepped out into the unknown.