The Infected

    By Ben Shineman

    The Infected cover image

    03 May, 2024

    a man in a uniform standing in front of a house at night with a lantern on the tree and a street light, american realism, a character portrait, Edward Otho Cresap Ord, II, western comic book art

    Sheriff John was patrolling the quiet town when he noticed a strange creature lurking in the shadows. It was unlike anything he'd ever seen.

    a giant spider with red eyes and a creepy face on a city street with people walking by in the background, antipodeans, concept art, Dirk Crabeth, promotional image

    The creature was a head crab, and it quickly jumped on a passerby. The man screamed and fell, his body twitching violently.

    a man in a white lab coat is standing over a dead head on a bed in a hospital room, neoplasticism, poster art, Clark Voorhees, promotional image

    At the hospital, Dr. Sarah was trying to save the infected man, but his condition was rapidly deteriorating.

    a woman with blood on her face and a man in a suit behind her in a hallway with other people, neoplasticism, a character portrait, Dirk Crabeth, promotional image

    The infection was spreading fast, turning the man into a mindless creature. The town was on the brink of chaos.

    a painting of a man in uniform standing in front of a crowd of people in uniform and flags hanging from the ceiling, american realism, a character portrait, Edward Otho Cresap Ord, II, official art

    At the town hall, Sheriff John and Mayor Thompson were trying to calm the panicked townsfolk, assuring them they were doing everything they could.

    a man in a suit standing in front of a group of people in suits and ties in a courtroom, american realism, a detailed matte painting, David Budd, promotional image

    Dr. Sarah joined them, explaining her findings on the infection and the urgent need to find a solution.

    two men in trench coats walking through a forest at night with a full moon in the background and a full moon in the sky, gothic art, poster art, Brothers Hildebrandt, promotional image

    Sheriff John, Dr. Sarah, and a young man named Sam decided to venture into the woods, hoping to find the source of the infection.

    a group of people standing in the woods in front of trees and fogs in the background, with a man in a hoodie and a woman in the foreground, antipodeans, poster art, Dirk Crabeth, promotional image

    They found the creatures' nest and realised that they had to destroy it to stop the infection.

    a man in a hoodie surrounded by monsters in a dark forest with a full moon in the background, furry art, a character portrait, Craig Davison, comic cover art

    They fought bravely, but the creatures were relentless. Just when they thought they were doomed, Dr. Sarah found a weak spot.

    a man in a jacket standing in front of a fire and smoke filled cityscape with a bird flying overhead, serial art, a comic book panel, Clark Voorhees, western comic book art

    With a well-timed throw, Sam managed to hit the weak spot, causing a chain reaction that destroyed the nest.

    a man and woman standing next to a boy in a sheriff outfit and a bat on a building with bats flying overhead, american realism, poster art, Ada Gladys Killins, key art

    Back in the town, the infected people started to recover. The townsfolk praised the brave trio for their courage.

    a man and a child standing in front of a fire damaged house in the woods with a fire in the background, american realism, a poster, Charles Martin, promotional image

    The town started to rebuild, and life slowly returned to normal. But the survivors knew they would always be ready if the creatures ever returned.

    The Infected

    AI Horror Stories