The non-evolved who bolted earlier had run into the main tent in the shelter to report the trouble.
"Boss! There's trouble outside. This crazy evolved has killed Smith, Greeney, Showblaze and Azel. He's simply crazy."
Inside the tent, a man in his late thirties stood up in alarm. He was Kevin Trent, the leader of this particular shelter.
"What? Is that true?"
Two other evolved beside him stood, equally alarmed. They were Smith's teammates and knew about the guy Smith had brought in. They had expected Smith to be able to quickly finish the guy, after all, he looked worn out.
Yet—
"Smith's dead?" One of them asked, shocked.
Smith was no weak fighter, he had killed several zombies and was titled a veteran.
"Sam, Casanova, let's go." Kevin said, his face grim. "You, call the other evolved."
The non-evolved quickly nodded and left to call the others.
Kevin's face was filled with utter seriousness. If that guy could kill four of his men, that meant he was strong—very likely a second level evolved.
'I'll have to kill him myself.'
His thoughts burned with fury. Those four had been groomed by him with the evolution potions and class cards—something expensive. He couldn't just accept the fact that they had been killed.
When he arrived at the scene, he was dumbfounded.
Leon had placed a large chair outside and was relaxing on it as if having a sunbath. Although bloodstains were on the ground, Kevin found the absence of corpses unsettling.
At this moment, Leon opened an eye. "You're finally here? What took you so long?"
Kevin wanted to spit up blood. This young boy, someone who could be a son to him, was talking so brazenly at him.
'The guts! This world is truly lawless.'
Unwilling to act uncivilized, he soothed his bubbling rage and confronted Leon.
"Why have you killed my men? I was told you were brought in because you were injured."
He said seriously, acting like a dignified victim.
"Injured? Killed your men?" Leon scoffed, "Please don't phrase it that way, old man. I only acted on self defense. That mustached guy tried to poison me after all."
Kevin nearly bit his tongue. The way Leon retorted infuriated him. Who was he calling old man?
'I'm just 37!'
Still, the killing intent in his eyes didn't diminish. "Smith tried to poison you? I didn't know you'd fabricate lies."
He sneered in disdain as if disgusted by Leon's words.
"Yeah, how could we believe you? Smith would never do that." Casanova added, his expression disdainful.
Inwardly though, he was wondering why Kevin hadn't attacked. Was he cautious of this... young boy?
Unfazed, Leon clicked his tongue. "Old man, your acting skills are truly poor. Your eyes are practically screaming 'I'll kill you' while you're stalling for reinforcements."
Kevin's face stiffened. He realized he'd been caught red-handed.
"I'll tolerate it though, the more the merrier."
Hearing Leon's arrogant remark, Kevin sneered inwardly.
'Heh! Fool! I'll make sure to kill you slowly.'
Minutes later, when the silence reached its peak, sounds of footsteps were heard, and a broad smile appeared on Kevin's face.
Four other evolved had arrived. Armed and battle ready. He turned to look at Leon, expecting the latter to be intimidated.
However, Leon's expression only mirrored his, like a kid excited about a birthday cake.
'Birthday cake?'
"Good, let's begin." Leon's voice interrupted his curious thoughts.
The boy unsheathed his katanas with a sharp sound that sent chills down the bones. Then, he moved. A step—
Kevin barely reacted.
Clang!
His arms trembled as he took a step back, stunned by Leon's strength. He barely saw the boy move and reacted on instinct, raising his spear in defense. Both of Leon's Katanas pressed heavily against the spear, their sharp edges carving lines across it.
"Bastard! Die!"
He yelled as he disengaged and swung his spear in retaliation, using the advantage in reach to his benefit. Leon safely retreated as a fireball and waterball crashed into where he was standing. Two first level evolved had attacked him while he was engaged with Kevin.
However, he didn't even glance at the six first level guys. Instead, his attention was solely fixed on Kevin.
In that brief clash, he'd felt the man's strength. It was almost equal to his. That meant the man was a second level evolved.
'Appealing. His taste would be magnificent~'
Leon thought without any fluctuations in his expression. It was simply another dessert type. Evolved human meat of the second level.
With inhuman ease, he darted towards his prey in a zigzag motion, careful to avoid the attacks of the other evolved.
Kevin was prepared. He swung his spear horizontally, the sharp blade whistling through the air.
Leon bent backwards in a 90° from the knees, then kicked him hard in the chest.
Bam!
Kevin staggered backwards, his breathing strained. That single kick had almost knocked the air out of his lungs. Leon didn't give him an opportunity to rest.
He pressed in, blades flicking towards the man's neck.
Boom!
A fireball intercepted the attack, forcing Leon to disengage and retreat. His eyes turned towards the source; Casanova.
'Annoying.'
Before anyone could react, Leon changed targets. He struck at Casanova, who hurriedly raised his sword in defense.
Bang!
The sword broke upon meeting Leon's monstrous fist. The punch landed on his torso, instantly cracking ribs.
"Gahh!"
Casanova cried out in pain as he was flung away, incapacitated.
All of this happened in under five seconds, leaving the others unable to react and intervene.
Kevin gritted his teeth, seeing Leon easily incapacitate one of his men. Without hesitation, he activated his class ability.
His muscles swelled grotesquely as his size doubled, rivalling Daddy Ye's transformation.
"Surround him!"
He bellowed, then struck at Leon. Crossing his blades, the latter blocked the strike—though his arms turned numb from the impact.
'His strength—it has doubled... no, tripled!'
Leon's eyes shifted slightly, his skin radiating a silver sheen. Perhaps, it was time to utilize the Model Zombie's ability well.