The battlefield fell silent. As if even the zombies hesitated to approach.
A few meters apart, Max and Dante stared at each other. Neither moved. Neither attacked. Measuring one another. Both breathing heavily. Their chests rising and falling. Sweat mixed with blood. Waiting to see who would make the first move.
Dante spoke first, a crooked smile on his face.
"Wasn't it that you could do this all day?"
Max spat to the side, blood leaving his mouth. He wiped his forehead with his forearm, clearing the sweat.
"...of course."
He lifted his gaze. A tired smile.
"...I'm just getting warmed up."
Dante let out a low laugh.
"Same here. That was just stretching."
His hand slowly moved toward the necklace around his neck, which held a dark green gem.
He squeezed it, and the magic in the air trembled.
Max felt it—but it was too late.
Two bodies rose at his sides.
Zombies.
Their rotten hands clamped onto his arms instantly, gripping him tight.
Max's eyes widened.
"—tch!"
