"Haah… haah… does the sky really want us dead that badly?" Tony was carrying Jean over his shoulder, running as fast as he could toward the library, glancing back from time to time.
The rest of the team was also running, supporting Sean while carrying the unconscious Liam.
"I hope you guys make it back safely…" Tony muttered under his breath.
…
..
^POV: Michael Santos^
Ten minutes earlier
When Jean killed the husky, all eyes turned toward him. Suddenly, he collapsed face-first like a lifeless corpse, forcing Tony to jump out the window to check on him.
"He's fine. You should worry about the other one," Yu-Min said after checking Jean. Jean was suffering from severe mana exhaustion. He stopped Tony and pointed toward Liam, who lay motionless with a deep claw wound across his chest, blood dripping from it.
"We need to run. That howl will attract every creature nearby," Hank whispered to Michael after looking outside.
"You're right. Help Sean and lead everyone back to the library," Michael nodded, giving orders. He stayed near the window, watching from above.
"Damn it… damn it… run faster, all of you!" Within five minutes, Michael saw the last thing he wanted to see.
A Rank-1 zombie was sprinting toward them at full speed.
{Hunter – Rank 1:
A zombie whose instincts evolved during the trial, gaining some intelligence. It enjoys playing with its prey before killing it. Its enhancement focuses on its scythe-like arms.}
[Level: ?????]
[Skills: ?????]
"This will be tough," Yu-Min muttered, taking his combat stance.
He drew his black katana, holding it diagonally in front of his chest, right foot slightly forward.
"Oh, you didn't run this time… that's new," Michael said, surprised. He jumped out the window and joined Yu-Min.
"Tony, carry Jean and go. Hurry them up—we'll buy you time," Michael ordered.
Seeing everyone's condition, Michael knew none of them could fight anymore. Better they escape than die uselessly.
"Good luck." Tony nodded, picked up Jean, and ran. With his agility, he quickly caught up to the others.
"Guess it's just you and me," Michael said as the Hunter approached.
Yu-Min didn't reply, his eyes locked on the enemy, which slowed down and stopped five meters away.
Michael observed it carefully. It looked like a normal zombie except for its scythe-like arms and a small red pupil glowing in its eyes. Still ugly… just deadlier.
Suddenly, the Hunter attacked Yu-Min's neck, aiming to decapitate him in one strike. Sparks flew as Yu-Min blocked with his sword.
Strong… but manageable.
Yu-Min slid back two steps, while the Hunter didn't move an inch.
Michael launched a fireball at its head, but the creature sensed danger and dodged.
"Michael, throw everything you've got. I have a way to kill it," Yu-Min said.
"…Fine." Michael clenched his teeth but trusted him. He fired three fireballs—two missed, one hit its shoulder, staggering it slightly.
Yu-Min seized the moment.
He moved in a strange rhythm, forward and sideways, mana gathering along his blade. Within seconds, he closed the distance and swung horizontally.
A massive crescent-shaped wave of mana shot forward.
{Skill: Mana Blade – Rank 1
The basic skill of any swordsman. Mana condenses along the blade and is released as a crescent slash. Power depends on mana and user technique.}
[Quality: Common]
[Mana Cost: 10 MP]
[Cooldown: 30 minutes]
"Damn this stubborn vitality…"
The Hunter was cut in half at the waist—but still tried to stand.
"Yu-Min, finish it! More are coming!" Michael shouted as distant howls echoed.
Yu-Min completed his motion and brought the katana down vertically, splitting the Hunter completely. He grabbed the metal chest that dropped, then collapsed, exhausted.
"Damn it… out of mana now??"
Michael rushed over, threw Yu-Min over his shoulder, and sprinted toward the library.
…
.
Back to the present — inside the library
The team was licking their wounds. A heavy atmosphere of grief and tension filled the air.
Michael sat at a desk on the first floor when Hank and Tony approached him.
"What's our situation?" Michael asked, rubbing his forehead.
"It can be summed up in one word: bad. Liam's injury is severe, but his vitality is keeping him alive. Sean and Jean woke up, but they won't be able to fight for a while," Hank reported.
Michael's expression darkened with every word.
"What about Yu-Min?"
"He's fine. Just needs rest," Hank said with a slight smile.
"How many fighters do we have left?"
"Counting you and me… Peter, Zola, and Yu-Min."
Michael fell into deep thought, searching for a way forward.
"I have a solution," Tony said.
Michael looked at him like a drowning man spotting debris.
"Speak."
"Help me bring the rest of the survivors from our base to join your group."
"How many?" Hank asked.
"About 20 survivors. At least 12 can fight. There's also a doctor."
"That'll do," Michael agreed immediately, understanding Tony's intention.
"We leave at dawn. You, me, and Zola. Hank, you're in charge while I'm gone."
Tony nodded and left.
"Hank, did you sort the loot?"
"Yes. Thirteen wooden chests… and one metal chest from the Hunter."
"A metal chest? Yu-Min gave it to you?"
"Yeah. Said it was repaying a debt."
Michael understood—it was about the sword technique Sean gave him.
Hank continued:
"Sean opened some. Result: four empty chests, one combat style book, two scrolls, three trash weapons, and a glove and spear."
Then he smiled and pulled out a bracelet.
"And this… is why I came to you."
Michael examined it.
{Storage Bracelet – Rank 1 Accessory
Crafted using impure volcanic Nethrite stone, engraved with basic spatial magic. Contains a 2m × 2m storage space.}
[Quality: Very Rare]
"Distribute the weapons. Leave the spear. Call Zola."
Michael tested the bracelet—it worked by thought.
Soon, Zola arrived.
"I saw your courage today. You deserve a reward."
Michael handed him a spear and a book.
{Basic Spear Mastery (No Rank)
A foundational guide for proper spear usage and training exercises.}
[Quality: Superior]
"Thank you… thank you, Mr. Michael!"
"Don't call me 'Mister.' We're the same age. 'Boss' is enough." Michael laughed.
"Oh—and you're coming with me at dawn. Get ready."
Upstairs, Michael found Sean lying on the floor.
"Enjoying the rest?"
"Yeah, you do all the work while I lie here. If this isn't comfort, I don't know what is."
Michael smiled helplessly and sat beside him.
"When can you fight again?"
"Few broken ribs. Hurts like hell, but with my vitality, I'll recover soon."
Hearing that, Michael became even more determined to bring the doctor.
"This is your fault, idiot. If you used your skill, you wouldn't be injured like this," Michael said, hitting his head lightly.
"…Yeah, I messed up. Thought I could handle that husky without buffs," Sean admitted awkwardly.