On the northern edge of the ruins, He Xuan identified a high-density zombie cluster. Lin Lan analyzed the magnetic fluctuations and confirmed:
"Two Tier 3 late-stage targets. Plenty of low-levels surrounding them."
Zhao Yang adjusted his hat.
"No split teams this time. We push together."
Lu Ye nodded.
"We're after the core crystals—not a full sweep."
Chen Mo flexed his wrists.
"I'll break the front line."
Hu Hao spoke quietly.
"I'll try to suppress the two main targets."
The squad entered the zone. The zombies reacted instantly.
Chen Mo charged ahead, his Shattered-Time Fist striking in rapid succession. Spatial tremors intensified with each blow.
Lin Lan synced her feedback loop, tracking enemy movement in real time. He Xuan deployed magnetic interference to block jumps. Zhao Yang laid down a blood mist layer to disrupt enemy judgment. Hu Hao activated mental commands, targeting the core threats.
One of the Tier 3 zombies began resisting. Hu Hao's forehead glistened with sweat.
"Its consciousness layer runs deep."
Chen Mo landed a direct hit to its chest. Space collapsed momentarily. Phase Four of the Shattered-Time Fist activated.
A visible fracture split the air. The zombie froze—locked in place.
Lin Lan gasped.
"You broke through."
Chen Mo didn't respond. He kept punching. Faster. Sharper. His strikes now carried rhythm and spatial awareness— no longer just brute force.
The second zombie launched a counterattack. Hu Hao gritted his teeth, pushing harder. His neural circuit was on the verge of collapse.
Zhao Yang flanked from the side. A blood needle pierced the back of the zombie's neck— disrupting its neural feedback.
Hu Hao seized the moment. He completed a deep sync, merging his consciousness with the target's for a brief window.
The zombie froze completely— as if forcibly commandeered.
Hu Hao whispered:
"I've got ten seconds."
Lu Ye gave the order:
"Make it self-destruct."
The zombie spun abruptly, slamming into a wall. Its core crystal dislodged.
Hu Hao collapsed to the ground, breathing unevenly— but his eyes were clear.
Zhao Yang handed him a bottle of water.
"You leveled up."
Lin Lan ran a scan.
"Neural circuit is stable."
He Xuan logged the data.
"Hu Hao has reached Tier 3 Peak. Sync precision now at 92%."
Chen Mo stood in the center of the wreckage, his gauntlets glowing faintly.
Lin Lan spoke softly:
"Phase Four is stable."
Zhao Yang smiled.
"You're officially our frontline now."
Lu Ye looked at the two of them.
"You've both hit Tier 3 Peak." "Next… we prepare for Tier 4."
Chen Mo stared into the distance.
"I'm not in a rush." "But I'm not backing down."
Hu Hao stood, voice calm.
"I can suppress more targets now." "As long as you hold the line— I'll keep them under control."
Zhao Yang adjusted his hat.
"Then let's keep killing."