Gwen: "I hope Allen's okay."
Rogue: "Don't worry, he was in beast mode."
Rukia: "Beast mode?"
Rogue – "Both the Harran virus and the Chimeras come from the world of Dying Light. Specifically, the Chimeras are the bosses from the expansion. There are eight in total, each with unique characteristics. In the game, the protagonist must kill them and extract the GSB, which helps enhance his strength..."
Felicia – "I see, that's the same thing Allen did."
PercyJ – "Actually, I played it too. But there's something I don't get—why are there two Defects?"
Rogue – "I don't know. Unlike the Volatiles, the Chimeras aren't natural mutations but failed creations of the villain. So there shouldn't be more than one of each type."
Amanda – "Tsk, isn't it obvious? It's Lucifer's fault!"
Lucifer – "Oh, what a compliment—to be considered the creator of all evil~"
Everyone – "Bastard!"
Lucifer – "I won't deny I'm guilty, but you're misunderstanding something. I don't control everything that happens in that world. Allen and I prepared the board, placed our pieces, and then let it play out..."
Batman – "Are you implying it wasn't your fault that a red zone appeared where Allen's companions were hiding without him?"
Lucifer – "Mr. Wayne, you're very perceptive. Yes, it's partially my fault. I created those zones—places where Allen's life would be in danger. To be honest, I would've preferred the whole world to be a black zone, but as you can guess, Allen didn't allow that."
Athena – "What are the conditions for a red zone?"
Lucifer – "They appear randomly near Allen. 'Near' could mean in the same city, a few miles away, or right beside him..."
Mirajane – "So it's just an unfortunate coincidence?"
Lucifer – "Yes. On the other hand, what happens in that world has nothing to do with me. I don't control the zombies or the villains... I just added my touch before everything started. Although, I admit I underestimated Allen Walker's cunning."
Unknown voice – "What do you mean?"
Lucifer – "Allen originally wished to be immune to all viruses, but I obviously refused. Then he changed his wish to be resistant to viruses. At first, I thought it was to avoid transforming right after infection. Who would've thought his true intention was to use those viruses..."
Rick – "Hahaha, you got screwed!"
Unohana – "Ara Ara~ It was certainly a pleasant surprise. Otherwise, Allen would've had a much harder time surviving~"
Annie – "Serves you right!"
Juvia – "Screw you!"
Lucifer – "I'm glad there are so many brave people here. I don't know if I could so openly insult someone capable of erasing your world in the blink of an eye..."
The Chat went silent.
Lucifer – "Besides, I wouldn't say I was completely fooled. You know... I just hope using something as dangerous as mutagenic viruses doesn't affect him in the long run..."
....
The explosion that brought Allen back was far more powerful than any grenades could cause.
The survivors panicked, and even Allen's group at the mansion's main gate went completely silent.
"What?" Rei turned around and saw smoke rising behind the mansion.
Saya frowned. She didn't remember anything that could cause such an explosion, which meant it had to be man-made.
"Don't you dare die!" the girl thought, filled with worry.
Meanwhile, Saeko didn't take her eyes off the two mutant zombies. They resembled Volatiles, but on steroids, much bigger and more robust. Of course, in exchange for their monstrous strength, they had lost speed.
"I can do this..." Saeko smiled, taking her stance. Two zombies came from the side but lost their heads instantly.
"Busujima-senpai, are you really going to fight?!" shouted Kazu.
"Idiot. It's not about wanting to. If we don't, we die."
Kazu swallowed hard. He knew there was no way to retreat. These things, even if they didn't look as terrifying as a tank, could easily destroy the bus — even the armored Humvee.
Saeko, however, wasn't scared. On the contrary, her body was filled with euphoria. She liked to kill, but killing while risking her own life — that was what truly thrilled her.
"Pervert..." Rei muttered after seeing the look in Saeko's eyes.
She hadn't expected her Senpai to be this kind of person. The school's noble, traditional beauty was actually a lunatic who got excited by slaughter. Who could've imagined?!
It was probably for the best that all her admirers were dead — they'd die of disappointment anyway.
Saeko noticed Rei's stare, but instead of being offended, she smirked mockingly.
"Ugh..."
Rei knew Saeko had hidden this side of herself for a long time. She had feared being judged like she was now. But none of that mattered anymore, because the only opinion that mattered to her was Allen's, and he had already accepted her as she was.
"Don't get cocky!" Rei also took her stance, gripping her spear tightly.
"...!" Saeko widened her eyes at Rei's words.
Rei snorted as she struck down another zombie. "I'm strong too!"
Saeko smiled again. "I know. That's better — defeating you will be more satisfying~"
"What did you just say?!"
RAAHH!
One of the Chimeras/Defects charged at the girls, but they dodged swiftly.
Saeko slashed at the zombie's tendons several times, but couldn't land any deep cuts — this one was incredibly tough. Rei tried to knock it down too, but with no success.
The zombie wanted to tear both girls apart, but Anemone wouldn't let it. She shot it in the face to stop it from attacking.
"Tsk, how tough is its body?" Anemone said.
Saeko gave Anemone a grateful look. The purple-haired girl had a good, almost sisterly relationship with Anemone, but she also considered her a rival, especially now that Allen seemed interested in her.
The other Chimera tried to attack Teshima and Hisashi, but Hirano fired the carbine, hitting its face.
The Chimera smashed the ground, tore off a chunk of soil, and then threw it at Hirano.
"No!"
Yamada tackled Hirano to the ground, saving him from being killed.
"Thanks!" Hirano gasped, tears in his eyes. He had just seen death up close.
"Don't mention it," Yamada replied, sweating coldly.
"Damn it!" Saya was nervous. One mistake could cost a teammate's life. "Listen, everyone! We'll focus on one! Saeko-san, distract the other! The rest of us, use everything we have to kill the first one!"
"Saya..." Yuriko was surprised by her daughter's command but immediately smiled. She knew her daughter well — Saya hid her immaturity, fears, and insecurities behind fake confidence and arrogance.
"Looks like you're finally starting to mature. I guess I should thank that boy properly."
Yuriko followed her daughter's orders and began firing at one of the Chimeras.
Meanwhile, Saeko smiled as she lured the other away from the gate. It was risky to let it inside, but they had no other choice. Of course, Saeko's thoughts weren't just about distracting the Chimera zombie.
The girl moved swiftly, slicing the zombie little by little. If the creature had a health bar, Saeko's cuts would've already taken away half its life. However, she knew the cruel truth — unless the brain was destroyed, the zombie wouldn't die. That was her goal.
Every attack Saeko dodged brought her closer to achieving it.
The zombie swung a massive hand — if an ordinary person were hit, they'd be torn apart by the sheer force — but Saeko bent her body backward, dodging by mere inches.
The zombie tried to punch again, but Saeko leaped back. The blow struck the ground, cracking it open.
RAAAHHHHH!
The giant was enraged that Saeko kept slashing it while dodging all of its attacks, so it slammed the ground again with full force.
Saeko had to retreat, shielding herself, but several sharp fragments of rock cut her cheek and abdomen.
"Ugh!"
Saeko's strength was terrifying, but her body was still human. Those minor injuries still affected her. Without hesitation, she pulled a bandage from the pouch on her belt. Just as Allen had told her, she wrapped it around her arm — and, though it made no logical sense, the bandage vanished, and so did her wounds.
"Ah~ I'll have to thank him later for this~"
Saeko charged again toward the second Chimera.
Meanwhile, Allen's group unleashed everything they had on the first one. Its body was covered in blood, bullet holes, and arrows — but it wasn't enough to bring the monster down.
As expected, the Chimera didn't stay still while being attacked. It suddenly charged toward Yuriko, who had landed the most shots on it.
"It's so fast!" shouted Anemone.
Once the three-meter zombie charged, its speed was terrifying.
"Mom!" Saya screamed.
Yuriko knew dodging would be hard, so she waited until the last possible second before throwing herself to the ground and rolling aside.
"Come here, you bastard!" Rei yelled, driving her spear into the zombie's back. However, the Chimera didn't stop — it ignored everyone else and went straight for Yuriko.
"...!" Yuriko's eyes widened as she saw the zombie sprinting toward her. She tried to get up but wouldn't make it in time.
Maybe it was instinct. Maybe a remnant of reasoning. Maybe someone's command. No one knew. But for a moment, everyone froze in terror as they realized the Chimera understood Yuriko was vulnerable after falling.
"I won't let you!" Rei appeared in front of Yuriko, using her spear to block the attack.
The spear snapped, and the zombie's fist struck Rei's stomach, rupturing several organs and throwing her like a rag doll.
"REI!"
"Miyamoto!"
"Rei-san!"
Everyone opened fire again, filled with rage and desperation. Even with all their weapons, they were still vulnerable — they could all die at any moment.
Yuriko ran to Rei and knelt beside her. The girl was bleeding from her mouth and nose but still conscious.
"Shizuka-san!" Kyoko yelled as she saw Shizuka running toward Rei.
The nurse had to pass dangerously close to the giant zombie, but she didn't hesitate for even a second.
Everyone was horrified to see this.
Shizuka gritted her teeth. 'I know... I know it sounds crazy, but I have to try. Rei-chan's injuries are fatal. Bandages and herbs won't save her — only the medkit Allen gave me can heal wounds like these. But I only have a few seconds to use it...'
No one could believe what she was doing. They tried to give her covering fire, but the zombie noticed Shizuka and seemed to choose her as its new target, raising its massive fist with the clear intent to crush her.
RAAAAHH!
'I'm not stupid. I know how dangerous this world is. I know this creature could kill me just by brushing against me. I know I'm not strong — my physical abilities are even lower than a normal person's... That's why my only way to fight in this world is by saving those who can fight. And if that means risking my life for them, then I'll do it!'
At that moment, Shizuka saw the terrifying monster in slow motion. Tears filled her eyes, but her gaze remained firm.
'But it's okay... because I know, no matter how much danger I'm in... that person will come! He definitely will!'
Everyone turned pale. They had learned to fight, to survive. They had joined a strong group, gotten weapons. Somehow, that made them believe they'd be fine — that no one else would die. But they were wrong.
Rei was on the brink of death, and Shizuka seemed about to die too.
As cruel and raw as reality could be...
Saya began to cry. "Idiot, where are you?!"
Something rushed past her at incredible speed. When she realized what it was, her eyes lit up.
"Don't touch my woman!"
Allen kicked the Chimera's face. The creature was knocked down by that furious blow despite weighing as much as a car.
"Allen!"
"Boss!"
"Aniki!"
"Master!"
"Thank God!"
Seeing Allen's arrival, everyone let out a breath of relief. Some collapsed to the ground, feeling their strength finally leave them.
"Allen-kun... I knew you'd come," Shizuka said, smiling beautifully.
"Sorry for being late," Allen smiled back, but his eyes immediately turned toward Rei.
"Leave it to me!" Shizuka exclaimed. As much as she wanted to run into Allen's arms, she knew there was something far more important to do right now — so she sprinted toward Rei.
When she reached her, Rei was barely conscious, but she still had her eyes locked on Allen, smiling faintly despite the pain. She, too, had believed he would return in time.
"Don't move!" Shizuka quickly opened the medkit and pulled out an injector. Without hesitation, she plunged it into Rei's abdomen.
Rei's shattered organs began to regenerate. Color returned to her face, and her eyes regained their light. Seeing that, both Kyoko and Shizuka breathed in relief.
Meanwhile, Allen's gaze toward the new Chimera was as cold as steel.
"I know you have no consciousness... You don't even understand what you've done... but—"
GAAHHH!
Defect lunged at Allen with its massive fist, but Allen didn't move. He extended his hand and caught the punch. The ground cracked beneath his feet, yet he remained unharmed.
Allen's eyes glowed. He pushed the monster's fist aside, clenched his own, and punched the zombie's stomach so hard its abdomen caved in.
"Listen, bastard — I don't give a damn whether you're conscious or not, but I promise you'll die a miserable death for attacking my people!" Allen pulled his fist from the creature's abdomen and struck its chin, sending its body snapping backward.
It was absurd — this went beyond mere strength. Allen was pummeling a creature capable of throwing a car with its bare hands.
[Beast Mode +1 – Strength, Agility, Endurance, Defense +300%, +Cognitive Ability Boost, +Mist Generation Ability, Corruption State – Controlled/Altered]
"And you bastards watching me, you better hide because I'll find you and make you regret attacking me!"
High in the sky, a drone's lens flashed before disappearing from the scene.
====