The zombie attacked her by lashing out its claws at the air. Although the attack was invisible to the eyes, Anna felt the sharp energy cutting towards her.
She sidestepped, then watched as claw marks appeared on the ground behind her.
'Dangerous!'
Her eyes widened, then narrowed. She shot forward to meet it, and slashed at it repeatedly. Her sword moved like a cunning snake, dodging the zombie's attempt to block and striking its body perfectly.
Roar!
Enraged, the zombie swiped both claws at her; aiming to cleave her into pieces. Anna expertly dodged, moving as nimbly as a cat. Now in close range, she engaged it in melee combat.
Screech! Clang! Clang!
Sparks flew in the air as her sword strained against the zombie's metallic claws. Although the zombie was physically stronger than her, she was able to confront it with her own strength and skill.
"Roar!"
Seeing that its opponent didn't weaken, the zombie roared. A sound that called its underlings for support. Anna's expression flickered. More zombies were abandoning Cassie and coming for her. And although they were easy to kill, it'd surely make her less focused on the Second Level zombie.
Fortunately, Old Pipe's squad intervened. With sharp focus and resolve, they took on the brunt of the First Level zombies, cutting them down like weeds.
Anna nodded imperceptibly, then moved in to attack more closely. Her elbow crashed into the zombie's torso which was surprisingly sturdy. Using the distraction, she slashed a clean cut on its arm, drawing blood.
Growling, the zombie kicked her hard in the stomach, sending her flying through the air. She landed with a bang, blood dripping from her lips.
'I... Can I beat it...?'
She questioned herself. However, she shook her head. Killing it wasn't a choice. She had to. Even if it crippled her. After all, failing to stop it meant the whole group would die—including Leon's sister.
'No way!'
With a sharp, lethal intent in her eyes, she sprang up, then activated her class ability.
.....
Meanwhile, in another city miles away...
Leon had turned into a nightmare for zombies and mutated beasts alike. Even first level zombies weren't spared.
"I can feel it..."
He muttered, feeling his body tingle from flow of energy. The more he consumed, the closer he came to an evolution.
'But why is it slow compared to other zombies?'
After all, second level zombies had already started appearing. They were no longer rare. Perhaps it was because he wasn't a regular zombie and was stronger than any average zombie. Perhaps, that was why his evolution required more time and energy.
"Hmm?"
He raised his head, sensing something approaching from a corner. Before long, a car appeared, kicking up dust. Leon studied the group in the car with interest, realizing they must be evolved.
The group, seeing someone stand on the road so boldly, with corpses strewn about, instantly halted.
Wary but curious, the group of four came down, sizing up Leon—a strange guy with white hair and mesmerizing violet eyes, with two swords hung behind him.
"Are you from around? You seem unfamiliar with this environment." the man standing at the front of the group said, stepping forward.
"No. I'm from a neighboring city."
Leon answered truthfully, seeing no reason for deceit.
The group of four exchanged glances, seemingly communicating through codes, then turned to look at Leon.
A mustached man smiled crookedly.
"You seem strong. Wanna come with us?" His teeth shone. "After all, you must be stressed from the journey."
Leon sensed the man's dark intentions and felt his fingers twitch in an urge to draw his sword. However, he suppressed such feeling. Since these people were welcoming him to their camp, didn't that mean he wouldn't have to hunt for second level zombies? After all, anything that showed hostility towards him could no longer be considered human according to his standards.
'I might be able to get another Reward Crucible.' he smiled internally.
"Sure. I'm glad I met you guys." He waved with a 'good-natured' smile, feigning tiredness.
Later, they drove him back to their shelter which spanned the size of a local neighborhood. At the gates, two guards checked for identification before allowing the group to enter.
'Humans are really impressive. It's just been a month, yet you've adapted this much.'
Leon wanted to say, as the walls were reinforced to stop zombies. And the interior of the shelter... was surprisingly clear of any creature other than humans. Not long after though, Leon sensed the dark atmosphere in the city. Although safe, the common folks looked unhappy.
'It seems there's a high level of oppression in this shelter.'
He thought. During the journey, he learnt the name of the mustached man, Smith.
The leader dropped them off at a side which seemed like a farm barn, then drove off.
"Well, it's not much. So come, let me get you a place to stay."
Smith smiled, guiding him towards a crudely constructed house. Inside, there was only simple furnitures like a bed, table, and chair.
"Sit."
Smith said, then went into the kitchen to prepare something. Leon gladly accepted the gesture. After all, it had been a while he'd eaten human food.
'I wouldn't want my taste buds being altered permanently.'
Ten minutes later, Smith emerged with a plate of noodles. He set it before Leon then urged him to eat.
Although he knew the food was poisoned, Leon believed his physique was immune to that. Poisoning a zombie? Stupidly foolish!
He almost laughed as he ate the food. Surprisingly, despite Smith's nature, he was a good cook.
"How is it?" Smith grinned.
Leon paused briefly, swallowing a mouthful. "It tastes... poisoned."
Instantly, Smith's expression changed. He realized Leon had detected his intentions, yet...
'He still ate it...?'
Before he could think further, Leon attacked. His hand clamped around Smith's throat with a vice like grip, choking the surprised man.
Leon's eyes crinkled in amusement. "Your intentions were clear from the start."
Although initially stunned, the man quickly retaliated. His hands ignited with flames as he punched towards Leon's head.
Cautious, Leon flipped back, releasing him from the chokehold.
"Cough, cough..."
Wheezing, Smith glared at Leon, then smiled.
"So what? You've eaten the wisteria poison. You'd be weakened severely soon. And don't forget, you're in our base."
"Ah."
Leon exclaimed softly as if realizing something. With a bit of effort, he realized the house was surrounded. And although the numbers of evolved were quite much, they weren't a problem. Instead, Leon saw them as...
'More nourishment.'