ã€ŠHello, Apocalypse!ã€‹


 Chapter-001

    The night was as dark as ink, and Eli''s consciousness was dragged into a deep and chaotic dream.

    He stood in a place that felt both strange and eerily familiar. The ground beneath his feet seemed to tremble faintly, and the air was thick with the acrid stench of burning.

    The sky above was dyed an unnatural crimson, like an endless blaze consuming the heavens, casting blurred outlines of nearby buildings.

    Squinting, Eli strained to make out his surroundings.

    In the distance, a shattered glass dome and massive arched structures faintly resembled Grand Central Station, but they were grotesquely distorted, unrecognizable.

    Fractured stone columns jutted from the ground at awkward angles, and shadowy figures darted frantically through the thick smoke.

    Some of the figures froze suddenly, collapsing stiffly to the ground, while others vanished into an invisible abyss.

    A shrill alarm blared in his ears, slicing through his nerves like a blade.

    The screams of panicked crowds, metallic crashes, and disembodied wails blended into a horrifying cacophony.

    Amid the chaos, a strange, guttural growl reached Eli¡¯s ears.

    He saw some of the shadowy figures abruptly turn toward others, their movements stiff yet alarmingly fast as they lunged.

    He couldn¡¯t tell if those attackers were human¡ªtheir figures were simply too blurry!

    The attacked figures screamed, then vanished as if swallowed by the darkness.

    Suddenly, Eli felt an icy gaze fix on him.

    He couldn¡¯t make out a face¡ªonly a twisted outline gradually emerging from the suffocating smoke.

    The figure dragged its uncoordinated steps closer, accompanied by the unsettling sound of grinding bones.

    Eli''s breathing quickened, as if something was pressing down on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

    ¡°They¡¯re watching me¡­¡±

    The thought flashed through Eli''s mind just as the shadow lunged at him!

    Its movements were bizarre and unnaturally fast, nothing like a human¡¯s.

    Instinctively, Eli turned and began to run, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.

    The blaring alarm and guttural roars behind him grew sharper, stabbing into his ears.

    He ran with all his might, but the footsteps behind him closed in relentlessly.

    The twisted shadows pursued him, their speed so unnatural it seemed otherworldly.

    Eli could hear his own ragged breathing mingling with the thunderous pounding of his heart. Each step felt like it landed on searing ground, propelling him forward in desperation.

    He dashed through a blur of ruins, the crimson glow stretching his shadow into something grotesque and distorted, like a twisted monster chasing him.

    Suddenly, his foot caught on something, and he crashed to the ground, sending up a haze of dust and shadowy particles.

    He tried to get up, but his legs felt as though they were bound by an unseen force, no matter how hard he struggled, he couldn¡¯t move an inch.

    Rolling onto his back, he looked behind him.

    A mass of twisted darkness, like dense smoke, was closing in on him.

    Its outline was indistinct, yet it exuded an oppressive aura that made it hard to breathe¡ªa stench of rot and death hung thick in the air around it.

    The shadow split open into a massive "mouth," as if it intended to swallow him whole.

    Eli couldn¡¯t make out its teeth, but a sharp, menacing gleam flickered in the darkness.

    "Stay back!"

    Eli instinctively raised his hand to shield himself, only to find his arm moving sluggishly, as if trapped in an invisible quagmire, weak and powerless.

    A cold, suffocating breath swept across his face. He couldn¡¯t even close his eyes¡ªhis pupils reflected nothing but a murky chaos.

    His sanity began to fracture, like a broken mirror shattering piece by piece, leaving only an overwhelming terror filling his mind.

    Just as the creature was about to touch him, the scene around him began to quake violently.

    The monster¡¯s outline seemed to be torn apart by an unseen force, breaking into fragments that scattered into the air.

    Then, as though swept away by a raging wind, the entire figure disintegrated into nothingness.

    The ruins, the flames, the shadows...

    Everything unraveled like a damaged painting, twisting and dissolving rapidly until all that remained was pure, impenetrable darkness.

    The fear didn¡¯t dissipate; instead, it imprinted itself even deeper onto Eli¡¯s soul.

    He sat frozen in the abyss, his own ragged breathing echoing in his ears, the oppressive weight on his chest lingering like a shadow.

    Glancing around, he tried to push himself to his feet, only to find his limbs unbearably heavy, as if filled with lead.

    As soon as he lifted his head, Eli''s gaze was drawn to a faint light in the distance.

    It was an enormous, antique clock, suspended mid-air as if it had materialized from the void.

    The clock face was riddled with cracks, and its hands were frozen at 9 o¡¯clock, as though time itself had stopped.

    The cracks radiated outward from the center of the face, spreading like a spiderweb, accompanied by a low, oppressive hum.

    The sound was unlike the typical ticking of a clock; it was more like a pulsating rhythm emanating from deep within the earth, each pulse making Eli¡¯s chest feel heavy and constricted.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    He felt as though his breath was being blocked by some invisible force, and even his heartbeat seemed to sync with the hum, as if the strange clock was redefining the rhythm of his life.

    He tried to stand and step back, but his legs felt glued to the ground, unable to move an inch.

    The hum grew heavier and heavier, gradually filling the entire space like a proclamation of judgment rather than a warning.

    Eli opened his mouth, wanting to scream, but his throat felt tightly locked.

    All he could do was gape soundlessly, his chest heaving violently, unable to produce even the faintest sound.

    His eyes remained fixed on the clock as the cracks spread faster and faster, the edges of the fractures crumbling away.

    Each fragment disintegrated the moment it separated from the clock face, vanishing into the endless void as if devoured by an unseen force.

    The scene before him began to distort, the outline of the clock collapsing until only a silent shadow remained.

    Eli¡¯s consciousness was also ensnared by the clock¡¯s collapse, as if an invisible force was dragging him into the bottomless abyss.

    When the final piece of the clock disappeared, the low hum ceased abruptly, and the entire space was swallowed by an eerie, suffocating silence.

    Eli felt as if he had fallen into endless darkness, the fear in his heart coiling around him like a venomous serpent, leaving him completely paralyzed.

    The silence was like an invisible veil, trapping Eli in an endless abyss of darkness.

    His consciousness floated aimlessly in this void without boundaries, his gaze met with nothing but suffocating blackness.

    Suddenly, an indescribable force surged into his mind.

    Without warning, pain struck like a blade piercing his thoughts.

    He could not resist the intrusion, as though something was being forcibly embedded into his very soul.

    The information was fragmented and indistinct, yet it felt overwhelmingly real.

    ¡°Failure... failure... failure after failure¡­¡±

    The voice was deep and raspy, laced with gritted agony and an irrepressible despair.

    Each word hammered into his mind like nails, igniting waves of sharp pain.

    Suddenly, images flashed before his eyes¡ªa chaotic swirl of countless broken fragments.

    Under the scorching red glow, these fragments formed into an unrecognizable nightmare.

    The burning earth churned violently, flames scorching the shattered stone pillars as the outline of the skyline wavered.

    A castle loomed into view, hazy and surreal, as if assembling itself from thin air.

    Its spire reached impossibly high, vanishing into the twisted skyline.

    Flickering light danced atop the spire, as though an unnamed force swayed and blurred in his vision.

    Suddenly, a shattering noise pierced through his eardrums¡ªsomething had broken!

    Eli looked up and saw countless falling shards of glass, each resembling a gleaming blade.

    The blades shimmered with a cold light as they descended, striking the ground and piercing into a mass of indistinct shadows below.

    The scene flashed by in an instant¡ªa colossal figure loomed not far away, slowly collapsing amidst the raging flames.

    That thing was clearly not human, yet its form resembled a humanoid shape.

    Its shell was fractured, and fiery light burst forth from the cracks, accompanied by deafening explosions.

    It extended a massive arm, as if desperately trying to grasp something, but ultimately, it fell helplessly to the ground, disappearing into a haze of shadows.

    The scene flickered again.

    Eli saw a lone figure wielding a longsword, the blade¡¯s brilliance piercing the heavens and cutting through the endless darkness.

    But in the next moment, the sword¡¯s light vanished without a trace, swallowed by a surging deep blue current.

    Beneath the depths of the water, faint shadows glided past, emanating a dim red glow like countless crimson eyes abruptly opening.

    It felt as though something enormous lurked in the depths, its tendrils twisting through the water, ready to breach the surface at any moment.

    The vision began to distort.

    The original image was torn apart by an unseen force, and new fragments emerged within the cracks.

    A blurry silhouette stood in the void, its feet resting upon an infinite sea of stars.

    With a slight movement of his fingers, the entire starry expanse began to tremble, countless lights flickering to life.

    The distant darkness was torn apart by a massive streak of violet lightning, its radiance erupting with a chilling brilliance.

    But immediately afterward, the depths of the sky split open, resembling the maw of an abyss.

    The heavens trembled violently as the gaping "mouth" silently expanded, deep and dark, like an abyss devouring all light.

    From its depths, an indescribable, dazzling radiance began to form, rippling with an eerie, unnatural rhythm.

    Though the light was blinding, it offered no hope¡ªonly suffocation and despair.

    The radiance surged forth abruptly, like a churning black tide from the abyss, carrying an oppressive force that devoured everything in its path.

    The light expanded into countless ripples, each wave resonating with unsettling vibrations, as though some law of existence was being forcibly torn apart and rewritten.

    The ripples traversed the void, sweeping over countless faint points of light in the distance, which seemed to be struggling desperately to resist.

    The points of light were indistinct, each emanating a cold, metallic texture. As the ripples washed over them, they began to disintegrate.

    Bit by bit, they broke apart and shattered, eventually dissolving into silent clouds of dust, vanishing into the infinite void.

    Deeper within the radiance, larger points of light writhed in defiance.

    One such light took on an indescribable geometric shape, resembling a drifting fortress.

    When the ripples reached it, the colossal form was torn apart, as though ripped open by an invisible hand.

    The walls of the fortress crumbled silently, and the core at its center was completely devoured.

    In an instant, all the lights within the fortress extinguished, plunging it into total darkness.

    The beam of light stretched rapidly across the void, its speed surpassing the limits of Eli¡¯s comprehension, as if even time itself had been stretched into a blurred trajectory.

    It wasn¡¯t merely moving¡ªit pierced through everything in an instant, like a blade tearing the fabric of the universe, traveling at a speed beyond any conceivable measure.

    The beam surged through the void like an unstoppable flood, striking directly at a massive floating sphere deep within the darkness, as though destined to shatter it into fragments.

    The massive sphere wasn¡¯t alone; faint points of light encircled it, like the remnants of silent guardians offering their final resistance.

    However, under the oppressive force of the beam, those lights disintegrated instantly, scattering into specks of dust, like fireflies blown apart by the wind.

    The surface of the sphere shimmered with a faint blue glow, exuding an ancient and solemn rhythm, like a somber melody that had played for millennia.

    Yet the beam of light was merciless, like a judgmental force, steadily eroding the sphere¡¯s boundaries. The blue glow began to peel away strand by strand, revealing its dark gray essence beneath.

    In the next moment, the first crack appeared¡ªa hairline fracture, faint yet carrying an unmistakable depth, as if it sought to sever the sphere¡¯s very lifeline.

    The crack spread rapidly, crawling like a spiderweb across the sphere¡¯s surface.

    From within these fissures, dim light began to pour out, like an endless abyss surging forth, devouring the sphere¡¯s remaining outline.

    Each crack resonated with invisible tremors, and the massive shape of the sphere began to quake, as if it were crying out in agony¡ªyet no sound escaped, muffled entirely by the oppressive silence of the void.

    The beam of light accelerated, transforming into a spear of destruction, driving straight toward the core of the sphere.

    For a brief moment, the sphere fell into stillness, its faint blue glow vanishing entirely, leaving only a lifeless dimness.

    Then, an indescribable shockwave erupted from within!

    The cracks collapsed instantly, and the entire sphere began to release countless dazzling shards of light.

    Each shard seemed to carry fragments of countless memories, briefly illuminating the void before being consumed by the beam of light and vanishing without a trace.

    Farther away, the void trembled, as if letting out a silent cry over this act of annihilation.

    As the final shard disappeared, the core of the sphere disintegrated entirely, leaving behind a massive, black hole-like void in its place¡ªso vast and absolute that not even light could approach it.

    The surrounding void quivered gently, rippling with aftershocks, erasing every trace of what once was.

    The beam of destruction continued its relentless extension, imbued with an unstoppable will to annihilate, fading into the unreachable distance.

    Eli¡¯s gaze was locked onto the destruction before him, his chest feeling as though an invisible hand was gripping it tightly.

    In the silence of the void, he seemed to hear a deep sigh, the final echo of a receding tide.

    The sound carried an indescribable weariness and heaviness, as if it came from a distant shore, yet felt so close it was almost at his ear.

    "¡­From now on¡­ it¡¯s up to you¡­"

    The voice, though slow and hesitant, was imbued with an unyielding resolve.

    In an instant, Eli¡¯s heart sank sharply, his chest feeling as though a massive stone had been placed upon it.

    He couldn¡¯t comprehend the meaning of the words, but he felt an indescribable force invading his consciousness, like chains being forcibly locked around him.

    The void around him began to stir gently, the echoes of whispers resonating like a mournful elegy in the darkness.

    Everything around him grew even more blurred; the sky and the ground began crumbling into black particles, cascading into the abyss beneath his feet.

    The whispers gradually faded into the distance as Eli¡¯s consciousness began to blur. At last, he could close his eyes.

 Chapter-002

    Eli woke up abruptly from his dream, as if he had been dragged back to reality from the depths of an abyss.

    His entire body was soaked, cold sweat trailing down his forehead and dripping off his cheeks, while his chest rose and fell violently.

    He sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly, his fingers gripping the corner of the sheet as though he was still caught in the suffocating grip of the dream.

    The dim ceiling and the still, quiet air around him left him feeling disoriented, unsure for a moment whether he was truly awake.

    He closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing, but the images from the dream clung to him like scorching brands, impossible to erase.

    He tried to recall more details, but the scenes were rapidly disintegrating, turning into indistinct fragments, leaving only a profound sense of helplessness lingering in his heart.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a dream¡­ just a dream¡­¡±

    He muttered to himself, his hands braced on his knees, his head hanging slightly, as though repeating those words might convince him.

    Yet the pounding of his heart and the lingering pressure on his chest were too real to ignore.

    Outside, silence enveloped everything, with a faint glimmer of dawn breaking through the darkness.

    The streets of Queens were unusually quiet, broken only by the occasional distant rumble of wheels, as though caught between wakefulness and slumber.

    The air carried a faint chill of early morning, as if the city¡¯s usual clamor had been drained away, leaving behind this fleeting moment of stillness.

    Eli sat still for a moment before reaching for the nightstand. The cold touch of his phone brought him back to reality, if only slightly.

    The screen lit up, displaying the date and time: October 17th, 6:17 AM.

    The numbers hovered lifelessly in the center of the screen, stark and indifferent.

    His gaze lingered on the ¡°17¡± and ¡°6:17,¡± as a vague sense of unease began to creep through him.

    Images from his dream suddenly resurfaced in his mind:

    A cracked clock face, its hands frozen at 9 o¡¯clock, with jagged cracks spidering outward from the center.

    In his ears, a low, oppressive hum echoed¡ªa weighty sound, as though rising from the depths of the earth.

    Instinctively, he lowered his phone and placed it face down on the nightstand, but the suffocating pressure didn¡¯t dissipate; instead, it grew even stronger.

    Leaning back against the pillow, Eli covered his face with his hand, trying to shake off the inexplicable weight bearing down on him.

    He took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself, but his thoughts remained ensnared by the lingering fragments of his dream, refusing to let go.

    "Too much stress," Eli murmured, offering himself a simple explanation.

    Recently, he had been working tirelessly, his days and nights blurred together, often staying up until the early hours of the morning.

    But could a dream feel this real?

    The almost tangible details and the suffocating terror were nothing like an ordinary nightmare.

    He even felt that the scenes were more akin to fragments of reality forcibly implanted into his mind.

    Eli rubbed his face vigorously, pressing his fingers against his temples in an attempt to ease the faint throbbing in his head.

    He tried to distract himself, letting his gaze wander across every corner of the room.

    On the nightstand sat a metallic desk lamp next to a stack of well-thumbed books, several of which were technical manuals on network engineering.

    Across from him, a laptop rested quietly on the desk, its dark screen faintly reflecting the room¡¯s light. Scattered nearby were a few sticky notes covered in handwritten notes and an old coffee mug.

    The narrow bookshelf behind the desk was crammed with books¡ªmostly technical guides, but also a few worn sci-fi novels and a small model figurine.

    A jacket was draped over the chair by the window, while the potted plant on the windowsill looked slightly yellowed, its leaves drooping as if drained of vitality.

    The floor was bare except for a small gray rug by the bed.

    The familiar arrangement of the room seemed to reassure him that it was all just a dream.

    He let out a long sigh, bracing his palms on his knees and forcing himself to get up.

    With stiff, sluggish steps, he walked to the window, drew back the curtain, and looked outside.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    The street was unusually quiet, the faint glow of the streetlights casting light over the empty road.

    A few trees swayed gently in the wind, their shadows flickering on the ground as if whispering some hidden language.

    He gazed at the stillness, trying to find some solace in the reality before him.

    Yet the lingering weight of the dream clung to him, echoing in his mind and refusing to let him rest.

    Eli knew he couldn¡¯t continue like this. He had to do something to break free from this state.

    Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, trying to strip away the blurry fragments of the dream from his thoughts.

    Pulling himself together, he forced his focus back on the present, pushing the memories of last night¡¯s dream to the back of his mind.

    He walked to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and splashed cold water on his face. The icy sensation washed away some of his lingering fatigue.

    In the mirror, his bloodshot eyes and furrowed brow betrayed the toll of a restless night.

    He shook his head, quickly brushed his teeth, washed up, and changed into a clean dark jacket and jeans. His movements were mechanical but practiced.

    Returning to his room, he stood by his desk and began preparing his gear for the day.

    A laptop, power cord, tool kit, and a marker¡ªhe checked each item methodically.

    After reviewing his task list one more time, he carefully packed everything into his backpack, slung it over his shoulder, and got ready to leave.

    Before leaving, he glanced at his phone screen. The numbers hovered quietly, giving him pause for a brief moment.

    He shook his head and reassured himself, "It¡¯s just a dream."

    Pushing the thought aside, he walked to the entryway, changed his shoes, and grabbed the keys hanging by the wall.

    Eli stepped out of his apartment, greeted by the crisp morning air. He pulled his jacket collar tighter and made his way down the familiar streets.

    The air carried a faint chill, tinged with a hint of dampness. Occasionally, a few birds chirped from the treetops.

    The streetlights hadn¡¯t fully gone out yet, their glow mingling with the slowly rising morning light, casting dappled patterns across the uneven pavement.

    A few pedestrians began trickling onto the streets, most clutching coffee cups or carrying breakfast bags, hurrying toward the subway station.

    Cars rolled by at a slow pace, their engines occasionally breaking the stillness and adding a faint touch of life to the waking city.

    Eli descended the subway platform, where a bustling crowd of passengers had gathered, waiting for the next train.

    The sharp screech of the arriving train¡¯s brakes echoed piercingly through the quiet platform, the metallic grind against the rails slicing through the air like an invisible tear.

    The jarring sound pulled his thoughts back to his dream¡ªthe same kind of indistinct, oppressive rumble.

    The sound was just as piercing, like some enormous machine endlessly churning, suffocating in its oppressive intensity.

    Now, that familiar heaviness washed over him again, causing his hand to tremble slightly.

    As the train doors opened slowly, Eli stepped aboard, making a conscious effort to ignore the lingering shadow of unease.

    Eli found a corner to stand in, leaning against the handrail as he lowered his head to review the day¡¯s task emails, confirming equipment requirements and setup plans.

    Inside the train car, most passengers were either absorbed in their phones or resting with their eyes closed.

    Eli casually pulled out his headphones and started playing a piece of soothing music.

    The lights of the tunnel flashed rapidly outside the window, and his gaze settled on his reflection in the glass.

    The reflection blurred, intertwining with fragments from his dream, indistinct and unsettling.

    He shook his head and looked away, focusing instead on the rhythm of the music.

    The train slowly pulled into the station, and Eli followed the crowd out, greeted by the bustling morning streets of Manhattan.

    Cars lined up in slow-moving traffic, pedestrians hurried past, and crowds gathered in front of a corner coffee stand, vying for their breakfast orders.

    With some time to spare, Eli decided to take a moment to recalibrate and prepare for the day ahead.

    He strolled down the street at an unhurried pace before finally pushing open the door to a familiar caf¨¦.

    The chime of the doorbell jingled softly, a cheerful note that seemed to welcome his arrival.

    Warm air, carrying the inviting aroma of coffee and cream, greeted him and sharply contrasted with the crisp chill of the morning outside.

    He ordered an Americano and chose a seat by the window.

    The caf¨¦ wasn¡¯t particularly busy; a few patrons were immersed in their own activities:

    One person flipped through a laptop screen, another tapped away on a phone, and a young couple whispered quietly to each other.

    The occasional hiss of the coffee machine blended with the soft background music, adding a touch of tranquility to the space.

    Eli held his coffee cup in both hands, the warmth against his palms easing his tension slightly.

    His gaze drifted over the rim of the cup to the view outside the window:

    The streets teemed with people, business professionals in tailored suits hurrying in different directions, each immersed in their own routine.

    Sunlight glinted off the glass fa?ades of buildings, reflecting a gentle radiance, as though the entire city were immersed in an unshakable rhythm of stability.

    Yet the calmness of reality brought Eli an inexplicable unease.

    He lowered his eyes to the coffee¡¯s surface, watching the liquid ripple slightly, his mind involuntarily conjuring fragments of his dream.

    The shattered clock, the cracked dial, the deep, resonant hum¡ªthese details lingered like blurred echoes in the recesses of his memory.

    Eli glanced at his phone. The screen displayed the time: 8:47. He then raised his head and looked out the window again.

    The street remained bustling, sunlight now stretching across the pavement as crowds moved in orderly streams. Everything seemed perfectly normal.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± he murmured to himself, trying to anchor his thoughts in the present reality.

    Eli¡¯s gaze returned to his phone. The digits shifted from 8:59 to 9:00.

    In that instant, he felt his breath catch, his body instinctively tensing.

    His fingers unconsciously tightened around the coffee cup, as though bracing for something imminent.

    But everything around him remained unchanged.

    The coffee machine emitted a soft hiss of steam, and the barista behind the counter chatted casually with a customer.

    Outside, the streets were still lively, people moving steadily, cars driving smoothly.

    Sunlight bathed the pavement, the shadows of trees swaying gently, as if the entire city were untouched by any hint of disruption.

    Eli¡¯s eyes settled on his phone screen once again, watching the time tick forward¡ª9:03.

    He rubbed his temples, fragments of the dream still lingering in his mind.

    The shattered clock, the cracked dial, the unmoving hands frozen firmly at 9 o¡¯clock.

    A few minutes past nine? Morning or afternoon? Today or tomorrow? No matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t remember.

    His gaze drifted toward the window. Everything outside seemed perfectly normal. The serene view stood in stark contrast to the chaotic scenes from his dream.

    The clock, the cracks, the hum, the explosion¡­

    Those inexplicable fragments of the dream began to fade, becoming distant and blurry in his mind.

    Eli stood up, pushed his cup to the edge of the table, and stepped out of the caf¨¦. The bright sunlight greeted him warmly.

    He squinted slightly, took a deep breath, adjusted the strap of his bag, and walked briskly toward Grand Central Station.

    Though a faint unease lingered in his chest, he reassured himself:

    It was nothing more than a dream brought on by stress. Reality remained calm and steady, and life was the only thing that truly mattered.

 Chapter-003

    The morning bustle gradually shifted into the busyness of the day as the Grand Central Station concourse filled with a steady stream of people.

    Eli weaved through the crowd, arriving at the agreed meeting spot, a column near the announcement board.

    At 9:58, a new message popped up on his phone:

    Client: Traffic¡¯s a bit heavy, might not get there until 10:30. Sorry!

    Eli stared at the screen for a few seconds, his lips pressing into a slight frown, before slipping the phone back into his pocket.

    He wasn¡¯t someone easily irritated, but today¡¯s client clearly had a loose grasp of punctuality.

    It left him mildly annoyed, though it also afforded him some unexpected downtime.

    Leaning against the column, his gaze wandered idly across the bustling crowd.

    What began as a way to pass the time soon turned into something more focused as certain details on a few individuals began to catch his attention.

    Not far away, a man in a dark jacket stood by another column.

    Dressed in an ordinary dark jacket with a crossbody bag slung diagonally across his chest, he blended seamlessly with the surrounding commuters.

    But his posture was unusual: feet firmly planted on the ground, back straight, hands tucked into his pockets, exuding a calmness that felt almost too deliberate.

    His gaze moved swiftly through the crowd, scanning at an even pace, as if he were intentionally searching for a target.

    The zipper on his crossbody bag bulged slightly, hinting at a rigid object within.

    Occasionally, he adjusted the bag¡¯s position, his movements smooth yet betraying an excessive air of habitual caution.

    As Eli observed the man, an inexplicable feeling crept over him.

    "He¡¯s looking for a target."

    The moment Eli made that judgment, a vivid image burst into his mind, its details growing sharper and clearer:

    This man was an undercover cop, assigned to track down a drug lord.

    His target had already entered the station, and he was now confirming their position.

    His crossbody bag contained a lightweight weapon and essential disguise tools, ready for any eventuality.

    The image surged into Eli¡¯s mind like a tide, each detail disturbingly vivid.

    He could even ¡°see¡± the items inside the man¡¯s bag: a small telescope, a communication device, and a document folder.

    Inside that folder was a brief profile of the target, along with a blurry photo¡ªjust a faint, indistinct face.

    Eli shook his head instinctively, muttering under his breath, "Strange¡­"

    He trying to dismiss the scene in his mind as mere speculation, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the details were real.

    Eli tried to shift his attention away from the man in the jacket but found his gaze unconsciously drawn to a middle-aged man dragging a suitcase.

    The man was dressed in plain casual clothes, but his movements carried a hint of hesitation.

    The man in the jacket noticed the middle-aged man with the suitcase but didn¡¯t linger, as if it was just a passing glance.

    There was a subtle rhythm to his actions, as though he was confirming a target while trying to avoid drawing attention.

    ¡°He¡¯s identified the target but is still observing.¡±

    Once again, a vivid and inexplicable image surfaced in Eli¡¯s mind:

    A voice was coming through the man in the jacket¡¯s earpiece: Follow him, but don¡¯t alert him. Wait until he boards the train to take action.

    The specificity of these thoughts made Eli¡¯s heartbeat quicken.

    Lowering his gaze, Eli couldn¡¯t help but rub his temples, trying to calm his racing heart.

    Even though Eli tried to convince himself he was just overthinking, he keenly caught sight of the man in the jacket silently tailing the target, his steps exuding a deliberate secrecy.

    Eli decided not to dwell on it further. His gaze swept across the concourse, searching for something to distract his attention.

    At that moment, Eli noticed a young man sitting on a bench in the waiting area.

    The man¡¯s attire was completely ordinary: a gray hoodie, jeans, and a pair of plain sneakers.

    He wore wireless earbuds, his head lowered as he stared at his phone, his fingers continuously scrolling as if browsing through messages.

    Everything seemed normal¡ªuntil Eli¡¯s gaze fell on the suitcase at the young man¡¯s feet.

    It was a high-end luxury brand suitcase, exorbitantly expensive, standing in stark contrast to his casual, simple outfit.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    Eli couldn¡¯t help but scrutinize the young man more closely, and once again, his intuition surged like a flood, bringing forth another vivid image:

    The young man was a wealthy heir, traveling to handle a family matter. The suitcase contained important contract documents and some extremely valuable jewelry¡ªitems that held little personal meaning for him but were of immense importance to his family.

    The young man glanced down at his phone, his expression tinged with impatience and hesitation.

    Eli sensed faintly that he was heading to Washington under his family¡¯s orders to take care of a business deal he wasn¡¯t particularly invested in.

    Despite the intensity of these impressions, Eli tried to dismiss them with logic.

    ¡°This is just a random guess, an illusion born from observation. It can¡¯t possibly be real,¡± he muttered to himself.

    His gaze followed the young man¡¯s departing figure, and that oppressive feeling surged in his chest once more.

    It didn¡¯t come from the outside but from within, like an invisible hand lightly gripping his throat, making it hard to breathe.

    ¡°Find a cop!¡±

    The thought burst into his mind, abrupt and undeniable, compelling Eli to instinctively start scanning for someone.

    Not far away, a man leaned against a column in the waiting hall, his head lowered as he stared at his phone screen.

    The man had an average build, wore a plain brown jacket, and had an unremarkable appearance.

    Yet in an instant, Eli picked up on a series of subtle, telling details:

    While using his phone, the man¡¯s peripheral vision was constantly scanning his surroundings¡ªdiscreet yet systematic.

    It wasn¡¯t the aimless glance of an ordinary traveler but a deliberate, purposeful observation, as if he were looking for specific signals.

    Every few seconds, his hand would unconsciously brush the inside of his jacket¡ªa faint, quick motion, as if checking on something important hidden there.

    Eli was certain¡ªhe was a cop!

    Almost instantly, a complete image formed in Eli¡¯s mind.

    The details were so specific it bordered on the absurd, even making Eli question if he somehow knew this man.

    He was about 178 centimeters tall, weighing close to 77 kilograms, with movements that were light and controlled.

    The strength he exuded wasn¡¯t the flashy kind built in a gym but a practical, functional power.

    He had undoubtedly undergone specialized training in combat and unarmed takedown techniques, with exceptional coordination and explosive power.

    Eli could even ¡°see¡± a vivid scene of him chasing down a suspect:

    The man moved seamlessly, vaulting over obstacles and subduing his target with steady precision¡ªhis actions as flawlessly executed as if straight out of a textbook.

    Eli¡¯s mind went further, ¡°seeing¡± the man¡¯s phone screen flash a few lines of text: ¡°Target confirmed. Maintain discretion. Await further instructions.¡±

    In that instant, Eli understood: this was a plainclothes officer, working alongside the undercover cop from earlier on the same mission.

    Alan Kyle.

    New York Police Department, Anti-Crime Special Task Unit.

    Undercover mission: track, surveil, and await the opportune moment to act.

    Eli had no idea where this information came from, but it flashed into his mind like a blinding light, forcibly etched into his thoughts.

    A wave of unfamiliar yet intense emotions surged within him¡ªas though he could glimpse the story behind this man.

    Alan had risked exposure infiltrating enemy strongholds, clashed with suspects in dimly lit alleyways, and pursued high-profile criminals at breakneck speed through crowded subway stations.

    He was the perfect operative: precise and decisive in his actions, yet not devoid of compassion.

    He understood the compromises and sacrifices inherent in his missions, but in crucial moments, he would never turn a blind eye to the innocent.

    Eli¡¯s gaze lingered on the man¡¯s hand. Though he wasn¡¯t wearing a wedding ring, another vivid image flashed through Eli¡¯s mind¡ª

    A silent apartment, with a half-finished coffee cup sitting alone on the coffee table.

    Spread across the table was a sheet of paper: a divorce agreement.

    In the bottom-right corner of the document, two signatures stood starkly against the page, while in the top-left corner, the date read: June 15, 2023.

    The image flickered away, accompanied by faint, indistinct fragments of a conversation:

    "I''m sorry... this marriage wasn''t fair to you."

    The voice was low, tinged with helplessness and regret.

    Eli¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, his hand tightening into a subtle fist.

    He had never seen this man before and couldn¡¯t possibly know these details, yet the clarity of the vision filled him with an overwhelming sense of dread.

    Eli¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t linger on the man for long but quickly shifted to his surroundings.

    His observational skills had become unnaturally sharp, with even the most inconspicuous details surfacing vividly in his mind:

    At the far end of the waiting hall, a luggage cart stood abandoned by the wall near the ticket machine;

    beneath the vending machine, a loose screw left the metal panel slightly tilted;

    and not far away, a coffee stand displayed a gleaming tube of metal cutlery.

    Eli realized that these seemingly mundane objects might prove useful.

    The plainclothes officer was still looking at his phone, though his peripheral vision casually swept in Eli¡¯s direction.

    Every movement, every subtle glance from the man hinted at his heightened sense of awareness.

    Eli could clearly feel the weight of his gaze but pretended not to notice, casually walking toward the nearby vending machine.

    Standing in front of the machine, he slid his finger back and forth across the touchscreen, as though hesitating on what to choose.

    His posture was relaxed, his movements soft, appearing no different from any other passenger in the hall.

    Even the smallest shifts in his expression were perfectly controlled, precise to a degree that revealed nothing unusual.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening to me¡­¡±

    Eli couldn¡¯t begin to understand what was going on with him.

    This level of precision in reading details, this ability to conceal himself with professional-level subtlety¡ªhe had never trained for any of it.

    He had never learned these skills, yet they came so naturally, as if they were instincts etched into his very being.

    Eli had thought about stepping forward to warn the man:

    "Something dangerous is coming. I don¡¯t know why, but we need to leave here immediately."

    However, the next second, that impulse was forcibly suppressed by his intuition.

    ¡°It¡¯s not time yet.¡±

    ¡°If you act rashly now, he¡¯ll suspect you.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll think you know something, and that will only create problems for you.¡±

    In an instant, Eli understood that revealing his secrets could cause unnecessary trouble, even making the man turn his suspicion against him.

    He clenched his jaw tightly, his fingers lightly gripping the edge of the vending machine, trying to mask his inner tension with subtle physical movements.

    The vending machine¡¯s screen displayed a bottle of lemon soda. Eli casually tapped the selection, pulled out some change, and dropped it into the coin slot.

    With a soft ¡°click,¡± the machine dispensed the bottle. He retrieved it from the compartment, twisted the cap open, and took a sip. The entire process was smooth and natural, revealing no hint of his unease.

    ¡°Time¡­¡±

    He glanced down at his phone, which displayed: 10:16.

    ¡°The time in my dream¡­ it was 9 o¡¯clock,¡± the thought surfaced involuntarily.

    But the clock in the dream hadn¡¯t told him whether it was morning or evening, or even if it was today or tomorrow.

    Eli couldn¡¯t help but look up and survey his surroundings. The soothing sound of train announcements played over the loudspeakers. The shuffle of footsteps mixed with the hum of a coffee stand¡¯s steam machine, and the warm scent of bread lingered in the air.

    Eli¡¯s gaze fell once more on the plainclothes officer. He was still staring at his phone, his movements so natural that they betrayed nothing out of the ordinary.

    ¡°Why am I the only one feeling this?¡± Eli thought, tightening his grip on the bottle in his hand. The plastic emitted a faint ¡°crack¡± as his grip hardened.

    Everything on the surface seemed so ordinary, yet this calm atmosphere only made him feel even more suffocated.

    His eyes flicked toward the central electronic schedule board in the hall. The numbers on the display silently changed, ticking over to: 10:17.

    Eli¡¯s intuition screamed in his mind, louder than ever:

    ¡°It¡¯s coming!¡±

 Chapter-004

    Eli¡¯s gaze locked onto a middle-aged man. He held his breath, his eyes fixed on him.

    At that moment, the air seemed to freeze.

    The man¡¯s steps suddenly halted. The coffee in his hand slipped and crashed to the floor, the sound ringing out clearly.

    His face twisted, an eerie mix of pain and emptiness distorting his features.

    The man¡¯s eyes rolled upward, revealing pale gray sclera. Bloodshot veins spread rapidly, covering the surface like a spider¡¯s web.

    His mouth twitched uncontrollably, teeth grinding together with a sharp, grating sound.

    As he opened his mouth, his teeth clashed with crisp, piercing clicks, like steel blades striking each other.

    By then, his teeth were no longer human¡ªthey had become long and razor-sharp, gleaming with a cold, cruel precision.

    Dark liquid seeped from his crimson gums, like a sinister lubricant for these deadly weapons.

    Meanwhile, his lower jawbone cracked and shifted audibly, as though reinforced by some unnatural power, becoming sturdier and more menacing.

    The veins on his neck swelled rapidly, darkening to a bluish-black hue, their surface gleaming as if ready to burst at any moment.

    His skin darkened quickly, taking on a decayed blue-black tone, as though a corrupting force was eating away at him.

    Then his muscles began to swell at an alarming speed, tearing through the seams of his clothes with faint ripping sounds.

    The skin stretched taut before splitting open, revealing dark gray muscle fibers beneath. Thick, oil-like black blood oozed from the cracks.

    His arms convulsed as they mutated, the bones twisting forcefully. His fingers grew thick and elongated, while his nails quickly extended into sharp, metallic tips, gleaming like dagger-like weapons.

    The next second, Eli saw it¡ªa terrifying glint in his eyes.

    That gaze no longer belonged to a human. It was a chilling blend of hunger, savagery, madness, and primal instinct.

    Eli, surprisingly calm in this moment, fixed his eagle-sharp gaze on the zombie before him.

    The sounds around him faded away, even his heartbeat steadying to an even rhythm.

    Every subtle movement, every twitch of the zombie¡¯s muscles, was crystal clear to him.

    He could even feel the air currents and the faint breeze brushing against his skin.

    His mind raced, analyzing the threat in front of him:

    The time from infection to full transformation? Less than five seconds.

    Their claws are as sharp as blades, and their teeth are like metal. Let alone tearing through human flesh and bone, they can even bite through steel with ease.

    Its powerful limbs gave it explosive strength, making escape almost impossible for an average person.

    Its hardened body boasted incredible resistance to damage. Attacks from a standard handgun would hardly faze it.

    A rifle might pose some threat at mid-range, but without a precise shot to the head, the impact would be negligible.

    Even when heavily injured, it could rapidly regenerate.

    Severed limbs? No problem¡ªit would quickly regain mobility through grotesque regeneration.

    Unless its brain core was completely destroyed, this thing would never stop, never tire.

    Even worse, they possess a sense that goes beyond the five basic senses.

    This ability allows them to precisely detect the presence of life and emotional fluctuations.

    At the same time, this awareness functions like an invisible web, enabling them to share information seamlessly.

    The more powerful zombies act as key nodes in this web, linking and expanding the entire network, making their group movements far more coordinated and efficient.

    These are not ordinary creatures¡ªthey are nightmares in the truest sense.

    Eli¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t linger on the zombie for long. He quickly scanned the entire hall, taking in every potential threat at a glance.

    The air was heavy with tension, an oppressive atmosphere spreading. The movements of the crowd were starting to slow.

    Though most people were still hurrying about or waiting in lines, some had clearly noticed that something was wrong. The once-bustling noise was gradually replaced by an eerie silence.

    In the central area of the hall, a few people stood frozen in place, staring blankly at the floor.

    Others tried to move but stopped abruptly, frightened by a person who had suddenly collapsed ahead of them.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    The fallen figure lay curled unnaturally on the ground, limbs twisted and rigid, their nails scraping against the floor with a piercing sound.

    Near the ticket counter, a man leaned against the wall, his hands trembling as they clutched at his throat, struggling to breathe.

    A few steps away, several bystanders instinctively backed away, clearly realizing that something was wrong with him.

    On the side near the shops, a woman¡¯s body suddenly began convulsing violently.

    The people nearby recoiled in fear, their eyes filled with terror and confusion at the abrupt movements.

    Every corner of the hall was touched by chaos. At a glance, it seemed that at least 30% of the crowd was about to turn into zombies!

    Eli¡¯s gaze quickly shifted from the chaotic scene in the hall to the plainclothes officer nearby.

    The officer, not far away, had a deep frown etched on his face, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. He had clearly noticed something was amiss.

    His hand instinctively moved toward his chest, but he didn¡¯t fully draw his weapon.

    It seemed he was evaluating the situation, the tension on his face growing more pronounced.

    Eli made a rapid judgment in his mind before looking away, focusing instead on the direction where the zombies were about to strike.

    Just as Eli¡¯s gaze left the plainclothes officer, a piercing scream shattered the air, echoing through the hall!

    A zombie suddenly lunged at a nearby woman, its sharp fangs sinking deep into her throat. Blood sprayed like a fountain, splattering across the floor.

    The woman flailed her arms desperately, trying to escape, but her strength quickly gave out, and she collapsed, convulsing in a pool of blood.

    In that instant, the hall descended into complete chaos. Screams erupted one after another.

    The chaotic screams were like a deathly trumpet, awakening more zombies from their "dormant state."

    They charged at the nearest targets like enraged beasts, their suffocating aura of ferocity driving the chaos to its peak.

    "Bang!"

    A zombie leaped with a feral roar, landing with a thunderous thud that shook the marble floor beneath its feet.

    Its movements were as swift as a whirlwind, closing the distance to a man attempting to flee in an instant.

    Just as the man took his first step, the zombie''s razor-sharp claws slammed down onto his shoulder from behind, dragging him to the ground like a ragdoll.

    The zombie¡¯s mouth, dripping with dark, viscous fluid, opened wide. Its blade-like fangs sank into the man¡¯s shoulder with a sickening crunch.

    Blood sprayed violently, splattering across the zombie¡¯s gray-black face. Oblivious to the gore, it tore into the flesh hungrily, its chewing noises wet and nauseating.

    The man¡¯s screams were abruptly cut off, replaced by weak, guttural whimpers before the zombie dragged him into the shadows behind a row of seats.

    The area near the ticket counters had descended into a living hell.

    A tall man made a desperate dash for the exit but was tackled by another zombie from behind.

    The zombie¡¯s claws pierced his back with a wet squelch, tearing off an entire section of flesh in one brutal swipe.

    The man struggled, trying to turn and fight back, but in the next moment, the zombie¡¯s jaws snapped open and clamped down on his neck, severing it in one brutal bite.

    "Run! Run for your lives!"

    Desperate screams echoed through the hall as the survivors scattered in all directions, but the zombies moved far faster than any human.

    Each attack was like a predator hunting its prey, and in the blink of an eye, they caught their targets, ripping them apart into mangled pieces.

    The air reeked of blood and decay. The floor was littered with abandoned luggage, shattered phones, and shredded clothing.

    The hall¡¯s high ceilings amplified every sound¡ªthe cries, the screams, the chaos¡ªall pounding relentlessly on the nerves of the surviving few.

    The terror wasn¡¯t just in the zombies¡¯ relentless assault; they carried with them a twisted aura of mental corruption.

    This psychic pollution pushed ordinary people into overwhelming fear, despair, and helplessness.

    Some collapsed to the ground, trembling and sobbing uncontrollably, unable to move a muscle.

    "I can¡¯t run¡­ I can¡¯t¡­"

    The next moment, a zombie lunged at her.

    Its razor-like claws slashed through her chest, and dark red blood gushed out in a horrifying spray.

    "Boom!"

    Another zombie crashed through the station¡¯s automatic doors and bolted outside, sprinting at breakneck speed toward a car parked by the roadside.

    Its claws latched onto the car door, ripping off an entire metal panel with ease.

    The zombie reached inside, dragging the driver from the seat.

    The driver let out a desperate scream, but within seconds, he was devoured completely.

    The survivors in the hall no longer cared about direction, scattering like headless chickens in a frantic attempt to flee.

    Eli¡¯s gaze shifted slightly, quickly catching the movements of the plainclothes officer, Alan.

    Alan¡¯s furrowed brow radiated vigilance as his eyes darted between the fully mutated zombies and the panicked crowd.

    Reaching into his jacket, Alan drew a handgun while attempting to contact his superiors through his earpiece.

    Eli could sense the urgency in Alan¡¯s low, tense voice as he reported, ¡°The situation inside the station is extremely dangerous. Requesting immediate backup!¡±

    But from the subtle tilt of Alan¡¯s head, it was clear there was no response¡ªor perhaps the information he received offered no meaningful help.

    In that moment, Alan grew visibly tenser. Yet, his professionalism kept him grounded. Instead of succumbing to the chaos, he began scanning his surroundings, evaluating the situation with purpose, clearly preparing to act.

    Eli took a deep breath. His immediate objective was clear: get closer to Alan.

    Though the reason was unclear, Eli¡¯s instincts had already proven accurate. Now, he had no choice but to trust them.

    However, Eli understood that appearing too calm in this situation might arouse Alan¡¯s suspicion.

    He knew there was something wrong with himself, and until he figured it out, he had to avoid exposing anything.

    Otherwise, he might end up in unpredictable danger.

    Eli quickly adjusted his expression, letting a slight tremor creep into his voice, as if he too were overwhelmed by the chaos.

    ¡°Oh my God¡­ what¡¯s happening?¡±

    He deliberately made his movements appear clumsy, stumbling as he avoided the frantic crowd, feigning the confusion of a terrified bystander.

    Catching sight of a middle-aged woman who had fallen to the ground, Eli moved to help her up, his voice urgent and tinged with a touch of panic.

    ¡°Stay calm! Don¡¯t run aimlessly!¡±

    Pointing toward the nearest exit, he shouted in a deliberately shaky voice, ¡°Go that way! Don¡¯t stop!¡±

    His tone carried urgency but was carefully restrained, as though masking his underlying composure.

    Several frightened onlookers, driven by his shouts, instinctively moved toward the exit, desperate to escape the hellish scene.

    "Good," Eli thought to himself, carefully ensuring his movements maintained the panicked demeanor of an ordinary person.

    At the same time, Eli¡¯s ears caught Alan¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Everyone, stay calm! Don¡¯t panic!¡±

    Alan¡¯s voice rang out sharply above the chaos in the hall.

    He pulled a badge from his pocket, holding it high, while gripping a handgun in his other hand, his gaze cold and resolute.

    ¡°I¡¯m a police officer! Follow my instructions! Move quickly to the west-side exit! Don¡¯t shove¡ªstay calm!¡±

    While Alan worked to evacuate the crowd, Eli swiftly moved closer to his position.

    He carefully concealed his inner composure, acting like a panicked but still helpful civilian.

    Eli helped a young woman who had fallen to the ground, his tone deliberately tinged with urgency as he said, ¡°Come on, get up!¡±

    The woman, clearly paralyzed with fear, let Eli help her to her feet, choking out a question: ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡±

    Eli didn¡¯t answer. He simply shook his head and pointed toward the exit. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to ask¡ªjust listen to the officer!¡±

    Alan turned his head briefly, noticing Eli assisting with the evacuation. He gave a quick nod of acknowledgment but said nothing more.

 Chapter-005

    Alan raised his gun decisively, firing a shot at a zombie lunging toward the crowd.

    The bullet struck the zombie square in the chest, but it reacted as if hit by a sandbag. Its body only shuddered slightly, and its pace didn¡¯t slow in the slightest.

    ¡°What the hell is this¡­?¡±

    Alan¡¯s expression darkened, but before he could process the situation, the zombie¡¯s movements suddenly changed.

    It seemed the gunshot had completely enraged it. Its eyes flared with bloodlust, and it charged at Alan like a rabid beast.

    At the same time, the other zombies attacking the civilians also turned their heads toward the sound of the gunfire.

    Their vacant yet maddened gazes locked onto Alan¡¯s position, as if they were drawn to him like a beacon.

    Several zombies near Alan sprang into action, their speed almost suffocating as they moved like leopards closing in on their prey.

    Alan took two quick steps back, raising his gun to aim at the zombie already closing in on him. His finger squeezed the trigger decisively.

    ¡°Bang!¡±

    The bullet hit the zombie¡¯s head but left only a faint scratch on the surface, failing to inflict any real damage.

    Alan¡¯s pupils contracted sharply, and his hand holding the gun trembled slightly.

    The zombie let out a shrill roar, stomping hard before leaping into the air. The ground beneath its feet cracked instantly, and its entire body shot toward Alan like a cannonball.

    ¡°Damn it!¡±

    Alan cursed under his breath, quickly sidestepping to evade the attack while trying to line up another shot.

    At the first gunshot, Eli immediately realized that Alan was in danger.

    Sure enough, the sound of gunfire had drawn the zombies¡¯ attention.

    Although only a few zombies seemed interested in Alan, with their speed and strength, even a well-trained police officer would struggle to handle them.

    "If I can save him, I will. If I can¡¯t, I¡¯ll give up immediately.The top priority is ensuring my own safety," Eli quickly weighed in his mind.

    His instincts offered no objections, which made him even more confident in his judgment.

    He swiftly scanned his surroundings and spotted a broken metal signpost leaning against the wall just a few steps away.

    Without hesitation, he dashed over and grabbed the metal rod.

    The moment he gripped the makeshift weapon, the second gunshot echoed through the hall.

    Eli glanced up to see Alan fire a shot that struck the zombie square in the head.

    But the creature merely paused briefly before charging at Alan even faster, as though enraged.

    ¡°There¡¯s no time.¡±

    He tightened his grip on the metal rod, ducked to avoid a collision with a panicked passerby, and moved quickly through the chaotic crowd toward Alan.

    To an outsider, Eli¡¯s actions appeared to be nothing more than desperate, instinct-driven reactions.

    No hesitation, no retreat¡ªjust a reckless charge toward the zombie.

    Alan¡¯s bullet flew again, hitting the zombie¡¯s knee, but it had no effect.

    The zombie roared, raising its sharp claws high, ready to strike in the next moment.

    Eli leapt over a collapsed luggage rack, swinging the metal rod in a wide arc!

    ¡°Clang!¡±

    The rod smashed hard into the zombie¡¯s knee joint with a dull thud!

    The zombie¡¯s leg twisted outward at an unnatural angle, its body suddenly losing balance and crashing to the ground!

    ¡°Haah¡ªdie!¡±

    Eli shouted, his voice laced with terror and fury.

    He raised the metal rod high and brought it down with all his strength, slamming it into the zombie¡¯s head!

    ¡°Clang!¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    The strike landed squarely, sending sparks flying.

    The zombie was knocked back a few inches but quickly turned and lunged again, its claws swiping fiercely toward Eli¡¯s face!

    Eli pretended to stumble backward, his footing slipping as he staggered and nearly fell.

    But in the next instant, he twisted on his heel and brought the metal rod up horizontally across his chest, just in time to block the zombie¡¯s attack.

    The zombie¡¯s claws struck the rod with a piercing metallic screech!

    Ordinarily, such force would have been enough to make someone¡¯s wrists go numb or even knock their weapon from their hands.

    But Eli felt no discomfort at all, as if his body had long since adapted to fighting zombies.

    Even so, he gritted his teeth and feigned a pained expression, retreating sharply and slamming into a nearby pillar, his balance appearing shaky.

    Alan never expected anyone to suddenly step in to save him. He froze for a moment before snapping back to his senses, shouting urgently, ¡°Watch out!¡±

    At the same time, he quickly raised his handgun, aiming at the zombie¡¯s head.

    The zombie roared and lunged at Eli again, this time moving with lightning speed.

    Its sharp fangs aimed straight for Eli¡¯s throat, reeking of rot and dripping with black-red saliva.

    ¡°Damn you!¡±

    Eli suddenly thrust the metal rod upward, pretending to act in desperation as he drove the rod vertically into the zombie¡¯s mouth, pushing against its lower jaw with all his strength.

    The metal rod creaked under the zombie¡¯s crushing bite, but it didn¡¯t break!

    Eli feigned an unsteady posture as if the force was overwhelming him, but in truth, he used the moment to slip his footing and narrowly evade the zombie¡¯s claws.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there! Shoot its legs!¡± Eli shouted urgently.

    Alan quickly adjusted his aim, and the bullet struck the zombie¡¯s thigh bone with a heavy thud.

    The zombie¡¯s movements faltered for a moment, giving Eli a critical opening.

    ¡°Ahhh!¡±

    Eli let out a seemingly wild scream, swinging the metal rod across the zombie¡¯s head with a force that appeared uncontrolled but was, in fact, perfectly calculated.

    The rod twisted the zombie¡¯s neck at an unnatural angle, and its body toppled sideways from the momentum, crashing into a row of seats.

    The moment the zombie hit the ground, Eli didn¡¯t pause for a second.

    His eagle-like gaze swept across the area, quickly spotting more zombies closing in.

    Three of them, less than five meters away, each radiating an overwhelming sense of deadly menace.

    At the same time, he noticed that the other zombies in the station had not yet focused their attention on him.

    Just as Eli silently exhaled a sigh of relief, he caught sight of a fourth zombie in his peripheral vision, charging rapidly toward Alan¡ªwho seemed completely unaware!

    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there!¡±

    Eli growled urgently, his voice laced with a sharp sense of danger.

    Alan spun around just in time to see a zombie lunging from the side. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger¡ªfire!

    ¡°Bang!¡±

    The first shot hit the zombie¡¯s shoulder, but the bullet failed to penetrate its skin, leaving only a shallow mark.

    The zombie¡¯s movements didn¡¯t slow down¡ªinstead, they accelerated!

    ¡°Bang!¡±

    The second shot struck the zombie¡¯s head directly, but the bullet ricocheted off, leaving nothing but a small dent.

    ¡°Damn it!¡±

    Alan cursed under his breath, gritting his teeth as he quickly repositioned himself, stepping back to fire again.

    Eli caught the movement from the corner of his eye and shouted, ¡°Watch your right!¡±

    Before the words were even fully spoken, Eli was already rushing toward Alan, swinging the metal rod with precision.

    ¡°Crack!¡±

    The rod slammed into the zombie¡¯s wrist, forcing its sharp claws off course and into the ground with a heavy impact, scattering shards of stone.

    The zombie let out an enraged roar, its eyes glowing with an even deeper crimson.

    Without hesitation, Eli stepped forward, driving the metal rod into the zombie¡¯s knee joint with a clean, forceful motion.

    The zombie momentarily lost its balance, crashing to the ground. Its claws dragged across the smooth marble floor, leaving sharp, screeching grooves.

    ¡°Finish it!¡±

    Eli barked, his voice carrying an unmistakable tone of authority.

    Alan didn¡¯t hesitate, aiming his handgun at the fallen zombie and pulling the trigger with precision.

    The bullet shot straight into the zombie¡¯s eye socket, sending a spray of blood mixed with black fluid splattering outward.

    Yet the zombie didn¡¯t stop. Instead, it grew even more feral, thrashing as it struggled to rise from the ground.

    ¡°Die already!¡±

    Eli growled, quickly adjusting the rod¡¯s angle before delivering a powerful horizontal strike to the zombie¡¯s outer knee.

    The zombie¡¯s leg bent slightly under the blow, but its tough bones and dense muscles allowed it to stay upright. It immediately lunged toward Eli with renewed ferocity.

    Eli didn¡¯t retreat. Instead, he shifted his body slightly to the side, narrowly dodging the attack, and drove his foot into the back of the zombie¡¯s knee.

    The joint twisted violently under the impact, finally slowing the zombie down as it collapsed to one knee.

    Seizing the opportunity, Eli aimed the rod at the zombie¡¯s shoulder joint and pressed down with all his strength.

    ¡°Stay down!¡±

    He roared, forcing the rod deep into the zombie¡¯s soft tissue and driving its entire body into the ground.

    The zombie was forced to the ground, temporarily unable to pose a threat to Eli and Alan.

    At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed from nearby, accompanied by the roars of zombies and the sound of gunfire.

    "Alan! Move it now!"

    A slightly hoarse male voice rang out, filled with urgency and frustration.

    Eli turned toward the sound, his gaze instantly locking onto two figures¡ªthe undercover cop and the rich kid he¡¯d seen earlier.

    The two were being relentlessly pursued by several zombies, no more than ten meters away.

    The undercover cop sprinted forward, occasionally glancing back to fire two shots at the pursuing zombies. Although the bullets struck their chests, they had almost no effect.

    The rich kid, on the other hand, was completely panicked. His steps were unsteady, his face pale, and he was gasping for breath as he practically clung to the cop¡¯s arm for support.

    Seeing this, Alan¡¯s eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, he aimed at a zombie near Eli and pulled the trigger. The bullet flew straight toward the side of the zombie¡¯s head.

    ¡°Move!¡±

    Alan growled, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.

    Although his handgun couldn¡¯t completely kill the zombie, it bought Eli a brief moment to breathe.

    Hearing Alan¡¯s shout, Eli didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately rushed toward him.

    Alan gritted his teeth, his eyes fixed on the advancing horde of zombies.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hold them off! You run!¡±

    His tone was filled with resolute finality, leaving Eli almost no time to argue.

    As he spoke, Alan fired another shot. The bullet struck the zombie¡¯s thigh joint with a heavy thud.

    The zombie¡¯s movement slowed momentarily but quickly resumed.

    The undercover cop¡¯s face darkened at the sight, and he shouted angrily, ¡°Alan, leave it! Fall back now!¡±

    Despite his words, the cop swiftly moved to Alan¡¯s side to help suppress the zombies¡¯ advance.

 Chapter-006

    Eli charged forward without hesitation, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings before quickly identifying a relatively safe route.

    ¡°This way!¡±

    He growled, his steps swift and steady as he gracefully leapt over a fallen billboard, his movements clean and efficient.

    The rich kid followed closely behind, his face pale and gasping for breath. His footing wavered, and he nearly stumbled.

    Even without turning back, Eli could clearly sense his condition.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop! Run!¡±

    Eli shouted, his tone cold and commanding, but his face deliberately wore an urgent expression, making him look like he was running for his life.

    The rich kid flinched at Eli''s shout, quickly adjusting his pace and pressing forward without a moment''s hesitation.

    The path ahead was anything but safe. Several zombies blocked the group¡¯s way forward.

    Eli¡¯s eyes narrowed, and he quickened his pace without hesitation. Planting his foot firmly, he delivered a powerful kick to a zombie in his path.

    The kick wasn¡¯t fatal, but it was enough to knock the zombie off balance and send it crashing to the ground.

    ¡°Go!¡± he shouted back at the others.

    The rich kid, terrified by the scene, forced himself to keep moving under Eli¡¯s stern urging.

    Meanwhile, Alan and the undercover cop grew increasingly coordinated.

    Alan focused on targeting the zombies¡¯ knees, while the undercover cop aimed precise shots at their heads to suppress the horde¡¯s advance as much as possible.

    ¡°I¡¯m almost out of bullets!¡± Alan shouted.

    Eli kept running while silently keeping an eye on his teammates'' situations.

    His mind remained utterly calm, and his instincts warned him to make use of every resource in the environment; otherwise, the team would struggle to break through the encirclement.

    His gaze quickly scanned the surroundings, locking onto a large billboard ahead.

    Eli quickened his pace, reaching the billboard in just a few steps and using all his strength to push it over.

    With a loud crash, the billboard toppled over, blocking the road and forming a solid obstacle.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop!¡±

    Eli shouted to the group, not waiting for a response as he resumed his charge forward.

    The rich kid gritted his teeth and followed Eli¡¯s path, stumbling but managing to squeeze past the obstacle.

    Alan sprinted, jumped, and quickly flipped over the billboard.

    The undercover cop was even more efficient, nimbly slipping through on the right side of the obstacle.

    Immediately afterward, several zombies came charging after them.

    The first zombie tripped over the fallen billboard, momentarily pausing its advance.

    It roared, clawing at the metal frame to tear it apart, only to get entangled in the fabric of the billboard.

    The zombies behind it were forced to slow down due to the obstruction.

    ¡°Nice work!¡± the undercover cop shouted over his shoulder, his tone tinged with excitement.

    ¡°Stop talking and run!¡±

    Alan growled, grabbing the undercover cop and pulling him forward as they sprinted ahead.

    The rich kid followed behind Eli, glancing back at the pursuing horde of zombies.

    Seeing them momentarily held up, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of relief.

    As the group turned a corner, the rich kid stumbled and collided with an abandoned suitcase.

    The suitcase toppled over, producing a sharp metallic clang that echoed piercingly through the station.

    The sound caught the attention of nearby zombies feasting on corpses. Like predators catching the scent of fresh prey, they let out low, guttural growls.

    The rich kid¡¯s face was drained of all color, cold sweat streaming down his forehead like rain. He seemed frozen in place, paralyzed by fear.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± the undercover cop cursed silently to himself.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Then, he shouted at the rich kid, ¡°Don¡¯t stop!¡±

    The yell jolted the rich kid back to life, his stiff body finally moving as if driven by sheer survival instinct.

    Eli glanced back, then quickly surveyed his surroundings. He soon locked onto a row of metal trash bins placed against the wall.

    Without hesitation, he changed direction and dashed toward the trash bins.

    Using both hands, he forcefully toppled the bins, sending them rolling toward the zombies in an attempt to slow their advance.

    The bins clattered loudly as they rolled, creating a cacophony that momentarily diverted the zombies¡¯ attention and formed a temporary barrier.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste time¡ªrun!¡± Eli shouted back at the group.

    Allen glanced at the trash bin rolling toward the zombies, a glimmer of approval flashing in his eyes.

    The undercover cop vaulted over the obstacles quickly, his gaze briefly landing on Eli, clearly impressed by Eli¡¯s decisiveness and composure.

    The rich kid kept his eyes fixed on Eli¡¯s back, stumbling with unsteady steps but not daring to stop for even a second.

    At this moment, the station exit had turned into a living nightmare.

    Some zombies were ferociously tearing into fallen survivors, black and red blood pooling on the floor.

    Others wandered aimlessly, letting out low growls through their noses, as if searching for new prey.

    The central passageway was blocked by mangled flesh and fallen bodies, with the sheer number of zombies creating a scene of despair.

    Survivors frantically pushed and shoved, with some being tripped in the chaos. Those who fell were instantly pounced on by zombies, their heart-wrenching screams echoing in the air.

    The sounds of screams and cries melded into an unbearable cacophony as chaos reigned.

    Most of the zombies at the exit had yet to notice Eli and his group, granting them a fleeting but precious chance to survive.

    Eli calmly scanned the situation at the exit and quickly identified a relatively clear stairwell on the right, with only two zombies lingering nearby.

    ¡°This way!¡± he shouted decisively, taking the lead toward the stairs.

    The rich kid stumbled along, the horrific scene at the exit paralyzing him with fear, making it nearly impossible for him to run.

    At that moment, the undercover cop grabbed the rich kid by the collar and dragged him forward.

    The two zombies near the stairwell suddenly turned around, letting out a low, guttural growl.

    Immediately, they charged at the group like wild animals, their speed so fast it sent a chill down their spines.

    ¡°Push through!¡±

    Eli shouted sharply and quickly circled around from the other side, his movements clean and decisive.

    Alan followed closely behind, his eyes fixed on the zombies¡¯ every move. Seizing a gap between them, he darted through with agile precision.

    Reaching the stairs, he immediately turned to check on the undercover cop and the rich kid.

    The undercover cop dragged the rich kid, running desperately toward the stairwell.

    Seeing one of the zombies charging at them, the undercover cop muttered a curse under his breath: "Damn!"

    First, he shoved the rich kid toward safety, then dodged the zombie¡¯s swinging arm.

    Finally, the undercover cop quickly grabbed the rich kid by the collar and dragged him through the last few meters with sheer force.

    Eli¡¯s eyes darted around quickly, landing on a vending machine against the wall.

    A thought flashed quickly through his mind, and he immediately turned to Allen, shouting, "The machine!"

    Alan instantly understood without asking, rushing toward the vending machine.

    He and Eli pressed their shoulders against the machine, pushing with all their strength toward the staircase.

    The vending machine let out a loud metallic screech as it began to tilt.

    ¡°Hurry!¡±

    Eli growled low, suddenly putting more force into it.

    With a thunderous crash, the heavy vending machine toppled over, landing squarely at the stairwell entrance and blocking the zombies¡¯ path.

    The two zombies slammed into the sudden barrier, snarling and clawing at the vending machine. They tried to climb or shove it aside, but the weight of the machine acted as a temporary shield.

    From deeper within the stairwell came low growls, drawn by the loud crash of the vending machine.

    ¡°They¡¯re coming! Move it!¡±

    The undercover cop tugged at the rich kid, his voice filled with unmistakable urgency.

    As the group turned a corner, a zombie suddenly leapt from the side, its gaping maw lunging at the undercover cop.

    ¡°Get down!¡±

    Eli roared, rushing in and slamming his shoulder into the zombie¡¯s side, sending it stumbling away.

    Its razor-sharp claws grazed the undercover cop¡¯s shoulder, narrowly missing tearing through his clothes.

    The undercover cop staggered back, his face pale.

    ¡°Run!¡±

    Alan shouted, pulling the undercover cop back into formation with the group.

    By now, the rich kid was on the verge of collapse, nearly crumpling to the ground. Eli grabbed his arm and dragged him forward.

    The rich kid stumbled, his ragged breaths louder than his footsteps as the group sprinted with all their strength.

    The exit drew closer, the light growing blindingly bright, but so too did the sounds of zombies'' roars grow sharper and more distinct.

    Finally, the group burst out of the central station, greeted by blinding sunlight and a chaotic street.

    Vehicles were haphazardly piled up at the intersection, their exteriors scarred with deep claw marks. Some doors hung open, revealing blood-soaked seats inside.

    Zombies dragged corpses toward shadowed corners, leaving streaks of blood that snaked across the ground.

    Survivors were running wildly down the street, with screams and cries for help echoing nonstop.

    More people were falling, torn apart and dragged away by the zombies.

    ¡°Follow me!¡±

    Allen raised his hand, pointing to a relatively open intersection, then quickly ran to the front.

    The rich kid was paralyzed with fear at the sight before him, muttering under his breath, ¡°It¡¯s over¡­ it¡¯s all over¡­¡±

    Eli grabbed him by the collar, yanking him forward. ¡°Shut up!¡±

    The growls of the zombies grew louder as the ones that had poured out of the station began chasing them along the street, their speed far exceeding that of any ordinary human.

    "Hurry up!" the undercover cop urged the group.

    Eli glanced back at the horde of zombies chasing them, his mind racing as he quickly calculated how to shake off these damn zombies.

    At that moment, a sharp honking sound suddenly echoed from nearby.

    The piercing noise cut through the zombies¡¯ focus, instantly drawing their attention.

    The pursuing zombies paused briefly, their crimson eyes shifting toward the source of the sound¡ªa trapped car.

    Inside, the driver was frantically slamming on the horn, desperately trying to fend off the zombies surrounding the vehicle.

    Alan glanced back, his expression complicated. He quickly turned away, unwilling to dwell on what was happening behind them.

    Eli''s gaze became more complex as he realized that the driver had unintentionally become the key to their escape.

    The rich kid wanted to say something, but it remained unspoken.

    On the street, the honking grew more frantic, while the group¡¯s footsteps became heavier and faster.

    Behind them, the roars of zombies mixed with the driver¡¯s screams inside the car, gradually fading into the distance.

    The haunting sounds etched themselves deep into their nerves, like scars that would never heal.

 Chapter-007

    The group had just rushed through the intersection when the sudden wail of an air raid siren rang out.

    ¡°Woooo¡ª¡±

    The sound was sharp and urgent, echoing in every corner of the street, as if declaring to all survivors that danger was everywhere.

    ¡°An alarm?¡± The rich kid¡¯s face turned pale, his eyes scanning the surroundings in terror.

    His voice trembled: ¡°What does this mean? Can things get any worse?¡±

    Eli¡¯s eyes quickly scanned the area, noticing that the zombies seemed to have been triggered by the sound, their attacks on survivors growing even more frantic.

    Low growls echoed from nearby, blending with the shrill alarm, sending chills down their spines.

    Allen quickly surveyed the surroundings and pointed to a relatively hidden alley. ¡°Quick, this way!¡±

    The team adjusted their direction and swiftly darted into the alley.

    Inside, trash bags were haphazardly piled in the corners, some torn open, the foul stench of decay filling the air.

    Bloodstains, torn fabric, and scattered corpses littered the ground, all signs that a horrific tragedy had just unfolded here.

    ¡°Finally lost them¡­¡±

    The rich kid panted heavily, slumping against the wall, his legs trembling so much he could barely stand.

    He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, his eyes still wide with the terror of narrowly escaping death.

    No one responded to him. The others were too focused on catching their breath, desperately trying to regain their strength.

    Allen stood alert at the front of the group, his sharp eyes scanning the depths of the alley.

    The undercover cop kept watch at the rear, his eyes fixed on the alley entrance, ready for any zombies that might suddenly appear.

    Eli¡¯s gaze dropped, his heart swirling with complex emotions.

    His hometown in Texas, the place he could never erase from his mind,.

    He took a deep breath and quickly pulled out his phone.

    The moment the screen lit up, a surge of indescribable hope quietly rose in his chest.

    However, as soon as he pressed the call button, the screen coldly displayed the words ¡°No Signal.¡±

    That fleeting hope vanished in an instant, replaced by deep concern¡ªan unprecedented fear and unease.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­ It won¡¯t be anything¡­¡± he murmured softly, his fingers repeatedly dialing with no effect.

    Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, dripping down his cheek, mixing with his tense expression, making it even heavier.

    But then, deep inside, a calm voice echoed in his mind¡ªit was his instinct.

    No signal didn¡¯t mean they were doomed.

    The thought was clear and firm, like a lighthouse in the dark, dispelling the gloom in his heart and offering a faint sense of comfort.

    Allen''s voice came from beside him, laced with a hint of confusion and alertness: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Eli snapped his head up, a deliberate calm on his face. ¡°Nothing. Just no signal on my phone.¡±

    Allen didn¡¯t press further. His gaze unintentionally drifted to the watch on his wrist, a small smear of blood visible on its face.

    Eli noticed Allen¡¯s gaze linger on the watch, his eyes narrowing.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Instinct told Eli that this wasn¡¯t just an ordinary watch¡ªit must have been a gift from Allen¡¯s ex-wife.

    Allen let out a soft sigh, pushing down the swirling thoughts in his head.

    ¡°Allen Kyle, what... is your name?¡±

    ¡°Eli.¡± Eli¡¯s answer was simple and direct, but he added, ¡°Eli Fenn.¡±

    Allen nodded, patting Eli on the shoulder with a hint of gratitude in his eyes. ¡°Thanks again. You saved my life back there.¡±

    Eli didn¡¯t respond, merely nodding slightly, his gaze lowering as if still lost in the memory of the call he hadn¡¯t been able to make.

    ¡°Honestly,¡± Allen¡¯s tone softened, and he asked, almost cautiously, ¡°Have you... ever learned how to use something like a stick? The way you handled those zombies... that wasn¡¯t something an ordinary person could do.¡±

    Eli looked up, his gaze calm. ¡°I¡¯ve never learned. I like watching action movies and working out. In a situation like that... it was either fight or die. I didn¡¯t have time to think.¡±

    Allen studied him for a moment before nodding. ¡°Either way, thanks.¡±

    The undercover cop scoffed, his tone a bit rough. ¡°Not even able to save your own skin, yet you¡¯re willing to risk your life for someone else¡ªthis isn¡¯t something you see every day.¡±

    Eli turned to look at the undercover cop but didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°Ethan Caldwell.¡±

    His tone was casual, but there was a hint of approval. ¡°You did well, but don¡¯t expect to be this lucky every time.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for the heads-up,¡± Eli nodded, his voice steady. ¡°I don¡¯t plan on doing it again.¡±

    At that moment, the rich kid seemed to recover a little and mustered the courage to speak. ¡°Landon... Landon Brooks.¡±

    His voice still shook with clear fear. ¡°Thank you for saving me earlier... I might not have... well, I¡¯d probably be¡­¡±

    Eli glanced at Landon, offering a slight nod. His tone softened, just a little. ¡°No need to thank me. We¡¯re all just trying to survive.¡±

    ¡°What the hell were those monsters...?¡±

    ¡°God knows.¡± Ethan replied casually, his tone impatient.

    Landon¡¯s face was pale, his eyes darting around, clearly still gripped by intense fear.

    Allen reminded everyone, ¡°This isn¡¯t the time for chit-chat.¡±

    His expression grew serious. ¡°This place isn¡¯t safe. We need to find somewhere more secure, fast.¡±

    ¡°Where to?¡± Landon¡¯s voice betrayed his panic.

    ¡°The police station, Times Square precinct, not far from here,¡± Allen said quickly. ¡°It¡¯s small, but it has weapons and equipment.¡±

    Eli nodded. He didn¡¯t object, but a sense of unease crept into his gut.

    The police station had likely already fallen.

    However, Eli didn¡¯t voice his thoughts.

    Landon shook his head, muttering under his breath, ¡°Will going to the police station even help?¡±

    ¡°Then why don''t you stay?¡±

    Ethan cut in coldly, his gaze sweeping over Landon¡¯s pale face. ¡°If you want to live, shut up and follow.¡±

    Landon froze for a moment, his face growing even paler. He lowered his head and didn¡¯t say another word.

    Allen spoke sternly, ¡°From now on, follow my lead. No shouting or pointless complaints.¡±

    Ethan stood beside Allen, silent, clearly acknowledging Allen¡¯s temporary leadership.

    Eli stood at the back of the group, quietly observing everyone¡¯s reactions. He had no intention of competing for leadership.

    Letting Allen take charge would not only give the group clear direction, but it would also help conceal Eli¡¯s secrets.

    Still, his gut kept warning him: the police station was lost; they couldn¡¯t go there!

    Nevertheless, Eli knew that there was not enough reason to persuade the others to give up on going to the police station, so he decided to wait and see for now.

    Allen scanned the group, and without any unnecessary words, gave the order directly:

    ¡°Before we leave, find something decent to defend yourself. Use whatever you can find, and try to pick something sturdy.¡±

    The group scattered, rummaging through the alley for useful items.

    Ethan quickly found a rusted metal rod. He swung it a couple of times, nodding in satisfaction.

    Allen dug through a pile of discarded wooden planks and pulled out a long, thick metal crowbar. Its surface was covered in rust, but it was incredibly sturdy.

    Eli¡¯s eyes swept the surroundings, and he quickly found a broken steel pipe next to an abandoned trash bin.

    The pipe¡¯s edge was slightly sharp, and when he gripped it, it felt heavy in his hand¡ªa suitable weapon.

    Landon fumbled around in a panic, only to pick up a piece of broken wood, cracked on the surface and likely to snap at any moment.

    He swallowed nervously and hesitated, asking, ¡°This... will it work?¡±

    Ethan glanced at him, his tone still indifferent: ¡°If you really think that¡¯ll save your life, then keep it.¡±

    After saying that, his gaze shifted to a nearby trash can lid, and his tone slightly paused:

    ¡°Use that one, at least it¡¯s metal. It¡¯s better than the junk you¡¯re holding.¡±

    Landon¡¯s eyes lit up in realization, and he quickly shot Ethan a grateful look.

    He discarded the broken scrap he was holding and hastily grabbed the trash can lid, clutching it tightly in his hand, as if he had grabbed the last lifeline.

    Ethan looked at the trash can lid firmly held in Landon¡¯s hands and reminded him, ¡°Whether it saves your life or not depends on how you use it.¡±

    Landon nodded cautiously, but his eyes held a subtle, unnoticed resolve.

    "Ethan, take the rear. I''ll lead the way." Allen ordered quietly, gripping the crowbar steadily.

    His gaze was sharp as it swept toward the shadows at the front of the alley, his steps firm and silent.

    Eli and Landon followed in the middle of the group.

    Eli intentionally putting on a nervous expression.

    However, his eyes occasionally scanned the surroundings, silently taking note of every possible exit and potential threat.

    Landon kept his head down, his shoulders trembling slightly.

    Though he was terrified, he did his best to steady his pace, staying close behind Allen.

    The ground was littered with broken glass and torn clothing, and the air was filled with a nauseating, decaying stench.

    The group held their breath, carefully stepping over the obstacles scattered throughout the alley.

    The stillness around them felt fragile, like a thin sheet of paper, as though a light touch could tear it apart.

 Chapter-008

    As they neared the alley exit, Allen suddenly raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop.

    He listened carefully, his brow furrowing slightly as the sound of metal scraping reached his ears.

    The noise was intermittent, like some kind of mechanical device in operation, or perhaps the claws of zombies scraping across steel.

    It wasn¡¯t close, but in the silence, it was eerily sharp.

    He signaled for everyone to stay quiet, then slowly crouched down, carefully peering around.

    The street ahead was in chaos¡ªoverturned vehicles, a few torn-apart corpses, resembling a post-apocalyptic scene.

    Not far off, the engine of a truck was still running, attracting the attention of several zombies.

    Alan took a deep breath and spoke to the group in a low voice, "The situation is still under control; the zombies are fairly scattered. But if we get too close, we¡¯ll definitely attract their attention."

    Ethan observed for a moment, then calmly analyzed, ¡°The truck¡¯s noise will keep them occupied for a while. We need to move quickly.¡±

    Allen nodded, quickly scanning the surroundings, then proposed a plan:

    ¡°We¡¯ll move in two stages. First, we head for the overturned car in the middle of the street to take cover. Second, we find the right moment, then sprint straight into the alley on the other side. Understood?¡±

    Eli and Ethan nodded silently, while Landon muttered, ¡°Got it.¡±

    His face was still pale, but his stance was noticeably more tense.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move. Remember, stay quiet.¡±

    The team crouched low, trying to step lightly as they swiftly crossed the first open stretch of street and took cover behind the overturned car in the middle of the road.

    Through the cracked car window, Eli saw the bloodstained interior, broken seats, and scattered personal items, silently telling the story of the chaos and struggle the car owner had gone through before their death.

    Just then, a sharp scream suddenly echoed from the other end of the street.

    The group instinctively held their breath and looked toward the source of the sound. A survivor was surrounded by a horde of zombies.

    His screams were desperate and heartbreaking, but soon, they were replaced by the sickening sound of gnawing.

    The scene made Landon¡¯s face turn even paler, his breath quickening.

    Ethan coldly warned him in a barely audible voice, ¡°Don¡¯t slow us down.¡±

    Landon swallowed hard, nodding desperately, trying to calm himself.

    Just as the group was about to move again, Landon accidentally stepped on a shard of glass, making a faint "crack" sound.

    A zombie nearby immediately stopped, lifted its head, and its hollow eye sockets turned toward the group''s direction.

    Stop!

    Allen raised his hand, signaling everyone to freeze, his eyes locked on the zombie.

    Eli quickly grabbed a rock, flicked his wrist, and threw it toward the distance.

    The rock hit a car door, making a faint metallic sound.

    The zombie''s head slowly turned toward the new source of noise, and it sluggishly walked toward the car door.

    Allen seized this brief opportunity, giving a low command: "Now, move in batches. I''ll go first."

    He sprinted toward the alleyway on the opposite side, then gestured for the next person to move.

    Eli quickly led Landon across the distance, though Landon''s movements were a bit clumsy, the zombie didn''t notice them.

    Ethan followed closely behind, his movements swift and silent.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    In the alley, exhaustion was written all over the group''s faces.

    Landon slumped to the ground, his hands trembling uncontrollably. He whispered, "I''m sorry... it was my fault."

    Ethan glanced at him but said nothing.

    Allen didn''t chastise Landon. He stood up and said, "Keep moving. Be more careful from here on."

    Under his leadership, the group quickly fell into motion again.

    They exited the alley and proceeded along a relatively wide street.

    The area here was more open than the alley, but it was also much more dangerous.

    The air was thick with the nauseating stench of decay, and the occasional breeze stirred up the odor, making it even more intense.

    The street was littered with abandoned vehicles, and the ground and walls were stained with blood. In some places, entrails and chunks of flesh were scattered around, making it hard to look at.

    On either side of the street stood rows of tall buildings, their glass facades gleaming under the sun, reflecting blinding light.

    However, the glass facades were covered in bloodstains.

    Under the sunlight, the blood appeared even more glaring, creating an oppressive feeling that sent chills down one''s spine.

    Allen walked at the front, his eyes constantly scanning every corner ahead.

    His steps were steady, occasionally signaling the group to stop or move.

    Every time he halted, it was like a silent warning: zombies ahead.

    Ethan gripped his metal rod tightly, his eyes quickly sweeping both sides.

    Eli stayed silent, walking in the middle of the group, keeping an eye on everything around him.

    Landon seemed particularly anxious, glancing back frequently, as if he feared pursuers might suddenly appear behind them.

    The group turned a corner, and their view opened up. In the distance, a corner of Times Square finally came into view.

    The square was a mess, with abandoned vehicles and bodies scattered everywhere.

    Some zombies were crouched over the corpses, chewing on them. Limbs and bones were scattered all around, creating a gruesome scene.

    The group paused in the shadow of a sedan, carefully peering out to observe the situation in the square from a distance.

    Allen''s eyes focused in one direction. "The police station is over there, but there are a lot of zombies."

    The group followed Allen¡¯s gaze toward the police station.

    Several abandoned police cars were parked on the street, their markings and sirens destroyed by the zombies'' violent assault.

    The walls of nearby buildings were covered with visible gunshot marks.

    Broken glass and a web of bullet holes seemed to testify to a fierce clash.

    The street nearby was littered with corpses and severed limbs, the scene incredibly brutal.

    The number of zombies in this area far exceeded that of other zones¡ªat a glance, there were at least thirty or forty of them.

    Some zombies, like packs of wild beasts, wandered through the scattered limbs.

    Others crouched by the bodies, swallowing chunks of flesh and intestines, making low, guttural chewing sounds.

    Ethan didn¡¯t speak, but his brow furrowed, as if weighing something in his mind.

    Eli said without hesitation, "The police station has fallen. We can''t go there."

    Landon¡¯s face grew even paler, his hands trembling slightly as he tightly gripped the lid of a trash can, unable to offer any opinion on the situation.

    Allen¡¯s gaze lingered on the police station for a moment, his expression growing increasingly serious.

    He gripped his crowbar tightly and muttered, "Let¡¯s find a safe place, take a breather, and discuss a plan."

    Ethan nodded, his gaze shifting to Landon. He spoke in a low voice, "Be careful, don''t make any noise."

    Landon nodded nervously, whispering, "Got it."

    Alan looked toward a narrow alley ahead and whispered, "That way."

    The group quickly sprang into action, using the nearby vehicles for cover, moving cautiously forward.

    The air around them felt suffocating, every step felt as though they were walking on broken glass, heightening their nerves.

    At the far end of the alley, two zombies were hunched over a corpse, gnawing on it with grotesque, disturbing sounds.

    The sight sent a chill down their spines, and Eli¡¯s eyes quickly darted to the left side of the alley.

    He noticed that the back door of a building appeared intact, with no signs of being broken or scratched.

    He raised his hand, pointing with the steel pipe toward the door, signaling to the others: over there.

    Allen immediately glanced over, nodded quickly, and gestured for the group to continue moving forward.

    They proceeded carefully, trying to avoid alerting the two zombies nearby.

    Soon, the group reached the back door of the building.

    Eli stepped up to the door and tested the handle, finding it unlocked.

    He cautiously opened the door, making sure it made no sound.

    Allen quickly signaled for Ethan to go in first and make sure it was safe inside.

    Ethan moved without hesitation, entering the building and surveying the area. He then signaled back: Safe!

    After seeing Ethan¡¯s signal, Allen gestured for Landon to enter.

    Landon quickly stepped inside and let out a sigh of relief once he was in.

    Then, Alan stepped forward, cautiously surveying the interior of the building.

    Finally, Eli followed closely behind, quickly entering the room and gently closing the door.

    The hallway was dim, with all the lighting fixtures turned off, clearly indicating that the entire building had lost power.

    There were no bloodstains or scratch marks on the floor, which made the group breathe a little easier.

    "Ethan, keep an ear out for any noise at the door. Eli, take out a light source, we need to see clearly in here."

    Allen gave a low command.

    Eli froze. In that instant, he suddenly noticed something unusual: there wasn¡¯t a hint of darkness in his vision.

    The propaganda posters on the wall, every letter and number, stood out with astonishing clarity, as though illuminated by an invisible light.

    "What¡¯s going on?"

    Despite the turmoil within, this was not the time to dwell on it.

    Eli¡¯s expression remained calm. He pulled out his phone, turned on the flashlight, and used its faint glow to feign examining his surroundings.

    Allen¡¯s gaze fell on a heavy wooden door with a sign indicating it was a conference room.

    He approached, opened the door carefully, and scanned the room.

    The conference room was spacious and tidy, with the table and chairs still arranged neatly.

    Most importantly, the room was near the back door, making it easy for the group to retreat if necessary.

    Allen turned to the group and said, "This room is usable."

 Chapter-009

    The conference room was simply furnished, and the faint, eerie growls of zombies could be heard from outside, sending a chill down their spines.

    Allen leaned against the table, his face grim as he spoke, "From what we''ve seen, the police station has completely fallen. We can''t go there."

    Ethan leaned against the doorframe, a bitter laugh escaping him, his voice filled with anger. "Even the guns are just for show now. This is insane!"

    Allen shot Ethan a sharp look and coldly replied, "What will complaining do? Start thinking about what we can actually do!"

    Ethan wasn''t intimidated by Allen. He lowered his voice, the absurdity of the situation still evident in his tone.

    "I''ve seen zombies in movies, zombies in games. They run, jump, and bite people¡ªI''m familiar with all of it."

    He raised his metal rod and pointed to the floor, his voice laced with a bitter, almost mocking laugh.

    "But those are just fantasies. How the hell did these things appear in real life? We''re hiding here like we''re playing some survival game¡ªthis is ridiculous!"

    He looked at Allen, his gaze filled with complexity. "I swear, I still feel like this is all just a hallucination. Really."

    Allen bit his lip, as if trying to hold back his own emotions. "This isn''t a hallucination, stop fooling yourself, Ethan."

    Ethan fell silent, seemingly forcing himself to accept this grim reality.

    Landon huddled in a corner of the room, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing as he finally looked up, his voice barely above a whisper, but unnervingly clear in the stillness:

    "Where... where did these zombies come from?"

    After he spoke, he lowered his head again, unable to make eye contact with anyone, as if afraid his question would provoke the others'' anger.

    Allen¡¯s gaze shifted to Eli, as if gauging the young man¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°What do you think... about these zombies?¡±

    Eli paused for a moment, as if caught off guard by the question.

    He hesitated before slowly raising his head, seeming to struggle with organizing his thoughts.

    After taking a quiet breath, he spoke, his voice laced with uncertainty:

    ¡°Uh... based on the current situation, these zombies... they probably weren¡¯t naturally occurring.¡±

    His gaze flickered between the others, as if seeking some kind of validation.

    ¡°Generally speaking, creatures with such high aggression and quick response time... they could be the result of a virus-induced genetic mutation.¡±

    Eli paused for a moment, licking his dry lips, as if looking for the right words:

    ¡°This virus spreads rapidly, and once infected, it immediately exhibits aggression. Also, they¡¯re very sensitive to sound... I guess the virus might have affected their cerebral cortex, enhancing their sensory abilities.¡±

    At this point, he seemed a little uneasy, his gaze sweeping over the others again:

    ¡°Also, their mobility... it¡¯s faster than that of an ordinary person. This suggests that the virus didn¡¯t just affect sensory perception, but might also be enhancing their muscle reaction speed and physical endurance. Um... all things considered, it¡¯s a bit like some sort of ¡®weapon¡¯ created through genetic editing.¡±This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Eli fought to keep his face calm, but the slight tremor in his fingers seemed to betray the nervousness and unease within him. His appearance seemed to say to everyone¡ªhe was just trying his best to act calm.

    On the side, Ethan silently observed Eli¡¯s expression, noticing his tense demeanor. His growing doubts began to fade.

    Allen scrutinized Eli for a moment, seeing the subtle tremor in his fingers. His furrowed brow slowly relaxed a little.

    ¡°I have a question.¡±

    Allen''s voice was low, almost a whisper: ¡°If this was man-made, who do you think has the capability to create this level of genetic weapon?¡±

    The unease on Eli¡¯s face was even more evident now. He spoke softly:

    ¡°Honestly¡­ it couldn¡¯t be done by any ordinary group¡­ it might be some big corporation, or even certain¡­ nations.¡±

    Allen nodded thoughtfully. After a moment, he spoke again: ¡°But what would be the motivation behind creating these zombies? What¡¯s the purpose of all this?¡±

    His eyes were filled with confusion and anger. ¡°It¡¯s not for profit, and it doesn¡¯t seem like just a random terrorist attack.¡±

    Ethan cut in, his tone laced with mockery: ¡°Maybe they just want to watch the world burn, to see ordinary people fall into this kind of hopeless, defenseless despair for their own amusement. Some people, when they have enough money, their minds are consumed with how to get even more thrills. They don¡¯t care how many people they sacrifice, as long as it serves their selfish and twisted desires.¡±

    Allen frowned, clearly repulsed by such a heartless suggestion.

    ¡°Either way, we have to survive.¡± Allen¡¯s voice carried a sense of finality. ¡°Whatever their motives are, only by staying alive will we get answers.¡±

    Eli nodded, seemingly agreeing with Allen¡¯s decision.

    But deep down, he knew that the virus explanation didn¡¯t add up. The existence of these zombies went beyond the realm of science.

    He couldn¡¯t help but recall the dream he had last night, a dream that left him with a sense of unease and blurred impressions.

    He couldn¡¯t remember the specific scenes or details of the dream, but the image of the clock remained vivid.

    The clock in his dream had shown that something terrible would happen at 9:00, but in reality, the disaster struck around 10:00.

    The one-hour difference made Eli question the accuracy of the dream¡¯s information.

    However, what was undeniable was that there was some kind of connection between the dream and reality.

    Eli needed to understand what the dream truly meant and what hidden truth it concealed.

    Eli pulled his drifting thoughts back and made an effort to maintain the usual tension expected of an ordinary person.

    In the current situation, exposing his abnormality would only bring more trouble.

    Survival was the priority; only by staying alive would he be able to slowly uncover the connection between the dream and the disaster. Until then, any signs of abnormality must be kept hidden.

    Eli shifted his gaze to his phone, pretending to press the screen a few times, then furrowed his brow.

    He scanned the room, his tone carrying a hint of hesitation:

    ¡°My phone¡­ has no signal. How about yours? Do any of you have a signal?¡±

    Alan and Ethan exchanged a glance before pulling out their phones to check. Landon did the same.

    After a few seconds of silence, each person¡¯s face grew serious.

    ¡°My phone¡¯s not getting any signal either,¡± Alan muttered, furrowing his brow as he swiped the screen repeatedly. ¡°Not just no signal, even the network is completely down. I can¡¯t connect to anything.¡±

    ¡°Same here. Can¡¯t even make a damn call,¡± Ethan¡¯s face darkened.

    Landon looked up with a helpless expression. ¡°Mine¡¯s the same.¡±

    His hand slowly dropped, his eyes cast down to the ground as if struggling to control some emotion.

    He opened his mouth, but his voice came out faint, almost a whisper: ¡°My parents... and my sister. What¡¯s happening to them right now? Are they¡­ could they also be¡­¡±

    His voice grew quieter with each word, until it almost disappeared into his throat.

    He lifted his hand and rubbed his reddened eyes, fighting not to appear too fragile.

    But the hopelessness of being unable to contact his family, and the worry for their safety, was clearly etched on his face.

    His shoulders trembled slightly, and he shrank into the corner, as if trying to make himself smaller. The pain of being powerless to protect his loved ones was slowly breaking his resolve.

    Ethan leaned against the doorframe, his gaze shifting briefly, hiding a trace of unspoken unease.

    Though he usually kept his emotions bottled up, in this situation, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a deep concern for his own family.

    ¡°This is fucking messed up!¡± His voice was thick with suppressed anger and a hint of helplessness.

    Alan stood to the side, his eyes landing on an uncertain corner, a subtle trace of worry crossing his face.

    He, too, was worried about his family, but those feelings had to remain buried deep inside.

    As the leader, he had to remain calm. He had to suppress his worries about his family. He needed to be strong, to be the pillar that the team could rely on.

    He looked up and scanned the room, lowering his voice as he spoke:

    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking¡­ Is it possible that this is only happening in New York, or is the entire world in chaos because of this zombie outbreak?¡±

    His tone was deliberately calm and rational, as if trying to guide everyone¡¯s thinking to prevent panic from taking hold again.

    He glanced around the room at each person, before his gaze finally rested on Eli.

    ¡°Eli, what do you think? Is it possible this is just a localized disaster?¡±

 Chapter-010

    Eli glanced at Allen, pretended to think for a moment, then slowly spoke up:

    "Based on our current situation, I have some speculations."

    He paused slightly, scanning the room to see that everyone was paying attention to him.

    Eli tried to appear hesitant, speaking slowly, "In less than an hour, the entire New York has completely fallen¡ªzombies are practically everywhere. So, even if this isn''t a global crisis, even if New York is the origin of this disaster, there''s no way a virus spreading at this speed could be confined to just one country or region."

    He glanced at Allen as if seeking his opinion.

    Allen didn''t respond directly, only signaling him to continue with his eyes.

    Eli continued his analysis, "If the virus truly started spreading from New York, it would be nearly impossible for other places to avoid large-scale infection. Even with strict quarantine measures in place, it wouldn''t be enough to completely stop it."

    His tone became darker as he spoke. "These zombies are strong. Handguns are useless, and even automatic rifles might not be effective. It would take much more powerful firepower to destroy them."

    He took a deep breath before continuing, "If the disaster has already spread globally, I want to know if nations around the world can still mobilize resources, manufacture and equip weapons. Especially heavy weapons. That''s a huge question."

    Eli scanned the group, and everyone frowned in thought.

    "In this situation, it''s extremely difficult for any country to maintain social order. Factories and supply chains would collapse quickly. Even ammunition would become a scarce resource, let alone tanks, planes, or missiles. And fighting zombies requires precisely those heavy weapons."

    Ethan furrowed his brows, an uneasy look in his eyes. "If a global disaster breaks out, I don¡¯t think any country could maintain order."

    Eli''s tone carried a hint of worry: "These are just my speculations. Maybe the situation isn''t as bad as I think."

    Allen thought for a moment before raising another question.

    "Why do our phones have no signal at all? It¡¯s been less than an hour since the disaster began. How could the communication network collapse so quickly?"

    Eli pretended to deliberate, pausing for a few seconds before replying, "The most reasonable explanation is... the base stations have gone down."

    He pressed his lips together before continuing, "The mobile networks we rely on mainly use signal base stations to transmit data. If the disaster caused widespread power outages or physical damage to the base stations, the communication network could fail rapidly."

    Allen gave a slight nod; the thought had crossed his mind as well.

    Noticing Allen''s reaction, Eli continued, "However... for all the base stations in New York to fail at the same time, that¡¯s not very likely. New York¡¯s base stations were designed with a high level of redundancy. Even if one area¡¯s stations malfunction, other base stations should still cover the signal. It¡¯s hard to imagine every single base station going offline."

    Allen¡¯s expression grew more serious; Eli''s points echoed his own concerns.

    "So, you¡¯re saying this might not be as simple as the base stations being destroyed?"

    Eli nodded lightly, a trace of uncertainty in his tone.

    ¡°Indeed, aside from the possibility of the base stations being destroyed, another explanation could be network overload. After all, when a disaster strikes, everyone would likely try to make calls for help or reach out to loved ones, which could easily overload the network. But even so, it doesn¡¯t quite explain why we¡¯ve completely lost the signal. Network overload usually means weaker signals or difficulty connecting, not a total blackout like this.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    From the doorway, Ethan spoke coldly, "So, is there another explanation?"

    A flicker of complex emotion crossed Eli¡¯s face as he replied, "Another possibility... is that the communications were deliberately cut off."

    His voice was low as he elaborated, "When the disaster struck, certain forces might have intentionally shut down the city¡¯s communication network. For instance, they could have taken control of the base station management system and severed the connections directly. Or they could be using some kind of electronic jamming to block all communication in New York."

    Listening to Eli¡¯s words, Allen¡¯s gaze grew even deeper, and deep down, he found himself inclined toward the same conclusion.

    Ethan tried to keep his emotions in check as he muttered, "From the virus outbreak to the communications blackout... every step has been so precise and clean. If this isn¡¯t orchestrated, who¡¯s going to believe it?"

    Eli slowly shook his head. "This is just speculation. Without evidence, it¡¯s too early to draw any conclusions. But I have to say, a total communication shutdown like this doesn¡¯t feel like a mere accident."

    Landon¡¯s gaze darted around nervously, his voice carrying a hint of helplessness. ¡°What¡­ what do we do next?¡±

    His question brought a brief silence to the room.

    Allen and Ethan both turned their eyes to Eli, as if waiting for his suggestion.

    Eli looked at the group and began speaking slowly, ¡°I think we have two options right now.¡±

    After a brief pause, he continued, ¡°The first is to stay here and wait for the military to rescue us. If the government is still capable of organizing rescue operations, they might clear out safe zones in the coming days. But the risk is we don¡¯t know when they¡¯ll arrive, or whether the situation in New York will worsen in the meantime.¡±

    Alan spoke decisively, "We can rule out that option. We have no idea when the military will arrive, or even if they can get things under control¡ªthe risk is just too high."

    Ethan nodded in agreement, his tone stern. "Besides, things are getting more dangerous here. We can''t bet our lives waiting for rescue; we have to find our own way to survive."

    Eli nodded; he had no intention of waiting for the military to rescue them. He continued,

    "The second option is to take the initiative and evacuate. I think the shortest route is through the city''s sewers.

    Head west through the sewers, enter the Lincoln Tunnel, and cross it to reach Weehawken.

    This way, we can at least avoid the zombies on the surface and reduce direct confrontation."

    He paused, pressing his lips together before adding, "But... we don''t have a map of the sewers, so we might get lost. And there''s one more thing: if humans can mutate into zombies, what about the creatures in the sewers?"

    Landon¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he suddenly realized the gravity of the issue.

    Ethan and Alan, however, appeared relatively composed¡ªit was clear they had already considered this possibility.

    ¡°For example, rats,¡± Alan continued, his tone steady but grim. ¡°What if the rats in the sewers have also mutated? There are at least millions of rats in New York''s sewer system. How many of them might have turned? Therefore, taking the sewer route doesn¡¯t guarantee safety.¡±

    Ethan turned to Alan, his expression thoughtful. ¡°How much do you know about the sewer system?¡±

    Alan spoke with a serious expression, "I don''t know much¡ªjust the general layout of the sewers, but not the details. Finding a detailed map now is obviously unrealistic¡ªwe''ll have to figure it out as we go."

    Ethan crossed his arms, a hint of frustration flickering across his face. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, we¡¯ll just have to do our best to navigate it.¡±

    Eli listened quietly, feigning concern. ¡°What happens if we encounter mutated creatures down there? If we get trapped, it might be even more dangerous than staying on the surface.¡±

    Alan nodded in agreement and said, ¡°Your concern is valid. Judging by how quickly ordinary people mutate into zombies, I¡¯d find it hard to believe there aren¡¯t any mutated creatures in the sewers.¡±

    Alan''s tone shifted, becoming heavy yet resolute. "But we have no choice now. The risk on the surface is greater, and if we delay any longer, the sewers might become even more dangerous. So, while it''s still relatively safe, we need to make our way through the sewers and leave New York as quickly as possible."

    Eli sighed in resignation, nodding to show his acceptance. Yet, he couldn¡¯t help but cast a glance toward Landon.

    Landon''s expression was laced with fear, making him appear exceptionally fragile and helpless.

    However, Eli¡¯s instincts told him that Landon might be more valuable than Alan or Ethan.

    Though the thought felt somewhat absurd, Eli trusted his instincts¡ªthey were his greatest reliance.

    Alan scanned the group before speaking in a low tone, ¡°Before we move out, we need to find some proper weapons. With just this scrap metal in hand, facing mutated creatures would be far too dangerous. Eli, Ethan, you¡¯re coming with me. Landon, stay here. Don¡¯t move. Wait for us to return.¡±

    Landon¡¯s expression shifted subtly, a mix of emotions crossing his face.

    Though reluctant, he nodded, accepting the arrangement.

 Chapter-011

    Eli, Alan, and Ethan cautiously left the conference room.

    Alan led the way, gripping his crowbar tightly, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings to ensure each step ahead was safe.

    Eli followed closely behind, deliberately putting on a fa?ade of unease, though his mind was exceptionally calm.

    Ethan brought up the rear, keeping low to guard against any potential danger from behind.

    The first floor of the office building was slightly brighter than the conference room. Natural light streamed through the windows, reflecting off the shattered glass on the floor, casting an even eerier atmosphere over the already desolate area.

    They had barely walked a few steps out of the conference room when a corner appeared ahead in the corridor.

    Alan raised his hand to signal a stop. Pressing his back against the wall, he cautiously leaned forward to check what lay beyond the corner.

    His movements were slow and precise, his breathing slightly held, careful not to disturb anything that shouldn¡¯t be disturbed.

    In the lobby, a large group of zombies crouched, heads down, gnawing on something with sickening chewing noises that echoed in the hollow space.

    Alan slowly gestured for the group to retreat and return to the conference room. The three moved back silently, taking care not to make the slightest sound.

    Before long, they were back at the conference room door.

    Alan gently pushed it open, and the three slipped inside one by one.

    Landon, seeing them return so quickly, instantly realized what had happened.

    ¡°"Outside... there are a lot of zombies, right?¡±

    Alan nodded, signaling for Landon to stay quiet.

    Landon swallowed hard and leaned back against the wall, saying nothing further.

    Alan leaned against the conference table, looking at Eli and Ethan, and let out a quiet sigh.

    ¡°The situation is tricky. There are too many zombies in the lobby to move forward. We either leave the building entirely or head upstairs to see if there¡¯s another way.¡±

    Eli nodded, furrowing his brow as he pretended to be deep in thought. ¡°The problem is, if we encounter mutated creatures in the sewers, can the weapons we have now inflict any real damage on them? Of course, the weapons we might find in this office building aren¡¯t necessarily better than crowbars or steel pipes.¡±

    Ethan crossed his arms over his chest and said, "You¡¯re right, but something is better than nothing. There are too many zombies on the first floor, so let¡¯s check the upper floors. Of course, we need to be careful."

    Alan nodded, a glint of determination in his eyes. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll check upstairs. If there are too many zombies, we retreat immediately.¡±

    Eli nodded and said nothing more.

    Alan slowly pushed open the conference room door, and the three stepped out in single file.

    Their footsteps were light, moving forward cautiously, carefully avoiding the shattered glass and scattered documents on the floor. Alan led the way to the end of the corridor, where the door to the stairwell awaited.

    He signaled the two to stop, then cautiously pushed the door open a crack, leaning forward slightly to peek through and observe the situation.

    After confirming there was no danger, he gestured to the two behind him to proceed.

    They entered the stairwell quietly and gently closed the door behind them, ensuring no noise would attract the zombies'' attention.

    The stairwell was dimly lit, but there were no obvious signs of zombie activity.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    Alan glanced upward before speaking softly, ¡°Let¡¯s go up. The target is the fifth floor. Stay as quiet as possible.¡±

    The three of them cautiously ascended the stairs, taking care not to make a sound with each step.

    After a brief climb, they reached the stairwell entrance to the fifth floor.

    Alan stopped and once again peeked through the door crack to survey the area.

    Seeing no immediate signs of zombies, he slowly opened the door.

    Just as he did, the door hinge let out a faint creak.

    The three instantly held their breath, straining their ears to catch any sound or movement outside.

    The office area was eerily quiet, with only a faint breeze slipping through the broken windows, rustling the scattered papers on the floor.

    Alan cautiously poked his head out, his eyes scanning the room. After confirming there were no signs of zombies nearby, he signaled for Eli and Ethan to follow.

    The office layout was intricate, filled with scattered cubicles and office furniture that severely limited their line of sight.

    The floor was smeared with blood, and faint claw marks were visible on the walls. Some desks bore shredded clothing and gnawed bones, grim evidence of the horrors that had unfolded here.

    The three did their best to ignore the horrifying sights around them and pressed on.

    They carefully maneuvered around a few desks, heading toward a nearby storage room.

    Alan tried the door and found it unlocked.

    He gently pulled it open a crack and peeked inside.

    The room was cluttered with cleaning supplies and various odds and ends. His eyes landed on a fire cabinet mounted on the wall.

    Alan¡¯s expression brightened as he cautiously opened the door, stepped inside, and retrieved a fire axe from the cabinet.

    Under the current circumstances, the axe was undeniably more lethal than the crowbar in his hand.

    He was satisfied, but he didn¡¯t abandon the crowbar just because he had a new weapon¡ªit remained an excellent backup.

    Ethan searched through a set of storage lockers on the other side of the room.

    He quickly found a sturdier metal rod, far more durable than the rusted metal stick he had been using.

    Swinging it lightly, the rod whistled through the air, drawing a faint grin of approval on his face.

    He didn¡¯t discard his original weapon either. Even if he didn¡¯t use it himself, it could be given to Landon.

    In addition, he discovered a discarded utility knife at the bottom of the locker.

    While it wasn¡¯t particularly sharp, it might come in handy in certain situations.

    Eli found a metal baseball bat that seemed to have been used by someone for batting practice during breaks or left behind from a company recreational event.

    He gripped the baseball bat, feeling its weight. It was sturdy and strong, making it an excellent striking weapon.

    In addition, Eli also found several pairs of work gloves.

    Alan slipped on a pair, nodding approvingly. ¡°Not bad. Better than nothing.¡±

    Throughout the search, the three remained on high alert, their ears attuned to every faint sound in the surroundings.

    Whenever the wind howled through the broken windows or papers fell from a desk, their eyes would immediately dart to the source of the noise, their nerves stretched taut with tension.

    After a moment, Ethan estimated the time. It had already been over ten minutes.

    ¡°We can¡¯t delay any longer. We need to leave now.¡±

    The three exchanged a glance and quickly decided to retreat.

    Alan took the lead, Eli followed close behind, and Ethan brought up the rear as they carefully made their way back to the stairwell.

    After taking just a few steps, a faint noise suddenly came from nearby.

    Though the noise was soft, it pierced through the silence of the corridor like a sharp alarm.

    Alan immediately raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop.

    Eli and Ethan froze in place, holding their breath, their eyes fixed on Alan.

    It was clear something was approaching, and it was highly likely to be zombies.

    Alan made a swift decision, signaling to change their route and retreat through another stairwell.

    The three moved quickly, their footsteps so light they seemed to glide over the ground.

    Before long, they reached the alternate stairwell without incident.

    Alan cautiously pushed the stairwell door open. After confirming it was clear of zombies, he motioned for Eli and Ethan to go in first.

    The three filed inside, and Alan closed the door behind them, exhaling in relief.

    Though the journey was brief, every step felt like walking on a knife¡¯s edge, where even the smallest mistake could have triggered a deadly crisis.

    Moments later, the conference room door creaked open.

    Landon jumped in surprise, his heartbeat accelerating as he stared nervously at the entrance.

    Only when he saw Alan, Eli, and Ethan walk in did he let out a long breath of relief.

    His previously tense shoulders relaxed, and a hint of reassurance appeared on his face.

    Ethan approached Landon and handed him the rusted metal rod. ¡°Take this.¡±

    Patting Landon on the shoulder, Ethan spoke with a tone of encouragement. ¡°We¡¯ve got a long road ahead. You need to pull yourself together.¡±

    Landon looked down at the metal rod in his hand, took a deep breath, and a trace of determination began to surface in his eyes.

    While the others were out looking for weapons, he had been trying to convince himself to stay calm and be strong.

    Landon wasn¡¯t sure if he could be as strong as the others, but he knew he had no choice but to grit his teeth and push forward.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± he said firmly.

    Alan nodded, acknowledging Landon¡¯s effort.

    He could see that the young man was doing his best to be brave.

    Scanning the room to ensure everyone was ready, Alan spoke in a low voice,

    ¡°Next, we¡¯ll proceed to the sewer entrance as planned. Stay silent and alert the entire time. If anything feels wrong, retreat immediately¡ªdon¡¯t take any risks.¡±

    Everyone nodded in agreement, and Alan, satisfied, gave the order:

    ¡°Let¡¯s move out.¡±

 Chapter-012

    Every step the group took was painstakingly cautious, as though even their breathing might alert the nearby undead.

    They slowly retraced their path, heading toward the back door.

    Alan gently grasped the door handle, turning to glance at the others.

    Landon took a deep breath, doing his best to steady himself.

    Alan then carefully pulled the door open a crack and peeked outside to assess the situation.

    The alley outside the door appeared narrow and quiet, with shadows and sunlight intertwining, creating an overwhelming sense of oppression.

    In the distance, the street was clearly visible under the sunlight, with a few zombies aimlessly wandering around.

    Their stiff movements and purposeless wandering were chilling, as if they could turn their heads at any moment and rush over.

    Alan nodded slightly, confirming the zombies hadn¡¯t noticed them yet, and motioned for the others to follow.

    The group continued forward, moving slowly through the alley.

    When they finally reached the end of the alley, Alan signaled everyone to halt again.

    He cautiously leaned out to survey the situation ahead.

    The view around the corner was relatively open. Not far ahead, near the roadside, Alan spotted a maintenance manhole cover.

    A black SUV was parked on top of the manhole cover, its door twisted and ajar, revealing a mangled corpse inside.

    Alan¡¯s brow furrowed slightly at the sight.

    Although he had witnessed similar scenes many times before, this sight still weighed heavily on him.

    He quickly scanned the surroundings. The distant street teemed with dozens of zombies.

    Some were pounding on walls or car windows, attempting to break through obstacles.

    Others wandered aimlessly, as if searching for their next target.

    While they hadn¡¯t yet noticed Alan and the others, it was clear that if they did, they would attack like frenzied beasts.

    Alan pulled his head back and turned to the others, speaking in the softest, most concise voice possible:

    ¡°There¡¯s a manhole ahead, but it¡¯s pinned under a car. There¡¯s a corpse in the vehicle, and a lot of zombies nearby.¡±

    Landon¡¯s face turned pale, while Eli and Ethan took turns peeking out to assess the situation.

    Eli saw the SUV by the roadside. Though his expression showed some unease, his eyes remained calm and steady.

    He quickly scanned the surroundings, noting the movements of the zombies.

    Ethan, however, kept his gaze fixed on the zombies, his brow furrowed and his face marked with a trace of disgust.

    After finishing their observations, both Eli and Ethan turned to Alan.

    Ethan spoke in a low voice: ¡°We either find another manhole or move the car.¡±

    Alan¡¯s response was decisive. ¡°We move the car.¡±

    Eli nodded, adding softly, ¡°We need to be fast and quiet.¡±

    Alan nodded in agreement, then turned to Landon and said in a low voice, "Stay where you are and don¡¯t move. If something goes wrong, prioritize your own safety. Don¡¯t worry about us."

    A hint of hesitation flickered in Landon¡¯s eyes, but he said nothing.

    Alan signaled Eli and Ethan to move, and the three swiftly approached the SUV.

    Throughout the operation, they carefully used the parked vehicles along the roadside as cover, wary of attracting any attention from the zombies.

    Once they reached the SUV, the three quietly set their weapons on the ground, ensuring not to make a single sound.

    They knew that every move they made from this point on had to be cautious¡ªany sound, no matter how small, could draw the nearby zombies toward them.

    Ethan kept a wary eye on the distant zombies, whispering, ¡°Keep steady. Don¡¯t let the car make any noise.¡±

    The three synchronized their movements. Alan whispered a countdown: ¡°One¡­ two¡­ three¡ª¡±

    With their combined effort, the SUV¡¯s body began to shift slowly, emitting a faint metallic scraping sound.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    In that moment, their breaths nearly stopped, nerves stretched taut, as if the entire world had frozen around them.

    Ethan clenched his teeth, watching the zombies from a distance, silently pleading: Don¡¯t look this way. Please don¡¯t look this way.

    Alan''s palms were already slick with sweat. He knew that at this moment, there was absolutely no room for error.

    Eli¡¯s breathing was slightly uneven, his face showing tension and unease, though internally he was calm and composed.

    Fortunately, the zombies hadn''t noticed the three of them.

    Alan assessed the situation and gestured to Eli and Ethan: "Keep pushing."

    With concerted effort, the SUV slowly shifted. The process felt agonizingly long.

    Each time the vehicle made the slightest noise, the distant zombies would stir slightly, as if trying to pinpoint the source of the sound.

    Finally, the SUV was moved aside by the group, revealing the manhole cover.

    Ethan and Eli quickly retrieved their weapons from the ground, keeping themselves as concealed as possible.

    Their eyes constantly scanned the surroundings, ensuring they hadn¡¯t drawn any attention from the zombies.

    Alan immediately picked up the crowbar from the ground and carefully inserted it into the gap of the manhole cover, attempting to pry it open with extreme caution.

    The first attempt failed, and the manhole cover didn''t budge.

    But fortunately, it didn''t attract the attention of the zombies.

    Alan took a deep breath and adjusted the position of the crowbar.

    He carefully found the leverage point and gradually applied pressure.

    This time, the manhole cover finally began to move.

    He suppressed the joy welling up inside and focused on keeping his movements steady, trying to avoid making any noise.

    As the cover was successfully pried open, he gently moved it aside with great care.

    After the manhole cover was opened, Alan glanced at Ethan and signaled for him to enter the sewer first.

    Ethan quickly crossed over to the edge, placed his feet on the ladder, and began climbing down step by step.

    Alan then gestured for Eli to enter the sewer, but Eli looked in Landon''s direction, as if waiting for him to move.

    Alan¡¯s eyes showed a hint of confusion but were soon replaced by a look of approval.

    He thought to himself: Even in such a dangerous situation, he still looks out for his teammates. Someone like that is undoubtedly reliable.

    Landon was extremely nervous at this moment. Seeing Eli''s gesture, he took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

    He knew he had to move quickly, and he couldn''t make a sound, or he would put everyone in danger.

    Landon moved swiftly, keeping his head low and his back hunched. Every step he took was cautious, his focus entirely on where he placed his feet, constantly fearing he might step on something and create noise.

    After passing a few abandoned vehicles, Landon finally reached the manhole cover.

    Eli motioned for him to put down his weapon and enter the sewer immediately.

    Landon obeyed without hesitation.

    He placed his foot on the ladder and gripped it tightly with both hands, descending carefully, one step at a time.

    He eventually reached the bottom safely, standing silently on the ground without a sound.

    Once Landon was safely inside, Eli quickly picked up the weapons left on the ground and handed them down to Ethan and Landon below.

    After ensuring they had secured the weapons, Eli climbed down the ladder into the sewer himself.

    Alan was the last to descend. He grasped the ladder and moved down a few steps before attempting to close the manhole cover.

    With one hand, he exerted his strength, slowly closing the manhole cover.

    As the manhole cover returned to its place, the light vanished completely, leaving the four of them enveloped in absolute darkness.

    The darkness felt especially oppressive, and the narrow space was damp and stifling, filled with a pungent stench.

    The ground was slippery, producing a faint squelching sound with each step, evoking discomfort, as if stepping into some unidentified decaying substance.

    Faintly, the sound of running water could be heard, along with the occasional drip of droplets.

    These sounds were amplified in the darkness, echoing through the confined space, adding an invisible sense of pressure.

    Eli¡¯s eyes instinctively adjusted to the darkness, switching to night vision mode, allowing him to see every detail clearly in the lightless environment.

    He observed the ground, slick with slimy sludge, the corners pooling with stagnant water, and the walls coated in a thick layer of grime.

    Water droplets fell from the top of the pipes, hitting the ground and splashing into sprays, remarkably clear.

    Despite seeing everything clearly, Eli squinted deliberately, pretending to struggle to adjust to the darkness.

    He took out his phone and turned on the flashlight function.

    A faint beam of light pierced the darkness, illuminating a small portion of the surrounding area.

    The faint light brought a sigh of relief to Alan and the others, as if they had found some comfort.

    Landon quickly followed suit, taking out his phone to light the ground ahead.

    Alan glanced at Landon and said softly, ¡°Turn it off. We need to conserve power in case we need it later.¡±

    Landon nodded immediately and switched off his flashlight as instructed.

    By the dim glow of the phone, Alan noticed a lighting device on the wall.

    As if recalling something, he whispered, "There should be a switch for the lighting device nearby. Eli, light the way for me; we¡¯ll look for the switch."

    Hearing this, a sudden alarm went off in Eli¡¯s mind.

    Turning on the sewer lights... was definitely not a good idea!

    Feigning hesitation, he said, ¡°Maybe we shouldn¡¯t turn on the lights... If we attract mutated creatures, it¡¯ll be trouble.¡±

    Ethan and Alan exchanged a glance. Though they had no real knowledge of mutated creatures in the sewers, Eli¡¯s reasoning made sense.

    Alan abandoned the idea of searching for the light switch and said in a low voice, ¡°You¡¯re right. Better safe than sorry.¡±

    He glanced around, his eyes roaming in the dim light: "I remember there are some maintenance stations in the sewers. There might be maps or tools there."

    ¡°Maps?¡±

    Ethan shook his head and sneered, "Not likely. I can hardly imagine the city government leaving maps in the sewers. More likely, they simply have no interest in managing this godforsaken place."

    Alan gave a faint smile and continued, ¡°Even if there aren¡¯t maps, we can use the numbers and markers on the walls to figure out where we are and make our way to the Lincoln Tunnel.¡±

    Eli nodded silently, agreeing with their assessment.

    Actually, Eli didn¡¯t care whether they found a map or not, because his intuition had already constructed a clear "map" in his mind.

    The direction of the maintenance stations, the distance to the target location, even potential dangers ahead¡ªall these were vividly mapped out in his head.

    This mental map was very much like the "map feature" in a video game.

    Ethan tugged at his collar, covering his nose, and muttered, "Let¡¯s move! I don¡¯t want to stay in this hellhole for even a second longer!"

    Eli glanced at the steel pipe on the ground, then turned to Landon and said quietly, "I need my phone for light. Hold this for me."

    He added, "We don¡¯t have many weapons, so we can''t afford to abandon any."

    "Got it." Landon quickly crouched down, picking up the steel pipe, his fingers clenching around the cold metal.

    After that, the group continued onward.

 Chapter-013

    The air in the sewer was damp and stifling, filled with the stench of mold and decay, making it hard to breathe.

    With every step, the gentle splashing of water echoed against the stone, occasionally accompanied by the sound of dripping.

    These subtle noises were often amplified by the echoes, as if something unknown was lurking in the dark corners.

    The silence in the air heightened their unease, making it feel as though this sewer had no end.

    Eli¡¯s gaze swept quickly through the darkness. His powerful night vision allowed him to see every detail around them clearly.

    No rats scurried about, no cockroaches emerged from the cracks, and even the spiders on their webs had disappeared.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it seem too quiet here?¡± Eli spoke softly, keeping his voice low as if not wanting to break the silence of the sewer.

    Alan slowed his pace, looking around cautiously, and replied in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s not right. It shouldn¡¯t be this quiet down here...¡±

    Landon paused, gripping the metal rod in his hands nervously. ¡°You mean there should be something alive down here?¡±

    Alan responded quietly, ¡°In a place like this, there should at least be rats or bugs.¡±

    Eli nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, if it¡¯s really this quiet, that means...¡± He paused, lowering his voice further, ¡°There could be danger ahead.¡±

    Ethan let out a cold laugh: "It''s too late to say that now. What, you want to go back up and play hide-and-seek with the zombies?"

    Alan nodded in agreement and motioned for the group to keep moving forward.

    The group continued along the dark passageway, each person treading carefully, fearful of shattering the eerie stillness around them.

    After walking a bit further, Eli looked down at the sewage beneath his feet, The water level had risen to his ankles.

    He knew in his heart that it was probably due to a leak in one of the pipes, causing the water level to rise.

    At that moment, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but speak up, "The water level doesn¡¯t seem normal."

    Eli quickly picked up the conversation, "Could there be a leak somewhere?"

    Alan nodded, "It''s possible."

    Eli feigned a puzzled look and continued, "Does this happen often?"

    Alan immediately understood what Eli was getting at, and he stopped in his tracks, lowering his voice as he spoke to the group,

    "Just in case, let¡¯s check the surroundings to see if there¡¯s a leak. Hopefully, it¡¯s just poor maintenance by the city government."

    Eli quickly moved his phone''s beam around, illuminating the nearby walls to help the group see better.

    The group split up, carefully inspecting each potential leak point.

    A few minutes later, Ethan suddenly stopped, his eyes fixed on a section of the pipe in the corner.

    On that pipe, he noticed some extremely unusual marks.

    He crouched down, examining them closely¡ªdeep scratches that seemed to have been made by something sharp.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Scratches of this nature couldn¡¯t possibly be caused by natural factors¡ªthey were undoubtedly man-made.

    Ethan called out to the group in a low voice, ¡°I¡¯ve found something here.¡±

    Everyone quickly gathered around, and Eli illuminated the area with his phone to give them a clearer view.

    Alan frowned, "These don¡¯t look like tool marks."

    He pointed at the crisscrossed gouges on the pipe, "These are claw marks."

    Eli instantly guessed the source of the claw marks, but he didn¡¯t say it aloud.

    Landon¡¯s heart skipped a beat, "Claw marks? Are you saying¡ª"

    Ethan analyzed, "It could be zombies. Those things have incredibly sharp nails."

    Eli feigned confusion and whispered, "Zombies? What would zombies be doing in the sewers? Could it be to catch rats for food? That¡¯s ridiculous."

    Alan nodded slightly, "Makes sense,."

    Eli added in a low voice, "There¡¯s something else to consider. If these were made by zombies, it¡¯s probably not that simple."

    He pointed at the nearby leaks, signaling everyone to pay attention, "Zombies are incredibly strong, and their claws are very sharp. I''ve seen them rip a car door right off with my own eyes."

    He paused, then concluded, "So, if it was zombies, there wouldn¡¯t just be small cracks like these. With their strength, that section of pipe would have been completely destroyed by now."

    A sharp glint appeared in Ethan¡¯s eyes, "So, it wasn¡¯t zombies. It was some kind of mutated creature, one not as strong as a zombie."

    Landon couldn¡¯t help but breathe a sigh of relief, "That¡¯s good news, at least it¡¯s not as dangerous as a zombie."

    Alan pondered for a moment, then frowned, "If it¡¯s not zombies, then what could it be?"

    He looked up at the damp surroundings, trying to find some clues.

    Eli spoke softly, "If I had to guess, mutated rats are the most likely. The sewer environment is suitable for rats. Given the number of rats in the New York sewer system, even if only 1% mutated, we''d be talking about tens of thousands."

    The air grew heavy with tension, and everyone felt the potential threat.

    Alan looked around at everyone, his expression turning resolute as he quickly gave instructions:

    "Next, I''ll scout ahead to make sure the path is safe, then the rest of you follow."

    Eli immediately objected, "Going alone is too risky. I¡¯ll go with you¡ªit¡¯ll be safer that way."

    Ethan nodded in agreement. "Eli''s right."

    Landon rarely voiced his opinion, "I also think two people should go..."

    Alan looked at everyone and quickly made a decision, "Alright then, Eli, you¡¯re with me. Ethan, Landon, keep an eye on the rear. Once Eli and I confirm the path ahead is clear, you two follow immediately."

    As Alan''s words fell, the team quickly sprang into action.

    Alan took the lead, gripping a crowbar in one hand and a fire axe in the other, moving forward cautiously.

    Eli followed closely, using his phone for light but strictly limiting the area it illuminated.

    Whenever they were close to reaching a corner, Eli would turn off his phone to prevent the light from alerting any mutated creatures that might be lurking beyond the corner.

    Meanwhile, Alan would crouch, pressing his hand against the wall, listening for any sounds beyond the corner before silently leaning out to observe.

    Once Alan confirmed the area ahead was clear, Eli would signal to Ethan and Landon behind them with his phone light.

    Ethan and Landon maintained a distance of about ten paces behind Alan and Eli, keeping an eye on the rear while staying ready to support the front.

    There was no unnecessary conversation¡ªglances, hand gestures, and the light from their phones were enough to communicate. The entire team moved with seamless coordination.

    With this seamless coordination, the team gradually advanced deeper into the sewer.

    In the blink of an eye, over ten minutes had passed.

    Eli¡¯s eyes caught something unusual, his gaze locking onto a small section of the wall ahead.

    On a certain part of the wall, there seemed to be some blurred characters, almost engulfed by sludge and mold.

    Eli glanced at Alan, who didn¡¯t have night vision and hadn¡¯t noticed the characters.

    Eli took a few light steps forward, his phone¡¯s light moving across the wall.

    Alan¡¯s attention followed the light, his steps pausing abruptly as his eyes locked onto the spot on the wall.

    ¡°Stop,¡± Alan ordered in a low, firm voice.

    Eli asked, surprised, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Alan pointed at the wall ahead. ¡°Light it up.¡±

    Eli quickly illuminated the area, ensuring Alan could see every detail.

    Alan walked up to the wall, gently wiping away the layer of mold and sludge, revealing a series of alphanumeric identifiers.

    At that moment, Ethan and Landon at the rear noticed something unusual with the two ahead and quickly stepped forward.

    The two reached Alan, their gazes falling on the wall, brows slightly furrowed.

    They didn''t understand the meaning of the identifier, but they knew it might indicate their current location.

    Alan thought for a moment before speaking softly, ¡°If my memory serves me right, we¡¯re on one of the branch lines leading to the Lincoln Tunnel.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good news.¡± Landon¡¯s voice carried a hint of excitement.

    Eli¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile as he feigned a look of relief. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re not lost.¡±

    Ethan spoke decisively, ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving and get out of this place as soon as possible.¡±

    Alan nodded in agreement, and the team quickly resumed their tactical formation, setting off once again.

 Chapter-014

    Suddenly, Eli sensed something unusual and furrowed his brows.

    At the same time, Alan quickly moved to the corner, pressing his body against the wall as he cautiously peeked ahead.

    His eyes scanned the darkness in front of him and noticed a faint light coming from around the next corner.

    Alan quickly pulled his head back, signaling Eli to use his phone''s light to signal Ethan and Landon behind them.

    Eli acted quickly, using the dim glow of his phone to illuminate the darkness behind him.

    Ethan and Landon immediately understood the message Eli was conveying and moved forward swiftly.

    Soon,  the group gathered under the weak illumination of the phone light.

    Ethan spoke first, "What did you find?"

    Alan¡¯s voice was deep and steady, getting straight to the point, "There''s light ahead¡ªthat''s not normal."

    Ethan thought for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Could be other survivors, but I think that''s unlikely."

    Alan nodded in agreement, "That''s what I think too."

    Landon frowned and asked, "Could it be zombies?"

    Eli immediately shook his head, "Zombies are strong, but they clearly lack intelligence. In other words, they don¡¯t have the ability to use lighting equipment. So, it''s definitely not them."

    Alan nodded, evidently agreeing with Eli''s view. His gaze calmly swept across the team members.

    "When we get to the next corner, I will check the situation first. If there''s no problem, we will proceed."

    No one objected, and the team switched back to their tactical formation, cautiously stepping forward.

    On the way, Eli turned off the phone light and put it back in his pocket.

    The darkness once again enveloped the surroundings, and he gripped the baseball bat tightly, pretending to be slightly nervous.

    As they moved forward, the light ahead grew clearer.

    Soon, the team reached the next corner.

    Alan pressed himself against the wall, carefully leaning out to observe. The dim yellow light blurred the distant details.

    Yet these lights were far brighter than the phone light, enough to reveal the horrifying scene ahead.

    The ground was littered with rat corpses, piled so densely that there was hardly an inch of space.

    Most of the bodies were mangled, with skin and bones twisted together, and the fractures stained red with blood and flesh.

    Even Alan couldn''t help but feel a chill at this sight.

    Alan took a deep breath, forcing himself to tear his attention away from the chilling scene. The most important task now was to ensure there were no mutated creatures nearby.

    Aside from the scattered rat corpses, the ground was covered in unsettling bloodstained water.

    The sewer was covered with mold and filthy sludge, yet there was no sign of any living creatures.

    No footsteps, no sound of objects moving, and none of those unsettling growls.

    A deathly silence filled the air, sending chills down one''s spine.

    After a brief observation, Alan concluded: there was no threat in this area.

    Alan withdrew his gaze and quietly led Eli toward Ethan and Landon at the back of the group.

    The group gathered once again.

    Alan spoke in a low voice, "No mutated creatures ahead. There''s a massive pile of rat corpses, but no other threats."

    Ethan frowned, visibly puzzled by this information. "Rat corpses?"

    Alan emphasized, "A mountain of rat corpses, covering almost every inch of the ground."

    Ethan thought Alan''s words seemed a bit exaggerated, but he also knew that Alan wasn''t in the mood for jokes right now.

    Perhaps there really were a lot of rat corpses up ahead.

    Ethan spoke in a low voice, "That many corpses aren''t normal. Are you sure there are no mutated creatures nearby?"

    Alan replied firmly, "No mutated creatures spotted."You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Ethan didn''t press further but got straight to the point, "What do we do next?"

    Alan turned his gaze to Eli, his eyes asking for his opinion.

    Eli''s brows furrowed slightly, as if weighing the current situation.

    His instincts told him there would definitely be danger ahead, possibly even a fight.

    But if they chose a different route, they might face an even more deadly threat.

    There was no choice¡ªthey had to move forward.

    He took a deep breath and suggested, "Since there''s no threat ahead, we should figure out why there are so many rat corpses. We might discover something."

    Alan nodded, clearly agreeing with the suggestion, but he added, "We have to be careful and be ready for anything."

    The team quickly went into action mode, with Alan leading the way, Eli close behind, and Ethan and Landon staying on guard.

    They turned the corner and stepped into the area filled with mountains of rat corpses.

    The foul stench of decay hit them in the face, the smell of rot and death making each of them wrinkle their noses.

    The ground was packed densely with rat carcasses, giving off an oppressive atmosphere.

    Ethan''s eyes flashed with unease, and he said quietly, "That''s... too many."

    Landon struggled to suppress his nausea, his face as pale as a sheet, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

    Alan broke the silence: "Landon, stay here and rest. The rest of you, see if you can find any useful clues."

    Landon opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something.

    But as his gaze swept over the rat corpses, his lips quivered, and in the end, he couldn''t utter a single word.

    The group began carefully moving through the piles of rat bodies, trying to find any noteworthy clues.

    Despite the sea of corpses and the terrible mood, neither Alan nor Ethan voiced a complaint.

    Their faces were tense, eyes determined, focusing solely on the task at hand, burying all their unease deep within.

    Although Eli put on a disgusted expression, inside he was calm, indifferent to the gore and cruelty in front of him.

    It was as if he had experienced such scenes countless times before.

    A few minutes later, the group gathered again.

    Alan was the first to speak, his voice low, "These corpses weren''t caused by a single mutated creature¡ªthe wounds on the bodies are different. At least ten or more mutated creatures have been active around here. It''s clear that those mutated creatures treated the rats as food and fed here."

    Ethan had reached the same conclusion, but his brows were tightly furrowed as he asked in confusion, "But why are there so many rat corpses here? One or two makes sense, and even a dozen or so could be understandable, but there are at least hundreds here. Wouldn''t the rats try to escape when facing an enemy?"

    Alan voiced his speculation, "If those mutated creatures were able to control the rats, then it all makes sense."

    Eli nodded in agreement, "I think so too."

    Landon swallowed nervously, "More than ten mutated creatures, capable of controlling rats, with some level of intelligence..."

    He originally wanted to suggest, "We should take a different route," but instead, what came out was, "What do we do now?"

    Ethan didn''t hesitate, "We need to take a different route."

    Alan looked at Ethan, nodding slightly, as if considering the suggestion.

    Eli''s heart tightened; he knew the risks of changing routes were high.

    He took a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound rational and calm, "We have no knowledge of the other routes, and we might face even worse enemies¡ªit''s just as risky. And now it seems that the mutated creatures in this area have already left, so why not just keep moving forward?"

    Ethan was slightly taken aback; he hadn''t expected Eli to make such a proposal.

    He instinctively turned his head toward Eli, his eyes filled with deep confusion and puzzlement.

    Eli continued, "What we need most right now is to get through this area as quickly as possible and avoid getting stuck. Changing routes will only add uncertainty, waste time, and potentially lead to encountering more monsters."

    Alan gave Eli a meaningful look, and to Eli, it seemed as if his expression was saying, "I knew there was something off about you."

    Alan didn''t ask more; he quickly made a decision, "Eli''s right, we''ll keep moving forward."

    Ethan looked at Alan, then turned his gaze to Eli''s face, remaining silent in the end.

    Landon frowned, clearly hesitant about moving forward.

    Nevertheless, he didn''t voice any objection; he simply followed the team''s steps, looking both tense and helpless.

    The group continued moving forward, each of them highly alert, gripping their weapons tightly, ready for any sudden situation.

    Eli silently scanned the surroundings, his intuition telling him that an enemy was approaching.

    As the team gradually neared the next corner, a faint sound of footsteps suddenly came through the air.

    The four of them immediately stopped, holding their breaths as they focused on the front.

    As the creature drew closer, the rhythm of its footsteps became clearer.

    The sound wasn''t heavy¡ªit was like a damp shoe lightly stepping on the surface of water.

    The light from beyond their view cast onto a creature, projecting a vague shadow onto the wall, catching everyone''s attention.

    As the footsteps drew closer, the shadow grew larger.

    The shadow didn''t resemble a human figure; its edges were blurred, carrying an odd sense of curvature.

    It didn''t look tall, even appearing frail, but there was an air of swiftness and agility about it.

    At that moment, a picture flashed through Eli''s mind:

    A hunched figure, slightly frail but extremely agile.

    Its skin was grayish-brown, with fierce eyes, and long, curved claws extended from the tips of its fingers, ready to pounce at any moment.

    Its face, though showing some human features, had more of the vicious traits of a beast.

    Landon''s eyes flashed with fear, and the anxiety from being chased by zombies resurfaced.

    Alan took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm, his eyes fixed on the approaching shadow.

    Alan communicated a command to his teammates through eye contact: Retreat, take a different route.

    Eli felt Alan''s resolve and followed him in turning around to retrace their steps, without wasting a single word.

    Because Eli knew that there were also mutated creatures along the path they had come from.

    If Alan and Ethan found mutated creatures behind them, their only choice would be to come back and break through the danger ahead.

    The team turned around and retraced their path, each step taken with extreme caution.

    After barely two minutes, chaotic footsteps suddenly echoed from ahead, mixed with low raspy noises.

    The sounds were like the sharp, scurrying squeaks of rats¡ªsending chills down their spines.

    There was clearly more than one enemy¡ªthere were a lot of them, far more than they could have imagined!

    Eli knew that their scent had exposed them; those creatures were highly sensitive to the smell of living humans.

    Landon''s body trembled; he wanted to turn and run, but reason told him: Where could he run? There were enemies both ahead and behind!

    Ethan and Alan felt a sinking feeling in their hearts, their faces darkening.

    Eli stared directly at Alan, conveying a silent pressure, as if to say: Don''t hesitate, make a decision now!

    Almost instinctively, Alan made his decision, his gestures simple and forceful: Turn around, prepare to fight!

    Everyone''s expressions tensed; they gripped their weapons tightly, their steps quickened but remained cautious.

    Now, they had no choice but to proceed along their original route.

 Chapter-015

    As the group prepared for battle, the enemies in both directions simultaneously detected their presence.

    The first to come into view was a massive swarm of rats, an overwhelming tide flooding in from the front.

    Their sheer numbers were enough to make anyone¡¯s skin crawl.

    Soon after, a dozen figures emerged from behind the rat swarm¡ªratmen!

    Their gray fur glistened with a cold sheen under the light, their crimson eyes brimming with savage hostility. Accompanied by low, guttural growls, they closed in swiftly.

    At the same time, unsettling noises began to echo from behind.

    The rapid "scritch-scratch" sound grew closer and closer as another wave of rats surged forward from the rear, cutting off the group''s retreat entirely.

    Hot on their heels, the ratmen from behind also made their appearance.

    Their grotesque silhouettes flickered in the dim light, sharp claws scraping against the ground, producing a piercing, nerve-racking sound.

    Seeing this, Allen shouted:

    "Throw away any extra weapons! Ethan, Landon, guard the rear! Eli and I will hold the front!"

    Alan''s orders were succinct and precise. The group immediately understood and quickly adjusted their actions, taking their positions, ready for battle.

    Ethan gripped his metal rod tightly, prepared to confront the enemies in front of him.

    Landon, though his face was filled with fear, still held firmly onto his rusty metal rod.

    Eli''s gaze was sharp as a blade, calmly assessing the enemies ahead.

    The sewer''s lighting had already been turned on by the ratmen, but the light brought them no extra sense of security.

    The number of ratmen in front and behind was increasing, and the writhing shapes of the rats could be seen in every corner.

    Alan''s eyes turned sharp in an instant. Without a moment''s hesitation, he swung the fire axe to meet the oncoming ratman.

    His movements were clean and decisive. As the first ratman lunged forward, Alan had already aimed at its neck in a split second.

    The axe drew an arc in the air, flashing with a cold glint, as if carrying the breath of death.

    The blade struck down heavily!

    The ratman let out a low wail, blood spraying into the air, splattering onto Alan''s clothes.

    It collapsed, twitching a few times before lying still, its eyes still reflecting a trace of terror.

    Alan''s eyes widened, his heart racing, as a fleeting sense of relief washed over his mind.

    "They''re not hard to deal with!" he shouted, his voice carrying a hint of barely concealed excitement. "Keep pushing forward! Don''t stop!"

    Hearing this, Landon felt a surge of energy, a flicker of hope igniting in his heart.

    However, the overwhelming swarm of rats shattered Landon¡¯s illusion¡ªthese creatures were living, breathing killing machines.

    Under the command of the ratmen, the hordes of rats went berserk, charging towards the group.

    Eli showed no signs of panic, his eyes calm as still water, calculating the enemy''s attack routes step by step.

    A few rats tried to bite his feet from the ground, but he quickly leaped, moving nimbly like a cat, dodging their attack.

    Immediately after, he kicked away a rat lunging at him, then swung the baseball bat fiercely, smashing it directly at the head of a ratman coming at him from the side!

    The moment the bat made contact with the skull, there was a dull "crack."

    The ratman''s eyes widened, blood gushed from its mouth, and its head twisted to the side as it collapsed, twitching on the ground.

    Alan''s eyes quickly scanned the battlefield and noticed more rats attempting to bite Eli''s ankles.

    "Watch out!"

    Alan dashed over, swinging his fire axe at the rats lunging toward Eli.

    With one powerful strike, two rats instantly became a bloody mess of pulp.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    As he retrieved the axe, the blade sent a leaping rat flying, which slammed into the nearby wall with a shrill squeal.

    "Ethan, how''s it going over there?" Alan shouted loudly, his back to Ethan, his voice carrying a hint of anxiety.

    "I can handle it!" Ethan''s voice rang out immediately, firm and concise.

    The ratmen at the back were cunning; they wouldn''t approach Ethan easily, instead using the rat swarms to drain the group''s stamina.

    Ethan gripped the metal rod with both hands, tangling with the rat swarm behind him. His movements were precise and powerful, each strike hitting the rats'' vital spots.

    But Ethan''s gaze never strayed from the group of ratmen; he knew very well:

    They had to deal with these ratmen, or the rats would keep coming endlessly!

    However, the rats tightly surrounded him, clinging on without end, leaving him no chance to get close to the ratmen.

    Moreover, Landon''s situation was also far from optimistic.

    Landon was positioned behind Ethan, looking somewhat panicked. Though his swings were still fairly quick, his fear made it hard for him to hit the rats accurately.

    Thankfully, Ethan was always by his side, stepping in whenever Landon found himself in danger.

    "Stay calm, Landon, stay calm! You can do this! You¡¯ve got this! Hold on!"

    Landon kept repeating these words to himself, trying to push back the fear invading his mind.

    It was these constant self-affirmations that allowed Landon to grit his teeth and swing his metal rod to fend off the rats.

    Each strike was clumsy, but he never gave up.

    As Landon swung the rod, a cunning rat quietly approached him.

    It crept low, using the darkness and chaos to move silently, seemingly having set its sights on Landon''s neck.

    Eli, who was at the front of the group dealing with the ratmen, sensed the deadly threat with his strong intuition.

    Almost instinctively, Eli shouted loudly, warning everyone, "Watch out!"

    Landon dodged almost reflexively.

    At that exact moment, the rat lunged at him!

    Its sharp teeth tore through his pants, nearly biting his skin.

    He froze momentarily, anger and fear mingling and rushing to his heart.

    Pushed to his limits, Landon acted without thinking, blurting out, "Die!"

    Before he could finish, he stomped down fiercely, crushing the rat beneath his foot¡ªbones shattered, and blood splattered!

    "Landon, stay calm! Focus!" Ethan shouted urgently.

    Landon snapped back, quickly adjusting his stance, but his hands, tightly gripping the metal rod, couldn''t stop trembling.

    Alan''s fire axe swung down heavily, striking the charging ratman with a chilling force.

    The blade collided with flesh, producing a dull thud. The ratman fell to the ground, its body split in two, blood splattering everywhere.

    Eli followed right after, his eyes calm as water, rapidly assessing every opportunity for attack amidst the chaotic battlefield.

    As a ratman lunged towards him, he raised his baseball bat without hesitation, bringing it down with force.

    The ratman''s head was struck hard, accompanied by the dull crack of bones breaking. It fell to the ground, twitching before dying.

    Despite their achievements, the swarm of rats surged even more ferociously.

    They began to use faster and more coordinated attacks, forcing Eli to retreat.

    Eli''s heart sank; the ratmen in front were getting serious, trying to use the rats to suppress them from multiple directions.

    Alan''s rhythm with his axe swings was continually disrupted, forcing him to divert more attention to dealing with the rats.

    "Pay attention, they''re being commanded!"

    Eli''s voice was calm but carried an edge of urgency as he quickly adjusted his combat rhythm.

    Alan''s eyes narrowed upon hearing Eli''s warning.

    The group''s advance was becoming increasingly difficult, and the enemies were reacting faster and more in sync.

    If they continued like this, they were bound to lose!

    A determined glint flashed in Alan''s eyes. "Follow me, take out the ratmen quickly!"

    He knew this battle wasn''t just about physical combat; it was about breaking the enemy''s command structure.

    Alan pushed forward swiftly, each swing of his axe decisive and fast, as if the world itself made way for him.

    Eli stayed close behind Alan, and with every swing of his bat, at least one rat was sent flying.

    However, the ratmen were not foolish.

    Every time Alan got close, they would quickly retreat, using the rats to keep Alan and Ethan occupied.

    Alan''s muscles were fully tensed, his eyes glimmering with determination: "We have to finish them quickly!"

    Alan suddenly accelerated, leaping over the rat swarm, swinging his axe forcefully before landing.

    The axe cut through the air in a deadly arc, striking heavily on a ratman''s shoulder!

    The ratman had no time to react; its body split instantly under the power of the axe, blood splattering everywhere!

    Alan didn''t pause; his body barely slowed, moving like a whirlwind toward the next ratman.

    The ratmen sensed Alan''s fierce attack and retreated quickly.

    Alan paid no mind to whether the ratmen retreated or not; his speed only increased as he fought desperately toward the next ratman!

    Eli followed closely behind, swinging his baseball bat to protect Alan whenever rats tried to lunge at him from the sides.

    Although the rats continued to swarm endlessly, Eli''s speed and precision prevented them from getting anywhere near Alan.

    "Faster! Faster!" Alan growled under his breath.

    As Alan''s pace quickened, it seemed as if he had completely unleashed himself.

    His steps were full of power, as if the narrow space of the sewer could no longer contain his movements.

    Accelerating into a run, he leaped again, his axe sweeping like a storm, taking down another ratman in an instant.

    "Next!"

    Alan roared, his desire to fight fully ignited, his eyes shining with a glimmer of madness.

    The three ratmen closest to Alan had panicked, instinctively starting to retreat, trying to escape from this beast.

    But it was too late!

    Without hesitation, Alan charged toward the first ratman, his axe swinging fiercely, the blade striking precisely into the enemy''s chest.

    The ratman let out a heart-wrenching scream, its body split in two by the tremendous force of the axe, blood splattering everywhere.

    Alan didn''t stop. He pushed off with his legs, accelerating again, swinging his axe like a storm.

    The second ratman barely had time to react before the axe cleaved into its neck, blood spurting out.

    Its eyes widened as its body flew backward like a kite with its string cut, crashing heavily into the wall.

    The third ratman watched as its companions were slaughtered, retreating in a panic, but Alan''s speed was even more relentless.

    With an angry roar, Alan suddenly accelerated, closing the short distance in an instant.

    The axe was raised high and came down on the third ratman, striking heavily at its waist, splitting its bones.

    The ratman let out a piercing scream, its body falling to the ground, dying in a grisly manner.

    Alan stood beside the fallen corpses of the three ratmen, the blood on his axe still fresh, his breathing ragged and heavy, but his killing intent was still intense.

    He could feel every nerve in his body boiling, every ounce of strength urging him to keep moving, demanding that he continue destroying the enemies before him.

 Chapter-016

    As Allen prepared to rush at the remaining ratmen, Eli shouted loudly, "Don¡¯t go all out! Save your strength¡ªlet me handle this!"

    The shout snapped Alan back to his senses, making him realize he couldn¡¯t keep blindly charging forward.

    He took a deep breath and shouted back, ¡°Alright!¡±

    Eli quickly stepped forward, swinging his baseball bat as he charged into the rat swarm ahead.

    His movements were as calm and swift as ever, each swing precise and powerful, sending rat after rat flying.

    Alan advanced alongside Eli, covering him as best he could.

    Despite putting all his strength into swinging his axe and repelling wave after wave of rats, a few managed to breach his defense and darted toward Eli.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Alan cursed under his breath, ready to assist, but it was already too late.

    Out of the corner of his eye, Eli noticed the threat. He swiftly made a sharp turn, barely evading a sneak attack by two rats.

    Before Eli could regain his footing, three more rats lunged at him in quick succession, their speed astonishing.

    Eli was exceptionally calm, his body responding with lightning speed.

    The first rat lunged at him, and he swiftly dodged, almost crashing into the wall.

    The second rat followed, leaping with its mouth open to reveal razor-sharp teeth, but Eli was already prepared.

    He sidestepped and swung his bat forcefully in a horizontal arc, smashing the rat¡¯s head.

    The rat let out a piercing screech before its body slammed against the sewer wall with a heavy thud.

    The third rat was even faster, as if it had learned to anticipate Eli¡¯s moves, lunging straight for his neck.

    At the critical moment, Eli relied on his heightened instincts once again, delivering a sharp elbow strike that sent the rat flying.

    After dealing with the rats, Eli caught a glimpse of a ratman quickly closing in on him.

    Eli scoffed inwardly: In such a rush to die? What¡¯s wrong with staying alive?

    He quickly adjusted his stance, gripping the baseball bat tightly in his right hand, his strength and speed perfectly coordinated.

    As the ratman came within striking range, Eli swung the bat at its head.

    The ratman¡¯s face froze in shock as its skull was instantly shattered. It collapsed to the ground, blood spraying everywhere.

    From a distance, Ethan caught sight of the scene and couldn¡¯t help but shout, ¡°Nice one!¡±

    The other ratmen, witnessing Eli¡¯s swift and fierce reaction, were visibly stunned, their faces filled with shock as they instinctively stepped back.

    They could sense that the enemy before them was far more terrifying than Allen!

    Allen¡¯s expression grew serious.

    He had seen many battle-hardened veterans, but someone who could execute such a series of moves in such a short amount of time? Never!

    This guy¡ªthere¡¯s no way he¡¯s ordinary!

    Alan suppressed his doubts, raised his fire axe, and swung it wildly, striking the rats charging at him with all his might.

    Meanwhile, Eli¡¯s pace didn¡¯t falter for a moment as he charged toward the enemies ahead.

    He seemed like a fearless war god, charging with unstoppable force, his momentum like a thunderstorm.

    Every step he took seemed to shake the ground, emanating waves of pressure that left the enemies with nowhere to run.

    The nearest ratman scrambled backward in panic, but Eli was already closing in. With a sharp move, he drove his left foot forward, kicking it squarely in the chest.

    The ratman had no time to react and was sent flying!

    It crashed over two meters away into the wall with a dull thud, completely incapacitated.

    The second ratman immediately lunged forward, swinging its sharp claws straight toward Eli¡¯s chest.

    Eli sidestepped, evading the attack, and while the ratman was off guard, he smashed his bat down on its head with force.

    The blow struck its target squarely, slamming the ratman¡¯s head into the ground, blood splattering everywhere!This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    The third ratman, witnessing its companions fall one after another, flashed a trace of madness in its eyes and charged straight at Eli.

    But Eli had already anticipated its move and dodged effortlessly.

    With a quick swing of his bat, he struck the ratman¡¯s spine, hitting it with pinpoint accuracy!

    The ratman¡¯s body shuddered violently before collapsing to the ground, losing part of its ability to resist. It let out a low, guttural moan.

    Eli didn¡¯t pause for even a second. His body leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a chilling light.

    With a surge of immense power in his arms, he swung his bat down hard on the ratman.

    ¡°Crack!¡±

    A crisp impact rang out as the bat struck the ratman¡¯s head with precision.

    The ratman¡¯s skull shattered, blood and brain matter splattering in all directions.

    Its body crumpled to the ground like a lifeless sack, completely devoid of breath.

    Eli stood firm, his cold gaze sweeping over the few ratmen not far ahead, his message unmistakable:

    Leave, or die. Your choice.

    The four ratmen in front were visibly intimidated, their movements hesitating for a moment, their eyes filled with fear and unease.

    Even the surrounding rat swarm seemed momentarily stunned, their movements stalling as an oppressive silence filled the air.

    But the silence lasted only two seconds before one rat after another launched another attack on Eli and Allen.

    Clearly, the four ratmen ahead had made their choice¡ªto fight to the death!

    "Kill!"

    Alan roared, propelling himself forward with his legs, raising his axe as he charged at the ratmen like a wild beast.

    Eli followed closely behind, his gaze icy as he lunged toward the ratman on the left, swinging his baseball bat without hesitation.

    The ratman couldn¡¯t react in time as the baseball bat struck its waist with pinpoint accuracy, eliciting a piercing scream.

    Eli didn¡¯t stop there; he swung the bat again with brutal force.

    A resounding ¡°thud¡± echoed as the light in the ratman¡¯s eyes vanished instantly. Its skull shattered in an instant, and blood erupted like a fountain!

    Eli didn¡¯t relax for a moment, his gaze already locking onto another ratman.

    Its body was larger than that of a typical ratman, with an ugly face twisted in madness and ferocity.

    Its claws were as sharp as blades, seemingly capable of cutting through anything.

    It lunged at Eli with incredible speed, its claws slashing toward his throat.

    ¡°So fast!¡±

    Eli muttered to himself, slid his footwork, and dodged to the left, evading the fierce attack.

    But the ratman wasn¡¯t about to give Eli a chance to breathe; it pounced at him again.

    Its claws sliced through the air, grazing Eli¡¯s clothes.

    A glint of coldness flashed in Eli¡¯s eyes as the baseball bat swept out with lightning speed.

    The ratman dodged swiftly, and as it evaded, its claws sliced through the air, slashing fiercely toward Eli''s head.

    Eli ducked with astonishing speed, narrowly evading the attack.

    Just as the claws passed over his head, Eli twisted his body with force, using the momentum to deliver a powerful kick to the ratman¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Bang!¡±

    The kick landed squarely, sending the ratman flying several meters until it slammed into the sewer wall with a heavy crash.

    The ratman quickly scrambled to its feet, its eyes burning with rage.

    Eli¡¯s gaze remained icy as he advanced without hesitation, charging toward the ratman.

    The ratman didn¡¯t back down either, rushing toward Eli with lethal intent!

    This time, its attack was even fiercer, its claws slashing straight for Eli¡¯s neck.

    Eli had already anticipated this move and dodged sharply to the right, avoiding the deadly strike.

    ¡°Thud!¡±

    The baseball bat swung out fiercely, carrying explosive force as it slammed into the ratman¡¯s back, producing a dull thud.

    The ratman let out a scream, its body bending forward from the impact, nearly toppling over.

    Eli seized the opportunity and darted toward the ratman¡¯s flank like lightning.

    ¡°Die!¡±

    He shouted fiercely, swinging the bat with thunderous might.

    The ratman tried to evade, but it was too late.

    The head of the baseball bat struck its head directly, delivering a powerful impact as blood splattered everywhere!

    The ratman¡¯s head twisted violently, and its body lost all balance, collapsing to the ground.

    But it wasn¡¯t dead yet!

    Though the blow would have been fatal to an ordinary enemy, this ratman was anything but ordinary.

    Its regenerative ability far exceeded that of typical creatures, and it wouldn¡¯t take long before it regained its fighting strength.

    Eli didn¡¯t hesitate for a second, immediately adjusting his stance. Gripping the bat tightly in his right hand, he swiftly aimed at the ratman¡¯s head and swung again.

    ¡°Thud!¡±

    This strike was even more precise and merciless than the last.

    The bat hit the ratman¡¯s head with devastating force, completely shattering it.

    This time, the ratman was completely dead. Blood and shredded flesh mingled into a horrifying mess, and the rage on its face instantly gave way to lifeless stillness.

    Eli quickly scanned his surroundings, rapidly assessing the battlefield situation.

    The first thing he noticed was the swarm of rats around him.

    The rats had clearly lost their command, with most scattering in all directions.

    While a few lingered reluctantly, their earlier frenzy and aggressive intent were gone.

    Next, his gaze swiftly shifted forward, just in time to catch Alan delivering a devastating blow.

    The fire axe swung like a bolt of lightning, and a ratman fell, its flesh and blood splattered, motionless on the ground.

    In the distance ahead, there was one more ratman.

    Its eyes, when looking at Eli, no longer held the madness they once did¡ªonly fear and trembling.

    This ratman had clearly lost the will to fight and no longer posed a threat to Eli or the others.

    Eli didn¡¯t waste time on the ratman, whipping his head around to scan the rear.

    The situation behind them made his heart sink.

    The ratmen there were brimming with energy, as though the battle in front hadn¡¯t affected them in the slightest.

    He immediately realized that the front and rear ratmen were part of two different squads, each led by a ratman commander.

    His gaze swept around rapidly and quickly found the ratman commander.

    The ratman commander stood at the back of the group, its sharp gaze surveying the battlefield.

    Eli¡¯s instincts told him that these ratmen possessed some kind of mental network, enabling them to communicate seamlessly.

    There were no delays from spoken commands, nor could environmental noise interfere or cause misunderstandings.

    Every command could be relayed to all members within milliseconds, significantly enhancing the team¡¯s responsiveness and coordination.

    Moreover, the network allowed the commanders to monitor the status of every soldier in real-time.

    They could rapidly adjust strategies in response to changing circumstances, greatly increasing the tactical flexibility of the entire group.

    Eli clenched his fists. These creatures were far more dangerous than mindless zombies!

    He thought so because the ratmen likely had an incredibly high reproductive capacity.

    Ordinary rats could reproduce a new generation every two to three weeks, with each litter producing seven or eight offspring. Their breeding speed was alarmingly fast, and they were highly adaptable.

    If the ratmen had a similar reproductive cycle, their population could explode within mere months.

    This reproduction rate, combined with their intelligence and combat prowess, is nothing short of a calamity!

 Chapter-017

    Suddenly, the ratman commander lifted its head, locking eyes directly with Eli.

    A strange smile curled at the corners of its mouth, filled with provocation and disdain.

    Eli¡¯s face darkened as he quickly shifted his gaze to Ethan and Landon.

    Their situation was worse than he had expected¡ªthe rat swarm had them completely surrounded, leaving no way out.

    If he didn¡¯t intervene, Ethan and Landon would be overrun by the rats in no time!

    Without hesitation, Eli pushed off with his legs like springs, his body shooting toward Ethan and Landon like a cannonball.

    His objective was clear¡ªrescue his teammates and break the encirclement.

    ¡°Die!¡±

    Eli¡¯s roar reverberated through the sewer, thunderous and commanding, leaving no room for doubt.

    The rat swarm froze momentarily at the sound, seemingly stunned.

    But in the next second, most of the rats abandoned their attack on Ethan and Landon, surging toward Eli instead!

    It was clear that the ratman commander leading the swarm had made up its mind to kill Eli at all costs.

    Eli showed no hesitation, swinging his baseball bat fiercely at the nearest group of rats.

    Each strike was like a raging storm, carrying the force of tearing through the air.

    Several rats were instantly sent flying, their fragile bodies smashing against the walls or ground.

    ¡°Go!¡±

    Eli shouted to Ethan, his voice calm and resolute, carrying an undeniable authority.

    Ethan swung his metal rod with force, knocking away a ratman lunging at him.

    Then, he firmly grabbed Landon¡¯s arm, pulling him along as they rushed toward Alan¡¯s location.

    Although Landon was exhausted, his legs were forced to quicken their pace under Ethan¡¯s pulling.

    Eli watched the two of them sprinting into the distance and felt a slight sense of relief.

    Meanwhile, the rats continued to lunge at Eli, relentlessly closing in and compressing his space.

    Every rat that leaped at him was struck down with precision, each impact resounding loudly.

    The sewer echoed with the shrill cries of the rats, the splatter of blood, and the sound of bones shattering.

    Yet, for every rat that fell, more surged forward, filling the empty spots.

    Eli¡¯s eyes showed no trace of panic; instead, they were chillingly calm.

    His goal was clear¡ªbuy time to ensure his teammates could retreat safely.

    The last ratman ahead had already lost its will to fight. Its body trembled violently, and its eyes darted around, as if hesitating whether to run away.

    It was clear that it wanted to flee this damned battlefield as quickly as possible, but some force seemed to bind it, preventing it from deserting so easily.

    However, it no longer had time to hesitate because Alan had already charged right up to it.

    The axe blade sliced through the air, striking the ratman¡¯s head.

    It collapsed instantly, blood spraying everywhere, its death swift and clean.

    At the same time, Ethan, dragging Landon, quickly reached Alan¡¯s side.

    Ethan didn¡¯t spare a glance at the dead ratman. Instead, his eyes immediately turned to Eli.

    Seeing Eli still in a perilous situation, he said urgently, ¡°We need to help Eli!¡±

    Alan glanced briefly at the exhausted Landon beside him, then at Eli, still surrounded by the rat swarm.

    He made a decisive call: ¡°We move on. Eli can handle it.¡±

    Ethan froze upon hearing Alan¡¯s decision, unable to react.

    He knew that Allen wasn¡¯t the kind of person to abandon his teammates. Making such a decision could only mean one thing¡ªAllen believed Eli could handle it.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Then Ethan¡¯s gaze shifted to Landon.

    Landon was so exhausted he could barely stand, his legs trembling, his breaths weak and labored.

    If they kept fighting, there was no doubt that Landon would face even greater danger.

    After a moment of struggle, he took a deep breath and said firmly, "Alright, your call."

    Landon felt an overwhelming heaviness in his heart. Despite wanting to prove he could keep going, his body was nearing its limit, and exhaustion made every breath a struggle.

    ¡°Move!¡±

    Alan didn¡¯t give Landon any time to respond, leading the way with heavy steps as he pressed forward.

    Landon moved almost mechanically, forcing his legs to follow Alan¡¯s pace.

    Ethan trailed close behind. He knew that at this moment, any hesitation could lead to irreversible consequences.

    Out of the corner of his eye, Eli caught sight of the three retreating figures and couldn¡¯t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

    He quickly refocused his attention on the pressing rat swarm in front of him. The pressure was mounting rapidly.

    The ratman commander immediately noticed Alan and the others retreating. It swung its sharp claws with a decisive glint in its eyes.

    The nearby ratmen reacted quickly, preparing to pursue Allen and the others.

    In that fleeting moment, Eli¡¯s peripheral vision caught sight of the ratmen intending to chase after the three.

    With a sudden burst of strength, he leapt forward with astonishing power, launching himself at the ratmen.

    As he landed, his feet crushed several rats, their fragile bodies bursting into bloody pulp under his weight.

    A few rats lunged at Eli, screeching sharply.

    Eli sidestepped to dodge and swung his baseball bat forcefully, knocking a rat away.

    But his movements didn¡¯t stop there.

    The next moment, he spun around, launching himself toward the ratmen ahead like a gust of wind.

    The first ratman realized the danger, but Eli was already upon it.

    It swung its claws desperately, trying to counterattack.

    Eli gave it no chance, raising his baseball bat high and delivering a heavy blow to its neck.

    The solid impact crushed its throat, leaving its body rigid before it collapsed to the ground.

    The second ratman seized the opportunity to lunge at Eli¡¯s back, growling lowly.

    Sensing the threat immediately, Eli shifted his steps slightly, spinning his body with precision.

    At the same time, he swung his bat with full force, smashing it into the ratman¡¯s head. The brutal impact deformed its skull instantly!

    The moment the second ratman fell, rats from all directions surged toward Eli like a tidal wave.

    Their speed was incredible, instantly filling the space around him.

    There was no room to dodge. Every rat''s sharp teeth and claws seemed poised to tear him apart.

    Acting almost on instinct, Eli gripped his baseball bat tightly and swung it fiercely, unleashing a whirlwind of force!

    Each swing carried overwhelming force, sending the rats flying, knocking them down, and crushing them.

    The rats seemed like dust swept away by a tornado, quickly dissipating under the bat¡¯s relentless blows.

    From a distance, the ratman commander¡¯s pupils contracted sharply as it watched the scene, its expression growing grim.

    After clearing the wave of rats, Eli¡¯s gaze locked onto the ratman commander like a sharp blade.

    In the next instant, he shot forward like a bullet, charging straight at the commander.

    His steps were swift and firm, each stride crushing several rats underfoot.

    The ratman commander, clearly anticipating Eli¡¯s move, flashed a cold glint in its eyes.

    Its command rippled through the rats¡¯ minds, and immediately, the swarm surged toward Eli like a violent storm.

    Eli didn¡¯t flinch. His pace quickened, as though the wind itself carried him forward.

    At the same time, his baseball bat rained down like a storm, each swing taking out swarms of rats.

    His focus never wavered from the ratman commander ahead¡ªit was his sole target.

    The commander showed no hesitation, quickly retreating to widen the gap between itself and Eli, clearly intending to exhaust Eli through the swarm.

    Despite its retreat, the other ratmen didn¡¯t dare back away.

    The commander had issued a new order: abandon the pursuit and prioritize killing Eli.

    The ratmen didn¡¯t launch an attack recklessly. Each one kept a cautious distance from Eli.

    They knew that Eli¡¯s strength and speed far exceeded their own; facing him head-on was futile. The only option was to wear down his stamina.

    Although the situation seemed critical, Eli felt no pressure at all.

    In fact, he was fully capable of taking down all the ratmen on his own, but he chose not to.

    Unless it was absolutely necessary, he was unwilling to reveal his true strength, and the current circumstances were clearly not at that point yet.

    While entangled with the rat swarm, Eli silently calculated the time and estimated the distance between himself and Allen¡¯s group.

    Suddenly, Eli quickened his pace, attempting to break through the rat swarm¡¯s blockade.

    As he moved, he deliberately exposed his side, creating an opening for the surrounding ratmen.

    As expected, the two ratmen closest to him noticed the opportunity and lunged at him.

    Eli instantly sensed their movements, his body reacting faster than his thoughts.

    He spun around abruptly, swinging his baseball bat in a wide arc.

    The first ratman, mid-lunge, was struck head-on by the bat.

    The tremendous impact shattered its bones instantly, sending it crashing into the wall behind, lifeless.

    The second ratman, stunned by the sight, tried to change direction and retreat at full speed.

    But it was too late. Eli stomped the ground fiercely, using the momentum to spin and swing his bat downward with even greater force.

    The bat struck it directly on the head, scattering flesh and blood!

    The death of the two ratmen opened a gap in the blockade, giving Eli a rare chance to break through.

    Eli seized the opening in an instant!

    Summoning all his strength, he pushed off with his legs, his body leaping forward like a raging beast!

    ¡°Boom!¡±

    His feet slammed onto the ground with such force that the entire sewer seemed to tremble.

    The moment he landed, Eli didn¡¯t hesitate for a second. His legs pushed forward rapidly as he sprinted toward Alan and the others like a bolt of lightning.

    By the time the ratmen reacted, Eli was already sprinting into the distance.

    The ratman commander, seeing Eli break through the blockade, flashed a glimmer of fury in its eyes.

    It responded immediately, letting out a low growl and directing its squad to pursue.

    The entire sewer was instantly filled with a buzzing noise as the rat swarm surged like a black tide, moving far faster than ordinary rats.

    The rats, with their small bodies and agile movements, were perfect scouts.

    The other ratmen weren¡¯t far behind, their heavy steps pounding forward with unyielding determination.

    Although the ratmen accelerated, they kept a deliberate distance from Eli.

    Clearly, they were wary of Eli suddenly changing direction and launching a counterattack.

    Eli glanced back, his eyes quickly sweeping over the pursuing swarm and ratmen.

    He silently assessed in his mind, "These ratmen aren¡¯t stupid."

 Chapter-018

    The sewer remained oppressive, with the rat swarm behind relentlessly chasing and letting out sharp, piercing screeches.

    However, Eli was faster!

    His steps never faltered, and it was as if an invisible map existed in his mind.

    On this unseen map, the precise locations of Alan, Ethan, and Landon were clearly marked.

    This ability was almost comparable to the map function in an RPG game.

    Because of it, Eli could make quick, decisive choices at every turn and intersection, moving with unwavering confidence.

    Each step seemed to declare: I am the master of this underground labyrinth!

    Of course, even without this ability, Eli could still find the right path.

    At every intersection, Alan had left clear markers¡ªslashes from his axe etched deep into the walls, impossible to miss.

    Alan''s professional expertise was as reliable as ever; the simple yet practical markings were enough to guide Eli in the right direction.

    Gradually, he put more distance between himself and the enemies behind him.

    Despite the high-intensity combat Eli had endured earlier and his current rapid sprint, there were no signs of fatigue in his body.

    From a physiological perspective, such exertion should have exhausted an ordinary person long ago.

    Yet, Eli''s stamina showed no significant decline¡ªhe still felt full of energy.

    Eli recognized this and understood¡ªhe wasn¡¯t ordinary.

    While he couldn¡¯t immediately explain the source of these changes, his current physical condition was undoubtedly an advantage, granting him unmatched strength and reaction speed.

    What concerned him more than his stamina, however, was the condition of his baseball bat.

    He couldn¡¯t help but glance at the weapon in his hand.

    After the previous battles, the bat¡¯s metal surface was no longer smooth, marked with deep scratches and cracks.

    Especially the front end of the baseball bat, which was slightly deformed, with several noticeable dents standing out prominently.

    Even so, it remained solid¡ªa reliable weapon.

    Finally, after rounding a bend, Eli spotted familiar figures ahead¡ªAlan, Ethan, and Landon!

    The three were leaning against the wall, quickly trying to recover.

    Although Alan and Ethan were gasping for breath, they remained alert.

    Landon¡¯s condition, however, was clearly dire¡ªhe was slumped against the wall, pale-faced, barely able to stand.

    His frail state seemed to silently declare that this underground labyrinth might soon claim his life.

    Clearly, Alan and Ethan had noticed Landon¡¯s condition and were deeply anxious.

    From a distance, the three of them caught sight of Eli¡¯s figure.

    In that instant, a flicker of relief broke through the tension gripping their hearts.

    But just then, Eli suddenly shouted, "Run! They''re coming!"

    Eli¡¯s voice pierced through the underground air, instantly awakening Alan and the others'' sense of alertness.

    Alan and Ethan reacted almost reflexively, standing up quickly and grabbing their weapons.

    Landon, however, remained slumped against the wall, trembling.

    His eyes were hollow, his exhaustion so overwhelming that he seemed unable to muster even a reaction.

    Ethan was the first to rush to Landon¡¯s side, grabbing his arm and yanking him away from the wall.

    ¡°Stand up and move with me!¡± Ethan ordered in a low, urgent voice.

    Landon lifted his head with great effort, his lips pale and his voice barely audible. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t, Ethan.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that crap! Get up now!¡±

    Gritting his teeth, Ethan tightened his grip on Landon¡¯s arm, forcibly dragging him forward.

    Landon¡¯s steps were unsteady, but under Ethan¡¯s pulling, he continued to move forward with difficulty.

    ¡°Faster, come on!¡± Ethan urged, his tone pressing.

    From a distance, Eli saw the scene unfold and even caught snippets of their conversation, stirring an internal conflict within him.

    He knew: if he didn¡¯t act soon, Landon would very likely die here.

    But at the same time, he also understood: taking action would further expose his true strength.

    Should he stand by and watch Landon fall, or risk revealing his power to save him?

    After a brief moment of hesitation, his gaze sharpened like a blade as he made his decision: ¡°Hesitation? What kind of hero hesitates?!¡±

    He prepared to turn around, ready to unleash his true strength and deal with those bastards behind them once and for all.

    But before he could act, his instincts flared like a siren, as if the very air around him was warning:

    No, you can¡¯t. Doing this will make Landon lose something even more important than his life!

    Though he didn¡¯t know what could be more important than life, Eli made an instant decision: ¡°I can¡¯t do it!¡±

    Taking a deep breath, he feigned heavy exhaustion and continued running.

    His steps seemed heavy, but in reality, they required no effort at all.

    Every deep breath, every gasp, was merely a cover for his secret.

    Soon, he caught up with Ethan and Landon.

    Ethan gritted his teeth, firmly gripping Landon¡¯s arm as he struggled to keep him moving.

    Landon¡¯s steps were unsteady, and he was on the verge of collapsing.

    Eli felt a pang of heaviness in his chest but forced himself into ¡°survival mode.¡±

    Landon¡¯s steps grew weaker and more unsteady. Every stride felt like an immense struggle to overcome an invisible barrier.

    The exhaustion in his body and the despair in his heart made every breath feel like an unbearable burden.

    He knew he was dragging everyone down¡ªEli, Ethan, and Alan.

    Each of them was giving their all, yet he, Landon, could only lag behind, becoming a burden.

    This guilt was eating him alive, making it nearly impossible for him to keep going.

    In his mind, the faces of his parents and sister surfaced involuntarily.

    They were still in New York, and since the outbreak of the disaster, all contact had been lost¡ªtheir fate unknown.

    Landon¡¯s chest felt so heavy it was suffocating, his heart consumed with unbearable pain and regret.

    He closed his eyes, lacking the strength to endure the despair of this world any longer.

    Eli could clearly sense Landon¡¯s emotional turmoil. His gaze tightened slightly as he reached out to help him.

    But at that moment, Landon¡¯s foot slipped, and he suddenly lost his balance, collapsing heavily to the ground.

    ¡°Landon!¡± Ethan¡¯s face changed drastically as he rushed over, reaching out to help him up. ¡°Don¡¯t give up!¡±

    Landon coughed weakly and struggled to lift his head. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m holding you all back¡­ I¡¯m useless¡­¡±

    Ethan''s lips trembled as he growled softly, "Get up! Don¡¯t give up!"

    Eli stepped forward quickly, grabbing Landon¡¯s shoulder and speaking softly, ¡°Get up. We¡¯re not done yet. Stay alive!¡±

    Landon¡¯s eyes were filled with confusion. He wanted to give up, but with Ethan and Eli¡¯s support, he had no choice but to stand again.

    Alan heard Ethan¡¯s roar, his steps suddenly halting as he instinctively turned to look back.

    His gaze quickly swept over the three of them before settling on Landon.

    Landon¡¯s face was pale as a sheet, his legs trembling so violently he could barely stand, his vacant eyes hinting he could collapse at any moment.

    Seeing this, Alan¡¯s heart sank heavily.

    Logic told him that if they continued like this, it would drag everyone down.

    Logic told him that to save himself, Ethan, and Eli, it was time to let Landon go.

    But Alan couldn¡¯t accept that rational conclusion. His hands gripped the fire axe tightly, his knuckles turning white.

    He knew his decision would determine everyone¡¯s future, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to abandon a teammate.

    A flame of unshakable resolve burned within him¡ªa sense of duty built over years as a police officer.

    He took a deep breath, clenched his teeth, and steeled himself."I won¡¯t let these monsters take anyone from my side."

    Once the decision was made, he didn¡¯t hesitate. He ran toward Landon, Ethan, and Eli.

    Every step felt heavier than the last, but his determination made him fearless.

    Alan ran up to the three and gave a low command, ¡°You go ahead. I¡¯ll hold them off.¡±

    His fingers gripped the handle of his fire axe tightly, preparing for the impending battle.

    He knew he might die here, but even so, he was determined to buy the others a chance to survive.

    Ethan glanced at Alan, clenched his teeth, and pulled Landon forward. ¡°Go!¡±

    Landon¡¯s lips trembled as Ethan dragged him step by step toward the front.

    Eli looked at Alan and said, ¡°I¡¯ll stay and fight with you.¡±

    Alan gave him a look, nodded, and said nothing.

    In an instant, the rat swarm surged forward with overwhelming momentum, the air thick with the stench of death.

    The eyes of the rats glimmered with bloodthirsty light as they lunged at Eli without hesitation.

    Soon, the ratmen came into view, their sharp claws and teeth sending chills down the spine.

    Their ferocious eyes locked onto Eli, temporarily ignoring Alan, who became a secondary target.

    Without hesitation, Eli swung his baseball bat and charged toward the ratmen.

    But just as he took his first step, a wave of rats pounced on him.

    Eli swung his bat with all his strength, striking down one rat after another.

    Each strike landed with a dull thud, the rats'' shrieks mingling with the sound of the bat''s impact, echoing relentlessly in his ears.

    Yet new waves of rats kept surging forward, determined not to let Eli break free.

    Alan followed closely behind, his fire axe slicing through the air in a bright arc, slashing into the advancing swarm.

    The sharp blade cut through the bodies of several rats, sending blood spraying and eliciting shrill cries.

    His swings with the axe grew increasingly frantic, each strike cutting down several rats, yet he still couldn¡¯t break free from the overwhelming swarm of rats.

    The ratman commander fixed its gaze on Eli while using its psychic powers to issue commands to several nearby ratmen.

    Immediately, a few ratmen and a large swarm of rats turned and began pursuing Ethan and Landon.

    Eli noticed this scene. He was fully capable of stopping them, but he didn¡¯t act.

    His instincts told him that Landon¡¯s fate was on the verge of a significant turning point.

    If he intervened too much at this moment, it could very likely disrupt Landon¡¯s opportunity and make things worse.

    That intuition couldn¡¯t be explained with words or logic¡ªit felt like a deeply rooted premonition within him.

    Even knowing his choice would put Ethan and Landon in grave danger, Eli still decided to stick with it.

    He believed his decision was the right one.

 Chapter-019

    Ethan tightly gripped Landon¡¯s arm, dragging him forward with sheer force.

    Every step he took felt unbearably heavy, his legs weighed down as if filled with lead, but he couldn¡¯t afford to stop.

    ¡°Move! ¡±

    Ethan pushed through gritted teeth, his voice dry yet filled with urgency.

    But Landon¡¯s condition was dire.

    His legs felt as though they had been struck by a sledgehammer, and his vision blurred into a hazy fog.

    Every nerve in his body screamed in protest, with pain coursing through him relentlessly.

    At last, his body could no longer bear it.

    His knees buckled, and he collapsed heavily onto the cold, damp ground.

    ¡°Landon!¡±

    Ethan cried out, stumbled, and was pulled down by Landon, falling hard to the ground.

    Gasping for air, Ethan struggled to turn over, his cracked lips trembling. ¡°Landon! Hold on!¡±

    His eyes glimmered with determination. ¡°Get up! We can¡¯t stop now!¡±

    Landon could hear Ethan¡¯s voice, but his eyelids felt impossibly heavy,.

    He wanted to respond, to tell Ethan he could keep going, but the words wouldn¡¯t come. His strength was draining away, bit by bit.

    ¡°Don¡¯t give up!¡±

    Ethan watched him lying motionless, his anxiety almost driving him to the brink of losing control.

    By this point, the pursuing rats and ratmen had drawn closer.

    Their footsteps, though soft, roared in Ethan¡¯s ears like thunder, each sound pounding against his heart.

    Ethan clenched his teeth, using the metal rod to support himself as he struggled to lift himself off the ground.

    Each movement felt like a battle against himself, but he pressed on step by step.

    The ratmen directed the swarm toward Ethan, who still had some fight left in him, while Landon, who was completely incapacitated, was almost entirely ignored.

    Earlier, the ratmen commander had issued a clear order:

    Capture them alive, not kill them. As hostages, they could deal a devastating blow to Eli.

    Ethan noticed that the ratmen had shifted their focus to him, and he felt slightly relieved.

    Although he had no way of knowing the enemy''s exact plan, he understood that, for now, they had no interest in Landon.

    Clutching the metal rod tightly, Ethan took a deep breath, letting his chest fill with the fire of his anger.

    ¡°Come on, you bastards! Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got!¡±

    He roared, throwing his anger and despair at the enemies before him.

    The rats surged forward as one, but Ethan stood his ground.

    He swung the metal rod with all his might, smashing it into the first rat that leaped at him.

    With a dull thud, the rat¡¯s body flew through the air, slamming into the wall with a heavy crunch.

    But immediately, more rats swarmed forward, coming in waves like an unrelenting tide, as if determined to completely overwhelm him.

    Ethan clenched his teeth, the metal rod in his hands swinging like a streak of light, each strike carrying an undeniable force.

    His movements radiated the courage of someone fighting for survival, his feet constantly shifting to evade the snapping teeth and claws of the rats.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    He could feel his arms growing numb, every swing of the rod draining what little strength remained in his body.

    Yet, he didn¡¯t stop¡ªNow is the time to fight for his life!

    Landon lay on the ground, his vision becoming increasingly blurred, able to faintly see Ethan¡¯s figure fighting ahead.

    The shrieks of the rats, the dull sound of the metal rod shattering bones, and Ethan''s heavy breathing all intertwined in Landon¡¯s ears.

    In that moment, Landon tried to get up. He wanted to rush forward and help Ethan.

    But his body felt as if it were bound by chains, every movement unbearably difficult, even raising an arm seemed impossible.

    This sense of helplessness washed over him like a tide, making his chest feel as if it were being torn apart, filling his heart with deep guilt and despair.

    Gradually, images of his parents and sister began to surface in his mind.

    He seemed to see them smiling at him warmly, yet their smiles felt impossibly distant.

    His father¡¯s face came into focus¡ªa face that always carried a hint of sternness.

    He recalled how his father often took him to the company, pointing at the well-dressed, hurried managers and saying:

    ¡°They work hard for our family, and one day, you¡¯ll lead them. Don¡¯t waste your time with unreliable friends.¡±

    Back then, Landon only felt his father was too strict, resenting his interference in his life.

    He would rather spend his time drinking with friends and joyriding than learning about the dull world of business.

    But now, he suddenly realized that his father had been paving the way for his future all along.

    His father had been stern but never uncaring; he had wanted Landon to have a more stable and secure life than he had himself.

    His mother was the most understanding and compassionate person in the family. She often comforted Landon gently after his father scolded him.

    ¡°Your father just wants you to reach greater heights. He wants your life to have more meaning,¡± she would say.

    Back then, Landon found her words ordinary, even a bit nagging.

    But now, in hindsight, every word was filled with love.

    And his sister, the pride of the family, so accomplished yet never used the "family mission" to pressure him.

    She loved taking Landon on joyrides in her car and teasing him with playful banter.

    Whenever Landon made a big mistake, it was his sister who stood in front of their father to defend him: ¡°Don¡¯t be too harsh.¡±

    In the past, Landon found them all annoying, always wanting to distance himself from them.

    Now, after losing everything, he finally understood their love.

    Landon¡¯s heart was torn apart by pain, as if sliced by a sharp blade.

    His thoughts plunged into an abyss of darkness, with pain and despair battering him like a relentless storm.

    ¡°Why did it have to come to this?¡± he roared inwardly.

    He wanted to stand up, but his body could not muster even an ounce of strength.

    ¡°Is this how I drag everyone down?¡±

    A sharp sting pierced his heart, the agony pressing down on him until he could barely breathe.

    His anger and guilt intertwined into a raging inferno, burning wildly within his chest.

    At that moment, he desperately longed for strength.

    A yearning for a strength that could help him stand up.

    A power that would ensure he was no longer a burden.

    A power that would let him protect the people he loved.

    This yearning grew stronger and stronger, as if tearing through his very soul, releasing the truest call from the depths of his heart.

    At that moment, a faint glimmer of light suddenly appeared in the darkness.

    The light pierced through the void, shining directly into his gaze.

    It was as weak as a firefly, yet in Landon¡¯s eyes, it was impossibly radiant, impossibly warm.

    He thought it was a hallucination, but even if it was, he desperately wanted to grasp that faint glow.

    His hand trembled as he mustered the last ounce of his strength to reach for it.

    Every effort came with a cry from his soul, every movement felt like breaking free from shackles.

    The physical pain was almost unbearable, but he refused to let himself stop.

    Finally, his fingertips brushed against the light.

    The light instantly merged into his fingertips, and a surge of warmth flowed through his body, filling every void within him.

    His trembling body began to calm, and a flame ignited within him, illuminating the boundless darkness.

    Eli¡¯s baseball bat swung down once more, smashing the rat lunging at him into a mess of flesh and blood.

    But in the next instant, his heart jolted violently, as if struck by an invisible bolt of lightning.

    It was an indescribable sensation¡ªprofound, scorching, and suffused with a suffocating pressure!

    He turned his head abruptly, his gaze piercing through the swarm of rats to lock onto Landon.

    In an instant, his pupils constricted sharply as he witnessed a breathtaking, earth-shattering spectacle.

    Around Landon, the dim air was torn apart by dazzling light!

    Specks of light, like brilliant sparks, rapidly converged and expanded, gradually forming a dazzling torrent of radiance!

    The scene was indescribable, as though countless stars had fallen to earth, a breathtaking and otherworldly spectacle.

    The radiance was not merely bright; it was a force so profound it pierced the soul!

    Those forces surged toward Langdon like a tide, gradually coalescing into a blazing flame.

    The flames burned brighter and fiercer, as if the entire world trembled under its might.

    Landon¡¯s heart pounded with increasing intensity, a resonance between his soul and body that carried an overwhelming, suffocating power.

    Eli seemed to hear a deep, resonant chant¡ªa profound echo from the depths of the soul, a transcendent and otherworldly call.

    The next moment, the light erupted completely, unleashing an unprecedented vitality.

    Life began to leap, soar, and explode!

    Within the heart of that blazing life force, a soul was breaking free from the shackles of mortality, awakening at an unimaginable speed.

    ¡°This is¡­¡± Eli¡¯s breathing quickened uncontrollably.

    This was the pivotal moment when a life shattered the limits of mortality and stepped into the realm of the extraordinary.

    A single word flashed through Eli¡¯s mind¡ªAwakened!

    Born from despair and pain was a great miracle, and this is¡ª"Miracle: Transcendent Awakening"!

 Chapter-020

    The miracle burned in Eli''s eyes, yet the oppressive atmosphere of the sewer remained.

    The surrounding rat swarm and the rat-men not far away signaled that this place was still dangerous.

    To everyone else, Langdon was still just an ordinary young man lying on the ground, without the slightest hint of anything extraordinary.

    But soon, the rat-men noticed something unusual¡ªtheir movements suddenly froze.

    A powerful psychic wave, like a deafening toll of a bell, struck hard at the nerves of all the ratmen.

    The rats that had been charging toward Eli, Allen, and Ethan suddenly froze in their tracks, as if subdued by an invisible force.

    The expressions on the faces of the rats and ratmen were no longer ferocious but instead showed unmistakable unease and fear.

    At the back of the group, the ratman commander fixed its unblinking eyes on Landon.

    It let out a low, guttural roar, the sound spreading through the swarm like a shockwave.

    The ratmen commander immediately issued orders to all the rat-men through the mental network, his gaze cold and resolute.

    "Kill him! At all costs, immediately¡ªNOW!"

    The nearest ratman to Landon received the order, and its ferocity erupted in an instant.

    In the next moment, it surged forward with astonishing speed, launching itself at Landon!

    Ethan''s eyes caught the ratman''s sudden movement, and he sensed an intense danger.

    Although he didn¡¯t know why this ratman was filled with such intense killing intent toward Landon, Ethan¡¯s first instinct was to protect him.

    "Landon!"

    Ethan roared, attempting to rush forward to intercept.

    However, before Ethan could take a single step, another ratman leaped at him.

    He had no choice but to raise his metal rod to block the attack.

    The massive impact sent a numbing shock through his arms, forcing him to stagger back several steps.

    "Damn it!" Ethan gritted his teeth in frustration.

    The ratman¡¯s sharp claws were raised high, aiming directly at Landon¡¯s head.

    Ethan felt as if an invisible hand had gripped his heart, making it impossible to breathe.

    Allen caught sight of this and his face turned pale, as if a sledgehammer had struck his chest.

    Eli¡¯s expression was grim. He sensed danger, but it didn¡¯t come from the ratman¡ªit came from Landon.

    Just as the claws were about to pierce Landon¡¯s skull, Landon¡¯s eyes snapped open.

    Those eyes were no longer the same as before, tired and weak. Instead, they were cold and frenzied, radiating a chilling, feral glow.

    Under that gaze, the ratman¡¯s movements froze abruptly, as if its soul had been shackled by fear.

    In that brief moment, Landon¡¯s body sprang into action!

    Like a beast breaking free of its chains, he rose swiftly, reaching out to grab the ratman by the throat.

    The next second, he let out a deafening roar!

    ¡°ROAR¡ª¡ª!¡±

    The roar carried a force powerful enough to shake mountains and rivers, echoing throughout the sewer.

    As the roar erupted, the ratman¡¯s head exploded as though struck by a massive hammer, sending blood, flesh, and shards of bone flying in all directions.

    The roar spread rapidly from Landon as its epicenter.

    Ethan was struck by the sound so violently that his eardrums throbbed in agony, forcing him to hunch over in pain.

    Allen struggled to hold himself upright, his already exhausted legs trembling even more violently.

    The ratmen clutched their ears in unbearable pain, their faces contorted in agony.

    Dozens of rats outright exploded, their blood and flesh splattering the walls of the sewer.

    Eli, meanwhile, furrowed his brows and lightly pressed his fingers against his temple.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    His eyes reflected a profound seriousness, and his instincts told him one thing clearly: Transcendental Berserk.

    "The consequence of a mind unable to control its power... This is trouble..."

    Landon''s face was grotesquely twisted, resembling that of a beast, and the bloodthirst in his eyes was so intense it was suffocating.

    His hands gripped the headless ratman¡¯s corpse tightly, veins bulging, his sheer strength seeming to tear through the very air.

    ¡°Rip¡ª!¡±

    With the sound of flesh tearing, the corpse was forcibly ripped in half by him.

    Blood gushed out, while organs and bones scattered across the ground. Some pieces of the remains even splattered onto the surrounding walls.

    The entire scene was filled with primal, savage violence, as if a bloodthirsty beast had unleashed its most primitive instincts upon the world.

    Landon tossed the remnants of the corpse to the ground carelessly, then once again let out an earth-shaking roar.

    ¡°ROAR!!¡±

    The ferocious sound echoed through the sewer, causing the ground to tremble faintly.

    This roar, though loud, was far less overwhelming than the previous one.

    In the distance, the ratman commander¡¯s pupils contracted sharply at the sight of this scene.

    The overwhelming aura of slaughter instinctively filled it with terror, and its feet unconsciously took a step back.

    ¡°I can¡¯t retreat¡­¡±

    If it retreated now, what awaited it would be certain destruction. It would either be devoured by other ratmen or fight to the death.

    But as it faced this hellish beast-like figure before it, its heart was already trembling.

    In the moment the ratman commander hesitated, Landon moved.

    Like a gust of wind, he surged toward the nearest ratman.

    That ratman, still reeling from the first roar, failed to notice Landon¡¯s rapid approach.

    In the next instant, Landon¡¯s fist mercilessly slammed into the ratman¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Bang!¡±

    The punch, imbued with unimaginable power, tore through the ratman¡¯s heart and lungs, shattering bones and organs with a muffled crunch.

    The ratman looked on in disbelief; it didn¡¯t even have time to let out a scream before it was reduced to a lifeless corpse.

    Grabbing the ratman¡¯s body, Landon tore with all his strength, ripping its head along with its neck clean off!

    Blood sprayed like a fountain, and the sickening sound of snapping bones and tearing muscles was bone-chilling.

    Without pause, Landon¡¯s gaze locked onto another ratman.

    That ratman barely lifted its head before Landon¡¯s foot slammed into its leg.

    ¡°Crack!¡±

    The crisp sound of breaking bones sent shivers down spines.

    The ratman let out a wretched scream as it collapsed to its knees, trembling violently from the excruciating pain.

    Landon didn¡¯t hesitate. He grabbed the ratman¡¯s head and yanked hard.

    ¡°Crack¡ªRip!¡±

    Not only was the head ripped off, but the spinal column was also pulled out along with it.

    Blood spurted like a fountain, and the gruesome scene made the scent of blood in the air even more acrid.

    Witnessing this, Eli¡¯s expression grew even graver. This beast¡¯s control over both power and precision was terrifyingly perfect!

    The surrounding ratmen were completely stunned by the scene before them. Their faces were filled with terror as they frantically retreated.

    Landon¡¯s bloodthirsty gaze swept over the fleeing ratmen, his eyes radiating pressure and primal ferocity.

    ¡°ROAR¡ª¡ª!¡±

    A roar erupted, echoing through the entire sewer like the wrathful cry of a beast from the abyss.

    The ratmen collapsed to the ground in agony, writhing and clutching their ears as they let out pained screams.

    Meanwhile, a large swarm of rats exploded directly under the force of the roar.

    Although the sound was loud, it wasn¡¯t an indiscriminate attack; at the very least, Ethan, who was nearby, was unaffected.

    Eli, observing everything, frowned deeply.

    The roar was not merely a physical shockwave. What truly tormented the ratmen was the psychic assault hidden within the sound.

    The moment the roar subsided, Landon suddenly moved with unbelievable speed, like a bolt of lightning.

    In the blink of an eye, he appeared before one of the ratmen.

    The ratman had no time to react before Landon raised his foot and brought it down with the force of a sledgehammer.

    ¡°CRACK!¡±

    The ratman¡¯s head was crushed instantly, blood and brain matter spraying across the floor.

    But Landon didn¡¯t stop. He raised his foot again, stomping down twice more.

    The ratman¡¯s corpse was completely reduced to a pulpy mess, a grotesque sight that turned stomachs.

    The two remaining ratmen nearby struggled to their feet. Though consumed with fear, their instincts drove them to charge at Landon.

    Landon¡¯s bloodthirsty eyes locked onto one of them. With just a single motion, he reached out and grabbed it by the neck.

    The ratman thrashed in terror, but Landon¡¯s grip was unyielding, like an iron vice.

    The next moment, Landon lowered his head, opened his mouth, and bit down hard on the ratman¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Rip¡ª!¡±

    A large chunk of flesh was torn from the ratman¡¯s body, blood spraying everywhere.

    The ratman let out an excruciatingly shrill scream, its agony vividly displayed for all to witness.

    Landon seemed to relish its pain, as if the wailing was music to his ears.

    He leisurely chewed on the piece of flesh in his mouth, then swallowed it without hesitation, showing no trace of humanity.

    Another ratman, though filled with fear, seized the moment while Landon was slaughtering its companion to muster its last ounce of courage and attack.

    Its sharp claws swung down violently, slashing at Landon¡¯s back.

    ¡°Clang¡ª!¡±

    The claws scraped across Landon¡¯s back, sparking a trail of fire!

    The ratman froze in shock. It had clearly landed a direct hit, but apart from tearing through Landon¡¯s clothes, it had inflicted no actual damage.

    In that instant, the ratman¡¯s eyes filled with despair.

    Landon slowly turned his head, his bloodthirsty gaze locking onto the ratman.

    The despairing ratman let out a piercing scream, its voice trembling with terror and helplessness.

    It turned abruptly, scrambling on all fours in a desperate attempt to escape from Landon¡¯s sight.

    However, its movements appeared so slow, so powerless in Langdon''s eyes.

    Landon glanced down at the struggling ratman still in his grip, his expression as cold as the depths of hell.

    His fingers tightened slightly.

    ¡°Crack!¡±

    A sharp sound rang out as the ratman¡¯s neck was instantly snapped. Its body convulsed briefly before going completely limp.

    Landon released his grip, letting the corpse fall to the ground like a discarded ragdoll.

    His bloodthirsty gaze shifted to the fleeing ratman, his eyes burning with madness and killing intent so intense it seemed almost tangible.

    In that instant, the air around him trembled violently as an invisible psychic wave burst forth.

    The powerful psychic wave, like an invisible blade, struck directly into the fleeing ratman¡¯s brain.

    The fleeing ratman¡¯s movements abruptly froze.

    ¡°Boom!¡±

    The next moment, its head exploded on the spot!

    Blood and flesh splattered everywhere, fragments scattering as the lifeless body collapsed to the ground, twitching briefly before falling silent.

    A low, guttural roar erupted from Landon¡¯s throat, brimming with the essence of violence and slaughter, as if he were a walking nightmare.

 Chapter-021

    The closest to Landon was Ethan, whose face was pale, his breathing heavy and rapid, and his body trembling violently.

    His emotions had gone beyond shock; he was gripped by absolute terror, a fear so overwhelming that it consumed his ability to think about anything else.

    Instinctively, he wanted to step back, but his body refused to obey, as if it had betrayed him, completely beyond his control.

    The suffocating pressure emanating from Landon enveloped him, making him feel like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

    He could only stand there, letting this terror slowly consume him.

    Allen also witnessed the entire scene. He had never seen such a combination of violence and madness. The Landon before him no longer seemed human but rather a bloodthirsty beast out of control.

    Even though he was still over ten steps away from Landon, the oppressive aura radiating from him pierced into every nerve in Allen¡¯s body, leaving him gasping for air.

    Instinctively, Allen glanced at Eli a few steps away, only to see Eli¡¯s serious expression and furrowed brows.

    Allen¡¯s heart sank. He realized¡ªEli might know what was happening to Landon.

    In that moment, Allen felt an overwhelming mix of emotions. He wanted to ask, but he didn¡¯t know where to begin.

    Taking a deep breath, he suppressed his emotions and refocused on the situation at hand.

    Eli noticed Allen¡¯s gaze and felt a pang of helplessness rise in his heart.

    He knew that ever since they entered the sewer, Allen and Ethan had begun to suspect him.

    Despite his best efforts to conceal his secrets through sheer acting, he had still been exposed.

    If he had been colder and more detached, perhaps he could have avoided this exposure.

    But what would have been the cost of doing so?

    The cost would have been inevitable casualties when facing the ratmen¡¯s assault.

    Allen, Ethan, and even Landon¡ªsomeone would have died here.

    At that moment, Eli couldn¡¯t help but think, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t joined their team from the start, escaping New York alone might have been much easier.¡±

    But as soon as the thought surfaced, his intuition immediately countered it:

    Escaping New York alone would indeed be easier, but it might lead you to take many detours in the future.

    Though he didn¡¯t fully understand why, Eli chose to trust his intuition.

    Eli''s peripheral gaze swept over Allen once again, and his heart calmed slightly.

    He understood that both Allen and Ethan were trustworthy people who wouldn¡¯t share these matters with anyone else.

    Eli set aside his concerns and quickly scanned his surroundings.

    The remaining ratmen had been completely terrified. Screaming frantically, they fled in all directions, utterly devoid of any will to fight.

    Not far away, the figure of the ratman commander grew increasingly rigid.

    It let out a series of sharp, high-pitched screeches, desperately trying to call back its fleeing subordinates, but the effort was futile.

    Eli took in the scene, understanding instantly: this ratman squad had already collapsed.

    Suddenly, the commander¡¯s screeches came to an abrupt halt.

    A suffocating wave of killing intent crashed down upon it like a tidal wave.

    It whipped its head around to meet Landon¡¯s gaze¡ªthose cold, bloodthirsty eyes locked firmly onto it.

    "He¡¯s set his sights on me..."

    The ratman commander¡¯s crimson pupils shrank violently, and its heartbeat thundered like a drum.

    In an instant, its claws began trembling uncontrollably.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Though it tried to steady itself, the fear within its heart coiled like a venomous snake, consuming its rationality.

    It understood the situation perfectly: if it stayed to fight, death was inevitable.

    Landon¡¯s superhuman strength had already torn apart too many of its subordinates; it was no match for him.

    ¡°Retreat¡­¡±

    The thought surfaced in its mind, but it was immediately dragged back by its primal fear.

    No, failure would result in severe punishment, possibly even being torn apart and devoured alive by its own kind.

    However, if it could somehow earn the forgiveness of the other ratmen, there might still be a sliver of hope.

    Even though it knew that gaining the forgiveness of the other rat-men would be extremely difficult, because those of its kind would only kick it while it was down.

    But if left to fight, there would certainly be no chance of survival, only being torn to pieces by that monster.

    ¡°Retreat!¡±

    With its decision made, the ratman commander let out a low growl and turned, fleeing at astonishing speed.

    It no longer cared about the other ratmen, nor did it attempt to give any orders¡ªsurvival was its only goal at this moment.

    Although the ratman commander was fast, it was still too late.

    Landon let out a thunderous roar, deep, ferocious, and brimming with destructive power.

    In an instant, the air vibrated with a low humming sound as seven blood-red energy projectiles appeared around him.

    These projectiles, the size of a thumb, glowed with a sinister crimson light, as if they had emerged from the depths of hell.

    The seven projectiles didn¡¯t remain still but slowly rotated around Landon, like the scythes of death itself, awaiting his command to decide the fate of their prey.

    Suddenly, the crimson glow intensified!

    The seven energy projectiles shot out like arrows, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound as they streaked toward the fleeing ratmen.

    ¡°Boom¡ªboom, boom, boom!¡±

    Explosions erupted one after another, sending blood and shattered bones flying in all directions.

    Flesh splattered across the ground and walls, turning the scene into a living hell.

    In less than a second, the crimson projectiles struck every fleeing ratman with pinpoint accuracy. They didn¡¯t even have time to scream before the sheer force of the explosions tore them to pieces.

    Only the ratman commander managed to narrowly avoid a fatal hit by relying on instinct, but its desperate dodge left it off balance, causing it to fall to the ground in a pathetic heap.

    The ratman commander flipped onto its back, its chest heaving violently as terror consumed it.

    However, the crimson projectile that had missed the commander suddenly came to a halt mid-air.

    In that moment, its trajectory defied all physical laws!

    Without any inertia, it turned at an almost perfect right angle, as though guided by an unseen force.

    The energy projectile flew directly toward the ratman commander, its trajectory eerily defying all logic.

    The ratman commander had no time to react, not even enough to let out a final scream.

    ¡°Boom!¡±

    In the next moment, its head was completely engulfed by the crimson light, with shattered skull fragments and brain matter splattering in all directions.

    The sewer fell into complete silence, with only Landon¡¯s cold, heavy breathing echoing through the space.

    The energy projectiles were incredibly fast¡ªso fast that even Eli, with his extraordinary dynamic vision, struggled to track their trajectories.

    But Eli was no ordinary person; even though his vision couldn¡¯t keep up, his perception, spiritual power, and instinctive intuition clearly locked onto the trajectory of each energy projectile.

    In fact, the moment Landon began forming those crimson energy projectiles, Eli¡¯s intuition had already warned him: Be careful.

    How fast were the projectiles? By Eli¡¯s estimation¡ª700 meters per second!

    "We''re in big trouble."

    Eli murmured to himself, his tone calm and analytical, devoid of panic.

    He knew that in the upcoming battle, he would have to unleash his true power to subdue this beast consumed by its own strength.

    Allen and Ethan witnessed the scene but were utterly unable to comprehend what was happening.

    All they saw was a flash of crimson light, and wherever it passed, all the ratmen exploded instantly, their flesh and blood reduced to countless fragments, scattering across the ground in utter chaos.

    Ethan, being the closest to Landon, felt like prey trapped in an iron cage, facing an unstoppable beast.

    The fear in his heart was beyond words¡ªevery muscle in his body screamed: Run!

    But he couldn¡¯t move. The oppressive force emanating from deep within his soul made it feel as if his heart could stop beating at any moment.

    Allen gripped his fire axe tightly. Compared to Ethan, the pressure he felt was slightly weaker, but the scene completely shattered his understanding of reality.

    At that moment, Landon slowly raised his head, his crimson eyes locking onto his next target¡ªEli.

    Even in his berserk state, he instinctively knew:

    Among everyone present, the only one capable of threatening him was the calm, composed man.

    However, in the next instant, a flicker of struggle appeared in those frenzied eyes.

    Though the power of his berserk state urged him to kill, the remnants of his humanity fought back, unwilling to harm his companions.

    Landon¡¯s expression began to shift, a mixture of madness and struggle intertwined on his face.

    His hands clutched his head, his nails digging deep into his scalp.

    He let out a series of pained growls, starting as the roar of a beast and gradually transforming into the anguished moans of a human.

    His body hunched slightly, as if enduring immense torment.

    That visible struggle was so raw that even Allen and Ethan could feel a trace of his pain.

    Eli quickly made a decision and said to Allen beside him:

    ¡°Take Ethan and leave now, but don¡¯t go too far¡ªthere¡¯s still danger ahead.¡±

    Allen froze for a moment and instinctively asked, ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°Landon can still be saved.¡±

    Eli¡¯s gaze remained fixed on Landon, his tone unusually firm. ¡°But if we leave him be and let the madness completely consume his humanity, then he¡¯ll truly be beyond saving.¡±

    Although Allen didn¡¯t fully understand Eli¡¯s reasoning, he knew now wasn¡¯t the time to argue.

    He took a deep breath, forcing his body into motion.

    Quickly, he ran to the collapsed Ethan and helped him to his feet.

    ¡°Move!¡± Allen¡¯s voice was low, laced with urgency.

    Ethan¡¯s gaze was unfocused, but with Allen¡¯s support, he stumbled forward step by step.

    Behind them, Landon¡¯s roars still echoed, the agonized sound compelling them to glance back.

    Eli stood there, his back straight as steel, as if bearing the weight of the world on his shoulders.

 Chapter-022

    The sewer reeked of blood and sewage, a nauseating stench that permeated the air.

    The ground and walls were smeared with scattered bits of flesh and gore.

    Dim lighting faintly illuminated the narrow space, casting jagged shadows on the walls, while the air was thick with a suffocating sense of dread and endless despair.

    Echoes of anguish reverberated through the confined sewer:

    At times, the sound was deep and feral, like the roar of a wild beast.

    Other times, it was filled with the wailing of human suffering, carrying an indescribable torment and struggle.

    The sound was filled with the fierce collision between humanity and animalistic instincts, making Landon¡¯s agony painfully evident.

    Eli glanced down at the metal baseball bat in his hand. He wiped the blood off its surface and set it aside.

    He clearly had no intention of using it against the beast before him.

    It wasn¡¯t because he was afraid of hurting Landon, but because he didn¡¯t want to lose his only reliable weapon.

    Although the baseball bat was heavily worn, it was hard to find a more practical weapon in the sewer.

    Eli lifted his gaze, his eyes falling on Landon, and his thoughts grew conflicted.

    Rationality told him that this fight wasn¡¯t necessary.

    Landon had nothing to do with him¡ªthey weren¡¯t even friends, and just recently, they had been complete strangers.

    If he chose to stand by and let Landon fend for himself, things would be much easier for him.

    But deep down, Eli wasn¡¯t willing to do that.

    He wasn¡¯t a cold-blooded person, nor was he ready to abandon Landon just because of his frenzy.

    Perhaps it was just a bond formed from everything they had been through so far, or perhaps it was simply a misplaced sense of pity and compassion.

    More importantly, his intuition told him that Landon shouldn¡¯t be abandoned.

    Landon could become a reliable ally, and in the future, that might be more valuable than any weapon.

    Eli took a deep breath, his gaze growing resolute as he stepped forward, heading toward the berserk Landon.

    The dim yellow light flickered on his shoulders, and each step he took landed in the sewage mixed with blood and flesh, but he no longer hesitated.

    The berserk beast sensed Eli¡¯s approach, and the pained sounds abruptly ceased.

    It jerked its head up, locking its blood-red eyes onto Eli¡¯s figure.

    Those eyes were filled with bloodthirsty madness, yet behind them lay traces of struggle and agony.

    Eli looked at him, as though he could hear the silent cry of Landon¡¯s humanity:

    "Go! Now! I can¡¯t hold on much longer..."

    Eli smiled, his expression carrying a hint of ease, as if the scene before him was nothing more than an ordinary day.

    He spoke slowly, his voice very gentle: ¡°If you''re tired, just sleep. Leave the rest to me. Don¡¯t worry about me, I¡¯m very powerful.¡±

    Under the dim light, Eli¡¯s figure became clearer in Landon¡¯s crimson eyes.

    In that moment, it felt as if something pierced through the madness of the beastly nature, reaching the humanity buried within.

    Landon¡¯s gaze softened, as if silently saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for holding you back¡­¡±

    Eli smiled and said, "Don¡¯t worry about it. We¡¯re partners."

    The last glimmer of humanity in Landon¡¯s eyes slowly faded, replaced entirely by pure, bloodthirsty madness.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Suddenly, he threw his head back and unleashed a deafening roar aimed at Eli!

    ¡°ROAR¡ª¡ª!¡±

    The sound waves reverberated through the narrow sewer, as if tearing the very space apart.

    Eli halted his steps at the sound of the roar, his expression unchanged as he took a slight breath.

    His movements were unhurried and steady, his feet shifting lightly, flowing smoothly and rhythmically like water, with his center of gravity as solid as a rock.

    His arms, neither fully relaxed nor tense, drew a smooth arc in front of him, as if encompassing everything around him within his control.

    Facing the berserk Landon, Eli did not choose to recklessly charge into battle. Instead, he stood still, calmly awaiting the right moment.

    Although he could subdue the ferocious beast before him through sheer brute force, he chose not to.

    Pure violence would only provoke more madness within Landon, making the fight even harder.

    The dream had imparted to Eli extensive combat knowledge, including a unique fighting technique.

    This is a martial art that emphasizes overcoming strength with softness.

    His instincts told him that this style of fighting was perfectly suited to subduing the berserk beast before him.

    Landon¡¯s beastly nature had been fully unleashed; his eyes now reflected nothing but madness and bloodlust.

    In the next instant, Landon¡¯s muscles tensed and bulged, and all the power within his body erupted in a single moment.

    The ground beneath his feet shook violently as he launched himself toward Eli like a bullet.

    His speed was incredible, and his heavy footsteps thundered across the ground in rapid succession.

    Water and blood splashed into the air with every step, scattering in all directions.

    His force was as unstoppable as a flood, accompanied by an overwhelming pressure that bore down directly on Eli.

    In that instant, the air was thick with suffocating intensity, as if all currents had shifted in response to Landon¡¯s charge.

    Eli stood still, his gaze calm and fixed on Landon¡¯s movements.

    He could see every shift in Landon¡¯s muscles and track each step he took.

    Landon¡¯s breathing, the rhythm of his pounding blood¡ªeverything seemed to be within Eli¡¯s grasp.

    To Eli, Landon¡¯s massive figure was far from invincible; instead, it resembled a raging beast.

    Landon¡¯s fist suddenly swung toward Eli, carrying a force that seemed capable of pulverizing everything in its path.

    Eli slightly turned his body, his hands moving with the flow, his arms gently guiding Landon¡¯s force.

    Immediately after, with a slight motion of Eli''s wrist, Langdon''s powerful fist was guided to the side.

    Like water flowing around a stone, the massive impact was deflected to the side.

    Landon¡¯s body tilted slightly, and much of his charging momentum was instantly neutralized.

    Using the motion, Eli deftly moved to Landon¡¯s side, his movements fluid and precise.

    He did not counterattack immediately but instead gently pushed his hands on Landon¡¯s shoulders again, further disrupting his balance.

    Momentum carried Landon forward, his footing unsteady as he stumbled a few steps.

    Eli quickly adjusted his stance, planting his feet firmly on the ground and sinking his center of gravity.

    He raised his arms again, but this time with a distinct rhythm and grace.

    In that moment, the sewer seemed to transform into a stage for two opposing forces:

    One side was violent and ferocious impact, while the other was gentle and flexible guidance.

    Langdon''s roar echoed once more, filled with anger and unwillingness, as he charged at Eli with overwhelming power.

    The first punch came crashing down like a thunderbolt, its force whipping up dirty water that splashed into the air.

    Eli slightly shifted his body, and Langdon''s fierce fist brushed past the hem of his clothes.

    Langdon flowed with the momentum, his elbow surging forward with immense force, attempting to drive Eli into the corner.

    Eli stepped lightly, his figure sliding to the side with the fluid grace of flowing water.

    It seemed as though he was completely unaffected by Landon¡¯s wild power, as if he had found a calm trajectory amidst a raging storm.

    Landon let out a deep growl, lunging forward, his right fist raised high and crashing down with overwhelming, destructive force.

    Eli raised his right hand with the flow, guiding Langdon''s fist off its trajectory with a delicate arc.

    At the same time, his left hand shot forward, his palm landing lightly on Landon¡¯s chest.

    The strike appeared gentle but landed precisely on Landon¡¯s center of gravity.

    Landon¡¯s balance was instantly disrupted, and he staggered back several steps.

    His anger burned like flames, and he forcefully drove his legs, attempting to charge at Eli again.

    However, Eli moved like a feather, effortlessly dodging Landon¡¯s attack.

    At the same time, Eli placed both hands lightly on Landon¡¯s back and gave a small push, causing Landon to crash heavily into the wall.

    The moment Landon¡¯s body struck the wall, fragments of concrete burst apart, scattering in all directions, as dust swirled through the dim yellow light.

    Eli gave him no chance to catch his breath.

    His feet lightly tapped the ground, and his entire body closed in on Langdon like a gentle breeze.

    At this moment, Eli¡¯s movements were entirely different¡ªno longer defensive and guiding, but charged with an aggressive intent.

    His arms traced an arc, his hands striking out along smooth circular trajectories, creating a deep resonance in the air.

    The first strike landed swiftly and forcefully on Landon¡¯s shoulder.

    Though it appeared gentle, it pressed down with the weight of a mountain, pinning Landon¡¯s body firmly in place, rendering him immobile.

    Next, Eli¡¯s right hand rotated, his wrist turning as he delivered a precise strike to Landon¡¯s abdomen.

    This blow was not merely a display of raw strength but a fusion of soft energy and explosive power.

    The layered forces rippled through Landon¡¯s body, instantly reverberating within him.

    Landon¡¯s body jerked violently, his chest feeling as if it had been struck by a sledgehammer. The immense impact drove him deep into the wall.

    Eli didn¡¯t stop there¡ªhis body moved closer to Landon again.

    His left hand traced a soft arc across Landon¡¯s side before transforming into a sudden, powerful palm strike, hitting Landon squarely in the ribs.

    The force of this blow embedded Landon even further into the wall, causing the entire surface to crack rapidly.

    Eli withdrew his hands and stepped back lightly, his posture as graceful as a falling leaf drifting to the ground.

 Chapter-023

    Langdon''s rage surged continuously, his killing intent escalating uncontrollably, as if every nerve in his body was boiling.

    His eyes grew ever redder, and low growls like those of a beast echoed in his throat.

    He suddenly lifted his head, an unprecedented murderous aura erupting from his eyes.

    An invisible force erupted from Langdon''s eyes, shooting straight toward Eli''s eyes.

    Eli tilted his head slightly, and the murderous intent brushed past his cheek, slamming into the wall behind him.

    "Boom¡ª!"

    The wall instantly cracked, sending fragments of concrete flying in all directions.

    Despite the dire situation, Eli''s expression remained unchanged, as if everything was under his control.

    At this point, the warm-up was over for both sides; the real battle was about to begin.

    The instant the killing intent struck the wall, Langdon stepped forward with a burst of speed, charging toward Eli.

    So fast was his movement that the air screamed with a sharp, slicing sound.

    Langdon''s fist rose, poised for a heavy blow, but Eli was faster.

    Eli calmly placed his palm against Langdon''s chest, and a force like a torrential flood surged forth.

    "Bang¡ª!"

    Langdon''s chest felt as though it had been struck by an iron hammer, the immense impact sending him staggering backward.

    Seizing the opportunity, Eli moved closer, launching another attack.

    His palm brushed lightly against Langdon''s waist, yet it unleashed a burst of powerful force.

    "Smack¡ª!"

    Langdon''s body tilted backward again, slamming hard against the wall, which cracked once more, scattering debris.

    Without a moment''s pause, Eli leaned forward, his right hand darting toward Langdon''s temple like lightning.

    It seemed sharp as a blade, yet its force was surprisingly gentle, far less impactful than his previous strikes.

    A sharp pain flared in Langdon''s temple, forcing his body to jerk sideways.

    Immediately, Eli extended his left hand, his palm sinking slightly as he gathered all his strength into the center. Slowly, he pushed toward Langdon''s chest.

    "Boom¡ª!"

    Though the palm appeared soft, it concealed immense internal energy, creating visible shockwaves.

    The shockwave instantly swept up the dirty water on the ground, each droplet shooting toward the wall like a bullet, producing a barrage of dense impact sounds.

    This strike was like a bell tolling across the heavens, shaking Langdon''s soul as if to expel all the fury from his body.

    Langdon''s body trembled violently, and he fell heavily to his knees, his breathing rapid and chaotic, temporarily unable to move.

    n less than five seconds, Eli launched four attacks, striking precisely at Langdon''s chest, waist, temple, and abdomen.

    This series of attacks was not focused on striking Langdon''s body but rather served as a deeper level of spiritual guidance.

    With each strike, he channeled his spiritual energy into Langdon''s body, directly targeting his savage beast-like nature.

    The spiritual force surged like a relentless tide, attempting to cleanse the fury and madness within him.

    However, the rampaging beast was not so easily subdued; the unrestrained savagery doubled his strength.

    Langdon''s crimson eyes erupted with endless killing intent and hatred, as if he intended to burn the entire world to ashes.

    Then, Langdon threw his head back and roared.

    "Roar¡ª!"

    The roar carried an immense spiritual force, surging like a tidal wave and crashing heavily against Eli''s mental shield.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Though the roar came only once, the spiritual force continued its onslaught like a torrential flood, relentlessly battering Eli''s mental shield, as if trying to tear the invisible barrier to shreds.

    At the same time, Langdon''s gaze revealed a twisted madness.

    The madness slithered out like a venomous snake, attempting to seep into Eli''s mind, corrupt his thoughts, and drag him into an endless abyss of darkness.

    Eli remained calm, his expression unchanging, his eyes devoid of any ripples, as if facing nothing more than a passing breeze.

    His spiritual force stood as firm as a mountain, calmly withstanding the flood-like mental assaults.

    Each attack struck as if crashing against solid rock¡ªutterly powerless, effortlessly dissipated, leaving no trace.

    "Buzz¡ªbuzz-buzz¡ª"

    The clash of their spiritual forces created ripples, spreading outward in the air, circle by circle.

    The dirty water on the ground rippled violently under the invisible pressure, droplets scattering in all directions.

    Cracks on the walls continued to spread, debris falling piece by piece, turning the entire scene into one of apocalyptic oppression and despair.

    "Roar¡ª!"

    Accompanied by a thunderous roar, Langdon suddenly charged at Eli.

    This time, his speed was faster than ever before, like a bolt of lightning, impossible to track with the naked eye.

    "Boom¡ª!"

    A sharp sonic boom immediately echoed through the air, as if the air itself had been torn apart, sending chills down one''s spine.

    Langdon''s speed had surpassed the limits of Eli''s dynamic vision, rendering his eyes unable to precisely track Langdon''s movements.

    Thus, Eli simply closed his eyes, abandoning visual reliance to anticipate Langdon''s actions, and instead focused entirely on his sense of perception.

    Everything around him seemed magnified in his mind: every wisp of air movement, every ripple of energy, vividly surfaced in his awareness, as if the entire space had merged with him.

    In the blink of an eye, Langdon appeared before Eli.

    His fist was raised high, like a massive hammer, crashing down on Eli''s head with earth-shattering force, as if to pierce through the ground itself.

    Eli stood firmly in place, his palm gently pushing upward at an exquisitely precise angle to counter the ferocious punch.

    "Boom¡ª!"

    The collision of their forces erupted into a deafening roar in the air.

    The ground beneath Eli''s feet instantly cracked apart, fractures spreading like a spider web, with rubble and dust scattering in all directions.

    Immediately after, his arms, as supple and flexible as willow branches, followed Langdon''s force and redirected the ferocious attack to the

    Meanwhile, Langdon''s other hand swung swiftly, transforming into a claw aimed directly at Eli''s throat.

    Judging by his posture, it seemed as though he was eager to devour Eli alive.

    With no time to evade, Eli instantly raised his left hand, his palm rotating lightly to deftly divert Langdon''s claw away from its target.

    The next moment, he followed through with a powerful kick from his right leg, like a cannonball fired from the barrel, striking directly at Langdon''s ribs.

    "Bang¡ª!"

    Langdon''s body twisted sideways from the impact, the tremendous force rippling between the two.

    Yet Langdon did not fall. His eyes burned with even greater murderous intent as he raised his other hand and struck fiercely toward Eli''s abdomen.

    Eli stood his ground, his right hand darting out like lightning to intercept Langdon''s wrist, stopping the blow dead in its tracks.

    Eli quickly countered, delivering a palm strike directly to Langdon''s shoulder, forcing him to take a step back.

    Langdon let out a furious roar, charging at Eli once again with overwhelming power.

    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"

    Fists and palms clashed relentlessly, the sounds echoing like thunder as fragments of stone scattered and dust filled the air.

    Shockwaves rippled outward, causing the entire sewer to tremble violently.

    Langdon''s punches and kicks were like a raging storm, with his spiritual force following closely like a shadow.

    That mad spiritual energy carried boundless hatred and rage, relentlessly hammering at Eli''s mental shield.

    Hidden within that spiritual force was an even deeper and more insidious danger¡ªspiritual pollution!

    That pollution was like countless venomous snakes, cunning and treacherous, quickly slithering toward the depths of Eli''s consciousness.

    It felt like innumerable cold scales scraping against one''s awareness, emitting a spine-chilling hissing sound.

    Those whispers, like spectral wraiths, planted all manner of negative emotions deep into his thoughts, aiming to twist his soul and drag him into madness.

    Eli''s spiritual force was like a gentle stream, flowing slowly and steadily within his inner heart, isolating the bloodthirsty and frenzied spiritual pollution outside.

    His heart was as calm as still water, unwavering and unshaken by any erosion or pollution.

    Behind this unshakable inner heart was a will as sharp as a sword, which carved a ray of light through the darkness, dissolving the opponent''s spiritual pollution into nothingness.

    Though his eyes were tightly shut, his movements were as natural as flowing water, while his steps danced as if moving with the wind.

    He appeared as though he had never exerted his full strength, merely gliding effortlessly through the storm of chaos around him.

    "Bang!"

    Langdon''s body slammed heavily against the wall, sending fragments flying in all directions.

    His body trembled slightly before he slowly straightened up, once again fixing his gaze on Eli.

    The bloodthirsty glow in his crimson eyes remained, but the hatred and rage had diminished somewhat, replaced by a cold and merciless killing intent.

    Eli stood in place, his expression not relaxing in the slightest but growing even more serious.

    He could clearly sense the shift in Langdon''s aura; the bone-chilling killing intent was silently replacing the frenzy and bloodlust.

    Langdon was transforming into an even more dangerous existence¡ªa weapon devoid of emotion, focused solely on killing.

    And this was exactly the result Eli wanted.

    Through a series of precise strikes, he had channeled his spiritual energy into Langdon''s body to weaken the frenzied beast-like nature.

    What Eli wanted was to dispel the madness and bloodlust as quickly as possible.

    If it dragged on for too long, even if Langdon could be saved, he would still be affected by the bloodlust and madness, turning into an extremely dangerous lunatic.

    At this moment, Langdon''s condition remains perilous.

    If it drags on for too long, it will only cause him to lose all emotion upon awakening, turning him into a cold and unfeeling person.

    Perhaps, in the world to come, being cold and unfeeling would make survival easier, but that would not be the true Langdon.

    Langdon''s life should be determined by his own choices, not forcibly manipulated and controlled by a power gone out of control.

    Therefore, in the battles to come, more delicate and warm spiritual energy will be needed to dispel the cold and unfeeling killing intent.

 Chapter-024

    Langdon suddenly erupted with explosive power, his figure vanishing instantly from where he stood, charging at Eli at a speed invisible to the naked eye.

    Eli''s gaze remained calm, standing firmly like a rock.

    However, this time, the pressure Eli felt was far greater than before.

    He used his palm to redirect Langdon''s attack to the side, his movements agile and supple.

    Yet, just as he deflected this strike, Langdon''s other fist was already hurtling toward his abdomen.

    Eli immediately raised his knee to block the deadly blow with his leg.

    The force of the collision caused his body to tremble slightly, and a suffocating pressure spread across his chest.

    Langdon abruptly delivered a downward chop, but Eli quickly sidestepped to evade, countering with an elbow strike aimed at Langdon''s side.

    Langdon''s reflexes were equally sharp; he instinctively raised his arm, forcefully blocking the strike.

    Without hesitation, Langdon drove his knee straight toward Eli''s abdomen.

    Eli swiftly lowered his center of gravity, gently pushing the knee strike aside with his hands.

    Langdon, undeterred, rotated his body and launched an elbow strike toward Eli''s shoulder.

    Eli''s right hand slashed like a blade toward Langdon''s wrist, instantly neutralizing the force of the elbow strike.

    Langdon followed up with a horizontal kick, his leg sweeping like a steel whip, producing a sharp whooshing sound as it cut through the air.

    Eli crossed his arms to intercept the kick. Though he managed to block it, the sheer impact forced him to take several steps back.

    The ground beneath his feet cracked with a resounding crash, scattering debris in all directions.

    There was no time to catch a breath as Langdon''s attacks poured down like a torrential rain.

    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"

    The thunderous sounds of fists and kicks colliding echoed through the air, sending shockwaves that splashed the dirty water on the ground in all directions.

    Eli could feel his own attack efficiency rapidly decreasing.

    Langdon''s strikes were no longer the wild and chaotic assaults from before; now, they were infused with precise combat techniques.

    Every punch, every claw strike carried a rhythm of precision, perfectly blending his strength and speed.

    Despite facing unprecedented pressure, Eli responded with steady composure.

    With every counterstrike, he searched for an opening, trying to channel his spiritual energy into Langdon''s body again to weaken the cold beast-like nature within.

    But Langdon''s figure moved like a phantom, with his combat instincts and techniques working together seamlessly, leaving Eli almost no openings.

    "Buzz¡ª"

    With the clash of fists and feet, invisible vibrations echoed through the air, and spiritual energy rapidly spread.

    Langdon''s mental assaults followed immediately, never pausing for even a second, each strike like a launched cannonball shooting toward Eli.

    Eli remained unfazed, defending against both Langdon''s physical attacks and the unceasing spiritual strikes.

    Langdon launched a vicious sweeping kick.

    Eli swiftly leaped back, but as soon as his feet touched the ground, he felt a twisted force invading his mind.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    This spiritual pollution was like a corrosive venom, surging toward the depths of his thoughts, attempting to drag him into madness and chaos.

    Eli adjusted his breathing while keeping the pollution blocked outside his consciousness.

    Seizing the moment, Langdon''s fist came crashing down like a massive hammer aimed at Eli''s shoulder!

    Eli tried to dodge but was already too late. He could only use his elbow to deflect the force of the blow.

    Immediately, the ground beneath them cracked apart, scattering debris in all directions.

    "Whoosh¡ª"

    Eli took a deep breath, his eyes briefly closing.

    Immediately, his spiritual perception spread out like an invisible net, enveloping Langdon''s every movement.

    The moment Eli closed his eyes, Langdon launched another attack toward him.

    Eli offered no words, only more resolute actions as he focused on finding an opportunity to counter.

    "Smack¡ª!"

    After a heavy blow, Langdon''s movements paused momentarily.

    Before Eli could catch his breath, an overwhelming sense of pressure suddenly emanated from Langdon''s direction.

    That pressure was like an impending storm, filled with a destructive aura.

    Langdon''s cold eyes fixed on Eli, his expression devoid of madness, replaced instead by absolute ruthlessness.

    His gaze was like an abyss, brimming with a chilling killing intent that seemed to shake the soul.

    Eli''s eyes snapped open, his pupils slightly contracting¡ªhe knew Langdon was gathering energy bullets.

    Without a moment''s hesitation, Eli immediately mobilized his spiritual energy, transforming it into axe after axe, slashing toward Langdon.

    At the same time, Eli dashed toward Langdon, each step as swift as lightning, determined to interrupt him before the energy bullets could fully form.

    Langdon''s eyes glowed with a cold light as he strained to withstand Eli''s mental assaults.

    "Bang!"

    Eli stomped the ground forcefully and launched a fierce punch, his right fist aimed directly at Langdon''s chest.

    The fist wind roared forward, and the air vibrated intensely with its sheer force.

    However, Langdon reacted with lightning speed, shifting his body slightly to avoid Eli''s punch.

    Immediately after, Langdon executed a quick backward leap, instantly creating distance between himself and Eli.

    In that split second, Langdon''s nine energy bullets rapidly took shape.

    Unlike the previous blood-red energy bullets, these were semi-transparent, exuding an eerie aura.

    Gone was the hum that accompanied the earlier blood-red bullets¡ªthese semi-transparent bullets were unnervingly silent.

    The nine energy bullets spun at high speed, orbiting around Langdon like the scythe of a grim reaper, emanating an oppressive sense of dread.

    Originally, Langdon had intended to form fifteen energy bullets, but Eli''s interference had drastically reduced their number.

    Suddenly, the nine energy bullets shot toward Eli like bolts of lightning, leaving no sound in their wake.

    At this critical moment, Eli''s world slowed to an extreme, as if everything in his vision had been decelerated several times over.

    The trajectories of the nine energy projectiles were clearly visible, trailing long streaks as they cut through the air.

    Eli frowned, glancing around, and he could distinctly see every detail of his surroundings.

    The trajectory of every droplet of water, the drifting of every speck of dust, all became vividly lifelike in that moment.

    Time seemed to stretch, and his perception expanded within this slowed reality, capturing every possible detail.

    No piercing noise filled his ears, only the sound of his own breathing and the rapid pounding of his heart echoing in his chest.

    Eli refocused his gaze on the energy projectiles flying toward him.

    Although the trajectories of the energy projectiles appeared slowed in his vision, Eli could still feel their swiftness and menace.

    They were flexible and unpredictable; even the slightest mistake could result in being struck, requiring intuition and perception to predict the trajectories of the energy projectiles.

    Every decision felt guided by an indescribable intuition, the intense sense of crisis urging him to act.

    Within milliseconds, Eli¡¯s body began to respond.

    His knees bent slightly, his core muscles tightened like a coiled spring, and his body swayed with the suppleness of a willow, dodging the first energy projectile.

    Next, his upper body twisted with extreme agility, allowing the second energy projectile to graze past his shoulder.

    The third, the fourth¡ªeach of Eli¡¯s evasive maneuvers seemed pre-calculated, precise, and graceful.

    After dodging the fourth energy projectile, Eli no longer continued merely evading.

    His hands moved lightly, as if guiding the remaining five energy projectiles with an invisible force.

    Under his subtle direction, their trajectories began to shift slightly, as though enveloped by an unseen vortex.

    Meanwhile, Eli¡¯s spiritual power surged into the eighth and ninth energy projectiles.

    His spiritual power pierced into them like a blade, severing Langdon¡¯s control over the two projectiles in an instant.

    The energy projectiles faltered slightly in mid-air, their glow dimming, and in the next moment, they were completely under Eli¡¯s control.

    Having gained command of these two energy projectiles, Eli wasted no time arming them with his own spiritual power.

    The projectiles¡¯ color immediately shifted from semi-transparent to a deep, eerie blue, emanating a chilling aura like the night sky.

    Without pause, Eli manipulated the two energy projectiles, sending them on a bizarre trajectory toward the other projectiles.

    The blue energy projectiles moved erratically¡ªsometimes at high speed, sometimes making sharp, sudden turns¡ªleaving the eye struggling to follow.

    Under the interception of the two deep-blue energy projectiles, two other energy projectiles were struck in succession, erupting in intense flashes of light.

    ¡°Boom¡ªBoom!¡±

    The collisions of the four energy projectiles unleashed violent explosions.

    The shockwaves rippled outward, scattering debris in all directions, as if the entire space were trembling.

 Chapter-025

    Eli ignored the remaining five energy projectiles and instantly concentrated his spiritual power once more.

    His vision slowed again, and time seemed to stretch, with every frame becoming vividly clear.

    In this state, Eli''s body exploded into motion like an arrow leaving the bowstring, charging straight toward Langdon.

    The ground beneath his feet cracked from the immense reactive force, resembling the impact of a lightning strike.

    Each breath felt slow and deep; every step seemed to cross the boundaries of space as his speed reached its peak.

    Eli''s body traced a blurred afterimage in the air, like a silver streak, closing the distance to Langdon in mere milliseconds.

    Eli''s hand, sharp as a blade slicing through the air, struck directly at Langdon''s chest.

    However, in the span of a millisecond, Langdon slightly shifted his body, precisely avoiding the blow.

    His reaction was unbelievably fast, as if he had predicted Eli''s move beforehand.

    Eli did not pause. His left leg swiftly rose, carving a powerful arc aimed at Langdon''s side.

    The air trembled faintly with the force of his motion.

    However, Langdon quickly retreated, dodging the attack.

    Immediately after, Langdon launched a counterattack.

    His right hand swept across like a blade, aiming directly at Eli''s neck.

    Eli, sharply aware, tilted his head back just in time to narrowly evade the strike.

    However, Langdon''s left fist was already closing in, aiming straight for Eli''s chest.

    Eli''s eyes narrowed slightly as he shifted his body to the side, his palm making a subtle rotation to redirect Langdon''s force.

    The fist brushed past his ear, carrying a sharp gust of wind.

    Immediately after, he smoothly shifted his body, evading Langdon''s next heavy punch.

    Eli had just sidestepped Langdon''s strike when the next attack came bearing down on him.

    Langdon moved like a relentless executioner''s blade, each strike carrying lethal intent.

    Meanwhile, Eli countered with flawless footwork, his movements calculated and precise, exuding a calm composure and fluid elegance.

    From an observer''s perspective, this millisecond-level battle scene was almost surreal.

    The figures of the two combatants were barely discernible, appearing only as two blurred shadows, sometimes intertwining, sometimes separating.

    Each movement stirred up airwaves, flinging the dirty water on the ground into the air, with droplets shooting out like bullets in all directions.

    Each collision caused the air to tremble, with the delayed impact sounds resembling earth-shaking thunderclaps.

    Cracks spread visibly across the walls, with fragments and dust shaken loose and scattering everywhere.

    The entire sewer trembled, as if responding to the battle between these Transcendent Beings.

    At this moment, just like before, Eli not only had to deal with Langdon''s swift and relentless punches and kicks but also endure the spiritual assaults and spiritual pollution.

    Meanwhile, five semi-transparent energy projectiles spun rapidly around them, like venomous snakes ready to strike at any moment.

    Suddenly, the first energy projectile broke away from its orbit, silently closing in on Eli like a ghost.

    It made no sound, yet the air rippled faintly as it twisted and turned in a trajectory as serpentine as a snake''s slithering crawl.

    Eli reacted within milliseconds.

    He first dodged Langdon''s punch, then slid his body quickly to the side, narrowly avoiding the energy projectile.

    The second and third energy projectiles suddenly changed direction, attacking Eli''s left side from an impossible angle.

    Eli relied entirely on his powerful perception and instinct to capture their paths.

    He swiftly raised his left arm, and with a precise push of his palm, applied an incomparably calculated force to slightly deflect the direction of the two projectiles.

    The fourth and fifth energy projectiles followed closely behind, their trajectories bizarre and unpredictable.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    Eli could not evade, as Langdon was already upon him; dodging the energy projectiles would inevitably give Langdon an opening to exploit.

    His eyes narrowed slightly, and he precisely channeled his Spiritual Power into the core of the fourth energy projectile, effortlessly wresting control of it from Langdon.

    Within milliseconds, he infused his will into the projectile.

    Then, with impossibly precise calculations, he adjusted its trajectory and sent it hurtling toward the fifth energy projectile.

    At the same time, Langdon''s fist was less than 3 centimeters away from Eli''s head!

    Although Langdon''s speed was incredibly fast, Eli was faster.

    His right hand shot forward like lightning, striking Langdon squarely in the chest, sending him staggering backward two steps.

    Just then, the two energy projectiles collided at incredible speed.

    "Boom¡ª!"

    Blazing light illuminated the entire space as a deafening shockwave spread rapidly.

    The dirty water on the ground was thrown into the air by the shockwave, with countless droplets shooting out like bullets and producing a dense "pattering" sound as they struck their surroundings.

    Eli took the opportunity to leap back, stabilizing his stance.

    His gaze remained locked firmly on Langdon, though a trace of doubt flashed through his mind.

    His brain operated like a high-speed engine, processing dozens of variables with precision within milliseconds:

    Every time Langdon''s fist approached, his brain had already calculated multiple evasion trajectories and determined the optimal angle for a counterattack.

    At the same time, this engine helped him instantly calculate the trajectories of the energy projectiles, allowing him to quickly adjust his body position to avoid fatal strikes.

    In addition, his Spiritual Power ran at high speed under the support of this computational ability, not only resisting Langdon''s spiritual assaults and spiritual pollution but also precisely penetrating the control core of the energy projectiles and seizing Langdon''s control over them.

    This continuous computational power allowed him to clearly grasp every detail of the battle in each millisecond.

    Every movement and every decision were the result of countless simulations and adjustments, achieving an almost inconceivable level of precision.

    This continuous flow of computational power brought an unparalleled sense of control, an exhilarating feeling that could easily become addictive.

    But where did this endless transcendent computational power come from?

    Eli vaguely sensed that this power did not originate from his brain but from something more fundamental, more profound, and of a higher dimension¡ªhis soul!

    Similarly, Langdon also possessed this transcendent computational power originating from his soul, enabling him to keep up with Eli''s combat rhythm.

    In Eli''s mind, an invisible timer ticked with perfect precision: 228 seconds!

    This seemingly endless battle had lasted only three minutes and forty-eight seconds since the first punch was thrown.

    In less than four minutes, every second had been compressed, stretched, and compressed again.

    Each moment of the battle, each brush with life and death, all felt as if they had spanned an endlessly long time.

    His gaze bypassed Langdon, briefly looking into the distance.

    Allen and Ethan had already retreated from the battlefield, but his heart was far from at ease.

    The path ahead was anything but safe; in these labyrinth-like waterways lurked countless mutated creatures.

    Among them were countless mutated creatures far deadlier than the rat-men.

    He could not allow this fight to continue¡ªevery second of delay could worsen the situation further.

    Eli took a deep breath, clenched his fists tightly, and refocused his gaze on Langdon.

    This game needed to end now!

    Langdon remained standing still, the three energy projectiles orbiting him quietly.

    A bone-chilling sense of oppression enveloped the entire space, making the air feel dense and suffocating.

    Eli¡¯s consciousness extended rapidly, his Spiritual Power reaching out like invisible tendrils toward the three energy projectiles.

    Langdon¡¯s eyes narrowed sharply, instantly sensing Eli¡¯s intent.

    The moment Eli¡¯s Spiritual Power touched the projectiles, the three energy projectiles abruptly broke from their paths and shot toward Eli.

    Eli focused his attention, his transcendent computational power operating at high speed as he entered a state resembling "bullet time."

    He spun his body sharply, the first energy projectile grazing past his shoulder.

    The second projectile followed closely, attacking from an uncanny angle. He ducked low, perfectly avoiding it.

    The trajectory of the third energy projectile was exceptionally intricate, moving like a flexible venomous snake.

    Eli no longer dodged. Instead, he precisely severed Langdon¡¯s control over the three energy projectiles with his Spiritual Power.

    The three projectiles froze abruptly in mid-air before hanging motionless.

    Eli¡¯s gaze grew as sharp as a blade, and his consciousness quickly penetrated the projectiles, taking control of them in an instant.

    In the next moment, the projectiles reversed direction at incredible speed, shooting straight toward Langdon.

    Seizing the opportunity, Eli¡¯s body dipped slightly, his legs exploding with power as he launched himself toward Langdon like an arrow loosed from a bowstring.

    Simultaneously, his consciousness analyzed everything around him down to the millisecond¡ªfrom the trajectories of the projectiles to Langdon¡¯s counterattacks, from spiritual assaults to spiritual pollution, leaving no detail unnoticed!

    Langdon''s gaze remained cold and unfeeling. Facing the three energy projectiles hurtling toward him, he showed no intention of dodging.

    He understood well that evasion at this moment was meaningless and would only expose more weaknesses.

    Langdon''s Spiritual Power burst forth, swiftly infiltrating the core of the three energy projectiles like a deadly poison.

    In just an instant, the stability of two of the projectiles was completely destroyed.

    ¡°Boom¡ª!¡±

    The explosion tore through the surrounding air with a flash of light and a powerful shockwave.

    Though he neutralized two energy projectiles, the third one continued to streak toward Langdon at high speed, its trajectory bizarre and unpredictable.

    Langdon took a deep breath, and a transparent energy shield instantly formed around him.

    ¡°Bang¡ª!¡±

    The projectile collided with the shield, exploding in a dazzling blaze of light.

    Cracks spread rapidly across the surface of the shield, spider-webbing outward in all directions.

    At the very moment cracks appeared on the shield, Eli burst through the fiery explosion and reached Langdon!

    His gaze was steady as iron, his entire being like a spear poised to strike with absolute precision.

    Eli¡¯s right palm came down with the force of a mountain, striking precisely at the weakest point of the shield.

    ¡°Crack¡ª!¡±

    Unable to withstand the blow, the shield shattered into countless fragments that dissolved into the air.

    Without pause, Eli pressed forward, his left palm striking toward Langdon¡¯s heart like a bolt of lightning.

    Langdon had no time to evade and could only raise his arm to block the attack.

    Just as the palm was about to land, Eli¡¯s movement suddenly changed.

    He abruptly withdrew his palm, spinning with the momentum, and his right knee, like an iron pillar, slammed into Langdon¡¯s abdomen.

    ¡°Bang¡ª!¡±

    Langdon¡¯s body was lifted by the impact, sent flying through the air like a kite with a broken string.

    Eli didn¡¯t pause for a moment. His feet landed firmly, his body sank slightly, and he assumed a stance that radiated natural and flawless balance.

 Chapter-026

    the air around Eli began to tremble faintly, and energy converged in an instant.

    Beneath his feet, a strange energy pattern gradually emerged:

    A circle rapidly forms, with the pattern inside composed of the ultimate contrast of black and white.

    A black arc and a white arc joined end to end, spinning and overlapping to create a visual effect of endless pursuit.

    Black concealed within white, white contained within black; the two colors intermingled yet remained distinctly defined.

    Encircling the pattern were eight intricate and mysterious lines, revolving like ancient star orbits.

    The pattern exuded an indescribable depth and majesty, as if proclaiming the truth of the universe and the balance of all things.

    And Eli stood at the center of the pattern, like a deity commanding heaven and earth.

    At this moment, Langdon''s body was still in free fall, and for the first time, fear appeared in his eyes.

    He realized the mortal danger he was in; the aura Eli emanated was lethal.

    Although his body was in free fall, Langdon had no intention of being captured without a struggle.

    He quickly summoned his transcendent energy, attempting to alter his falling trajectory and propel himself sideways to create distance from Eli.

    However, at that very moment, his movement suddenly froze as an invisible force surged toward him like an ocean tide from all directions.

    Eli''s spiritual power engulfed Langdon like a tidal wave¡ªits strength was not only immense but also felt like a world-shaking release after a long accumulation.

    Langdon''s pupils contracted slightly as he stared at Eli in disbelief.

    In their previous clashes, Eli had always remained on the defensive in the mental domain, rarely launching an offensive attack.

    He struggled to break free, but the mental restraints were as solid as steel, unshakable no matter how hard he tried.

    His body, still in free fall, plummeted straight toward Eli''s position.

    Eli¡¯s eyes closed briefly, then suddenly snapped open as an overwhelming aura erupted from him.

    His legs seemed deeply rooted in the earth, while his raised hands appeared to support the entire world.

    A faint tremor echoed in the air, as if the entire space was holding its breath for this moment.

    As Langdon''s body fell within Eli¡¯s attack range, Eli instantly activated ¡°Bullet Time.¡±

    Time seemed infinitely slowed; every minute movement and every ripple of energy from Langdon became vividly clear.

    In contrast, Eli¡¯s movements were fluid like water and swift as the wind.

    The First Palm: The Prelude of Shattering!

    Eli¡¯s right palm rose like a shooting star, striking toward Langdon¡¯s chest with precision.

    ¡°Bang!¡±

    The crisp sound echoed through the air. This palm did not feel violent but carried a rhythmic elegance.

    Langdon¡¯s chest jolted as energy rippled outward like waves, causing an invisible shockwave to spread through the air.

    The Second Palm: Ripple of Depth!

    Next, his left palm swirled and carved through the air in an arc, landing squarely on Langdon¡¯s abdomen.

    ¡°Slap!¡±

    The strike bent Langdon¡¯s body mid-air, as though he were being guided by a force both gentle and irresistible.

    The Third Palm: The Rhythm of the Waves!

    The force gathered by the palm surged like ocean waves, with black and white energies advancing in alternating rhythm, carrying a sense of natural growth.

    The palm wind pierced through Langdon''s right ribs, with energy spreading swiftly like ripples in water, causing his entire body to tremble.

    The Fourth to Tenth Palms: Rising Fury of the Waves!

    Each subsequent palm carried boundless strength and cadence.

    Every strike landed on a different point¡ªhis shoulders, waist, and legs¡ªall with pinpoint accuracy.

    The energy in the air grew increasingly turbulent, as though a storm was brewing.

    The Eleventh to Fiftieth Palms: Tempestuous Storm!

    Eli¡¯s hands transformed into a flurry of afterimages, his movements fluid and seamless.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    With each strike, a low sonic boom echoed through the air, as if the drums of heaven and earth were playing a symphony for this battle.

    With each impact, ripples of energy spread through the air. Droplets of water were shaken from the ground, scattering like countless crystalline bullets.

    Even the walls cracked under the pressure, fine dust and debris falling slowly, filling the scene with dynamic tension.

    The Fifty-First to Ninetieth Palm: The Intertwining of Black and White!

    The energy patterns on the ground emerged in harmonious symmetry, with black and white chasing each other in a profound, rhythmic dance.

    Eli''s movements were filled with a natural rhythm, no longer relying on singular bursts of force but resembling the cycle of the four seasons, carrying an endless sense of recurrence.

    With each palm, gentle ripples spread through the air, like water disturbed by the lightest touch.

    Langdon¡¯s body twisted mid-air like a leaf, lifted and flipped by the palm strikes.

    Each time he began to fall, another palm would catch him with a force that was both soft and unyielding.

    The black and white energy lines spiraled across the ground into the shape of twin fish, faintly radiating a light of tranquility and boundless vitality.

    The Ninety-First to One Hundred and Eighth Palm: The Echo of Nature!

    Eli''s movements gradually slowed, each rise and fall of his palms resembling the sunrise and sunset, with every strike embodying the imagery of the alternation of all things.

    Each strike now resonated like a natural echo, filled with deep rhythm, as though speaking to an ancient law of the universe.

    Black and white energies swirled around him, like two great rivers of history intertwining to weave a profound and majestic tapestry of historical grandeur.

    Langdon''s body trembled under the succession of palm strikes, at times soaring into the air, at times flipping over, yet always guided by the palm wind, unable to break free from this fate-like restraint.

    ¡°Boom¡ª!¡±

    When the One Hundred and Eighth Palm fell, the entire space fell silent for a brief moment before a deep resonance exploded, like a bell tolling across heaven and earth.

    Langdon¡¯s body crashed to the ground with the weight of a collapsing mountain, sending countless droplets of water into the air.

    The energy pattern on the ground faded into a final glimmer of light and disappeared, with the black and white traces resembling ripples on a lake before it calms, gradually returning to silence.

    Eli slowly withdrew his palms and let out a long breath.

    The surrounding energy began to settle, and his figure stood still like a lone pine¡ªresilient yet unassuming.

    At this moment, Langdon lay quietly on the ground, his body slightly curled, with one arm resting naturally at his side.

    His breathing was steady and deep, the muscles on his face completely relaxed, and his brows slightly unfurrowed.

    His expression was so peaceful, like someone who, after an exhausting journey, had finally fallen into a restful sleep.

    The relentless strikes had served as a purification, stripping away the layers of madness, bloodlust, and cruelty, until they finally dispersed into the heavens and earth.

    Eli was certain that Langdon would not suffer any aftereffects from this outburst.

    Yet no one knew whether Langdon would lose control again.

    At this moment, Eli felt a deep exhaustion wash over him.

    His physical condition was still fairly good; it was just that his breathing had become noticeably heavy.

    These heavy breaths were different from before. Previously, they were just an act to fool Allen and Ethan, but this time, they were real.

    His mental domain felt as if it had been completely hollowed out, with every thought becoming sluggish and heavy.

    A deeper level of exhaustion came from his soul, an indescribable sense of fatigue.

    That exhaustion brought an overwhelming drowsiness, and for a moment, he even wanted to collapse to the ground and sleep.

    But he knew this place was far from safe; resting here would be far too dangerous.

    Just then, Eli''s brow twitched slightly as he thought he sensed a faint breeze, subtle and nearly imperceptible.

    His instincts gave no response, leading him to believe it was nothing more than a hallucination caused by his exhaustion.

    Eli¡¯s gaze swept the area, eventually landing on a heavily worn metal baseball bat.

    It was a weapon he had used earlier, one that had seen countless life-and-death battles.

    Now it was stained with blood and scarred from wear, yet it still emanated a cold, unyielding gleam.

    He walked over, picked up the bat, knowing that in this environment, it was still the most reliable weapon.

    Eli then approached Langdon, hoisting the sleeping Langdon onto his shoulder.

    The weight caused his shoulder to sink slightly, but such a burden was nothing to him; his steps remained steady.

    But if another berserk Langdon were to emerge, even someone as formidable as Eli would be helpless to deal with it.

    The deep sewer echoed with his footsteps. After two turns, he saw Alan and Ethan not far ahead.

    The two were leaning against the wall, on high alert. In the dim yellow light, the fire axe in Alan''s hand gleamed coldly.

    When they saw Eli''s figure, the tension on their faces eased slightly.

    ¡°Eli!¡±

    Alan couldn¡¯t help but speak, his voice carrying a trace of suppressed excitement.

    Ethan didn¡¯t say anything, but his expression softened noticeably.

    He looked at Eli with a complicated gaze, then nodded, as if expressing some unspoken gratitude.

    Eli steadied his breathing, adjusted Langdon slightly on his shoulder, and quickened his pace. Within seconds, he had reached the two men.

    Alan¡¯s eyes immediately fell on Langdon, his tone filled with concern and a faint hint of unease.

    ¡°How¡¯s Langdon?¡±

    ¡°Asleep. He¡¯s fine.¡±

    Eli¡¯s voice was short and calm. He then scanned the surroundings, his sharp gaze sweeping across the dark sewer.

    ¡°This place isn¡¯t safe. We need to leave as soon as possible,¡± he said.

    Alan and Ethan nodded without hesitation. They knew this was no place to talk.

    Although they hadn¡¯t witnessed the battle, they had heard the sounds of it.

    The commotion had been significant and could very well attract some ratmen, so they needed to leave immediately.

    ¡°You lead, we¡¯ll follow,¡± Alan said softly, gripping the fire axe tightly as he resumed his alert stance.

    Ethan adjusted his position slightly, moving to Alan¡¯s other side.

    The two instinctively formed a protective formation, standing guard around Eli and Langdon.

    Without any further words, the three set off immediately.

    Eli walked in the lead, his heightened perception and intuition allowing him to pinpoint enemies, even those beyond his field of vision.

    The path ahead was filled with patrolling ratmen, their numbers significant and not to be underestimated.

    ¡°Follow me closely and keep quiet,¡± Eli instructed in a low voice.

    Though Eli didn¡¯t explain the reasons, Alan and Ethan already trusted him completely and didn¡¯t ask questions.

    Eli focused his mind, activating an invisible Transcendent Field.

    The field spread out like ripples of water, gently enveloping everything around them.

    The smells in the air were quickly neutralized, erasing any trace of their presence;

    Footsteps were mysteriously absorbed, with even the faint sound of soles brushing water vanishing completely;

    Mental fluctuations were suppressed to the point of being nearly undetectable, as if the group had melted into the silent darkness.

    Eli moved cautiously through the passages, carefully checking each bend in advance.

    Only after confirming the path was safe did he motion for Alan and Ethan to follow.

    The group maintained a calm yet swift pace, leaving no openings for their enemies.

    They avoided several highly dangerous patrol points, leaving the unseen foes far behind as they continued their steady advance.

 Chapter-027

    The passage ahead gradually fell into darkness, the dim yellow lights along the way completely vanishing in this section.

    Allen and Ethan couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief, the oppressive tension in their chests easing slightly.

    "The lights are off, so it seems this isn''t an area where the rat-men are active," Allen said in a low voice, though his tone remained highly cautious.

    Ethan glanced around and added, "This area should be temporarily safe."

    However, Eli''s steps didn¡¯t relax in the slightest. In a low voice, he said:

    "The lights are off, which indeed means the rat-men aren¡¯t active here. But why don¡¯t they come to this area?"

    Allen and Ethan froze.

    "Most likely," Eli continued with a hint of coldness, "it¡¯s because something far more terrifying than the rat-men is ahead."

    Eli¡¯s words sent a chill through the two, instantly heightening their tension.

    Then Eli changed his tone, softening it slightly.

    "Still, for now, this place is relatively safe. We can rest here for a bit."

    Allen and Ethan were filled with doubt. They couldn¡¯t understand how Eli had come to this conclusion.

    Even so, they nodded, choosing to trust Eli¡¯s judgment.

    Eli immediately focused on a corner, walking over and gently setting Langdon down, ensuring his body rested steadily against the wall.

    Watching Eli¡¯s careful actions, Ethan hesitated for a moment before asking, "Eli, do you know Langdon?"

    Eli replied calmly, "No, but that doesn¡¯t stop us from becoming comrades in the future."

    Allen raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile of approval forming on his lips.

    "Good answer," Ethan said, a hint of admiration in his tone.

    Eli looked at Ethan, his gaze carrying a trace of curiosity as he asked,

    "Still, I have a question. During the earlier fight, you went to great lengths to protect Langdon. For a moment, I thought you knew him."

    Ethan was silent for a moment, his gaze dropping slightly as he replied in a steady voice:

    "I don¡¯t know him. But I once had a young colleague, about Langdon¡¯s age. During an operation, he died from a drug dealer¡¯s bullet¡ªbecause I didn¡¯t protect him."

    Allen¡¯s expression grew complex, as if he were recalling something, and he fell into brief silence.

    Eli lowered his head for a moment, expressing his respect and condolences.

    After the moment of silence, Allen was the first to speak. His voice was low, carrying a suppressed anger and pain.

    "Eli, I know this may not be something we should ask, but I still want to know¡ªwhat¡¯s really going on with this disaster?"

    He raised his head, his gaze fixed on Eli, heavy with indescribable gravity.

    "My family¡­ they might have¡­ perished in this disaster¡­"

    His voice trembled slightly but was quickly suppressed. He tried to stay composed, but the pain in his eyes was unmistakable.

    Ethan also turned his gaze toward Eli, his stare steady and intense.

    He said nothing, but his eyes carried an unspoken pressure, demanding an answer.

    Meeting their gazes, Eli¡¯s voice was low but resolute:Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    "Believe me or not, I truly don¡¯t know why this disaster broke out. But one thing I¡¯m certain of¡ªit¡¯s not the work of humanity. Our technology hasn¡¯t reached such a level."

    After a slight pause, his eyes swept over the two of them as he continued:

    "As for my abilities¡­ to be honest, I¡¯m as clueless as you are. But I do know this¡ªif this secret falls into the wrong hands, I will be in extreme danger."

    Eli¡¯s tone lowered slightly, becoming even calmer and firmer:

    "I have to survive. I need to uncover the whole truth. For that, I¡¯m willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means doing things that¡­ violate ethics or human rights."

    After a second of silence, he added, "Because this is my mission."

    Ethan nodded slowly and said in a deep voice:

    "I get what you mean. If the government or those big corporations find out about your abilities, there¡¯s a high chance you¡¯ll be taken in as a test subject. Those wealthy and powerful people would do anything for immortality or eternal youth."

    He paused, his tone turning colder:

    "Even if it doesn¡¯t come to that, someone with your rare abilities would never be sent to the front lines. They¡¯d ''protect'' you, but in reality, it¡¯s just imprisonment, monitoring you for life. Freedom? Keep dreaming."

    Eli nodded slightly on the surface, as if agreeing with Ethan¡¯s assessment, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

    What he truly worried about wasn¡¯t exposing his transcendent abilities

    but rather those deeper, more terrifying secrets:

    The terrifying intuition and that vague, unclear dream were the real secrets he didn¡¯t want to reveal.

    Allen remained silent for a moment before speaking bluntly:

    "Listen, Eli. I want to figure all this out too. That¡¯s why I want to join your team. Not just to survive, but to uncover the truth."

    He stared into Eli¡¯s eyes, his tone carrying a hint of pressure:

    "You saved me at Grand Central Station, wasn¡¯t it because of my status as a cop? I can use my position to help you keep these secrets hidden. Whether it¡¯s files, identities, or other troublesome matters, I¡¯ll do my best to handle them."

    Ethan spoke up without hesitation:

    "Count me in too. I¡¯m not good with flowery words, but whatever you need, I¡¯ll follow through."

    He spread his hands, his gaze frank:

    "Whether it¡¯s to stay alive or uncover the truth, I¡¯m on your side."

    Allen nodded and said firmly, "We¡¯re in the same boat now. Cooperation is the only way we have a chance of surviving."

    Eli¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. "Alright then, it¡¯s settled. Let¡¯s work together."

    Allen wasted no time and asked directly, "Alright, so what¡¯s next? What¡¯s the plan?"

    Without hesitation, Eli replied:

    "First, we need to leave New York immediately. This place is done for. The longer we stay, the more dangerous it gets."

    He glanced at the two of them and emphasized:

    "This is the top priority."

    "Second, we need to understand the current situation. Not just in New York, but across the United States and globally."

    Eli¡¯s tone grew more serious:

    "We¡¯re completely in the dark right now. It¡¯s too passive."

    Allen nodded and added, "Phones have no signal, and the internet is down. If we want information, we¡¯ll have to wait until we¡¯re out of New York."

    Ethan agreed, looking at Eli, waiting for him to continue.

    Eli went on:

    "Third, if the U.S. government hasn¡¯t collapsed and social resources are still functioning normally, they will definitely establish some specialized agencies to investigate this disaster. Whether it¡¯s the CIA, FBI, or some other department, there¡¯s bound to be one like that."

    Eli¡¯s voice lowered:

    "When that happens, we¡¯ll have to make a decision¡ªdo we all join? Or does only one of us go in while the others stay outside, preserving more freedom of movement?"

    As he said this, his gaze shifted between Allen and Ethan, making it clear:

    At least one of you needs to go.

    Ethan barely hesitated before saying:

    "I¡¯ll go. This is my field. I¡¯ve worked undercover in drug cartels and dealt with all kinds of people. I can handle this."

    Allen nodded, clearly agreeing with Ethan¡¯s suggestion.

    At the same time, he thought to himself: One of us has to stay in the team to keep an eye on Eli and ensure that his only goal is to uncover the truth about this disaster¡ªnot to hurt others or chase some dangerous ambition.

    Eli''s eyes flickered slightly. With his powerful intuition and keen insight, he could clearly "hear" Allen¡¯s unspoken thoughts.

    But he said nothing, his expression remaining utterly calm.

    Allen broke the silence and spoke:

    "If this disaster really spreads worldwide and all governments collapse, with no one able to mobilize societal resources, then what do we do?"

    Eli replied without hesitation:

    "In that case, we¡¯ll have to build a new government ourselves in the wasteland, form an army, rescue as many people as possible, and continue investigating the truth of the disaster."

    Ethan shook his head, a faint bitter smile on his lips:

    "Look, it¡¯s a decent plan, but do you have any idea how hard that would be? Managing a wasteland isn¡¯t a joke."

    Eli looked at him, his tone calm but resolute:

    "No matter how hard it is, it has to be done. If it comes to that, there won¡¯t be any other choice."

    He paused, his tone softening slightly:

    "To be honest, I don¡¯t want to see all governments collapse. If they can still function and mobilize societal resources, then we can focus entirely on uncovering the truth without being dragged down by other problems."

    Eli stopped for a moment, his expression growing heavier.

    His gaze swept over Allen and Ethan, his voice low and grave:

    "Listen, if human civilization truly enters a wasteland era, given the current circumstances, there¡¯s a high chance human civilization will face extinction."

    Allen and Ethan¡¯s expressions grew complicated, though they didn¡¯t show any surprise or shock.

    Clearly, this wasn¡¯t a possibility they hadn¡¯t considered before.

    "Why? I¡¯d like to hear your thoughts," Allen said, his voice low yet steady.

 Chapter-028

    Eli took a deep breath and said slowly,

    "Let''s not talk about the zombies, nor the other mutated flora and fauna, not even whether marine life or microorganisms might mutate¡ªlet''s focus on one thing: the Ratmen."

    His gaze was sharp, and his tone grew colder: "These rat-men clearly possess intelligence on par with humans. Their physical capabilities are no less than those of an average man and, in some aspects, even superior. Moreover, the rat-men have numerous special abilities, and that¡¯s the truly dangerous part."

    Eli analyzed one point after another: "Their sense of smell, hearing, and vision far surpass those of humans. They also have a remarkable resistance to viruses and diseases. This alone gives them an adaptive edge over us. But what¡¯s truly terrifying is that every single rat-man possesses transcendent abilities in the mental domain."

    Ethan and Allen listened intently, waiting for him to continue.

    Eli paused, his tone now calmer but filled with weight: "These mental abilities allow them to do at least two things."

    Raising one finger, Eli began: "First, they can control rat swarms. For them, ordinary rats are both a food reserve and a weapon. This means we¡¯re not just fighting the rat-men; we¡¯re also up against their endless hordes of rats. These rats can infiltrate any place, devour our food supplies, destroy our equipment, and even spread diseases."

    Ethan and Alan could imagine this. While they found the rat swarm extremely troublesome, they were not surprised by it.

    Eli raised a second finger:

    "Second, spiritual communication between individuals. This form of communication is far more efficient than language or text, allowing them to share vast amounts of information within milliseconds.

    What does this mean? It means that a simple spiritual fluctuation can accomplish command transmission and tactical adjustments.

    Combat is secondary; what is truly terrifying is that they have completely transformed their methods of learning and knowledge inheritance. Their learning efficiency and the speed of knowledge transmission far surpass that of humans, enabling their entire species to achieve leapfrog development in an incredibly short time."

    Ethan roughly understood Eli¡¯s point, his expression turning grim:

    "They¡¯re born able to communicate directly through mental waves, while it takes us years just to learn how to write."

    Allen remained silent, his expression growing even more serious. He could fully grasp what Eli was implying.

    Eli looked at Ethan, his tone grave: "It¡¯s not that simple. This isn¡¯t just about writing. It took humanity generations and over two centuries to build a modern industrial system. How long would it take the rat-men?"

    Eli paused for a moment before continuing, "Direct communication based on spiritual fluctuations enables them to rapidly advance industrial development and quickly solve various technical challenges. Their civilization will develop in leaps and bounds. Within a hundred years, they might enter the era of interstellar colonization¡ªa speed that is almost unimaginable."

    Eli¡¯s gaze grew colder, his tone carrying an undeniable conviction:

    "The rat-men¡¯s societal efficiency will give them an overwhelming advantage in resource competition. Industry, agriculture, healthcare, military¡ªevery sector could fall under their complete control in an alarmingly short time. And we won¡¯t even have the chance to keep up."

    Allen and Ethan¡¯s expressions grew increasingly heavy.

    Eli paused again, his gaze becoming even more profound:

    "The most critical question is whether the reproductive capabilities of these rat-men have been enhanced. Even if they haven¡¯t, even if their reproductive rates have decreased, they are still likely far greater than those of humans. And if their reproductive abilities have been enhanced¡­"

    He didn¡¯t finish the sentence, but the implicit threat in his words was enough to send chills down their spines.

    Ethan asked heavily, "If that''s the case, what will happen to humanity?"

    He paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts, and his tone grew even graver: "If the Ratmen choose to marginalize us, humanity''s situation will deteriorate rapidly. The most optimistic outcome is that we are forced into resource-poor peripheral areas, such as the frigid zones or deserts. And in the worst-case scenario..."

    Eli did not finish his sentence, but the look in his eyes said it all, and for a moment, the air seemed to freeze.

    Eli continued, his tone devoid of emotion: "It''s evident that the Ratmen are extremely ruthless. I find it hard to imagine they would choose to coexist peacefully with humanity."A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Ethan took a deep breath, his expression complex. "So, what should we do?"

    Eli replied, "We need to find ways to bridge these gaps. Maybe through technology, maybe through genetic enhancement, but we must act immediately, or the situation will get worse."

    Without much thought, Alan spoke decisively, "We need to quickly figure out the current situation and understand what''s happening in other countries. I sincerely hope this disaster is confined to New York and hasn''t spread globally. If it has gone worldwide..."

    He paused, a repressed worry flashing across his face. "Then humanity might truly be finished."

    Ethan nodded, his expression equally solemn.

    He spoke firmly, "If the U.S. government hasn¡¯t collapsed, I will find a way to join them and do everything I can to make those politicians and bureaucrats understand the severity of the problem. We must immediately take every measure to contain and combat the Ratmen. If the government has fallen, then we will have to rebuild order ourselves, reestablish industrial systems, and raise an army. Human civilization cannot simply end here."

    Eli glanced at the sleeping Landon, his tone softening slightly. "Maybe things aren''t as dire as they seem. Landon and I might not be isolated cases. There could be more like us."

    A glimmer of hope flashed in Alan and Ethan¡¯s eyes; his words reignited their optimism.

    If more individuals like Eli and Landon existed, humanity might still have a chance to turn the tide.

    Eli¡¯s extraordinary abilities and composed leadership made them realize he was a crucial figure who could guide them through this crisis.

    If the U.S. were still holding presidential elections, they would undoubtedly push for Eli to run, leveraging his abilities and intellect to secure humanity¡¯s survival.

    Only by placing Eli at the core of decision-making can he influence society as a whole, swiftly coordinate resource allocation, and drive the formulation of a comprehensive strategy against the Ratmen.

    Alan spoke, tentatively asking, "If the government is still intact, have you considered... going into politics? Not necessarily as president, but at least participating in decision-making?"

    Eli shook his head, his expression calm. "I have no interest, nor am I suited for it."

    He paused briefly before continuing, "My time and energy are limited. I need to uncover the truth behind this disaster, which requires me to stay on the front lines, directly engaging with the events themselves, facing dangers head-on, At any moment, I could sacrifice my life.

    Becoming president would mean spending a significant amount of time dealing with bureaucratic affairs and navigating political battles, leaving me unable to personally investigate the truth. That kind of role would bind me to an office, away from the core issues, ultimately delaying the investigation''s progress and outcomes."

    His tone was low but resolute: "Of course, being president could indeed allow me to task the CIA, FBI, or other agencies with investigating this disaster. But I don¡¯t trust them to get to the bottom of it. This matter requires someone truly capable to handle it, not reliance on a bureaucratic system."

    Eli let out a cold chuckle and added, "But don¡¯t get me wrong. I¡¯m just not planning to be a politician right now. If one day I decide it¡¯s necessary to become president, those incompetent politicians had better step aside willingly, or..."

    His voice dropped slightly, "I¡¯ll send them to meet God."

    Hearing Eli¡¯s words, Ethan¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile, a clear look of admiration in his eyes.

    He had encountered too many hypocritical and indecisive people, but Eli¡¯s clarity of purpose and unfiltered directness earned his respect.

    This decisiveness and commanding presence made Ethan feel that Eli was naturally born to lead.

    Compared to Ethan, Alan''s reaction was much more complex, filled with inner conflict.

    Although he could understand Eli''s attitude and was aware that the current situation demanded decisiveness and toughness.

    However, the phrase "send them to meet God" was hard for him to accept; he could not ignore his adherence to the principles of democracy deep within his heart.

    Reflecting on human history, he knew that democracy was not achieved overnight but was won through the blood and sacrifice of countless individuals.

    Every major crisis in history had given rise to authoritarianism and dictatorship, attempts to impose temporary order through violence and control.

    Yet without exception, these regimes paid a heavy price:

    The tyranny of the Roman Empire ended its golden era, the dictatorship following the French Revolution plunged the people into suffering,

    and the atrocities committed by totalitarian states during World War II pushed humanity to the brink of extinction.

    While democracy is far from perfect¡ªwith its redundancies, compromises, and occasional inefficiency¡ª

    its true value lies in giving everyone a voice, protecting the weak from the oppression of the powerful, and injecting fairness and justice into society.

    It is this inclusiveness and balance that allows society to find harmony amid conflict and ensures that human dignity is respected.

    Even at the edge of apocalypse, humanity should not abandon such beliefs.

    They serve as a reminder that no matter how chaotic the situation, fairness, justice, and the dignity of humanity must be upheld.

    This spirit transcends political systems; it is one of the most critical cornerstones of human civilization and the hope for its continuation.

    Alan knew these principles could not be discarded; otherwise, human civilization risked descending into an endless cycle of violence.

    His thoughts became clearer:

    Power must be checked, and no matter how noble the goal, it cannot justify the abuse of means.

    If humanity slides into despotism and violence, survival itself will lose its meaning.

    He admired Eli for his abilities and vision displayed in the face of crisis¡ªqualities humanity desperately needed in these times.

    But at the same time, he harbored deep concerns, wary of over-reliance on individual power and vigilant against dictatorship, tyranny, and oppression.

    Alan¡¯s admiration and unease toward Eli intertwined, clearly reflected in his gaze¡ªcomplex and heavy.

    Ethan, on the other hand, harbored none of these concerns. In his mind,

    instead of being entangled by the rules and frameworks of the past, it was better to place hope in those who genuinely had the ability to change the current situation.

    And Eli was very likely that person!

    Eli¡¯s expression remained calm, yet he could keenly sense the emotional fluctuations in Alan and Ethan¡ªeven "hearing" their inner thoughts.

    However, Eli said nothing. His thoughts were exceedingly simple:

    If it¡¯s necessary, he would do it;

    if it¡¯s not, he wouldn¡¯t.

    Everything depended solely on whether it was necessary.

 Chapter-029

    Ethan gradually sensed the heavy atmosphere and took the initiative to change the topic.

    "Alright, since you¡¯re not interested in politics for now, then¡­ could we let Landon try entering politics?"

    Eli shook his head decisively, his tone resolute:

    "Landon is a crucial part of our team¡¯s combat strength, and we can¡¯t afford to lose him for now. Besides, to be honest, he¡¯s not cut out for this kind of role."

    Ethan listened and couldn¡¯t help but nod,.

    "You¡¯re right. What we need most right now is for everyone to play to their strengths."

    His tone carried a clear sense of respect, indicating that he had fully recognized Eli as the leader of the team.

    Alan also nodded, his expression serious. He spoke slowly:

    "We need to find someone truly suitable. Someone who knows how to leverage resources and power, who can skillfully handle political affairs and establish balance among different factions.

    Moreover, this person must have a certain degree of foresight to navigate the unpredictable future of human civilization.

    We need to work with such a person."

    Eli listened and smiled calmly. "Perhaps we don¡¯t need to worry about this at all. Just because we¡¯re not interested in power doesn¡¯t mean other Transcendent Beings feel the same. Maybe someone is already working toward this goal."

    He paused briefly, then shifted the topic to Landon. "Why did Landon lose control? I bet you¡¯re both curious. The reason isn¡¯t complicated. He isn¡¯t inherently evil, and he¡¯s definitely not a bad person. In fact, he¡¯s a good man¡ªa kind man."

    Alan and Ethan¡¯s eyes shifted slightly, clearly touched by the topic.

    Eli continued, "The reason he lost control is very simple. His willpower wasn¡¯t strong enough, and his inner resilience and stress tolerance were insufficient to manage such immense Transcendent power. As a result, when this power overwhelmed his mind, he couldn¡¯t withstand it and was ultimately consumed by it, with his animalistic instincts taking over his soul."

    Alan and Ethan exchanged glances, seemingly beginning to grasp Eli¡¯s point.

    But they didn¡¯t speak rashly and instead waited for Eli to continue.

    Eli remained calm and spoke directly:

    "What I mean is that abilities themselves have no right or wrong, and knowledge itself has no good or evil.

    The key lies in whose hands they are held.

    If they are in the hands of someone kind and just, they become a sword of justice that upholds order.

    But if they fall into the hands of the ambitious, they will become a disaster."

    He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping between Alan and Ethan.

    "So, tell me, how many people in this world, after gaining power, can still retain their kindness and sense of justice? How many can still adhere to the morals and laws of human society?"

    Faced with this question, Alan and Ethan fell silent.

    Not only because it was a difficult question to answer, but also because it unveiled a cold and brutal truth about reality.

    Eli did not make things difficult for them and instead gave a direct answer.

    His tone was calm, even carrying a hint of indifference:

    "Having 10% would already be the most ideal scenario. Reality isn¡¯t a movie; there aren¡¯t that many Supermen, Iron Men, or Spider-Men.

    When faced with temptations like money, power, women, glory, fame, and status, how many people can truly stay true to themselves?"

    He paused, his gaze still steady and cold:

    "I don¡¯t know what you think, but I know I can¡¯t guarantee that I¡¯ll always maintain the personality I have now.

    Maybe one day, I¡¯ll also do a lot of bad things for my own ambitions."If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Alan immediately spoke, his tone firm:

    "Then we can use the law to oversee them. As long as the system is sound, we can avoid these problems."

    A faint smile appeared on Eli''s lips, his tone carrying a hint of rhetorical questioning:

    "First, let¡¯s make one thing clear: personal ability is not the same as governmental authority.

    Ability is a personal attribute, while authority is a privilege granted by society.

    Authority can be monitored by the public and institutions, but ability is difficult to oversee because it doesn¡¯t rely on external authorization¡ªit¡¯s entirely up to the individual to decide how to use it."

    His voice deepened slightly:

    "Admittedly, the government can enact laws to regulate Transcendent Beings, but the question is: how many of them would be willing to accept such oversight?

    You must understand, Transcendent Beings are not ordinary people; their abilities far exceed your imagination.

    And the benefits their abilities bring are equally unimaginable."

    Eli slowly looked at both of them and continued:

    "Let¡¯s not talk about anything else. I can say with 100% certainty that some wealthy individuals and those in power will definitely collaborate with these Transcendent Beings.

    The purpose is simple: to gain Transcendent power, to maintain eternal youth, to extend their lifespan, to secure endless wealth and privilege."

    His tone grew more serious:

    "So, I want to ask: if Transcendent Beings unite to seize power, who can stop them?

    In fact, they wouldn¡¯t even need a coup. They could become those in power simply through legal elections."

    His gaze was sharp, and his voice carried a hint of coldness:

    "Going a step further, Transcendent Beings wouldn¡¯t even need to step onto the political stage themselves.

    They could simply support a proxy, a puppet to be president."

    Eli turned to Alan, his tone blunt:

    "Alan, isn¡¯t this exactly what you suggested? That we need to find a politician to work with?"

    The air seemed to grow colder, and Alan couldn¡¯t help but feel a wave of exhaustion in his heart.

    He paused, his gaze growing calmer: "That said, don¡¯t lump all Transcendent Beings into one category. Not everyone resists oversight or seeks to seize power. Some may be more inclined to assist the government, protect society, or even voluntarily accept constraints."

    He sighed softly: "But the problem is, those with a strong sense of morality are in the minority, while the majority are far less noble."

    Alan was silent for a moment, his gaze turning sharp and focused.

    He looked directly at Eli, his tone low but full of resolve: "Then, in your view, how should these problems be resolved?"

    Eli responded without hesitation, his tone decisive and firm: "A leader is needed¡ªone who can establish laws for all Transcendent Beings. And this leader must be an almost perfect individual."

    His voice carried strength: "First, this leader must possess a strong inner core. Only with an exceptionally powerful inner strength can he control Transcendent power instead of being controlled by it and reduced to a raging beast."

    "Second, he must possess unparalleled strength. This is not only to deter those who would challenge order but also to provide his followers with a sense of security. Without great power, all ideals and laws are nothing but empty words."

    Eli paused, his gaze growing deeper: "But strength alone is not enough. He must also possess exceptional wisdom and foresight, capable of understanding the intricate workings of human society and crafting strategies that unite Transcendent Beings while safeguarding the rights of ordinary people. He must be a philosopher, a politician, and an unparalleled strategist."

    His tone softened gradually but carried an infectious conviction: "To gain the support of both Transcendent Beings and ordinary people, he must be generous enough to distribute resources fairly to all groups, not relying on violence and fear to maintain his rule. He needs to make everyone see that his decisions are not just for immediate benefits but for future prosperity."

    Eli¡¯s tone shifted, becoming more serious: "To achieve this, he must understand how to ¡®grow the pie.¡¯ The resources of human civilization are limited, and if they are merely redistributed on the existing basis, no matter how it¡¯s done, conflicts will arise. The tensions between those in power, the wealthy, the Transcendent Beings, and ordinary people will only grow sharper, ultimately leading to collapse."

    "Thus, he must find ways to expand the pie, making resources no longer a zero-sum game. He needs to drive technological progress, develop productivity, explore new frontiers, and perhaps even dismantle existing economic and social structures to create a more inclusive and efficient system."

    "This is not just to meet the needs of Transcendent Beings but to give ordinary people hope. Only in this way can the entirety of human civilization rally under his banner, forming an unprecedentedly strong collective to face the unknown future."

    "Moreover, he must possess an absolute moral high ground. He must uphold values of freedom, equality, human rights, rule of law, democracy, kindness, and justice. He must not only respect these values but ensure that they take root and flourish under his rule, becoming the core principles of society. His leadership must be benevolent yet resolute, using goodwill to dissolve hatred, justice to counter violence, and the rule of law to break chaos."

    Eli¡¯s gaze swept over Alan and Ethan, his voice low but resolute: "Such a perfect leader would not only aim to unite Transcendent Beings and ordinary people but also to propel civilization forward, unlocking humanity¡¯s unprecedented potential. His existence would become a beacon in the hearts of all."

    Ethan rolled his eyes exaggeratedly after hearing Eli''s words, his tone dripping with teasing: "Are you serious? Where in the real world would you find such a saint? Even if Washington, Lincoln, or Napoleon themselves heard this, they¡¯d probably stand up and argue with you for a bit."

    Alan, however, didn¡¯t get sidetracked by Ethan¡¯s remarks. He kept his gaze fixed on Eli and asked directly:

    "What about you? Can you be the person you¡¯re describing?"

    Eli shrugged, his tone laced with a hint of self-mockery:

    "Sorry, but I don¡¯t have that kind of magic. If I could, would I still be here chatting with you?"

    But Alan wasn¡¯t about to let him off the hook so easily, his tone pressing:

    "To what extent can you achieve?"

    Eli shook his head, his tone straightforward yet tinged with helplessness:

    "I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ll just have to take it one step at a time."

    Ethan spread his hands, his tone carrying a hint of impatience:

    "Then stop wasting time and say something constructive."

    Eli nodded. "Alright, first let¡¯s wake Landon up and get out of New York as soon as possible. Figuring out what¡¯s really going on is the top priority right now."

 Chapter-030

    Allen temporarily set aside his thoughts and, together with Ethan, carefully worked to wake Langdon up.

    Langdon slowly opened his eyes from his slumber, looking around in confusion.

    When his gaze landed on Allen and Ethan, he asked in a dazed voice, "Uh¡­ who are you?"

    Ethan rolled his eyes dramatically and knocked lightly on Langdon''s head¡ªnot too hard. "Wake up already."

    Langdon rubbed the spot where he was tapped, complaining, "Ow¡­ that hurt."

    However, that knock did indeed help his consciousness gradually return.

    Taking a deep breath, Langdon''s fragmented memories began to piece themselves together.

    He muttered, "The disaster¡­ it broke out¡­ zombies¡­ everywhere¡­"

    His eyes darted between Allen and Ethan before finally landing on Eli.

    "We fled for our lives together, entered the sewers, and were hunted by those... ratmen..."

    His voice trailed off, his face growing pale.

    Suddenly, he remembered becoming a burden to the group, followed by the darkness and the plunge into a nightmare.

    Langdon''s head shot up, his voice tinged with nervousness: "The ratmen¡­ where are they?"

    Allen didn¡¯t respond immediately but first looked at Eli.

    Only after Eli gave a slight nod did Allen calmly say, ¡°It¡¯s been taken care of.¡±

    Langdon froze for a moment, disbelief written all over his face.¡°Who took care of it?¡±

    Allen¡¯s expression grew complicated as he slowly replied, ¡°You.¡±

    When Langdon heard this sentence, his mind was instantly hit by a violent shock, and fragments of his dreams began to come into focus.

    It was a dream filled with violence and madness¡ªhe saw himself losing all reason, transforming into a terrifying monster, tearing apart rat-men one after another.

    Next came a battle filled with special effects, rivaling a blockbuster movie, and his opponent was¡ªEli.

    At this thought, Langdon snapped his head toward Eli. His eyes met Eli¡¯s calm, steady gaze, and his body began to tremble uncontrollably.

    In the dream, Langdon¡¯s rage and violence were like a ferocious storm, yet Eli was an unyielding lighthouse, immovable amidst the chaos, radiating an unshakable light.

    The fight left Langdon with an unprecedented sense of oppression, as if Eli had crushed him completely, leaving him utterly powerless.

    Langdon¡¯s body shook more violently, his eyes fixed on Eli as though he was staring at an unbeatable predator.

    He tried to look away, but his eyes refused to obey.

    Eli¡¯s gaze felt like an invisible mirror, reflecting all of Langdon¡¯s inner fears and insecurities.

    Ethan and Allen noticed Langdon¡¯s abnormal reaction¡ªhis face was etched with pure terror.

    The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, like a taut string on the verge of snapping.

    To ease the tension, Ethan broke the silence: "Langdon, let the past stay in the past."

    Eli gave a faint smile, his expression carrying a hint of warmth, and his gaze exuded a sincere sense of reassurance.

    He spoke gently, "Relax. It was just an accident; it¡¯s over now."

    Allen followed up, his tone firmer, "Langdon, no matter what you¡¯ve been through, we¡¯ll face it together."

    With everyone¡¯s comforting words, Langdon¡¯s expression finally softened a bit.

    He lifted his head to look at Eli, hesitated for a moment, and then asked in a low voice, "What¡­ what happened to me?"

    Allen and Ethan exchanged a glance before briefly explaining the cause of Langdon¡¯s rampage, while Eli added a few details.

    After listening, Langdon remained silent for a while, his mind churning with complex emotions.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    He did feel a sense of relief¡ªhe was no longer just a burden to the team; he could even step up to protect them in critical moments.

    However, this relief was overshadowed by a deep-seated fear.

    He vividly remembered the moments of his loss of control¡ªmadness, violence, bloodlust; it was nothing short of a completely irrational beast.

    Langdon looked at Allen and Ethan. Both of their gazes carried a trace of encouragement and trust, which warmed his heart.

    Finally, his eyes landed on Eli.

    Eli¡¯s gaze was as calm as still water, devoid of blame.

    Langdon wanted to ask him many questions, but the words were stuck in his throat, refusing to come out.

    Eli saw through the conflict in his heart and said, "If you have a question, just ask. Stop wasting time with hesitation."

    Langdon was silent for a few seconds before speaking: "You could¡¯ve easily dealt with those ratmen, even gotten us out of danger quickly. Why didn¡¯t you?"

    Upon hearing this question, Allen and Ethan''s expressions subtly shifted.

    Eli¡¯s tone remained calm: "Indeed, I could have easily dealt with those ratmen, but there are two reasons why I didn¡¯t."

    He paused for a moment, then said, "The first reason is that I can¡¯t easily reveal my abilities. The most dangerous thing in this world is the human heart¡ªexposing too much will only bring trouble upon myself."

    Ethan nodded and interjected, "He¡¯s right. During my undercover work, I saw too many people lose their lives because they revealed too much. Hiding yourself is a basic survival skill."

    Langdon listened but made no comment, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and instead raised his head to ask, "What¡¯s the second reason?"

    Eli''s expression grew serious, and he spoke slowly: "The first reason isn¡¯t actually that important. During that battle, the situation did reach the point where I needed to step in, and I was ready to take down those ratmen. But if I had acted, would you have still become a Transcendent Being?"

    Langdon froze for a moment, realizing why Eli hadn¡¯t acted immediately.

    Eli glanced around at the group, then shifted his tone as he spoke slowly: "Tell me, what do you think? Out of New York¡¯s nearly 9 million people, how many do you think can become Transcendent Beings?"

    The group remained silent, seemingly stumped by the question.

    Eli didn¡¯t wait for an answer; instead, he provided his own: "I think it¡¯s less than 0.2%."

    He paused briefly, then continued, "Nine million people perished, and fewer than 1,800 Transcendent Beings emerged. That¡¯s only one in every 5,000. And you, Langdon, are among this extremely rare group. This isn¡¯t just luck¡ªit¡¯s a miracle granted by the heavens."

    The group remained silent, and the atmosphere grew even heavier.

    Eli turned his gaze to Langdon and said, "I don¡¯t fully understand the exact mechanism of Transcendent Awakening, but I feel that what happened to you is far from an ordinary awakening. What I want to tell you is that you may possess far greater potential than others, and this potential might be more important than life itself."

    Eli¡¯s voice lowered, carrying a hint of helplessness: "If I had acted back then, I could have protected you, as well as Allen and Ethan. But you would have lost something far more important than life itself because of it. Perhaps, someday in the future, when you come to understand all of this, you might resent me, believing that I took your future away."

    Langdon lowered his head and said with a face full of guilt, "I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have doubted you."

    Eli smiled and said, "There¡¯s no need to apologize. If you have more questions, ask them now. Don¡¯t waste time."

    Langdon hesitated for a moment, then raised his head, his face filled with struggle and unease:

    "I¡¯m afraid¡­ afraid that I¡¯ll lose control again. I don¡¯t want to become that insane, bloodthirsty monster ever again."

    Eli looked directly into his eyes, his tone firm: "Then strive to become a true warrior."

    Langdon¡¯s eyes were filled with confusion; he didn¡¯t understand the meaning of a "true warrior."

    Eli paused briefly, then explained:

    "Strength or the magnitude of your abilities is certainly important, but the greatness of strength and abilities alone cannot make you a true warrior.

    A true warrior is someone with the heart of a warrior. And the key to having such a heart lies in:

    Strong willpower, resilience under pressure, and an unyielding inner strength.

    Only then can you control your power, rather than letting your power control you."

    Ethan and Allen nodded in agreement, clearly resonating with Eli¡¯s words.

    Eli continued, adding:

    "However, don¡¯t misunderstand¡ªhaving the heart of a warrior doesn¡¯t mean you need to become a flawless saint.

    Kindness, compassion, and even morality are separate matters."

    Langdon didn¡¯t quite understand why Eli felt the need to add this.

    Eli¡¯s gaze remained calm, his tone carrying a hint of patience:

    "Becoming a warrior simply requires having the heart of one; it doesn¡¯t dictate the kind of person you must be.

    Your life, your future, your aspirations¡ªthey should all be decided by you alone. No one else has the right to interfere.

    But remember, every choice comes with consequences. Especially when you choose an extreme path, it often brings more danger and responsibility."

    He paused, his tone growing slightly heavier:

    "Still, I hope you¡¯ll use this power to help more people¡ªto live up to their trust and support¡ªrather than using it merely to satisfy your own desires.

    This isn¡¯t just about your power; it¡¯s about whether the path you choose is truly worthwhile."

    Eli¡¯s words brought a moment of silence. Allen looked at him with a new depth in his gaze¡ªone of profound recognition.

    Ethan was more direct, saying, "Well said, I completely agree."

    Langdon took a deep breath, pressing his lips together, and asked, "Then, what should I do to become a true warrior?"

    Eli smiled slightly and replied:

    "That depends on what you think. If you really don¡¯t know where to start, the simplest way is this:

    Find a goal and dedicate yourself to it relentlessly.

    If you like justice, then strive for justice.

    If you seek strength, then work toward gaining more strength.

    If it¡¯s wealth or power you desire, the same principle applies."

    Eli stopped here and asked: "So, Langdon, what do you want? What is your goal?"

    His gaze swept over the group, as though this question wasn¡¯t just directed at Langdon but also at Allen and Ethan.

    Allen¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, his eyes revealing a flicker of determination¡ªan acknowledgment of his own goal.

    Ethan¡¯s gaze lowered, his lips curling into a faint smile, clearly indicating that he, too, had his answer.

    Langdon pressed his lips together. He wanted to become stronger, to gain more power, and to use that power to protect those around him.

    However, this thought embarrassed him, making it hard to say aloud.

 Chapter-031

    Eli saw through his thoughts but chose not to expose him. Instead, he acted as if nothing had happened and said calmly:

    ¡°If you don¡¯t have a clear goal for now, then stay with the team for the time being. Once you have a clear objective, it won¡¯t be too late to make a decision.¡±

    Langdon nodded without hesitation. ¡°Alright.¡±

    He knew very well that regardless of his eventual goal, he would need to rely on Eli for a considerable amount of time. This man could lead him further and bring him closer to his purpose.

    Eli glanced at him, his tone turning serious:

    ¡°Since you¡¯ve chosen to stay with the team, it means you need to follow orders. Langdon, can you do that?¡±

    Langdon remained silent for a moment, then asked, ¡°What¡¯s our goal?¡±

    Eli didn¡¯t answer directly but turned to look at Allen.

    Allen nodded decisively, his gaze full of trust, clearly conveying: You¡¯re the leader now, we¡¯ll follow your lead.

    Eli gave a small nod, expressing his gratitude to Allen.

    Then, he looked back at Langdon and said:

    ¡°To uncover the truth behind this disaster and put an end to it. That¡¯s our goal.¡±

    Langdon nodded seriously, accepting this goal. He asked directly, ¡°What do you need me to do?¡±

    Eli¡¯s gaze sharpened slightly, and his tone carried a warning:

    ¡°For now, we need to conceal our abilities and avoid letting anyone with ill intentions discover our secrets.

    And this is cruel, meaning that even if someone is dying right in front of us, we cannot use this power at will to save them.¡±

    Langdon felt a strong internal conflict at these words.

    Of course, he could nod and agree without hesitation, but deep down, he wasn¡¯t sure if he could stick to this decision if such a situation actually occurred.

    Eli saw his hesitation and didn¡¯t press him, instead softening his tone:

    ¡°It¡¯s alright if you can¡¯t do it. There are other tasks in the team that suit you better.¡±

    He paused briefly before continuing:

    ¡°If the U.S. government hasn¡¯t completely collapsed, they¡¯ll undoubtedly establish a specialized department to investigate this disaster.

    When that happens, Ethan will join them to provide the team with necessary support. As for you, as a Transcendent Being, the government will likely welcome you with open arms. You can partner with Ethan.¡±

    Eli¡¯s tone grew slightly heavier:

    ¡°However, this comes with significant risks. We can¡¯t be certain whether the U.S. government will treat you as an experiment subject or monitor you and restrict your freedom. There are too many unknowns.¡±

    Ethan interjected:

    ¡°Listen, Langdon, I honestly think sticking with Eli is a safer bet. At least if you lose control, Eli can manage the situation. If it¡¯s me? Ha, I¡¯d probably end up in a body bag.¡±

    He spoke lightly, even spreading his hands dramatically as if joking, but his tone carried genuine sincerity.

    Allen nodded and added:

    ¡°Patience is a fundamental quality of a warrior. More often than not, acting on impulse will only make things worse.¡±

    Langdon listened to the two of them, then turned to Eli and said firmly, "I want to follow you. I will follow your instructions."

    Eli shook his head, his gaze steady:

    ¡°Not my instructions¡ªthe team¡¯s goal.

    Langdon, you need to learn to think independently and develop your own judgment. This is crucial for you.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    He paused, his tone carrying a heavy sense of responsibility:

    ¡°If the day comes when I¡¯m no longer here, Langdon, I want you to take my place and carry on our mission. Don¡¯t let my sacrifice be in vain.¡±

    Eli¡¯s words instantly made the atmosphere heavy, and everyone present felt a profound sense of respect.

    Langdon¡¯s hands instinctively clenched into fists. Eli¡¯s words weighed on him like a mountain pressing down on his chest.

    He wanted to promise that he could take on this heavy burden, but he wasn¡¯t sure if he had the ability to bear such responsibility.

    Just as he was about to speak, a series of rapid gunshots echoed from the distance, cutting through his thoughts.

    The gunfire was dense and heavy, interspersed with the booming roar of explosions, reverberating throughout the sewer.

    Langdon immediately lifted his head, his eyes filled with astonishment and confusion.

    Allen and Ethan were equally startled, quickly looking toward the direction of the gunfire.

    Among all their reactions, Eli stood out.

    A sharp gleam flashed through his eyes, like a falcon locking onto its prey.

    The source of the gunfire, the intervals between explosions, even the rhythm of the firepower¡ªeach detail rapidly pieced itself together in Eli¡¯s mind, forming a comprehensive picture.

    His thoughts raced, his powerful intuition and keen insight allowing him to deduce countless possibilities in mere moments.

    His gaze narrowed slightly, and a bold plan began to take shape in his mind.

    But to execute it, he would need a critical capability¡ªa mental network.

    Similar to the mental network the ratmen used, one that transcended language and signals, enabling rapid coordination in complex environments.

    Now, Eli needed a similar ability.

    However, he was acutely aware that he did not possess such a skill.

    He shook his head lightly, the once-clear plan gradually becoming hazy, like shattered glass that could no longer be pieced together.

    Just as he was about to abandon the idea, a wave of information suddenly surged into his mind.

    Eli¡¯s body trembled slightly, and a thin layer of sweat appeared on his forehead.

    The information was vague, fragmented, illogical, and incomprehensible, yet it carried a faint sense of familiarity.

    He knew with absolute certainty that this information came from the dream.

    That dream, which had saved him multiple times, granting him extraordinary abilities.

    And now, the dream seemed to have gifted him something new.

    A power he had never experienced before¡ªa mental network!

    Eli took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes, as if immersing himself in an invisible calm.

    His fingertips trembled slightly, as though touching an unseen web.

    His consciousness began to expand outward, like a drop of ink diffusing into clear water.

    Eli¡¯s mental world resembled a vast starry sky, with each star representing his memories, intuition, and emotions.

    At the center of this celestial expanse, a radiant light slowly rose, emanating boundless power.

    This was the source of his spiritual energy, akin to an ever-burning furnace of infinite energy.

    Eli extended his thoughts outward, connecting with Langdon¡¯s mental world.

    It was like a stormy ocean, filled with surging waves of power yet difficult to control.

    Next, his consciousness reached Allen and Ethan.

    Allen¡¯s mental world resembled an expansive grassland¡ªsteadfast and resilient.

    Ethan¡¯s mental world was like a lake with hidden undercurrents¡ªcalm on the surface, yet beneath lay complexity and unpredictability.

    Carefully, Eli began weaving their mental nodes into a network, meticulously threading every strand.

    Gradually, the mental network took shape.

    At first, it was like a sparse spiderweb¡ªfragile and unstable.

    But as Eli continuously infused it with his spiritual energy, the web grew stronger and more resilient.

    Eventually, it became an invisible bridge that tightly linked the mental worlds of all four individuals.

    Eli opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning.

    He said nothing, but an unseen stream of information flowed from his consciousness to the other three in mere milliseconds.

    Langdon, Allen, and Ethan simultaneously received the influx of information, their faces showing expressions of astonishment.

    They understood Eli¡¯s plan¡ªand all of it transpired in an instant.

    First, based on the rhythm of the gunfire and the intensity of the firepower, it could be determined that this was not a civilian militia.

    It was almost certain that the gunfire originated from a special forces unit, which meant one thing: the U.S. government had not collapsed.

    Although Eli could not confirm whether other regions were similarly affected by the disaster, the continued existence of the U.S. government suggested that they still possessed the ability to mobilize societal resources and execute operations at a national level.

    This implied that the government had likely established specialized agencies to thoroughly investigate the cause of the disaster and attempt to find solutions.

    In Eli¡¯s plan, Ethan played a pivotal role.

    He needs to join this potential investigative agency and secure an important position with real authority within it.

    Ethan¡¯s role within the agency was crucial.

    He can not only provide intelligence on the progress of the disaster investigation and information related to Transcendent Beings but also influence relevant decisions to coordinate with Eli and the others'' actions.

    Ethan¡¯s successful infiltration would significantly enhance Eli¡¯s strategic initiative.

    However, the difficulty of having Ethan take on a position of real authority within this investigative agency is self-evident.

    Agencies like the CIA, FBI, and Homeland Security were filled with elite individuals, many of whom not only had extensive experience but also already held critical positions of power.

    In comparison, Ethan is merely an undercover cop. Although he has solid infiltration experience, he pales in comparison to those elite professionals who hold vast resources and deeply understand the rules of politics.

    Therefore, to stand out in such a highly competitive environment, Ethan would have to demonstrate his unique value.

    Only by proving that his presence was critical to investigating the disaster could Ethan earn status and power within the government, granting him access to classified information beyond the reach of ordinary people.

    The core challenges were threefold:

    1£¬Ethan had to prove his value.

    2£¬He needed to demonstrate irreplaceable abilities.

    3£¬It is necessary to ensure that the senior officials of the government regard Ethan as important.

 Chapter-032

    How can Ethan prove his value and abilities?

    To demonstrate irreplaceable value, Ethan must complete one high-difficulty task after another.

    Each successful mission will gradually shape Ethan¡¯s image as an indispensable figure.

    Over time, the impression that "problems cannot be solved without Ethan" will take root deeply in people¡¯s minds.

    Perhaps Ethan lacks the capability to accomplish these tasks independently, but Eli does.

    He is confident in himself and is willing to become the force behind Ethan, fully supporting him in completing these missions.

    Connections, political resources, and support from high-ranking government officials¡ªEthan might not have any of these at the start.

    But Eli believes these can be built later.

    He will assist Ethan in overcoming the initial resource disadvantage, elevate him to that critical position, and lay a solid foundation for future actions.

    The current New York, though fraught with dangers, is also brimming with countless opportunities, making it the optimal starting point for executing their plan.

    And the special operations team ahead is the perfect entry point for this strategic plan.

    The next course of action is clear:

    Rendezvous with this operations team and falsely claim that they encountered a group of ratmen during their escape, one of which is a special ratman with supernatural abilities.

    This special ratman might possess critical information related to the disaster, and failing to capture it in time could mean losing a vital clue to unraveling the mystery of the disaster.

    With this narrative, Ethan will establish an initial foundation of cooperation with the special operations team.

    The real challenge lies in finding and capturing this special ratman.

    Of course, Ethan has no leads and no idea where to locate a suitable target, but Eli does.

    He can lead the group to pinpoint this target with precision and assist Ethan in the capture if necessary.

    Eli is well aware that the significance of this mission to capture the high-value ratman lies in breaking through the current stalemate.

    Through this mission, Ethan can continue participating in other tasks, allowing him to further prove his worth to the government¡¯s top decision-makers.

    Ethan''s heartbeat suddenly quickened, the pressure weighing on his shoulders like a boulder.

    However, he took a deep breath, his fists quietly clenched, and a hint of determination appeared in his eyes.

    He accepted the mission without reservation, and that unwavering confidence reverberated through the mental network, reaching everyone.

    He wanted to say something, but Eli interrupted him through the mental wave.

    ¡°From this moment on,¡± Eli¡¯s mental wave was steady and calm, resonating in everyone¡¯s consciousness, ¡°we must quickly adapt to communicating through the mental network. The simplest way is this: whatever you want to say, say it in your mind¡ªI can hear it. When necessary, we can communicate externally with language while using the mental network to coordinate internally. Any extra words, tone, actions, or microexpressions will increase the risk of exposing our true intentions.¡±

    Eli¡¯s guidance was calm and clear, making everyone realize the immense potential of the mental network while also understanding the significant risks of casually relying on traditional forms of communication.

    Ethan¡¯s expression remained unchanged, but his voice resonated powerfully through the mental network:

    ¡°I accept this mission.¡±

    His tone was firm, without a trace of hesitation, and that genuine resolve inspired everyone.

    Eli¡¯s gaze turned to Alan, clearly sensing his concerns.

    ¡°Ethan previously went undercover in a drug cartel,¡± Alan¡¯s mental wave carried a hint of hesitation. ¡°Such a background is somewhat less than honorable. In contrast, my professional record is spotless. Throughout my police career, I have fulfilled my duties diligently and earned multiple honors. If we are to send the most suitable person, wouldn¡¯t I be a better choice than him?¡±

    Ethan¡¯s expression still didn¡¯t change. He understood that Alan¡¯s concern was not without merit.

    His response came directly through the mental network, calm and forceful.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Alan, nearly 9 million people in New York have perished. The politicians in Washington are surely in a frenzy. Whether or not they genuinely want to uncover the truth, they will certainly act like they¡¯re sparing no effort to investigate this disaster to win public support.¡±

    Ethan''s mental wave grew even firmer:

    ¡°In this situation, as long as one demonstrates enough value and ability, even a marginalized individual could be promoted¡ªlet alone me. Besides, I¡¯m an undercover cop, not an actual drug dealer. Following orders and venturing into danger inherently reflects obedience and loyalty. In this regard, I have a clear advantage over ordinary officers.¡±

    His logic was flawless, and his tone carried absolute confidence.

    After hearing Ethan¡¯s reasoning, Alan¡¯s doubts gradually dissipated.

    In truth, Alan knew that whether or not Ethan was the ideal candidate, he had to be the one.

    Alan himself needed to stay within the team to observe Eli¡¯s true intentions and ensure his ultimate goal was to uncover the truth behind the disaster.

    Eli¡¯s gaze shifted to Langdon.

    Although Langdon appeared calm on the surface, a faint ripple in the mental network indicated that he still had questions in his mind.

    Noticing Eli¡¯s look, Langdon did not hesitate and quickly conveyed his thoughts through the mental network.

    Langdon¡¯s mental wave was clear and firm:

    ¡°If we need the government¡¯s support, why don¡¯t we join them directly? Of course, I understand that for Transcendent Beings, joining the government comes with many uncertainties and could even lead to losing our freedom.¡±

    His thoughts paused briefly in the mental network before continuing:

    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t change this situation or earn the government¡¯s trust. We don¡¯t care about power or status. Our goal is simple¡ªto uncover the truth behind the disaster and resolve it.¡±

    ¡°That being the case, our objectives align closely with the government¡¯s. As long as we can establish trust, we should be able to build a solid foundation for cooperation.¡±

    Alan¡¯s mental wave was the first to transmit a gentle warmth, a kind of relief mixed with encouragement.

    Then his mental wave grew steadier, transmitting the strength of reason to the team:

    ¡°Langdon, your reasoning is mature, and your direction is clear. However, the government is not a monolithic entity. It is composed of multiple departments and factions, rife with internal conflicts of interest.

    Even if our goals align with theirs, joining them could entangle us in these complex struggles, or worse, reduce us to pawns for certain factions. To them, Transcendent Beings are likely seen as uncontrollable entities, which makes trust inherently fragile.¡±

    Ethan¡¯s mental wave carried a rare trace of warmth, as if silently patting Langdon on the shoulder.

    Next, the warmth was replaced by sharpness:

    ¡°Alan is right. In the eyes of those government departments, Transcendent Beings are like ticking time bombs. What they want is not cooperation but control. Their trust comes with chains and is built solely on the premise that ¡®They can take us down at any time.¡¯¡±

    Then, his mental wave grew more restrained, becoming calm and precise:

    ¡°Earning the government¡¯s trust would consume enormous energy. Getting caught up in political whirlpools and dealing with power struggles would also slow us down. Our priority is to uncover the truth quickly and resolve the disaster.¡±

    "The current optimal solution is this: you, Eli, and Alan do not join the government and focus all your efforts on investigating the truth. As for me, being an ordinary person, I won''t be subjected to the same strict scrutiny as Transcendent Beings."

    His mental wave was resolute and pragmatic:

    ¡°This makes it easier for me to gain their trust and access critical classified information. With this intel, you can act swiftly without being bogged down by political affairs. This approach ensures the team¡¯s operational efficiency and minimizes adverse factors, helping us achieve our goal.¡±

    At this point, Ethan added:

    "Of course, this is only the optimal solution for the current stage. We need to adjust our strategy based on how the situation develops. If we deem it necessary, we can pursue some form of cooperation with the government, or even join its relevant departments."

    Eli¡¯s mental wave flowed like a warm current, quickly spreading to everyone¡¯s consciousness, letting them feel his recognition and support.

    This wave also carried a subtle encouragement, gently urging Langdon to continue expressing his thoughts.

    Langdon¡¯s mental wave flickered with a trace of hesitation, mixed with a slight sense of embarrassment.

    "Although I don¡¯t usually get involved in the family business, I still know a bit about our situation."

    His thoughts gradually became clearer, and his mental wave revealed more specific information:

    ¡°My father has had dealings with some officials in Washington, and he often supports various charity projects, which has allowed him to connect with quite a few people in high society. Of course, many of those big names might already be dead. Even if they¡¯re alive, I can¡¯t be sure whether they¡¯d be willing to help us.¡±

    He paused briefly, his tone carrying some uncertainty:

    ¡°But I think it wouldn¡¯t hurt to try. At the very least, our achievements need to reach the higher levels of government as soon as possible and get us into their sights.¡±

    Alan¡¯s mental wave revealed a trace of evident astonishment; he found Langdon¡¯s background unexpected.

    Ethan remembered something, and his mental wave conveyed a half-smiling tease.

    ¡°No wonder your suitcase was stuffed with so much jewelry. What¡¯s the deal? Running away from home?¡±

    Eli¡¯s mental wave, in contrast, felt like a faint smile¡ªgentle yet restrained.

    Langdon¡¯s expression turned slightly awkward as he tried to compose himself, attempting to hide his discomfort and avoid further silent jabs.

    Langdon¡¯s mental wave conveyed a mixture of explanation and helplessness:

    "The family¡¯s financial chain has broken, plunging us into a financial crisis. My father needs support from his ¡®friends¡¯ in Washington, so he sent me to run errands. That¡¯s why... those pieces of jewelry ended up in my suitcase."

    Eli wasn¡¯t surprised. When he first met Langdon at Grand Central, his sharp intuition had already made him aware that Langdon¡¯s family was facing difficulties.

    Although Eli doubted whether Langdon¡¯s social skills were sufficient to secure meaningful support, he chose not to share his doubts with the others.

    Instead, his mental wave carried a concise message, infused with encouragement and support:

    Proceed cautiously; abandon the attempt immediately if necessary; the team¡¯s purpose must not be exposed¡ªthis can be discussed further later.

    Eli¡¯s mental wave then coalesced into another firm signal:

    The current priority is to reach a consensus on the strategic plan for the future: agree or disagree, no abstentions.

    He was the first to express his stance through the mental network, his intent clear and resolute:

    ¡°I agree.¡±

    Alan followed shortly after, his mental wave exuding a calm strength:

    ¡°I agree as well.¡±

    Ethan¡¯s mental wave came through with crisp decisiveness:

    ¡°So do I.¡±

    Finally, Langdon, without a moment of hesitation, responded:

    ¡°I agree.¡±

    Once the team had reached a consensus, Eli issued precise instructions, calm and direct:

    ¡°Operation begins!¡±

    The command struck like the beating of war drums, instantly tightening everyone¡¯s focus.

 Chapter-033

    In the pitch-black environment, gunfire roared deafeningly, echoing incessantly.

    The spiders¡¯ hissing, as sharp as metal scraping, mixed with the team¡¯s heavy breathing.

    Spider limbs and corrosive fluids were scattered across the ground, while the walls were covered with webs and blood splatters, creating a scene straight out of hell.

    In the ghostly green vision of the night-vision goggles, the monsters appeared even more grotesque.

    Each spider was the size of an adult German Shepherd, with eight thick legs armored in hard chitin, their barbs scraping against the walls as they moved, producing a piercing ¡°ka-ka¡± sound.

    Despite the team¡¯s intense firepower, the sheer number of spiders showed no signs of diminishing, the suffocating pressure almost unbearable.

    ¡°Thermal grenades!¡±

    The captain shouted to the group, then swung his right hand, sending a grenade arcing forward.

    The explosion released a burst of thermal signals, making the spiders¡¯ outlines even more distinct in the night vision.

    The red silhouettes burned like branding irons, searing into the soldiers¡¯ eyes.

    The swarm of spiders surged forward like a tide, covering the walls, the floor, and even the ceiling, nearly clogging the entire corridor.

    Though the team had anticipated the spiders¡¯ overwhelming numbers, the sight still sent a wave of indescribable shock and pressure through their hearts, each soldier feeling like a solitary boat sinking into an abyss.

    The captain¡¯s gaze swept over the scene displayed in his night-vision goggles, his voice cutting through the chaos with undeniable authority:

    ¡°Crossfire! Fall back!¡±

    The soldiers quickly formed a defensive formation, with the front row firing while the rear provided cover, retreating with difficulty in the direction they had come.

    ¡°Bang! Bang! Bang!¡±

    The assault rifles fired continuously, flames spewing from their barrels.

    Bullets pierced the spiders¡¯ tough exoskeletons, splattering green corrosive fluid.

    The liquid hit the ground with a ¡°sizzle,¡± emitting acrid white smoke.

    ¡°Boom!¡±

    The thunderous blast of a shotgun reverberated in their ears.

    The erupting muzzle flashes briefly illuminated the darkness, instantly tearing apart several spiders attempting to leap onto the soldiers'' heads.

    Shattered limbs and corrosive fluids sprayed in all directions, splattering against the walls and floor, making the air even more pungent and unbearable.

    Lightly armed drones flew out from the rear, their mounted machine guns unleashing a relentless barrage on the spider horde.

    ¡°Rat-tat-tat-tat!¡±

    Bullets carved arcs of death through the darkness, felling a swath of spiders to the ground.

    Suddenly, white spider silk shot out from the side, hitting the drone¡¯s rotors with precision.

    The corrosive liquid coating the silk quickly ate through the mechanical structure.

    ¡°Sssss¡ªcrack!¡±

    The drone crashed to the ground, sparks flying, extinguished beneath the advancing spiders¡¯ feet.

    ¡°They¡¯re everywhere!¡±

    A soldier shouted, but his voice was almost drowned out by the relentless gunfire and the screeches of the spiders.

    Sweat covered his face as he struggled to breathe, the sight of the endless swarm in his night-vision goggles suffocating him.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Instinctively, he held the trigger tightly, firing desperately ahead as if stopping would mean being devoured by the advancing spider horde.

    ¡°Stay calm! Hold the formation!¡±

    The captain¡¯s tone was as resolute as steel. While firing, he quickly assessed the situation.

    "Watch the left flank!" the vice-captain shouted.

    A spider crawled down from the wall and lunged directly at a soldier.

    The soldier swiftly raised his shotgun.

    ¡°Boom!¡±

    With a thunderous roar, the spider was blown apart.

    Corrosive liquid splattered everywhere, eating through the soldier¡¯s armor with a sharp ¡°sizzle.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop! Keep falling back!¡±

    The captain ordered again, and the soldiers quickly adjusted their positions, providing alternating cover as they retreated.

    Behind them, the tunnel entrance was sealed off by spider silk, its green webbing coiling like venomous snakes, glowing with a sinister sheen.

    A soldier attempted to use a grenade to blast open the passage, but the explosion only tore a small gap, a sight that sent a shudder through everyone¡¯s hearts.

    The strength and resilience of the web were beyond belief; under the force of the explosion, it sustained only slight damage, far surpassing the limits of conventional biological materials.

    What was even more unsettling was that as soon as the gap appeared, the spiders moved swiftly to repair it, covering the damaged section with new silk.

    The fresh threads were dense and sturdy, as if the break had never existed.

    This web not only showcased incredible defensive capabilities but, with the spiders¡¯ rapid repairs, became even more impenetrable, completely shattering the soldiers¡¯ understanding of the natural world.

    At that moment, a spider suddenly darted forward, its razor-sharp claw slicing through the air as it lunged directly at a soldier.

    The soldier had no time to react before the spider¡¯s claw slammed into his chest plate, knocking him to the ground with a heavy thud.

    He tried to roll over and get up, but the spider¡¯s sharp claw pierced through his arm with a sickening ¡°shlunk,¡± pinning him brutally to the ground.

    Green corrosive liquid sprayed from the spider¡¯s maw, instantly coating his armor.

    ¡°Sssss¡ª¡±

    The liquid rapidly ate through the armor, producing a sharp, grating hiss. His exposed skin was soon burned, leaving horrific charred scars.

    ¡°Ahhh¡ª!¡±

    The soldier let out a blood-curdling scream, a sound so piercing it cut through the chaotic battlefield.

    Several soldiers rushed to his aid, but other spiders quickly surrounded them, forcing them back.

    Someone shouted in anger, their gun firing ¡°bang! bang!¡± as they tried to use firepower to free their comrade.

    However, the spiders showed no fear, blocking the bullets with their own bodies.

    Green slime splattered onto the ground, landing with wet ¡°plop, plop¡± sounds.

    The air grew heavy with despair as the soldiers watched helplessly while the spider dragged their comrade¡¯s body into the dense swarm.

    The soldier¡¯s screams, shrill and desperate, pierced through everyone¡¯s nerves.

    Eventually, the screams grew fainter and fainter until they disappeared entirely, leaving a suffocating sense of oppression echoing in everyone¡¯s hearts.

    The captain¡¯s voice was cold and decisive, but a flicker of pain flashed in his eyes.

    ¡°We can¡¯t save him! Keep retreating!¡±

    The team gritted their teeth and pressed forward, their faces filled with anger and grief.

    Their trigger fingers trembled slightly with rage, and the muzzle fire seemed to burn even fiercer.

    One soldier tried to clear a side path with his shotgun, his movements skilled and swift.

    But being overly focused on the enemies ahead made it easy to overlook the shadow above.

    "Splurt!"

    A spider leaped down from the ceiling, its sharp claws piercing through the soldier¡¯s back like blades, causing blood to gush out instantly.

    The soldier let out a short, pained scream, and his shotgun hit the ground with a loud ¡°clang¡± before sliding off to the side.

    His night-vision goggles slipped from his head, falling onto the liquid-covered floor and shattering into pieces.

    He struggled to turn around, but the spider¡¯s second claw stabbed into his chest, pinning him firmly in place.

    Several soldiers, ignoring the danger, raised their guns and fired, the bullets piercing through the spider¡¯s exoskeleton, sending green liquid splattering everywhere.

    However, more spiders surged forward, completely cutting off the injured soldier from the rest of the team.

    Round after round tore through the spiders, but it was not enough to stop their relentless, tide-like advance.

    The soldier¡¯s hand clawed weakly at the ground before his figure was swallowed by the mass of writhing creatures.

    ¡°We can¡¯t give up¡ª!¡±

    One soldier, overcome with anger, tried to charge into the swarm to rescue his comrade.

    But before he could finish his words, the vice-captain grabbed him:

    ¡°Calm down! He¡¯s already gone!¡±

    The vice-captain growled, his voice hoarse with suppressed anguish.

    "Use grenades and grenade launchers! Don¡¯t let them get close!"

    The captain shouted as he fired his assault rifle into the densest part of the swarm.

    Muzzle flashes lit up one after another, slicing through the darkness like desperate beams of survival.

    The front-line soldiers didn¡¯t hesitate, throwing high-explosive grenades in quick succession!

    Boom! Boom! Boom!

    Flames and shockwaves rippled through the entire passage.

    A total of six high-explosive grenades tore through dozens of spiders, scattering limbs and green liquid that covered the ground, making it even more slippery and sticky.

    Another soldier clenched his teeth, raised the grenade launcher, and aimed at the dense swarm of spiders ahead.

    ¡°Thump! Thump!¡ªBoom!¡±

    Two grenades fired in quick succession, erupting into towering flames within the swarm.

    Shattered spider limbs rained down like a storm, while nearby walls cracked under the force of the explosion.

    "Quick! Use the rocket launcher!" one soldier yelled.

    Another soldier reached for the launcher, ready to blow those damned things to pieces!

    But the encroaching spider swarm pressed too close, leaving him no time to complete the setup.

    He clenched his teeth and raised his rifle, resuming fire.

    ¡°Bang! Bang! Bang!¡±

    Despite their sustained suppressive fire, more spiders kept pouring in, gradually forming an endless torrent. A suffocating sense of despair began to spread.

 [Temporary Farewell] Hello, Apocalypse & A New Beginning

    Dear Readers,

    It¡¯s never easy to make this kind of announcement, but after much reflection, I¡¯ve decided to temporarily shelve Hello, Apocalypse. The story didn¡¯t perform as I had hoped, and while I poured my heart into it, the results haven¡¯t been encouraging. Perhaps one day I¡¯ll return to this world and finish the tale, but for now, it¡¯s time to move forward.

    I want to sincerely apologize to those of you who followed Hello, Apocalypse and supported it with your time and enthusiasm. I understand that shelving the story may be disappointing and even frustrating. Please know this decision wasn¡¯t made lightly, and I truly appreciate your patience and understanding.

    However, this is not the end. Reflecting on my experience with Hello, Apocalypse, I¡¯ve analyzed its shortcomings and used these lessons to begin crafting a new story¡ªone I hope will deliver a better reading experience and live up to your expectations.

    I¡¯m thrilled to announce my new project:

    From Wage Slave to Humanity''s Leader: I Don¡¯t Want to Save the World!

    Synopsis:

    <hr>

    In the fifth year after Earth¡¯s destruction, he awakens from slumber, forced to lead 10,000 elite survivors¡ªhumanity¡¯s last hope.

    The Ark, a sanctuary hidden within his soul, carries the future of human civilization. Yet, this is only the beginning. To ensure the Ark¡¯s survival, he must lead these elites across the multiverse in search of hope.

    Worlds of sword and sorcery, sects in mystical cultivation realms, cities of cyberpunk civilization, post-apocalyptic wasteland worlds of collapsed order, and the era of solar system colonization¡­ Each world presents its own unique challenges and crises.

    The protagonist must not only seek resources for the Human Federation but also spread technology and knowledge, resolving one endangered civilization after another.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    He is not a plunderer, but a builder; not a conqueror, but a savior.

    <hr>

    Expected Content:

    Civilization Development and Federation Expansion

    Starting from the resource-scarce Ark, the protagonist expands the Federation across the multiverse through technological dissemination and civilizational development.

    Technological Dissemination and Civilizational Advancement

    With a core philosophy of cooperation and mutual benefit, the protagonist spreads knowledge and technology, driving development and transformation in other civilizations, improving the lives of their people, and fostering cross-civilizational collaboration to achieve a grand multiversal alliance.

    Adventure and Exploration

    Journeying through unique worlds of the multiverse, he resolves civilization crises, forms alliances, and drives the sustained growth of the Human Federation.

    Saving Collapsing Worlds

    Utilizing technology, resources, and teamwork, the protagonist repairs fractured worlds and uncovers hidden ultimate truths.

    Innovation in the Career System

    The Transcendent Career System, centered on ¡°Soul Supercomputing,¡± integrates multiverse rules to develop diverse career paths such as precision magic casting and technological mastery.

    Protagonist¡¯s Growth

    From a socially awkward and reclusive wage slave with no friends to the leader of the Human Federation, the protagonist undergoes a profound transformation, embracing responsibility and discovering his self-worth through his adventures.

    <hr>

    Core Highlights:

    Multiverse and Civilizational Exchange

    Each world possesses unique rules and cultures, allowing readers to experience the clash and integration of civilizations and the joy of knowledge dissemination.

    Dual Satisfaction of Construction and Exploration

    Establishing new orders and spreading technology in each world, while driving the Ark and Federation to unprecedented development.

    Rescue and Growth

    Through repeated rescue missions, the protagonist enhances the Federation¡¯s capabilities and prestige, ultimately unraveling the mysteries of the multiverse.

    <hr>

    This new story blends nation-building, multiverse exploration, and technological dissemination with themes of hope, growth, and unity. It¡¯s a journey that takes the protagonist from a socially withdrawn and friendless wage slave to the leader of humanity¡¯s future across countless worlds.

    Thank you for accompanying me on this writing journey. Your support means the world to me, and I¡¯m excited to bring you this new adventure. Let¡¯s build a brighter future together¡ªthrough every story we tell!

    Stay tuned for updates, and I hope to see you in the new world!

    Warm regards,

    Aleo