《Regressed with Omnipotent AI on Zombie Apocalypse》


 Chapter 1: Ego

    Chapter 1 - EgoA young man with black hair crouched behind a door, peering through the narrow gap. He could see the pale figure of something¡ªor someone¡ªapproaching him. His heartbeat pounded, quickening with each step it took closer. He glanced around and grabbed a bat lying nearby, clutching it tightly.


    The creature was coming, and he knew there was no way to avoid it. Running past it wouldn''t help; more would likely follow. He swallowed hard, bracing himself as he waited for it to enter. The footsteps echoed in his ears, each one a grim warning. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself, and as the door began to creak open, he swung the bat with all his strength.


    The bat struck the pale figure square in the chest, crushing its ribs. Blood sprayed across the floor, splattering onto him, and he fell to his knees in shock, staring at his attacker. Just a few hours ago, this creature had been his neighbor. They hadn''t been close, but they''d always exchanged a smile and a nod whenever they passed in the hallway.


    "Is it... is it over?" he gasped, his breath coming in heavy pants. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But it wasn''t. The creature let out a guttural growl and clawed its way across the floor toward him, its fingers digging deep into the tile. He froze, eyes wide with panic, but adrenaline surged through him, clearing his mind of hesitation. This wasn''t his neighbor anymore; it was a monster. Life or death. He gripped the bat tighter, raised it, and slammed it down on its head again and again.


    Sweat dripped from his forehead as he kept swinging, not stopping until the creature finally lay still. Breathing heavily, he allowed himself a sigh of relief. But just as he thought it was over, pain exploded in his neck. He felt himself yanked backward, powerful hands grabbing him from behind.


    "Arrgh!" he screamed, the agony overwhelming him as his life slipped away.


    Zack jolted awake, gasping, his eyes wide in shock as he looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers in disbelief. "Wasn''t I eaten by a zombie? How... how am I still alive!?"


    Suddenly, he remembered something and glanced frantically at the calendar on the wall.


    December 13th, The Corona virus Zeta variant had broken out two days ago, transforming 80% of humanity into mindless, flesh-craving zombies overnight. Civilization had collapsed instantly, like the switch of a light.


    Though Zack was one of the lucky 20% who survived, his fortune hadn''t lasted. Just two days later, zombies had broken into his apartment, and he had joined the ranks of the undead himself.


    "Did I... get a second chance?"


    Zack forced himself to calm down, piecing things together. He had been reborn.


    A wave of shock washed over him as he stumbled to the window, peering out at the street below. It was a sight he''d never forget¡ªruined streets littered with debris, thick smoke pouring from shattered buildings, cars smashed into each other, and a vast, staggering horde of zombies aimlessly wandering the streets. They staggered in every direction, groaning mindlessly as they clashed with one another.


    On the street below, he recognized some of the zombies gathered around the building entrance¡ªthey were once the familiar faces of his neighbors. These very same zombies had broken into his apartment last time and ended his life.


    "No way am I letting that happen again!"


    His face hardened with determination as he yanked a dusty baseball bat from under his bed. Digging around, he found a few nails and hammered them into the bat''s head, creating a crude but deadly mace.


    As he tightened his grip on the bat, his fear started to fade. He was done waiting around to die. This time, he would fight back.


    Just as he reached for the door, a calm, mechanical voice sounded in his head.


    "Sir, if you proceed outside now, your chances of survival are nearly zero."


    Zack froze, his grip tightening on the bat. "Who... who''s there?!"


    "Sir, I am your intelligent assistant, Ego."


    The voice sounded real, but the flat, synthesized tone betrayed its artificial nature.


    "Ego...?" Zack whispered, the name sparking recognition. "Wait a second... Are you Tony Stark''s AI butler from Iron Man?"


    "No Sir, Copyright God will surely smash this world if that is the case. I am your intelligent assistant, dedicated to serving you above all others."


    "Hold on a minute... let me catch my breath."


    Zack took a deep breath, struggling to process what he was hearing. His mind reeled as he remembered a classic rule from the novels he loved¡ªregressed mc often had a cheat-like advantage, some kind of "system" to help them survive.


    "Guess mine is... Ego?" he muttered, half in disbelief.


    He sighed, a bit disappointed. After all, Ego was an AI, not a fighter. It''s not like Ego could physically help him fend off zombies. But he couldn''t afford to waste time.


    "So, Ego... what exactly can you do?"


    "Sir, I am equipped to assist in your survival. After analyzing the area, I''ve identified 18 ways to create effective weapons from available resources. I suggest making an air nail gun, fertilizer bombs, Molotov cocktails, and bait to improve your odds."


    Ego then listed the items he''d need, even marking their exact locations around the apartment.


    "A fertilizer bomb?" Zack repeated, blinking in surprise. "Wait... sodium nitrate. I get it now!"


    In the midst of what seemed like a hopeless situation, Zack suddenly saw new possibilities. Survival might be possible, as long he follow Ego suggestion.


    Fueled by newfound resolve, Zack quickly gathered the materials scattered around his apartment. There were fire extinguishers, alcohol, a few smoke alarms, AA batteries, aluminum cans, and even a half-bag of fertilizer left by the previous tenant.


    Some of the items needed a bit of dismantling.


    "Sir, please unscrew the front panel of the air conditioner, and use the screwdriver to your right to turn counterclockwise," Ego instructed in his usual calm voice.


    "Ego, do you think I''m clueless?" Zack grumbled while prying open the air conditioner. "I know which way to turn a screw."


    "Understood, sir."


    With Ego''s instructions, Zack carefully assembled the makeshift nail gun. The main component was a modified fire extinguisher, the barrel was crafted from copper piping in the air conditioner, and the nails served as makeshift bullets.


    It looked crude, but it was complete.


    "Will this really work?" Zack mumbled, a hint of doubt in his eyes. He pointed the nail gun at the wall and pulled the wooden trigger.


    Bang!


    The screws burst out, embedding deep into the wall and leaving a visible dent.


    "Whoa! That''s... incredible!" he gasped, wide-eyed. This thing was as powerful as a pistol, yet it barely made any noise. It was the perfect zombie-killing weapon.


    "Sir, be aware that the nail gun''s power depends on the pressure in the fire extinguisher. After about eight shots, it will lose it''s effectiveness."


    "Noted," Zack replied, nodding. He couldn''t expect miracles from an improvised weapon, but its power had already exceeded his expectations.


    "So, Ego," he asked, brimming with curiosity while preparing the fertilizer bomb, "besides weapon-making, what else can you do?"


    "My database includes all kind of data for example Tech weapons, the blueprint for the Zero Point Reactor, blueprints for power armor, and formulas for the Superpower Serum ..."


    Zack froze mid-step as Ego continued listing off capabilities, each one more mind-blowing than the last. His hands trembled, and a slow smile spread across his face. He remember reading about zero point reactor, it capable to produce energy out of nothing.


    It was no exaggeration to say that Ego''s database was like a glimpse into the future, a treasure trove of technology easily a hundred years ahead of anything on Earth. Perhaps even centuries ahead. There were nearly a hundred different power armors within it, from normal armor to even one made using nanomachine.


    But Zack knew better than to get cocky. He understood that these were just blueprints, information stored in Ego''s memory banks. Until he made it out of this apartment alive, they were as good as dreams.


    "Ego, let''s keep going," Zack said with renewed focus.


    "Understood, sir," Ego responded.


    Taking a deep breath, Zack resumed assembling the makeshift bombs and incendiaries. Soon enough, he had finished the fertilizer bombs and Molotov cocktails. Only the bait was left.


    Just as he was working on the final screws, he heard a loud, frantic banging downstairs, followed by a desperate cry for help.


    The voice come from a female, and she was clearly in serious trouble. The sound of wood splintering reached his ears, and he realized the zombies had discovered someone in the apartment below¡ªa female streamer, if he recalled right.


    But he knew better than to try and help. Within moments, the sound of her door shattering filled the air, and her scream ended in abrupt silence. Zack tensed. Last time, the zombies had discovered him shortly after breaking into her place.


    "Focus," he muttered to himself, speeding up his work on the bait.


    A few minutes later, the device¡ªa crude bait crafted from a smoke alarm¡ªwas ready. Holding it tightly, he approached the window and scanned the street. Most of the zombies outside had been attracted by the commotion below, crowding into the hallway around the second-floor apartment.


    "Hope this works," he whispered, then hurled the bait out of the window. It landed on the lawn of the building next door with a loud, wailing sound.


    The moment the high-pitched sound reached them, the zombies went wild, abandoning their current targets to follow the sound. Even the zombies from the adjacent building began to change direction.


    "Sir, you have seventy-five seconds," Ego''s voice alerted him calmly.


    "Got it." Zack slung his prepared backpack over his shoulder, grabbed the nail gun, and opened his apartment door.

 Chapter 2: Crafting Weapon

    Chapter 2 - Crafting WeaponThe thick, metallic stench of blood hit him instantly. Ahead, two or three shadowy figures loitered near the stairs.


    "Sir, there are approximately three to five zombies in the corridor. Exercise caution," Ego warned. Without a surveillance system in the old apartment, Ego had to rely on street-level monitoring, estimating the numbers by tracking when the zombies entered and exited the building.


    "I''ll be careful," Zack whispered, inching forward.


    At the corner of the stairwell, three zombies came into view, each one covered in bite marks, pieces of flesh missing, and their eyes blank and lifeless. These ones hadn''t been drawn out by the bait.


    Zack took aim with the nail gun, pointing it at one zombie''s head. He carefully squeezed the trigger.


    BAM! BAM! BAM!


    The faint sound of air pressure was almost unnoticeable as a nail shot through the zombie''s eye socket, exiting from the back of its skull in a spray of dark blood. The creature staggered forward a step or two before collapsing.


    The noise alerted the remaining two zombies, but before they could even react, Zack fired off two more nails. Both zombies crumpled to the ground, one struck squarely in the head and the other, a bit off-target, needed two more nails before it finally fell.


    "Almost out of ammo," Zack murmured, feeling the nail gun''s power weaken. He had maybe two or three shots left before it ran dry.


    "Sir, behind you!" Ego suddenly warned.


    Zack spun to see a blood-soaked figure stumbling towards him¡ªthe female streamer who had just been bitten. She was still in her pajamas, her skin now mottled and torn, her mouth twisted into a horrible snarl.


    "Damn it! I forgot about you!" Zack cursed, tossing the nail gun aside and pulling out his baseball bat. The once-pristine bat was now embedded with nails, transformed into a crude but deadly mace. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The zombie lurched at him with a savage roar, and Zack swung the bat with all his strength.


    BAM!


    The bat connected with her head, and with a sickening pop, her skull caved in, splattering the wall behind her with blood and fragments. The zombie fell, twitching before going still.


    "Sir, I suggest retrieving the car keys from this woman. Her vehicle is parked downstairs," Ego''s advised.


    Zack hesitated, glancing at the corpse with a grimace. He hadn''t expected he''d need to dig through her pockets, but... it was a logical choice.


    "Fine," he muttered, steeling himself as he rummaged through her jacket pocket, grimacing at the blood-slicked keys.


    "Thank you, Ego," he said, though he felt a bit shaken. He couldn''t afford to waste more time.


    Rushing downstairs, he slipped past the horde of zombies crowded near the bait outside and reached the car.


    "Sir, the car is on your left. It''s pink," Ego directed.


    A pink, sleek electric sedan waited in front of him. Zack quickly unlocked the door, slipping inside to find the interior faintly perfumed. He pressed the ignition, and the car hummed to life¡ªsilent as a whisper.


    "Brilliant choice, Ego," Zack muttered in relief. An electric car meant it wouldn''t attract the zombies with noise, unlike a fuel-powered car that would immediately turn him into a target.


    "If it weren''t for you, I would have made that mistake and might never have left here alive," he said sincerely, realizing just how invaluable Ego''s assistance had been.


    "Sir, your safety is my top priority," Ego replied, his tone unwavering.


    Zack took advantage of the quiet hum of his electric car, slipping past several buildings unnoticed. Just as he was about to leave the complex, however, his luck ran out.


    "Roar!"


    The sound of a zombie echoed, followed by the shambling forms of the infected, alerted to his presence. Unlike the sluggish zombies from movies, those infected by the Zeta virus retained most of their physical abilities. They could run nearly as fast as normal people and had an unnatural, tireless endurance. For most survivors, getting caught without a vehicle meant certain death.


    Luckily, Zack was prepared. "Good thing I followed your advice and take this car," he muttered, pressing down on the pedal.


    The motor revved to life, and the car surged forward with a sound nearly as loud as a gas-powered engine. The vehicle shot out of the encroaching zombie swarm, narrowly escaping like an arrow from a bowstring.


    "Turn left onto Greenwich Street ."


    The calm voice of Ego, his AI companion, guided him. Ego began navigating to help Zack dodge the zombie-packed areas, marking clear routes through the city''s chaotic streets. Finally, they reached a quieter, more remote road, and Zack allowed himself a moment to relax, though only slightly. The danger wasn''t over yet; he''d merely escaped one trap and needed to plan his next move.


    He couldn''t drive aimlessly forever. He had to find somewhere safe and better armed. "Ego, can you access the security network and locate the nearest weapons depot?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the road.


    His makeshift weapons from the apartment wouldn''t cut it in the long run. Out here, he needed real firepower. In this world, other survivors could be just as dangerous as zombies, especially if they decided to turn on each other for supplies. He recalled an old saying, "If my neighbor''s stocking up on food, I''ll be stocking up on ammo ¨C because their pantry just might become mine." Survival wasn''t just about supplies; it was about securing them.


    "No problem, sir," Ego replied, and within half a second, he''d marked several red dots on the navigation screen.


    "Most of these weapon caches are empty, but one still has a stock," Ego reported.


    Zack felt a spark of hope but frowned. "Only one left?" It made sense that others would''ve thought to grab weapons right after the outbreak, but an empty depot likely meant it wasn''t safe.


    "Is it dangerous inside?" he asked.


    "Yes, sir," Ego replied. "The surveillance shows many zombies in the area, including some that appear more aggressive than usual."


    Zack clenched his jaw. So, this cache wasn''t an option. "What about something else?" he pressed.


    After a quick search, Ego spoke. "There''s a cash transport truck ten kilometers away. The guards have turned into zombies, but there are two shotguns and several rounds inside."


    "Perfect! Can you lure the zombies away?"


    Ego''s voice was confident. "Yes, sir. I can hack the city''s radio system to draw them to a different location."


    Zack grinned. "Do it."


    He sped along the route Ego recommended, a path not the shortest but the safest. He avoided clusters of zombies, occasionally accelerating past a few scattered infected without breaking pace. Before long, he reached the area near the truck.


    Zack slowed down to assess the scene. The transport truck was parked on what had once been a busy pedestrian street, near an old school. A quick scan of the area revealed a staggering number of zombies. Hundreds of them milled around, stumbling over the deserted stretch.


    "There have to be at least a hundred zombies here," he muttered.


    Ego responded immediately. "There are precisely 167 zombies in the open, sir, not counting those inside nearby buildings."


    Zack let out a low whistle. Without Ego''s help, he''d be as good as zombie bait.


    "Go ahead with the distraction," he said.

 Chapter 3: Cruelty of Apocalypse

    Chapter 3 - Cruelty of ApocalypseMoments later, a shrill siren blared from the school, filling the air with a piercing sound that caught every zombie''s attention. Instantly, the horde shifted, staggering toward the sound like predators drawn to fresh prey.


    Meanwhile, inside a locked study room in the school, several students huddled, their faces pale as they heard the radio blaring outside.


    "Who turned on that radio?!" one of them whispered, his voice trembling. "All the zombies are heading this way!"


    A heavyset man with a greasy appearance, whom the students called "Uncle Sam," grunted, gripping a crowbar as he glared at them. He had been using the school as a temporary hideout, intending to use the students to create an escape route when the coast was clear. But now, with the zombie horde closing in, his plan was in jeopardy.


    "If I ever find out who started that radio, I''ll make them pay!" he muttered.


    As more zombies poured onto the campus, Uncle Sam''s anxiety grew. Desperately, he turned to the students. "Any of you know where the school''s main power switch is?"


    A thin, nervous-looking boy raised a hand. "I know... It''s by the security room."


    "Good. You''ll go there and turn it off," Sam ordered, moving aside a makeshift barricade at a back window. "You can jump from here. The back is clear."


    The boy hesitated, visibly scared, but Sam''s glare was firm. "For everyone''s safety," he said with a threatening tone.


    The other students, some of whom had been reluctant to send him, began to whisper words of encouragement mixed with guilt, urging him to go. "We''ll pull you up once you get it done, okay?"


    Tears glistened in the boy''s eyes as he reluctantly agreed. "Fine... I''ll go."


    He took a deep breath and jumped out of the window, making his way to the security room.


    __________


    "Good work, Ego! Most of the zombies have moved off," Zack said, pleased as he watched the dwindling number of zombies around the transport truck.


    Unaware of the terrified students inside the school, Zack continued his mission, focused only on his survival. After all, this was the end of the world. He had to make hard choices, and he knew full well that his life took priority over anyone else''s safety.


    The broadcast continued, reaching over the zombie-filled pedestrian street. Soon, there were fewer than ten zombies left.


    "It''s time to move!" Zack muttered, gripping the wheel tighter as he pressed down on the gas, steering his vehicle onto the street.


    "Roar!" One of the zombies noticed him and, with a guttural cry, charged at the car.


    Instead of slowing down, Zack floored the accelerator, ramming into the zombie with a powerful thud. The creature hit the hood, clinging for a moment before its legs caught under the wheels. A gruesome series of crunches followed as the vehicle rolled over it, leaving behind a mangled mess.


    "Sir, the cash transport truck is ahead on the right. There are a lot of zombies around it. I recommend using Molotov cocktails," Ego, his AI companion, advised.


    Zack followed Ego'' direction and spotted the black armored truck, surrounded by six or seven zombies. Parking discreetly on the side, he opened his backpack, grabbed a Molotov cocktail, and slid out of the vehicle quietly.


    Using nearby cars as cover, Zack crouched and approached the armored truck step by step. The radio''s background noise masked his movement. Once he was ten meters away, he paused, ducking behind a black SUV. Carefully, he pulled out the homemade Molotov cocktail from his backpack, lit the rag at the mouth of the bottle, and threw it toward the zombies.


    BOOM!


    The bottle shattered, instantly igniting three or four zombies in a burst of flames. The burning zombies stumbled and roared, spreading the fire to others nearby. The stench of charred flesh filled the air as one by one, the zombies fell to the ground.


    Just as Zack was about to throw another Molotov, he noticed a zombie heading in his direction, dressed in what appeared to be the remnants of an escort uniform.


    "Perfect timing," he muttered, lowering the cocktail and drawing his nail gun, waiting for the zombie to get closer. The nail gun''s air pressure was weak, so he needed the zombie within three meters for a guaranteed hit.


    When the zombie was close enough, Zack leaned out from behind the SUV and fired twice. The first nail lodged in the zombie''s forehead but didn''t penetrate fully. The second hit the eye socket, dropping the creature instantly.


    "Well, that''s one less problem," he remarked, tossing the nail gun aside. With his nail bat ready, he approached the transport truck. Only one more zombie stood between him and the truck, its back to him, unaware due to the loud radio. Zack crept forward, but just then, the campus broadcast cut out, leaving a jarring silence.


    The zombie immediately turned around, locking its gaze on Zack. "Roar!" it shrieked, charging straight at him. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With no time to question why the broadcast had stopped, Zack sidestepped, swinging his nail bat with full force. The impact sent the zombie sprawling, and before it could recover, he delivered a crushing blow to its head.


    Unfortunately, the zombie''s roar had attracted the attention of nearby zombies. Seeing them turn, Zack called out, "Ego, what happened?"


    "Sir, the radio''s power supply is out. There could be other survivors on campus," Ego replied.


    "Whatever. Time to leave!" Zack pulled a fertilizer bomb from his bag, lit the fuse, and lobbed it into the approaching horde before sprinting to the cash truck. Ignoring the explosion behind him, he quickly searched the fallen zombie for keys, unlocked the truck, and climbed inside.


    BOOM!


    The fertilizer bomb went off, shredding the zombies into a spray of blood and flesh. Still, a few staggered toward the armored truck, clawing and biting at the vehicle, though their attacks were useless against its bulletproof plating.


    "The hell this zombie, he think he have armor-piercing teeth?" Zack sneered, jamming the key into the ignition. The truck roared to life, and he pressed down on the gas. Zombies blocking his path were crushed under the massive wheels, reduced to nothing more than a bloody smear on the road.


    Two zombies clung to the windows but were quickly flung off as the truck picked up speed.


    "Not bad, right, Ego?" Zack said, a hint of relief in his voice now that he was in motion.


    "Yes, sir, the operation was a success, although with minor complications. By the way, sir, the records show there''s over two million in cash in this truck''s compartment."


    "Cash? What good is cash in this apocalypse?" Zack scoffed, glancing over to see a shotgun on the passenger seat with several boxes of ammunition. "Now, this is useful."


    As he passed the school area, the loud rumble of the truck engine attracted more zombies, and the noise alerted survivors hiding inside. Several students peeked out of windows, frantically waving and shouting for help.


    "A vehicle! It''s a rescue!" they cried excitedly, pushing desks and chairs out of the way to get to the windows.

 Chapter 4: Mutated Monster

    Chapter 4 - Mutated MonsterMeanwhile, Cloud, a student forced to turn off the campus''s power earlier, crouched in the corner, clutching his injured hand, his face pale and tense. He glanced up, eyes cold, watching his classmates call out.


    "Someone''s calling for help," Zack noted as he spotted the young people waving.


    "Sir, rescuing them is highly risky," Ego advised, seemingly concerned Zack might consider it.


    Zack chuckled darkly. "Ego, do you really think I''d be that reckless? We barely escaped ourselves. No way I''m risking everything for a few strangers."


    He pressed the gas, speeding away as the students'' shouts faded in the distance. Their faces turned to disbelief and anger.


    "He just left us here? What kind of person does that?" one pampered student shouted, his voice rising to a furious pitch. His outbursts drew several zombies'' attention, and their hungry moans echoed closer.


    "Quiet, you idiot!" Seifer, a fellow survivor, hissed. "Do you want to die?"


    The students quickly covered their mouths, stifling any further cries. But in the dim corner, Cloud trembled uncontrollably, his arm hanging limply at his side. The bite mark on his arm glistened in the dull light, dark and unmistakable.


    "Ego, help me locate a residental area with fewer zombies."


    "Certainly, sir."


    On the outskirts of the city, Zack eased his speed, leaving behind the chaos of the city center. Equipped with weapons and a reliable vehicle, his priority was clear: find a safe shelter. He decided to head toward the mansion, where the wealthy once resided. Such areas typically had fewer people, and after the apocalypse, fewer people meant fewer zombies.


    "Sir, Riverdale in the bronx has the lowest number of zombies and is the closest to your current location," Ego informed him. "However, I do not recommend you go there."


    Zack frowned. "Why not?"


    "Monitoring shows signs of highly dangerous mutant creatures in that area. It''s likely that animals on Van Cortlandt Park have eaten infected flesh," Ego explained.


    Zack thought back to Van Cortlandt Park, where near it a zoo was located. His mind flashed to images of zombified tigers and lions, and he immediately scrapped the idea.


    "Any other options?"


    "Tribeca near hudson river is another suitable choice, but you''ll need to refuel on the way," Ego replied.


    Zack glanced at the fuel gauge, noticing it was nearly in the red zone. "Alright, let''s head to Tribeca."


    "The route is set, sir," Ego said as a new path appeared on the navigation screen, marking a nearby gas station for refueling.


    As Zack drove, he adjusted the radio, searching through frequencies. Occasionally, he''d catch distress signals from survivors, but he didn''t bother to listen and kept switching. Eventually, a repeated message caught his attention.


    "Survivors who hear this, please head to Sing Sing Prison. We have a place with food, weapons, and secure shelter!"


    Zack raised an eyebrow. "Someone''s set up a base already? Are they official?"


    "No, sir," Ego replied. "Sing Sing Prison''s network went offline a few hours ago. From historical monitoring, we detected that it is controlled by prisoners, with a death row inmate named Arthur leading them."


    Zack''s eyes narrowed. A shelter established by prisoners... anyone going there would likely face serious danger.


    "What about the government? Have they made any moves?"


    "Sir, when the virus outbreak started, around 80% of the global population turned into zombies. Most governments have collapsed. There is no official authority left."


    Zack was silent for a moment, his face unreadable. Finally, he spoke calmly. "Ego, log the locations of all armories and military facility you can find."


    "Affirmative, sir. I''ve recorded even overseas military bases."


    "Good," Zack nodded, turning off the radio as he drove forward with newfound resolve.


    Before long, he arrived at the marked gas station. From a distance, he spotted a Ferrari sports car parked with a smashed front end.


    "Who tries to escape the apocalypse in a sports car?" he muttered, parking his vehicle across the road. He left the engine running, carefully scanning the station and its surroundings. If any danger showed up, he''d be ready to drive off instantly.


    After a few minutes of watching, he saw no signs of zombies. It was a remote location, so the lack of movement wasn''t surprising.


    "Ego, can you access the security cameras in the convenience store?"


    "Apologies, sir. The surveillance system here has been offline for a while," Ego replied.


    "How many employees are usually at this station?"


    "Two¡ªa cashier and a gas attendant. Judging from past reports, customer flow is low, with an average of only one car per hour," Ego quickly provided the data.


    "Sounds safe enough," Zack muttered. With only two employees and minimal customer traffic, there shouldn''t be more than a handful of zombies.


    Grabbing his shotgun from the passenger seat, he inspected it as Ego provided specs.


    "Remington 870 anti-riot shotgun, 12-gauge, magazine-fed, capacity of five rounds," Ego listed.


    Zack removed any blank or rubber bullets, loading lethal rounds into the magazines. After loading both magazines, he had ten shells in total¡ªmore than enough for three to five zombies.


    "Alright, this should do," he said, tucking extra rounds into his backpack before stepping out cautiously.


    Two dried pools of blood stained the ground near the station, with torn clothing scattered around, but no zombies in sight. The eerie quiet sent a chill down his spine, and he gripped his shotgun tightly as he approached the convenience store.


    Through the shattered glass door, Zack entered. The small store was in disarray: shelves toppled, snacks and drinks strewn about, and more ripped clothing tossed into a corner. But still, no zombies.


    A closed door at the back seemed to lead to the employee room.


    "Anyone there?" Zack called out, moving forward with his gun raised.


    Just as he reached out to push open the door, he hesitated, noting something odd. The door had been barricaded from the inside.


    Not only that, but claw marks scarred the door''s surface, deep and jagged, as if something had desperately tried to claw its way in.


    "These claw marks... they don''t look like they''re from zombies."


    As he studied the door, Ego''s voice broke through with an urgent tone.


    "Sir! A creature is approaching! The risk factor is extremely high!"


    Upon hearing Ego''s urgent warning, Zack spun around, aiming his shotgun at the convenience store''s entrance. His breath caught as a chill crept down his spine.


    A massive tiger, mottled yellow and white, prowled slowly toward the doorway, each step sending a shiver through the air. The beast was immense, its body stretching nearly two meters in length. Blood clung to its lips, and half of its fur had fallen away, revealing grotesque, grayish-white muscles beneath. Its grayish skin was the telltale sign of a zombie infection.


    The creature''s red eyes locked onto Zack with a ravenous glare, emitting a low, menacing growl¡ªnot the roar of a tiger, but a harsh, feral sound akin to the grunts wild cats make when fighting. Zack''s pulse quickened; this wasn''t just any predator.


    "Ego, we''re in a city¡ªwhy on earth is there a tiger here?" Zack muttered, his grip on the shotgun tightening, eyes fixed on the creature, refusing to blink.


    S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 5: A Giant CAT!?

    Chapter 5 - A Giant CAT!?"Analyzing target..." Ego replied. A moment later, he continued, "Analysis complete. This creature is a domesticated pet, a orange tabby cat, part of felidae family. It has mutated due to unknown causes, drastically increased in size, and is highly aggressive."


    Zack''s jaw nearly dropped. "A... house cat? An orange tabby cat?!"


    Ego''s words rocked his sense of reality. The two-meter-long beast in front of him, bulging with muscle and deadly intent, was once an orange tabby¡ªa cat so overweight it could barely move!


    "Sir, caution advised. This creature is extremely dangerous," Ego warned again. Zack''s heart pounded as he processed Ego''s explanation. Unlike regular zombies, animals infected by the Zeta virus seemed to retain a disturbing level of intelligence.


    The zombie cat, tiger-sized and terrifying, didn''t jumped right away but waited at the door, staring directly at Zack with bloodthirsty eyes. The reason was clear¡ªit sensed the threat of the shotgun in his hands. It was wary, pacing back and forth as if sizing him up.


    Zack gripped the shotgun tightly, his own instincts telling him not to fire hastily. He knew how fast a cat''s reflexes were, even more so with a creature this size. If he missed, he might not have the chance to shoot again.


    "The optimal battle plan is now being simulated," Ego''s voice broke through his concentration. In Zack''s view, virtual figures appeared¡ªa digital map of the convenience store and a projection of the zombie cat''s potential moves. In one simulation after another, the human figure was mauled by the beast, only a few scenarios ending in Zack''s survival. But those plans all involved risky moves that left him seriously injured, which Ego promptly discarded.


    Finally, Ego''s voice cut through again. "Sir, I''ve calculated the best course of action for a safe outcome."


    The entire process took less than five seconds, yet each moment felt like an eternity.


    Instantly, all the virtual figures vanished except one¡ªa single projection in front of Zack, outlining the precise steps to evade and counter the zombie cat. It was like having a perfect game walkthrough laid out right before him.


    Every move was clear and annotated: where to step, when to dodge. Even as Zack mentally prepared, the zombie cat decided it was time to attack. The caution in its eyes gave way to a primal hunger, and with a guttural snarl, it charged toward him, faster than a ghostly blur.


    Zack braced himself, already a step ahead thanks to the virtual projection. He pulled out the last Molotov cocktail from his backpack, not even sparing a second to light it. Following the simulation''s guidance, he dodged left, tossing the bottle where he had just been standing. The bottle shattered on impact, spreading flammable liquid across the floor.


    The zombie cat''s claws narrowly missed him, slicing through the air with a force that sent a breeze past his cheek. Under Ego''s calculations, this dangerously close encounter turned into an unbridgeable gap for the creature, which slipped on the spilled alcohol and shards of glass, crashing clumsily to the floor.


    As it struggled to rise, bits of broken glass embedded in its flesh and fur soaked with alcohol. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Die, you brute!" Zack snarled. He snatched a handful of cheap lighters from the counter, tossing them toward the dazed cat, and then aimed his shotgun.


    Bang!


    The powerful recoil made his hands tingle as the blast sprayed steel balls into the creature, sparking the lighters in mid-air. Flames erupted instantly, igniting the alcohol vapors around the cat. The zombie cat was engulfed in a furious blaze, thrashing and letting out an eerie, guttural hiss. Its resilience was terrifying; though undead creatures felt no pain, this one retained enough sense to fear fire.


    As the flames roared around the beast, Zack seized the moment, unloading two more rounds into it. Each blast tore into the cat''s body, spilling dark, foul-smelling blood. The creature staggered, nearly collapsing, but it wasn''t done yet.


    Suddenly, Ego''s simulation alerted Zack to move. The virtual image dodged to the side, and Zack followed instinctively, leaping away from the counter.


    The zombie cat, charged forward in a last desperate attempt to attack, slamming into the counter he had just left, reducing it to splinters. The flames spread to papers and other items around, intensifying the inferno.


    "Almost had me there," Zack muttered, cursing under his breath.


    The zombie cat''s twisted body rose again, a charred, rage-fueled specter clawing its way up from the wreckage, its red eyes blazing with hate. Realizing he had one final opportunity, Zack reached into the nearby fire door, grabbing a heavy, industrial-sized fire extinguisher.


    He took it up, feeling the strain in his arms, and brought it down with a crushing blow to the cat''s head.


    The beast reeled, stunned, its body slowing for precious seconds. Not wasting another moment, Zack sprinted outside. Once he reached a safe distance, he turned, aiming his shotgun¡ªnot at the cat, but directly at the fire extinguisher still lying at the creature''s feet.


    Zack''s cold smile grew as he watched the zombie cat stagger back to its feet. He mimicked an explosion sound under his breath,"boom!" then pulled the trigger.


    Bang!


    The blast from his shotgun was quickly overshadowed by an even louder explosion. The shot had hit a fire extinguisher, causing the high-pressure gas inside to rupture violently. The canister shattered, sending sharp pieces of metal flying in every direction. The zombie cat, caught at close range, was instantly hit by the shrapnel. Jagged metal fragments tore into its charred body, leaving several gaping holes. One piece drove right through its skull, ending any chance of it standing up again.


    Zack stayed low, lying flat on the ground until the smoke cleared. When he finally stood up, the convenience store was filled with a thick, blinding fog of dry powder, covering everything in a haze. The fire extinguisher''s blast had not only destroyed the zombie cat but also put out the small fires that had been smoldering in the store.


    "Ego, is it dead?" Zack asked, gun in hand.


    "Analyzing... No signs of life detected."


    Hearing Ego''s confirmation, Zack exhaled in relief. "Alright, time to refuel and get out of here."


    He moved quickly, aware that the explosion would likely attract more zombies. Reaching the road, he climbed into the armored vehicle parked nearby and drove to the gas station. At the self-service pump, he filled the vehicle''s tank and then grabbed several nearby barrels, filling them with over a hundred liters of extra fuel for emergencies.


    By the time he finished, the white smoke in the convenience store had begun to dissipate. "Ego, keep an eye on our surroundings. Let me know if anything moves out there," Zack instructed.


    Scanning the area and seeing no zombies, he changed his magazine, knowing he''d used up most of his shots while fighting the zombie cat. With a fresh clip loaded, he approached the convenience store, bracing himself for any lingering danger.


    As he got closer, a strong, acrid smell hit him. The scent of burned plastic and singed fur hung heavily in the air. The cat''s corpse lay in the middle of the store, blanketed in dry powder, less gruesome than he''d expected. Zack tore a strip from his shirt to cover his mouth and nose as he stepped over the cat''s body, heading toward the back.


    "Wait... someone''s still alive?"

 Chapter 6: Sophia

    Chapter 6 - SophiaHe noticed the back door had been partially opened from inside, and a table and some chairs, previously blocking the way, were moved. Peering through the gap, he spotted a young woman lying on the floor, unconscious. Her neat appearance told him she wasn''t a gas station worker. From her position, it looked like she''d been trying to push the furniture aside to escape.


    "Probably passed out from the smoke," Zack thought. He pulled open the door and cleared the remaining furniture. Turning her over gently, he examined her.


    "Looks familiar..."


    The girl, about eighteen or nineteen, had a striking appearance. Something about her face sparked a sense of recognition, although he was sure he''d never seen her before.


    "Ego?"


    Ego quickly responded, "Sophia Monroe, female, 19. Daughter of the late Benjamin Monroe. Mother, Lillian Lane, former CEO of Horizon Corporation."


    "Oh, Lillian Lane''s daughter. That explains it," Zack realized. He hadn''t known the girl, but he had certainly heard of her mother, a prominent businesswoman often in the media. Despite her husband''s early death, Lillian Lane had built her struggling company into an empire. And this girl, Sophia Monroe, was her only child.


    "What a life, huh?" he muttered, looking down at the unconscious girl. "In a world like this, all those billions mean nothing."


    He slapped her cheek gently, trying to wake her. "Come on, wake up."


    Her eyelashes fluttered, and a weak voice escaped her lips. "Water..."


    Zack rummaged through the store, found a bottle of water, and poured a bit on her face before handing it over. "Drink slowly..."


    But before he could finish, Sophia Monroe grabbed the bottle and chugged it down, nearly emptying it in one go. "You''re really thirsty, huh?" He yanked the bottle back before she finished the rest.


    Watching him, her eyes began to clear. She coughed slightly and glanced around, seeming to register his presence fully for the first time. "Did... did you kill Purrfield?" she asked, her voice raspy.


    "Purrfield?" Zack looked at her, puzzled, before pointing to the zombie cat''s body. "Don''t tell me... that thing was your pet?"


    She looked down, tears filling her eyes. "Purrfield... he wasn''t like this before..." Her words trailed off as another coughing fit wracked her body, a result of the smoke she''d inhaled.


    Before Zack could respond, Ego''s voice sounded urgently in his head. "Sir, there is a group of zombies approaching from the southeast. Estimated time before arrival: ten minutes."


    A countdown appeared before his eyes, ticking down second by second. Glancing between the clock and Sophia, he sighed. Despite her disheveled state, she had a rare beauty that seemed untouched by the harshness of the world around them.


    "Sophia, right?" Zack said directly. "It''s not safe here. That explosion will bring zombies. I''m leaving now."


    "Wait! Can I... can I come with you?" Sophia''s voice was desperate. She''d spent days alone, frightened, and now Zack''s presence was like a lifeline.


    "Sure," Zack replied bluntly, "if you''re ready to become my woman. Otherwise, you''re on your own."


    His frankness left her momentarily speechless. She had expected some sort of negotiation or conditions, but his words were as straightforward as they were surprising.


    "Think it over," he added, and without waiting for her answer, he began gathering supplies from the store. He found a trolley, loaded it with whatever canned goods and bottled water had survived the blast, and rolled it out to his vehicle.


    As he prepared to leave, a soft, hesitant voice sounded behind him. "I... I''ll go with you."


    Leaving the gas station, Zack drove on, following the route laid out by Ego. Along the way, the city''s catastrophic transformation unfolded before him. Fires raged in once-thriving buildings, while thick plumes of smoke clouded the skyline. The streets, now filled with abandoned, wrecked vehicles, were clogged from the chaos that erupted when the virus first spread. People, trapped in traffic and unable to escape, had eventually succumbed and transformed into the undead. The haunting screams of scattered survivors echoed through the air, a chilling reminder of the apocalypse.


    Zombies filled every corner of the city. Ego, who had managed to tap into the city''s network, could only do so much to avoid large swarms, planning a route that minimized obstacles. Thankfully, Zack was driving an armored escort vehicle, a multi-ton beast that hardly flinched at the ordinary zombies stumbling into its path. Each press of the accelerator was enough to crush them under its heavy wheels, reducing them to nothing more than a smear on the asphalt.


    In the passenger seat, Sophia had initially been tense, clutching her seat in horror at the sight of the zombies. But as the vehicle repeatedly plowed over them, she gradually relaxed, her exhaustion overtaking her. After two sleepless nights, she finally closed her eyes and drifted into a heavy sleep, her head leaning against the window. The bumps as they ran over the undead almost rocked her like a cradle, bringing her a strange, brief peace.


    After over an hour of driving, Zack parked near a high-end residential area: a newly-built Mansion complex, surrounded by high walls and filled with luxurious single-family homes. A small artificial lake sparkled in the center, showcasing the excessive comfort the wealthy enjoyed.


    "Ego, is this Tribeca?" Zack asked, eyeing the community.


    "Yes, sir," Ego confirmed.


    Zack looked around, taking in the tall walls and private courtyards around each mansion. "Rich people and their taste... With a bit of reinforcement, this place could become a decent fortress against the zombies."


    The community was newly constructed, with a low occupancy rate, meaning most place were empty. That would make it easier to secure the area.


    "Ego, mark any Mansions that are occupied." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Right away, sir."


    As Ego projected the Mansion information on the screen, each home''s occupancy status appeared, including who was inside. Zack quickly found a suitable option: Mansion No. 9. It was positioned in the heart of the complex, with a high vantage point that offered a clear view of the surrounding area. Its owner was abroad when the virus outbreak hit, so it should be vacant.


    "Let''s go," he said, while driving the truck.


    As he approached the community''s main entrance, he saw the gate had been smashed open, likely by a large black Land Rover that was left behind. Near the entrance, a zombie with only its upper body intact clawed at the ground, dragging itself toward them, groaning in a frenzy as it spotted their approach.


    Without slowing down, Zack pressed on the accelerator, running over it with a sickening thud. The impact jarred the vehicle, stirring Sophia from her sleep.


    "Where are we?" she asked groggily, her eyes taking in the surroundings. Her expression shifted as she recognized the area. "I''ve been here before."


    "You know this place?"


    She nodded, explaining, "The developer is my uncle. He gifted me a Mansion here for my 18th birthday, but I thought it was too far out of the way, so I never moved in."


    She pointed to a nearby Mansion. "That''s it¡ªNo. 8."


    It was only separated by a small patch of green and a road from Mansion No. 9, the one Zack had chosen. A sense of irony filled him when he checked the records and saw her name listed as the owner of Mansion No. 8.


    "Are all birthday gifts for rich kids this extravagant?" he teased.


    Before she could respond, they saw two zombies up ahead¡ªa man and a woman¡ªstanding near a blood-stained stroller.

 Chapter 7: The Mansion

    Chapter 7 - The MansionSophia gasped, covering her mouth. "That''s Uncle Lee and Aunt Linda..." Seeing a stranger as a zombie was one thing; seeing someone she once knew was another. Her face paled.


    "Let''s leave the reunion for another time," Zack said, his tone cold. He pressed the accelerator harder, sending the vehicle forward. Sophia shut her eyes, but the familiar sound of crunching bones as they rolled over the undead was unavoidable.


    Overwhelmed, Sophia began to sob. Seeing familiar faces turned into monsters was too much for her. Zack, don''t know what to say, simply muttered, "Let it out," as he continued to drive, circling the community to clear any remaining zombies.


    They passed four or five more, mostly former security guards, and he crushed them with little thought. When the streets were clear, he finally parked in front of Mansion No. 9, got out, and forced open the courtyard gate. Sophia''s tears eventually slowed, though her eyes were red and swollen. At that moment, Ego chimed in with unexpected advice.


    "Sir, data suggests that women are most vulnerable to romantic feelings when emotionally distressed."


    Zack rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Ego. But we have more pressing priorities than romance right now."


    Grabbing his shotgun, he exited the vehicle. Sophia joined him, wielding the makeshift bat he had crafted for her. Though the weapon was heavy, it gave her a small sense of security.


    As they entered the Mansion''s courtyard, an alarm suddenly blared, piercing the quiet. Sophia Monroe slapped her forehead.


    "I forgot! This mansion belongs to Mr. Whitaker, a well-known collector. His security system is probably top-notch. We might not even get through the front door without setting off more alarms!" she said, tugging at his sleeve in a panic.


    Zack only smiled. A second later, the alarm stopped abruptly.


    "Sir, the alert has been cleared, and the system is now configured to recognize only your pupils and fingerprints."


    Under Sophia''s curious gaze, Zack approached the Mansion door and pressed his thumb against the fingerprint lock. A soft chime sounded as the door unlocked, and he stepped inside.


    Immediately, Zack took out a gun and began a thorough sweep of the Mansion, ensuring that every corner was secure. The Mansion was massive, with three floors above ground and two more below. The first floor contained the living areas, like the living room and kitchen. The second floor housed four bedrooms and a nanny''s room, while the third floor held a spacious master bedroom, with the remaining space dedicated to showcasing an impressive collection of artifacts and valuables.


    Descending to the basement, he found that half of the first underground level was a garage with two antique cars parked neatly, and a pool table opposite to them. On the other side, he noted a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a bar, and a private cinema. The Mansion was very luxurious specificity designed for comfort and entertainment.


    The second underground floor, however, was different. No stairs led to it; instead, it was accessible only by an independent elevator that required a passcode. Without the code, reaching this hidden floor was impossible. Here, a few precious collectibles were stored, though their former value had diminished greatly in the apocalyptic world. Priceless relics now felt like mere decorations in a wasteland.


    "I''ll check the basement. Can you bring in the cans and water from the car?" Zack was halfway to the elevator when he hesitated, glancing back at Sophia. "By the way... do you know how to cook?"


    He immediately felt foolish. Someone from Sophia''s background probably had never needed to cook. But to his surprise, she nodded with a slight smile.


    "You really do?" Zack''s surprised. Not wanting to dwell on it, he continued, "Good. I saw some vegetables in the fridge. See what you can make with them."


    Satisfied, he entered the elevator and simply instructed, "Ego, negative two." Without needing a passcode, the elevator obediently descended to the Mansion''s most hidden level.


    The doors slid open, and Zack was greeted by surprisingly fresh air, thanks to the Mansion''s advanced air purification system. Surveying the basement, he found only five or six collections arranged in the vast, open space¡ªtwo porcelain vases, a suit of European black plate armor, and a few calligraphy scrolls and paintings. It felt strangely empty for such a large room.


    "Ego," Zack mused aloud, "I have a idea." Images of a scene from his favorite moviefilled his mind. He wondered if he, too, could build a suit of armor here.


    "Think I could make a power armor?" he asked.


    "Unfortunately, Sir, we lack the necessary material for a reactor," Ego replied.


    Zack had anticipated this. Without an Zero Point Reactor, his ambition would hit a wall. "Is there any alternative power source?" he pondered.


    "If you forego flight capabilities, battery power could work," Ego calculated quickly. "High-energy storage graphene batteries are recommended for stable operation."


    Zack was intrigued but skeptical. "Where would I even find graphene?"


    "The Mansion owner once collected a piece of graphite, which could be refined into graphene through honeycomb extraction," Ego responded smoothly.


    Zack raised an eyebrow. Honeycomb extraction? This was unfamiliar, possibly another technology form the future. Compared to traditional methods, this black-tech approach bypassed the need for complex equipment and significantly increased efficiency.


    "List the other materials for the graphene battery," Zack ordered, focusing on the plan.


    "Right away, Sir."


    Ego displayed the necessary materials, most of which were common. A few items required refining, but Ego conveniently provided the extraction methods. "Good. We''ll start gathering everything tomorrow."


    Satisfied, Zack thought about Sophia, curious about her progress upstairs. "Ego, show me what she''s doing."


    The Mansion''s surveillance cameras, originally installed to monitor valuable art, now under Ego control. Instantly, a live projection from the kitchen appeared before him.


    In the footage, Sophia was moving skillfully, washing and chopping vegetables before pouring oil into a pan. This make Zack look at her with a new light, not just a pampered young lady.


    "Sir," Ego reported, "after retrieving the cans and water, Ms. Sophia quietly ate a can of beef and hid the empty can under the lawn."


    "It''s just a can. Let her enjoy it," Zack chuckled. "No need to report these small things, as long as she doesn''t do anything reckless."


    "Understood, Sir."


    As the sun set, the last dish was brought to the table, filling the room with warmth that sharply contrasted the eerie cries of zombies faintly heard outside. Mansion No. 9 was a haven of calm amidst the desolate apocalypse.


    "Come, sit," Zack gestured as Sophia placed the final dish on the table. The aroma was enticing, and as he tasted the food, he raised his eyebrows in appreciation.


    "I didn''t expect it to taste this good," he said, surprised.


    "Thank you," she murmured, her eyes downcast, hands fidgeting slightly under the table.


    Inwardly, her mind replayed Zack''s earlier words, "If you want to follow me, be prepared to become my woman." A blush crept over her face as the reality of her decision hit her. She was here, sitting with a man she barely knew, feeling emotions she had never experienced before.


    "Are you... uncomfortable eating with me?" Zack''s voice broke her reverie.


    "N-no," she replied quickly, shaking her head, though her flushed cheeks told a different story. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don''t worry. I eat food, not people." He flashed a rare, teasing smile as he took another bite.


    A small laugh escaped her, easing her tension. As they continued their meal, Sophia found herself relaxing, enjoying his company more than she had expected.

 Chapter 8: Graphene Battery

    Chapter 8 - Graphene BatteryThe next morning, sunlight streamed through the third-floor windows, nudging Zack from his deep sleep. He sat up, stretched, and got dressed, casting a brief glance back with a small shake of his head. There was too much to do today; he couldn''t afford to waste time on idle thoughts.


    As he descended the stairs, he called out, "Ego, any news from last night?"


    "Nothing of note within the Mansion, Sir," Ego replied. "However, there were sounds of zombies in the nearby Mansions. Likely former residents who turned after being trapped inside."


    "Understood. I''ll handle them later," Zack replied, then added, "Any major events outside?"


    "Last night at 11:24 p.m., a nuclear explosion occurred in Nevada State, likely triggered by remnants of the military. Additionally, unusual zombies surfaced in India, and a local survivor base was destroyed." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Skip those reports," Zack interrupted. "Anything relevant nearby?"


    "An organization is gathering survivors near the capital, likely aiming to establish a large base with military personnel. Also, reports of a mutated zombie type, the ''Night Stalker,'' suggest they''re pack creatures with intelligence, swift movements, and climbing abilities. Fires have broken out across the country due to unmanned power plants, and we expect a full power and network outage in three days."


    Zack''s brow furrowed. Losing power and internet access would severely cripple his plans. Without power, the battery-operated Power armor he planned would be useless. And without the internet, Ego''s capabilities would be heavily limited, no longer able to provide constant surveillance and updates.


    "Ego, can you tap into a military satellite for intel?" Zack asked.


    "Easily, Sir. Most satellites are now unmonitored." After a brief pause, Ego announced, "I''ve connected to the Liberty Star intelligence satellite from the Goverment. The live feed is clear."


    Zack grinned as a real-time image appeared on his screen, showing the area with astounding clarity. "Good. This solves one issue, at least for now."


    "Regarding power," Ego continued, "I can reroute electricity from surrounding power plants, ensuring local power for the next fifteen days by cutting off supply to other regions."


    "Perfect. Do it." Fifteen days wasn''t a long time, but it bought him enough to proceed with his plans.


    After washing up, Zack grabbed a canned meal and headed back to the basement. The previous evening, he''d gathered the necessary materials for building the graphene batteries, arranging them on a makeshift workbench¡ªa repurposed pool table with the sides removed.


    "Let''s get started, Ego," Zack muttered, and Ego displayed a step-by-step holographic guide on graphene battery production.


    The process wasn''t overly complex, but it required meticulous precision. During extraction, Zack noted the honeycomb-like structure forming on the graphite, understanding now why this method was called the "honeycomb extraction."


    First, Zack placed the graphite in a liquid solution that helps break down its layers, allowing him to separate the graphite into thin sheets. Then, he applied a small amount of electric current through the solution, which caused the graphite to loosen and split into finer, thin pieces.


    As the current continued to flow, Zack carefully monitored the solution to ensure the pieces didn''t clump or dissolve too much. Slowly, the layers started peeling off in a delicate honeycomb structure, and, over time, the graphite sheets broke down into even smaller particles.


    After several hours, the powder finally dried. Zack now had over ten grams of fine, black graphene powder resting in his hand. This smooth, lightweight powder was the final product, and its unique honeycomb structure gave it a lot of potential uses, especially in electronics and energy storage.


    "Finally done," he sighed, wiping sweat from his forehead and carefully sealing the powder away. Glancing at the time, he realized it was already noon.


    "Guess it''s lunch time," he murmured, heading back upstairs.


    On the first floor, Sophia was already seated at the dining table, her eyes skimming over a poetry book as she waited. "Finished?" she asked, setting her book down. "The food''s a bit cold¡ªI can heat it in the microwave."


    "No need," Zack waved her off, taking a seat. "I''ll be back downstairs after eating anyway."


    "Alright." Sophia nodded, not prying further. She knew better than to ask what Zack was doing. They ate in quiet comfort, Sophia clearing the table and washing up afterward as Zack returned to the basement.


    It didn''t take him long to gather the remaining materials, and he soon began assembling the battery. Following Ego''s holographic steps, he donned a pair of homemade magnifying glasses and focused intently on the work. The production process demanded extreme precision; one shaky move and the battery would be rendered useless¡ªor worse, unsafe.


    Zack took a deep breath, steadying his hands, and got to work.


    Meanwhile, an off-road vehicle with a battered front grille rumbled down the road toward Tribeca. Inside were three brothers, each bearing a rough resemblance to the others.


    "Check it out, Tony," Marco, sitting in the passenger seat, pointed eagerly. "This area''s gotta have fewer zombie roaming around. Rich folks live in those mansions, and they''re usually spread out. Plus, this neighborhood''s practically new!"


    "Yeah, fewer people means fewer zombies," he continued, excitement rising. "And we''ve got a gun. We just need to clear out a few of them, and we''ll have a whole Mansion to ourselves!"


    In the back, the youngest brother, Joey, chimed in with a mischievous grin. "Hey, Tony, I heard some of these rich families had some fine company. Maybe I''ll find a lady to keep me busy."


    Their oldest brother, Tony Russo, laughed. "Well, if you do, make sure she gives us seven or eight kids. Gotta keep the Russo family line going!" Their laughter filled the car as they sped toward Tribeca, unaware what is waiting for them.


    After more than an hour of intense concentration, Zack finally held a high-energy-storage graphene battery, roughly the size of a brick, in his hands. It was entirely black with four metal contacts on each end, and significantly heavier than a lithium battery of the same size. He hefted it, feeling the solid weight.


    "Ego, are you sure one of these is enough?"


    "The capacity of this graphene battery is over 2,000 times that of a lithium battery, with a charging efficiency 3,500 times higher," Ego replied smoothly. "It will power the armor for at least three hours."


    "Good enough," Zack nodded, though he knew he only had materials for a single battery. He placed it carefully back on the workbench when Ego''s alert came through.


    "Sir, a vehicle is approaching the estate."


    The satellite feed from LSI (Liberty Star intelligence) appeared in front of him, zooming in on an off-road vehicle with a damaged front grille. Inside, three men sat, and one of them clutched a shotgun.


    "Zoom in," Zack ordered, studying the figures. Ego identified them.


    "Tony, Marco, and Joey. The brothers served time for poaching, and the eldest, Tony, is a fugitive for murder."


    Zack''s eyes narrowed. These were not harmless survivors but a criminals. He had plans to turn this place into a fortress, a sanctuary in this post-apocalyptic world. Letting men like these as a neghbour wasn''t an option.


    Only one battery had been completed, and the armor was still in its early stages. Zack considered his options. "Ego, is there enough material here to make the pump-action nail gun you suggested?"


    After leaving his apartment, Zack had taken an interest in silent, deadly weapons, especially air guns. Ego had mentioned an improved nail gun, one powered by an air pump with both automatic and manual pressurization. It was lethal but quiet¡ªideal for this situation.


    "There is enough material available," Ego confirmed, displaying the parts needed and their locations.


    "Perfect." Zack immediately set to work on assembling the nail gun.

 Chapter 9: The Russo Family End

    Chapter 9 - The Russo Family EndMeanwhile, a off-road vehicle rolled into Tribeca. Their eyes widened as they took in the luxurious Mansions surrounding them, each house grander than the last.


    "Man, are all rich people''s homes this fancy?" Joey, the youngest, muttered in awe as he looked around.


    Marco, the second brother, wasn''t as distracted. "Hold up," he said, pointing to fresh, bloodstained tire tracks on the road. "Someone''s been here already."


    The other two immediately noticed the same thing. For a gated community, it was oddly quiet¡ªno zombies roamed the streets, and even the security guards seemed absent.


    "What should we do, big brother?" Joey asked, nervousness creeping into his voice.


    "What do you think?" Tony responded, lifting his shotgun with a hardened expression. "If someone''s here, we have the firepower to deal with them."


    "Yeah, you''re right, big brother," Marco added, nodding with confidence. With their nerves steeled, they followed the tire tracks toward Mansion No. 9, where Zack had been working.


    When they arrived nearby, Tony turned to his youngest brother. "Third, go check out how many people are in there."


    Joey obeyed, slipping out of the car and creeping toward the Mansion. Peering through a window, he spotted Sophia''s silhouette as she passed by. His eyes lit up, and he waved his brothers over excitedly. "There''s a woman inside!" he whispered eagerly. Both Tony and Marco perked up, grins spreading across their faces as they began to approach.


    Suddenly¡ªBang!


    A thunderous gunshot rang out. Joey screamed, clutching his face as blood dripped through his fingers.


    The noise agitated zombies nearby, their growls intensifying as they clawed at barriers and walls. Despite their injuries, the brothers quickly realized they were facing a much stronger opponent than expected. "Someone''s here!" Tony shouted. "Third, get back!"


    Clutching his bleeding face, Joey stumbled back toward the car. Another shot rang out from Mansion No. 9''s third-floor balcony. Zack took aim, firing a blast that clipped Joey''s leg, sending him sprawling in pain.


    Panicked, Tony and Marco dragged their wounded brother into the car and sped off, the vehicle rattling as they escaped.


    "Pity..." Zack muttered as he lowered his shotgun. The distance had lessened the blast''s impact, with only a few pellets hitting Joey. Still, he''d sent a clear message¡ªthe Mansion was defended, and his weapon wasn''t just for show.


    "Ego," he ordered coldly, "keep an eye on them."


    If they thought they could return here unscathed, they were sorely mistaken.


    Zack waited until Sophia had fallen asleep before slipping out of the Mansion, his backpack slung over one shoulder. In his hand, he held an unusual-looking firearm.


    This weapon was centered around a high-compression air tank at its rear, capable of firing seven to ten steel balls with remarkable force before needing to be re-pressurized. An electric pump attached to the air tank automatically refilled the pressure when the shooting stopped, only taking a few seconds to reach optimal power. There was also a manual bolt near the front¡ªone firm pull could deliver an extra boost of power for the next shot. The nail gun used a specialized magazine that held fifty steel balls, ensuring Zack was well-equipped for what lay ahead.


    "Ego, report the target''s location," Zack said quietly, his voice low and controlled.


    "Sir, the target is currently located in Mansion No. 4," Ego replied promptly.


    Zack nodded, absorbing the information. To avoid attracting unwanted attention, he chose to walk instead of drive, heading toward Mansion No. 4 under the cover of darkness. Since the outbreak, this was the first time he ventured out at night. Luckily, the skies were clear, and the moon provided enough light to navigate, reducing the risk of running into stray zombies.


    Ten minutes later, he arrived at his destination. On the way, he encountered two zombies. These creatures, now seemingly more active at night, had crawled over the walls from a neighboring Mansion. They snarled and staggered toward him, but Zack took the opportunity to test his new gun. He took aim, and with impressive accuracy, each shot hit its mark, landing precisely between the zombies'' eyes. The results boosted his confidence for what he was about to do.


    As he approached Mansion No. 4, he heard loud, angry voices from within, laced with curses and painful cries.


    "Brothers! That bastard shot my balls!" Joey howled from inside, his voice thick with pain. "The Russo family name ends with me..."


    Nearby, his brother Marco tried to calm him. "It''s fine, we''ve got the older brothers to carry the name. Now quit thrashing, or you''ll start bleeding again."


    In the corner, Tony, the eldest, gripped a rough-looking shotgun, his eyes gleaming with a cold, venomous rage. He spat, "Third Brother, did you see how many of them were there?"


    "Only two," Joey answered, his face contorted with anger and shame. "A man and... and some woman. A pretty one, too, damn it..."


    "Only two, and the other one''s a girl?" Tony''s face twisted into a wicked grin as he exchanged glances with Marco. "Perfect," he said softly, his tone full of malice.


    Marco rubbed his hands together eagerly. "So, when do we strike?"


    "Not now. That punk has a gun, and he''ll be on guard if we go now," Tony whispered, his gaze cold. "Early morning is best. He''ll be asleep by then."


    "Yes, Brother," Marco agreed, his grin widening.


    "We''ll kill that boy and take the girl for ourselves," Tony sneered, his eyes glinting with sadistic glee. Even Joey managed a twisted smile despite his pain.


    Unbeknownst to them, Zack had scaled the courtyard wall and crept close enough to overhear every vile word. He stifled a laugh when he heard Joey, the one he''d shot, mutter about wanting to kill and eat his flesh.


    "Did you hear that, Ego?" Zack chuckled softly, a smirk creeping across his face. "They''re talking about killing me and eating me. How charming."


    "This is unacceptable," Ego replied, his voice taking on a steely edge. The brothers had officially become high-threat targets in Ego''s assessment.


    "Sir, I suggest entering the house through the back door," Ego advised after a quick scan of the Mansion''s layout.


    Zack followed the advice, moving stealthily toward the back of the Mansion. Surprisingly, these men hadn''t even bothered to lock the back door, a reckless oversight. Silently, he pushed the door open and slipped inside, creeping down the hallway. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The brothers were still absorbed in their delusions. "Soon, we''ll have our own little survivor''s base," Marco was saying. "We''ll be living like kings!"


    Suddenly, there was a quiet, muffled sound, and Tony''s voice stopped abruptly. His shotgun clattered to the floor as he staggered, a small round hole in his forehead trickling blood mixed with brain matter. Zack had fired a single, precise shot, taking out the strongest first.


    "Big Brother?" Marco turned, confusion flashing in his eyes. Then he saw his eldest brother slump to the floor, dead.


    Fury contorting his face, Marco grabbed for the shotgun on the ground. But Zack''s reaction was swift. He squeezed the trigger twice, each steel ball finding its target. The shots punctured Marco''s lungs and heart, sending him crumpling to the floor, blood bubbling from his mouth as he tried to speak.

 Chapter 10: MV-01 Power Armor

    Chapter 10 - MV-01 Power ArmorThe last brother, Joey, struggled to rise, terror dawning on his face. "No, please¡ª"


    "Oh, I almost forgot you," Zack murmured with a cold smile before firing one final shot. Joey dropped, his pathetic wails silenced at last. With the three brothers dead, an eerie calm settled over the blood-soaked room, the metallic scent filling the air.


    Zack picked up the shotgun the brothers had. To his disappointment, it was nothing more than a crudely made weapon, hand-polished and barely functional. He dropped it back onto the floor, unimpressed.


    He reached into his backpack and pulled out a Molotov cocktail he had prepared earlier. With a flick of his lighter, he set it ablaze and tossed it onto the floor among the corpses. Flames quickly engulfed the Mansion, flickering against the blood-stained walls and spreading fast.


    Without looking back, Zack left, his face calm as he walked away from the burning building. Despite this being his first time killing a human, he showed no signs of hesitation or remorse. He know he need to be decisive or dead is what await him. Only when he was some distance away did he glance back at the burning Mansion, a complicated look in his eyes.


    A sudden, long howl pierced the night air, sending chills down his spine. Out of the darkness, four or five shadowy figures¡ªfast, humanoid, and ghastly¡ªemerged, rushing toward the Mansion in response to the flames.


    Zack''s heart skipped as he spotted the strange, shadowy figures in the distance. "What... are those?" he murmured, ducking behind an abandoned car for cover.


    "Target is too far for a scan. Switching to satellite view," Ego reported. Within seconds, images from the LSI satellite appeared before Zack''s eyes. Although the night view was dim, he could make out four or five humanoid shapes racing across the ground with inhuman speed. Under the moonlight, their unnaturally long limbs and pale, hairless bodies stood out starkly. They were anything but human. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sir, comparison analysis indicates these creatures are newly identified mutant zombies, commonly called Night Stalkers," Ego informed him. "Data shows Night Stalkers primarily emerge at night. During the day, they remain dormant in dark spaces like basements, entering a state similar to hibernation..."


    As Ego spoke, Zack''s expression turned grave. He was witnessing something strange¡ªthese Night Stalkers displayed an unsettling degree of intelligence. When they neared Mansion No. 4, they didn''t recklessly charge in like typical zombies. Instead, they fanned out, positioning themselves to surround the burning building.


    Then a larger Night Stalker emerged, roaring in a guttural tone that seemed to command the others. At once, the other Night Stalkers surged forward, fearlessly diving into the flames. Within moments, they dragged out the charred bodies of the three brothers and laid them before the larger Night Stalker, who seemed to be their leader.


    The leader crouched over the bodies, tearing them open and devouring the fresh organs. The other Night Stalkers waited their turn until the leader finished, then joined in, leaving nothing but scattered, scorched bones behind.


    Watching from a distance, Zack felt a chill creep down his spine. Once the Night Stalkers had feasted, the leader let out another commanding roar, and the creatures disappeared into the darkness. Ego tracked them as they retreated toward an industrial park miles away, only then did Zack release a tense breath.


    "These Night Stalkers have some level of intelligence," Zack said, frowning. "They behave like a pack of wolves¡ªthey''re dangerous."


    It confirmed his fears: zombies infected by the Zeta virus were no longer just mindless undead. They had evolved into a new, more dangerous species.


    "The power Armor needs to be ready as soon as possible," Zack murmured, his gaze steely.


    For the next five days, Zack immersed himself in his basement workshop, fine-tuning his armor relentlessly. Only occasionally did he leave the Mansion to scavenge for tools and materials. Sophia, though curious, refrained from asking questions. She dutifully brought meals to the elevator, letting it descend on its own, never catching so much as a glimpse of the basement.


    She sat in the living room, staring blankly at the TV, her mind far from the cartoons playing on the screen. Her mother''s fate remained uncertain, and though she wanted desperately to beg Zack for help, she held back, knowing her request was unreasonable. Sophia also felt Zack already had enough on his shoulders with her, and even though he''d told her he wanted her as his woman, he''d never once pressured her into anything she didn''t want to do.


    Suddenly, a series of heavy thuds sounded from below, like footsteps from something massive. The floor vibrated slightly, causing the water in a glass on the coffee table to ripple. Startled, Sophia quickly turned off the TV. After a moment of hesitation, she picked up the intercom.


    "Zack, are you okay down there?"


    "Fine," came Zack''s curt response, his voice slightly muffled.


    "Oh, uh, be careful then," she replied, setting down the intercom with a sigh. She sat there in silence, unable to focus on the TV anymore.


    In the basement, Zack took a deep breath, wiping sweat from his brow as he stepped out of the bulky armor. Ego promptly began a diagnostic report:


    "Type 1 Armor MV-01, initial wear test complete. Energy transfer is normal. Power unit operational... Warning: nerve conduction devices experiencing significant lag. Solution: recalibration required."


    The lag in the nerve conduction was a major setback. It rendered the armor almost useless, as it couldn''t respond to his movements in real time, leaving him struggling to maneuver under the weight of the massive suit.


    After a brief sigh, Zack got back to work, adjusting the nerve conduction device. In these five days, his custom MV-01 Armor had evolved from concept to testing stage. His armor was imposing, heavy¡ªan iron behemoth.


    The base was an authentic set of medieval European plate armor he''d found in the Mansion, which he reinforced and retrofitted to bear the MV-01 components. He''d even thickened the metal to withstand conventional rifle fire, resulting in a suit that weighed nearly a ton. The armor''s weight also meant that Ego''s graphene batteries were drained faster, reducing its battery life from three hours to just two. But to Zack, this added bulk was worth the trade-off.


    After completing the adjustments, Zack stepped back to admire his work. This armor was not sleek or sophisticated; it was a mobile fortress.


    "Ego, start the second test," he commanded, unable to hold back his excitement. This time, Zack climbed into the armor with renewed confidence.


    The moment he activated the suit, he noticed the difference. Every movement he made was mirrored perfectly by the armor. When he raised his hand, the suit''s massive arm followed without delay, moving smoothly, and even his fingers responded to his commands with surprising precision.


    "Test commencing... Nerve conduction device recalibrated. All systems operational," Ego announced.


    Zack flexed his armored fingers, feeling a thrill of satisfaction. For the first time, he truly felt the power of his creation, a weaponized extension of his own body.

 Chapter 11: Combat Test

    Chapter 11 - Combat TestBAM! Bam! Bam!


    The echo of heavy footsteps reverberated in the basement as Zack moved within the confined space. The tests he conducted were basic¡ªsimple movements and strength checks suited to the limited area.


    "MV-01 armor, second trial..." Zack announced. "Basic functions seem operational."


    Ego, his AI assistant, chimed in. "All systems are reading normal. I recommend moving to an open area for further testing."


    Zack shook his head, grinning as he secured the armor''s helmet over his head. "No need for that. Let''s dive into the real test¡ªtime to clear out the zombies in the nearby Mansions."


    He stepped toward the elevator. Ego conducted a final self-inspection, reporting each system''s status. "Helmet is secure...air circulation active...buffer system fully operational..."


    The checks finished just as the elevator doors slid open, and Zack rode it to the ground floor. Sophia was already waiting by the elevator door, her face filled with anxiety. She had heard the ominous, rumbling sounds echoing from below and couldn''t help but worry about what Zack had been up to.


    Ding!


    The elevator door slid open, revealing Zack, now a towering figure clad in gleaming, metallic armor. Over two meters tall, his presence exuded an imposing aura. Sophia instinctively took a step back, eyes wide with shock and awe. It was one thing to see an armored giant in movies. It was another to see one standing in front of her in reality, towering and powerful.


    "Don''t worry, it''s just me," Zack''s voice reassured her from within the suit.


    "Za... Zack?" she managed, her voice laced with disbelief as she looked up at the narrow visor in the helmet. "This... this is what you''ve been working on down there? Armor?"


    Zack chuckled, lifting the mask to reveal his face. "Yeah. So, what do you think? Impressed?"


    Sophia''s mouth dropped open. "Impressed doesn''t even cover it! It''s... it''s incredible!" Her voice shook, still in disbelief that he had built an entire suit of armor in a matter of days and in the middle of an apocalypse, no less. Such a feat seemed straight out of a fantasy. Even before the fall this kind of technology is deemed impossible.


    The corners of Zack''s mouth lifted into a small smile. "Glad you like it. Who knows, maybe someday I''ll make a suit for you too."


    Her eyes sparkled with hope. "Really?"


    "Of course." Zack nodded. And he meant it; with Ego''s database, he had access to the designs for countless variations of power armor. Any one of them would be enough to protect Sophia in a world overrun with zombies. But for now, there were urgent matters to attend to. "Stay here, alright? I''m heading out to clean up the area."


    As he closed his helmet and began to walk out, Sophia Monroe called after him, "Be careful!"


    "Will do." With a confident nod, Zack headed outside.


    The HUD in his helmet illuminated the Mansion occupancy data Ego had accessed earlier, marking the locations of the other residents¡ªnow likely turned into zombies.


    "Let''s start with the nearest one," he said, setting his sights on a nearby Mansion.


    Every step he took echoed through the empty streets, the thundering sound of metal striking the ground. Though the armor seemed bulky, he moved at a surprisingly brisk pace, almost like a human tank. The moment he neared the Mansion, the sounds of his approach roused the zombies inside. Snarls and roars echoed from within as they stumbled toward the windows and doors.


    "Tired of living, aren''t you? Oh yeah I forgot you already dead." Zack muttered with a smirk.


    Without a second thought, he pulled back a massive, armored fist and smashed it against the front door. Boom!The door shattered, splintering inward, hitting a zombie lurking behind it, its body split grotesquely in two by the impact. Even with only half a body left, the zombie clawed toward him, snarling and drooling with relentless fury.


    Unfazed, Zack stepped over the half-zombie and into the Mansion. With a swift, heavy stomp, he crushed its head, silencing it instantly. Two more zombies lunged at him¡ªone large, the other small. Judging by their size and proximity, he guessed they''d once been a mother and child. A pang of cold resolve flashed in his eyes.


    "Let me end this miserable state for you. May you rest together in peace."


    The suit accelerated, its momentum crashing into the zombies with the force of a freight train. Boom! Boom! Both zombies flew back, embedding themselves in the wall and cracking the plaster around them like spider webs. Zack quickly dispatched them, each punch sending them to meet their maker.


    When the Mansion was clear, he dragged the corpses outside to his prepared vehicle¡ªa sturdy Ford F-150 Raptor, its bed now serving as a makeshift corpse hauler. He tossed the bodies onto the bed, where they joined the growing pile.


    "Alright. On to the next one."


    Pushing the heavily loaded pickup, he moved from Mansion to Mansion, clearing each residence of the undead with methodical precision. Each encounter was swift, a rhythmic series of thuds and crashes, like a macabre symphony of destruction.


    Finally, he exited the last Mansion. The pickup''s bed was now overflowing with bodies, a mountain of the undead piled high. Even the cab had become a gruesome storage space.


    "It''s done," Zack murmured with a sense of satisfaction. He pushed the vehicle out of the community and onto a nearby abandoned construction site.


    There, he poured gasoline over the truck and its grim cargo. With a flick of his lighter, he set it ablaze. Flames roared to life, casting flickering shadows and sending billows of thick, black smoke into the sky. Within the smoke, it felt as though countless souls, trapped in these rotting shells, were finally released, ascending in silent peace.


    Zack watched the blaze for a moment, the reflection of the fire dancing off his visor, before turning away to continue his fight against the apocalypse.


    Before returning to his Mansion, Zack took a detour, stopping by an empty Mansion to clean up. He carefully removed the MV-01 armor and dragged a water hose outside. As he sprayed down the armor, blood and grime washed off, pooling on the concrete. After giving it a thorough rinse, he put the suit back on and set off for Mansion No. 9.


    In the once-bustling neighborhood, only Zack''s heavy footsteps echoed through the empty streets. The once-constant sounds of groaning zombies had vanished.


    "Ego, how much power do we have left?" he asked, his voice echoing within the helmet.


    "Sir, barring any unexpected issues, the local power grid should last about eight more days," Ego replied.


    "What about the surrounding areas?"


    "Two days ago, widespread power outages began in neighboring cities. Currently, only a few regions worldwide still have power."


    Hearing this, Zack checked the remaining battery level of his armor. Over two hours had passed since he''d left the Mansion, and the armor was down to 3% power, just as Ego had estimated.


    "Looks like it''s time to prepare for life without power," he muttered. With the MV-01 armor, he could now explore more dangerous areas to scavenge for supplies. His mind drifted to the nearby industrial park¡ªstocked with valuable resources like steel, alloys, and heavy machinery, all crucial for future upgrades.


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 Chapter 12: Steelworks Factory

    Chapter 12 - Steelworks FactoryUpon arriving back at the Mansion, Ego began listing the combat test results for the MV-01 armor.


    "MV-01 Armor Combat Report: Total use duration, two hours and 24 minutes; remaining battery power, 3%¡ªbattery life is within expected limits. Strength, speed, and durability are all up to standard. Armor sustained minimal damage, and the cushioning system meets safety standards. Final evaluation: MV-01 armor is operational and battle-ready."


    Zack nodded, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "So, in real conditions, the battery lasts about two and a half hours."


    "Yes, sir," Ego confirmed. "However, under intense combat, battery life may drop to two hours or less."


    Zack nodded, unsurprised. He had factored this into his design, sacrificing a bit of battery life to reinforce the armor''s defenses.


    Inside the Mansion, Sophia had already heard his footsteps approaching. Waiting by the door, she practically lit up when she saw him. "Welcome home!" she greeted warmly, her relief evident as she rushed forward.


    Zack opened the armor''s visor, smiling at her. "Mission went smoothly. You can safely walk around the Mansion now, just don''t go too far."


    Sophia''s face lit up with joy. She wrapped her arms around him, planting several soft kisses on his cheek, the light fragrance of her hair filling his senses. The gentle touch eased the tension and the lingering smell of blood from his mission, leaving him momentarily breathless.


    "If it weren''t for this armor, I don''t think I could resist..." Zack whispered playfully in her ear, causing her to blush.


    "Now?" she whispered, her voice barely audible as her cheeks turned red. "It''s... it''s still daytime..."


    Chuckling, Zack set her down gently and stepped back. After heading down to the basement, he removed the graphene battery from the armor to recharge. Once the battery was charging, he walked back to the elevator.


    "Ego, enter sleep mode for two hours," he instructed.


    "Understood, sir," Ego replied, then went silent, slipping into standby mode.


    Meanwhile, several miles away, in a steel plant on the outskirts of an industrial park, the heavy metal door creaked open just enough for a man to peer out cautiously. Narrow, sharp eyes scanned the area before retreating back inside.


    "No zombies. Coast is clear."


    At his signal, the door opened just enough for people to squeeze through, and seven or eight individuals shuffled out one by one. They were gaunt, their eyes sunken, and their frames fragile from days without proper food. Two men with pistols followed, clearly better fed and healthier than the rest. One of them, Ivan, barked orders, waving his gun.


    "Move it! Daylight keeps the vampires away, so get out there and find something to eat!" He looked at the starving group with a wicked grin. "Remember, if anyone comes back empty-handed, the boss will turn you into tonight''s dinner."


    His threat sent a shiver through the group. They knew all too well that Ivan wasn''t bluffing; the boss had already killed and dried several of their own into jerky as a gruesome warning.


    "Move faster!" Ivan yelled at a middle-aged man lagging behind. "You''re slower than your own wife!"


    "Yes, yes, I''m hurrying," the man muttered, quickening his steps, eyes fixed on the ground.


    Beside Ivan, another guard, John, smirked, nudging him with his elbow. "Hey, Director Sean, your wife''s doing well. If it weren''t for the end of the world, a beauty like her would be out of our league, right? Don''t get stingy now."


    Director Sean kept his gaze lowered, clenching his fists as he walked, his eyes red with a mix of anger and despair that he dared not reveal. Leaving the steelworks, Ivan led the group cautiously across the industrial park to another factory. The door of the factory bore a familiar mark¡ªa symbol from one of their own.


    "This is the place," Ivan muttered, exchanging a glance with John before turning to the weary group. Raising his gun, he barked, "You all, get inside! Go straight to the canteen and bring out all the food and water. And remember, if anyone sneaks a bite... you know what''ll happen."


    He then shifted his gaze to Factory Director Sean, his expression laced with mocking menace. "Mr. Factory Manager," Ivan sneered, "make sure you don''t mess this up. We wouldn''t want anything to happen to your son, right?" He chuckled darkly. "If you fail, your wife might still be of use...but your son..."


    "No, please, Sir Ivan," Director Sean pleaded, his voice breaking as tears welled up. "Don''t hurt my son. He''s just a child..."


    Ivan patted him on the shoulder with a wicked grin. "Relax. As long as you and your wife are good little workers, your son will be safe." With a silent nod, Sean led the group inside. As they moved through the dark, abandoned corridors, a few of his employees couldn''t hold back their frustration.


    "These monsters... they''re not human!" one of them whispered bitterly. "Rocky and the others... turned into dried meat by those animals."


    Another, an elderly worker, shook his head in defeat. "What can we do? They have guns. We''re barely surviving."


    "But how much longer can we live like this?" a younger man choked out, his gaze fixed on Sean. "Director, if we keep going like this, they''ll find out about Annie sooner or later... she''s just a kid..."


    At the mention of his daughter, a flicker of life returned to Director Sean''s eyes, but it was quickly replaced by resignation. "Now isn''t the time... Ernest, let''s just gather the supplies and leave."


    One by one, the others followed his lead. Only Zell, the youngest of the group, hesitated, his fists clenched as he watched the others walk away. A desperate resolve ignited within him. "Either way, it''s a dead end," he muttered to himself, slipping off in a different direction.


    Ten minutes later, as Director Sean''s team reached the canteen and began gathering supplies, a bone-chilling roar echoed through the factory, its pitch unlike anything human. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Vampire!" someone screamed, and in an instant, they dropped everything, bolting for the exit.


    Director Sean glanced around, only to realize that Zell was missing. His heart sank. When he and the others reached the factory entrance, Ivan and John were nowhere in sight. That''s when he saw Zell sprinting from the underground parking lot, something dark and menacing close on his heels.


    "Ernest, run!" Director Sean shouted, but just as Zell was about to reach the safety of the sunlight, a black shadow lunged from behind. Claws dug into his shoulders with unearthly strength, tearing him apart mid-step.


    "Ernest!" Director Sean cried out in horror as his friend''s son was ripped to shreds. His shout caught the attention of the creature¡ªa Night stalker, similar to the ones Zack had seen earlier.


    The stalker dropped Zell''s mangled body and turned toward Director Sean, baring its fangs. At that moment, the Night stalker burst from the darkness into a sliver of sunlight, letting out a furious scream as its pale skin smoked and sizzled. With a painful howl, it stumbled back into the shadows.


    Director Sean and the others took this chance to flee, running until they left the factory far behind. None of them noticed the Night stalker watching them intently from the darkness, waiting.

 Chapter 13: Jacob Tyranny

    Chapter 13 - Jacob TyrannyAs dusk settled over Mansion No. 9, Zack went downstairs for some food. Sophia was still resting upstairs, too exhausted to get up after the day''s events.


    "Ego," he called.


    "Yes, sir?" The AI''s voice hummed back to life as Zack finished his meal.


    "Anything unusual around here?"


    "One moment... scanning," Ego replied, connecting to a nearby satellite. "The area is secure, sir. The nearest zombie is over a kilometer away, so you should be safe to sleep tonight."


    "Good," Zack replied, feeling a rare sense of relief.


    "Ego, pull up a list of materials," he added. "I want to make some modifications to the escort vehicle."


    As he walked toward the basement, a virtual map appeared before his eyes, marking several potential sources of the materials he needed. Grabbing his fully charged MV-01 armor, he exited through the garage.


    A short while later, Zack returned, pushing a heavily loaded Land Rover packed with salvaged parts. On top, he''d balanced a massive bulldozer bucket, making the vehicle appear even more formidable. The weight of his modifications had punctured the tires, causing sparks to fly as he dragged it back to the Mansion.


    Parking the Land Rover in the basement, he stripped off his armor and retrieved the escort vehicle, preparing it for the modifications.


    "Alright, let''s get to work."


    With a determined sigh, Zack took a sip of water and set to work, determined to turn the vehicle into a fortress on wheels.


    As time passed, the escort vehicle transformed dramatically. Its once simple exterior turned into a beastly, armored machine, unrecognizable from its original form. A sturdy plate was mounted on the front, perfect for clearing obstacles¡ªor anything in its way. Thick layers of reinforced armor covered its body, and vicious spikes jutted out, ensuring no zombie could climb aboard. The tires were upgraded to run-flat models, able to withstand rough terrains and enemy attacks.


    To make things easier for MV-01 Armor, Zack modified the door, moving it from the back to the center of the truck, replacing it with a larger, double-door entrance. Powering this three-ton steel juggernaut was a six-cylinder diesel engine from a Land Rover, giving it unmatched horsepower. This was no longer just an escort vehicle¡ªit was an unstoppable steel chariot, tailor-made for the apocalypse.


    After finalizing these modifications, Zack glanced at the time. "Holy crap, it''s already midnight?" He blinked, surprised, realizing how late it had become. The silence around him was eerie; there were no zombie roars in the night, and he felt oddly unsettled by the stillness. "Next time I find some zombies, I should record their noises¡ªmight work as a lullaby." He chuckled at his own joke, set down his welding gun, and made his way upstairs.


    The quiet was strange, almost reminiscent of the peaceful times before the world fell apart. But just a dozen kilometers away, an entirely different scene was unfolding.


    In the industrial zone, shadows darted through the darkness, their movements swift and silent. Silhouetted figures crept along factory rooftops, scanning their surroundings as if searching for something. Their low, guttural growls echoed in the darkness, the distinct sounds of night stalkers, communicating in their unique, unnerving way.


    In the northern part of the park, the steel plant sat shrouded in darkness. Not a single light was on, and silence reigned, as if even the slightest sound could bring disaster. The workers inside stayed utterly still, the roars of the night stalkers ringing in their ears. Everyone knew something was off tonight; the night stalkers had not left the industrial park to hunt as usual. Instead, they prowled around, circling the park in search of something unknown.


    The night dragged on until finally, the first rays of dawn crept over the horizon, and the roars of the night stalkers faded. As sunlight bathed the factory, relief washed over the workers¡ªthey had survived another night. Just as they began to celebrate, a voice cut through the air.


    "Gather up! Boss Jacob has something to say!"


    The mere mention of Jacob''s name was enough to jolt the weary, exhausted crowd into action. Within moments, they assembled, some still groggy from the night''s tension. Soon, a towering, bald man with a face marked by scars made his way to the front, carrying a bruised man with ease¡ªthe steel plant''s director, Director Sean.


    "Husband!" a woman in the crowd gasped, her voice filled with concern as she saw Sean''s battered state. Realizing her slip, she quickly covered her mouth, but her eyes betrayed her worry. Beside her, a young boy with close-cropped hair tensed up, as if ready to charge forward. She grabbed his arm, holding him back.


    With a casual flick, Jacob tossed Director Sean onto the ground as if he were a rag doll. One of his lackeys handed him a towel, which he used to wipe the blood from his hands. "Did everyone hear what happened last night?" Jacob''s cold gaze swept over the crowd. "The reason for this mess is that someone here exposed our position to the vampires."


    A murmur of shock rippled through his followers, and several men glared daggers at Director Sean, fury evident in their eyes. They were loyal to Jacob, living off his scraps, indulging in food, drink, and fleeting pleasures. Now, someone had risked it all.


    "Boss, just say the word! Let''s end this traitor right now!" one of his men snarled, brandishing a knife.


    "That''s right!" another chimed in, fists clenched. "Can''t let him ruin everything we''ve built!"


    The rest of the steel plant workers lowered their heads, not daring to watch the violence that was about to unfold. They knew the truth, but Jacob''s word was law. No one could oppose him.


    "Good." Jacob smirked, pleased with his men''s loyalty and anger. It was exactly the reaction he wanted. His authority, solidified even more. "kill him," he ordered, striding away toward his makeshift quarters in the factory''s office area, which he had converted into his private bedroom.


    With his approval, his lackeys'' eyes gleamed with dark satisfaction as they approached Sean, knives in hand, eager to carry out their grim orders.


    "Jacob!" a trembling voice suddenly called out from the crowd.


    "Shut up if you value your life!" someone hissed nearby. "Think of your child, Anne!"


    But the woman, determined, stepped forward. She looked at Jacob''s retreating figure, desperation in her voice. "Please, Jacob! For the sake of our past...!"


    Without a backward glance, he continued walking, ignoring her plea. But as she opened her mouth to call out again, one of his henchmen¡ªeager to show his loyalty¡ªslapped her hard across the face. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Stupid woman! Can''t you see Jacob isn''t interested in your whining?" he sneered, silencing her once and for all.


    The force of the slap nearly knocked the woman out.


    "Mom!" cried the short-haired child by her side. The voice, surprisingly clear and feminine, rang out, capturing everyone''s attention.


    Jacob halted mid-step, his men freezing in shock. Greedy eyes roamed the crowd, seeking the source. The steel plant workers surged forward, forming a protective circle around the girl. This short-haired child, who had hidden her identity until now, was their pride¡ªa young genius they''d all come to respect. They couldn''t let these brutes ruin her.

 Chapter 14: Raid

    Chapter 14 - Raid"Annie, listen to your uncle! Hide, now!" an elderly worker urged, pulling at her arm, trying to lead her away.


    "No! Let go!" Annie struggled, tears streaming down her face. "They''re going to kill my dad!"


    But Jacob had already spotted her. Despite her attempts to disguise herself with short hair and smudged oil on her face, her beauty was unmistakable. "Perfect..." Jacob''s lips curled into a grin, and he started toward her, eyes gleaming with unrestrained greed.


    "Annie, run!" Annie''s mother grabbed Jacob''s pant leg from behind, pleading desperately.


    "Get off me!" Jacob snapped, kicking her with brutal force. She hit the ground, blood spilling from her mouth, but her grip held firm, her eyes unwavering.


    "Don''t just stand there! Get her!" Jacob ordered, as he continued beating the woman. His men, eager to follow his command, moved toward Annie, but the steel plant workers stepped in front of them, a line of determined faces.


    "Out of the way!" one of Jacob''s men barked, raising his gun, hoping intimidation would work as usual. But to his surprise, a steel pipe swung through the air, aimed right at his head.


    "Damn you!" The enraged workers swung their steel pipes with all their might, striking one of Jacob''s men and splitting his head open. Blood splattered as he fell, his pistol dropping to the ground, quickly scooped up by another worker.


    In an instant, the plant erupted into chaos. Gunshots echoed, mingling with screams and the sickening sound of steel pipes shattering bone. The air filled with the savage, violent beat of revenge. But reality is unforgiving. Soon, the harsh rattle of automatic gunfire sliced through the frenzy. The workers fell silent, the last sparks of their defiance snuffed out.


    "Who else wants to die?" Jacob sneered, leveling his rifle at the remaining workers. Behind him, the ground was littered with bodies, a thick pool of blood spreading out from the dead. The survivors stared at each other in despair, realizing their steel pipes were powerless against his weapon.


    "Hand over Annie..." one of the workers began, but his voice faltered. No one wanted to give her up, but they were out of options. Annie was the steel plant''s pride. They had watched her grow, seen her achievements bring honor to their small world. It was a pride that meant more than any personal accomplishment.


    Yet now, could they truly give her up to these monsters? The oldest man among them, face etched in sorrow, gently covered Annie''s eyes. His hand shook as he took the pistol from a fallen comrade, raising it to her forehead.


    "Annie... close your eyes, sweetheart," he whispered. "Think of the amusement park."


    As his finger tightened on the trigger, a sudden roar of an engine shattered the silence. The sound grew louder, until, with a thunderous crash, a vehicle smashed through the factory wall, sending debris flying.


    Every head turned to see the intruder. It was the escort truck, reinforced with a thick layer of armor and front spikes, its modified body bristling with makeshift weaponry. The vehicle looked like a beast unleashed, ready to tear through anything in its path. The double doors swung open, a menacing invitation.


    A silent moment passed before realization dawned. Help had arrived.


    The sudden roar of the steel vehicle shattered the tense standoff in the factory, igniting a flicker of hope in the eyes of the exhausted workers. All attention snapped toward this hulking machine, standing defiantly amid the chaos.


    Anne, who had been shielded by the workers, pried open the old man''s grip, her gaze transfixed on the formidable vehicle before her. Just as confusion began to settle, Jacob raised his rifle without a word.


    BANG! BANG! BANG!


    The rapid-fire shots of automatic rifle rounds echoed through the factory, and sparks flew as the bullets struck the metal shell of the vehicle. But instead of piercing it, the bullets left only shallow dents.


    "Bulletproof?" Jacob muttered, frowning. With a casual gesture, he pointed to one of his men. "You, go check it out!"


    The man he picked was Ivan. Despite his fear, Jacob''s unyielding stare drove him to inch forward, step by step, toward the armored vehicle.


    BANG! BANG!


    Ivan hadn''t even reached the door when loud, thunderous sounds erupted from inside the vehicle, like something massive preparing to break free. Jacob barked, "Go on, check it out!"


    With trembling hands, Ivan reached for the door handle, gripping it tightly. But before he could pull, a tremendous force exploded from within, blasting the door outward. The impact hit Ivan squarely in the chest, caving it in. His ribs shattered, and he crumpled to the ground, coughing up blood mixed with bits of his own organs. His life was ebbing away.


    From within the vehicle stepped a towering figure clad in what looked like futuristic steel armor, over two meters tall and radiating a chilling, murderous aura. The factory fell silent as everyone stood in stunned disbelief, unable to fire a single shot.


    Inside the armor, Zack scanned the factory floor through the heads-up display. "Ego, how many steelworkers are still alive?"


    "Scanning... sir, seven remain, though two are critically injured. Only five can move."


    A hard glint entered Zack''s eyes. Metal, high-strength steel¡ªhis MV armor, his dream of a flying air fortress¡ªall required vast resources. Upon seeing survivors at the steel plant via satellite, he had come here without hesitation, but now, most of the skilled workers lay dead. Rage simmered in his chest.


    "Ego," he muttered coldly, "I''m going to kill them."


    "Targets have been marked for you, sir," Ego replied.


    The blue light in the eyes of the armor shifted to a burning red. The air grew tense as a menacing aura emanated from the suit. Jacob, sensing the danger, roared, "Shoot him!" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His rifle erupted in a volley of bullets, each round ricocheting off the armor with sharp, metallic pings. One of the ricochets struck one of his men, who fell to the ground clutching his bleeding arm. Soon, the others joined in, but they were armed with only pistols, and the 9mm rounds barely left a scratch.


    "Did you rob an armory?" Zack scoffed, striding forward.


    Each step of his one-ton armor made the ground tremble, and despite his size, he moved alarmingly fast. In moments, he was in front of one of Jacob''s men, raising his armored fist. The punch landed with a sickening crunch, obliterating the man''s head in an explosion of blood. The spray splattered across another man''s face, who froze, squeezing his gun''s trigger in blind terror, even as it clicked empty.


    Zack turned and slammed his fist down, snapping the panicked man''s neck with brutal efficiency.


    "Is that all you''ve got? Just guns?" Zack growled, striding toward the remaining men. Bullets bounced off him harmlessly, the sound of gunfire clanging in his ears.


    Soon, the floor was littered with bodies. Most were left unrecognizable from the brutal force of his attacks. Only Jacob remained, standing with a now-empty rifle in his hands, facing the armored figure with a cold, defiant gaze.


    Click.


    The rifle was out of bullets. "Out already?" Zack''s voice echoed from within the suit, a chilling mechanical monotone.

 Chapter 15: SuperStrength?

    Chapter 15 - SuperStrength?Jacob showed no fear as he threw the empty rifle aside and stepped forward. "Kid, you sound young. You think I got to the top with just a rifle?"


    Without warning, he lunged forward, moving with astonishing speed. His fist connected with Zack''s chestplate, and the impact sent the Mark armor back a step, denting the metal.


    "Sir, target shows abnormal physical indicators. Strength far exceeds human norms," Ego warned.


    Zack felt the strain through the armor. "Noted."


    Jacob launched another series of rapid punches, each blow rocking the armor. He moved with the skill of a seasoned underground fighter, enhanced by a strength beyond normal human limits.


    Between dodges and punches, Jacob''s taunts echoed. "I don''t know where you got this metal shell, but I''ll be taking it after I crush you!"


    Just as he lunged for a final blow, a glint caught his eye¡ªa blade shot out from Mark''s armored forearm. He had no time to pull back as it sliced clean through his right arm, severing it at the shoulder. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "ARGH!" Jacob screamed, blood spurting in arcs across the ground.


    Before he could recover, another blade extended from the armor''s opposite arm, and with a single, fluid slash, it took his remaining arm with it. Blood gushed like a river, and Jacob''s screams pierced the air as he dropped to his knees, his face twisted in agony.


    "I don''t know what you thought you could achieve here," Zack said coldly, raising the bloodied blade to deliver the final blow. "This armor isn''t just for show."


    With one last sweeping strike, he silenced Jacob for good. As the blade sliced through, the last thought in Jacob''s mind was of disbelief, his fading gaze staring up at Zack in helpless rage. "Really, who brings fists to a blade fight?"


    Zack pulled his blade back, surveying the survivors. Around him, huddled among old machines and rusty equipment, the workers and their families held makeshift weapons¡ªmostly steel pipes. Their eyes widened in fear at the sight of him, his armor still stained with traces of his recent battle. Zack''s ruthless efficiency was terrifying; to these people, he appeared no better than Jacob, the tyrant he had just overthrown.


    "Who''s in charge here?" he asked, his voice deep and distorted from within the armor. The crowd murmured in alarm, their glances shifting to a figure sprawled on the ground, a bloodied heap in the shadows.


    "Sean Combs, male, 37 years old," Ego, his AI companion, noted clinically. "Former director of this steel plant. No vital signs detected¡ªcause of death appears to be blunt trauma."


    Before Zack could respond, a cry broke out from the crowd. A thin, dirty girl with short hair threw herself onto the dead man, clutching his bloodied clothes. "Dad!" she sobbed, her voice cracked and raw with grief.


    "Who is she?" Zack asked, intrigued by her sudden appearance.


    "Annie, female, age 13," Ego replied, detailing the girl''s impressive accomplishments. "Champion of the 18th Youth Invention Competition...IQ of 174, with four patents in mechanical engineering."


    A spark of interest flickered in Zack''s eyes. This girl, hidden beneath grime and tears, was a prodigy, a genius. Such talent is invaluable. But as he looked at her, the crowd grew uneasy. Some whispered, their eyes darting between Annie and him with a mix of hope and dread.


    Sensing the tension, Zack raised a hand in reassurance. "I''m not here to hurt you," he said. "Unlike them." He gestured at the bodies of Jacob and his gang, their lifeless forms sprawled across the plant floor. "I''m here to help. I can clear out the zombies around you, bring you food and water...if you cooperate."


    The workers exchanged glances. The promise of food and safety was almost too good to believe, but the tyrany of Jacob''s rule left them desperate. "Do you mean it?" one of the older workers asked, stepping forward with hope. "You''d really protect us...as long as we do what you ask?"


    "Yes," Zack replied, his tone steady. "All I need is for you to make steel for me. I''ll handle the rest."


    Murmurs rippled through the group, and weary faces softened as Zack''s words sank in. But as he continued, his gaze fell on Annie, who was still clinging to her father''s body. "I''ll also need someone skilled. A mechanic who can keep up with my work. I want this girl."


    Silence fell over the factory. Shock flickered across each face as they realized what he was asking. The girl was their only connection to their late director, Sean. Losing her felt like losing another piece of what little they had left. An elderly man, his back bent but his gaze fierce, stepped forward, placing himself between Zack and Annie.


    "No," he said, his voice firm despite his age. "You can take our steel, but you won''t take her."


    "Charles Grant, male, 76 years old, retired metallurgical expert," Ego informed Zack. Another valuable asset, Zack mused, but he held his patience.


    "Listen carefully," he said, his voice firm but no longer hostile. "I''m offering her safety, and a chance to put her talents to real use. She''s a genius, and with me, she''ll be protected."


    Still, the workers hesitated, clinging to whatever moral grounds they could. Then, a quiet, sorrowful voice broke through the silence. "Charles...let her go with him."


    The crowd parted as Annie''s mother, a pale, fragile woman, stepped forward. She knelt beside her daughter, gathering her into an embrace, her hand trembling as she stroked the girl''s short hair. "Annie," she whispered softly, her voice breaking, "you have to go with him. Your father and I...we can''t protect you anymore."


    "No, Mom! I don''t want to leave you!" Annie sobbed, clutching her mother as if her grip alone could change their fate.


    A wave of grief and resignation washed over the woman''s face as she forced a smile. Her body shook, her breaths shallow and labored. Zack noted the unnatural pallor of her skin. "Ego, scan her," he ordered quietly.


    "Name: Morgana Combs. Age: 35. Severe internal injuries. Fatal hemorrhaging...no medical intervention available."


    Zack''s jaw clenched, watching as the woman''s last moments played out. She turned to her daughter, her eyes gentle, filled with a mother''s unwavering love. "Annie, I need you to be brave. This man...he''ll protect you now. You''ll be safe with him."


    The woman''s voice faded, and with a final, loving look, her eyes closed, her spirit drifting away beside her fallen husband. The factory fell silent, broken only by Annie''s choked sobs as she cradled her mother''s lifeless form.


    Zack''s faceplate retracted, revealing his youthful face to the astonished crowd. They stared at him, the warrior who had worn the steel armor, now appearing as just a young man with a weary, solemn expression. "Bury the dead," he said quietly. Then he added, his voice softer, "Bury them together."


    Turning away, he waited as the workers began their grim task, giving them a moment to grieve and honor the ones they''d lost.

 Chapter 16: Night Stalkers

    Chapter 16 - Night StalkersA few hours later, the steelworks had returned to a semblance of normalcy. Besides a broken wall and a faint metallic scent of blood hanging in the air, there was little sign of the earlier violence. All the bodies had been removed, and most of the bloodstains scrubbed away, though the memory of the event lingered among the survivors.


    On the second floor of the steel plant''s office building, Zack looked down over the factory floor. The office, situated in the heart of the plant, had once been converted by Jacob into a personal den filled with food and luxuries. Zack had ordered the food to be redistributed among the workers, discarding anything that disgusted him. Now, the office was empty save for a few desks and his MV-01 armor, charging silently in the corner. While it charged, he''d restricted anyone from entering, ensuring his control over the area.


    "Ego, report," Zack commanded, watching the workers below.


    "Sir," Ego responded in his mechanical tone, "including family members, there are now seventeen survivors. Six of them are steelworkers, though one has since died from excessive blood loss."


    Zack frowned, recalling the two workers who had been critically injured. "So, we''re down to five workers who can operate the plant?"


    "Yes, sir," Ego confirmed. "One sustained a severe injury and can no longer work."


    "What about our steel reserves?" Zack asked.


    "Materials are adequate, but power is expected to be cut off in six days."


    "Only six days..." Zack''s brows furrowed. Power was essential for industrial production. While he could manage with diesel generators for his Mansion, they would never suffice here. He knew he had to fast-track his plans for an energy source, like the Zero Point Reactor he''d been envisioning. But the material required is something he cannot get for now, his other option is to make Cold Fusion Reactor.


    A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Ego quickly identified the visitor. "Charles Grant, male, 76 years old. No weapons, no hostile intent."


    "Come in," Zack called.


    The door creaked open, and Charles stepped inside, looking a bit anxious. "Mr. Zack," he began with a respectful nod. "I''ve gathered the information you requested." He pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and began to read.


    "There are seventeen people alive here now. Five of us are experienced steelworkers, including myself. Others have some familiarity with steel working. With training, they should be able to help in production." He hesitated, casting an uncertain glance at Zack. "There is...one more person. He''s disabled but was an experienced worker before his injury."


    Zack immediately understood. "I don''t have extra resources for someone who can''t contribute. He can stay if he teaches others. If not, he''ll have to leave."


    Charles''s face fell, but he nodded. "Understood, sir. Thank you, Mr. Zack."


    "Don''t thank me just yet," Zack replied, his tone cool but clear. "Let''s make something clear: I saved you because you have value. If you lose that value, you''ll lose my protection too. You are here for your skills¡ªnothing more."


    Charles listened attentively, his face resolute despite Zack''s blunt words. In fact, Zack''s honesty seemed to reassure him. "As long as we have the order, the furnace will be ready," Charles responded confidently. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good," Zack said, though he had his eye on another challenge: the nearby night stalkers. "For now, bring everyone together. I have some instructions to share."


    Charles nodded and left to gather the others. Zack watched him go, a slight sense of respect growing in his mind. Despite his age and weakness, Charles had stood up to him earlier, unafraid to protect the girl, Annie. Zack respected courage, especially in situations like that.


    As he prepared to meet the group, Zack donned his fully charged armor and headed downstairs. When he arrived, the workers and their families were assembled, their faces tired but hopeful.


    "I spoke with Charles," he began, his voice amplified through the armor''s speakers. "As I said before, if you make steel for me, I''ll protect you. Food, water, and safety¡ªall of it will be provided as long as you contribute."


    A murmur of agreement rippled through the group. Some of the older workers voiced their gratitude aloud. "Thank you, Mr. Zack! We haven''t had a full meal in so long!"


    "Charles will handle the specifics with you. But there''s something else we need to discuss." He paused, his expression growing serious. "Night Stalkers."


    The word sent a ripple of fear through the crowd.


    "Night Stalkers? You mean...vampires?" someone whispered, and the workers'' faces paled. Memories of the eerie howls from the previous night resurfaced, filling them with dread.


    "We were lucky last night," a worker said anxiously. "The Night stalkers didn''t find us then, but after today''s battle and the blood in the air, there''s no way they''ll miss us tonight!"


    "Mr. Zack, shouldn''t we just leave?" another suggested, fear evident in his voice.


    Zack nodded, understanding their feeling. The Night Stalkers had likely caught wind of human survivors in the industrial zone. Today''s bloody conflict would undoubtedly draw them in. But he had a different plan.


    "Yes, the Night Stalkers are dangerous," he said, his gaze steady. "But I''m not planning on running."


    Charles stepped forward, his face resolved. "Mr. Zack, whatever you need from us, we''re ready to follow your orders."


    The rest of the workers nodded in agreement. Zack''s strength had given them a rare hope. If anyone could take on the Night Stalkers, it was him.


    "These creatures only come out at night. So, we still have a few hours to prepare. We''re going to set up traps around the factory," Zack explained.


    "Are...are you planning to take them all down?" someone stammered, awestruck by the thought.


    "If we don''t, there''s no way to safely operate this factory," he replied, making his determination clear.


    He held up a sheet of paper, passing it to Charles. "We''ll split into two groups. One group will gather materials, and the other will set the traps according to these instructions. The details are here."


    Charles studied the plan, his eyes widening as he examined the intricately designed trap layouts. "These placements... This is genius!," he murmured, impressed by the effectiveness and precision of Zack''s designs.


    "Get moving," Zack ordered. The group quickly split up, each member hurrying to gather materials or start setting traps according to the diagram.


    Meanwhile, Zack stayed busy himself. He knew that while the MV-01 armor was powerful, it had one major flaw¡ªit lacked flexibility. Speed alone wouldn''t be enough against the swift and unpredictable movements of the Night Stalkers. With this in mind, he decided to make some upgrades.


    "Ego, scan the area for any materials I can use," he instructed, heading into the factory.


    Within minutes, he gathered everything he needed. The industrial plant was a goldmine of supplies compared to the makeshift resources he''d used at his Mansion. As he worked, he sensed someone watching him from the shadows. Glancing over his shoulder, he noticed a small figure, her face dirty, her eyes swollen and red. Without turning fully, he spoke up. "Come on in. You''ll need to learn this eventually."

 Chapter 17: Trap

    Chapter 17 - TrapStartled but intrigued, Annie cautiously stepped forward into the workshop. She looked small and vulnerable in the vast space, her eyes focused on Zack as she slowly approached. "My mom... she asked me to follow you," she said quietly.


    "I know," Zack replied, not looking up from his work. He was dismantling parts of the MV-01 armor, but glanced at her for a moment. "This is MV-01. I''m making some upgrades. Watch closely. You might learn something."


    Annie stood nearby, her expression serious as she took in every detail. Despite her timid appearance, her sharp mind was fully engaged. For the next three hours, Zack worked on the armor, adjusting the transmission systems, reworking the joints to improve mobility, and enhancing its overall efficiency. By the time dusk arrived, he was putting the final pieces back together.


    Stepping back, he quickly tested the armor. The upgrades were a success; transmission efficiency had increased by 30%, boosting both speed and maneuverability. While it still wasn''t as flexible as a living being, it was much more agile than before.


    "Not bad," Zack muttered, satisfied.


    After a brief pause, Zack thought about Sophia, left alone at the mansion. His mind wandered to her well-being, and he called out to his AI assistant. "Ego, check on Sophia Monroe."


    "Yes, sir," Ego responded. Within moments, a live feed from Mansion No. 9 appeared on the screen, showing Sophia sitting at the dining table. She glanced at the clock every so often, several untouched dishes laid out in front of her.


    "Didn''t I tell her I wouldn''t be back until tomorrow?" Zack murmured as he watched her.


    "Ego, let her know not to wait up," he added. "I won''t be back until tomorrow."


    "Understood, sir," Ego replied. Zack''s voice soon came through the walkie-talkie on the dining table.


    Sophia''s face brightened when she heard his voice, but it quickly faded as she realized he wouldn''t be coming home that night. Zack felt a twinge of guilt, but he knew he had to stay and secure the steel plant.


    "Turn it off," Zack sighed, and the surveillance feed cut out.


    Meanwhile, down in the factory, the workers had finished setting up the traps and were waiting for further instructions.


    "Let''s go, Annie," Zack said, putting on his modified armor and grabbing a box of weapons. He headed downstairs, Annie trailing behind. In front of the workers, he dropped the weapons onto the floor.


    "The Night Stalkers will be here soon," he announced. "If you think you have steady hands and quick reflexes, grab a weapon. The rest of you, head to the office and stay put, no matter what you hear outside."


    Several workers stepped forward, grabbing guns left behind by Jacob''s gang. There were nine pistols, two shotguns, a rifle, and plenty of ammo. With his armor, Zack didn''t need a weapon, but arming the workers would help spread the responsibility. To his surprise, Charles, who was now in his seventies, reached for a pistol, as did Annie, who, at thirteen, seemed determined to fight, even though she struggled with the weapon''s safety.


    "You two, stop causing trouble," Zack said, taking their weapons with a sigh.


    "I just thought¡ª" Charles began, but a sudden, piercing howl interrupted him, echoing through the factory. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Night Stalkers are awake," Zack said, his expression turning serious. "Get Annie and anyone without combat experience to the office. Now!"


    Charles quickly led the others to safety, while the chilling howls outside grew louder, followed by a series of snarling roars. The sound was primal, like a wolf pack preparing to hunt.


    Zack motioned to the remaining workers. "You two, guard the back exit. The rest of you, keep an eye on the broken wall. I''ll handle the main entrance."


    Taking his position by the entrance, Zack steadied himself, watching as shadows stretched and grew in the dim light. Under the moonlight, he spotted the twisted shapes of the Night Stalkers as they moved across the roof of a nearby building, their eyes glowing with hunger.


    The leader spotted Zack and let out a high-pitched screech, immediately signaling the others. Within moments, a swarm of Night Stalkers was charging toward the factory, splitting into three groups to attack from different angles. The largest group stormed the main entrance, where Zack waited. His face remained calm as he counted over a dozen Night Stalkers closing in on him, their eyes burning with predatory intent.


    As the first Night Stalker charged, it suddenly tripped over a thin steel wire stretched across the ground. The trap was triggered¡ªsharp steel pipes launched from hidden corners, slicing through the creature with brutal efficiency. The creature let out a strangled scream before collapsing into a heap, its lifeless body falling back into the darkness.


    With a sharp twang, the steel wires sent the pipes flying, impaling the two leading Night Stalkers before they could react. In an instant, they were skewered, each one turned into a grotesque, steel-studded figure.


    "Roar!" The sudden ambush caused the remaining Night Stalkers to hesitate, but fear didn''t stop them. Seeing their fallen comrades only fueled their rage, and they charged forward.


    The advancing horde triggered more traps as they moved, steel strings snapping through the air. Traps fired rapidly, cutting down Night Stalkers at the back exit and the broken wall. By the time they reached the factory, half of their number had already fallen. The workers, who had once feared these creatures above all else, now watched in awe as the Night Stalkers were cut down with surprising ease.


    "Another one down!"


    "Mr. Zack''s traps really work!"


    Their initial fear was replaced by excitement as the Night Stalkers fell one after another. But then¡ª


    "Roar!" A powerful howl rang out from the distance, silencing the workers'' cheers. The Night Stalkers stopped charging blindly and began moving from different angles, using shadows and walls to avoid the traps.


    "Ego, did you pinpoint the source?" Zack asked, narrowing his eyes.


    "Sir, I can only approximate the location at 11 o''clock," Ego replied. The leader was too far away to locate exactly.


    "Understood," Zack murmured, shelving his plan to confront the leader directly. With the Night Stalkers now splitting up to avoid the traps, he had to act fast.


    "Ego, turn on the lights!" he ordered.


    Click! Click! Click!


    High-power floodlights suddenly blazed to life, flooding the area with intense light. The steel plant and its surroundings lit up like midday.


    The Night Stalkers howled in agony as the blinding light hit them. Their shrieks filled the air as they clawed at their eyes, disoriented and panicked. Even Zack, encased in his armor, squinted against the brightness. The workers shielded their eyes, waiting for the Night Stalkers to adjust.


    "Now!" Zack''s voice crackled over the intercom. "Take them down!"

 Chapter 18: A Webshooter

    Chapter 18 - A WebshooterGunfire erupted around the plant as the workers seized the upper hand. It was a one-sided massacre. The night stalkers, disoriented by the sudden flash of light, struggled to fight back. They stumbled, scrambling blindly as the workers'' shots tore through them.


    "Time for my part," Zack muttered, drawing the sharp blades from his armor. He charged toward the stalkers, cutting through their ranks with ruthless efficiency. Even a blunt piece of metal, powered by his armor, could slice through flesh and bone with ease.


    One of the night stalkers sensed him coming and tried to strike. But Zack effortlessly dodged the attack, beheading the creature in a single swing. He moved from one to the next, dismantling them without hesitation. Just as he finished, a loud, piercing roar rang out¡ªa cry of anger and defiance.


    "Sir, I''ve pinpointed the leader!" Ego''s voice sliced through his focus.


    Zack looked up and saw a larger night stalker in the distance, its fierce gaze locked onto him. They stared at each other for a tense moment before the creature let out an enraged howl. The remaining stalkers, positioned by the back door and broken wall, immediately abandoned their attacks, retreating into the shadows.


    "Oh, so you''re trying to run?" Zack muttered, narrowing his eyes as he watched the leader. Without a second thought, he stepped out of the light and sprinted after it.


    The night stalker leader, spotting Zack entering the darkness, leapt down from the rooftop it had been perched on, landing heavily on the ground.


    "So, you want a fight?" Zack grinned beneath his helmet. "Fine by me."


    He retracted his blade and pushed the MV-01 armor to its limits, charging toward the creature with thunderous speed. As he closed in, he extended the blade, ready to deliver a deadly strike.


    What he didn''t expect was the night stalker''s agility. Just as Zack swung, the leader ducked under him in a move that resembled a low slide tackle. The creature''s sharp claws scraped across his waist, leaving a series of deep scratches on the armor.


    "Did... did I just get hit by a sliding tackle?" Zack thought, astonished. He had never expected such a move from a night stalker. Before Zack could react, the leader leapt onto his back, clawing at the armor with frenzied strength. The creature''s claws dug deep, leaving gouges in the metal.


    "Warning! Back armor damaged, 30% integrity remaining!" the suit warned.


    "I know!" Zack muttered, maintaining his focus. He fully extended his arm blade, reaching back in a swift, precise strike. The blade sunk deep into the creature''s shoulder blade.


    "Roar!" The night stalker leader screeched in pain, thrashing violently to escape the blade.


    "You''re not going anywhere," Zack growled, turning to face the creature. With a quick motion, he extended the second blade from his left arm, aiming for the leader''s head. But at the last second, the night stalker leader twisted its body, letting the blade slice through its right arm instead. The severed limb allowed the creature to free itself.


    "Roar..." The leader hit the ground hard but quickly scrambled to its feet and fled, disappearing into the darkness.


    "Damn it!" Zack cursed, giving chase. The MV-01''s speed was impressive in a straight line, and he quickly closed the distance. But the leader, now one-armed, scrambled up a nearby wall, its claws digging into the brick as it scaled it with surprising speed.


    "Get down here!" Zack shouted, throwing his arm blade like a throwing knife. The blade struck the night stalker leader''s back and lodged deep, but it didn''t bring the creature down. Instead, it climbed to the rooftop and disappeared into the night.


    "Ego, track it with the satellite!" Zack barked.


    "Yes, sir," Ego replied. The satellite traced the creature''s path, tracking it as it ducked into an underground garage in a nearby factory. Once the location was logged, Zack returned to the steel plant.


    Back at the plant, the powerful lights were still on, casting a reassuring glow over the area. Not a single night stalker remained. Charles and the other workers were already clearing the battlefield, loading the bodies onto a truck to be disposed of at dawn.


    "Mr. Zack is back!" someone shouted. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mr. Zack, we did it! Not a single casualty!" The workers and their families cheered, their faces filled with relief and gratitude. After the terror they''d endured, tonight felt like a miracle.


    Charles stepped forward, his face a mix of apology and admiration. "Mr. Zack... I misjudged you. If it weren''t for you, we''d still be living in fear, and tonight could''ve been a disaster."


    Zack gave a calm nod. Charles had been skeptical, but now he and the others fully understood the value of Zack''s presence.


    "Thank you, Mr. Zack!" A young worker grinned, showing the gap where a few of his teeth had been lost in a fall, but it didn''t seem to bother him.


    Before the cheering could continue, Zack''s voice cut through the noise. "Don''t celebrate too early. Some of the night stalkers managed to escape."


    The smiles faded, and the workers exchanged uneasy looks. The reminder was sobering¡ªthere were still night stalkers lurking in the dark corners of the industrial area. "But we should be safe for the rest of the night," he added. "Charles, set up a rotation for night watch. Keep the lights on until dawn."


    "Understood, Mr. Zack!" Charles said, quickly organizing shifts among the workers.


    After confirming the arrangements, Zack returned to the office. Once inside, he activated Ego''s alert mode, which would scan for any approaching creatures and sound an alarm at the first sign of danger. He then removed his armor and placed it on the charging dock.


    "MV-01 is still too limited in its attack capabilities," he muttered as he sank into an armchair, deep in thought.


    Tonight''s battle had revealed critical flaws in the armor¡ªits lack of ranged weapons and limited flexibility. Even with the improvements to its transmission system, the heavy plating of the MV-01 restricted his movement. If only he had access to stronger alloys, like titanium, he could improve both defense and agility.


    "Guess I''ll save those ideas for the MV-02," he mused, allowing himself a brief moment of rest.


    Zack shook his head, dismissing thoughts of new materials for the MV-01. Resources were limited, so it was better to focus on refining his tactics against the night stalkers.


    "Let''s work on a way to slow them down," he murmured. His years of experience in MOBA games had taught him that controlling the enemy''s speed could provide a huge tactical advantage, making it easier to maneuver around them.


    "Sir, would you like to equip the MV-01 with high-powered lighting?" Ego suggested.


    "Lights?" Zack imagined himself walking around with a blinding spotlight and immediately shook his head. "No, Ego. I don''t want to be a walking sun. High-powered lights would drain the armor''s battery too quickly." He paused, deep in thought, then suddenly his eyes lit up. "Wait! I''ve got it!"


    "What is it, sir?"


    "A net shooter¡ªlike the ones fishermen use to catch fish. But make it sticky and portable!" Zack''s excitement grew. He''d been so focused on the armor itself that he hadn''t considered this idea before.


    "Ego, do we have data on these kinds of devices?"


    "Processing based on your request. Yes, sir. There are 165 sets of information on similar devices. I suggest we create a web shooter."


    "Perfect!" Zack grinned.

 Chapter 19: Annie The Prodigy

    Chapter 19 - Annie The ProdigyA web shooter would allow him to control the Night Stalkers'' movements by trapping them in webbing, effectively compensating for the armor''s lack of speed and flexibility. He wouldn''t be swinging between skyscrapers¡ªafter all, the one-ton armor could handle the webbing, but not the buildings. Instead, he planned to use the web shooter purely as a weapon to immobilize his enemies.


    "Ego, pick the best web shooter design and have the details ready for me by morning," Zack said.


    "Understood, sir. Sweet dreams," Ego replied.


    As Zack dozed off in his chair, soft footsteps approached the office. Ego scanned the presence, confirming there was no hostility or weapons. He remained silent, allowing the visitor to pass.


    Annie quietly entered, holding a blanket. Seeing Zack asleep, she gently covered him with it, then tiptoed back out.


    The next morning, Zack woke to sunlight streaming through the window, a blanket draped over him. Smiling, he immediately knew who had left it. "This girl really knows how to take care of people," he muttered, impressed.


    "Sir, after you fell asleep last night, Annie came in and covered you with a blanket," Ego confirmed.


    "Thought so." Zack nodded. "Alright, Ego, show me the web shooter design you chose."


    A holographic display of the web shooter appeared before him, along with a list of materials needed. "Based on available resources, this design is the most suitable," Ego explained. "It has two modes: silk and web."


    Ego continued, "The silk mode can shoot a strand 5-10 mm thick with a tensile strength 45 times that of high-strength steel. Its range is 300 meters, and it can support 5-10 tons. The web mode creates a web 3-5 meters in diameter, made up of hundreds of finer strands, effective up to 20 meters. Each thread in the web can hold up to 0.5 tons."


    Zack nodded, satisfied. "Good work, Ego."


    The blueprint was surprisingly simple¡ªmuch more straightforward than his power armor. "Ego, scan the area for the materials I''ll need," Zack instructed.


    A map of the industrial park appeared, highlighting two nearby factories: an electronics plant and a chemical factory. "Looks like coming here was the right choice after all," Zack murmured. He quickly prepared himself, donning his power armor, ready to gather the components for his new project.


    As he headed out of the office, the workers he passed looked at him with a mix of respect and awe. Some greeted him boldly, while others moved aside, stepping back to give him space. The seventeen people in the factory had fully come around to Zack''s leadership.


    "Keep working, everyone," Zack said, gesturing to the wall he''d broken down earlier. "And make sure to rebuild it."


    As he was about to leave the steel plant, Annie appeared from the side, her face anxious beneath her messy bangs. "Za... Mr. Zack, are you leaving?" she asked softly.


    "Just call me ''brother,''" Zack said, reaching out to ruffle her hair. His large, armored hand made her head look even smaller and more fragile. Though she instinctively flinched, she gathered her courage and looked up at him, saying, "Brother... I have something to show you."


    "Alright, lead the way," Zack said, curious. Annie took him through the steel plant, weaving between equipment and machinery until they reached a small room tucked in the corner.


    "Is this it?" Zack asked, looking down at her.


    Annie nodded, and Zack gently opened the door. A familiar scent of metal and chemicals filled the air, and he realized the room was packed with materials, tools, drones, and small robots. In the center of the room was a short workbench, clearly designed to match Annie''s height. "Is this your workshop?" Zack asked.


    "It''s a lab," Annie corrected shyly, lowering her head, almost as if afraid she''d overstepped.


    But Zack only smiled, amused by her pride. "Right, your lab." He picked up a drone from the shelf and inspected it. Though unfinished, its internal structure was precise and skillfully assembled, with barely any gaps between the parts. The craftsmanship was flawless¡ªalmost machine-perfect.


    "Did you make all of these by hand?" Zack asked, impressed.


    Annie nodded. Zack shook his head in amazement, realizing just how naturally gifted she was. "Sir," Ego''s voice echoed in his mind, "this room contains all the materials needed to build the web shooter."


    Zack''s expression brightened. He turned to Annie. "Annie, would it be alright if I made something in your lab?"


    "Of course," she agreed. In her eyes, Zack was the true genius¡ªher creations felt like toys compared to his armor.


    With Annie''s permission, Zack closed the lab door, removed his armor, and began working on the web shooter. Annie watched quietly as he worked, occasionally assisting him as he explained what he was doing. Despite her usual shyness, she became focused and steady while working. Her small hands moved with remarkable skill, using the tweezers to place each piece exactly where it was needed, with no room for error.


    Together, they completed the web shooter far quicker than Zack had anticipated. "Perfect! The shooter''s done," Zack said, testing the device to make sure it was functioning properly.


    Unlike the shooter, the silk was simpler to make¡ªa matter of mixing the right elements in the correct proportions. In its liquid form, the silk would harden when exposed to air, so Zack added a neutralizer to keep it from solidifying too soon. The finished silk was stored in small, square sacs about the size of phone batteries, which could be loaded and replaced in the shooter like magazine clips.


    Once everything was ready, Zack fitted the web shooter onto the right arm of the armor. "Alright!" he said, slipping the armor back on. Turning to Annie, he said, "I''m heading out to deal with the remaining Night Stalkers. When I''m back, I''ll take you away from here. Sound good?"


    Annie nodded, and he gave her a pat on the head before heading out of the lab. Leaving the steelworks, Zack made his way to the underground parking lot where the Night Stalker leader had disappeared. On the way, he paused in front of a tall building, curiosity getting the best of him.


    "Why not give it a try?" he thought. The armor was heavy, but the chance to swing from a web was too tempting to resist.


    He raised his right arm and aimed the web shooter at the top of the building.


    Swosh!


    The web shot out, attaching itself to the top of the building''s exterior wall with a solid grip. Zack tugged on the line, feeling it hold. Taking a few steps back, he ran forward and swung, the elastic strength of the spider silk pulling the one-ton MV-01 armor off the ground and into the air.


    The swing was successful¡ªfor less than half a second. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Aw, come on!" Zack groaned as he heard the sound of bricks crumbling. The wall he''d attached the web to gave way, and he plummeted, hitting the ground with a deafening crash that left a spiderweb of cracks in the concrete.


    "Should''ve known better," he muttered, standing up. Glancing at the wall, he saw a large chunk had come off where the web had attached. Shaking his head, he decided to abandon any hopes of swinging for now. "Guess I''ll stick to using this as a weapon."

 Chapter 20: Returning

    Chapter 20 - ReturningWith that settled, Zack continued his path toward the underground parking lot where the Night Stalker leader had disappeared. As he entered the basement, he immediately felt the air grow colder and the light fade, leaving him surrounded by total darkness. The silence was deafening, thick and oppressive. Zack activated the armor''s light, cutting through the darkness and revealing a narrow path ahead. Still, the vast parking lot remained hidden beyond the small beam of light.


    "Ego?" he called out.


    "Scan mode activated, sir," Ego responded, already anticipating his command. While the scan range was limited, it would at least ensure that no Night Stalkers could sneak up on him.


    After finding nothing on the first floor but piles of bones, Zack pressed forward. "Ego, how many floors are there?"


    "Two, sir," Ego replied.


    "A big facility, with its own underground parking and multiple levels," Zack muttered to himself as he made his way down the ramp to the second floor.


    Halfway down, he suddenly heard a familiar twang¡ªthe sound of steel wire snapping into place. The next instant, steel pipes and wooden spikes shot out from the corner! Two of the projectiles struck his armor, leaving only harmless white scuffs on the MV-01''s surface, but Zack stood there in shock.


    "Did... did a Night Stalker set a trap?" he muttered, barely believing it. The trap was almost identical to the ones he''d set up at the steel mill¡ªright down to the mechanism. While the setup was crude, the intent was unmistakable.


    "Sir, it seems the Night Stalker''s threat level needs to be re-evaluated," Ego remarked.


    "This zombie is too dangerous to leave alive," Zack growled, narrowing his eyes. His estimation of the Night Stalker''s intelligence had just gone up significantly.


    "Let''s go, Ego. Not a single one of them escapes today!"


    Continuing his descent, the light from his armor finally illuminated a familiar sight¡ªa curled-up, humanoid form in the corner. A Night Stalker, lying dormant on the cold concrete.


    As the beam of light hit it, the creature''s eyes snapped open. "Roar!" it howled, alerting others. From every corner of the basement, piercing roars echoed, filling the parking lot with a chilling symphony.


    Then came a deeper, guttural roar¡ªthe distinctive call of the Night Stalker leader, wounded but still alive. The light caught him, showing his missing arm and still-fresh wounds. "Good, no self-healing ability," Zack smirked. He raised his hand, pointing at the Night Stalker leader and crossed his fingers¡ªa universal signal that even the leader seemed to understand.


    "Roar!" the leader shrieked back in defiance, and the Night Stalkers rushed at Zack from all directions.


    "Enemies at 2 o''clock, 5 o''clock, 15 o''clock..." Ego''s report started, but soon the numbers were overwhelming. "Sir! They''re everywhere!"


    "Take it easy, Ego," Zack said, steadying himself. With the limited light, he''d have to rely on the Night Stalkers'' footsteps to gauge their approach. The scurrying sounds grew louder as they closed in on him.


    Just as they were about to strike, Zack extended both arm blades. His one-ton armor spun in a tight circle, the blades cutting a deadly arc around him, flashing through the darkness. In seconds, four or five Night Stalkers were cleaved in two, their torsos dropping to the ground.


    "Roar!" The surviving Night Stalkers adapted quickly, lunging at him from staggered angles and different times.


    "They''re learning?" Zack muttered. Now, without the blinding floodlights, he was on their turf. The Night Stalkers were fast, and in this confined space, their numbers were overwhelming.


    While a single Night Stalker''s claws couldn''t break his armor, together, they were wearing it down. Scratches began covering the surface of the armor. For every four or five he killed, they landed dozens of blows, each one weakening the armor bit by bit.


    "Sir, I''ve completed the scan," Ego announced.


    "Good," Zack replied, preparing for the next wave. He couldn''t afford to slip up now¡ªnot with the Night Stalkers proving to be more dangerous than ever.


    With Ego''s HUD arrows guiding him, the battle became much easier. Arrows appeared in Zack''s vision, pointing to each approaching Night Stalker: yellow for approaching threats, and red for active attacks.


    "Thanks, Ego!" Zack said, spinning around to slice a Night Stalker sneaking up from behind, cutting it cleanly in half.


    As more Night Stalkers fell at his feet, fewer dared to charge at him directly. Eventually, he was nearly surrounded, the bodies of the fallen scattered around him. "Roar!!!" The Night Stalker leader bellowed, signaling the others to retreat. They fled in every direction, abandoning their assault.


    "Oh, so now you call them off?" Zack muttered, glaring at the leader. "You let your minions do all the dirty work and run when it gets tough, huh?"


    The leader glanced back only once before bolting into the shadows. "Where do you think you''re going? This basement isn''t that big!" Zack growled, chasing after him.


    He fired his web shooter whenever he spotted a Night Stalker, trapping each one in a sticky line before dispatching it with a swift blow. Soon, the entire parking lot was covered in webs, effectively slowing the creatures'' movements and allowing Zack to take them down more efficiently.


    After a relentless pursuit, only Zack and the one-armed Night Stalker leader remained. Cornered at the exit, the creature froze just before a bright line of sunlight crept into the basement. The floor was sharply divided between light and darkness.


    "Sunlight, eh?" Zack smirked, positioning himself at the entrance to block the only escape route.


    The leader had no choice but to either charge into the light or fight Zack directly. "Roar!!!" With a final snarl, the leader chose the latter and lunged at Zack. But Zack was ready. He raised his arm, casting a wide web that caught the creature mid-air, followed by a sharp blade to end its life.


    Returning to the steel plant, Zack was met with cheers from the workers. After a brief discussion, he assigned Charles to oversee the factory in his absence, giving him a modified communicator in case of emergencies. He left Jacob''s weapons with the workers, knowing they''d be sufficient for defense now that the Night Stalkers were gone.


    Afterward, Zack loaded up a cart with materials and tools and headed back to Tribeca with Annie beside him. Along the way, he noticed a few zombies wandering the grounds, despite having previously cleared the area.


    "It''s time to address the Mansion''s security," he muttered, driving around to crush any stragglers before heading toward Mansion No. 9. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing the engine, Sophia rushed out, beaming with excitement. She stood at the courtyard gate, watching him approach like a hopeful bride. But as she caught sight of Annie in the passenger seat, her smile faltered, her expression shifting to one of concern and... suspicion?


    ''She''s barely fifteen... Could it be...?'' A series of thoughts seemed to flash across her mind, and her eyes widened in realization, her impression of Zack visibly crumbling.


    "This girl''s thinking all the wrong things," Zack sighed, rolling his eyes as he read her expression from afar. ''Am I really that much of a scoundrel?''

 Chapter 21: Nano alloy Gel

    Chapter 21 - Nano alloy GelEntering the mansion, Zack led the exhausted Annie toward the bathroom, explaining her story to Sophia as he went. As he shared the tragic loss of Annie''s parents, Sophia''s eyes reddened.


    "Oh no... her parents..." Sophia started to speak but trailed off, clearly overwhelmed. She quickly excused herself, hurriedly heading to find clothes for Annie. As she turned to leave, Zack noticed the tears streaking down her face.


    "Ego, what''s going on?" he asked, surprised by her strong reaction.


    "Sir, I believe she is concerned about her own mother''s safety," Ego responded.


    "Lillian Lane?" Zack murmured, understanding what was troubling Sophia. "Ego, can you search for her?"


    "Yes, sir," Ego replied. Moments later, the AI''s voice returned, though the news wasn''t good.


    "Sir, Ms. Lillian Lane was last located at a crowded shopping mall just before the virus outbreak. All contact with her has been lost since then."


    "Lost contact... Is there any chance she survived?" Zack asked, hoping for better news.


    "Based on current data, her survival rate is below 4%," Ego replied.


    "Got it," Zack sighed. A 4% chance wasn''t much of a hope.


    "Shall I inform Ms. Sophia?" Ego asked.


    "I''ll tell her when the time is right," Zack answered, turning his attention to settling things in the mansion.


    After bringing the supply cart down to the basement, Zack spent the rest of the day transporting everything he''d gathered from the industrial area. It took several trips, but by nightfall, the once-empty basement was now stacked with metals, electronic components, chemicals, and a high-precision machine tool.


    The basement was now filled with the materials Zack needed for his next project. Dozens of tons of various metals, including high-strength steel and alloys, had been pulled from nearby steel mills. Though he had hoped for titanium alloys, which were ideal for the MV-02 Armor, he had to make do with steel alloys for now. The downside was that steel might not hold up in high-altitude conditions, where the rear armor would need titanium or gold-titanium alloys to resist freezing temperatures.


    "Flying too high? Is that really my priority right now?" Zack muttered with a smirk. "Learning how to fly at all comes first."


    He chuckled to himself, then turned toward the elevator. When he reached the first floor, he spotted Annie, freshly showered. She looked almost like a stranger in clean clothes, a far cry from the ragged look she had earlier. Her skin was pale and soft, almost fragile, and her hair, freshly trimmed by Sophia, now looked neat and even. Despite her thin frame and the weariness etched on her face from surviving so long without proper food, she had a quiet, undeniable beauty.


    For the first time, Zack understood why people used to say you could see beauty in a girl even in her youth. "Little Annie, you''re beautiful!" he exclaimed, pinching her cheek playfully.


    "Uh... no... I''m not," Annie murmured, her face turning bright red.


    Zack laughed, finding her shy reaction amusing, until Sophia Monroe stepped in. "Alright, don''t tease her. Dinner''s ready."


    "Fine, fine," he replied, backing off. The three of them sat down to eat, and for the first time in a while, the atmosphere was warm and comfortable. Annie''s presence had clearly lifted Sophia''s mood.


    After dinner, they moved to the living room, where Annie and Sophia watched cartoons together. Zack found the show childish, but he couldn''t help but smile as their laughter filled the room, bringing a joy he hadn''t felt in ages. The cheerful atmosphere lasted late into the night, and eventually, Annie fell asleep. Only Zack and Sophia remained.


    As Zack looked at her, he felt a heavy silence settle between them. He opened his mouth, ready to bring up a difficult subject, but Sophia cut him off.


    "Come upstairs; I need to tell you something..." Zack began.


    "No, I don''t want to hear it," she interrupted, shaking her head.


    He froze, sensing the weight of her words. Her eyes were red, holding back tears, and she turned away. "You already know, don''t you?" he asked softly.


    "I don''t... I don''t know," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please, don''t tell me... Can we just pretend it''s okay?"


    Zack understood. Sometimes, ignorance acted as a shield, a fragile way to hold onto hope. "Alright," he said gently. "Let''s get some sleep."


    Nothing more was said that night. They drifted off into a quiet, unspoken understanding.


    The next morning, after breakfast, Zack led Annie down to the basement. "Today, we''re working on armor," he announced, his tone focused. "We need to finish it in three days."


    They were on a tight deadline. Only four days remained before the power shutdown, and Zack needed to complete the armor, reach the nuclear power plant, and secure materials for the Cold Fusion Reactor. His target was a nuclear power plant located fifty kilometers away, where he hoped to find what he needed.


    "Armor?" Annie asked, pointing to the MV-01 in the corner. "You mean that one?"


    "No, something new." Zack shook his head, smiling as he placed a set of blueprints in front of her.


    Annie''s eyes widened at the sight of the MV-02 suit''s design. Although it was incomplete without the old Fusion Reactor, the design was far more advanced than the MV-01. The sleek, steel structure and detailed layout fascinated her. "It looks amazing! The transmission mechanism... it''s brilliant," she marveled.


    She studied the intricate system for a moment, then furrowed her brow in confusion. "Wait... why doesn''t it have an operating system?"


    Zack chuckled inwardly. ''Silly girl,'' he thought, but didn''t say it out loud. Without Ego, even if she managed to build the armor, she wouldn''t be able to operate it. The design integrated all features into Ego''s system, so without it, the suit would be nothing more than a heavy, immobile shell. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don''t worry about the operating system," Zack said casually. "Let''s just focus on the armor itself."


    "Oh, okay," Annie replied, her curiosity shifting back to the blueprints. As she immersed herself in studying the plans, Zack moved to another part of the lab to work on something else.


    "Ego, pull up the production materials for the nano alloy gel," he ordered.


    "Affirmative, Sir," Ego replied.


    Half an hour later, Annie approached him, curiosity piqued by the pressurized tank he was holding. "What''s that?" she asked.


    "Nano alloy gel," Zack explained, grabbing a piece of paper. He sprayed a thin silver mist from the tank, creating a barely visible layer over the paper. Then, he began counting down.


    "Thirty seconds... twenty-nine... three... two... one."


    When the countdown hit zero, he handed the paper to Annie. "Now, try tearing it."

 Chapter 22: MV-02 Armor

    Chapter 22 - MV-02 ArmorAnnie grabbed the paper and tried to tear it. She yanked on it several times, but despite her efforts, it didn''t budge. The thin layer of nano-alloy gel covering it was far stronger than it appeared.


    "Here, let me try," Zack said, taking the paper from her. He pulled with all his strength, and after a moment of struggle, managed to create a small tear.


    "Looks like it worked," he said, satisfied. He picked up a utility knife and scraped the surface, which made a sharp, metallic sound.


    "Perfect!" Zack murmured, a pleased smile on his face. After several failed attempts, he''d finally succeeded in creating a reliable nano-alloy gel.


    "Is this for the armor?" Annie asked, her curiosity piqued.


    "Not quite," Zack replied, grinning. "The armor''s already strong enough. This gel is actually for reinforcing the Mansion''s defenses." He paused, the grin fading slightly. "It''ll make the entire place a lot harder to break into."


    "Got it. You''ve gone over all the blueprints, right?" he asked.


    "Yeah, I think I''m good," she said, nodding.


    "Good. Let''s start with the transmission mechanism," Zack said, leading her over to the workbench and gathering the necessary materials.


    For the next two days, Zack and Annie worked nonstop in the basement, assembling the complex parts of the new armor. While Zack was eager to keep going, he made sure Annie took regular breaks. He knew that if she worked too long without rest, she''d wear herself out.


    When Annie took her breaks, Zack didn''t sit idle. He used the time to spray the nano-alloy gel over the Mansion''s exterior walls and around the perimeter of the community. The treated walls became incredibly smooth and practically impossible to climb. He also reinforced the gate, turning it into an electric entry system with facial recognition, courtesy of Ego. Only authorized individuals could enter now¡ªzombies or intruders would be stopped in their tracks.


    Mansion No. 9, where Zack lived, had become a fortress. High-voltage rods lined every meter of the courtyard wall, capable of delivering tens of thousands of volts to anyone who tried to get over. To power this massive setup, Zack also upgraded the Mansion''s power supply.


    He didn''t stop there¡ªhe installed several automatic turrets along the perimeter, each connected to cameras that would detect and engage any threats. While most of the turrets were empty for now, he equipped a few with his homemade nail guns, ideal for silently taking down small groups of zombies. After all the upgrades, the Mansion was practically impenetrable¡ªexcept for one big problem: power. If the electricity went out, all the defenses would be useless.


    "Time is running out," Zack muttered, looking at the nearly finished MV-02 armor. With a sigh, he picked up a welding torch and went back to work.


    By the third morning, as sunlight streamed through the basement window, Zack completed the final components of MV-02.


    "Sir, you haven''t slept for 52 hours," Ego''s voice gently reminded him.


    "Relax, Ego," Zack replied with a chuckle. "I''m wide awake." He couldn''t take his eyes off the gleaming armor in front of him. MV-02¡ªhis first true steel combat suit¡ªwas the start of his vision for a powerful new age.


    "This baby would be even better with a Gatling gun," he mused, running his hand over the armor. As impressive as it was, Zack''s ultimate goal was to turn it into a real war machine, something truly ready for the challenges of a post-apocalyptic world.


    Although the armor was missing the old Fusion Reactor, it was still ready for action. Eight detachable high-energy graphene batteries were installed on its back, providing enough power for 48 hours¡ªa huge improvement over his previous designs.


    Compared to the MV-01, MV-02 had an arm blade and a web shooter for close combat. The suit was plated in chrome-titanium alloy, with arc pulse cannons in each palm that also acted as stabilizers for flight. Foot jets were in place, ready for the addition of the Cold Fusion Reactor, which would unlock the suit''s full potential. For now, Zack could swap out the batteries, but once the reactor was installed, everything would change.


    To prepare for his upcoming mission, he''d applied three layers of anti-radiation coating on the armor. This would shield both him and the suit from nuclear exposure, which was essential for his planned trip to the nuclear plant.


    "Sir, please take some rest for your health," Ego urged again, this time with more insistence.


    "Alright, alright," Zack replied, reluctantly tearing his gaze from the MV-02. He made his way upstairs and finally allowed himself to sleep.


    He awoke hours later, feeling fully refreshed despite having pushed his body to its limits. Working nonstop had become second nature to him, and his body had adapted.


    Feeling rejuvenated, Zack took a deep breath, knowing that he was one step closer to making his vision a reality. The real journey was about to begin. Since the virus outbreak, Zack rarely felt tired¡ªhe was always full of energy, no matter what he did. Today, he decided to check his physical condition.


    "Ego, scan my physical state."


    A moment later, Ego reported back. "Sir, your body is in excellent health. All indicators are at peak levels."


    "How does it compare to the last scan?"


    "Your readings have improved by approximately 30% since the last check."


    "Anything abnormal?"


    "None detected," Ego replied calmly.


    Feeling reassured, Zack nodded. He wasn''t sure what was causing these improvements, but with no negative side effects, he wasn''t about to complain.


    "Let''s move fast," he muttered, checking the time. "We''ve got one day before the power goes out. I need to secure the materials for the Cold Fusion Reactor."


    Zack quickly went downstairs, greeted Sophia, grabbed a few packs of compressed biscuits for the road, and headed back to the basement. Annie was already hard at work, running tests on the MV-02.


    "How''s it going?" Zack asked.


    "Brother?" Annie looked up, surprised. "The main functions are good. I''m working on the weapons system now."


    "No need for that," Zack said, waving his hand. "Sometimes, you just have to dive into action. Let''s jump straight into a combat test."


    Annie looked a bit confused, but she helped him suit up. Unlike the simple MV-01, the complex MV-02 required assistance to wear. Without a robotic arm to help, Annie''s hands were essential.


    Once the final component clicked into place, the internal fittings tightened automatically. The suit was on, and Ego synced with it instantly.


    "Excellent, no lag," Zack said, flexing his joints. He jogged around the basement, noting how the suit made him feel even faster than his natural speed.


    The MV-02''s advanced nerve conduction let him feel the suit''s immense power as he clenched his fists. "This is true exoskeleton armor!" he muttered, grinning.


    S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 23: Superpower

    Chapter 23 - SuperpowerHe picked up the helmet and slid it on. For a moment, everything went dark, then the HUD display flickered to life, overlaying his vision with various readouts. The visor turned transparent, letting him see the room clearly. As he focused on different objects, detailed information about them appeared. The holographic interface was smooth and seamless.


    "MV-02 self-test... all systems operational," Ego''s voice announced.


    "Ego, are you sounding better, or is it just me in a good mood?" Zack joked.


    "Thank you, Sir. All systems are ready for outdoor testing," Ego replied.


    "I agree," Zack said, flipping up the visor. He turned to Annie and added, "Once I head out, you and Sophia stay inside the Mansion. It''s secure enough to handle most threats. If anything major happens, get in touch with me immediately¡ªI''ll give you access to the MV-01 if necessary. Got it?"


    Annie nodded firmly. "Don''t worry, big brother! I''ll keep Sister Sophia and the house safe!"


    "Good," he said, giving her a pat. "Remember, the MV-01 is on the lower level."


    With everything set, Zack walked over to his modified transport vehicle, which looked more like an armored truck than an escort car.


    "Ego, take the wheel," Zack instructed as he climbed into the back.


    "Understood, Sir," Ego responded. The engine roared to life, and the steering wheel began to turn by itself, smoothly guiding the vehicle out of the basement and onto the road.


    On the desolate, debris-filled highway, the armored truck barreled forward like a tank, smashing anything in its path. The front end, equipped with a heavy-duty ram, pushed abandoned vehicles aside with ease. The constant sound of impact and the roaring engine soon attracted nearby zombies, but the truck kept charging forward relentlessly.


    Zombies swarmed from all directions, many getting crushed under the wheels. Those approaching from the sides met the spikes lining the vehicle''s edges, while others clawed at the bulletproof exterior, creating an endless, high-pitched scraping sound.


    In the back of the truck, Zack sat in the MV-02 suit, his sound dampening system activated. He leaned back, closing his eyes as the chaos outside became nothing more than background noise. He wasn''t tired¡ªthere was simply nothing out there worth his attention.


    It had been nearly twenty days since the outbreak. By now, most survivors had either found safety or met a grim fate. Only the lucky, bold, or resourceful had formed survival groups. The rest had either fallen to the zombies or quietly wasted away in hiding, succumbing to hunger or despair.


    At first, Zack had scanned the surroundings for any signs of life. But soon, he realized that outside of the undead, there wasn''t a single soul along his route. It was just him, his vehicle, and a wasteland of crumbling buildings and shattered lives.


    Zack leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest. Suddenly, Ego''s voice came through his helmet speakers.


    "Sir."


    "What''s up, Ego?" Zack asked, eyes still closed.


    "I''ve detected something unusual that might interest you."


    To avoid running into massive hordes of zombies, Ego had been using satellite imagery to monitor the surroundings. Zack opened his eyes, curious. "Let''s see it."


    An image from the LSI satellite appeared on his HUD display. The scene showed a small town, straddling the line between city and countryside. On the roof of a truck in the middle of the street stood a woman with bright red hair, a cigarette dangling from her lips, and a brazier at her feet. Zombies swarmed in from all directions, clawing their way toward her, but she seemed completely unfazed.


    Just as the zombies reached the truck, the woman flicked away her cigarette and raised her hand. The flames in the brazier flared to life, as if responding to her command, and whipped into a fiery red serpent that slithered toward the horde. The fire spread instantly, consuming the zombies and turning them into towering, flaming figures. The air was thick with acrid smoke.


    Calmly, the woman took out a gas mask and put it on as if this was routine. Once the zombies were burned to death, she jumped off the truck, landing gracefully¡ªdespite wearing high heels. She lit another cigarette, then casually strolled toward a nearby supermarket.


    "What... is this? A superpower?" Zack''s eyes widened, excitement flooding him. The last time he encountered someone with unusual strength, Jacob, he''d dismissed it as a fluke. But this... this was something different.


    "Seems like superpowers aren''t just for the movies..." he muttered. Then, he paused, a thought creeping into his mind. "Wait, I have a system. Maybe superpowers aren''t so impossible after all..."


    A thought struck him: ''Could I be changing too?''


    "Ego, is there any chance I might develop superpowers?" he asked.


    "I can''t confirm that, Sir. There isn''t enough data. However, I can report that you''re in peak physical condition¡ªbetter than the most elite athletes," Ego noted.


    Zack narrowed his eyes. It was true. But part of him resisted the idea. If it weren''t for the system, he might be excited about the changes¡ªthey would definitely help him survive the apocalypse. But with the technology of the Power armor, his survival was already guaranteed. Besides, this change was mysterious, and who knew if it came with any side effects? S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ego, let''s find this woman," he decided.


    "Understood, Sir."


    The vehicle made a sharp turn, sending a few zombies tumbling to the ground, where they were promptly crushed under the tires. Meanwhile, in the supermarket, the red-haired woman observed a group of men loading supplies. She took a drag from her cigarette, sneering. "Move faster, you slackers! One more delay, and I''ll cut your food rations in half."


    "Yes, Lady Erza," they replied nervously, speeding up their work as they loaded bags onto their shoulders, avoiding her sharp gaze. Occasionally, they stole glances at her, clearly intimidated.


    Catching one of them staring, she shot him a cold glare. He immediately straightened up and kept loading supplies without a word. A young man responsible for lookout duty rushed over. "E-Erza!"


    "What''s got you so worked up?" she asked, unimpressed.


    The boy gulped, his face turning red. "T-There''s a car coming!"


    She smirked. "Perfect. I was just thinking we could use a vehicle with more room." She shrugged, as if the car was already hers.


    Soon enough, the approaching vehicle came into view. When the group saw it, they froze in shock. The vehicle looked like something straight out of a nightmare. With a spiked front and a blood-stained body, it was littered with traces of zombies¡ªfrom scraps of clothing to body parts. Even from a distance, they could smell the stench of blood.


    Erza''s casual expression shifted. As the vehicle came closer, she slipped her hand into her pocket and gripped a windproof lighter, her eyes narrowing as she prepared herself. With a screech of tires, the vehicle came to a stop just ten meters away. "You and you," Erza commanded, pointing to two men. "Go check it out."


    The two men hesitated, unwilling to approach the blood-soaked vehicle. But when they saw Erza pull out her lighter, they hurried forward. The windshield was smeared with dried blood, making it impossible to see inside. Trembling, they opened the driver''s side door.

 Chapter 24: Erza

    Chapter 24 - Erza"E-Erza! There''s no one inside!" one of the men called out, his voice filled with relief. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then hurry up and get back!" Erza ordered sharply.


    Before they could move, a mechanical whirring sound echoed from behind them¡ªthe unmistakable hum of the MV-02''s power system. "Oh no!" the two turned around to see a large, silver-armored figure looming over them. They screamed in panic and fled, completely abandoning any thoughts of putting up a fight.


    Zack didn''t pay them any mind. His gaze was locked on the red-haired woman. As his HUD flickered to life, detailed information about her appeared on the screen:


    "Sarah Yates, alias Erza. Age: 23. No recorded relationships. Height: 160 cm. Weight: 45 kg. Measurements: 32-23-33. Abnormal body function detected, energy levels exceeding standard parameters."


    Zack raised an eyebrow. "A bit too much info there, Ego," he muttered under his breath.


    Meanwhile, Erza noticed the armored figure''s attention fixated on her. Her expression hardened, and she slipped the lighter into her pocket, a small flame sparking to life in her hand as she glared back at Zack.


    "Sir, energy fluctuations detected," Ego''s voice warned.


    Zack smirked. "How much heat can the MV-02 handle?"


    "MV-02 operates optimally between -20¡ãC and 800¡ãC. It can endure up to 10 hours at 800¡ãC. Beyond that, every additional 50¡ãC reduces endurance by 10%," Ego responded.


    Zack nodded, reassured. He took a step forward.


    "Stay back!" Erza shouted, her voice trembling slightly. "Can you... understand me?"


    "Sarah Yates, isn''t it?" Zack''s voice echoed coldly from inside the suit. "I''m interested in your abilities."


    The mention of her real name sent a chill down Erza''s spine. Panic surged in her chest. ''So, he''s after me,'' she thought, her fear mounting. She remembered the first time she had gained her powers¡ªhow she had always feared being hunted down by some shadowy organization that would lock her up and experiment on her. And now, here stood a man in high-tech armor, just as she had always feared.


    "I just need a few samples from you," Zack said, taking another step toward her. "It''ll be easier if you cooperate."


    A fierce look crossed Erza''s face. She raised her lighter, the flame growing larger in her hand. "Like hell I will!" she shouted, unleashing a fiery serpent toward Zack. The flames roared as they surged through the air, making the surrounding air heat to unbearable levels.


    "Sir, the temperature is reaching 600¡ãC," Ego warned.


    Zack barely flinched, continuing his advance. The fire hit the MV-02''s chestplate, splitting in two and flowing harmlessly around him.


    Erza''s gaze flicked to her followers. "What are you doing? Help me!" she demanded.


    But they had already scattered, too terrified to intervene. Only one young man remained, holding an iron rod, but even his courage crumbled as he met Erza''s fiery glare. "Useless!" she spat, turning her focus back on Zack.


    She set the lighter on the truck''s hood and focused. Flames twisted and surged, gathering into a massive wave that swept toward Zack, engulfing him in a wall of fire.


    "Sir, the temperature is increasing to 700¡ãC," Ego warned.


    Inside the suit, Zack felt only slight warmth. "She can''t generate fire on her own, can she?"


    "Correct, Sir. It appears she can only control existing flames," Ego responded.


    "Not too impressive," Zack murmured. Without hesitation, he dashed forward, bursting through the fire in a single stride.


    In an instant, he slammed Erza against the hood of the truck, pinning her down. The force of the impact left a dent in the metal, and the flames around them flickered and died, deprived of their fuel.


    "Had enough?" Zack asked, his grip tightening.


    "Aahhh! Let me go! It''s burning!" she screamed, the heat from his armor sizzling her skin.


    Zack barely reacted. He knew the MV-02''s casing had heated up to unbearable temperatures¡ªit was practically burning¡ªbut he didn''t feel it himself. He finally let go of her arm.


    A vivid red handprint marked her skin, still throbbing with heat.


    Erza sucked in a sharp breath, nearly in tears as she blew on the burn. The pain was sharp, but she held it back. What stung more than the pain, though, was the permanent scald on her hand. She stared at it, her anger and pain mixing in her eyes, before turning her fierce gaze back at Zack.


    "I admit defeat!" she spat, her voice shaking with fury. "Kill me or tear me apart, just get it over with!" She closed her eyes, steeling herself for what she thought was inevitable.


    But Zack didn''t move. Instead, he asked, "Ego, what samples do we need?"


    "If we''re close enough, I can scan her brain activity. All we need is a bit of blood and a tissue sample," Ego replied, offering a more practical solution and sparing Erza''s life.


    "Close enough? How close exactly?" Zack asked, still focused on the task at hand.


    A few moments later, Zack emerged from a nearby store holding three glass tubes: one filled with blood, another with a few strands of hair, and a third with a small piece of skin from her finger. Although Ego hadn''t specifically asked for the skin sample, Zack took it anyway. Satisfied with his work, he returned to his vehicle and carefully stored the samples.


    "Alright, Ego, let''s move out," Zack said, settling back into the seat. The vehicle rumbled to life, blood-stained and heavy with the metallic scent, and began rolling away, leaving the town behind.


    After Zack''s departure, Erza stood there for a moment, her expression grim. The pain in her arm had faded, but the red handprint remained as a permanent reminder. She also had a fresh bandage on her finger.


    "Erza, are you okay?" one of her younger associates asked, having returned after his earlier escape.


    Nearby, a few men whispered among themselves, eyeing her with curiosity and sly grins.


    "Was someone inside that thing?" one murmured.


    "Looked like a man," another added.


    "Do you even have to ask? It''s obvious Erza must''ve¡ª"


    Before he could finish his sentence, a snake of fire shot from Erza''s hand, cutting him off mid-sentence. The men instantly fell silent and scrambled away.


    "From now on, no more dirty jokes¡ªunderstood?" Erza''s voice was icy, her gaze freezing them all in place. "Anyone who tries it will regret it!"


    Her eyes darkened as memories of the encounter replayed in her mind. Behind that cold, imposing armor, she hadn''t expected this outcome. For a moment, she had thought something might actually happen. But no. Instead, he had simply taken his samples, cold and efficient, and then left without a second glance.


    Is that guy for real? Am I not beautiful enough for him? Erza thought bitterly, clenching her fists in irritation. She couldn''t stop herself from muttering, "Damn it!" as she glared down the road where Zack had disappeared.


    A few of her men lowered their heads, sensing her frustration. They knew better than to say anything in her current mood.


    "Let''s go," she ordered, her voice tight with anger.


    Meanwhile, on the road, Zack suddenly sneezed.


    "Seems like someone''s talking about me," he chuckled.


    "Sir, would you like me to track Ms. Sarah?" Ego offered.


    "No need," Zack replied with a dismissive grin. "This is just a small visit to satisfy my curiosity. I''ve got no real interest in her." He grinned again. "Ego, step on it."

 Chapter 25: Hunter & Bloat

    Chapter 25 - Hunter & BloatAfter a brief laugh, Zack''s expression turned serious. "Alright, let''s move."


    "Understood, Sir," Ego responded, and the vehicle accelerated, its engine roaring like a beast as it tore down the road, smashing anything in its path. "Sir, there''s a small horde of corpses up ahead. Should we take a detour?"


    "A small horde?" Zack asked, already knowing how Ego defined ''small''¡ªa swarm of at least a thousand undead.


    "How long would a detour take?" he asked.


    "About thirty minutes."


    "Forget it. Let''s push through!" Zack decided, unwilling to waste time on the long route. As the vehicle continued, the horde soon came into view: a sea of walking corpses stretching as far as the eye could see. The engine''s roar seemed to rouse the undead from their stupor, and, as if on cue, thousands of them surged toward the vehicle, shaking the ground with their frantic steps.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The vehicle slammed into the horde with such force that, despite its armored exterior, it started to slow, weighed down by the growing pile of bodies. The steel spikes meant to fend them off became jammed with corpses, their sheer numbers overwhelming the defenses. With more undead piling on, the vehicle''s speed dropped, and it grew heavier by the second. The eight-cylinder diesel engine roared under the strain.


    "Ego, activate backup power," Zack commanded calmly.


    The graphene battery kicked in, releasing a surge of energy. With the combined force of the diesel engine, the vehicle roared back to life, speeding forward once again. The four tires gripped the ground with fierce intensity, kicking up clouds of dust as the vehicle plowed through the crowd of zombies. As it broke free from the horde, Zack gave another command.


    "Ego, open the side door."


    The door swung open, and Zack grabbed the edge, easily flipping himself up onto the roof. Thanks to the MV-02 suit''s exceptional agility, Zack moved with ease. Once on top, he began clearing the zombies clinging to the vehicle, tossing them off one by one, including those stuck to the spikes. When the last of the undead were removed, the vehicle''s speed picked up, leaving the horde behind. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Zack didn''t re-enter the vehicle. He remained seated on the roof for a moment, gazing out at the desolate landscape. The apocalyptic world, bathed in the fading light, had a haunting beauty that silently drew his attention. After a while, the grim scenery lost its appeal. Zack spotted a distant shape breaking the horizon¡ªthe nuclear power plant. Checking the time, he saw it was already past four in the afternoon.


    "Ego, how long have we been on the road?" he asked.


    "Three hours and twelve minutes," Ego replied.


    The journey had taken longer than expected, thanks to a detour to reach the town where Erza and the others were.


    "We''ve got to hurry. I don''t want to go into that hellhole at night," Zack muttered, his gaze hardening as he saw the growing number of zombies near the nuclear plant. Even from a distance, he could make out a sizable group of mutants among them.


    As they neared the plant, the vehicle suddenly slowed to a stop. "What''s wrong, Ego?" Zack asked, sensing trouble.


    "Bad news, Sir," Ego replied, projecting a live satellite feed onto the holographic display in the MV-02 suit. Zack''s face tightened as he saw two of the cooling towers from the plant in the feed, both blown open at the top and spewing thick clouds of smoke. But Zack knew it wasn''t just smoke¡ªradiation was leaking into the air.


    "A radiation leak?" Zack''s expression darkened. Luckily, he had anticipated this possibility, and the MV-02 suit had been specially reinforced with three layers of anti-radiation coating.


    "Sir, the radiation levels ahead exceed safety limits. The vehicle can''t proceed. You''ll have to go on foot," Ego informed him.


    "Understood," Zack replied, jumping down from the roof and setting off toward the nuclear plant. While the MV-02 suit did have a flight system, it consumed a lot of power, draining eight graphene batteries in one go. So, Zack opted to run instead, and his speed on foot was impressive. In some rugged areas, he even outran the vehicle.


    As he entered the high-radiation zone, a sharp, repetitive beep filled his ears¡ªthe radiation detector''s alarm. The further he went, the faster the beeping became, the radiation levels rising with every step.


    "Ego, silence the alarm unless radiation levels reach critical levels," Zack instructed.


    "Understood, Sir," Ego responded, and the sudden quiet was a relief. In the eerie silence, Zack surveyed the landscape through the MV-02''s visor. Aside from the hazy, contaminated air around the plant, there was little visible sign of the radiation danger. But the zombies in the area seemed to be thriving, unaffected by the lethal environment.


    Zack couldn''t help but wonder if the nuclear radiation was causing the zombies to mutate, making them even stronger. As he scanned the plant''s grounds, he noticed a large group of zombies in the heart of the radiation zone. Some of them looked grotesque and deformed, unlike anything he had seen before. Even Ego''s extensive database lacked records of these creatures.


    "Ego, record all new zombie types," Zack commanded as he charged toward the plant.


    A sudden, bone-chilling screech cut through the air.


    Zack''s eyes snapped to the sound and spotted a zombie clinging to a nearby wall. It resembled the Night Stalker breed¡ªcreatures that could scale walls¡ªbut this one was different. It had lost all semblance to a human. Its limbs were abnormally long, many times the size of a normal body, and looked like a grotesque, four-legged spider with a human torso. Each limb had six or seven joints, bending unnaturally.


    "New mutant zombie detected," Ego reported, compiling data on the creature. "Temporary name: Hunter. Initial analysis suggests heightened sensory perception, beyond that of ordinary zombies."


    The Hunter was staring right at Zack, its head twisted nearly 180 degrees, its glowing red eyes fixed on him. It clung to the wall, crouched, watching him with unnerving stillness.


    "Does this thing have intelligence?" Zack murmured, feeling an uneasy chill.


    He forced himself to look away from the Hunter as the swarm of zombies surrounding the plant finally noticed him. The first to approach were the standard undead, but one figure lumbered behind them¡ªa massive, bloated mutant zombie.


    "Another mutant... the Bloat."


    The large, hulking figure slowly advanced¡ªa behemoth weighing at least four to five hundred pounds. Beneath its thick layers of fat was a nearly impenetrable defense. Even if someone could break through this fatty barrier, they''d be facing another danger: the brute could self-destruct, releasing a cloud of toxic gas stored in his bloated body. It made him a tough opponent for anyone unprepared.


    "You mentioned this guy before, but I didn''t expect we''d actually run into him today!" Zack said, eyeing the swollen monster that was lurking behind a pile of corpses.

 Chapter 26: Sarcoma

    Chapter 26 - SarcomaDespite the gruesome scene, Zack showed no sign of worry. In fact, there was a spark of anticipation in his eyes as he assessed the threat. The life-support system in his MV-02 armor would completely block out the poisonous gas that the Swollen Man was about to release.


    "Sir, the enemy is approaching," Ego''s voice sounded in his helmet.


    "I see them," Zack replied, calm and ready.


    As the horde of zombies surged forward, Zack sprang into action with surprising speed. His silver MV-02 armor blurred into motion as he sliced through the oncoming zombies with ease. The armor''s arms flicked out, and two folding blades locked into his grip. With a single, sweeping slash, he cut down zombies to his left and right, their heads flying through the air.


    Zack weaved through the ranks of undead, his armored form shining as he mowed them down like stalks of wheat. The ordinary zombies posed no challenge; their clawing hands couldn''t even scratch his armor, and his advance was relentless. One after another, they fell under his blades. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, a deafening roar shook the air. The Swollen Man had decided to join the fray, shaking the ground as he charged. Despite his massive bulk, his straight-line sprint was faster than Zack had expected, each step sending tremors through the ground.


    Zack didn''t flinch. He held his ground. "Ego, let''s see what MV-02 can really do." With that, Zack braced himself, leaning forward to absorb the impact.


    Boom!


    The Swollen Man collided with him, sending shockwaves through the air. The force pushed Zack back, skidding across the ground for several feet, but he quickly regained his footing. MV-02''s impact buffers absorbed the worst of the hit, allowing Zack to stay on his feet without losing balance.


    The Swollen Man roared, trying to push Zack back even further, but he couldn''t budge him. "Is that all you''ve got?" Zack smirked.


    With a swift sidestep, Zack dodged, letting the Swollen Man''s momentum carry him forward. Off-balance, the brute stumbled and crashed to the ground, struggling to regain his footing. Before the lumbering zombie could rise, Zack''s arm blade shot out again. He drove it into the Swollen Man''s side, only for it to stop after a few inches, blocked by the thick layer of fat.


    "So you''re tougher than you look," Zack muttered, pulling the blade back. He stepped back and raised his palm, where a faint hum of energy began to build, filling his glove with a bright electric charge.


    The Swollen Man was just starting to rise when Zack unleashed a particle beam from his palm. The shot sliced through the thick layer of fat, leaving a smoldering hole in the creature''s belly.


    "Energy consumed: 5%," Ego reported.


    Zack frowned. "That''s too much energy for one shot."


    Suddenly, the Swollen Man''s body began to tremble. His bloated belly expanded as though inflating from within. "Sir, energy spike detected. Be careful," Ego warned.


    Recognizing the imminent threat, Zack darted back, putting a safe distance between himself and the creature. Just in time¡ªan instant later, the Swollen Man''s body exploded with a sickening bang, sending chunks of foul flesh and organs flying. A cloud of thick, green gas billowed out, filling the area with its putrid stench.


    "Disgusting," Zack muttered, averting his gaze from the grisly remains.


    But before he could relax, a new threat appeared. Without warning, a Hunter dropped from the wall, its eyes locked on Zack. It was tall, with absurdly elongated limbs that allowed it to clear obstacles in a single leap. With terrifying speed, it closed the distance in an instant.


    "Sir, watch your back!" Ego''s alarmed voice barely reached Zack in time.


    Before Zack could react, the Hunter struck, slashing its clawed hand across Zack''s armor with a screech of metal. The impact sent Zack sprawling several feet backward, leaving five deep scratches on the MV-02''s surface.


    "Sir, this target has superior speed and strength. Approach with caution."


    "I know," Zack muttered, glancing down at the damage. His eyes turned cold as he sized up the Hunter, who was already charging again.


    But this time, Zack was ready. As the creature lunged, Zack swung his arm blade, intercepting its razor-sharp claws with a clash that echoed across the battlefield.


    "Back off!" Zack snarled, using his armor''s speed boosters to slam into the creature with full force. Like a cannonball, Zack''s armored form barreled into the Hunter, knocking it back and sending it crashing into a nearby wall.


    The Hunter reacted instinctively, curling its limbs mid-air like a coiled spider. It landed with a heavy thud, rolling several times before finally stopping. The impact was brutal, and though the Hunter survived, the damage was clear¡ªits ribcage had been shattered, visibly dented from where Zack''s blow had landed.


    Zack''s eyes lit up with realization. ''Its body is weak.'' Despite the Hunter''s powerful limbs and claws¡ªeach one gleaming as if made from solid metal¡ªits torso was vulnerable. This was its weak point.


    "Groarr!" The Hunter roared, taking a step back, but only for a moment. With a fierce growl, it charged again, its aggression mindless, driven by brute strength rather than cunning. It flailed its elongated arms, claws slicing through the air like blades. An unlucky streetlamp took the brunt of its fury, sheared clean off by a single swipe.


    "I''ve got to keep those claws in check," Zack muttered, formulating a plan. He raised his right arm and aimed his web shooter at the beast. With a loud ''bam'', a ball of spider silk shot out, expanding into a four-meter-wide web as it hit the charging Hunter, wrapping it tightly.


    The Hunter screeched in fury, thrashing its limbs in an attempt to free itself. But as it tore through sections of the web, thick strands of spider silk clung to its limbs, tightening with every movement. Without its claws to slice through the strands, the silk wound tighter and tighter.


    Zack didn''t hesitate¡ªhe fired another round of webbing, fully cocooning the creature. Bound and immobilized, the Hunter could only twitch and writhe, helpless in its silken prison.


    "With how you move, this cocoon suits you just fine," Zack said, stepping closer. He raised his arm blade and, with deadly precision, pierced the Hunter''s skull, ending its struggle instantly.


    "Time to go." Zack yanked his blade free, flicking the creature''s blood off before heading toward the nuclear power plant.


    Inside the plant, Zack felt an overwhelming sense of foreboding. The air was thick with an unnatural mist that obscured his view. An eerie silence hung in the air, broken only by faint, unsettling sounds echoing from deep within.


    "Sir, there''s something new," Ego''s voice suddenly chimed in his earpiece.


    "Explain," Zack responded, switching on his MV-02 suit''s light. Even with the beams cutting through the darkness, visibility was limited to only a few meters.


    "During your fight, I analyzed the Hunter''s body structure," Ego continued.


    "Anything noteworthy?" Zack asked, keeping his focus on the shadows ahead.


    "My findings indicate that the Hunter, along with the other zombies here, resulted from natural viral mutations, unrelated to nuclear radiation. There''s no evidence that radiation caused their changes."


    A question surfaced in Zack''s mind. ''If it''s not the radiation, then why are they all gathered here?''

 Chapter 27: Zombie Lord!

    Chapter 27 - Zombie Lord!The plant was eerily silent, completely devoid of any human presence, yet the number of zombies here was staggering¡ªalmost like a densely populated city. Something was drawing them in. As Zack moved deeper into the plant, a shocking sight unfolded before him. He turned a corner into a dimly lit corridor, which opened into a large hall¡ªlikely the control room, given the consoles and monitors along the walls. But the machinery was nothing compared to the scene at the heart of the room.


    Hundreds of zombies were packed into the hall, all facing the same direction, their empty eyes locked on something at the center. Among them were various mutated types: Hunters, Bloaters, and even a towering giant zombie over four meters tall. Its gray skin stretched tight over bulging muscles, making it look like an undead colossus.


    "Lord," Zack muttered, his expression tightening at the sight of the massive zombie standing above the others. According to Ego''s data, this monstrous creature was known as the Lord¡ªa powerful mutation capable of destroying a fortified base single-handedly.


    "What are they all gathered around?" Zack wondered aloud, taking in the odd scene. Surprisingly, none of the zombies had noticed him yet¡ªnot even the Hunters, who usually reacted instantly to movement.


    Zack squinted, trying to make sense of it. He finally focused on the object that had all their attention. At the center of the room stood a grotesque mass, resembling a twisted tree trunk. It pulsed rhythmically, like a living heart, and long, root-like tendrils snaked out from its base, disappearing into the walls and floors, connecting to who knew where.


    With every pulse, a flower-like bud on top opened briefly, releasing a dense cloud of murky gas that drifted through the air. As the gas spread, the zombies grew more agitated, shuffling forward and reaching toward it like worshippers at some kind of altar.


    "What in the world...?" Zack muttered, eyes wide in disbelief. This was unlike anything he had ever seen. Even Ego''s database didn''t have any records of such a thing.


    "Analyzing target," Ego''s voice cut through Zack''s stunned silence.


    "Go ahead," Zack replied, his eyes never leaving the bizarre formation, staying on guard.


    "Preliminary analysis suggests that this ''tree'' is composed largely of pathogen matter with active biological responses," Ego explained.


    Zack frowned. "So... it''s alive?"


    "Analysis complete!" Ego''s voice came through more urgently. "Tentative designation: Sarcoma. This appears to be the larval form of a viral life form. During its growth, it releases pheromones to attract zombies, who protect it."


    Zack''s suspicions deepened, but more questions flooded his mind. "But zombies are humans infected by a virus... how could there be something like this?"


    "Sir, I cannot determine its final form, but based on energy readings, the adult version is likely to be extremely powerful," Ego replied.


    Zack''s heart skipped a beat. The larva was already stronger than him. He could only imagine how powerful it might become. A determined fire burned inside him as he made his decision. ''This thing has to be destroyed now.''


    He turned to Ego. "Can we use a graphene battery to make a plasma bomb?"


    "Certainly, Sir," Ego responded immediately. "However, graphene batteries will slightly alter the blast compared to the plasma core."


    "Will it reduce the power?"


    "Minimal impact, Sir."


    "Good enough."


    Without wasting time, Zack popped open the battery compartment on his MV-02 armor and pulled out two fully charged graphene batteries. Instantly, his armor''s power dropped from 90% to a low 67%.


    Ego''s scanning began, pinpointing every material Zack would need for the bomb. Step by step, Ego guided him through the process.


    First, he found high-voltage transformers nearby, stripping thick copper wires from them. These wires would help channel the necessary energy into the bomb. Next, he found an empty pressure cylinder in a storage area¡ªperfect for containing the plasma long enough to concentrate its energy. He also tapped into the generators and gathered enough hydrogen gas from the fuel cells to load into the cylinder. Hydrogen, when heated, becomes plasma, an extremely hot and energy-rich state of matter.


    For ignition, Zack scavenged tungsten filaments from some discarded lightbulbs. Tungsten could withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for sparking the hydrogen into plasma. He carefully wired the filament into the containment cylinder and connected it to the copper wires.


    With most of the materials gathered, Zack hooked one of the graphene batteries directly to the copper wires. The battery would surge a powerful charge, igniting the hydrogen and creating a superheated plasma blast. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Zack returned to the hall, he was holding the makeshift bomb. It didn''t look like much¡ªjust a jumble of exposed wires and two dark graphene batteries strapped together. It looked like something that could fall apart at any second.


    "Sir, I''ve seen scrap metal put together better than this," Ego remarked, a rare note of sarcasm in its tone.


    "As long as it gets the job done, Ego," Zack muttered under his breath.


    Without another word, Zack stepped back into the hall full of zombies, stopping just before the writhing horde. Taking a steady breath, he pulled a red wire to arm the bomb and hurled it into the crowd before sprinting away.


    The bomb sailed through the air and struck a swollen zombie in the stomach, bouncing to the ground. The casing of the graphene battery cracked open, releasing a violent electric charge. A loud hum filled the room as arcs of electricity danced across the floor, grounding themselves on the nearby metal surfaces.


    Then, the explosion came.


    A blinding white flash erupted, followed by the deafening roar of superheated plasma bursting outward. The blast tore through the zombies, burning everything in its path and lighting up the entire hall. Sparks leapt from metal to metal, amplifying the destruction as the energy raked through the horde.


    BOOM!


    Zack was already running down the corridor when the shockwave hit. The building quaked violently, and outside, one of the cooling towers collapsed in a cloud of smoke and debris. Shards of graphite rained down, scattering like shotgun pellets.


    "Is this whole place going to collapse?" Zack muttered, sprinting toward the exit as debris rained around him.


    But then the tremors stopped, fading as quickly as they had started. "Ego, structural scan," Zack ordered, slowing his pace.


    "Significant damage detected, Sir, but the main structure remains intact. Collapse risk is minimal," Ego responded.


    Zack breathed a sigh of relief. ''Good. One less thing to worry about.''


    He made his way back to the blasted hall, but the damage was massive. The explosion had left a huge hole in the room, with smoke, fallen rubble, and twisted beams filling the space. The room was barely recognizable.


    "Ego, overlay navigation," he said, trying to make sense of the chaos.

 Chapter 28: Running Out of Energy

    Chapter 28 - Running Out of EnergyA transparent blueprint of the building appeared on his HUD, guiding him past collapsed walls and broken corridors. Finally, he reached the heart of the devastation. What had once been a hall was now a massive crater.


    "Not dead yet?" Zack muttered, spotting chunks of flesh scattered at the bottom of the pit. Despite the explosion, some pieces of meat were still intact. They lay limp, with a few tentacles remaining, the rest severed and charred by the blast.


    ''This sarcoma sacrificed its tentacles to shield itself¡ªa clever move, but not clever enough,'' Zack thought as he walked toward the pit. The remaining tentacles twitched weakly, making feeble attempts to strike him. He slashed through each one with swift, precise strokes, clearing his path until he reached the core of the mass. Standing over it, he raised his blade, ready to finish the creature off.


    Suddenly, a deep roar shattered the silence. "Sir, something''s approaching from three o''clock!" Ego warned.


    Before Zack could react, a hulking figure burst through the smoke, charging straight at him. It collided with Zack like a freight train, knocking him off his feet and sending him tumbling backward in a brutal collision. He crashed into a fractured pillar nearby, which crumbled beneath him on impact. Groaning, he shook his head and pushed himself up from the rubble. The creature that had struck him was none other than the Lord¡ªa towering zombie mutant.


    The Lord''s skin was torn to shreds, exposing raw muscle tissue to the air, and a rancid stench rose from its battered flesh. Blood soaked its body, though it was hard to tell if it was its own or from the other zombies it had trampled. It let out another furious roar when it spotted Zack, the sound powerful enough to whip up clouds of dust around them, scattering the smoke in all directions.


    "Sir, the Lord is a highly dangerous mutant," Ego warned. "I''m simulating the best combat strategy for you."


    "Forget the simulation, Ego," Zack interrupted, knowing there wasn''t time. "Focus on the fight."


    The Lord charged again, its roar shaking the ground. Zack leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the zombie''s wild rush. He''d already felt what it was like to get hit by one of those, and he wasn''t eager to experience it again. As he sidestepped, the Lord barreled into a nearby building. The structure collapsed like paper under the creature''s nearly four-meter frame, moving like an unstoppable tank.


    "This thing turns slow," Zack noted, spotting a flaw in its brute-force approach. It had overwhelming strength and speed on impact, but its bulk made it clumsy and hard to redirect. Just like his first suit, the MV-01¡ªlots of power, but not enough maneuverability.


    Without hesitation, Zack lunged forward, slashing at the Lord''s waist with a sharp blade. The weapon glinted as it struck, but the blade barely pierced an inch before the dense muscle held it tight. Zack grunted, trying to pull it free, but it was lodged firmly in the creature''s flesh. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Lord roared in fury, swinging its enormous fist at Zack. "Damn it!" Zack cursed, abandoning the blade and kicking the Lord with all his might. He used the rebound to launch himself backward, narrowly avoiding the punch. Sparks flew off his visor as the monster''s fist grazed it, scraping away some of the chromium-plated titanium.


    "Son of a..." Zack muttered, realizing just how tough this thing was.


    But the Lord, unfazed by the blade lodged in its body, charged again, its roar deafening. "Sir, the arm blade cannot penetrate the Lord''s defenses!" Ego warned.


    "I can see that!" Zack shouted, raising his arm and firing a pulse cannon directly at the Lord. The particle beam shot out with a loud crack, hitting its target and leaving a smoldering, fist-sized hole in the Lord''s chest. For a moment, it seemed to falter¡ªbut only for a moment. The creature charged again, as if the wound had meant nothing.


    Undeterred, Zack fired three more shots in quick succession, aiming for the same spot. The impact tore through the Lord''s body, leaving a massive, burnt hole in its torso. But instead of slowing down, the creature went berserk. Its muscles swelled, twitching and writhing as they started to heal. The damaged flesh stitched itself back together right in front of Zack''s eyes.


    "This thing can regenerate too?" Zack breathed, finally realizing why this mutant had the power to wipe out heavily fortified bases single-handedly. The Lord snarled, its vicious gaze locking onto Zack with renewed rage. It surged forward again, faster than before, the ground trembling with each step.


    "Ego! How much power do I have left?" Zack shouted, bracing himself.


    "Fifty-one percent remaining, sir!" Ego replied.


    "That''ll have to do," Zack gritted his teeth, planting his feet firmly. The Lord was charging at him with terrifying speed. "Ego, stop with the warnings and let me handle this!"


    Ignoring Ego''s frantic pleas for him to dodge, Zack lunged forward, meeting the Lord head-on. Even with his armor adding to his height, Zack was still less than half the Lord''s towering size. As the impact neared, Zack jumped, grabbing the Lord''s shoulders with both hands, absorbing the brunt of the force with his body.


    "Ego! Engage thrusters! Full power!" Zack shouted.


    With a roar, MV-02''s leg thrusters ignited, launching both Zack and the Lord into the air. Zack''s boots flared with intense beams of particle energy, pushing them higher into the sky.


    "Finally! I''m flying!" Zack thought excitedly, but he was quickly snapped back to reality by Ego''s voice crackling through the comms.


    "Sir, remaining energy at 47%... 41%... now 34%."


    The rapid depletion warnings buzzed in his ear, focusing Zack''s attention on the battle. The Lord was struggling fiercely in his grip, throwing Zack off balance. This was his first time flying, and with the added resistance, their flight path became erratic.


    "Enough of the warnings, Ego! More thrust!" Zack yelled.


    Ego complied, pushing the propulsion system into overdrive. An intense burst of particle beams surged from the ejection ports, steadying their flight and propelling them toward their target¡ªthe cooling tower of the nuclear power plant.


    "Down you go!" Zack bellowed, hurling the Lord toward the tower. The creature let out a furious roar, its arms flailing as it tried to reach Zack. But gravity quickly took hold, and it slammed into the structure with tremendous force. The cooling tower, designed to withstand heat, now held the residual heat of a nuclear leak, making it as hot as a furnace. Temperatures inside had soared to thousands of degrees.


    Upon impact, the cooling tower exploded, sending massive metallic shards shooting into the sky. Hovering above the chaos, Zack let out a triumphant cheer. "I don''t believe you''re walking away from that!"


    But before he could fully savor his victory, Ego chimed in once again. "Sir, only 8% energy remaining."


    The reminder hit Zack like a ton of bricks¡ªhe''d been flying on battery power, not reactor power.

 Chapter 29: Cold Fusion Reactor

    Chapter 29 - Cold Fusion ReactorHe descended quickly, landing carefully to conserve the last of his power, which ticked down to just 7%¡ªbarely enough battery life for any extended use.


    "Flying eats up way too much energy," Zack muttered, shaking his head. "But once I get my hands on that Cold Fusion Reactor, flying will be smooth sailing from here on."


    Ego''s voice cut through his thoughts. "Sir, that maneuver was incredibly risky, though it worked out this time."


    Zack grinned. "Ego, sometimes we have no choice but to take a risk. If I waited for your simulation, I''d be dead already." He turned toward the wreckage. "Now, let''s scavenge for reactor materials."


    As he flew back, he scanned for the sarcoma, spotting the large, tree-trunk-like chunk of flesh. With his knife, he pierced it, and a strange, guttural noise bubbled from within. The flesh twitched as he stabbed it repeatedly, only stopping when it lay completely still.


    "Ego?"


    "No vital signs detected."


    Zack stabbed a few more times just to be sure. "With these freaks, you can''t be too careful."


    Satisfied, he cleaned his knife and continued gathering the materials. As the sun set and the nuclear plant faded into darkness, Zack loaded his loot into his escort vehicle. But the journey back was anything but peaceful. The darkness of night made the zombies more aggressive, more violent than the ones he''d encountered during the day. Growls and snarls surrounded him, but the reinforced vehicle easily plowed through them, crushing anything in its path.


    Finally, Zack arrived back in Tribeca, though the trip had taken an extra hour. He noticed the blackout as he approached¡ªno streetlights, the area submerged in darkness.


    "Sir, power to this area was interrupted two hours ago," Ego informed him.


    "Any messages from Sophia and the others?"


    "None."


    "Good." Zack had left instructions with Annie to contact him only in case of emergency. No news meant the defenses were holding, even with the power outage. The tall, nano-coated walls surrounding the community were enough to keep most zombies out. Their smooth surfaces made it nearly impossible for anything to climb over.


    As he neared the entrance, a small horde of zombies caught the sound of his engine and charged toward him. Zack didn''t hesitate, plowing through them, clearing the path. After making sure none were trailing him, he drove inside and parked at the mansion.


    Looking at the blood and limbs caked onto the vehicle, Zack sighed. "Guess I''ll have to wash this tomorrow... or maybe just retire the whole thing," he muttered, shaking his head at the mess.


    He opened the carriage and began unloading the materials. Each piece was packed in oversized black containers to block radiation. Despite the large load, only a small portion actually contained reactor material.


    "Enough to build four or five reactors," Zack said, eyeing the containers with satisfaction.


    "Sir, I recommend taking a rest before starting the build," Ego suggested.


    "Alright, you win this time. Tomorrow, it''s." Zack didn''t argue. He''d been exhausted, cooped up in the MV-02 most of the day. Even with the suit''s air filtration, it couldn''t fully mask the unpleasant smell clinging to him.


    Just then, he heard quiet footsteps on the stairs. "Annie, I''m a little scared..." a voice murmured.


    "It''s okay, Sis, I''ll protect you," Annie replied confidently.


    "Bah, how can I let you protect me? Give me the gun, and I''ll protect you!" Sophia huffed back, though her tone was more playful than serious.


    The whispering wasn''t loud, but in the complete silence caused by the power outage, it was easy for Zack to hear every word. "Ahem!" Zack cleared his throat loudly, cutting through their conversation.


    The two girls froze, their heads turning his way. "If I were a zombie or some bad guy, you two would''ve been gone a hundred times over!" Zack scolded, rolling his eyes.


    There was a moment of stunned silence. Then, two familiar figures emerged from the dim stairwell¡ªone tall, one small.


    "Zack!"


    "Big brother!"


    They shouted different names, but their relief was the same. They rushed over with bright smiles. "There was a sudden power outage! We were so scared, we almost called you," Sophia exclaimed, throwing herself at him, pressing against the cold metal of his MV-02 armor. Annie, following close behind, grabbed hold of one of Zack''s fingers.


    "Ahem, before you two say anything else, I have to tell you..." Zack stifled a laugh, glancing at Annie, who was standing nearby with an amused expression. "The armor you''re holding now? Yeah, it just had a very... close encounter with some zombies. Ones that were, shall we say, a little more enthusiastic than you are."


    "Wait, what?" Sophia''s face drained of color, and she stumbled back, letting go instantly as if she''d touched something hot. She ran to the side, coughing and gagging.


    ''No wonder it smells like blood!'' she thought, while she asked, "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"


    "How was I supposed to know you''d come at me like this?" Zack chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, Annie, help me out of this thing."


    Annie nodded and obediently helped him dismantle the suit, breaking it down piece by piece and placing it on the workbench for repairs. Once the MV-02 was safely off, Zack let out a relieved sigh.


    "Everyone, get some rest," he said, rolling his shoulders to loosen them up. "The place is safe."


    With that, he turned and headed upstairs for a shower. Sophia and Annie, reassured, followed suit, no longer worried about zombies sneaking up on them in the night.


    Early the next morning, Zack woke up feeling refreshed and more alert than he had in days.


    "Sir," Ego''s voice chimed in, "your body''s indicators have improved by approximately 5% compared to yesterday."


    "Any negative effects?"


    "None detected."


    "Good," Zack murmured, feeling a surge of energy. "Today''s the day. Time to finish building the reactor."


    After washing up and grabbing a quick breakfast, Zack went down to the basement. Power was still out, and even the water supply was dwindling because of the outage. Luckily, Sophia had thought ahead and stored several buckets of water, so they were managing.


    "Power, water, everything¡ªall of it can be solved with a reactor," Zack muttered to himself as he put on protective gear and opened the black box he''d brought back last night.


    Inside, he placed a small amount of palladium¡ªexactly 1.9 grams. Taking a steady breath, he wiped the sweat from his brow and asked, "Ego, what''s the risk if something goes wrong at this stage?"


    "If the power test fails, the explosion would be equal to 176,000 tons of TNT," Ego replied calmly. "Approximately eleven times the power of the Neon nation''s last nuclear test."


    Zack blinked, slightly stunned, then chuckled. "But we''re going to succeed, right? Alright, Ego¡ªlet''s start."


    First, he carefully placed the small ring of palladium at the center. This would act as the catalyst¡ªpalladium had the unique ability to absorb hydrogen atoms, which was essential for the fusion reaction to begin.


    Next, he prepared the fuel. Zack filled the inner chamber with two special types of hydrogen: deuterium and tritium. When these two combined, they would release a massive amount of energy¡ªenough to fuel the reactor. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Around the palladium core, he tightly wound copper coils. Once powered, these coils would create a strong magnetic field, holding and compressing the reaction. This magnetic field was crucial; it would help control the intense energy from the fusion.


    Then came the power source. Zack connected the copper coils to a graphene battery, one he''d pulled from his MV-02 suit. This battery could deliver the high voltage needed to kickstart the fusion and keep it going.


    Finally, he sealed everything inside a makeshift vacuum chamber. By removing the air and impurities, he reduced any interference, making it easier to control the process once it started. With everything in place, Zack took a deep breath, mentally running through each step one last time. Satisfied, he pressed the activation button.

 Chapter 30: Robotic Arm

    Chapter 30 - Robotic ArmA soft hum filled the room as power surged through the coils, creating a magnetic field that pressed the deuterium and tritium into the palladium core. The palladium absorbed the hydrogen atoms, squeezing them closer together.


    The fusion began with a brilliant flash of light, as the atoms fused and released an intense burst of energy. To anyone watching, it would look like a strange light bulb flickering to life, filling the room with a steady, bright glow.


    "Sir, the reactor is fully operational. Congratulations," Ego announced.


    Zack reached out, his hand gently touching the glowing reactor. A grin spread across his face. "Ego, how efficient is it?"


    "The reactor generates approximately 4.5 billion joules per second," Ego replied. "The energy it produces in one second could power the Mansion for a year."


    Zack stood silent for a moment, taking in the numbers. Then his gaze shifted to the MV-02 suit, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Let''s install it. I want to fly today."


    He crossed the room and opened the suit''s breastplate, sliding the reactor into the prepared slot. It clicked into place perfectly. The suit''s eyes flickered to life, and Ego''s voice filled the room. "Reactor installation complete. MV-02 is now operational."


    Before Ego could finish the self-check, Zack''s impatience got the better of him. He knew he would need help to put the suit on¡ªits intricate design made it impossible to do alone. "Annie! Come down here and give me a hand!" Zack called, already imagining himself soaring through the skies.


    As Annie helped him get suited up, Zack muttered to himself, "I need to get some robotic arms in here. If Ego could control the assembly, suiting up would be a breeze¡ªand it would solve our manufacturing issues too."


    "Ego, search for high-precision robotic arms¡ªno limits on location!" he ordered.


    "Understood, Sir," Ego replied, its voice steady as ever.


    With the reactor powering his suit, Zack felt a surge of confidence. The world might be in ruins, but now distance was no longer a problem. "Sir, the high-precision robotic arm has been located. I''ve marked the target on your map."


    A holographic map appeared in front of Zack, showing a large building marked as the destination. It looked like a tech exhibition venue. "Perfect! Let''s go!" Zack grinned, heading for the exit ramp of the garage.


    As he picked up speed, the particle thrusters on the soles of his MV-02 armor ignited. In an instant, he was airborne, cutting through the sky in a brilliant silver arc. Within moments, he had reached an altitude of 1,000 meters, the landscape shrinking rapidly below. "Woo-hoo!" Zack shouted, exhilarated.


    He pushed the armor''s speed even further. With a deafening boom, he broke the sound barrier, leaving a shockwave behind that shattered the stillness of the air. "A flight route is being plotted for you," Ego informed him.


    Zack locked onto the path displayed on his HUD and began navigating through the skies, flying over the city, his old apartment, and familiar sights now filled with destruction. The remnants of human civilization lay below¡ªabandoned streets and buildings swarming with zombies.


    As Zack lowered his altitude, the sonic boom echoed through the city, shattering the glass of countless high-rise buildings. The shards fell like rain, catching the attention of the undead below, who began to gather in hordes beneath him.


    "It would''ve been nice to have missiles for moments like this," Zack muttered, watching the mass of zombies below. But for now, he would make do with what he had. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At speeds over Mach 1, Zack reached X Pearl City in less than ten minutes. From high above, he spotted the landmark exhibition center. He slowed down, gradually descending, and saw a massive crowd of zombies milling around the venue. Judging by their clothing, they were likely visitors or staff from the exhibition before the virus outbreak.


    "Looks like they haven''t evolved much," he said, observing the hundreds of zombies below. Most seemed to be regular infected, with only a few bloated ones among them.


    Hovering mid-air, Zack activated the ailerons and flaps on his armor, stabilizing himself. He raised his hands, palms facing the undead horde.


    "Time for some cleaning," he said with a smirk.


    With precise targeting, particle beams shot from his palms, each blast hitting a zombie squarely and leaving scorched holes in their bodies. The regular zombies fell instantly, their bodies burned through by the beams.


    "Roar!" The zombies let out guttural growls, beginning to pile up toward Zack.


    They swarmed together, creating a grotesque, pyramid-like tower beneath him, reaching higher with each passing moment. The sight of their densely packed forms climbing over one another would send chills down anyone''s spine.


    "Trying to reach me, huh?" Zack chuckled, easily ascending another dozen meters. The zombie pile toppled as they scrambled after him, crashing to the ground in a chaotic heap. Zack continued repositioning himself in the air, drawing the zombies below him like he was walking a pack of dogs. Meanwhile, his pulse cannon kept firing rapidly, cutting down the horde.


    The square below soon became littered with lifeless bodies and craters. Once there were fewer than a hundred zombies left, Zack retracted the armor''s ailerons and flaps, dropping toward the ground. He landed with a heavy thud, one knee down, cracking the pavement beneath him in a classic superhero landing.


    "Ouch! This landing''s tough on the knees," he muttered, feeling the impact even through the suit''s padding.


    As he stood up, the remaining zombies roared and charged toward him, trampling over their fallen comrades in their frenzy.


    "Alright, bring it on!"


    Zack extended the foldable arm blade from his armor. With a swift motion, the blade unfolded into a sharp, meter-long weapon. Gripping it firmly, Zack launched himself into the crowd, slicing through the zombies like they were nothing more than targets.


    He moved with incredible speed, the blade flashing as he took down each zombie with precise, swift cuts. The bloated ones he encountered were quickly dealt with by blasts from his pulse cannon, bursting into gory explosions that scattered dark stains across the area.


    Toxic green gas spread around him, forming a thick, choking cloud. His armor''s internal systems responded immediately.


    "Life support system activated... Air purification complete."


    With an expressionless face, Zack stepped through the mist, his armored figure cutting through the eerie haze. He entered the main doors of the venue, stepping into a scene of chaos and decay. Bloodstains splattered the floor, broken clothes were scattered everywhere, and shattered glass covered every surface. Most of the displays were destroyed, with broken cases and toppled exhibits everywhere. A few zombies remained inside, staggering aimlessly with missing limbs, a sad reminder of what they once were.


    "Ego, where''s the robotic arm?" Zack asked, his voice calm.


    "Exhibition Hall 07, Zone D," Ego replied smoothly.

 Chapter 31: Incoming Attack

    Chapter 31 - Incoming AttackFollowing the directional sign, Zack pressed deeper into the venue, his armored boots crunching over the debris scattered across the floor. High-tech remnants lay everywhere¡ªrobots, 3D printers, chips, and advanced machinery. Once symbols of humanity''s cutting-edge technology, they were now abandoned like trash. He couldn''t help but feel it was such a waste. While any other scavenger would have snatched up the pieces without a second thought, Zack''s goal was clear: the robotic arm. With some modifications, he could use it to rebuild nearly all of the abandoned tech into something far more advanced. There was just no way to haul all this junk back with him.


    "It''s a shame," Zack muttered as he moved on, eventually reaching Zone D.


    Four robotic arms stood in Hall 07, looking similar to those used in most factories, but with a far more complex design. As he studied them, the virtual display in his helmet began breaking down their intricate features. The arms were made of over 10,000 parts, the smallest of which was less than a millimeter in diameter. These weren''t just ordinary tools; they were masterpieces of engineering, long before the apocalypse.


    He spotted an informational plaque nearby and moved closer to read:


    ______________


    OPT-TFH-2024-Robotic Arm


    Developed over nine years by John Kenneth, these robotic arms feature a multi-joint structure enabling independent four-axis movement. Equipped with modular, dexterous hands, they can adapt seamlessly to complex work environments, performing a wide range of tasks with exceptional precision. Their advanced design allows for maximum accuracy down to the nanometer level, making them perfect for delicate operations and high-stakes applications.


    ________________


    Zack couldn''t deny it. These robotic arms were top-tier technology. Now the problem was getting them back to his base. "Ego, find me a nearby transport helicopter."


    "Searching... Helicopter located, Sir."


    A location popped up on his HUD, guiding him toward the heliport. With a burst of speed, Zack lifted off, the sound of the helicopter''s engines tearing through the air.


    After a short flight, Zack piloted the transport helicopter back, struggling to maneuver the bulk of the MV-02 armor. With Ego''s guidance, he managed to land just outside the venue.


    A few hours later, Zack arrived at the safe house in Tribeca. Hearing the helicopter''s sound, Sophia and Annie hurried outside, relief on their faces. They tucked away their communicators as Zack opened the rear hatch, stepping out with one of the robotic arms in tow.


    "Is that Tesla''s robotic arm?" Annie exclaimed, instantly recognizing it. "Did you go all the way to DC?"


    "How did you know, Annie?" Zack replied, heading toward the basement.


    "I was planning to go there before the virus outbreak..." Annie''s voice faltered as she trailed off, her expression darkening.


    "There wasn''t much to see, honestly," Zack reassured her. "The little robots there weren''t any better than what you''ve already built. They just had nicer materials and polish, but nothing groundbreaking."


    Her eyes brightened, and she followed him. Zack made several trips back and forth, carefully moving all four robotic arms into the basement. As for the helicopter, it was left in the middle of the street¡ªhe''d missed the community helipad entirely, despite Ego''s guidance.


    After a while, all four arms were set up. Two were mounted on the ceiling, while the other two had mobile bases. Zack had made a few tweaks to them, adapting them for Ego''s operations. But there was still one major issue: they needed a power source to run.


    "I''ll start with a small reactor," Zack decided. He suited up in his protective gear and headed to a secured room in the basement. This room had once been a wine cellar, temperature-controlled for storing fine bottles, but Zack had repurposed it as a storage space for radioactive materials, with shielding to contain any radiation.


    Two hours later, Zack emerged from the room, holding a Cold Fusion Reactor in his hands. Smaller than the one in his MV-02 suit, this version came with a power converter to prevent overloads that could fry the Mansion''s circuits in seconds.


    He made his way to the generator room, but his goal wasn''t just to power up his mansion¡ªhe intended to light up the whole Tribeca neighborhood. Once powered, he planned to install high-voltage rods along the community''s outer walls to create an electric fence to keep the zombies out.


    "Time to see if this baby works," he muttered, connecting the reactor to the main power line. With a steady hand, he flipped the power switch.


    The reactor hummed softly, vibrating as it began to generate power. One by one, the streetlights flickered to life, followed by the Mansion''s systems. Soon, the community''s gate system was reactivated, and every appliance in the Mansion powered on.


    "Sir, the power has been restored and the voltage is stable," Ego reported.


    Zack wasted no time. He sprinted back to the basement. "Ego, let''s test the arms!"


    With a simple command, the robotic arms sprang to life. Each joint moved fluidly, testing their range and precision. "Sir, the robotic arms are functioning normally."


    Relieved, Zack stepped into the center of the room. "Ego, suit me up with MV-02!" The robotic arms moved quickly, attaching the armor pieces to him with flawless precision. The entire process took less than ten seconds¡ªsomething that would have taken Annie hours to do manually.


    "Perfect. Now, take it off," Zack ordered, grinning. The robotic arms swiftly removed the armor, even faster than they had put it on.


    Just then, his communicator buzzed. Glancing at the caller ID, Zack saw it was from the steel plant. "Probably just a power issue..." he thought, answering the call. But Charles''s voice came through, frantic and panicked.


    "Sir Zack! Sir Zack!"


    "Charles, what''s going on?" Zack asked, sensing something serious.


    "It''s a horde... a Zombie Wave! The undead are on the move!" Charles''s voice was barely intelligible, filled with panic.


    "A Zombie Wave?" Zack''s mind raced. "Ego, are there any signs of zombies near the steel plant?"


    "No, sir. Satellite images show only a few scattered zombies around the area, all moving away from the steel plant. There''s no sign of a horde," Ego replied.


    "Where did you hear about this horde, Charles?" Zack pressed.


    "We rescued a survivor from New Rochelle yesterday. He told us about it."


    "New Rochelle?" Zack turned to Ego. "Show me the satellite feed for New Rochelle."


    Ego quickly accessed the satellite data. Within moments, the screen displayed an image that made Zack''s blood run cold: a vast, unrelenting wave of zombies flooding the streets, stretching as far as the eye could see. The undead were mixed with mutated creatures of all sizes and shapes, and their numbers were staggering¡ªat least three million, and growing by the minute. As buildings and apartments emptied, the zombies kept coming, marching relentlessly toward New York City¡ªthe very place Zack was now.


    Zack ended the call, his face grim. "Ego, how long until they reach New York? Specifically, this neighborhood?"


    "At most, five days," Ego replied.


    Zack''s expression darkened further. "Any idea what''s causing this?"


    "Apologies, sir. Without current data, I can''t determine the cause. Our network has been offline since the blackout, and there''s limited information on such a large-scale zombie movement." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack took a deep breath. "Fine. We''ll deal with the immediate problems first, then take care of the horde."

 Chapter 32: Mechanical Dog & Spider

    Chapter 32 - Mechanical Dog & SpiderFive days. Just five days to prepare for an onslaught of millions. Zack knew he had to turn the MV-02 into a full-fledged war machine and find additional manpower. Even with its advanced armor, facing such numbers alone would be a death wish.


    "Ego, pull up the data on drones and automatons," Zack commanded.


    A display appeared on the screen, showing various designs: cutting-edge quadcopters, spider-like robots with four legs, and humanoid android models.


    "No... these are too expensive and complicated to mass-produce quickly," Zack muttered, shaking his head. Even if he had all the materials, producing enough reactors to power them would be impossible.


    "I need something simpler, something I can produce in bulk," Zack muttered to himself as an idea began to form. He moved over to his workbench, grabbed a pen, and started sketching.


    Since the apocalypse, Zack''s physical abilities had improved in ways he couldn''t fully explain, and his mind had sharpened as well. It allowed him to tackle challenges that would have been out of reach before. Building two generations of power armor had also given him valuable knowledge and experience in mechanical design. Though he still lacked professional expertise, Ego easily filled in those gaps.


    "It doesn''t need to be cutting-edge, just functional," Zack thought, his pen moving quickly over the paper. "In our situation, an animal form would be more useful." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack''s mind raced. "It doesn''t even need advanced AI¡ªjust enough to tell friend from foe. A simple face recognition system should do the trick," he said to himself, pausing to write down some additional notes. "Energy will be the real challenge. Cold fusion reactors are too expensive, and graphene batteries take too long to make. Maybe something using hydrogen... it''ll be easier to produce."


    Two designs started to take shape on the drawing board. The first was a mechanical dog¡ªsleek and fierce, with a long, sharp tail that could help with balance and double as a close-combat weapon. The second was a mechanical spider¡ªa smaller, lethal version inspired by a famous RTS game from 2001, one that Zack regretted never having a true sequel. Unlike natural spiders, which have eight legs, Zack''s design featured four strong limbs. The tips of the spider''s legs were razor-sharp, capable of piercing even steel plates. The simpler, four-legged design saved on materials and improved balance, allowing the spider to move smoothly without the need for a complex stabilization system.


    For weapons, Zack chose conventional firearms. The mechanical dog would have a more advanced AI, allowing it to patrol, recognize allies and enemies, and adjust its tactics based on its environment. The spider''s AI would be simpler¡ªit could identify targets but would rely on pre-set attack patterns.


    With the final design on paper, Zack took a deep breath and, without hesitation, tore the sketches into pieces and tossed them into the wastebasket. "Ego, it''s your turn now," he said, stepping back.


    "Understood, sir," Ego responded.


    Zack made room for his AI assistant to take over. The sound of robotic arms whirring filled the basement as the arms sprang to life. Two movable arms grabbed materials with precision, while the fixed arms, attached to the walls, picked up tools and began assembling the components. The coordination between the arms was flawless, like four skilled craftsmen working in unison, producing each piece swiftly and accurately.


    "Sir, here are the blueprints for the hydrogen fuel cell," Ego announced, projecting the schematics onto a nearby screen.


    Hydrogen fuel cells are compact, clean power sources that generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction. This process creates electricity, heat, and water as the only byproducts, making it environmentally friendly. Hydrogen fuel cells are highly efficient and reliable, commonly used in cars, buses, and even space missions. They offer steady power and can be refueled like a gas tank, making them ideal for continuous, high-demand energy needs.


    "This should be more than enough," Zack mused, suiting up in protective gear as he entered the room where radioactive materials were stored.


    Meanwhile, at a massive military base in the mountains north of the capital, hundreds of thousands of survivors had gathered, clinging to one of the last safe havens after the apocalypse. They had managed to fend off multiple zombie waves and reclaim land, though resources were running low.


    In the command room, images of a zombie horde in New Rochelle filled the large screen. The writhing sea of undead stretched for miles, a terrifying sight that chilled even the most battle-hardened soldiers.


    "Honestly..." a voice spoke up. "We''re doing well just holding our ground. It''s pointless to waste ammunition anywhere else."


    "Not to mention fuel," someone else added. "Flying there would burn through most of what we have left!"


    "We''re nearly out of food as it is," another soldier said. "Some people found out those egg-white pancakes are made from cockroaches..."


    "Are we seriously considering nuking them?" came a nervous whisper.


    The room fell silent, the suggestion hanging in the air like a heavy weight. Only one man, a middle-aged officer in military uniform, remained decisive. "No nuclear bombs," he declared firmly, slamming a fist on the table. "As long as there are survivors, that''s not an option. We need to keep our humanity!"


    Ignoring the murmurs of dissent, he stood tall, his gaze unwavering. "We''ll send bombers to wipe out the zombie wave in New Rochelle," he ordered before leaving the room, his back straight.


    A few remained behind, muttering, "Let him play hero if he wants. He''s not the only one running this place," someone sneered.


    Back in his basement, Zack worked through the night, meticulously crafting eleven hydrogen fuel cells. Each unit, no larger than the size of his palm, had a sleek, compact design, making it vastly more practical than bulkier alternatives like graphene batteries. A single unit was enough to power his mechanical dog for a full twenty years.


    He examined his work with a weary but satisfied grin. "Not bad... Not bad at all."


    Cradling a box of hydrogen fuel cells, Zack left the nuclear workshop and stepped into the basement, where Ego had been working tirelessly. What he saw made him gasp in surprise. Standing before him were two imposing machines: a sleek, battle-ready mechanical dog and a spider-like machine with folded limbs. Even in their powered-off state, they exuded an aura of cold menace.


    "Sir, please activate the first-generation mechanical dog and spider for testing," Ego said.


    Zack nodded, understanding that these were prototypes and needed thorough testing before they could be mass-produced.


    He approached the mechanical dog, opened a compartment in its lower abdomen, and carefully inserted one of the hydrogen fuel cells. The dog''s eyes flickered to life, glowing a soft blue¡ªits peaceful mode. If those eyes turned red, this metal creature would transform into a lethal machine.


    The mechanical dog, now powered, responded in an unexpectedly familiar way. It wagged its tail, even letting out a synthesized, eager bark as it looked at Zack, seemingly excited.


    "Sit," Zack commanded, testing its obedience. Instantly, the mechanical dog settled down, responding to his every word as if it understood completely.

 Chapter 33: Sin Sin Prison

    Chapter 33 - Sin Sin PrisonZack turned his attention to the mechanical spider and inserted another Hydrogen Fuel Cell. The spider hummed to life as its long limbs unfolded. Its four red eyes flickered on, each scanning in a different direction, surveying the surroundings. Zack issued a few commands: "Move forward. Stop. Return." The spider obeyed with precision, but, unlike the dog, it didn''t seem to have any personality behind its movements.


    "Sir, please perform a full environmental test on the mechanical dog and spider," Ego prompted from the AI interface.


    "No need," Zack replied, shaking his head. "The real test will be in the field."


    He then looked at Ego, his expression serious. "Ego, where''s the nearest armory?"


    Zack wasn''t looking for just any supply depot¡ªhe needed a heavily armed armory, one that could support upgrades to the MV-02 suit, and supply firepower for the dog and spider.


    "The coordinates have been uploaded, sir," Ego responded promptly. "Before the grid went down, I had already backed up maps of military bases, armories, and key locations worldwide. The data is now displayed in front of you."


    "Perfect," Zack said, a slight smirk forming. "Let''s modify the helicopter. This time, you''ll be the one to fly it."


    He walked over to the transport helicopter parked outside, rolling a cart filled with tools. The modification was simple enough¡ªadding an autopilot module that would allow Ego to control the aircraft. The helicopter already had basic driving functions, so a few quick adjustments would make it fully autonomous.


    Zack finished the modifications in under thirty minutes. He stood back and nodded in approval before heading back into the Mansion. There, he found his younger sister, Annie, engrossed in a mechanics book.


    "Big brother?" she looked up, surprised by his sudden return.


    "I need your help," Zack said, handing her a Hydrogen Fuel Cell.


    Annie tilted her head in curiosity, but Zack continued. "Take this to the steel mill and connect it to the power grid. I''ll give you full access to the MV-02 suit. You''ll be safe flying there."


    Her face lit up with excitement, but some concern also crept into her voice. "But if I''m using MV-02, what are you going to use?"


    "I''ll use MV-01," Zack reassured her calmly. "I need to test the dog and spider in the field, so I''ll stick with the first-gen suit. It''s not built for flying, but it''s more than enough for close combat." MV-01 had a heavy, one-ton frame, designed for brute strength and endurance.


    Annie hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright then."


    She headed downstairs to the armor station, and Zack followed, watching as the mechanical arms began fitting the MV-02 suit around her.


    "Brother! You didn''t tell me MV-02 could adjust to my size!" Annie''s voice rang out, filled with surprise and joy as the inner armor resized itself to fit her perfectly.


    Zack chuckled. "That''s just the first surprise."


    He grabbed a Hydrogen Fuel Cell and made his way to the MV-01 suit sitting in the corner. As he started working on the suit, Annie''s voice crackled over the comms.


    "Look, Zack! I can fly!" Her voice was full of excitement.


    Then, a loud crash echoed through the comms.


    BAM!


    Zack winced at the noise, his hand still on the MV-01''s control panel. "I''m fine! Really, I''m fine!" Annie''s voice followed, tinged with embarrassment.


    Zack shook his head, a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. "Typical Annie."


    After a brief pause, Annie activated the autopilot system. The MV-02 suit flew off automatically, gliding smoothly out of the neighborhood. Zack, finished with the MV-01, made his way to the modified transport helicopter and called out to his AI assistant.


    "Let''s go, Ego."


    "Understood, sir," Ego replied calmly.


    Zack boarded the helicopter, the mechanical dog and spider following closely behind. The helicopter hummed to life and lifted steadily into the sky. As they flew, Ego''s voice came through Zack''s earpiece.


    "Sir, Annie has arrived at the steel mill and encountered a small group of zombies. They posed no significant threat."


    Ego was multitasking¡ªpiloting the helicopter and monitoring Annie''s status in the MV-02 suit. "How''s she holding up?" Zack asked.


    "All systems are normal."


    "Good," Zack murmured, closing his eyes to rest for a moment.


    A short while later, he felt the helicopter''s speed decrease as it began its descent.


    "Sir, we''ve arrived at the armory. However, it seems we weren''t the first ones here," Ego reported.


    The satellite feed flickered to life in front of Zack, showing a convoy of armed men already outside the armory. Their vehicles, reinforced with steel plates, spikes, and modified front bumpers, resembled mobile fortresses. Zack watched as they shot down nearby zombies and loaded crates of weapons into their vehicles, firing into the air as they celebrated their success.


    "When was this footage recorded?" Zack frowned, irritated.


    "Thirty minutes ago, sir. We were still several kilometers away at the time."


    Zack''s eyes narrowed as he stared at the footage. "Can you track them back to their base?" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Certainly, sir," Ego responded.


    The satellite view zoomed out, focusing on a heavily fortified location. "Sing Sing Prison," Zack muttered, recognizing the name from news broadcasts when he first escaped his apartment. "That place... wasn''t it controlled by a gang of convicts? Their leader was... Arthur, right?"


    "Correct, sir," Ego confirmed.


    Zack''s expression darkened, his resolve solidifying. "Let''s go. We''re heading to the prison. We''re taking back our supplies."


    The helicopter adjusted course and sped towards Sing Sing Prison. When they neared the area, the helicopter slowed, finally touching down on an empty road about a kilometer away from the prison gates. The rear hatch opened, and Zack stepped out, his mechanical dog and spider at his side.


    A few zombies wandered nearby, their guttural growls echoing through the air as they shambled toward him. Zack nodded to his mechanical companions. "Your turn."


    The mechanical dog''s eyes shifted from blue to deep red as it sprang forward with the speed of a predator. With a metallic growl, it leaped onto the nearest zombie, sinking its alloy teeth into the creature''s head and tearing off a large chunk. It swung its tail, which was sharpened like a blade, decapitating two more zombies in a fluid motion.


    The spider, its limbs folding and unfolding with remarkable agility, joined the fight. It darted forward, piercing two zombies with its razor-sharp legs, then continued its deadly dance, taking down more in its path. Within moments, the road was littered with fallen zombies, the mechanical creatures standing victorious.


    Once the last zombie had fallen, the mechanical dog''s eyes returned to their calm blue hue. Wagging its tail, it trotted back to Zack, while the spider silently returned to his side.


    "Mechanical dog and spider combat analysis complete: all systems performing at optimal efficiency. Identification components, transmission, and stability mechanisms are functioning as expected. Combat performance meets designated standards."


    Zack chuckled. "Good work, Ego. But we''re not done yet."

 Chapter 34: Traitor

    Chapter 34 - TraitorHe glanced toward the prison, a cold smile forming on his lips. In the center of Sing Sing Prison, a group of hardened men with cruel faces gathered in the open yard, laughing loudly as they passed around bottles. Over a makeshift barbecue, chunks of unknown meat sizzled on the flames, filling the air with a greasy, smoky smell. Nearby, several women, their clothes torn and exposing their private parts, were pushed around by the men, their hollow eyes full of fear. A few vehicles were parked nearby, loaded with firearms and ammunition taken from the prison''s armory. Among the weapons were heavy arms¡ªmachine guns, rocket launchers, and even a large Gatling gun, still partially covered.


    Inside one of the prison cells, where inmates had once been kept, a group of survivors¡ªmen and children with pale faces and thin bodies¡ªsat huddled together. They nervously shifted their gazes, avoiding the sight of the women who had been dragged out to be violated. They knew what was happening was wrong, but there was nothing they could do.


    "Boss, with this stash of weapons, we''ll control all of NYC!" shouted a man with burn scars on his face, speaking to the gang leader beside him. This man, known as Scorpion, was one of Arthur''s most loyal thugs.


    Arthur leaned back in his chair, one arm possessively draped around a young female student, his fingers digging into her chest so hard she winced. She bit her lip, knowing better than to cry out¡ªshe had seen what happened to those who resisted: burned or beaten to death, then thrown onto the grill like cattle.


    "Control NYC?" Arthur chuckled coldly, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Scorpion. "Did you forget how you got those scars?"


    Scorpion''s face darkened at the mention of his burns. The scars were a reminder of a failed raid against another survivor group in the city, led by a fierce red-haired woman named Erza. Despite their numbers, her group had humiliated them and forced them to retreat.


    "Boss, we''re different now," insisted another man, stepping forward with a sly grin. His name was Tommy, nicknamed Yellow Dog.


    "You said that last time, Yellow Dog," Arthur sneered, his eyes gleaming dangerously.


    "But boss, we didn''t have these back then!" Yellow Dog said eagerly, rushing over to one of the vehicles and pulling back a tarp to reveal an impressive stash of weapons. "Heavy machine guns! Rocket launchers! And look at this... well, I can''t even move it, but there''s even a Gatling gun in here!"


    He stepped back with a smirk, letting the sight of the weapons sink in. "With this firepower, there''s nothing in NYC that can stop us. Not even Erza! Imagine her, boss. She''d be yours to do with as you please."


    A gleam of sadistic anticipation flickered in Arthur''s eyes. He imagined the fierce woman broken and begging for mercy. "If she resists, she''ll end up like the rest," he growled, raising his glass in a toast. "Once I''m done, I''ll share her around. Everyone here gets a taste!"


    The men erupted in drunken cheers, their voices echoing across the yard. None of them noticed the silent figure that collapsed from the guard post atop the wall, a long, thin spike lodged in his chest. As his body slumped over, a mechanical spider with sleek, metallic legs withdrew its leg from the wound, its cold, red eyes scanning for the next target.


    In the woods outside the prison, Zack listened to the updates from his AI assistant, Ego, through his MV-01 suit. At his feet, a mechanical dog crouched, watching the prison silently, its tail twitching occasionally.


    "Sir, the outer guards have been neutralized," Ego''s voice reported. "The mechanical spider is en route to the gate control room."


    Inside the prison, the mechanical spider moved swiftly, scaling the walls with ease, its pointed legs digging into the concrete as it descended to the ground level. It moved like a shadow, silent and deadly, as it slipped through the compound toward its target.


    "Hmm?" Yellow Dog squinted as something darted past his field of vision. He nudged the man beside him. "Did you see that?"


    "See what?" the man replied dismissively. "You''re seeing things. Here, keep the girl company."


    But Yellow Dog shook his head, a sense of unease settling in. Ignoring the woman, he peered toward the prison wall¡ªand froze. The guards he had stationed there were slumped over, dead, each with a gaping hole in their chest. "Enemy attack! Enemy attack!" he screamed, panic rising in his voice as he pointed to the spot where he''d last seen the metallic blur.


    But it was too late. Inside the gate control room, the mechanical spider connected with the power switch, sending a signal to the prison gates. With a grinding whine, the heavy iron doors began to open slowly, creaking as they parted. The prisoners turned to stare, shock flashing across their faces.


    Then, from outside, a gleaming silver figure shot through the opening. The mechanical dog''s claws gleamed under the dim prison lights as it shredded a prisoner''s chest effortlessly. Panicked gunfire erupted as some prisoners frantically aimed at the metallic beast, only to watch in horror as their bullets bounced harmlessly off its reinforced exterior.


    "What are you all standing around for?" Arthur shouted furiously. "Get to the convoy and grab the heavy artillery!"


    Snapped back to reality, a group of criminals scrambled to the convoy nearby. They tore off the oilcloth covering, revealing an armory of heavier weapons. Just then, another mechanical figure¡ªa spider-like machine with razor-sharp limbs¡ªemerged from the shadows. Its limbs moved with deadly precision, striking out to impale and eliminate any prisoner in its path.


    "Where the hell did all this come from?" Arthur cursed, raising his Desert Eagle and firing desperately at the advancing mechanical spider. Yet his bullets bounced off as the spider edged closer, unhindered.


    Just as it seemed Arthur would be killed, a new sound cut through the air¡ªa deep, thunderous roar as a Gatling gun spun up. A blazing line of fire erupted, narrowly missing Arthur''s ear but catching one of the spider''s legs, tearing it clean off with its force.


    Arthur spun around in shock, only to see his own subordinate, Yellow Dog, wielding the Gatling gun. Moments ago, Yellow Dog had struggled to lift it, but now, as if possessed, he handled it single-handedly, his other arm feeding the ammo chain. Without hesitation, he unleashed a relentless hail of bullets on both mechanical creatures.


    The Gatling''s storm of bullets soon turned toward Arthur. "You dare betray me?!" Arthur''s face twisted in fury, but before he could act, the fiery stream of bullets sliced through his body, splitting him in two.


    "Boss!" someone screamed from the crowd.


    Another prisoner, Scorpion, shouted in rage, "You filthy traitor!" He raised his gun to fire at Yellow Dog. But Yellow Dog swiftly redirected the Gatling gun, ripping Scorpion to shreds in a matter of seconds.


    Outside the prison, Zack observed the scene via satellite feed, his jaw dropping in amazement. "This guy''s staging a whole rebellion during an attack?" he muttered incredulously. "Ego, who do you think gave them the guts to do this?"


    S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 35: Stash of Weapon

    Chapter 35 - Stash of Weapon"Sir, I''d say it''s that stash of weapons they''re carrying."


    "No, wrong answer¡ªit''s greed!" Zack chuckled, leaning back as he watched the scene unfold on the satellite feed. He had no intention of stepping in; Ego''s calculations assured him that his two mechanical beasts were more than enough to handle the situation.


    Inside the compound, the mechanical spider, even after losing a leg, continued to fight without hesitation. Its combat AI instantly adjusted, recalibrating its balance to move smoothly on three legs while dodging the hail of Gatling gunfire. The mechanical dog, however, demonstrated even more advanced tactics. The moment it identified the Gatling gun as a threat, it shifted its approach, strategically using the criminals as human shields.


    Yellow Dog, the gang''s leader, grew increasingly frustrated as every shot he fired at the mechanical dog ended up hitting one of his own men. "Damn it, this thing''s too smart!" he shouted, sweat dripping down his face as the relentless machine closed in on him.


    Regret crept into his mind as he thought back to his plans¡ªhis betrayal of Arthur and Scorpion, his grab for control of the base, and his ambitions to dominate nearby survivor camps with the stolen weapons. Now, all of it seemed futile as he faced the brutal precision of Zack''s creations. Desperate, he shouted to one of his men, "Keep them busy! Someone get the bazooka!"


    Two of his followers scrambled to obey, rushing to the convoy to grab a rocket launcher. But the machines were too fast, constantly shifting positions, making it almost impossible to get a clear shot.


    "Wait for my signal!" Yellow Dog barked, his voice tinged with desperation. He continued firing wildly, trying to limit the mechanical dog''s movements. The chaos grew as more of his men were caught in the crossfire, but he didn''t care about the casualties anymore. "Now! Fire! Blow that thing up!"


    "But boss¡ªour guys are in the way!" one of his men stammered.


    Yellow Dog spun toward him, his face a mask of rage. "I said fire!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Reluctantly, the two men fired the rockets, each missile streaking toward the mechanical dog. The blasts roared through the air, leaving smoky trails as they closed in.


    The mechanical dog''s AI detected the incoming projectiles instantly, calculating its next move in mere milliseconds. It darted toward a nearby wall, using it as a springboard to leap into the air. Bounding from surface to surface, the mechanical dog skillfully evaded both rockets in one fluid motion.


    Boom! Boom!


    The rockets exploded against the wall, sending shockwaves through the room. The force propelled the mechanical dog forward, but it twisted mid-air, using its sleek, armored tail for balance. It landed gracefully, the shrapnel from the blast bouncing harmlessly off its reinforced shell. With a metallic snarl, the dog surged toward Yellow Dog, ignoring the panicked criminals scattering in its path.


    The entire counterattack unfolded in seconds. Yellow Dog barely had time to react before the machine was nearly upon him. "Damn it!" he yelled, unloading his magazine at the approaching beast. In his panic, he didn''t notice the mechanical spider creeping closer from his blind side.


    BAM!


    A sharp, bladed leg from the spider pierced straight through Yellow Dog''s chest. His eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening and closing as if to speak, but no words came out. Blood trickled from his lips as the limb retracted, leaving him to collapse lifelessly on the ground.


    "N... no..." he whispered, his voice fading as he slumped into the dirt. Behind him, the two men who had fired the rockets fumbled to reload, but their hands shook so badly that they dropped the weapon. It didn''t matter¡ªthe mechanical dog leapt over Yellow Dog''s corpse, closing the gap in an instant.


    "No! Please, don''t¡ª!"


    Their cries were cut short as the dog''s alloyed teeth tore into them, ending their lives in seconds.


    From the satellite feed, Zack observed the aftermath with a grim expression. He shut off the display and walked to the helicopter waiting nearby. As the chopper touched down in the prison courtyard, the scene outside was grim¡ªbodies and debris scattered everywhere, the metallic scent of blood hanging thick in the air.


    Stepping out, Zack spotted a group of terrified criminals on their knees, their weapons tossed aside. They were trembling uncontrollably, flinching every time the mechanical dog, its eyes glowing a menacing red, circled them. The sharp, acrid smell of urine joined the stench of blood and death.


    Zack wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Finish them," he said flatly, turning his back on the prisoners as he strode toward the convoy. Behind him, the sound of screams and metal slicing through flesh filled the air, followed by silence.


    "Ego," Zack called out as he began inspecting the loot, "give me an inventory report."


    His AI assistant''s voice was calm and efficient. "M16 automatic rifles, F2000 assault rifles, RPG-7 launchers, M24 sniper rifles, fragmentation grenades..."


    As Ego listed off the weapons, Zack''s attention landed on a Gatling gun. He picked it up, feeling its weight with a smirk.


    "M134 Minigun," Ego explained. "Caliber: 7.62mm, firing rate: up to 6,000 rounds per minute."


    "This''ll make the MV-02 a real war machine," Zack muttered, already planning modifications. The other weapons wouldn''t go to waste either¡ªthey''d fit nicely into his mansion''s auto-defense system or be mounted on his mechanical creations.


    Looking around, Zack sighed. "Could''ve used those idiots to haul this stuff to the chopper," he remarked dryly. With everyone dead, the task now fell to him. Mildly amused, he started loading the gear himself.


    "Ego, are there still people alive in this prison?"


    "Yes, sir. Survivors are locked in the cells. They were lured here by fake radio broadcasts," Ego replied.


    Zack nodded, his face hardening as he headed into the building with the mechanical dog at his side. He left the spider behind to guard the helicopter and weapons.


    Inside, the stench of rot and filth was overpowering. Activating the MV-01''s air purifier helped slightly, but the foul smell clung to the air. Each cell he passed was the same¡ªcramped, filthy, and filled with malnourished survivors. Their hollow eyes stared back at him with no emotion, just a vacant emptiness that spoke of their suffering.


    The farther Zack walked, the worse it got. Garbage and waste covered the floors, the toilets overflowed, and the prisoners had clearly been surviving on barely edible slop. Many looked too weak to stand.


    "If it weren''t for you, Ego," Zack muttered under his breath, "I''d probably be rotting in a place like this too."


    At the end of a dim corridor, he came upon a group of women huddled together. Their eyes widened in terror as they spotted Zack and the mechanical dog blocking their only escape.


    "KYAAA!!!"


    One woman dropped to her knees, trembling. "Please, don''t eat me!" she begged.


    The others followed, crying out for mercy, their voices cracking as fear overwhelmed them. Zack stood silently, his gaze cold as he took in their desperate pleas.

 Chapter 36: Poison

    Chapter 36 - PoisonZack ordered firmly, "Back off." The mechanical dog obeyed immediately, stepping back, though its glowing eyes remained locked on the group of frightened women.


    "Relax, I''m not here to hurt you," Zack said, his voice calm but steady. To ease their panic, he reached up and removed his faceplate, revealing his face.


    The women stared at him, their fear gradually subsiding. One by one, their wide-eyed expressions softened, and tears began streaming down their faces as they broke down, hugging their knees and sobbing. Zack''s jaw tightened as he absorbed the scene, trying to piece together what these people had endured.


    It was obvious the prisoners who had taken over this place had stripped every shred of humanity from the survivors. Those who fell for the luring broadcasts and came to the prison were immediately robbed¡ªof supplies, dignity, and hope. Their food, water, and weapons were confiscated, and anyone who resisted was either killed outright or thrown into cells to rot. Many died of starvation, their bodies tossed over the walls to feed the zombies outside.


    ''Ego,'' Zack thought silently. ''How many survivors are left?''


    Ego''s mechanical voice responded in his earpiece. "Sir, there are 68 survivors: 15 women and 53 men, including 11 who are elderly, ill, or injured."


    Zack frowned. ''And the food situation?''


    "Excluding preserved human flesh," Ego replied, "the current supply will last approximately twenty-five days."


    Zack nodded grimly. "We need workers in the industrial zone. We''re short on manpower. The ones who can work will go to the steel mill. As for the elderly and injured, they''ll stay here for now."


    "Sir," Ego added, "this prison is highly defensible and suitable as a shelter against zombies."


    "I know," Zack said. "But we need production first. The steel mill is the priority." His gaze shifted to the mechanical dog. "This place can be our fallback shelter, but I need materials, and that means the mill comes first."


    With the plan in place, Zack gestured to the mechanical dog, which approached the iron doors and unlocked them. Slowly, the survivors began stepping out. Among them, one figure caught Zack''s attention: a man in a tattered warden''s uniform, his face bruised and hollowed by exhaustion and abuse.


    "Antonny, former warden," Ego informed him. "Male, 38, physically weakened, likely due to repeated beatings."


    Zack walked toward the man, noting how he flinched and cowered, as if expecting another blow. ''He''s completely broken,'' Zack thought grimly.


    "Were you the warden here?" Zack asked, his tone firm but not unkind.


    Antonny hesitated, his voice barely audible. "Y-yes... I was."


    "Good," Zack said briskly. "You know this place better than anyone. Arthur is dead, and I''m in charge now." He paused, letting the words sink in. "I need your help to manage things here. Start by distributing food, getting these people cleaned up, and sorting out those who are fit to work. And make sure the place is spotless."


    Antonny stammered, "I-I don''t know if I can..."


    Zack pointed to the mechanical dog, its blood-streaked metal frame glinting ominously. "You''ll have help." The remnants of flesh clinging to the dog''s frame made Antonny''s face turn pale. He nodded quickly, trembling. "Yes, yes! I''ll do it!"


    Zack softened his tone slightly, offering a nod of encouragement. "Good. Do what I say, and you''ll be fine. You''ll have food, shelter, and maybe even a shot at a fresh start. But you have to pull your weight."


    The faint hope in Zack''s words seemed to revive something in Antonny. He straightened up, nodding vigorously. "I-I''ll do my best," he said, a flicker of determination returning to his eyes. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good," Zack said. "Tomorrow morning, I''ll send a helicopter. Pick thirty of the strongest people to work at the steel mill. They''ll have food and shelter there. Make sure they''re ready."


    Antonny nodded quickly, not daring to protest. Zack turned on his heel and strode toward the exit. He saw no need to ask for anyone''s opinion¡ªthis was the apocalypse, and survival was a luxury few could afford.


    Outside, Zack headed straight for the parking lot, where trucks loaded with crates of weapons and ammunition awaited. He began unloading them with ease, the hydraulics in his MV-01 armor making the task effortless. Within minutes, he had transferred the entire load into the helicopter, leaving just enough room for himself and his equipment. His compact, three-legged mechanical spider followed, folding its legs to fit into the limited space. The mechanical dog remained behind, a silent enforcer to guard the prison and ensure Antonny''s compliance.


    "Let''s go, Ego," Zack commanded.


    The helicopter''s engines roared to life, and soon it lifted off, disappearing into the sky. After some time, the fuel gauge dipped into the red, signaling their arrival at Tribeca. Ego piloted the craft with precision, lowering it gently onto the community helipad.


    "Well done, Ego," Zack said as he climbed out and began unloading the crates.


    "Welcome back, Zack!" Sophia called, jogging over from the mansion.


    "Hey, get Annie to help with this," Zack said, hauling two large crates at once.


    Sophia hesitated. "But... Annie hasn''t returned yet," she said, frowning.


    Zack''s brow furrowed. Annie had only gone to the steel mill, barely a dozen kilometers away. With MV-02, she should''ve been back long ago.


    "Ego?" Zack asked sharply.


    "Sir, satellite scans show Annie is en route," Ego replied. Moments later, an image appeared in Zack''s visor. The MV-02 suit was flying erratically, veering left and right as if disoriented.


    Zack''s stomach tightened. "What''s wrong with her?"


    Ego''s voice turned urgent. "Sir, her heart rate is critically low. She may be in a semi-comatose state."


    Zack''s chest tightened. "Take control of MV-02 and bring her back. Now!"


    The suit''s flight stabilized under Ego''s control and quickly approached Tribeca. Within minutes, the silver suit landed in front of Zack, its palm thrusters releasing a pulse to slow its descent.


    "Get her to the basement! Remove the suit, now!" Zack ordered, his voice laced with urgency.


    Ego guided the suit to the basement, where robotic arms dismantled it piece by piece. Annie''s limp body was revealed inside. As the suit released her, she began to slump, but Zack caught her just in time.


    "Ego, scan her condition!" Zack demanded.


    "Sir, she''s not breathing, and her pulse is faint. Immediate CPR is required."


    "Help me out of this suit!" Zack barked, realizing he couldn''t perform CPR while wearing the bulky armor.


    Before he could move, Sophia stepped in. "Let me do it!" she said firmly, taking Annie from Zack and laying her flat on the floor. Without hesitation, she began chest compressions, her hands moving with practiced precision.

 Chapter 37: Upgrading The Power Armor

    Chapter 37 - Upgrading The Power ArmorSophia performed compressions, then tilted Annie''s head back to give her breaths, repeating the cycle until Annie''s chest began to rise on its own, her heartbeat gradually finding a steady rhythm.


    Exhausted and drenched in sweat, Sophia leaned back and anxiously studied Annie''s face. "Come on, Annie... breathe," she whispered.


    "Status update, Ego?" Zack asked, his voice tight with worry.


    "Annie is out of immediate danger, but her condition is still fragile. She''s weak, and the oxygen deprivation may leave her disoriented for a while," Ego reported, pausing briefly. "There''s another issue. I detected moderate signs of palladium poisoning in her system."


    "Palladium poisoning?" Zack''s voice sharpened with disbelief. "I''ve been using MV-01 for years without a problem. How could Annie get poisoned after just a few hours?"


    He gently pulled down the collar of Annie''s suit, his heart sinking at what he saw. Dark, purplish-black veins snaked from her neck toward her chest¡ªclear evidence of palladium toxicity.


    "This is bad," Zack muttered, running a hand through his hair. He knew treatments existed¡ªEgo''s database had protocols¡ªbut they were working against the clock. Relieving her symptoms had to come first.


    He clenched his fists, staring at his sister, who lay pale and still. "Just some chlorophyll juice... that''s what we need to start with," he muttered to himself, trying to mask his growing anxiety. But his mind raced: why had Annie''s body reacted so violently to palladium? What made her so different?


    In just a few hours, the palladium levels in her system had skyrocketed to levels that would take months to accumulate in most people. A faint, strained voice interrupted his thoughts. "Brother..."


    Zack turned quickly to see Annie struggling to open her eyes. Her voice was barely audible, her breathing shallow. "I''m sorry... I was flying, and I got so sleepy... so tired... I didn''t want to sleep... I was scared... scared I''d crash the armor..."


    Her words came out halting and broken. Zack''s chest tightened painfully. He knelt beside her, his voice soft but firm. "Hey, it''s okay. Don''t worry about that. If the armor breaks, we''ll fix it¡ªor build a new one. You just need to rest now, okay?"


    Sophia stepped forward at Zack''s nod and gently lifted the frail thirteen-year-old into her arms. Annie felt impossibly light, almost weightless. As they entered the elevator, Zack''s expression hardened. "Ego," he said, his tone commanding, "upload the analysis results."


    In the basement, rows of computer screens lit up, streaming data in real time. Zack worked quickly, relying on his high-performance setup since he didn''t have fancy holographic displays. The data painted a grim picture. "Now add the red-haired woman''s data," Zack instructed. Another screen filled with Erza''s brainwave activity.


    As Zack compared the two datasets, his frown deepened. The abnormal brainwave patterns in Annie''s data were almost identical to Erza''s. Of all the people Zack had scanned¡ªhimself included¡ªno one else showed anything like this.


    "Ego, you see what this means, right?" Zack muttered under his breath.


    "Yes, sir," Ego responded. "It strongly suggests that Annie has undergone a mutation."


    "Mutation..." Zack repeated, the word feeling heavy in his mouth.


    "Ego, could her palladium poisoning be related to this mutation?"


    "There''s a 97% probability that the mutation is the cause," Ego confirmed.


    Zack sighed deeply. If Ego was right, it meant Annie could never use the power armor again¡ªnot in its current form. He''d need to completely redesign the reactor system, avoiding any toxic elements like palladium. But without access to advanced facilities, building a zero-point reactor was impossible.


    "We''ll deal with it later," he decided. For now, Annie would have to stay on the sidelines, helping with logistics like Sophia. After unloading supplies, Zack returned to the basement, now stocked with crates of weapons and ammunition.


    "Good thing no one''s smoking down here..." he muttered, imagining the disaster that could unfold.


    "Sir," Ego interrupted, "Annie is awake and stable."


    "That''s a relief," Zack replied, though he didn''t head upstairs. Instead, he focused on his workbench, pulling out an M134 Vulcan Gatling gun to begin modifications. Four robotic arms disassembled the MV-02 armor, and Zack meticulously worked on each component.


    "Let''s start with the shoulder-mounted Gatling gun¡ªbelt-fed, with an expanded ammo compartment on the back," he mused aloud. "Running out of bullets mid-fight isn''t an option." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He grabbed two F2000 assault rifles and mounted them on the arms, scrapping the outdated arm blades. "Blades aren''t cutting it against armored targets anymore. But I''ll still need a melee weapon for the zombies."


    An idea struck him, and he sketched out a saw-chain sword. "Hydrogen-powered, alloy-steel teeth... This''ll tear through anything, even a zombie lord."


    Next, he turned his attention to area-effect weapons. "Time for a miniature nine-link missile launcher," he said with a grin.


    Satisfied, he continued modifying the MV-02, turning it into a hulking war machine focused on raw firepower. Another idea sparked. "Lasers," he muttered, recalling scenes from his favorite movies. "A hydrogen fuel cell might work, though each shot could drain a full cell. Still worth a try."


    As the hours passed, Zack''s vision took shape. The sleek MV-02 was now a towering, battle-hardened beast. Its matte-black finish radiated an intimidating, war-ready presence. He''d reinforced the chest, back, and shoulders with extra armor to handle the increased weapon load.


    The shoulder mounts held an M134 Vulcan machine gun and a missile launcher loaded with nine rockets. Each arm featured an F2000 assault rifle, while a laser cutter was installed at the wrist. For melee, Zack had crafted a massive saw-chain sword, 1.6 meters long and weighing 60 kilograms. It was strapped to the back with a magnetic clasp, ready to swing forward in an instant. At full speed, the saw''s teeth rotated at 4,600 RPM, capable of slicing through almost anything.


    Annie, meanwhile, had quietly slipped out of bed, sneaking downstairs while Sophia dozed beside her. She hid just out of sight, watching Zack work. Her small fists clenched as she whispered, "I won''t hold him back anymore."


    Time ticked by as Zack poured his heart and soul into the new armor. The final result wasn''t just a suit¡ªit was a monster of war. Yet, as he stared at his creation, Zack murmured under his breath, "This is a last resort. Let''s hope I won''t have to use it."

 Chapter 38: War Machine

    Chapter 38 - War MachineThe power armor''s new upgrades brought its weight up to an impressive 1.3 tons. To offset the added bulk, Zack installed auxiliary thrusters on the back and legs, ensuring the suit could still fly despite the increase in weight. After running the final tests, he stepped back, admiring his handiwork.


    "This isn''t just the MV-02 anymore," he said with a smirk. "From now on, it''s the MV-02W."


    With the help of his mechanical assistant, Zack climbed into the armor and moved toward the garage exit. As the thrusters roared to life, he launched into the sky, the sound echoing around him. Once airborne, he decided to test the suit''s top speed. Even with the extra weight and bulkier frame, the armor managed to hit Mach 1.1¡ªnot quite the original MV-02''s Mach 1.3, but the trade-off for better durability and firepower seemed worth it.


    Hovering high above the ground, Zack spotted a group of zombies shambling below. "Let''s see what this thing can really do," he muttered before diving toward them. Ten minutes later, he returned to the mansion, the scent of gunpowder clinging to the armor. As the robotic arm helped him out of the suit, a satisfied grin spread across his face.


    "Not bad," he said to himself. "But it could really use armor-piercing rounds."


    After downing a glass of chlorophyll juice offered by the robotic arm, Zack headed back to his workbench. Next up were upgrades for his mechanical dog and spider. Both had performed well in initial tests, but Zack wasn''t satisfied until everything was perfect. He decided to start with the spider.


    "Wait... where''s the spider bot?" he asked, scanning the room.


    "Sir, the spider bot prototype is currently in Annie''s lab," Ego, his AI assistant, replied.


    "Annie took it?" he said, raising an eyebrow.


    Zack walked over to the room Annie had claimed as her lab. As he approached, he heard her muttering nervously to herself. "Okay... just breathe... you can do this. It''s just like building a little robot. If I get it right, Zack will be so proud..."


    He couldn''t help but smile as he quietly pushed the door open. Annie jumped, letting out a startled squeak, and quickly threw a cloth over the disassembled spider bot on her workbench. She kept her head down, avoiding his gaze.


    "Annie," Zack said teasingly, "you wouldn''t happen to know where my spider bot is, would you? It''s just a prototype, but if it''s missing, that could be a real pain..."


    Her hands trembled, and she looked up with wide, tear-filled eyes. "I''m so sorry, Zack..." she whispered. "I didn''t realize it was so important. I just... I just wanted to make it better."


    Zack''s teasing smirk softened as he noticed the black cloth draped over the workbench. Gently, he lifted it, revealing the spider bot in pieces and a stack of hand-drawn sketches. His expression shifted to surprise as he examined the detailed designs.


    "Did you draw these?" he asked, holding one up.


    The sketches showed a bold vision for the spider bot. Annie had reimagined it as a wearable, spider-shaped exoskeleton. She''d kept the hydrogen fuel cell, likely because a full reactor''s power demand would have been too much. The design was creative, unique, and promising.


    "This is amazing!" Zack said, genuinely impressed. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Annie blinked, staring at him in disbelief. "You''re... not mad?"


    Realizing his earlier tone had scared her, Zack felt a pang of guilt. He reached out, ruffling her hair gently. "Mad? Why would I be mad? It''s just a prototype. You can mess with it as much as you want."


    "Really?" Annie''s face lit up with relief, her lips curving into a bright smile. "I promise I won''t mess it up this time!"


    "I know you won''t," Zack said with a nod. "If you need help, just let me know."


    "Okay!" she replied, her earlier nervousness replaced by determination.


    With a final pat on her shoulder, Zack left her lab and returned to his workshop.


    Once alone, Zack let out a deep breath and glanced at the mechanical arms surrounding his workbench. "Ego, you know the drill, right?"


    "Of course," Ego replied.


    The robotic arms sprang into action, grabbing materials from nearby shelves and assembling parts with precise movements under Ego''s guidance. Zack joined in, working tirelessly on producing more mechanical dogs and spiders to prepare for the battles ahead.


    Two days flew by as Zack buried himself in work. Most of his time was spent crafting hydrogen fuel cells, pushing both his skills and his dwindling resources to their limits. The materials he''d salvaged from the nuclear plant were nearly gone, but by the end of the second day, he stood back to admire the fruits of his labor.


    Before him were seven mechanical dogs and fourteen spiders, each meticulously crafted for maximum efficiency. One of the dogs had already been sent to the steel plant to maintain order, leaving him with a small but formidable mechanical army.


    "Looks like the spiders are easier to mass-produce," Zack muttered. Their simpler design and lower material requirements made them perfect for quick assembly.


    Turning to Ego, he asked, "How''s the steel plant holding up? Any issues?"


    "The workers are cooperating so far. No problems to report," Ego replied smoothly.


    Zack nodded, relieved. To maintain order, he''d stationed a mechanical dog equipped with advanced weapons at the plant. These new models were far more powerful than the old ones.


    The mechanical dogs now featured 7.62mm heavy machine guns mounted on their backs, grenade launchers on their rear legs, and mini missile launchers on their shoulders. Their optics were fine-tuned for precise targeting, making them highly effective walking turrets.


    The spiders, though simpler, were equally lethal. Each was armed with four 5.56mm light machine guns mounted on their optical lenses, allowing them to attack in multiple directions. As a last resort, they had a self-destruct function: if critically damaged or commanded, the hydrogen fuel cell would detonate, clearing a 500-meter radius.


    "Ego, power them up," Zack commanded.


    One by one, the machines came to life, their low hum filling the room as they synchronized. Zack watched with a surge of pride. "Perfect," he murmured. "A real mechanical army¡ªloyal, fearless, and unstoppable."


    He turned to a nearby monitor. "Ego, show me the zombie situation."


    The satellite feed flickered on, revealing endless swarms of zombies moving across the land. Zack''s jaw tightened as he studied the screen, already bracing himself for what was coming.

 Chapter 39: Zombie Wave

    Chapter 39 - Zombie WaveThe zombie horde had grown into a massive, unstoppable wave, like a tsunami swallowing everything in its path. Zack estimated there were easily over five million zombies in the swarm. Worse, they were now just a mountain away from him.


    "Riverdale..." he muttered, recognizing the mountain range on the map. He had once considered the mansion district here as a potential refuge but dismissed the idea because of its proximity to a zoo. Now, staring at the satellite image, a crucial question weighed on his mind.


    "Ego, do you think this zombie horde will go around the hill?" he asked, scrutinizing the black mass on his screen. If the swarm took a detour, it might buy him an extra day to prepare. If not... they''d be on top of him by tomorrow afternoon.


    "The odds are low, sir," replied Ego, his AI assistant. "A horde this size isn''t likely to divert for something as small as that hill."


    Zack nodded, unsurprised. "Alright, Ego. Simulate their path. Show me exactly where they''ll pass through."


    The satellite view shifted into a flat map. A deep red line traced the projected route of the zombies. The simulation showed the horde cutting straight through the center of NYC, putting the steel mill and the fortified mansions directly in its path. Only the prison lay just outside the danger zone¡ªbut that wasn''t much comfort.


    As he studied the map, Zack''s eyes caught something unusual. Zooming in, he saw an unfinished construction site that had been turned into a survivor base. The site had reinforced walls and sentry towers spaced out evenly, each manned by guards.


    "A construction site, huh? Not bad," Zack muttered to himself. It was secluded, away from the main city, and stocked with steel, construction materials, and heavy machinery like excavators. It was a solid choice for a base, far better than the prison. But the site was directly in the horde''s path. The survivors there would be the first to face the zombies¡ªand they wouldn''t be the last.


    "Sir, I''ve identified the leader of that base," Ego announced suddenly.


    "Oh? Who is it?" Zack asked, curious. Whoever chose that location clearly knew what they were doing.


    "It''s Ms. Sarah, the red-haired woman you encountered before."


    Zack raised an eyebrow. The name didn''t immediately click, but the mention of her red hair brought back memories. "That woman has the worst luck," he sighed. "First, she barely escapes by the skin of her teeth, and now she''s the first in line for this zombie wave. I honestly don''t know how she''s still alive."


    Pushing thoughts of Sarah aside, Zack refocused on his own preparations. If he couldn''t figure out how to stop this horde, he''d have no choice but to abandon the steel mill and the mansion, moving everyone to the prison. Maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªif they were lucky, the wave would pass through NYC quickly, leaving them a chance to return. But Zack had never been one to rely on luck.


    "A zombie wave? Fine. Let''s deal with it head-on," he said with determination, glancing at the mechanical beast beside him. He clenched his fists and got to work.


    Zack spent the night at the steel mill, arming Charles and his team with light weapons. Then he hauled all the alloy steel and other refined materials back to the mansion. He instructed Ego to manufacture two more mechanical dogs and six additional spiders, working non-stop until dawn. By morning, his forces had grown to nine mechanical dogs and twenty spiders.


    Meanwhile, Annie had made progress on her own project¡ªa massive spider robot she named Tarantula. Unlike the smaller spider units, Tarantula was over three meters tall, towering even above the MV-01 armor. It wasn''t just an exoskeleton¡ªit was a full-fledged giant mech. Tarantula had two combat modes: an unmanned mode, where it operated independently using advanced AI Zack had programmed, and a pilot mode, complete with a neural-control cockpit that allowed the user to sync seamlessly with the machine. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Annie had equipped Tarantula with arm blades and a web shooter salvaged from Zack''s discarded prototypes. But Zack wasn''t satisfied. "It needs heavier firepower," he said bluntly as he inspected the mech.


    "Seriously?" Annie groaned.


    "We''re facing a zombie wave, not a skirmish. Add heavy guns¡ªmachine guns, missile launchers, grenade launchers¡ªwhatever you can fit. Tarantula needs to be a walking fortress!"


    Grumbling, Annie took Tarantula back to the lab for upgrades. As she left, Sophia came downstairs with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. She handed it to Zack, who had been working tirelessly through the night.


    "Thanks," Zack murmured, taking a sip. He didn''t feel physically tired, but the constant pressure weighed on him.


    Sophia noticed his tension and sat beside him, placing her hands gently on his temples to massage them. "Zack, you need real rest," she said softly, her voice tinged with worry.


    "I will," Zack replied, leaning into her touch. "But not yet. Not until we get through this."


    Before Sophia could argue, Ego''s voice interrupted. "Sir, the horde has crossed the hill. They''re heading straight for Sarah and her group."


    Zack''s eyes widened. "Already?" He had assumed they''d have more time.


    "What''s wrong?" Sophia asked, alarmed by his reaction.


    "The horde is on the move," Zack said grimly, setting down his coffee and heading straight to the MV-02W. With the help of mechanical arms, he began suiting up in his bulky, imposing armor, radiating a battle-ready aura.


    Sophia watched him, clutching the coffee cup he had left behind. Her eyes were filled with concern, fear, and something she couldn''t quite name.


    Meanwhile, at the southern edge of NYC, Erza¡ªa fiery red-haired woman¡ªwas receiving the same grim news.


    "A zombie wave? Are you kidding me?" she snapped, flipping the sky an angry middle finger. The swarm''s size was staggering, and her frustration boiled over.


    "Erza, what do we do?" someone from the crowd asked, their voice trembling.


    The survivors around her¡ªmen, women, children, and even an infant¡ªlooked at her with desperate hope. Erza scowled.


    "What do you mean, ''What do we do?''" she shot back. "We run! You think we can take on millions of zombies? Are you nuts?"

 Chapter 40: Zombie Wave (2)

    Chapter 40 - Zombie Wave (2)Her voice had a sharp tone, though it carried a touch of humor beneath the edge. After a moment of silence, she took a deep breath, visibly calming herself. Panicking wouldn''t help anyone now¡ªthey needed clear heads to figure out a way out of this mess.


    "You, Adam! Elon! Hans!" She pointed at three men in the crowd. "You''ve been staring at me all day; it''s time to put those eyes to work! Go get the buses ready!"


    The men exchanged embarrassed glances before quickly moving to follow her orders, their cheeks flushed. Erza turned to an elderly man in his seventies and softened her tone. "Grandpa Jack, when the buses get here, make sure everyone boards safely, okay?"


    Then, just as quickly, her playful energy returned. She spun around to face Mark, a young man who had recently accompanied her into town. "And you! I thought you were some innocent little angel, but I saw you eyeing Elly earlier¡ª"


    "Erza, come on!" Mark stammered, his face beet-red. "I''ll do whatever you want, just... don''t bring that up!"


    He cast a nervous glance at a girl his age in the crowd. Seeing her puzzled expression, he exhaled in relief. "Alright, fine! I''ll clear the road!" Mark jumped onto the bulldozer with a middle-aged man, ready to get started.


    Erza didn''t miss a beat. "Henry!" she called out. "Take the mixer truck and cover the rear! And Samuel¡ª" She rattled off more instructions, her words snapping the anxious crowd out of their fear. Despite her fiery personality, Erza''s leadership gave everyone a sense of stability, helping them muster the courage to move forward.


    Soon, the convoy of construction vehicles and buses began to roll out. At the front was a heavily modified bulldozer, its frame reinforced with spikes and a ram at the front, easily shoving abandoned cars out of the way. Behind it came three buses, their windows covered with steel plates, crammed with survivors peering through narrow gaps. At the rear, more construction vehicles followed in a steady line.


    "Front row, keep moving! Rear, stay close!" Erza shouted from the passenger seat of a modified dump truck. Two braziers burned in the truck bed, casting a flickering, eerie glow as they advanced.


    The convoy crept cautiously through the streets. Suddenly, the sharp pop of a tire bursting broke the tense silence, and one of the buses ground to a halt.


    "What''s going on?" Erza yelled forward.


    "The tire blew!" came the panicked reply.


    The bus, weighed down by thick metal plates and packed with passengers, had finally pushed its tires past their limit on the rugged road.


    Erza''s expression tightened. "Of course," she muttered bitterly. But there wasn''t time to dwell on it. The horde was closing in, and changing a tire wasn''t an option.


    "Forget it! Everyone, move to the garbage truck!" she barked.


    Before they could act, the ground started to rumble. It began as a faint vibration, but soon it grew stronger, like a thunderstorm rolling closer. Then came the sound¡ªa screeching wail from behind them.


    Erza''s blood ran cold. She knew that sound too well. "Night Stalkers!" she shouted. Her warning sent a ripple of terror through the group. Unlike the slow, stumbling zombies they were used to, Night Stalkers were fast, vicious, and relentless. For someone like Zack, they might have been manageable, but for this group, they were a death sentence.


    "Get in the truck, now!" Erza shouted, climbing up with practiced ease. Her movements were swift and fluid, her boots hitting the floor as she pulled herself into the cab. The flames in the braziers flared, leaning toward her as if responding to her presence.


    At the end of the street, the Night Stalkers came into view¡ªa wave of creatures sprinting with terrifying speed, their movements like a pack of starving wolves.


    "Block them!" Erza ordered. The flames in the braziers erupted, twisting into massive fiery serpents that lashed out toward the horde. Others leaned out of vehicles, firing pistols and throwing makeshift grenades. But the sheer number of Night Stalkers was overwhelming. The small weapons barely slowed them down.


    An excavator driver swung his machine''s bucket with determined precision, smashing through the charging zombies. "Take that, you monsters!" he yelled. For a moment, it seemed like he might hold them off. But soon, the creatures swarmed over the excavator, climbing its arm and dragging the driver from his seat. His screams were cut short as they tore him apart.


    The air filled with the desperate cries of people being dragged from vehicles. Erza clenched her jaw, sweat dripping down her face as she focused on keeping the streets blocked with fire. But the horde kept pushing through, their numbers seemingly endless.


    "Those in the front, go! Don''t wait for us!" she shouted. Her voice carried over the chaos, but some of the Night Stalkers were already slipping past the vehicles.


    A sudden scream from Mark up ahead snapped her attention forward. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw it¡ªa grotesque creature standing in front of the convoy. Its elongated, twisted limbs made it look like some nightmarish spider. It was the Hunter, a mutated zombie with horrifying strength and intelligence¡ªthe same one Zack had warned them about.


    With a guttural growl, the Hunter leapt onto the lead bulldozer. Its claws tore through the barbed wire like paper as it reached inside and pulled Mark out. The boy barely had time to react before the creature slashed him open, his lifeless body crumpling to the ground. A girl in the bus screamed, her voice cracking with terror as she watched helplessly.


    The Hunter didn''t stop. It yanked the driver from his seat, tearing him apart just as brutally. The bulldozer ground to a halt, bringing the entire convoy to a standstill.


    "Groaaarr!" The Hunter turned its glowing eyes toward the nearest bus, where survivors cowered inside. To the creature, it was a tin can full of prey. It began ripping through the steel plates, the screech of tearing metal drowning out the survivors'' cries.


    But before it could reach inside, a blazing fire dragon slammed into it, the intense heat igniting its flesh instantly. Erza stood on the truck, her red hair wild in the wind, looking like a warrior goddess.


    "Die!" she roared, flames swirling around her in a violent storm. The fiery serpents merged into a massive dragon, crashing into the Hunter with relentless fury. The creature howled in pain as the flames consumed it, and Erza didn''t let up, pouring every ounce of her power into the attack.


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 Chapter 41: Zombie Wave (3)

    Chapter 41 - Zombie Wave (3)The creature let out a shrill, ear-piercing screech, thrashing wildly as flames devoured its body. The sickening smell of burning flesh filled the air. Its agonized cries grew weaker until they were swallowed by silence, leaving only a pile of ash where the monster once stood.


    Erza stood trembling, her whole body shaking as she sustained the inferno. Sweat streamed down her face, and an unbearable, stabbing pain pulsed in her head, like needles driving into her skull. Her vision blurred, her body screaming for rest, begging her to stop.


    "No... not yet," she whispered hoarsely, her teeth clenched so hard she tasted blood. She couldn''t afford to collapse now. Not here, not like this.


    The fire roared on as she incinerated the last of the Night Stalkers. Finally, her strength gave out. She dropped to her knees, gasping for air, her body on the verge of shutting down. But before she could catch her breath, the ground began to tremble under heavy, pounding footsteps. A deep, ominous rumbling grew louder, closer. Forcing her head up, she squinted at the horizon, her heart sinking at the sight.


    In the distance, an enormous wave of zombies surged forward, a black mass of unrelenting horror moving as one, like a living nightmare bearing down on her. She let out a shaky breath, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "I''m sorry... I couldn''t protect you all," she murmured, her voice soft with regret. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for the end.


    Then¡ªBOOM!


    A deafening explosion shattered the air, followed by a thunderous sonic boom from another direction. The ground beneath her quaked violently as shockwaves tore through the area.


    Ten Minutes Earlier, High Above


    Five bombers flew in tight formation over the ruins of New York City, accompanied by the roar of two fighter jets flanking them. Each jet left a loud sonic boom in its wake, slicing through the clouded sky.


    In one of the jets, Captain Antonny, a grizzled man wearing a worn military uniform, carefully monitored his instruments. He was the same man who had recently fought against deploying nuclear weapons at the Imperial Capital Base.


    "Cole, we''re approaching the target zone. Prep for bombing. Over," his voice crackled through the radio, steady and focused.


    Inside one of the bombers, a young pilot named Cole stared at a blank screen, panic rising in his chest. "Captain, we''ve lost satellite guidance! The targeting systems are down. Over."


    "What?!" Antonny''s brow furrowed as he checked his own instruments. His screen was also dead. A sinking feeling churned in his stomach. "Damn it. Those idiots back at base must''ve cut off satellite access," he muttered under his breath.


    Without satellite navigation, their guided bombs were practically useless. Precision targeting in a city swarming with zombies was now impossible.


    "Can''t we just go lower?" a voice broke in¡ªa younger pilot, Ava, fresh out of training. She''d only recently flown her first real combat mission.


    Antonny sighed heavily. "We''ll have to. Cole, take the bombers down to visual range for a manual drop. Ava, stay at your current altitude."


    "But why¡ª" Ava began to protest.


    "Follow orders! You''re too inexperienced for low-altitude maneuvers. You''d be an easy target," Antonny snapped, his tone firm but not unkind. Ava grumbled but obeyed, and Antonny pushed his jet into a sharp descent.


    The sonic boom from his jet cracked through the clouds as he dropped lower, maneuvering carefully through the jagged skyline of the city. Below him, the streets writhed with the movement of millions of undead¡ªa massive horde stretching as far as the eye could see.


    "Captain," Cole''s voice came through the radio, strained, "there''s at least double the number we saw last time."


    Antonny''s jaw tightened. "Over five million... Do we even have enough bombs?"


    Silence filled the channel before he answered his own question with grim determination. "If we run out, we''ll use every bullet we''ve got. We can''t let this city fall."


    Lowering his altitude even further, Antonny flew dangerously close to the tops of crumbling skyscrapers, lining up his targets. Just as he steadied his aim, a sudden, earth-shaking BOOM! echoed nearby. His head snapped around, eyes scanning the horizon.


    "A supersonic aircraft?" Antonny muttered, instincts flaring. But before he could investigate, another call came through his headset.


    "Captain, we''ve got a survivor¡ªcritical condition. Should we assist?"


    "Absolutely! Where?" Antonny barked.


    "Three o''clock."


    He veered sharply toward the coordinates, spotting a lone figure on the street below. A red-haired woman stood amidst the chaos, flames swirling around her as she held the horde at bay. His eyes widened.


    "A Pyrokinetic?" he murmured in amazement. Their base had a few, but none with power like this. She was something else¡ªsomeone worth saving.


    He nosed his jet down, lining up the 30mm cannon to clear the zombies near her. Just as he hovered over the trigger, something blurred past his cockpit, jolting his plane. "What the hell?" He fought for control, scanning the area.


    An armored figure streaked toward the ground like a missile, its metallic sheen gleaming in the sunlight.


    ---


    Zack plummeted past the jet, briefly catching sight of it. "Ego, who was that?" he asked, his voice calm but curious. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Captain Antonny of the U.S. Air Force. He''s one of the leaders at a major survivor base," Ego replied.


    Zack raised an eyebrow. "The Air Force? All the way out here? Impressive." A flicker of respect crossed his face. "Guess we''ll take all the help we can get."


    He dived faster, the wind screaming around him as he shattered windows on his descent. He hit the ground with a thunderous crash, leaving a massive crater in his wake. Dust and debris exploded outward, shrouding him momentarily.


    Erza, barely standing, stared up at the armored figure in disbelief. She recognized him instantly. "It''s... you," she whispered, her voice trembling from exhaustion.


    Zack didn''t acknowledge her, his attention locked on the approaching horde. He raised his F2000 assault rifle and opened fire. Each shot found its mark, zombies collapsing one by one. A hum erupted as the Vulcan machine gun on his shoulder roared to life, cutting through the swarm with relentless precision.


    "Get your people back to the construction site if you want to live!" Zack shouted without looking back, his voice cutting through the chaos.


    Erza nodded weakly, turning to gather what was left of her group. But as she scanned the street, her heart sank. The bodies of her fallen comrades lay scattered, people she''d fought beside only hours ago. Of the hundred who had left with her, fewer than half remained.


    Pushing her grief aside, she shouted, "Everyone, follow me! Head back to the base!" Her voice wavered but held firm, driven by sheer will to survive.

 Chapter 42: Zombie Wave (4)

    Chapter 42 - Zombie Wave (4)As Erza''s group retreated, Zack stood his ground, determined to hold the line against the relentless wave of undead. The Vulcan''s thunderous roar echoed through the street, each burst of fire carving fiery paths through the advancing horde. Spent bullet casings rained down around him, piling up like a miniature hill at his feet. His bullets tore through the zombies, shredding them to pieces, with each shot punching through several bodies at once. Smoke and the stench of gore thickened the air as the battlefield became a gruesome mess of shattered limbs and mangled corpses.


    "Ego, I''m almost out of ammo!" Zack shouted over the chaos, glancing at the dwindling rounds in the massive magazine strapped to his back. Even with his custom modifications to expand its capacity, the Vulcan''s insatiable appetite for bullets left him with only minutes of firepower. Fortunately, he had designed the magazine to be quickly detachable for reloading.


    "Reinforcements are en route, sir!" Ego''s calm voice replied through his helmet. Almost on cue, a transport helicopter appeared over the skyline, its rotors slicing through the air. The cargo hold carried nine mechanical dogs, fifteen spiders, and crates filled with fresh ammunition. Five of the spiders had been stationed at the Mansion to guard it, leaving the rest for frontline deployment.


    Zack''s HUD lit up with a notification of an incoming signal on an unfamiliar frequency. "Sir, someone is trying to connect. Should I patch it through?" Ego prompted.


    "Yes, let''s hear it," Zack said, and a steady, authoritative voice crackled through his earpiece.


    "This is Antonny, captain of the air force," the man introduced himself without hesitation. "I''m launching an artillery strike fifty meters ahead of your position. Clear the area¡ªthree seconds!"


    Zack''s sharp ears picked up the low hum of incoming jets. Within moments, the ground erupted as a barrage of 30mm rounds slammed into the street. The shells exploded on impact, sending zombies flying in all directions, creating a brief but welcome break in the endless horde. The road ahead was left cratered and smoldering, the remains of the zombies scattered in every direction.


    "Now that''s firepower," Zack muttered with a hint of admiration, watching the devastation. Keying his comms, he responded, "Antonny, you focus on the main horde. I''ll handle things here."


    "You sure you can manage on your own?" Antonny asked, his tone tinged with genuine concern, recognizing a kindred spirit in Zack.


    "I''ve got backup," Zack replied confidently, just as the transport helicopter hovered closer, lowering its cargo for deployment. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright then, good luck. Stay safe!" Antonny signed off, veering his jet toward the main horde, readying for another bombing run.


    Zack exhaled, knowing the small reprieve was over. The wave they''d faced so far was just the beginning. Turning back to the battlefield, he barked, "Ego, keep tabs on Antonny''s position and give me updates."


    Suddenly, a shadow darted across his vision. A Hunter¡ªone of the swift, lethal variants of the undead¡ªwas charging at him from a nearby building. Without even turning, Zack''s shoulder-mounted Gatling gun whirred to life, tracking the creature with precision. The gun unleashed a rapid burst of fire, tearing the Hunter apart mid-leap, its shredded remains collapsing into the street below.


    "Threat neutralized," Ego confirmed as Zack engaged his suit''s propellers, lifting him into the air. From above, he could see Erza rallying her survivors at a construction site, attempting to fortify their position with makeshift defenses.


    It was a futile effort in Zack''s eyes. Against an endless horde of a million zombies, a few barricades and scattered weapons wouldn''t last. Even a fully equipped military unit would struggle without heavy support. Landing near her, Zack wasted no time. "Get your people underground," he ordered. "This base is mine now. I''ll hold them off."


    Erza hesitated, staring at him in disbelief. "But... can you handle them alone?"


    Before Zack could answer, the sound of the helicopter overhead silenced her. The rear hatch opened, and one by one, his mechanical reinforcements dropped down with heavy thuds, shaking the ground.


    "Activate combat mode," Zack commanded. The mechanical dogs'' blue eyes flickered to a menacing red as they sprang into action. One climbed a sentry tower, anchoring itself with claws digging into the wood for stability. The survivors manning the tower stumbled back in fear, nearly falling off in their panic, but the mechanical dog paid them no mind. Its focus was singular: eliminating the enemy.


    A heavy machine gun mounted on the dog''s back came to life, unleashing a torrent of bullets into the approaching horde. The remaining dogs quickly spread out, taking strategic positions on the scaffolding, transforming the construction site into a fortress of automated firepower. Their collective gunfire lit up the battlefield, mowing down zombies by the dozens.


    Meanwhile, the spider drones scuttled to the perimeter, positioning themselves along the walls. Unlike the dogs, they waited silently, ready to engage once the first wave of ammunition ran dry.


    "Sir, this should buy us some time," Ego reported. "Antonny''s bombing run has started."


    "Good," Zack said, stepping into the helicopter''s cargo hold to reload. He swapped out his equipment, securing a bomb-loading compartment to his back. Then, without hesitation, he leapt from the chopper. The suit''s propellers roared to life, propelling him into a controlled dive.


    The powerful thrust sent him hurtling downward, breaking the sound barrier with a series of sonic booms. Below, the zombies turned their decayed heads skyward, roaring and reaching out as Zack shot past them. He ignored them¡ªthese were only the vanguard. The true swarm was still gathering behind.


    Farther away, Antonny and his jets were hard at work. Flying low over the densest part of the horde, Antonny barked orders to his team. "Prepare to drop wind-corrected bomb dispensers on my mark!"


    He pressed the launch button, releasing two glide-guided missiles. Their stabilizers unfolded mid-flight, guiding them directly into the center of the mass. A split second before hitting the ground, the missiles detonated, releasing a wave of scorching heat that obliterated everything within a dozen meters. Limbs and chunks of flesh were thrown into the air, raining down like gruesome confetti.


    "Deploying cluster bombs!" Antonny''s co-pilot, Cole, announced. The bombers flying behind released their payloads¡ªrectangular canisters scattering hundreds of bomblets over the horde. The ground was consumed in a chain of explosions, flames spreading like wildfire. Tens of thousands of zombies were incinerated, their remains reduced to ash. Even the mutated ones didn''t stand a chance, succumbing to the relentless blaze.


    The bombardment wiped out hundreds of thousands in one run¡ªa stark reminder of the overwhelming power of military force. But even this was just a drop in the ocean. The horde was still coming.

 Chapter 43: Zombie Wave (5)

    Chapter 43 - Zombie Wave (5)The virus had nearly wiped out civilization, but humanity''s creativity and firepower¡ªonce used to dominate the world¡ªstill served as a grim reminder of its unmatched potential for destruction. Even now, no other force could rival humanity''s ability to wreak havoc.


    "Cole, what''s the status of the bombing?" Antonny''s voice buzzed through the radio, cutting through the crackle of static.


    Cole glanced at the fiery chaos below, his lips curling into a smirk. "Looks like we''ve taken out two, maybe three hundred thousand."


    Antonny''s reply carried a faint note of grim satisfaction. "Good. Let''s hit them again."


    "Roger that!" Cole said, his grin widening as he prepared for another run.


    As their planes banked around for a fresh attack, a lone zombie amidst the massive horde slowly lifted its head. Its glowing eyes burned with an unnatural intelligence, tracking the aircraft with eerie precision. Then, it unleashed a piercing, high-pitched scream¡ªsilent to human ears but powerful enough to ripple through the air like a shockwave.


    The horde reacted instantly. A wave of madness spread like wildfire, the zombies convulsing before their eyes lit up with frenzied intensity. A guttural roar erupted from the masses, shaking the ground as they charged toward the nearest human defenses.


    Among them, the Hunters¡ªagile, mutated zombies¡ªsprang into action. Some bolted toward stairwells in the surrounding buildings, while others scaled glassy skyscrapers like spiders, their claws digging into the smooth surfaces with terrifying precision.


    As the horde shifted, the area around the strange, intelligent zombie emptied. Antonny, eyeing his original target, cursed under his breath. "Switch targets! Bomb the usual zone!" he barked, steering his plane lower and preparing to release his final two missiles.


    The bombs struck their mark, triggering massive fireballs that tore through the densest part of the horde, leaving a charred wasteland in their wake.


    "Prepare the cluster bombs!" Cole''s voice broke through the radio as he aligned his plane with Antonny''s. Following closely, he lowered his bomber and unleashed the cluster munitions. A cascade of explosions lit up the ground below, consuming waves of undead in an inferno.


    "Now that''s what I''m talking about!" Cole laughed, watching the destruction unfold. "Too bad we''re almost out of ammo."


    "Not quite," Antonny replied. "I''ve got a few machine guns left. Stay on me¡ªI''ll lead us in."


    "Got it," Cole answered, lowering his plane to match Antonny''s path.


    But their victory was short-lived. A chilling roar echoed across the city, sending shivers down their spines. Out of nowhere, Hunters launched themselves from the rooftops, their insect-like limbs propelling them with horrifying accuracy. Their claws gleamed in the dim light as they leaped toward the bombers.


    "Damn it!" Antonny cursed, his heart racing as he realized the threat too late. "They''re coming from above! Watch out!"


    The warning came seconds too late. The heavy bombers, unable to maneuver quickly, became sitting ducks. Hunters latched onto their fuselages, claws tearing through metal like paper. Alarms blared in Antonny''s cockpit as one Hunter ripped his plane''s wing clean off.


    Losing control, his fighter spiraled toward the ground. Below, the hungry horde waited like a tide ready to consume him.


    "Antonny!" Cole''s panicked voice rang out, but there was no time for grief. His own bomber was under attack. Hunters clung to its wings, tearing into the engines. Smoke and flames billowed as the controls failed.


    "Engines One and Two are gone! We''re going down!" Cole shouted, his voice heavy with desperation.


    One by one, the planes crashed. Antonny''s fighter hit first, followed by Cole''s and another bomber. Explosions lit up the skyline, their fiery aftermath casting an eerie glow over the city.


    From a distance, Zack spotted the fireballs and swore under his breath. "Why the hell were they flying so low?" he muttered angrily.


    A faint voice crackled through the comms. "Cole... Cole?" It was Antonny, weak but alive.


    "Cole''s gone," Ava''s voice cut in, tight with urgency. "Hold on, Captain. I''m coming for you!"


    "No... don''t," Antonny whispered, his voice faint. Trapped inside the mangled cockpit, he could hear the zombies clawing at the glass. Cracks spiderwebbed across it, each one a countdown to his end. He knew his time was almost up.


    Zack clenched his jaw as he pinpointed the crash site. Without a second thought, he gunned his thrusters, pushing toward Antonny''s location.


    But before he could get there, another jet streaked through the sky. It was Ava. "Hang on, Captain!" she shouted, diving her plane straight into the heart of the horde.


    Her plane''s machine guns roared, tearing through the zombies with relentless precision. The clearing around Antonny grew, giving him precious moments of safety. But Ava''s steep dive came at a cost. The G-forces pressed against her, blurring her vision as the plane strained under the pressure.


    At eight Gs, the world went dark, but her grip on the controls never faltered. At the last second, she pulled up, her plane''s nose skimming mere meters above the ground. As the blood rushed back to her head, her vision cleared, and she exhaled a shaky breath. "Barely made it..."


    Circling above, Ava kept her sights locked on the horde. She wasn''t done yet. If they surged again, she''d be ready to fire.


    Meanwhile, on the ground, Antonny seized the hard-earned opportunity. Before the zombies could regroup, he unbuckled his harness, grabbed his pistol, and jumped out of the cockpit. But danger was closing in fast. From a nearby building, a Hunter¡ªa monstrous creature¡ªlaunched itself off a wall, snarling as it sprinted toward him.


    Just as it was about to reach Antonny, Zack dropped from above, slamming into the Hunter with such force that it flew down the street, smashing through streetlights and skidding across the pavement.


    Before the creature could recover, Zack''s shoulder-mounted Vulcan cannon spun to life, unleashing a hail of bullets that shredded the Hunter into a gruesome mess. Zack turned to Antonny, irritation clear in his voice. "This your plan? Fly low and get swarmed by zombies?"


    Antonny lowered his head, his voice heavy with regret. "I... I got careless." He didn''t try to dodge the blame¡ªit was his overconfidence that had caused the crash. Surviving had been pure luck, but not everyone had been so fortunate. His squad... they had paid the ultimate price.


    Zack sighed and shook his head, skipping the lecture. Instead, he grabbed Antonny by the collar and launched into the air, carrying him like a sack of potatoes. They sped toward the three remaining bombers in the sky. "Open the hatch!" Zack barked over the comms.


    "Captain Antonny?!" One of the bomber pilots glanced back in shock. The moment he spotted Antonny dangling from Zack''s grip, he quickly opened the rear hatch. "Rear hatch open!"


    Without missing a beat, Zack adjusted their approach and swung Antonny inside, landing him safely in the cabin. "How many cluster bombs do you have left?" Zack asked, his tone sharp.


    Antonny, steadying himself, yelled over the noise, "We''re out of cluster bombs, but we''ve still got regular explosives. We can keep hitting them if you need it!"


    Zack grimaced. "Out of cluster bombs, huh? Fine. I''ll handle the rest myself." He turned and dove straight back toward the chaos below without another word.


    Antonny blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Zack''s resolve. "Is he serious?" Shaking his head, he manually shut the hatch and hurried to the cockpit. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 44: Zombie Wave (6)

    Chapter 44 - Zombie Wave (6)"Captain, should we pull back?" the bomber pilot asked as Antonny slid into the seat.


    "Not yet. Check the fuel levels!" Antonny grabbed the communicator and relayed the order to the rest of the squad.


    "Less than half," one voice reported.


    "Same here," another added.


    "I''ve got 60 percent," chimed a third pilot.


    Antonny nodded firmly. "We keep going. But once anyone hits 35 percent, we fall back¡ªno exceptions."


    As the bombers turned for another run, Zack glanced at them from the ground. For a moment, a rare flicker of admiration crossed his face. "Didn''t think I''d see courage like that these days..." he muttered before focusing on the battlefield below.


    The scene was grim. The construction site had become a final line of defense, standing between the horde and what remained of New York City. Despite the relentless bombing, only a fraction of the undead had been cleared. Over four million zombies still surged forward like a tide, tightening their grip around the defenses.


    On the sentry tower, Zack''s mechanical dog and spider drones fired continuously, the staccato roar of machine guns filling the air. The barrels of their guns glowed red-hot, smoke rising from the overheated metal as the swarm kept coming. When the undead got too close, the mechanical dog leapt into the fray, unleashing mini-missiles from its shoulder launcher. Each small missile hit with the force of a bomb, tearing through dozens of zombies and lighting up the night in fiery bursts.


    But the horde was relentless, surging forward no matter the cost. Ego, Zack''s AI companion, crackled in his earpiece. "Sir, the mechanical units are nearly out of ammo."


    "How long until resupply?" Zack demanded.


    "Seven minutes," Ego replied. Back at the mansion, a helicopter was being loaded with ammunition, and Zack''s remaining spider drones scrambled to prepare for airdrop.


    "Hold the flanks until it gets here. I''ll handle the front!" Zack ordered, diving straight into the densest part of the swarm.


    On the ground, Erza stood at the main gate, drenched in sweat. Her two blazing fire dragons roared through the mass of undead, incinerating everything in their path. When Zack landed beside her, she shot him a surprised glance.


    "They''re out of ammo!" Zack yelled.


    Erza clenched her teeth, her flames flaring even brighter as she pushed herself harder. Around them, Zack''s mechanical beasts dropped from their posts, moving with precise coordination to reinforce the flanks.


    The horde seemed to sense the challenge. A deafening roar rose from the swarm as thousands of zombies surged forward, their thunderous steps shaking the ground. Zack smirked, activating his suit''s battle mode. His armor unfolded, transforming him into a walking arsenal.


    A Vulcan machine gun whirred to life on his left shoulder. A missile launcher snapped into place on his right. He gripped an F2000 rifle in his hands, while glowing pulse cannons charged in his palms. "Let''s do this!" he roared, opening fire.


    The Vulcan gun unleashed a stream of bullets, mowing down rows of zombies in seconds. Each shot tore through multiple bodies, splattering gore across the battlefield. The missile launcher fired next, releasing nine micro-missiles, each programmed to hit a separate target. The synchronized explosions ripped massive craters into the horde, scattering bodies like ragdolls.


    Beside him, Erza didn''t let up. She summoned nine fireballs, merging them midair into a massive inferno. When the flames erupted, the shockwave toppled trees, flipped vehicles, and even cracked nearby buildings. The intense heat turned tens of thousands of zombies into ash. For a moment, there was a gap in the endless tide¡ªa brief reprieve visible even from the satellite feed.


    But the break didn''t last. More zombies poured in, filling the space as fast as it had opened. From within the horde, a towering figure emerged¡ªa monstrous brute over four meters tall. It stomped forward, shoving smaller zombies aside as it cleared a path.


    "Zack, heads up! We''ve got a big one!" Erza''s urgent voice crackled in his comm as she spotted the brute from her post.


    Zack''s lips curled into a smirk. "Well, well. We meet again." He watched as the massive Lord zombie forced its way through the horde, completely unbothered by the raging firestorm. With a quick flick, Zack activated his thrusters, launching himself straight into the thick of the zombie swarm to face it head-on.


    The moment his feet hit the ground, he steadied himself. The armor on his wrists shifted, sliding back to reveal twin laser launchers. "Made a few upgrades," he muttered, grinning to himself. "Let''s see if you''ve been keeping up." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Lord zombie charged forward, but Zack was ready. He fired the lasers, spinning rapidly as the beams extended outward in twin red circles. The deadly energy sliced cleanly through everything it touched. Zombies barely had time to react before their bodies were severed in an instant.


    When Zack stopped spinning, the Lord zombie froze mid-step, then collapsed¡ªsplit perfectly in two. The massive halves hit the ground with a heavy thud. All around him, the other zombies within a hundred meters dropped as well, sliced apart. Taller ones were cut at the shoulders, while shorter ones lost their heads entirely. The wounds were burned black, with no blood flowing¡ªjust charred marks left behind.


    Even the environment wasn''t spared. Nearby trees and telephone poles had been cleaved clean through, their bases melting from the heat. Zack''s lasers left no room for escape. In just two seconds, the suit''s hydrogen fuel cells were completely drained.


    "Ego, did you bring spares?" Zack called out, tossing the depleted cells aside.


    "Always prepared, Sir," the AI replied smoothly.


    Zack reignited his thrusters, flying back toward the construction gate. Any longer, and he might''ve accidentally sliced through the walls.


    "If you had something that flashy, why not use it earlier?" Erza teased as he landed, a sly grin on her face.


    "Good for clearing the small fry," Zack chuckled, "but it guzzles power. I can only use it once per charge."


    Before they could continue, another wave of zombies surged into the cleared area, quickly filling the gap.


    Zack sighed, reaching for the massive chain sword strapped to his back. He swung it over his shoulder, leaped off the tower, and slammed into the middle of the swarm. With a quick flip of a switch, the chain sword roared to life, its serrated alloy teeth spinning at an insane 4,600 RPM. The blade blurred into a deadly whirlwind.


    "Let''s go!" Zack shouted, swinging the sword in a wide horizontal arc. Zombies crumpled under its path, their heads and torsos shredded like paper. Even the hardest skulls offered no resistance. It was like slicing through air.


    "Damn, there''s no feedback," he grumbled, annoyed by the lack of sensation as the weapon tore through enemies effortlessly. "Ego, simulate some resistance. Make it feel like I''m hitting something solid."


    "Adjustments complete, Sir," Ego replied.


    The simulated feedback made all the difference. Zack found his rhythm, his attacks becoming faster and more precise. He mowed down wave after wave of undead, his chain sword buzzing like a sawmill. Overhead, his shoulder-mounted Vulcan machine gun fired short bursts, cutting down zombies before they could get close.


    The horde was relentless, an endless black tide rolling across the landscape. Zack stood firm, carving through the undead with unwavering determination. But then he noticed something strange¡ªthe flow of zombies was thinning.


    "What''s going on, Ego?" Zack asked, his tone sharp with suspicion.

 Chapter 45: Zombie Wave (7)

    Chapter 45 - Zombie Wave (7)"Sir, the horde appears to be splitting. A large portion has diverted toward NYC," the AI reported.


    Zack turned his attention to his satellite feed. Among the swarm, he spotted a peculiar figure¡ªa zombie that looked almost human. Its pale, sunken eyes glimmered with unsettling intelligence. It raised its head and let out a piercing roar, its frequency beyond human hearing.


    Within seconds, the horde shifted. Half the zombies veered off, swarming around the construction site and heading straight for NYC. The satellite view showed the split clearly¡ªlike a river parting around an obstacle.


    "Since when do zombies act tactical?" Zack muttered, narrowing his eyes. "Someone¡ªor something¡ªis giving orders."


    "Ego, what do you think?" Zack pressed.


    "Just before the horde changed direction, I detected a faint high-frequency sound wave," Ego explained. "It seemed to trigger their behavior."


    "A signal?" Zack''s mind raced. "Can you trace where it came from?"


    "Unfortunately, it was too weak to pinpoint, but it originated about ten kilometers away, near the rear of the horde."


    That was the same area where Antonny''s team had been bombing earlier. Zack''s jaw tightened as a grim realization set in. If there was something commanding the zombies, it had to be dealt with¡ªand fast.


    "Ego, scan the horde. Map out any mutated zombies. I need a full report," Zack ordered.


    "Understood, Sir. Also, the transport plane has arrived with fresh ammunition," Ego added.


    High above, the LSI satellite adjusted its lens, scanning the horde and tagging mutated zombies with red markers. Meanwhile, a transport helicopter approached, loaded with supplies¡ªa much-needed lifeline. But Zack''s attention shifted to the skyline, where he spotted Hunters scaling skyscrapers, heading for the incoming helicopter.


    "Hang tight!" Zack called to Erza before blasting into the air. His Vulcan gun roared, its rapid fire shattering glass and tearing into the creatures, sending them plummeting to the ground.


    Suddenly, a fighter jet screamed into view, slicing through the air with lethal precision. The young pilot, Ava, gripped the controls tightly, her expression hard as she lined up the Hunters in her sights. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "For Cole!" Ava''s voice crackled over the comms. She pulled the trigger, and the jet''s cannons thundered. Bullets shredded the Hunters, their remains falling like crimson rain.


    "Who''s the hotshot?" Zack asked, impressed.


    "Ava, 21. Air Force Academy trainee. First live combat mission," Ego informed.


    "A trainee? She''s flying like a pro," Zack muttered.


    Ava finished a sharp vertical dive, her eyes cold and focused. Her voice came through the comms again, calm and steady. "Unknown aircraft, this is Ava. Captain Antonny sent me to help. I''ve got four air bombs on board. Let me know if you need them."


    Zack nodded, replying, "Good to have you with us, Ava." His sharp eyes scanned the nearby Hunters, some still lurking dangerously close. His Vulcan gun roared to life again, firing in precise, controlled sweeps, each shot cutting down the remaining creatures like they were falling rain.


    Once the area was secured, the transport helicopter, piloted remotely by Ego, began its descent, loaded with vital supplies.


    "We''ll catch up soon!" Antonny''s voice crackled through Zack''s earpiece. On the horizon, the shadowy shapes of three bombers emerged, moving steadily toward the battlefield.


    "You saw how the zombie horde split into two waves, right?" Zack asked over the radio as he started heading toward the construction site.


    Antonny''s response came quickly. "Yeah, I saw it. Half of them veered off and are already making their way into the city."


    By the time Antonny finished speaking, Zack had landed and stepped into the helicopter''s cargo hold. He moved swiftly, detaching the bomb compartment on his suit and replacing it with two hydrogen fuel cells for his wrist-mounted laser launcher. Nearby, his mechanical dogs and weaponized spiders were busy reloading, grabbing fresh supplies of ammunition and poison canisters.


    "If you want to help, chase them down and blow them apart!" Zack barked through the comms, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Don''t let them reach the city¡ªthere are survivors there!"


    Without waiting for a reply, Zack launched back into the air, heading toward the rear of the massive zombie horde. Behind his visor, his eyes narrowed as Ego, his AI assistant, marked the zombies'' positions on a real-time map.


    The map filled rapidly with red dots. Each small dot represented mutated zombies like Hunters or Bloaters, while larger ones marked the towering Juggernauts. The sheer number of mutants was staggering, forming dense clusters throughout the horde. But Zack''s focus sharpened when he noticed something unusual¡ªa particularly concentrated group of both regular and mutant zombies, their numbers rivaling even the densest parts of the swarm.


    "Found you," Zack muttered, locking onto the target and accelerating toward it.


    Meanwhile, the splinter group from the main horde pressed on, advancing rapidly toward the industrial district where the steel mill stood. Though their numbers were smaller¡ªabout 700,000¡ªthey were still a formidable force, enough to overrun the mill if left unchecked.


    The first line of defense was Zack''s mechanical dogs. One stationed on a newly built watchtower outside the mill activated as the zombies approached. Its glowing blue eyes turned an ominous red, and the heavy machine gun mounted on its back rose into position while its missile launcher prepared to fire. The moment the zombies came into range, it unleashed a relentless barrage.


    Inside the steel mill, the tension was palpable. Charles, the plant manager, stared at a glass of water on his desk, watching its surface ripple with each distant rumble. He didn''t need to look outside to know what was coming.


    "A zombie wave?" someone muttered nervously, their face pale.


    "What do we do, Charles?" another asked, their voice trembling with panic.


    "Run, Charles!" shouted one of the newer workers¡ªa young man, one of over thirty recent transfers from the prison. The fear in his voice was contagious, and a few others edged toward the exits, ready to flee.


    "Calm down!" Charles''s commanding voice cut through the rising chaos. Despite his seventy years, his presence carried a weight that steadied the room. "Sir Zack is on his way. We just need to hold the line until he gets here."


    His words brought a flicker of confidence, especially among the long-time steel mill workers who trusted Zack. Nodding in unison, they took their positions, preparing for the fight ahead. Meanwhile, Zack''s transport helicopter, fully stocked with ammunition, lifted off from the construction site and sped toward the mill.


    Outside, the mechanical dog on the watchtower let out a mechanical whir before its gun erupted in a thunderous rhythm, mowing down the first wave of zombies.


    "They''re here!" Charles yelled. "Get your weapons and defend the walls!"


    The mill''s defenses, built under Zack''s guidance, were solid. The walls had been reinforced with thick steel and pig iron, and platforms allowed defenders to fire from above. Traps lined the perimeter, ready to spring at just the right moment.


    Veteran workers scrambled to the walls, rifles in hand, their movements quick and efficient. These were survivors¡ªfactory workers and their families who had faced zombie waves before. But the newcomers, most of them young and inexperienced, were restless.


    "Where are our guns?" one of them shouted, frustration and fear blending in his voice.


    "Yeah, why do they get all the weapons?" another added, clearly panicking.

 Chapter 46: Zombie Wave (8)

    Chapter 46 - Zombie Wave (8)Charles turned to them. He pulled out his own pistol and held it out. "Here. Take it and get on the wall."


    A heavy silence fell over the group. No one stepped forward to take the weapon. They wanted to be armed, but none of them were brave enough to face the danger head-on. Charles shook his head in disgust, pocketed the pistol, and climbed the wall himself, rifle in hand.


    Zack had left behind small-caliber rifles and submachine guns during his last supply run. While these weapons were far from ideal, they were all the defenders had to hold the line against the zombie horde.


    "Steady your aim!" Charles barked as he fired round after round, each shot finding its mark. Despite his age, his precision was remarkable, with every bullet striking a zombie''s head.


    "When I was a soldier, if I missed a shot from this range, my squad leader would''ve had my hide," he muttered to himself, his voice carrying a mix of pride and grit. The acrid smell of gunpowder filled the air, dragging memories of his military days to the surface. But there was no time to dwell on the past. The zombies kept coming, and the worst was yet to arrive.


    The next wave surged forward, a dark, seething mass of the undead that stretched as far as the eye could see. Even the most seasoned defenders froze at the sight, their hands trembling as they reloaded.


    "It''s over... we''re done for!" someone shouted, their voice cracking with despair.


    Charles clenched his teeth, his heart pounding in his chest. "Don''t panic!" he called out, though the strain in his voice betrayed his own fear. He stared out at the approaching swarm, realizing just how badly he had underestimated the scale of this attack. This was unlike anything he''d seen before. Hundreds of thousands of zombies surged toward them, unstoppable¡ªand this was just the beginning. The real horde, millions strong, was still out there, bearing down on the city.


    A terrified scream snapped him back to reality. "Charles! Help me!"


    He turned to see a group of mutated zombies breaking through, their speed and strength overwhelming the defenders. Small-caliber bullets barely slowed them down. The wall was starting to collapse.


    A loud thud sounded behind Charles, snapping his attention away from the fight. He spun around, eyes widening at the sight of a massive mechanical spider decorated with cartoonish designs. From inside the machine, a voice called out, "Grandpa! We''re here to help!" It was Annie.


    "Annie!" Charles exclaimed, his worry momentarily replaced with relief as she piloted the mecha closer. Standing over three meters tall, the spider-like machine darted forward with surprising speed. It reached the wall, leaping effortlessly over it and landing with a crash, immediately blocking the advancing zombie horde. With fluid precision, its twin mechanical arms lifted, unleashing a torrent of machine-gun fire that tore through the undead. Despite its enormous size, the mech moved gracefully, almost like a gymnast, belying its close-to-a-ton weight.


    Though spider-like in appearance, the mecha walked upright on two legs, with its other limbs converted into highly functional arms. Its design gave it an almost human-like stance. Charles''s concern deepened when he realized Annie was piloting the armor herself. "Annie! Get back here! It''s too dangerous!" he shouted, his voice laced with fear. Seeing her alone on the frontlines made his chest tighten with worry.


    "Don''t worry, Grandpa¡ªI''m not alone," she replied with calm confidence.


    Heavy footsteps echoed from behind, catching Charles''s attention again. He turned to see another familiar figure in exoskeleton armor¡ªMV-01¡ªaccompanied by five more spider-shaped robots marching in formation.


    "Sir Zack?!" he called out, hoping it was Zack who had arrived to back them up.


    Annie''s voice quickly corrected him. "Grandpa, that''s not my brother¡ªit''s Sister Sophia!" she said, revealing the unexpected ally.


    As it turned out, before Zack left, he had given Sophia permission to use the MV-01 armor for self-defense. Now, Sophia and Annie had brought the entire spider squad from the mansion to reinforce Charles and his group.


    "Charles, leave this to us! You and your team fall back to the second line of defense," Sophia ordered, her voice steady despite the chaos. She stood atop the wall, gripping a heavy machine gun in one hand and a belt of ammunition in the other, spraying bullets at the undead with practiced precision.


    Realizing the platform was too crowded for everyone to fight effectively, Charles nodded and rallied his group. "Everyone, retreat to the second line! Move to the factory roof!" he commanded, leading his team away toward a ring of barbed wire they had set up as a last-resort defense.


    "Spiders, combat mode¡ªactivate!" Sophia commanded as Charles and his group retreated. The mechanical spiders immediately deployed onto the wall''s platform, locking their light machine guns onto the advancing horde. In perfectly coordinated bursts, they unleashed waves of bullets, each bot firing until its magazine was empty. When one side of the gun ran out, they rotated to use their secondary weapons, ensuring constant firepower.


    Sophia, still adjusting to the MV-01 armor, struggled slightly with the recoil of her heavy machine gun. "Annie, how do I fix the force feedback on this suit? My arms are going numb!" she called out over the com.


    "Sister Sophia, the MV-01 doesn''t have force feedback!" Annie replied, sounding amused even in the chaos.


    From her position on the ground, Annie fired relentlessly at the zombie swarm closing in. But unlike others who saw a horrifying, bloodthirsty mob, Annie''s view was entirely different. In her eyes, the zombies appeared like characters from a video game¡ªcartoonish and exaggerated. Each shot she fired brought up effects like "MISS" or "Headshot!" above her targets. It was Zack''s doing¡ªhe had designed the interface for Annie''s mech to shield her from the battlefield''s grim reality, turning it into something playful and less terrifying.


    Annie smiled softly, recognizing her brother''s effort to protect her in his own way. "Sister," she called out to Sophia through the com, her voice carrying a teasing tone, "do you like my brother? Because I do¡ªI always have."


    Sophia chuckled, assuming Annie was just being lighthearted. "Be careful, Annie! If it gets too crazy, fall back to the wall!"


    Sophia kept firing, the mechanical dog beside her barking as it launched a volley of micro-missiles into the horde. Explosions tore through the undead, scattering limbs and blood everywhere. The gruesome sight almost made Sophia gag, but Annie remained focused, unbothered as she calmly continued taking her shots.


    When her clip ran empty, Annie switched tactics. Blades extended from her mech''s arms, and she charged headfirst into the horde, slicing through the undead with precision and ease. "Come on, Sister! Join me!" she shouted, her excitement evident. Every kill added to her score on the HUD, with cheerful notifications like "+100 points" popping up in the corner of her display.


    "Annie, stay focused!" Sophia''s tone turned serious. Just then, a chilling warning echoed over the com.


    Annie glanced up and froze. Charging toward her was a massive, monstrous zombie towering over everything else on the battlefield. Her HUD labeled it as a "Boss."


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 Chapter 47: Zombie Wave (9)

    Chapter 47 - Zombie Wave (9)Despite the cartoonish overlay, she could sense its danger. The brute¡ªknown as the Lord¡ªwas nearly four meters tall, a hulking beast barreling forward like a tank.


    Sophia acted without hesitation. She leaped off the platform, sprinting toward Annie. "Annie, MOVE!" she shouted, shoving her out of the creature''s path just in time. The Lord''s massive frame collided with Sophia instead, sending her flying like a ragdoll. Her MV-01 suit slammed into the steel wall with a deafening crash, leaving a dent before she crumpled to the ground.


    "Sophia!" Annie screamed, horror filling her voice.


    Sophia coughed, blood trickling from her lips. The outdated suit lacked modern shock absorption, leaving her badly injured from the impact. Her vision swam as she struggled to speak. "Annie... stay back..."


    But the Lord wasn''t done. It roared, raising its massive fists to crush Sophia where she lay.


    Annie''s eyes darkened, her playful demeanor vanishing. "Tarantula," she ordered, "turn off the image filter." The battlefield''s true, bloody horror filled her vision as the cheerful overlay disappeared.


    Her fury erupted. "Don''t you dare hurt my sister!" she shouted, launching high-tensile spider silk from her mech''s arms. The sticky threads latched onto the Lord, slowing its advance as Annie dug her mechanical legs into the ground, bracing against the strain.


    "Tarantula, power warning! Insufficient energy!" the AI alerted her.


    "I don''t care!" Annie roared, pushing the mech to its limit. The silk stretched tighter and tighter until Annie suddenly let go, snapping the tension.


    The impact sent Annie''s spider mech flying through the air, propelling her like a missile straight at the towering Lord. As she hurtled forward, she extended her arm blades, locking onto the creature''s exposed back.


    With a metallic screech, her blades pierced deep into the monster''s flesh. The Lord roared in anger, thrashing its massive arms to knock her off. But Annie held on, moving with the precision and grace of her mech, dodging its wild swipes while driving her blades even deeper. She aimed for its neck, hoping to sever its spine.


    The creature''s fury only grew, its massive muscles rippling unnaturally, as if something alive squirmed beneath its skin. Its wounds began healing at an alarming rate, knitting together as if pain only fueled its strength.


    "I can do this! My brother told me I could!" Annie shouted, her voice fierce and unwavering.


    With a final, determined thrust, she buried her blade into the creature''s neck wound, tearing it open further. In one swift motion, she pulled a micro-missile from her belt and jammed it into the gaping wound.


    "Tarantula, set detonation for three seconds!" she commanded through gritted teeth.


    "Three!"


    "Two!"


    "One!"


    Annie leapt away from the creature just as the timer hit zero. In midair, she fired a strand of spider silk, yanking Sophia to safety with her.


    The explosion erupted in a fiery burst, obliterating most of the Lord''s towering form. The blast lit up the battlefield, scattering zombies and momentarily halting their relentless advance. The shockwave even tore apart a section of the steel plant, leaving its defenses crumbling. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh no," Annie realized, panic setting in. Without the plant''s walls to hold back the swarm, the zombies would flood in. She pushed Sophia into cover, bracing herself for the next wave.


    Despite the destruction, Annie wasn''t about to back down. She charged back into the fray with her spider mech, cutting through the undead with swift, deadly precision. Her twin blades slashed relentlessly, her movements almost a blur. She was a one-woman army holding the line against the endless tide.


    But the zombies kept coming, pouring in from every direction, choking the streets and overwhelming what was left of the steel plant''s defenses.


    "I''m sorry, Sophia," Annie whispered, her voice heavy with guilt. "I messed this up..."


    "You''ve done more than enough," Sophia replied, her determination cutting through her pain as she joined the defensive line.


    Nearby, five spider mechs and the mechanical dog, now out of ammo, switched to melee combat, tearing into the horde. On the roof, Charles and his team fired desperately into the mass of zombies below, but the flood was unstoppable. The steel plant was drowning in the undead.


    Boom! Boom!


    Explosions suddenly rocked the battlefield as bombs rained down from above. Three bombers and a fighter jet roared past, dropping payloads that ignited the zombie ranks in massive fireballs. The relentless tide finally broke, the flames carving a path through the swarm and scattering them.


    With air support clearing the horde, Annie cheered, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Sophia, we held the line!"


    The steel plant had survived¡ªjust barely.


    Across the city, Zack hovered above the zombie-infested streets, monitoring the battle through updates from Ego, his AI companion. He had already marked the steel plant as a fallback point and sent five additional spider mechs as reinforcements.


    "Did they hold?" Zack asked, his voice calm but tense.


    "Confirmed, sir. The defense held," Ego replied.


    "Good. Retrieve the spiders," Zack ordered, already planning his next move.


    "Should we send them to the construction site?" Ego inquired.


    "No. Redirect them to me," Zack said firmly.


    The spider mechs weren''t just expendable soldiers; they were designed for strategic versatility. Unlike the more expensive mechanical dogs, the spiders were equipped with a self-destruct feature. Using them as suicide units was cost-effective, though Zack still preferred not to waste resources unnecessarily.


    "Position the spiders here," Zack said, marking five points on his HUD map.


    As he spoke, Zack''s gaze shifted to the zombie horde below¡ªa vast, blackened sea of charred bodies and rising smoke. The battlefield looked like a vision of hell.


    "Threat detected at three o''clock," Ego alerted him.


    Zack turned toward a small hill to his right, where nearly a hundred mutated zombies stood motionless, guarding something. Among them were towering Lords, their powerful frames far more menacing than the regular undead.


    "So, this is what you''ve been hiding," Zack muttered, narrowing his eyes.


    Hovering closer, he focused on a massive zombie at the center of the hill. It was nearly five meters tall, its muscular frame covered in rock-like gray skin. Long, gorilla-like arms dangled low to the ground, and glowing silver lines traced its body, making it look like a monstrous silverback.


    "New variant detected. Recording data," Ego said. "Shall we call it the Silverback?"


    "Works for me," Zack replied, his gaze fixed on the creature.


    "The Silverback appears capable of leading other zombies, indicating human-level intelligence," Ego continued. "Extreme caution is advised."


    Zack smirked. "If it''s carbon-based, it''s killable."


    He descended toward the hill, drawing the attention of the undead. Below, the Silverback let out a guttural roar, pounding its chest like a gorilla. The sound echoed across the battlefield, challenging Zack.


    "You really think you''re King Kong?" Zack muttered, raising his hands.


    He fired concentrated energy beams at the Silverback, but they barely left a mark on its dense, rock-hard skin. The creature roared in rage and leapt high into the air, nearly reaching Zack''s position.


    "Well, that''s new," Zack said, readying himself for a real fight.

 Chapter 48: Zombie Wave (10)

    Chapter 48 - Zombie Wave (10)"New entry: The Silverback has incredible defense and insane jumping ability," Ego noted.


    "No kidding," Zack muttered, pulling back to a safer altitude. Once he was out of reach, he let loose his full arsenal.


    The rotating barrels of his Vulcan machine gun hummed to life, unleashing a hail of bullets. At the same time, the missile pod on his shoulder launched a barrage of micro-missiles. Explosions ripped through the hillside, engulfing the monstrous zombie and a nearby cluster of undead in a massive fireball.


    "Ego, scan the area!" Zack barked as the flames roared below.


    "There''s still activity... one life form detected," Ego replied, its tone edged with concern.


    Zack''s jaw tightened. He reached back and pulled out his chain sword, the weapon roaring to life as its teeth spun. Ignoring the inferno below, Zack descended through the flames. His war machine''s armor made the heat irrelevant. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From the smoldering remains, The Silverback emerged, its skin blackened and peeling away, revealing burned, bloody muscle underneath. The fact that it was still standing was unbelievable.


    "You still want more? Fine," Zack growled, landing firmly on the ground and charging toward the monster.


    "Left thruster, full power!" he ordered.


    A blast from his left thruster propelled Zack out of the way just as The Silverback lunged at him. Using the momentum, he swung his chain sword, carving deep into the creature''s thigh. Blood sprayed everywhere as The Silverback roared in pain, its muscles twitching and struggling to close the gash.


    "It''s over," Zack muttered. Before the creature could recover, he leapt onto its back. With a powerful swing, he drove his chain sword into the back of its neck. The blade buzzed and tore through flesh, grinding against bone.


    The Silverback thrashed wildly, trying to shake him off. Zack held firm. "Stay down!" he shouted, forcing the blade deeper until there was a sickening crack. The creature''s head fell to the ground with a heavy thud, followed by its massive body collapsing in a cloud of dust.


    The battlefield grew eerily quiet, except for the faint, dying growls of The Silverback. Zack barely had time to catch his breath before a piercing roar echoed from deep within the zombie horde. Ego''s voice broke the silence.


    "Sir, I believe there''s been a mistake. Actually, you made a mistake," Ego said, its tone dry.


    "Huh?" Zack frowned, clearly confused.


    "I''m picking up another high-frequency signal. The source is now pinpointed. Margin of error is less than 50 meters," Ego explained. A red marker flashed on Zack''s HUD map.


    "Wait, you''re telling me the zombie I just killed wasn''t controlling the horde?" Zack''s disbelief was obvious. "Are you serious? We got tricked by a zombie?"


    "Sir, the spiders are in position," Ego informed him. Right on cue, a transport helicopter appeared overhead.


    "Perfect timing!" Zack grinned. "Have one of the spiders follow me. Deploy the others to the target area and prep them for detonation."


    Activating his thrusters, Zack shot toward the coordinates where the roar had originated. Below him stretched an endless sea of zombies. Despite the overwhelming number, there was no sign of another mutant.


    With the error margin of 50 meters, the search radius spanned over 8,000 square meters. Finding one specific zombie in that swarm could take hours, but Zack had no intention of wasting time.


    "Ego, are the spiders ready?"


    "Yes, sir. They''ve been deployed and are standing by for detonation," Ego confirmed as the helicopter released the final spider to join Zack.


    "Good. Blow them!" Zack commanded.


    "Spider 4, 11, 12, and 3 will detonate Hydrogen Fuel Cells in three seconds," Ego responded. Zack''s HUD dimmed to shield his eyes as the world around him plunged into darkness.


    A split second later, four blinding flashes lit up the landscape like miniature suns, their light blossoming into massive mushroom clouds. Zack''s jaw dropped.


    "Whoa. That''s... insane," he muttered, watching in awe as the explosions grew. He had underestimated the raw power of those hydrogen fuel cells.


    Moments later, the shockwaves hit¡ªan earth-shaking roar accompanied by tremors that rattled his armor. Below him, chaos erupted. Zombies were thrown into disarray, some crushed in the stampede, while others closer to the blasts were obliterated.


    Within a 200-meter radius of each explosion, there was nothing left¡ªjust charred earth and ash. The primary blast zones, spanning nearly 500 meters each, had wiped out vast portions of the horde, leaving only scattered pockets of undead still standing.


    From her position on a sentry tower at the construction site, Erza watched the mushroom clouds rise into the sky, their light piercing through the darkness. Her flames flickered as she whispered in disbelief, "Was that... a nuke?"


    At the same time, Antonny and his team were flying over a steel mill when they spotted the explosions on the horizon. The pilot''s voice crackled over the comms, filled with shock. "Are those nuclear bombs?"


    "No," Antonny replied grimly, his gaze fixed on the distance. "Too small for nukes. That''s something else entirely."


    Beside him, Ava stared silently, her thoughts drawn to the black-armored figure they had encountered before. Somehow, she knew he was behind this.


    Back at the blast zone, Zack steadied himself mid-air, recovering from the shock. The destruction was absolute¡ªmillions of zombies gone in an instant. Those outside the immediate radius weren''t spared either. Their flesh peeled away from the intense heat, leaving nothing but charred remains.


    Then came a new sound¡ªa defiant roar cutting through the carnage. Ego chimed in. "Sir, I''ve identified the source."


    An arrow appeared on Zack''s HUD, pointing to a zombie on the ground. Unlike the others, it didn''t cower or flee. It stood still, glaring up at Zack with something almost like hatred.


    "That''s it?" Zack muttered in disbelief. "You''re kidding, right? It looks just like the rest of them..."


    Zack studied the zombie closely. There was nothing remarkable about it¡ªits appearance and energy levels were ordinary, just like any low-level zombie. He raised his hand, his palm cannon glowing as it powered up. A beam of white light shot out, piercing through the zombie and leaving a fist-sized hole.


    "Not much for defense," Zack muttered, unimpressed.


    But then the zombie moved. Slowly, it pushed itself back up, as though the gaping wound meant nothing. Its hollow, lifeless eyes locked onto Zack, and its jaw fell open in a silent, eerie roar. Suddenly, there was movement all around as countless zombies surged toward it. They ignored the deadly radiation from the mushroom clouds, many of them collapsing instantly from the heat. But others kept coming, their flesh burning and falling away, leaving charred bones and mangled skin.

 Chapter 49: Zombie Wave (Final)

    Chapter 49 - Zombie Wave (Final)The horde responded as one, rushing to the zombie''s call. They piled onto each other, creating a grotesque pyramid of bodies beneath Zack. The writhing, climbing mass rose higher and higher, growing taller with every moment. It was a horrifying sight¡ªa tower of corpses clawing its way toward him.


    "Did the zombie just... retreat?" Erza gasped, her voice heavy with exhaustion as she watched from the construction site. She stared in shock as the wave of zombies that had surrounded them suddenly turned, heading toward the mushroom clouds. From her vantage point, she could see only a growing black mound, rising like a dark mountain on the horizon.


    "Ego, scan it," Zack ordered, his calm voice cutting through the chaos as he hovered above the rising corpse tower.


    "Analysis complete," Ego replied. "This zombie isn''t human. It''s made entirely of pathogenic material."


    Zack''s brow furrowed. "Not human? Are you saying this could be a mature form of the Sarcoma?"


    "Yes, sir," Ego confirmed. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack''s mind raced. "Track where the last horde came from."


    A red route appeared on his display, marking a path on the map. Zack narrowed his eyes. "They''re heading for the nuclear power plant."


    The confirmation solidified his suspicions. Below him, the tower of zombies continued to rise, now nearly at his level. "Ego, deploy the spider," Zack said, his voice steady.


    From above, a helicopter hovered as a mechanical spider dropped from its hatch, plummeting toward the horde. Its countdown timer was already active.


    "Sir, you need to leave the area immediately," Ego urged.


    Zack glanced one last time at the leader zombie, locking eyes with the creature. It tilted its head upward, letting out another silent roar of defiance. Ego''s voice sharpened. "Sir, now!"


    Finally, Zack fired his thrusters, blasting away from the scene at supersonic speed. Moments later, a bright flash lit the sky. The spider detonated, unleashing a sphere of white-hot energy. A mushroom cloud rose in its wake, engulfing the zombie horde below. Those caught in the center were vaporized instantly; others at the edges were charred to ash in the intense heat.


    At the heart of the explosion, the leader zombie disintegrated in seconds. Without it, the rest of the horde scattered, wandering aimlessly once more.


    Miles away, inside an armed helicopter, a woman in a sleek black combat suit watched the scene unfold on a monitor. Her expression was calm, but her eyes betrayed her shock. "The leader... it''s dead," she said quietly.


    Beside her, a rough voice broke the silence. "Plum, how are you going to explain this to the ?"


    A heavily-accented Russian voice chimed in. "We were supposed to bring it back alive." The speaker was a towering man with a metallic sheen to his skin, his massive frame barely fitting into the cramped helicopter cabin.


    In the corner, a man dressed like a traditional Japanese warrior sat silently, his mask concealing his expression.


    The woman, Plum, shot the Russian a sharp glare. "I don''t answer to anyone," she said coldly in his language.


    The giant opened his mouth to argue but hesitated when he saw a strange flicker of white light in her eyes. He quickly shut up, shrinking back into his seat. Plum scoffed, turning her attention back to the monitor. Her gaze softened as she stared at the ruined city in the distance. ''I''m sorry... Mom couldn''t save you...'' she thought, a hint of sorrow crossing her face.


    If Zack or Sophia had been there, they would''ve been stunned. Plum was none other than Lillian Lane¡ªSophia''s mother.


    The leader zombie''s death brought the nightmare to an end, but the cost was devastating. The outskirts of New York City were reduced to a scorched wasteland. Roads, towns¡ªeverything had been obliterated in the blast. The hydrogen fuel cell''s radiation turned the area into a lifeless zone, and radioactive dust began to spread.


    Flying over the ruins, Zack''s expression darkened. "Now I see why they call nukes the Sword of Damocles," he murmured. He had underestimated the destructive power¡ªand the aftermath¡ªof the hydrogen fuel cells. While not as devastating as a nuclear bomb, their radiation fallout was still deadly.


    "This isn''t a sustainable weapon," he decided. "When I get back, I''ll cancel the self-destruct setting on the spider drones." With that, he turned his attention to designing a safer alternative.


    As Zack returned to the construction site, the scene was grim. The once-overwhelming horde was gone, but their remains covered the area. Corpses filled every low-lying spot, forming hills of rotting flesh. The stench of decay was overwhelming.


    "Ego, how many units are still functional?" Zack asked as he landed.


    "Four mechanical dogs are operational," Ego replied. "Three are heavily damaged, and two are beyond repair. None of the spiders are functional; four are damaged, and six are completely destroyed. To prevent accidents, I''ve disabled their batteries."


    "Scrap the damaged ones for parts," Zack ordered. Immediately, the remaining dogs began dismantling the broken machines, sorting usable components into neat piles.


    In the distance, a helicopter approached, skirting the edge of the radiation zone. On the ground, Sarah, her red hair disheveled, led a group of survivors toward Zack.


    "You..." Sarah hesitated, looking at him. "You saved us."


    "Z-Zack..." she stammered. "I don''t even know what to say..."


    The helicopter began to land, its rotors kicking up dust. Zack glanced at it, then back at Sarah. "If you''ve got something to say, just say it. Am I that scary?" he asked with a faint smile.


    Taking a deep breath, Sarah steadied herself and forced her voice to sound confident, the same energy she had as "Erza" coming through. "Zack, we want to join you!"


    Zack blinked, caught off guard for a moment, before quickly piecing it together. "Alright."


    "Huh? You... agreed?" Sarah stammered, just as surprised as the survivors standing behind her.


    "Yeah," Zack said casually. "I don''t mind having more people around. Food and water aren''t a problem for me¡ªI''ve got an unlimited power supply, and the drones help maintain order. Adding a few extra mouths isn''t a big deal. But," his tone grew sharper, "you''ll have to prove yourselves useful. You''ll work for me."


    "No problem!" Sarah agreed without hesitation. As someone who had managed a survivor base before, she knew the struggles of taking in new people¡ªfood shortages, riots, theft. What she didn''t know was that Zack had already planned for such problems. He wasn''t taking them in out of kindness¡ªhe needed workers.


    The helicopter landed, and Zack gestured toward it. "Get on."


    Sarah nodded but only managed a single step before her legs gave out and she collapsed.


    "Erza!" The survivors rushed toward her in panic, but Zack caught her just before she hit the ground.


    "Ego, scan her," he ordered.


    "Her neural activity is weakened," Ego replied, its voice steady. "Moderate damage to her nervous system, likely from overusing her abilities."


    "She''s fine," Zack told the others calmly. "Just passed out from exhaustion." He gently placed Sarah on the back of a mechanical dog, which carried her onto the helicopter.


    The survivors murmured their thanks, helping load supplies onto the chopper before boarding.


    "Ego, stay with me," Zack said firmly, heading for the cockpit.


    Starting the helicopter, Zack lifted off, the second chopper¡ªcontrolled by Ego¡ªrising right behind them. On the way to the steel plant, Zack spotted a group of three bombers and a fighter jet flying in formation in the opposite direction.


    Switching to the radio frequency, he made contact. "Antonny, is that you?"


    The response crackled through. "Yeah. We''re heading back to the Capital base. Running low on fuel."


    "Thanks for your help earlier," Zack replied sincerely, but his eyes shifted toward Ego.


    "Ego, follow them. I want intel on the Capital''s situation."

 Chapter 50: Can I Join?

    Chapter 50 - Can I Join?Ego confirmed the order without hesitation. While Zack appreciated Antonny''s assistance, their group''s military strength made him cautious. The government might have collapsed, but the weapons they left behind¡ªnuclear warheads, missiles, advanced tech¡ªwere still out there.


    When Zack arrived at the steel plant, he saw the streets below littered with zombie corpses, some already being cleared by people working in small groups under Charles''s supervision. Armed guards stood nearby, keeping watch for any threats.


    ''Good thing I left Charles in charge,'' Zack thought, observing the organized efforts. He landed the helicopter smoothly, and as he stepped out, familiar voices rose in excitement.


    "Sir Zack is back!"


    "Sir Zack!"


    Zack''s old crew from the steel plant cheered, and Charles hurried over, his face lighting up despite the exhaustion etched on it.


    "Sir Zack, we held the factory! It''s safe!" Charles reported with pride. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack''s expression softened in approval, but his eyes quickly narrowed when he noticed something. "Charles, what happened to your hand?"


    Charles glanced at his heavily bandaged left arm, brushing it off casually. "Just a scratch. I figured it was safer to cut it off before it got worse."


    Zack nodded, masking his concern. "Staying alive is what matters."


    "How''s the rest of the factory?" Zack asked, steering the conversation away.


    Charles sighed heavily. "We lost eleven people¡ªsix veterans and five newer recruits. The vets fought bravely. The others... they panicked and got bitten." His voice lowered. "One of the veterans is still alive but barely hanging on. He won''t make it."


    Zack felt a pang of regret. Seventeen of the original crew remained, but they had already lost so many. He knew what had to be done. "Cremate the bodies," he instructed. "Do what you can for the injured, but if there''s no hope... make it quick and painless."


    Charles nodded solemnly. "Understood."


    "Another group will arrive by helicopter soon," Zack added.


    Charles tensed. "From the prison?"


    "No. These are better," Zack assured him. "They''ve got experience. They''ll fit in."


    Charles visibly relaxed. "If you trust them, we''ll make it work. I just don''t want too many strangers overwhelming the crew."


    "I''ll send a few mechanical dogs to help out," Zack promised before heading toward the factory.


    Inside, tracking signals led Zack to the heart of the plant, where MV-01 and Annie''s spider robots stood guard. Near the entrance, Annie was helping a limping Sophia walk.


    "Brother!" Annie called out, her face lighting up.


    "Zack!" Sophia echoed, trying to smile despite her injuries.


    Zack''s eyes immediately scanned Sophia. "Ego?"


    Ego reported, "Soft tissue damage and minor organ injuries. Recovery is likely with rest and oral medication."


    Zack''s shoulders relaxed. "Alright. Once the helicopter lands, you''re flying back," he told Sophia firmly. "You need rest."


    Sophia frowned. "Really? After everything, now I''m stuck resting?"


    "I get it," Zack said gently. "But you''ve got to recover first."


    Sophia sighed, reluctantly nodding. "Fine... Little Anne..." she murmured under her breath, her expression tinged with sadness.


    Annie tried to cheer her up, smiling brightly. "Don''t worry, Sis! Get some rest, and I''ll take over the cooking!"


    Soon, the helicopter landed. Four mechanical dogs jumped out, immediately starting to clean up the scattered corpses. Behind them, survivors from Erza''s group hesitantly exited, looking around.


    Charles stepped forward, waving them over. As they gathered, he counted seven people¡ªfive men and two women.


    "You five," Charles instructed the men, "take a break, then help clean up the bodies. You two," he turned to the women, "head to the canteen. The others are already there."


    The seven survivors exchanged uncertain glances but, after a moment, nodded and moved to follow his instructions. "Much better than the ones from the prison," Charles muttered approvingly under his breath.


    Meanwhile, Annie helped Sophia into the helicopter. As they stepped inside, parts were scattered all over the floor, and a red-haired woman lay unconscious nearby. Sophia frowned, her brow furrowing. "Is she another survivor?"


    Annie, however, was distracted by something else entirely. "Sis... she''s... um, really... big!"


    Sophia followed Annie''s gaze and blinked in surprise, her eyes widening. "Uh... you''re not wrong." She shook her head, quickly regaining her composure. "Anyway, she''s probably just in a coma. We''d better take her back with us... who knows what might happen if we leave her behind."


    "Okay," Annie agreed easily, her simple nature showing as she turned back to help Sophia settle into her seat. Once Sophia was secure, Annie stepped out of the helicopter, retrieved the MV-01 suit, and drove it into the aircraft. She then returned with her spider robot, which folded its tall frame tightly to fit into the cargo hold.


    Finally, the helicopter lifted off, veering back toward the Mansion. After Annie and Sophia had left, Zack remained behind at the steel plant, seeking out Charles to discuss his next steps.


    The recent battles had left Zack uneasy. His current arsenal felt inadequate, and after some thought, he made a decision: the factory next to the steel plant would be converted into a weapons production facility, focusing on firearms and, most importantly, ammunition. Ego had already designed the factory layout and assembly lines.


    As promising as the plan sounded, Zack faced two major issues¡ªlack of materials and skilled labor. Most of the nearby factories were producing parts, electronics, or chemicals, none of which were suitable for weapons manufacturing. Even if he could gather the necessary supplies, transporting them presented another challenge.


    "One helicopter won''t cut it," Zack muttered, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "I need to solve the transportation problem first."


    After a moment, he spoke aloud. "Ego, got any ideas?"


    Ego responded promptly, "Yes, sir. Check this design."


    A screen popped up in Zack''s vision, displaying a blueprint for a massive plane, almost the size of an aircraft carrier. The codename read Avalanche. Zack''s lips curled into a grin. "Not bad. But there are a lot of materials we don''t have yet. Oh well, as long as it flies and gets the job done, I can always upgrade it later."


    With a satisfied smirk, he gestured at the sky, ready to put his plan into motion. After a quick discussion with Charles, Zack turned to leave the steel plant. Before departing, he assigned all four of his mechanical dogs to stay behind. Along with the original dog already guarding the plant, the facility now had five mechanical guards, enough to ensure security and maintain order for Charles and his team.


    Meanwhile, Annie''s spiders hadn''t fared well in the recent battles. One was beyond repair, and another was heavily damaged. Zack decided to scrap both, leaving him with three functioning units. He ordered the remaining spiders to return to the Mansion on their own.


    With everything settled, Zack boarded his transport. Under Charles''s watchful gaze, the aircraft ascended into the sky, executing a sharp turn before speeding toward the Mansion. Before long, Zack arrived and landed in the open space near the Mansion, leaving the transport door wide open. Taking a quick look inside, he saw that Annie and the others had already unloaded most of the cargo, leaving only stacks of parts behind.


    "Ego, once those three spiders get here, have them move these parts down to the basement," Zack instructed.


    "Consider it done, sir," Ego replied smoothly.

 Chapter 51: Bomb Collar

    Chapter 51 - Bomb CollarRelieved to have some extra help for the manual labor, Zack headed inside the Mansion. He went straight to the basement, where he removed his armor with the help of a mechanical arm. Despite the suit''s air circulation system, sweat clung to his clothes after the intense combat.


    "I need a shower," Zack muttered with a smirk, wrinkling his nose slightly before heading upstairs.


    On the main floor, Zack spotted a familiar figure sprawled on the couch¡ªSarah, still unconscious. Annie was nearby, watching her with wide, curious eyes, her childlike fascination apparent. On another sofa, Sophia eyed Zack with an expression that was hard to read as he stepped off the elevator.


    "Why did you bring her back?" Sophia asked, her tone holding a mix of disbelief and something that might have been jealousy.


    "Huh?" Zack looked genuinely confused. He hadn''t intended to bring Sarah back¡ªhe''d planned to send her to the steel plant. But with everything going on, she''d slipped his mind.


    "Guess it''s fine," he shrugged, muttering to himself. "We''ve got enough room anyway."


    Sophia murmured something under her breath, but Zack cut her off. "Sophia, why don''t you head upstairs and get some rest?"


    She looked away, a little indignant, but allowed Annie to help her to the elevator. As they disappeared, Zack turned his attention back to Sarah, still unconscious on the couch.


    "Ego, you know what I''m thinking, right?" Zack asked, a sly grin on his face.


    "I must caution you, sir," Ego replied dryly, "your idea could earn you three to five years in prison."


    "Oh, shut up," Zack retorted. "I''m just worried she''ll wake up and roast me alive."


    Though Zack''s physical strength had been improving, he knew his real power came from his armor. Sarah, on the other hand, was a walking danger¡ªlike a ticking time bomb. Determined to minimize the risk, Zack hurried back to the basement. When he returned, he was holding a necklace-like device.


    Without waiting for her to wake up, he gently but firmly fastened the device around her neck. It wasn''t just a necklace¡ªit was a failsafe, a remote-controlled bomb Zack could detonate if necessary. Just as the clasp clicked into place, Sarah stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She glanced around, her gaze sharp as it landed on Zack.


    "Where... where am I?" she demanded, her voice rising in alarm as she took in her surroundings. Her hand flew to her neck, fingers brushing against the device. Realization dawned, and her expression shifted to incredulous anger.


    "What the hell?!" she snapped, glaring at Zack. "Did you seriously put a collar on me? Don''t think for a second this makes me yours." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack tried to keep a straight face, but her reaction was a bit much. "Relax. It''s just a tracking device," he said, though even he didn''t sound particularly convincing. "It''s for identifying friend from foe."


    The look she gave him made it clear she didn''t buy it. With a sigh, Zack dropped the act. "Fine. It''s a remote-controlled bomb. If you step out of line, it''ll go off."


    For a moment, she just stared at him, stunned. Then her expression shifted, her eyes narrowing with something almost playful. "Oh, I see. So, if I don''t behave, boom, right?"


    Her gaze lingered on him, and Zack couldn''t tell if she was amused or plotting revenge. "You say you''re not a pervert, but here you are, putting something like this on me," she added, her tone teasing. Then, almost shyly, she mumbled, "It''s not like I''d be that hard to get..." Her face turned faintly red as the words trailed off.


    Zack was at a loss for words, mentally grumbling to his AI companion. "Ego, I''m starting to think her brain''s not working right. Her way of thinking is just... strange."


    Finally, he shrugged and decided to play along. "Think whatever you want," he sighed. "But listen¡ªdon''t mess with it. If you try to take it off, it''ll blow up immediately. So, just behave, okay?"


    Sarah huffed, curling up on the sofa with a muttered complaint. "Everyone acts like they know him, but they don''t know a thing."


    Zack ignored her, grabbing some clean clothes and heading toward the bathroom. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of what was once New York City, now a smoldering wasteland, a helicopter descended. Its spinning blades kicked up thick black dust, briefly exposing scorched bones scattered across the ground.


    As soon as the helicopter landed, a hulking man, towering over three meters, stepped out impatiently. His heavy boots crunched against the charred remains, making a sickening sound. "Finally, some fresh air! Lane, couldn''t we have used a bigger aircraft?" he grumbled in his deep voice.


    "Maybe you should consider losing some weight, Willis," retorted Lillian, stepping off the chopper with a sharp, icy tone.


    Behind them, a silent figure dressed in sleek, futuristic combat gear emerged. The figure''s neon highlights glowed faintly, their mask obscuring any expression. Willis scanned the desolate surroundings, taking in the barren, scorched earth and faintly glowing patches of irradiated soil.


    "How the hell are we supposed to find anything here?" he muttered, sounding frustrated. The land stretched endlessly, devoid of life¡ªno trees, no plants, nothing. He shifted uncomfortably. "And we don''t even have radiation suits."


    The masked figure finally broke their silence, their voice cold and even. "The mission is over. We should leave."


    Willis nodded in reluctant agreement, brushing at the fine layer of radioactive dust collecting on his gear. "Yeah, Lane, I think it''s time to call it. There''s nothing left."


    Just then, the soldier piloting the helicopter jogged over and handed a black communicator to Lillian. "It''s Blackhand," he said briskly before retreating back to his post.


    Lillian''s face darkened as she accepted the device. "What is it, Blackhand?" she snapped.


    Even Willis''s attitude shifted at the mention of the name, though Lillian''s tone carried only thinly veiled disdain. A cold, synthetic voice crackled through the communicator. "Return to base. The mission is over."


    "I can keep searching," Lillian insisted, her voice firm. "I might still find the leader''s body."


    "You''re not searching for the leader," Blackhand cut her off sharply. "And don''t forget¡ªyour daughter is gone."


    Lillian''s stoic expression faltered for a fraction of a second. "But... I can''t shake the feeling she''s still alive. Just let me search one more time."


    "You saw her body, Lillian. The DNA test confirmed it," Blackhand''s voice remained unyielding, each word hitting like a hammer.


    For a moment, Lillian seemed to age years. Her shoulders sagged, and her steely demeanor softened. "What''s the next objective?" she asked quietly, her gaze drifting back toward the wasteland as if clinging to a shred of hope.


    "Head to Texas. There''s a biological sample waiting for retrieval," Blackhand ordered.


    "And New York?" she pressed, her voice barely hiding her desperation. "Who''s handling the man who killed the leader?"


    "That''s not your concern. Others will deal with him," Blackhand replied, his tone icy and final.


    With no further argument, Lillian lowered the communicator and turned back toward the helicopter. Willis and the neon warrior exchanged brief glances but said nothing as they climbed aboard. The helicopter rose into the ash-filled skies, leaving behind the ruins of the once-great city.

 Chapter 52: A break (End Vol 1)

    Chapter 52 - A break (End Vol 1)Back at Zack''s compound, he enjoyed a rare moment of calm. After a refreshing swim, he lounged by the pool, letting the sun warm his skin as a soft breeze rustled the surrounding trees. For once, there were no zombies, no chaos¡ªjust peace.


    "Ego," Zack said, slipping on his sunglasses, "sometimes I think the apocalypse isn''t so bad. Quiet, not too much noise..." He trailed off, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he watched the clouds drift lazily across the sky.


    His peace didn''t last long. When he opened his eyes, Sarah was sprawled out in the chair next to him. Her red hair glinted in the sunlight, and the collar around her neck caught the light.


    Zack frowned. "Do you need something?"


    Sarah rolled her eyes dramatically, then settled back in her chair. She''d been hovering around him all day, and by now, she seemed convinced he wasn''t lying about the collar being a safety measure. "Coward," she muttered under her breath, though her fingers instinctively touched the collar as if to make sure it wasn''t about to explode.


    "This isn''t cowardice¡ªit''s caution," Zack replied, not even looking at her. "You should try it sometime."


    "Got it," Sarah replied with mock enthusiasm, sticking her tongue out at his back as he leaned further into his chair.


    "I can hear you," Zack said with a sigh. He regretted bringing her along¡ªher unpredictable behavior and strange logic always caught him off guard.


    Sarah hummed a little tune, pretending to relax just like Zack, sunglasses and all. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ugh, can''t I get one day of peace?" Zack groaned, finally losing patience.


    "Fine, fine," Sarah said, quieting down, though her grin suggested she''d pushed him just enough for her liking.


    "Big brother!" a cheerful voice called out, shattering what was left of his calm. Annie came running, a wrench in hand, her cheeks smudged with grease. "Can you help me with Tarantula? Something''s wrong..."


    Noticing his annoyed expression, she hesitated. "I''m sorry, I can fix it myself if¡ª"


    "It''s fine," Zack interrupted, waving her over. "I''m not resting anymore, anyway."


    As Zack stood to leave, Sarah perked up. "Can I come too? I haven''t seen it yet."


    Zack shot her an annoyed look, silently mouthing, ''"Get lost."''


    She got the hint, throwing on her sunglasses and flopping back into the chair with a dramatic sigh. "Fine, have your boring robot fun."


    In Annie''s workshop, Zack immediately spotted the problem. Tarantula, her robotic companion, was powered down on the workbench.


    "You''re trying to upgrade her transmission system, aren''t you?" Zack asked, tapping Annie lightly on the forehead.


    "Yeah, she''s too slow during fights," Annie replied, rubbing her forehead.


    "Good idea," Zack said, nodding, "but you forgot something simple."


    "What?" Annie tilted her head, confused.


    "Her AI''s still running on the old system. Upgrading the transmission won''t help if the software can''t keep up."


    "Oh!" Annie gasped, realizing her mistake. "You''re right..."


    Zack chuckled, patting her shoulder. "Don''t sweat it. You''ll figure it out."


    With that, he left her to work, heading to his own station. Activating his displays, Zack leaned back, studying a glowing map of potential armory locations. One, nestled deep in a mountainous region, caught his eye.


    "This is the one," he muttered, narrowing his eyes. His rare moment of peace was officially over.


    "Well, if you''re all set here, I''ll leave you to it," Zack said with a chuckle, clearly amused by Annie''s expression. He gave her a final encouraging pat on the shoulder before walking out of the lab.


    "Phew," Annie exhaled, feeling the heat in her cheeks slowly fade away. She glanced at Tarantula and pouted. "This is all your fault, Tarantula," she whispered, lightly tapping on its metallic shell. "If you''d just kept up, I wouldn''t have embarrassed myself in front of my brother." A moment later, guilt softened her features as she gently rubbed the spot she had tapped. "Sorry about that... didn''t mean to hit you," she murmured.


    Meanwhile, Zack made his way to his workbench, his short break officially over. With a flick of a switch, he brought a series of holographic displays to life, filling the room with a low, steady hum of technology.


    "Ego, pull up all known armory locations across the country," he instructed, his mind already shifting gears to their next strategic move. They needed resources to bolster their defenses, and Zack had a specific type of armory in mind.


    "Mapping completed, sir," Ego replied smoothly as a satellite map materialized on the largest screen. Red markers pinpointed locations scattered across the country. Most were concentrated in the northern regions, but one stood out¡ªa remote armory nestled in the mountains. It was heavily fortified, hidden, and strategically ideal.


    "This is the one," Zack muttered, leaning closer as his eyes locked on the coordinates. Its location was isolated and secure¡ªalmost too well-hidden. If Ego hadn''t cracked the network back before everything fell apart, this place would''ve remained off the radar.


    Zack leaned back in his chair, his expression sharpening with determination. As the plan began to take shape in his mind, he felt the familiar spark of focus ignite. The road ahead wouldn''t be easy, but he was ready to tackle it head-on.


    "Well, if you''re all set here, I''ll leave you to it," Zack said with a chuckle, clearly amused by Annie''s expression. He gave her a final encouraging pat on the shoulder before walking out of the lab.


    "Phew," Annie exhaled, feeling the heat in her cheeks slowly fade away. She glanced at Tarantula and pouted. "This is all your fault, Tarantula," she whispered, lightly tapping on its metallic shell. "If you''d just kept up, I wouldn''t have embarrassed myself in front of my brother." A moment later, guilt softened her features as she gently rubbed the spot she had tapped. "Sorry about that... didn''t mean to hit you," she murmured.


    Meanwhile, Zack made his way to his workbench, his short break officially over. With a flick of a switch, he brought a series of holographic displays to life, filling the room with a low, steady hum of technology.


    "Ego, pull up all known armory locations across the country," he instructed, his mind already shifting gears to their next strategic move. They needed resources to bolster their defenses, and Zack had a specific type of armory in mind.


    "Mapping completed, sir," Ego replied smoothly as a satellite map materialized on the largest screen. Red markers pinpointed locations scattered across the country. Most were concentrated in the northern regions, but one stood out¡ªa remote armory nestled in the mountains. It was heavily fortified, hidden, and strategically ideal.


    "This is the one," Zack muttered, leaning closer as his eyes locked on the coordinates. Its location was isolated and secure¡ªalmost too well-hidden. If Ego hadn''t cracked the network back before everything fell apart, this place would''ve remained off the radar.


    Zack leaned back in his chair, his expression sharpening with determination. As the plan began to take shape in his mind, he felt the familiar spark of focus ignite. The road ahead wouldn''t be easy, but he was ready to tackle it head-on.

 Chapter 53: Plant Type Mutant

    Chapter 53 - Plant Type Mutant"Put on the MV-02W. Replenish ammo. System self-test completed."


    Zack ticked off the mental checklist as he readied himself. The battle-scarred War Machine stood waiting in the corner, its iron-black paint scraped and worn from countless battles. The damage only added to its brutal, unforgiving appearance, each scar telling a story of survival and war.


    After securing his armor, Zack stepped out of the Mansion, the heavy thuds of his metallic boots echoing against the walls.


    "Brother, are you heading out? Do you need me to come with you?" Little Annie emerged from the laboratory, her hands smudged with grease and her eyes wide with curiosity.


    "No, just keep an eye on your sister Sophia. Make sure she doesn''t wander off." Zack''s voice was calm as he flicked up his mask, flashing a rare, teasing smile at Annie.


    "Alright." Annie nodded obediently and trotted upstairs, leaving Zack to his mission.


    He exited the Mansion and was about to take off when a thought struck him. Turning abruptly, he walked toward the swimming pool. The heavy footsteps of the Armor stirred Erza from her sunbathing on a lounge chair. She sat up groggily, her face scrunching in confusion. "Another wave of zombies?!" Erza blurted, already tense.


    "No," Zack replied flatly. "You''re coming with me."


    His tone was casual, but the unyielding authority behind it left no room for argument. "Do I get a choice in this?" Erza tried, her voice tinged with hope.


    "I wasn''t asking."


    Without waiting for her reply, Zack turned and headed for the helicopter. Erza groaned but followed reluctantly, muttering complaints under her breath. As they boarded, Erza sighed dramatically. "Why a helicopter? Can''t you just fly with that armor of yours?"


    "Can you fly?" Zack shot back, annoyed.


    "Well, not yet," Erza said, grinning mischievously. "But if you made me a suit like Annie and Sophia''s, I could! Big deal, I''ll even marry you if that''s what it takes!"


    "Shut it!" Zack growled, slamming his visor shut. "Ego, mute external audio."


    The AI complied immediately, silencing Erza''s chatter. For the first time in hours, Zack enjoyed blessed quiet. Erza pouted but eventually retreated to her seat. "Stingy," she muttered.


    The flight grew peaceful, the drone of the helicopter''s rotors a soothing backdrop. Ego''s voice broke the silence. "Sir, we''re approaching the destination."


    Zack reopened his sound system and flipped up his visor, just in time to hear Erza''s excited gasp. "Wow!" Erza pressed her face against the window, marveling at the sprawling mountain range below. Her eyes sparkled with wonder.


    "Never seen mountains before?" Zack asked dryly.


    "Not from this high up," Erza admitted, still glued to the window. "It''s beautiful."


    "Enjoy it while you can," Zack said. "It won''t feel as nice once we''re on the ground."


    The helicopter began its descent, landing on a flat area between two mountains. The once-functional helipad and parking lot were overrun by wild plants, vines snaking through rusted vehicles and crumbling structures. "Sir, scans show traces of mutated animals nearby. Proceed with caution," Ego advised as the helicopter touched down.


    Zack stepped out first, his boots crunching against the overgrown vegetation. Erza followed, stretching and breathing deeply. "Ah, fresh air! Haven''t smelled this in years!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.


    "The air''s clean, slightly high in oxygen, and safe to breathe," Zack confirmed, reading the HUD display. He flipped up his visor, taking a deep breath himself.


    "It''s nice," he admitted, surprising Erza. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright, enough sightseeing," Zack said firmly. "We have work to do."


    The duo headed toward the Armory, a bunker carved into the mountain itself. It was surrounded by rusted sentry towers and barbed wire, all entangled with thick vines and moss. Vehicles once parked nearby were unrecognizable under the overgrowth.


    "This place is a jungle!" Erza said, staring at the greenery consuming the area.


    Zack frowned. "Something''s off. The factory data showed regular shipments up until the outbreak. This place has only been abandoned for a month."


    Erza froze. "A month? How the hell did the plants grow this fast?"


    "Exactly," Zack muttered. His visor snapped shut, activating a full-spectrum scan.


    "Don''t scare me like that!" Erza yelped, pulling a lighter from her pocket as if it were a weapon.


    "Stay alert," Zack ordered, his tone grim. "Whatever caused this didn''t happen naturally."


    After crossing the weed-covered square, Zack and Erza reached the entrance of the Armory. Calling it a gate was generous¡ªit was more like the mouth of a tunnel, shrouded in eerie darkness. "This way," Zack said, switching on the small lamp attached to his shoulder.


    The lamp might have been compact, but its beam lit up the tunnel as if it were daylight. Under the bright light, the walls of the tunnel came into focus, revealing they were covered in strange lavender vines that looked like creeping ivy. But these were different. The moment the light touched them, the vines curled their leaves inward, almost like mimosa plants.


    "Creepy," Erza muttered, inching closer to Zack. The further they went, the stranger it all became. "You sure it''s smart to bring a girl into this?" Erza whispered nervously, clutching a lighter in one hand as though it were a lifeline.


    "Relax. If there''s real danger, I''ll definitely leave you behind," Zack replied without even glancing back.


    "What the hell, are you even a man?" Erza shot back.


    "I am, but you? You don''t even count as a woman in my book¡ªmaybe not even human." Zack''s voice was flat, his tone unwavering.


    Before Erza could respond, Zack quickened his pace, heading deeper into the tunnel. "Damn it, what kind of man says stuff like that..." Erza grumbled, but the moment Zack''s light disappeared ahead, she panicked. "Hey, wait for me!" she yelped, rushing to catch up.


    Not long after entering, Zack noticed something troubling. The vines were no longer confined to the walls; they were now growing thick and wild, weaving across the tunnel floor and ceiling. The once-spacious tunnel, wide enough for two trucks to pass side by side, had shrunk dramatically. The dense vines had tangled together, leaving only a narrow gap just big enough for one person to squeeze through. "Hold up," Zack ordered, stopping abruptly. His instincts screamed trap.


    "Sir," Ego''s calm voice echoed in Zack''s earpiece, "I''ve scanned known plant types and found no match for this species."


    "I figured as much," Zack muttered. His expression hardened as the Vulcan machine gun mounted on his shoulder whirred to life, aiming directly at the dense wall of vines ahead.


    The barrel began spinning.


    "Uh... what are you doing?" Erza asked, her eyes wide with alarm. Before she could finish, the thunderous roar of gunfire filled the tunnel, the sound amplified by the enclosed space.


    The Vulcan spat out flames as countless 7.62mm rounds shredded through the vines. Leaves and branches flew everywhere, dark red sap oozing from the torn tendrils.


    "Sir," Ego''s voice cut through the noise, "analysis of the sap reveals traces of human tissue."


    Zack''s expression darkened. Before he could react further, a rustling sound filled the air.


    The vines on the walls began to writhe, twisting like hundreds of small, dark purple snakes. They moved toward Zack and Erza with alarming speed.

 Chapter 54: High Fever

    Chapter 54 - High Fever"Uh, Zack... these things are alive!" Erza shouted, her voice laced with panic. "Do something! Burn them or something!" "Isn''t this an Armory? What if it explodes?" Erza hesitated.


    "Shut up and burn them!" Zack snapped.


    "Fine! But if we blow up, it''s on you!" Erza flicked the lighter. Instantly, the flame swelled unnaturally, growing into a blazing fire dragon nearly a meter in diameter.


    The fire dragon roared down the tunnel, engulfing the vines in its fiery maw. The dark space lit up like midday as the flames consumed the plants. The crackling of burning vines echoed through the tunnel, accompanied by the acrid smell of smoke and scorched greenery. "Your powers seem stronger," Zack remarked, pausing his gunfire to glance back at Erza.


    "Maybe," she replied, watching the flames with a mix of fear and pride. "I think my abilities are like muscles¡ªthe more I use them, the stronger they get." As she spoke, the remaining vines recoiled, retreating deeper into the tunnel like a predator that had met its match.


    The temperature in the tunnel rose sharply, beads of sweat forming on Erza''s forehead. "Maybe I''ll make you a heat-resistant suit when we''re done here," Zack muttered.


    "Really? You''d do that for me?" Erza''s eyes lit up, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten.


    "Only if you keep your mouth shut and don''t annoy me," Zack added, deadpan.


    "Deal! I''ll be the quietest person you''ve ever met!" Erza promised eagerly.


    Zack smirked but said nothing, clearly doubtful of her newfound silence.


    The pair continued deeper into the tunnel, stepping over charred vines that still smoldered faintly. The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke and an underlying metallic tang that made Zack''s nose wrinkle. "Ego, earlier you said the sap had traces of human tissue. What''s up with that?" Zack asked.


    "Yes, Sir. The plant sap also contains corrosive properties," Ego confirmed. "It''s highly likely these vines are part of a carnivorous plant. They kill anything that gets close, then use their sap to dissolve the bodies for nutrients."


    "You mean to tell me this thing is just a giant pitcher plant? Except instead of bugs, it eats humans?" Zack''s voice was cold as he spoke.


    "Yes, sir," Ego affirmed.


    Zack shook his head in disbelief. "No wonder we haven''t seen a single zombie since getting off the plane. Not even a mutated animal dares to come near this place."


    His tone was laced with sarcasm as he muttered, "Okay, this world has officially gone insane."


    Pushing the thought aside, he refocused and pressed on. Before long, the tunnel led them to the Armory. At the end of the dimly lit path, a massive gate loomed, partially blocked by a truck wedged in the opening. "Is that a zombie?" Erza asked, pointing to the truck''s cab.


    Zack didn''t even glance at it before replying, "Skeleton."


    When they moved closer, his observation proved correct. Inside the cab sat a skeleton, its clothes corroded as if doused in acid. Even the truck''s leather seats bore deep marks of decay. The sight confirmed Ego''s earlier hypothesis. "Step aside," Zack commanded, effortlessly shoving the truck out of the way.


    The pungent stench that greeted them inside hit like a physical blow. "Ugh, what is that smell?" Erza gagged, her face pale. "It''s... it''s awful!"


    Zack calmly disabled his suit''s odor feedback system and turned to Erza. "If it''s too much, head back out. The smell''s bad now, but trust me¡ªyou might lose your lunch when we find what''s causing it."


    Erza, defiant as ever, tore a piece of fabric from her shirt and covered her nose and mouth. "I''m not going back. It''s worse being alone in that creepy tunnel than dealing with this smell."


    Zack shrugged, respecting her resolve. "Suit yourself. Let''s keep moving."


    As they ventured deeper, the eerie silence of the Armory became even more unsettling. Other than the skeleton in the truck, the massive building was devoid of life¡ªor death. No bodies, no zombies. Nothing. The emptiness felt wrong.


    Meanwhile, back at the Mansion, little Annie was humming cheerfully as she busied herself in the kitchen, preparing dinner for Sophia. Her movements were smooth and practiced¡ªclear proof she wasn''t bluffing about her cooking skills.


    "Annie, you don''t need to do this," Sophia called down from upstairs. "I can manage. Your brother isn''t here to nag me, so I''ll be fine."


    "No!" Annie snapped, waving a spatula in the air as if Sophia could see her. "If you dare come down here, I''ll tell Zack!"


    "Fine, fine," Sophia replied with an exasperated chuckle. "I''ll stay put." Despite her compliance, Sophia wasn''t lounging. She didn''t want Annie overexerting herself and had been planning to help out. But before she could dwell on her thoughts, a faint burning smell wafted upstairs.


    "Annie, do you smell that? Did something burn?" Sophia called, waiting for a reply. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Silence. "Annie?" Her voice grew sharper. "Annie!"


    Alarmed, Sophia quickly threw on a coat and hurried downstairs. What she saw froze her in place. Annie was lying motionless on the floor, her small frame curled up near the stove. Whatever had been cooking in the pot was now a blackened mess, its smoke curling into the air. "Annie!" Sophia rushed to turn off the stove and knelt beside the little girl. Her heart sank as she touched Annie''s forehead¡ªit was scorching hot. Grabbing a thermometer, she checked Annie''s temperature: 40.1¡ãC.


    Sophia''s face went pale. "Oh no," she whispered. "I can''t give her medicine without knowing what''s causing this fever." Panic began to claw at her. A fever this high could cause lasting damage if left untreated.


    With trembling hands, she picked up the communicator. She hesitated, knowing Annie didn''t like Zack being disturbed over "small" matters. But just as she was about to press the call button, the device lit up with Zack''s incoming call. "Sophia, I already know," Zack''s voice came through the line before she could speak.


    "You do?" she asked, stunned.


    Ego''s monitoring system had alerted Zack about Annie fainting moments before Sophia discovered her. "Yes, don''t worry. Annie isn''t sick. This fever... it''s actually a good sign," Zack reassured her.


    Sophia''s brow furrowed in confusion. "A good sign? Zack, she''s burning up and pale as a sheet!"


    "Trust me," Zack said firmly. "The fever should break in an hour or two. Just take her upstairs to rest and use a cold towel if it gets too bad. She''ll be fine." His calm tone acted like a balm to Sophia''s frazzled nerves. "Alright," she murmured, cradling Annie''s fragile frame in her arms. Though Annie was light, carrying her upstairs was no easy task.


    Back in the Armory, Zack hung up the call, his expression darkening as he turned to Erza. A suffocating, ominous aura rolled off him, freezing her in place. "If anything happens to Annie," Zack began, his voice icy, "I''ll make you regret it. I won''t just detonate the necklace you''re wearing. I''ll rip you apart with my bare hands."


    His calm delivery only made the threat more terrifying. Erza swallowed hard. "I-I swear! Nothing will happen to her! This is where my abilities originate," she explained, her tone firm. "She acted just like I did back then. The process will probably take over an hour... and then, nothing happened."

 Chapter 55: Invader

    Chapter 55 - InvaderZack frowned, still skeptical. "Ego, any abnormalities?"


    Ego''s neutral voice responded instantly. "Sir, there are no abnormalities in the target''s pupils, heartbeat, blood pressure, or skin electrodes. It''s unlikely she''s lying."


    The confirmation eased Zack''s nerves, but only slightly. "... Sorry," he muttered after a moment, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "I might''ve gone a little overboard."


    Erza waved it off with a grin. "It''s fine. But honestly, the way you were so mean to me just now was kinda handsome. When are you gonna be that mean to someone for me?"


    "..." Zack froze, utterly speechless. "Let''s just keep moving." Shaking his head, he strode forward, leaving Erza smirking behind him.


    After confirming Annie was safe, Zack finally relaxed enough to focus on the mission. Together, he and Erza continued exploring the massive Armory. The facility felt enormous, like someone had hollowed out half the mountain. From their intel, Zack knew this wasn''t originally an Armory¡ªit had started as a wartime air defense shelter before being converted due to its hidden location.


    "This way," Zack instructed, leading Erza deeper into the cavernous factory. Along the way, they passed multiple production areas: one specialized in manufacturing bullets and shells, another in firearms, and even a workshop assembling light armored vehicles.


    Eventually, they arrived at the warehouses in the innermost part of the facility. There were five in total: two stored finished products¡ªone for firearms and vehicles, the other for ammunition. However, both were nearly empty, clearly stripped clean before the apocalypse. But Zack wasn''t after finished goods; he needed raw materials. His custom weapons, like micro-missiles, required components he had to assemble himself.


    To his relief, the last two warehouses he checked were packed to the brim with supplies. The explosives alone¡ªRDX and nitroglycerin¡ªadded up to nearly a thousand tons, not to mention the countless other materials. "This trip was worth it," Zack remarked with satisfaction.


    "So, what''s in the last one?" Erza asked curiously, her eyes already on the final warehouse door. She fiddled absentmindedly with a lighter in her hand as they approached.


    "Are you trying to get us killed?!" Zack snatched the lighter away, glaring at her.


    "I''m not stupid! I wasn''t actually gonna use it..." Erza grumbled, her voice trailing off.


    Zack ignored her and pushed open the door. The moment it cracked open, a revolting stench flooded the air.


    "Ugh¡ªwhat is that?" Erza staggered back, retching and clinging to the wall for support.


    Zack, prepared for the worst, had disabled the odor feedback in his armor, sparing him from the worst of it. But even he felt unsettled. The smell wasn''t just bad¡ªit was wrong. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The smell''s coming from here. You sure you want to come in?" Zack asked as he stepped inside.


    Erza hesitated but stubbornly followed. She immediately regretted it. The warehouse interior was a grotesque sight: a sprawling jungle of lavender vines, their roots buried in a massive pit filled with decomposing corpses and corrosive liquid. The pit was the source of the unbearable stench.


    "Urgh¡ª" Erza''s face turned white as a sheet. She barely had time to react before she doubled over, vomiting up everything she''d eaten.


    Zack grimaced, his usual composure slipping. "If it weren''t for the risk of blowing this place sky-high, I''d turn this whole warehouse into rubble."


    Erza, trembling and pale, leaned against the wall. "I should''ve listened to you. I''d rather face the creepy tunnels than this horror show."


    Realizing she was on the verge of breaking, Zack softened. "Go outside. I''ll handle it."


    "You sure? I can help¡ª" she started but gagged the moment the smell hit her again. Defeated, she waved him off. "Fine. Over to you, warrior."


    She bolted from the warehouse, leaving Zack alone. Despite her hurried retreat, her admiration for Zack grew. She recalled how he''d swooped in to save her during a horde attack. He seemed invincible. Unbeknownst to Erza, Zack wasn''t one to endure unnecessary suffering for heroics. The moment she was gone, he turned to Ego. "Take over."


    "Understood, Sir," Ego replied.


    Zack disabled every sensory feedback in his suit¡ªsight, smell, even sound¡ªbefore handing full control to his AI.


    In Ego''s hands, The armor became a merciless force. It unsheathed a saw-chain sword and lunged at the vines. Each swing of the blade was precise and devastating, slicing through the grotesque growth like grass. The vines fell in chunks, but Zack''s focus remained cold and unyielding. Countless dark red juices oozed from the severed vines, pooling beneath them.


    "He really is the man I like..." Erza muttered under her breath. Outside the warehouse, she peeked in and saw Zack tearing through their enemies, leaving nothing but destruction in his wake. Unable to resist, she gave him a discreet thumbs-up.


    Inside the warehouse, the vines began to retaliate. The twisting tendrils, like serpents, lunged to ensnare Zack''s war machine. But against the roaring chain saw, they stood no chance. Each swing of the blade shredded through the vines, no matter how many came at once. Soon, the floor was littered with withered remains.


    "Ego, clear out the roots!" Zack commanded.


    "Understood, sir," Ego replied, seamlessly controlling the armor. He maneuvered through the chaos, cutting the vines at their base where they soaked in a murky pool.


    With the roots severed, the remaining vines shriveled up, lifeless and limp. "Sir, the warehouse is secure," Ego reported, his mechanical voice steady as the armor exited the warehouse. He stopped at the entrance, turning to face outwards as if standing guard.


    "Well done, Ego!" Zack''s voice echoed with approval as he reclaimed control of the armor. Activating the visual feedback, he saw the now-cleared warehouse behind him and grinned.


    "Wow, Zack, you looked like a god descending from the heavens back there!" Erza chimed in, her eyes sparkling as she approached.


    "Alright, alright, no need to overdo it with the compliments," Zack said, his cheeks reddening. He quickly turned the conversation. "Let''s double-check everything to make sure it''s safe before we head back."


    "Got it," Erza replied with a nod. The two began combing through the warehouse, ensuring no enemies or surprises remained.


    Meanwhile, in the dead of night, a transport helicopter touched down quietly in NYC City. The faint hum of its rotors faded as its cargo ramp lowered. A group of black-clad soldiers armed with live ammunition disembarked swiftly. They moved with precision, eliminating nearby zombies in a matter of seconds. The entire operation was silent and efficient, clearly the work of elite professionals.


    "This is the target area," one soldier said, glancing at a map. "Let''s finish quickly¡ªI''m running low on meds."


    A few more men stepped out of the helicopter. Their sharp eyes betrayed a sense of urgency. Their destination: the Tribeca community.


    On the second floor of the Mansion, Sophia sat beside Annie, gently pressing a damp towel to her forehead. Annie''s fever had yet to subside, but Sophia worked tirelessly to make her comfortable. She noticed the towel had grown warm again and quickly replaced it with a fresh, cool one. Though the fever persisted, Sophia''s care eased Annie''s tension. Slowly, her furrowed brow relaxed, and she drifted off to sleep. Sophia didn''t leave her side. She stayed close, watching over Annie with unwavering vigilance.

 Chapter 56: Mutant Attacks

    Chapter 56 - Mutant AttacksAt the same time, the black-clad soldiers arrived on the outskirts of Tribeca. A thermal drone buzzed overhead, scanning the area. "No guards detected," one soldier reported. "Two heat signatures inside the Mansion. One should be the target."


    The team leader smirked. "Perfect. Let''s move."


    Their only obstacle was a three-meter-high community wall, which seemed insignificant to the trained operatives. However, evenly spaced along the wall were strange half-meter-long metal rods. "Looks like an alarm system," one soldier guessed.


    "Hyena, check it out," the leader ordered.


    Without hesitation, a wiry man nicknamed Hyena sprinted toward the wall. He moved like a shadow, leaping into the air with practiced ease. His jump cleared nearly five meters, easily surpassing the height of the fence and rods. Just as he neared the wall, a concealed camera locked onto him.


    Bzzz!


    The rods hummed ominously as they charged. When Hyena crossed the invisible threshold, arcs of electricity shot out like lightning, striking him mid-air.


    Crack! With a sickening thud, Hyena''s charred body hit the grass. Smoke curled off his scorched skin.


    "Damn it!" the leader hissed. "Shoot those things down! Now!"


    Gunfire erupted, shattering the silence of the night. One by one, the voltage rods were destroyed under the barrage of bullets.


    In the basement of Mansion No. 9, a soft hum broke the stillness. Four dormant spider-like machines powered on, their red eyes glowing ominously. Tarantula, Annie''s half-assembled spider robot, activated as well. The mechanical creatures sprang to life, entering combat mode. With a series of sharp clicks and metallic whirs, the steel predators surged out of the Mansion, ready to defend their territory.


    Sophia heard the gunshots outside and her expression shifted instantly. Glancing at Annie, who was still sound asleep, she didn''t waste a second. Ignoring her injuries, she bolted to the basement, suited up in MV-01, and sprinted out of the Mansion.


    Outside the community, a man in black with sharp perception suddenly shouted, "Something''s coming! Fast!"


    He sensed several highly dangerous entities closing in on them from within the community.


    "Damn it! Who used the drone?" the commander barked furiously. "Didn''t you say there were no guards?"


    "It was me, sir," a soldier stammered. "But I used a thermal drone to scan the area, and I swear, I didn''t detect any guards!"


    The commander was about to respond when Tarantula and the spiders appeared, and everything became crystal clear. Now they understood why the heat-sensing drone had failed¡ªit hadn''t detected the guards because they weren''t human. They were machines. Tarantula, a towering machine over three meters tall, was the first to appear.


    As Tarantula approached the perimeter, the voltage rods on the wall recognized her as friendly and didn''t activate the electric barrier. With a thunderous boom!!, it leaped over the wall effortlessly, landing with a shockwave that rattled the ground. Upon landing, it arm blades extended with a mechanical hiss, and it mood light switched to an ominous red. She wasted no time charging at the closest soldier in black.


    "Ah! Stop her!" one of the soldiers shouted as they opened fire. Bullets ricocheted off Tarantula''s armor, clinking harmlessly to the ground. Only a few shots aimed at it joints managed to slow it movements slightly.


    Tarantula didn''t care. Swinging it arm blades in a lethal arc, it sliced through the soldier in front of her, cleaving him into four pieces in a grotesque display. Without missing a beat, it spun around, lifting one of her sharp mechanical legs, and impaled another soldier who had been trying to flank her. As the soldiers reeled in shock, four spiders climbed over the wall, skittering into the fray. The machines moved with terrifying speed and precision. Unlike Tarantula, they had simpler AI and relied on straightforward programming to overwhelm enemies in close combat.


    "These things aren''t human!" one of the soldiers shouted, panicking as the realization sank in.


    "Fire! Use grenades!" the commander yelled, regaining his composure.


    Half the team focused their firepower on Tarantula''s joints, while the other half launched grenades from their rifles. Tarantula''s sensors immediately picked up the incoming grenades. With surprising agility for it massive frame, she dodged them effortlessly. In AI mode, it adopted a quadrupedal stance, crawling like a spider to increase her mobility. Though her movements weren''t as fluid as Annie''s when manually piloting the suit, for an autonomous machine, it was an impressive display of adaptability.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Explosions rocked the area, but none of the grenades hit Tarantula directly. Shrapnel and shockwaves washed over her without leaving a scratch. The spiders weren''t so lucky. Lacking the advanced evasion protocols of Tarantula, two were caught in the blasts. Their legs were blown off, leaving them immobilized. The other two sustained severe damage but managed to stay operational, albeit sluggishly.


    Seeing this, the commander felt a glimmer of hope. "They''re not invincible! Take them down!"


    Just as he finished speaking, the sound of heavy gunfire erupted from the direction of the community gate. Large-caliber bullets tore through the night, mowing down several soldiers. The ones hit by the heavy rounds were left with gaping holes in their torsos, their deaths horrific and immediate.


    The commander spun around to see a figure in humanoid armor standing at the gate, wielding a heavy machine gun. The MV-01 armor''s reflective surface glinted under the dim light as bullets fired by the soldiers bounced harmlessly off its surface.


    "It''s the target!" the commander shouted, his eyes lighting up. "Concentrate fire! Kill her!"


    Three soldiers behind him tore off their coats, revealing bulging muscles that looked almost inhuman. Without hesitation, they charged at Sophia, moving with superhuman speed.


    "Mutants?" Sophia muttered inside the armor, her eyes widening in shock.


    Thanks to Erza, she''d learned about people in this world who possessed extraordinary abilities. But such individuals were supposed to be one in a million. Yet here, she was facing not one but three. Unbeknownst to her, there were more mutants in the squad. The electrocuted hyenas and the soldier with enhanced perception¡ªboth were mutants too. Out of the twenty-soldier team, five were genetically altered, far more than Sophia could have guessed.


    As the three mutants closed the distance, Sophia steadied her nerves and unleashed a barrage of firepower. The heavy machine gun spat bullets at them, but their muscles absorbed most of the impact. Although blood sprayed from their wounds, the bullets didn''t penetrate deeply enough to stop them.


    "Spread out!" one of the mutants roared, signaling the others.


    Sophia hesitated, her hands clenching the controls of the MV-01 suit as she watched the three attackers split up and rush toward her from different directions. "Damn it!" she muttered, panic flickering in her eyes.


    The MV-01 armor was powerful and durable, perfect for close combat. But Sophia had a glaring disadvantage¡ªshe had no combat experience. She was a complete novice when it came to fighting, and the reality of the situation was sinking in fast. Not far away, Tarantula''s AI noticed Sophia''s predicament and instantly switched to rescue mode. Zack had programmed a hidden directive into all his AI units: prioritize the safety of personnel above all else, no matter the cost.

 Chapter 57: Backup incoming

    Chapter 57 - Backup incomingTarantula roared to life, charging through a hailstorm of bullets with mechanical precision. The ground trembled beneath its weight as it closed the distance to Sophia. One of the attackers noticed Tarantula coming up from behind. Turning, the man swung his fist with shocking force, connecting directly with Tarantula''s chest.


    BOOM!


    The impact was deafening, leaving a dent in Tarantula''s alloy steel armor. But Tarantula wasn''t built to feel pain. Instead, its mechanical arm retaliated immediately, extending twin alloy blades that plunged forward with deadly accuracy. The sharp blades stabbed deep into the man''s chest. Although they didn''t go all the way through his body, the wound was severe enough to damage internal organs. Yet, the man didn''t even flinch. There was no pain on his face¡ªonly pure, unrelenting rage.


    The man roared, grabbing the blades with his bare hands, heedless of the sharp metal slicing his palms. Blood dripped to the ground, but it didn''t slow him down. "Get this thing off me!" he bellowed, struggling against the machine.


    Another brute nearby charged toward Tarantula, ready to join the fight. Before he could reach them, a deafening sonic boom echoed across the battlefield. Sophia''s head snapped up, relief flooding her features. From the sky, a sleek metallic figure streaked downward, leaving a trail of sound and fire. It was Zack in his upgraded armor, MV02-W, armed with a Vulcan machine gun. As he descended, the gun spat out a hail of bullets, wiping out most of the enemy soldiers in a storm of fire and smoke.


    BOOM!


    When Zack landed, only two soldiers, the three brutes, and a stunned commander remained. The battlefield, once chaotic, fell into an uneasy silence. Zack stood tall, his armor gleaming under the dim light. He eyed the remaining enemies and smirked. "Who sent you?" he asked. But before anyone could answer, he shrugged. "Forget it. I''ll just kill you first and ask questions later."


    He reached behind him and pulled out his signature weapon¡ªa chainsaw sword. The motor roared to life as the blade spun with a menacing hum. The nearest brute charged, letting out a guttural roar. Zack didn''t back down. He swung the sword in a clean, practiced motion.


    SLASH!


    The brute''s body was split in half, his powerful muscles no match for the weapon''s relentless teeth. Blood and viscera spilled onto the ground. The remaining two brutes, undeterred by their comrade''s gruesome death, lunged at Zack. "These guys fight like mindless zombies," Zack muttered, frowning. "Did your mutations come with a free lobotomy?"


    The first brute reached him, swinging a massive fist. Zack dodged effortlessly, bringing the chainsaw sword down in a deadly arc. The brute screamed as the blade cut through his torso, splitting him in half. His organs spilled out, painting the ground red.


    "Sir, I''ve detected traces of the Zeta virus in their systems," Ego''s voice cut in through Zack''s comms.


    Zack''s eyes narrowed. "The Zeta virus? You''ve got to be kidding me."


    Before he could process the revelation, the last brute charged. Zack adjusted his approach, targeting the man''s limbs instead of his torso. The chainsaw roared as it severed the brute''s arms and legs one by one, leaving him a helpless, writhing human stump. "AHHHHH!" The man screamed, his rage undiminished even as he was reduced to a literal shell of himself.


    Zack glanced down at the brute, who continued to thrash and roar despite the gruesome injuries. "Yeah, something''s seriously off here." He turned his attention to the remaining soldiers and their commander.


    Sensing Zack''s focus, the commander barked, "Take your capsules! Now!" The two soldiers scrambled to obey, pulling out small capsule-shaped pills. They bit into them, and within seconds, collapsed to the ground, dead. Cyanide.


    "Cowards," Zack muttered, turning to the commander. The man pulled out his own capsule, but before he could bite down, Zack darted forward and crushed the man''s jaw with his armored hand.


    CRACK!


    The commander screamed, his broken jaw preventing him from closing his mouth. Zack reached into his mouth, yanked out the capsule, and tossed it to the ground. "High-concentration cyanide," Ego reported after a quick scan. "Also known as Quick Death Poison."


    Zack crushed the capsule under his boot. "Nice try, but dying''s not on the menu today." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The commander''s cries of pain intensified as Zack calmly broke all four of his limbs, one by one.


    "AHHHHHH!" The man''s screams echoed across the battlefield, growing more pitiful with every passing second. Zack stared at him coldly.


    "Shut up, or I''ll rip your tongue out," he said flatly. He leaned in closer. "Don''t worry. Even without your tongue, I have plenty of ways to make you talk."


    The threat sent visible tremors through the commander''s body. His face turned pale, and his eyes rolled back as he fainted from the agony. Zack straightened up, his gaze shifting to the battlefield. "Ego, mark this virus as top priority. I want answers."


    "Yes, sir," Ego replied smoothly.


    Zack turned towards Sophia after dealing with the last commander. His expression was calm but heavy with thoughts.


    Following Zack''s orders, Tarantula carried the unconscious commander and the maimed strongman¡ªreduced to a limbless stump¡ªon her back. Without a word, she turned and ran towards the community, disappearing into the night. Sophia stood waiting as Zack approached. Her eyes were filled with worry as she flicked up her visor to look at him directly. "Zack, who are these people?" she asked, her tone betraying her concern.


    "I''m not sure yet," Zack replied, his voice clipped and distant. He wanted answers as much as she did.


    These weren''t just any attackers. They were soldiers, highly trained, and backed by someone powerful. At least three mutants were among them. No ordinary survivor base would have the resources to organize something like this. Whoever sent them was a problem Zack hadn''t anticipated, but he knew one thing for sure: they had targeted the wrong person.


    "It''s probably connected to the last zombie wave," Zack guessed aloud, though it felt more like stating a fact. His sharp eyes turned cold. "Someone must''ve noticed us during that fight."


    The conversation with Antonny''s group earlier had shed some light on the situation. Zack knew he wasn''t the only one with access to satellites. Other powerful organizations and bases also had their eyes in the sky¡ªlike his faction. The massive zombie wave must have drawn attention, and Zack''s efforts to protect NYC City had made him a target. He had become too noticeable. Too much of a threat.


    "Whoever they are, they''ll regret it," Zack muttered, his voice low and dangerous. He wasn''t a good person. He had always been selfish, cautious, and vengeful¡ªtraits that had kept him alive this long. He wasn''t about to change now.


    Sophia''s voice broke his thoughts. "By the way, why are you back alone? Where''s Erza?"


    "She''s on her way. I had her take a separate route," Zack replied. He gave Sophia a quick nod and gestured for her to head into the community.

 Chapter 58: Pain Serum

    Chapter 58 - Pain SerumMeanwhile, far away from NYC City, Erza sat alone in the cabin of an unmanned helicopter. The night outside was pitch black, and the only sound was the rhythmic chopping of the propellers. Her nerves were on edge. She swallowed hard, trying to shake the uneasy feeling creeping up her spine. "Is it just me, or does this feel haunted?" she whispered to herself, glancing around the empty cabin. Her voice echoed faintly in the confined space.


    "Why couldn''t I fly back with him? Leaving me alone here... What if this thing crashes? Are there even parachutes?" Erza muttered anxiously. She searched the cabin half-heartedly, finding nothing that reassured her.


    The helicopter hit turbulence, jostling her seat. Her stomach flipped, and she clung tightly to the armrests, her face pale with fear. "It''s over! I''m going to die!" she groaned dramatically, bracing for the worst. When the turbulence finally passed, Erza let out a shaky breath. "Phew... made it." She slumped back in her seat, though her relief was short-lived. Little did she know, the flight was far from over.


    Back in NYC City, Zack quietly entered the upstairs room where Annie lay sleeping. Her fever had finally broken. He placed a hand on her forehead, feeling the cool skin beneath his palm. A sense of relief washed over him.


    "Let me know as soon as she wakes up," Zack said to Sophia, who stood nearby.


    "Where are you going?" Sophia asked but quickly changed. "Never mind. Just don''t stay up too late."


    Zack nodded and headed downstairs. He moved with purpose, making his way to the basement of his Mansion. The shelves there were packed with bottles and jars filled with chemicals. After a few minutes of searching, Zack found what he was looking for¡ªa tube of light blue liquid. He loaded it into a syringe, grabbed a bottle of coagulation spray, and left.


    He walked to Mansion No. 7, an unoccupied house nearby. Its decor was simple, a remnant of the developer''s pre-apocalypse effort to sell properties. Zack entered the basement, where Tarantula stood guard over the maimed commander and the strongman. Both were still alive, though barely.


    "You should clean yourself up," Zack told Tarantula without looking at her. "We don''t want to scare Annie when she wakes up."


    Tarantula nodded and left immediately, leaving Zack alone with the two captives. The basement was eerily quiet except for the shallow breathing of the two men. "Stop pretending. I know you''re awake," Zack said coldly, addressing the commander, whose body trembled faintly from pain.


    The man''s act of unconsciousness was laughably obvious. Realizing he''d been caught, the commander opened his eyes. His voice was hoarse and garbled, likely due to a broken jaw. "You... won''t get... anything... out of me..."


    Zack smirked. "Don''t waste your energy." S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He turned to inspect the strongman. Despite having his limbs sawed off, the man was still alive. Not only that, but his wounds had stopped bleeding on their own, rendering the coagulation spray unnecessary. "Impressive," Zack muttered, more to himself. The mutations had clearly enhanced the man''s physical resilience, though his healing ability was far from making him immortal.


    Satisfied, Zack turned back to the commander. He held up the syringe, his smirk widening into something more menacing. "Your turn."


    The commander stiffened, sensing danger. "What... what are you going to do?" he stammered, his voice shaking.


    "Relax. It''s not poison," Zack said in a mockingly soothing tone. "This little concoction enhances your neural perception while suppressing your body''s natural defenses. In simple terms, it makes the pain a lot worse¡ªand keeps you awake through all of it."


    The devilish grin on Zack''s face made the commander''s blood run cold. "There can''t be such a thing..." Although the commander tried to sound disbelieving, the fear etched on his face gave him away.


    "Honestly, I don''t quite believe it either. But..." Zack paused, holding up a syringe. "You''ll know soon enough."


    Before the commander could react, Zack plunged the syringe into his neck. The commander flinched. "Don''t, don''t, don''t... If you have something to say, just say it! Everyone will blame you if something happens¡ª"


    The commander''s words stumbled over his fear. His bravado faltered as the cold liquid started to push into his veins. "You''re awfully chatty for someone in your position," Zack said with a faint smirk. "But don''t worry. The night is long... we''ll take our time."


    Zack slowly injected the liquid, locking eyes with the commander as he did. "Wait a bit," Zack said, pulling a chair over and sitting down. "It''ll take about three minutes to kick in."


    The commander''s breathing became uneven as his pupils dilated. At first, there was nothing but silence. Then¡ª "Aaaaaaaahhhh!!!" A scream so sharp and piercing erupted that it triggered the motion sensor lights across the entire area.


    The commander convulsed, his shattered jaw trembling as veins bulged across his face and neck. Every nerve in his body, previously numbed by pain, seemed to awaken with vengeance. The sensation surged through him, every fiber of his being consumed by indescribable pain. His limbs spasmed uncontrollably, broken bones grinding against each other, each movement sending unbearable agony ripping through him.He rolled on the ground, desperate for relief, but every touch against the cold, hard floor only amplified his suffering. The torment refused to subside. His nerves wouldn''t numb, his mind wouldn''t let him faint¡ªit was an endless loop of anguish.


    "Ahhhhhhh!!!"


    Zack watched impassively as the man writhed and screamed. "Now," he said, holding up a pair of pliers, "are you ready to talk?"


    The commander, his face soaked in sweat and twisted in agony, managed to stammer, "You... you haven''t asked me anything yet..."


    Zack blinked, as if just remembering. "Oh, right." From a nearby table, he pulled two wires attached to a power source. Adjusting the current, he touched the ends of the wires to the commander''s skin. The shock jolted through the commander''s body. His nerves, momentarily overloaded, stopped transmitting the relentless pain. The man gasped, his body going limp for a brief, blessed moment of relief. His chest heaved as if he''d just surfaced from drowning.


    "Feeling better?" Zack asked with a faint smile. He was glad preparing this serum beforehand when he have the time. How this work is a marvel on it''s own.


    The serum works by targeting the nerves in the body that send pain signals to the brain. It enhances the activity of these nerves, making them more sensitive to pain by increasing the chemicals and electrical signals they use to communicate. This makes every sensation feel much more painful than usual. However, when an electric shock is applied, it disrupts this process. The sudden burst of electricity overwhelms the nerves, shutting down their ability to send signals for a brief moment. It also interferes with the chemicals that the serum relies on, effectively "resetting" the nerves and stopping the enhanced pain effect. This gives the person temporary relief until the nerves recover and the serum starts working again.


    "Yes... yes..." the commander started to reply, but before the words were fully out, Zack pulled the wires away. The pain came rushing back, crashing over him like a tsunami. The commander''s eyes rolled back as his mouth opened in a silent scream. His body convulsed violently, veins straining against his skin.


    Zack reattached the wires, letting the man catch his breath again. "Now, let''s get started. Answer my questions, and I''ll make sure this doesn''t last forever. Got it?"


    "Got it! Got it!" the commander blurted out, nodding frantically. Sweat dripped off his face, pooling on the floor beneath him.


    "Who sent you?" Zack asked.

 Chapter 59: Annie’s Power

    Chapter 59 - Annie''s Power"Bl... Black Hand..." the commander stammered through his broken jaw.


    "Who?" Zack''s eyes narrowed.


    "Black Hand... Lord Black Hand," the man repeated, his words slurred but desperate to be understood.


    Zack frowned. The name didn''t ring any bells. "And your organization?"


    "Vanguard... we''re the Vanguard Organization," the commander said, his voice trembling.


    Zack tilted his head, the name stirring a faint memory. But something about it didn''t match what he''d heard before.


    "Where''s your base?" sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The commander hesitated, his voice growing weaker. "Newark City... but we''re just a branch. I don''t know where the others are..."


    Zack''s expression darkened. He tugged the wires away again.


    "Ahhhh!!!" The commander''s cries filled the room as the pain roared back with a vengeance. His body convulsed, tears streaming down his face.


    Zack sighed, setting the pliers aside. "I was going to start with your fingers, but it seems like there''s no need for that anymore."


    The commander''s eyes widened in terror, though he lacked the strength to respond. Zack studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "One last question." Zack leaned forward, pressing the wires against the commander''s skin again.


    The commander''s body relaxed slightly as the current dulled his nerves. His head lolled to the side, tears dripping onto the floor. "Please... just kill me..."


    "Not yet," Zack said, ignoring the plea. "What''s the deal with him?"


    He gestured toward the mutilated body of a strongman lying nearby, cut down to a horrifyingly unnatural state. The commander shuddered, his words barely audible. "H-he''s... a superhuman... serum... developed by the organization... to make ordinary soldiers..."


    He gasped for air before continuing. "Less afraid of pain... a super soldier... not afraid of death..."


    Zack''s eyes narrowed as he processed the information. "A Superhuman Serum?" Hearing those words, something immediately clicked in Zack''s mind. His expression turned serious as he stared down at the commander. "Tell me everything you know about this serum," Zack demanded.


    The commander gasped, his breath coming in ragged bursts as if it hurt just to speak. His voice was shaky, his words disjointed. "I... I don''t know much..."


    The man''s condition was deteriorating fast¡ªhis body trembling, his pupils dilating. Zack recognized the signs immediately: long-term exposure to the serum''s side effects. The pain, amplified by the nerve-stimulating drugs, put his brain under immense pressure. At this rate, it wouldn''t be long before the commander''s body gave out. "You have to... suppress it... regular injections..." he rasped. "That''s it... That''s all I know..." With a final gasp, the man managed to finish his sentence.


    Zack processed the information. Now, he had a better understanding of this so-called Superhuman Serum. It could indeed elevate a normal person''s strength to superhuman levels. But the price? Severe. Not everyone who received the injection became a super soldier. In fact, the failure rate was terrifying¡ª70% of those injected turned into zombies.


    That meant, out of ten people, only three would survive the transformation. Even then, those who survived weren''t exactly "super" in the way Zack had hoped. They were mindless drones, immune to pain, existing only to follow orders. And if that wasn''t bad enough, the survivors still needed regular doses of a suppressive drug to keep the Zeta virus in check. Without it, even the so-called "successes" would eventually turn into zombies.


    Zack scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "This? This is what they call a Superhuman Serum? What a joke."


    But as much as he despised it, the serum''s existence served as a wake-up call. It was a reminder that his enemies were experimenting with dangerous advancements. "If I remember right..." Zack muttered to himself, his mind racing. "Ego, doesn''t your database have information on Serum like this?"


    His AI companion responded promptly. "Yes, sir. The serum is documented in detail within my archives."


    Zack''s eyes lit up. Serum from ego will be far superior to this crude things. Maybe it could serve as inspiration for something better. Suddenly, a low, guttural roar echoed through the basement. Zack turned sharply to see the strong man¡ªwho had been reduced to little more than a limbless torso¡ªbegin to convulse violently. His mouth opened wide, releasing an animalistic growl.


    "Is he... turning into a zombie?" Zack''s curiosity flared. He''d seen people turn before, but never this close.


    Quickly, he grabbed a chair, sat down at a safe distance of about a meter, and observed.


    First, the strong man''s pupils shifted from black to a pale, milky white. Any trace of humanity in his eyes disappeared. Then came the behavior. Like a rabid animal, he began snapping at the air, drooling uncontrollably as if desperate to bite something¡ªanything.


    "So this is how it happens..." Zack murmured, fascinated and horrified in equal measure.


    His focus broke when the commander''s body began trembling violently. His condition was worsening. The side effects of the nerve-enhancing drug were taking their toll.


    The veins on his forehead bulged grotesquely, as though they might burst at any moment. He clawed at his head, groaning in agony. "Kill me..." the commander begged, his voice weak but desperate. "Please... I told you everything... Just end it..."


    Zack didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he silently adjusted the intensity of the electrical current running through the machine. Moments later, the commander slumped over, lifeless. His heart had given out, but at least the end had been quick and relatively painless.


    With a sigh, Zack turned off the power switch. Then, he glanced at the zombie that had once been the strong man. "Ego, does he have any research value left?"


    The AI''s voice was calm and efficient. "Negative, sir. The target has fully transitioned into a standard zombie. There is no research value."


    "Got it," Zack replied coldly. "Send Tarantula in to clean this up. Tell it to burn the body and disinfect the basement."


    "Understood, sir."


    Zack washed his hands in the small basement sink before heading upstairs. When he stepped into Mansion No. 9, he found Sophia standing at the bottom of the staircase, looking anxious. "Zack! Annie''s awake," she said quickly. "But... she''s acting a little strange."


    Zack''s brows furrowed. "Strange? How?"


    "I don''t know how to explain it," Sophia admitted, clearly uneasy.


    "It''s fine. I''ll check on her," Zack said, heading upstairs without hesitation.


    Inside Annie''s room, Zack found her sitting on the bed, staring at the television with an oddly fascinated expression.The TV was playing one of her favorite movies, but something about her demeanor seemed off. "Annie, are you okay?" Zack asked cautiously.


    She turned to him with a big grin. "Brother, the TV''s stuck!" she said, giggling as if it was the funniest thing in the world.


    Zack frowned and glanced at the TV. It was playing just fine. "Stuck? It looks normal to me."


    Annie clapped her hands, laughing again. "But you''re moving in slow motion too! Just like Sister Sophia!"


    "Slow motion?" Zack repeated, confused. Then, realization dawned. "Annie," he said carefully, "what exactly are you seeing?"


    Before she could answer, her focus shifted, and suddenly the TV seemed normal to her again. "Huh? Never mind, it''s fine now! Everything''s back to normal!"

 Chapter 60: Lack of Workers

    Chapter 60 - Lack of WorkersZack''s mind raced. Could it be a side effect of her mutation? "Annie, I want you to concentrate on the TV. Really focus on it," he instructed.


    "Okay," she said, tilting her head curiously but obeying. As she did, her perception shifted again. To her, the TV''s smooth playback turned into a series of frozen frames, like a slideshow.


    "It''s not stuck..." Annie murmured, realization dawning on her face. "I''m the one who''s faster!" She looked at Zack, her excitement replaced by nervousness. "Brother, what''s happening to me? Am I turning into a monster?"


    Zack knelt in front of her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You''re not a monster, Annie. You''ve just developed superpowers, like Erza."


    Her eyes widened. "Really?"


    Seeing Annie still didn''t believe him, Zack grabbed the water glass from the table and suddenly threw it at her! Annie''s room TV had a refresh rate of 120Hz. That meant in one second, 120 frames flashed by. Annie often complained that watching TV at 120Hz felt "laggy." What did that mean? She had extraordinary dynamic vision and reaction speed!


    "What are you doing?!" Sophia screamed, terrified, as she saw Zack hurl the water glass straight at Annie.


    But then... The panic in Sophia''s expression, the motion of Zack''s throw, and even the path of the water glass in the air¡ª In Annie''s eyes, everything slowed down like a scene in a movie played in slow motion. She could see every detail. The water glass spun slowly, a drop of water sliding down its rim. "So slow..." Annie sighed inwardly.


    She raised her hand to catch it, confident in her timing. But then¡ªHer heart sank. Her reaction was there, but her body wasn''t cooperating. It was like she, too, was moving in slow motion. Her small hand rose painfully slowly, nowhere near the trajectory of the glass. "Oh no..." Annie thought, bracing for impact.


    Thud!


    The water glass hit Annie squarely on the forehead. Fortunately, it was plastic. If it had been glass or ceramic, she might have been knocked out. "Ouch, ouch, ouch!" Annie clutched her forehead, a red mark already forming. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Can''t you think of another way to test me?!" she cried.


    "Sorry!" Zack scratched his head, looking sheepish. "Didn''t you react? I thought you''d catch it!"


    "I did react, but my body couldn''t keep up..." Annie pouted, clearly upset.


    "Oh, I see," Zack said, finally realizing Annie''s abilities didn''t include super speed.


    At that moment, a familiar voice chimed in from behind him. "Messing around again, Zack? Who tests someone like that?" Turning around, Zack saw Erza leaning casually against the doorway, holding up his phone. "And I got it all on video," Erza added smugly, shaking his phone for emphasis.


    "You¡ªjust mind your own business," Zack retorted, irritated.


    Erza walked over, ignoring him. "What Annie needs right now is rest, not your half-baked experiments." His tone turned serious. "You know as well as I do that forcing abilities right after awakening can damage brain nerves."


    "Fine," Zack grumbled, realizing Erza was right. He muttered a quick apology and left Annie''s room. After making sure Annie had rested properly, Zack resumed the tests. The results were astounding. First, Annie demonstrated the same extraordinary dynamic vision and reaction speed as the night before. Under extreme conditions, she could clearly see the lines on the wings of a fly mid-flight.


    However, her ability had a limit. Prolonged use for more than two minutes left her dizzy and unfocused. Additionally, Annie exhibited agility several times greater than the average person. This explained why, under normal conditions, she could have caught the water glass last night. Her failure was due to her weakened state and lack of control over her newfound abilities. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Baseball test! Three consecutive pitches at 160 kilometers per hour!" Zack announced in the basement.


    Annie stood 10 meters away, wearing a baseball glove. She nodded, signaling she was ready. The homemade launcher fired three baseballs at lightning speed. With ease, Annie caught all three. "Yeah! I did it!" Annie cheered, jumping with excitement.


    "Stop celebrating and look at the data," Erza interrupted, walking over to the analysis instruments. "Dynamic vision and reaction speed are impressive," Erza noted, "but the biggest improvement is in your flexibility. It''s off the charts."


    He looked at Annie seriously. "You can now perform movements that would stump even professional gymnasts."


    Zack chimed in, his tone thoughtful. "With the right equipment¡ªsomething that can keep up with your reactions¡ªyou could be unstoppable. You''re basically built for piloting a robot."


    Annie''s eyes sparkled. "Does that mean I can be as strong as you, brother?"


    "Hmm," Zack said with a small smile.


    That simple reply was enough to fill Annie with joy. She practically bounced in place, her excitement contagious. "I can''t wait! I''ll go work on Tarantula right now!"


    Before anyone could stop her, she dashed into her small workshop, eager to upgrade her beloved robot. "Take it easy!" Zack called after her.


    "I will, brother!" Annie yelled back, already disappearing into her lab. But once she was gone, Zack''s smile vanished, replaced by a grim expression.


    "Ego," Zack said coldly, "any updates on the Vanguard Organization?"


    The AI''s calm voice responded. "I''m sorry, sir. The global network is still offline. I have no new data, and the existing database contains no relevant information."


    Zack''s jaw tightened. "It''s fine. They can''t hide forever." He refused to let the lack of information about this shadowy organization stop him. If nothing else, knowing the location of one of their bases was enough to start unraveling their operations. All he needed to do was follow the breadcrumbs.


    But first, there were pressing issues closer to home. "Let''s figure out the Mansion''s security problem before anything else," Zack muttered, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. Prioritizing was crucial.


    The attack last night had been a wake-up call. While the intruders hadn''t made it past the community''s gates, the incident revealed a glaring vulnerability. The Mansion''s defenses were primarily designed to handle zombies¡ªnot human threats. Worst of all, it had no air defenses whatsoever.


    If instead of a small team, the attackers had launched something like a Tomahawk cruise missile... "No," Zack said firmly. "Air defense is the top priority."


    Once he pictured that horrifying scenario, his resolve hardened. Zack was not the type to wait around for disaster to strike; he believed in eliminating threats before they could materialize. "Ego, pull up every anti-aircraft weapon and facility in your database," Zack commanded.


    The large screen in front of him lit up instantly, filling with rows of documents. Scrolling through, Zack realized there were far more options than he''d anticipated. He barely got through a few pages before stopping. "Sir, may I remind you," Ego''s calm voice interrupted, "given the current circumstances, deploying air defense systems on short notice is unlikely."


    "Lack of materials?" Zack guessed.


    "No, sir. It''s a lack of personnel," Ego clarified.


    Zack frowned but quickly caught on. "Of course, it''s the people."


    Technology wasn''t the issue¡ªhe had more than enough of that. Materials were plentiful if you knew where to look, especially in an apocalypse. But skilled workers? That was a different story. Advanced systems like detection radar, anti-guidance bombs, laser interceptors, or even the Air Fortress Zack had been dreaming of building¡ªeach required highly skilled engineers, technicians, and operators. These weren''t tasks a group of untrained survivors could handle.

 Chapter 61: Ants

    Chapter 61 - AntsIn a world devastated by chaos, finding individuals with the right expertise was almost impossible. "Unless..." Zack''s gaze shifted to the pile of spider parts stacked in a corner of the room.


    His mind clicked into gear. An idea began to form¡ªa way to bypass the need for skilled manpower altogether. "Ego, start recording," Zack said, grabbing a pen and sketchpad. He began to draw feverishly.


    Before long, a design emerged on the paper: a mechanical bug. It resembled a ant while it size was far smaller from the spider as it tailored for precision work. Beside the sketch, Zack scrawled the name Ant-1. The first mechanical manufacturing bug was completed by the robotic arms in Zack''s workshop, under Ego''s careful supervision. It sat on the table before him¡ªa sleek, four-legged machine about the size of a house cat. Though its shape was reminiscent of a spider, its function was entirely different. Instead of weapons, the Ant-1 was equipped with an array of tools: welding guns, cutting machines, and fine manipulators.


    Despite its small size, it was impressively efficient, powered by graphene batteries. Zack had designed three sizes of these manufacturing bugs:


    Large ones, similar in size to the spiders, for building and transporting heavy machinery.


    Medium ones, like the Ant-1, for versatile tasks.


    Small ones, no bigger than a palm, specialized in crafting precision instruments.


    The Ant-1 was a medium-sized unit, balanced in function and capability. It carried over a dozen production tools and featured a highly advanced AI capable of recording multiple production modes simultaneously. As the first of its kind, it proudly bore the designation: 001.


    "Activate 001," Zack commanded.


    The Ant-1''s mechanical legs unfolded as it came to life. After a brief calibration test, it responded smoothly to Zack''s orders. "Start by assembling a spider from the parts in the corner," Zack instructed.


    The Ant-1 immediately leaped from the table, scuttling over to the pile of discarded components. Its trio of high-resolution optical lenses scanned the parts, quickly identifying what could be reused. Some parts were intact and ready to go, while others were damaged or missing entirely. For those, the Ant-1 improvised, crafting replacements using the available materials.


    Piece by piece, the mechanical bug worked tirelessly, assembling a functioning spider.


    It took an hour and a half¡ªimpressive given most of the parts were ready for use. Zack estimated it would take twice as long to build one from scratch. "The efficiency of a single unit isn''t groundbreaking," Zack mused as he observed the Ant-1''s progress, "but it''s already better than a human worker¡ªand it doesn''t get tired." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This performance exceeded Zack''s expectations. Initially, he had expected the manufacturing bugs to compensate for their low speed with sheer numbers. But even as a single unit, the Ant-1 proved incredibly effective. "Ego, scale up production," Zack ordered decisively.


    The concept had been proven. Now, it was time to mass-produce these manufacturing bugs.


    "And have the existing units assist in building more bugs," Zack added, grinning at the self-replicating efficiency of his plan. "Transport materials directly from the steel mill. Use the transport plane as needed. If anything else is missing, let me know."


    "Yes, sir," Ego replied.


    The robotic arms in the workshop immediately began working, grabbing materials and starting production. As Zack watched the process, he downed the chlorophyll juice beside him in one gulp. With these manufacturing bugs, he wouldn''t just bolster the Mansion''s defenses¡ªhe''d lay the groundwork for a technological empire, one piece at a time.


    Zack observed the meticulous, orderly production in the basement with a hint of satisfaction. The manufacturing bugs were operating at full efficiency, and their numbers steadily increased. At this rate, as long as materials remained abundant, production efficiency would continue to skyrocket. "I feel kind of useless now..." Zack muttered, scratching his head.


    Whether it was setting up air defenses or producing Air Fortress fighters, everything hinged on ramping up the production of manufacturing bugs. Until their numbers were sufficient, Zack found himself with idle hands¡ªsomething that didn''t sit well with his restless nature.


    "Wait a second... Superhuman Serum!" Zack suddenly exclaimed, recalling an idea he had toyed with the night before.


    At the time, he considered developing a serum similar to the one that created Captain America, but he had shelved the plan due to the lack of a biological lab. Now, however, it seemed like the perfect project. "The armor upgrades can wait. The MV-02W is more than capable of handling most enemies for now," Zack reasoned. "Maybe it''s time to focus on strengthening myself."


    He pondered the issue deeply. With his armor, Zack was practically invincible, but without it, he was only marginally stronger than an average person. His physical enhancements so far, though noticeable, were incremental and slow. While his body seemed to strengthen naturally over time without side effects, Zack found the pace frustrating. Waiting years to achieve the strength he desired wasn''t an option.


    "Ego, find the nearest biological lab," Zack commanded.


    Zack sighed. "I may have all the blueprint, but those are just data. Even if the formulas are complete, there are elements I''ve never heard of, let alone have access to."


    Many of these components were unique. Even if substitutes could be found, each variation would require extensive testing to ensure safety and efficacy. This meant Zack needed access to a lab where he could experiment and refine the formula. "Mutations are risky enough," Zack muttered. "I need to make sure that if I mutate, it''s safe and controllable."


    Ego''s voice interrupted his thoughts. "Sir, I have located a biological laboratory at 29th Street in South Manhattan. Satellite imagery indicates the facility is occupied by survivors who appear to have turned it into a base."


    "Using a lab as a base?" Zack raised an eyebrow. "In the middle of the city center? That''s zombie central. Whoever did this is either incredibly stupid and just lucky to still be alive, or they''re highly capable."


    Zack was inclined to believe the latter. "Keep monitoring the area, Ego. Let me know if there''s any movement."


    As Zack prepared to leave the basement, an idea struck him. He returned to his workbench, grabbed a pen, and started sketching. His improved physical condition had unexpectedly enhanced his drawing skills, and in no time, he had drafted a sleek, black-and-red combat uniform with a distinctly feminine design. A while later, Erza stood in front of him, wearing the newly designed suit. The tight-fitting outfit highlighted her figure perfectly, and the glossy surface gave it an almost gel-like texture.


    "So... this is what you came up with?" Erza asked, raising an eyebrow suspiciously. "Don''t tell me you''re not a pervert."


    Zack rolled his eyes. "It''s just the inner layer! You''re supposed to wear something over it, genius."


    The design was loosely based on modern tactical gear, but Zack had added his own enhancements. It featured a high-temperature-resistant coating and a built-in temperature regulation system. The suit could detect environmental changes and automatically adjust to keep the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer. It was also water-resistant and fireproof. "Wow, this feels amazing!" Erza said, running her hands over the material. "It''s breathable, too!"


    "Of course it is¡ª" Zack began, only for Erza to interrupt with a smirk. "And it''s great because now I won''t have to worry about embarrassing bulges if I fart."

 Chapter 62: Dr. Samson

    Chapter 62 - Dr. SamsonZack froze, his expression twitching. "Did I seriously design this suit just for you to feel comfortable farting?!"


    "Relax, I was just joking." Erza grinned mischievously.


    "Whatever. As long as you''re happy," Zack muttered, shaking his head as he headed back to the basement. Just then, Ego''s voice cut in.


    "Sir, the LSI satellite has captured clear images of survivors at the laboratory. Would you like to review them?"


    Zack glanced at the satellite footage projected by Ego. On the screen was an older man, likely in his late forties or early fifties. He had a scholarly aura, his tall frame clad in a pristine white lab coat. Gold-rimmed glasses perched elegantly on his hooked nose added a refined touch to his demeanor.


    But that wasn''t what caught Zack''s attention. Behind the man stood seven or eight armed survivors, holding a mix of shotguns and rifles. However, it was the two hulking figures flanking them that drew Zack''s focus. Neither human nor zombie, they looked like grotesque amalgamations of human and animal parts, haphazardly stitched together into monstrous forms.


    Ego''s voice chimed in. "Samson Edward, commonly referred to as Dr. Samson. Formerly the chief physician at Bellevue Hospital"


    "Yale alumnus with dual doctorates in surgery and physiology," Ego continued. "It is likely he''s developed some form of biological modification technology."


    Zack eyed the two monstrosities in the image. "Those things are definitely not natural," he muttered. The thought clicked. These creatures were the reason Dr. Samson dared to establish a base in the city center¡ªa hub teeming with zombies.


    Zack''s voice interrupted Zack''s train of thought. "Let''s go meet him," he said, securing his MV-02W suit with the help of a mechanical arm.


    Before leaving, Zack took a quick check on the production line for his mechanical insects. The basement had already churned out three new manufacturing units, with a fourth nearly complete. "Once this batch is done, halt insect production," Zack instructed Ego. "Switch focus to assembling spiders, then resume Ant output later."


    "Understood, sir," Ego replied smoothly.


    Satisfied, Zack exchanged a few words with Annie and then launched into the air. Within seconds, he accelerated to Mach 1.3, the sonic boom echoing as he disappeared into the sky.


    South Manhattan, once a bustling metropolis, had become a nightmarish playground for the undead. Zombies filled the streets, their groans forming an eerie chorus. Zack scanned the city below, frowning. "Am I imagining things, or are there way more mutated zombies here than in other places?"


    Ego chimed in. "It''s possible, sir. Population density might play a factor."


    "Yeah, maybe." Zack shrugged off the thought, focusing instead on his descent. He lowered his altitude as he neared the biological laboratory.


    Unbeknownst to Zack, he was being watched. On a nearby rooftop, a pale, ugly man with disturbingly gaunt features tracked Zack''s movement through a pair of binoculars. His skin was so sickly white it was hard to tell if he was human or something else entirely.


    Grabbing his walkie-talkie, the man spoke into it. "Dr. Samson, we''ve got a humanoid craft heading your way."


    A deep, calm voice replied through the static. "Understood."


    The man packed up his equipment and walked off the rooftop, sauntering confidently into the street. The zombies milling about paid him no mind, parting as he passed. Zack hovered above the lab, taking in the layout. It was located next to a university, with a hospital not far away¡ªthe very hospital where Dr. Samson had once worked.


    "Strange choice for a base," Zack muttered, noting the poor strategic location. But on closer inspection, he noticed several upgrades.


    The fences had been raised and reinforced, with platforms installed for sentries to patrol. A few armed survivors stood on the walls, their guns trained on Zack as he descended. Despite their weapons, they hesitated, clearly unsure of what to do.


    Zack smirked. "Looks like Dr. Samson knows how to run a tight ship."


    He landed with a resounding boom, his suit leaving a cracked crater on the cement. "D-Don''t move!" one of the guards shouted, his voice shaking. "Or we''ll shoot!" Their fear was obvious. None of them had the nerve to aim directly at Zack, their guns wavering unsteadily.


    Zack raised his hands mockingly. "Relax. I''m just here to see your boss, Dr. Samson." Without waiting for a response, he activated his thrusters, vaulting over the gate.


    "Stop! If you move any closer, we''ll shoot!" another guard yelled.


    Zack''s Vulcan machine gun swiveled instantly, locking onto the guards. The whirring sound froze them in place. "I wouldn''t recommend it," Zack warned, continuing toward the lab without even turning around.


    The guards exchanged panicked glances, their faces pale. Before they could decide on their next move, a voice rang out. "Put the guns down!" Dr. Samson stepped out of the lab, his white coat fluttering as he waved frantically at the guards. "Stand down! Now!" Relieved, the guards quickly lowered their weapons.


    Zack deactivated his Vulcan gun and studied the man who approached. Ego''s voice sounded in his ear. "Sir, the target''s energy readings are abnormal. He may be a mutant."


    "Noted," Zack murmured, quietly raising his guard.


    The man stopped a few feet away, his sharp eyes scanning Zack''s imposing armor with a mix of caution and fascination. Adjusting the gold-rimmed glasses perched on his aquiline nose, he called out, "Who are you, and why are you here?" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack''s voice, slightly distorted through his helmet''s speakers, came out firm. "I could ask you the same thing. Identify yourself."


    The man raised a brow, nodding thoughtfully as he folded his arms. "Dr. Samson. I''m the head researcher here. And you?"


    Zack didn''t lower his guard. "Call me Zack. I''m here to investigate this facility."


    Dr. Samson tilted his head, his expression sharpening as his curiosity deepened. "I see," he said slowly, his gaze sweeping over Zack''s exoskeleton. "That suit of yours... remarkable. I''ve never seen technology like that, especially in these conditions. What''s your purpose here, Zack? Surely someone with resources like yours isn''t wandering by chance."


    "I''m here for the biology lab," Zack interrupted, his tone cutting. "As of now, I''m taking over this base."


    Dr. Samson''s smile froze for a moment before he forced another laugh. "Ah, Mr. Zack, surely you''re joking! This base represents the efforts of many people."


    "Many people?" Zack said, his gaze shifting to the laboratory building. "Are there survivors here?"


    "Of course," Dr. Samson said quickly, his demeanor still friendly. "Why don''t you come inside and see for yourself?"


    "Fine," Zack replied curtly. As Zack agreed, a flicker of something dark passed through Dr. Samson''s eyes. The corners of his mouth twitched upward into a barely noticeable, cruel smile. "Right this way, Mr. Zack," he said, leading Zack inside.


    Inside the laboratory building, just as Dr. Samson had said, there were survivors¡ªabout twenty of them. Some were elderly, while others were children. At first glance, they seemed to be doing well. They didn''t look malnourished, and their living conditions appeared decent. Yet Zack noticed something unsettling.

 Chapter 63: Abomination

    Chapter 63 - AbominationThe ones who greeted Dr. Samson with respect had a strange, almost fanatic glint in their eyes. Meanwhile, most of the others avoided eye contact entirely, keeping their heads bowed. The air was thick with an unspoken tension.


    "It seems you''re quite beloved," Zack said sarcastically.


    Dr. Samson chuckled. "In times like these, people cling to anyone who can provide food and shelter. It''s human nature. Now, shall we move on? The laboratory is just downstairs."


    Dr. Samson remained overly friendly, but Zack was no fool. He''d seen the satellite images¡ªthis man was conducting some kind of horrific experiments. Even so, Zack followed him, playing along for now.


    Dr. Samson led Zack down two flights of stairs to a dimly lit corridor. The walls were lined with panels of dark glass, preventing any view of what lay beyond. Zack''s suit beeped softly in his ear. "Trace amounts of poison detected. Life support systems engaged. Air purified."


    Zack sighed inwardly. ''So that''s your plan, huh?''


    Dr. Samson glanced back, oblivious to Zack''s awareness. "By the way, Mr. Zack," he asked casually, "did you build that suit yourself?"


    "Yes," Zack replied, his tone flat.


    "Impressive," Dr. Samson said, nodding thoughtfully. "Very impressive." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Finally, they stopped in the middle of the corridor. Dr. Samson turned, smiling in a way that sent chills down Zack''s spine. "What''s the holdup, Doctor?" Zack asked.


    Dr. Samson removed his glasses slowly, his demeanor shifting. The kindness in his eyes was gone, replaced by something cruel and unhinged. "You''re the first person bold enough to walk willingly into my lab," Dr. Samson sneered. Before Zack could respond, Dr. Samson pressed a button on the wall. Instantly, green toxic gas hissed from hidden nozzles in the ceiling, filling the corridor.


    "I''ll carve you open, savor your heart, and then rebuild you into something extraordinary!" Dr. Samson''s wild laughter echoed in the enclosed space. He stood calmly amidst the swirling poison, completely unaffected.


    Zack''s voice cut through the chaos, calm yet tinged with disappointment. "Poison? That''s all you''ve got? How... predictable."


    Dr. Samson''s laughter faltered. "What?!" From the green fog, Zack''s armored form emerged, the dark gas curling around the scratched metal like a shroud. The war machine looked even more menacing in the toxic haze. Two steel hands shot out, grabbing Dr. Samson by the throat.


    "Did it never occur to you that my armor might have a purification system?" Zack growled.


    Dr. Samson clawed at Zack''s grip, choking. But he wasn''t giving up yet. "K-kill him!" he gasped. At his command, the glass panels on either side of the corridor shattered. Two grotesque creatures burst through, their monstrous forms charging toward Zack. They crawled on four human-like legs, moving with the feral speed of beasts.


    "Guess I''ll deal with you first," Zack muttered, tightening his grip on Dr. Samson''s throat.


    But before he could finish the job, Dr. Samson let out a guttural roar. His body began to twist and contort. His muscles swelled, ripping apart his lab coat, and thick fur sprouted across his skin. His jaw elongated, fangs pushing through his gums, as his face took on the form of a wolf.


    In seconds, Dr. Samson had transformed into a towering werewolf, standing over two meters tall. With a savage snarl, he tore free from Zack''s grip and disappeared into the poisonous mist. "Was that... a werewolf?" Zack muttered, stunned.


    Ego''s voice buzzed in his ear. "It appears so."


    Zack didn''t have time to dwell on it. The two twisted creatures were already lunging at him. Their distorted forms and unsettling speed promised a fight unlike any other. "Fine," Zack muttered, raising his arms. "Let''s see what you''ve got."


    Before he could pursue, a deep rumble echoed through the corridor. Heavy metal doors slid open, revealing a new nightmare: abominations. Bodies piled up at odd angles, a grotesque patchwork of limbs creating monstrous shapes. The creature before Zack had seven or eight arms, an amalgamation of human hands, animal forelimbs, and claws. The stitches at its joints told the horrifying story of its creation.


    "I get it now. Frankenstein really is a horror story," Zack muttered, raising his F2000 rifle. The weapon spat a hail of bullets, striking two of the grotesque beasts. Blood sprayed like crimson flowers, painting the walls.


    The unmistakable roar of a Vulcan machine gun echoed down the corridor as Zack''s automated turret kicked in, sending a torrent of bullets into one of the monsters. Its body convulsed under the onslaught but refused to die. It dragged itself forward, clawing its way toward Zack with unnerving determination.


    "Where''s the head on this thing?" Zack growled, his eyes scanning the patchwork creature. The lack of a clear weak point was infuriating. "Forget it," he said with a sigh. He slung the rifle over his shoulder, pulling out his trusty saw-chain sword. With a flick of the switch, the weapon roared to life, its serrated teeth spinning menacingly.


    The monsters didn''t stand a chance. Zack charged, slicing through their limbs with brutal efficiency. Arms, claws, and other unidentifiable appendages fell like chopped vegetables, the creatures collapsing into piles of gore and twitching parts. Soon, the two abominations were nothing more than heaps of dismembered flesh. "Ego, where''s Samson?" Zack asked, shaking the blood off his saw-chain sword.


    "Sir, the satellite shows Dr. Samson is fleeing the laboratory with a group of people," the AI replied smoothly.


    "Seriously? He ran?" Zack blinked in surprise. He''d half-expected the deranged scientist to transform into some kind of monster and face him head-on. Instead, the man had opted for cowardice.


    "Fine. I''ll deal with him later. He can''t hide from the satellites," Zack said, waving a hand dismissively. "For now, let''s see if this lab has what we need for serum research."


    "Sir, the poison gas system is still active," Ego reminded him.


    "Right. Where''s the control?" Zack asked.


    "On the wall ahead, to your left." Following Ego''s directions, Zack deactivated the gas and activated the ventilation system. The green haze that had filled the corridor dissipated quickly, revealing the horror concealed behind broken glass panels.


    "Damn... This guy is completely insane," Zack muttered, his expression darkening as he took in the scene. The laboratory was a nightmarish spectacle. Dismembered human organs and tissues were strewn about like discarded trash. Glass jars lined the walls, each containing warped creatures¡ªneither human nor beast¡ªfloating in murky liquid.


    Zack''s eyes narrowed as he spotted several iron cages at the far end of the room. Inside, zombies growled and thrashed, their rotting bodies pressing against the bars. On an operating table nearby lay a dismembered super-hunter, its limbs grotesquely altered.


    "He''s splicing zombie limbs onto human bodies?" Zack''s voice was tinged with disbelief as he approached a half-finished creature. It was horrifying.


    The limbs of zombies had been grafted onto human torsos, creating abominations that were both tireless and unfeeling¡ªperfect weapons. "Sir, something''s moving in that covered cage," Ego warned.


    Zack turned toward a large cage draped in a black cloth. The sound of something banging against the bars filled the room. "What now?" he muttered, pulling the cloth aside.

 Chapter 64: Dancer

    Chapter 64 - DancerA scream echoed through the lab. Inside the cage was a woman¡ªor at least, part of one. Her upper body was human, with long black hair and a surprisingly pretty face. But her lower half was a monstrous fusion of limbs: four unnaturally long, spindly legs that seemed ripped straight from a Night Stalker.


    "Night Stalker limbs..." Zack recognized the grotesque design immediately.


    "Don''t look at me! Don''t look at me!" the woman whimpered, curling into the corner of the cage, trembling like a frightened animal.


    Zack''s eyes widened. "You can talk? You still have your mind?"


    The woman nodded shakily, tears streaming down her face. Her voice was hoarse as she pleaded, "Please... don''t hurt me."


    Zack''s shock quickly turned to grim resolve. "Relax. I''m not Samson. I''m here to kill him," he said firmly. He gripped his saw-chain sword, stepping closer to the cage. "I''m going to open this. If you''ve got any sense left, don''t try to attack me. I won''t hesitate to put you down." His tone was cold but steady.


    With a swift swing, Zack sliced through the cage''s lock. The door creaked open. "Come out," he said, stepping back.


    After a tense moment, the woman hesitated before crawling out of the cage. When she stood upright, her towering figure nearly reached three meters, her elongated legs accounting for most of her height. "Thank you..." she murmured, bowing awkwardly. Fear lingered in her eyes as she glanced at Zack, her confusion about her future painfully evident.


    "What happened to you?" Zack asked, his voice softer but no less serious.


    The woman froze, her lips trembling. Then, in a choked voice, she began to recount her ordeal¡ªhow she''d been taken, experimented on, and turned into this living nightmare. Zack listened quietly to the woman''s story, piecing together the tragedy she had endured. She was a prostitute, earning a living through dance to attract customers. It wasn''t a glamorous life, but she hadn''t done anything malicious. After the apocalypse, she had heard a broadcast about a survivor base and was lucky enough to join this group. For a while, it seemed like a blessing¡ªuntil she discovered the truth.


    The man running the base, Dr. Samson, wasn''t just a tyrant¡ªhe was a sadistic monster. This so-called savior provided food, water, and shelter, even medical aid to some injured survivors. But his generosity came at a horrifying cost. His real motive was to ensure his "subjects" were healthy enough for his gruesome experiments.


    When some survivors dared to resist, Samson revealed his true nature. He transformed into a monstrous half-man, half-wolf beast, ripping apart a rebel and devouring his heart in front of everyone. Terrified, many abandoned their humanity, choosing to follow Samson to save their own skins. Some even volunteered for his experiments. Worse, his subordinates scoured the city, deceiving or forcing others into Samson''s operating room. The woman, now barely human, was one of his victims. Under his twisted experiments, she had been transformed into the grotesque figure standing before Zack.


    "What should I call you?" Zack asked, glancing at her as she trembled, tears streaking her disfigured face.


    "Morga..." she began but hesitated. "Just call me Dancer," she said finally, her voice bitter. Her name, given by her parents, no longer seemed to belong to her.


    "Alright, Dancer," Zack said, nodding. "If you want to end it, I can make it quick." His tone was cold, but it wasn''t from a lack of compassion. In Zack''s eyes, sometimes death was a mercy compared to living like this. Survival took far more courage.


    Faced with the option of death, Dancer froze. Did she really want to die? The experiments were excruciating, and surviving them required an unyielding will. Yet, the fact she had made it through proved her strength. "I want to live," she said finally, the determination in her voice overriding her despair. Even in her current state, she refused to give up. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "As you wish," Zack said simply. Without another word, he began inspecting the lab, checking for the equipment he needed. Once satisfied, he turned and headed for the stairs. Dancer hesitated briefly, then followed him.


    Upstairs, the remnants of the survivors had gathered. Their fearful eyes darted between Zack and the towering figure of Dancer behind him. The sight of her grotesque form sent shivers down their spines. "Do you recognize any of these people? Are there any of Samson''s men here?" Zack asked, his sharp gaze sweeping over the huddled group.


    Dancer stepped forward, her elongated limbs carrying her across the room in just a few strides. The survivors recoiled, terrified. A couple of them screamed, only to have their mouths clamped shut by those beside them. "There," Dancer said, her voice shaking with anger. Her height gave her a clear view of a cowering young man in the corner. "That one. He''s one of Samson''s men. He... he raped me." Her voice cracked, tears streaming down her face. In this moment, she cared nothing for shame or decorum.


    "No, no! You''ve got the wrong person!" the man stammered, trying to hide behind the others.


    Before he could move, the sharp crack of Zack''s F2000 rifle echoed through the room. The man''s body jerked as the bullets tore through him, dropping him to the floor in a lifeless heap. "Anyone else?" Zack''s voice was calm, but the cold steel in his tone sent chills through the remaining survivors.


    Dancer scanned the group but shook her head. "No, they were likely deceived or forced here too," she said softly.


    "Good," Zack replied. "Watch them. I''m going to have a little chat with Dr. Samson." The edge in his voice left no doubt about the nature of that "chat."


    Without waiting for a response, Zack activated his thrusters and blasted through the building''s shattered glass, soaring into the sky. As he turned in mid-air, he caught sight of the hospital a short distance away. Satellite images had confirmed Samson''s location there after fleeing the lab. "Clever bastard," Zack muttered, smirking. "A rabbit with three burrows, huh?"


    He didn''t waste time. Hovering above the hospital, Zack opened the missile launch system on his shoulder. The targeting system locked onto the four corners of the building.


    "Fire." Four micro-missiles streaked through the air, striking their targets with pinpoint accuracy. Explosions rocked the hospital, sending flames and debris skyward. The structure groaned and collapsed in a massive cloud of dust, the force shaking the surrounding streets.


    "Air superiority makes life so much easier," Zack said to himself, watching the destruction below. His expression was calm, but his eyes burned with resolve.


    A thunderous, enraged roar erupted from the dusty ruins of the building, shattering the tense silence. Moments later, a black figure burst out of the debris, cradling a corpse in his arms. His movements were frantic, his rage palpable as he charged out of the dust-covered neighborhood. "What have you done?!"


    The figure¡ªDr. Samson, now a hulking werewolf¡ªgently placed the lifeless body on the ground. His eyes burned red with fury as he threw his head back and roared into the heavens, his voice filled with anguish and hatred. "You ruined my research! You destroyed the hope of mankind!"

 Chapter 65: Samson End

    Chapter 65 - Samson EndThe corpse at his feet belonged to the man with pale, zombie-like skin¡ªthe one who had spotted Zack earlier and reported to Samson from the tall building. Dr. Samson''s voice trembled with a mixture of rage and desperation. "I''m going to kill you!" he bellowed, his werewolf form towering as he turned his bloodshot eyes toward Zack, who hovered calmly in the air. The fury in his gaze made it seem as though he wanted to tear Zack apart with his teeth.


    Zack, however, remained unfazed, his tone dripping with condescension. "Wait... You''re saying that thing¡ª" he gestured casually toward the corpse¡ª"was supposed to save humanity? That''s your great hope?"


    His words struck a nerve. Dr. Samson roared again, this time with unrestrained savagery.


    On all fours like a beast, he lunged forward with astonishing speed. His claws¡ªsharp enough to gouge through concrete¡ªsank into a nearby wall as he scaled the building, intent on using it as a springboard to reach Zack. Each movement was a blur of raw power, his strength amplified by his transformation. But no matter how fast he was, flight was beyond him.


    As Dr. Samson reached the rooftop and leaped toward Zack, claws extended, Zack let out a small, almost bored sigh. "You really gave it your best, huh?"


    The Vulcan machine gun on Zack''s suit locked onto the airborne target. The barrel spun with a mechanical whir before unleashing a torrent of bullets. "No!" Dr. Samson roared in defiance, but his voice was drowned out by the deafening gunfire. The rounds tore into his body, sending him plummeting back to the street. Blood sprayed into the air as his massive frame crashed onto the asphalt, leaving a shallow crater in the road.


    Even then, he wasn''t dead. His thick fur had absorbed some of the impact, leaving the bullets lodged in his muscles. Zack frowned slightly behind his visor. "Guess I''ll need armor-piercing rounds next time," he muttered.


    The Vulcan gun swiveled again, targeting Dr. Samson as he struggled to rise. Zack had no intention of giving him another chance. The weapon roared for three more seconds, each bullet a hammer of judgment as flames and smoke consumed the fallen werewolf. The relentless barrage left Dr. Samson lying motionless in a pool of his own blood.


    Zack''s thrusters powered down as he descended, landing with a metallic thud next to Samson''s body. "Sir," the voice of his AI assistant, Ego, crackled in his ear. "He''s still clinging to life."


    Zack raised an eyebrow. "Still alive? Damn, this guy''s stubborn."


    Samson twitched at the sound of Zack landing. His massive, fur-covered frame began to shrink, reverting to his human form. Blue-gray fur faded away, leaving behind blood-soaked skin riddled with scars. "Kill... you..." Samson wheezed, his voice barely above a whisper. Even as his body lay broken, his eyes blazed with hatred.


    "Hate me that much?" Zack crouched beside him, his voice mocking. "Funny, when you were sneaking up on me earlier, you didn''t seem too concerned about the consequences." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You... ruined... the hope of mankind..." Samson rasped, before a violent cough wracked his body. He spat out a mouthful of blood and fragments of his own organs.


    "Hope?" Zack scoffed, flicking open his visor to reveal his cold, unyielding face. "Humanity lost its hope a long time ago. And even if there''s any left, it sure as hell wasn''t coming from you." Samson''s glare didn''t waver, even as his body failed him. Zack stood and placed a boot firmly on Samson''s head.


    "Ego, activate thrusters. Five percent power." The propellers on Zack''s suit hummed to life, spraying bright, searing flames downward. The high temperature instantly charred Samson''s face, burning away flesh until nothing but blackened bone remained.


    "AAAAAHHHHH!" Samson''s agonized screams echoed for five harrowing seconds before falling silent. The flames died down, leaving behind a carbonized skull.


    "Rest in peace, Doc." Zack crushed the brittle remains underfoot with a sickening crunch, scattering charred fragments across the street.


    Not far away, a group of survivors from Samson''s team emerged from the ruins of a hospital. They had hidden in the basement during Zack''s assault, and only six out of a dozen had made it out alive. The moment they climbed out, they were greeted by the grisly sight of their leader''s mutilated corpse. "Hiss¡ª" They sucked in sharp breaths, their faces pale with fear.


    "We... we need to split up and run!" one of them stammered, and the others nodded in frantic agreement. But before they could act, the heavy clang of metal striking the ground sounded behind them.


    Swallowing hard, the group turned around, their movements stiff with dread. There stood Zack, his armor glinting ominously in the dim light. Dust swirled around him as he tilted his head slightly, his tone almost playful. "Running already? Come on, guys. Your boss is gone. Shouldn''t you follow him to keep him company?" Zack''s voice, cold and ruthless, penetrated his closed armor.


    "No, no, please... Begging you, I''m not with Samson! I was deceived, I swear! It''s true!"


    The six people standing before him reacted differently to his words. Some dropped to their knees, kowtowing and begging for mercy. Others rambled in desperation, trying to confuse or deceive him. Yet one thing united them: their overwhelming fear of death. The method Zack had used to kill Dr. Samson had clearly left a deep impression.


    "So, you''re saying none of you worked for Dr. Samson?" Zack asked, his tone laced with mockery as his eyes scanned them.


    "Yeah!"


    "Exactly! We''re just like those survivors, we were captured too!"


    "That''s right!"


    In their panic, they didn''t even realize their slip. Mentioning "those survivors" exposed them¡ªthey clearly weren''t mere victims. "Well," Zack said, a small smile playing on his lips, "I don''t care if you were Samson''s people or not. What matters is whether you''re smart enough to help me."


    Of course, Zack already knew the truth about them. He wasn''t fooled. But rather than killing them outright, he saw a better use for them. "Wait, are you serious?" one of them asked, stunned.


    The sudden twist left the six in disbelief. Zack wasn''t going to kill them¡ªinstead, he was offering them a chance to work for him. After Zack gave a firm nod, their relief was palpable. Faces lit up with joy as they scrambled to pledge their loyalty.


    "No problem at all!"


    "Boss, I''m your dog now! I''ll do whatever you say!"


    "You want me to go east? I won''t even think about going west!"


    Zack watched as they dropped to their knees again, swearing their loyalty with loud declarations. "Let me guess," Zack said, his voice icy. "You knelt just like this to that mad doctor, didn''t you?"


    Panic flickered across their faces, but they quickly denied it.


    "No, no, we hate him!"


    "Only to you, sir! You''re the only one we''ll ever kneel to!"


    To prove their loyalty, they began slamming their heads against the ground in exaggerated kowtows.


    "Enough." Zack waved a hand dismissively, his voice cold. "Go back to the lab. When the plane arrives, load the equipment I''ve marked onto it."

 Chapter 66: Mad Scientist

    Chapter 66 - Mad ScientistThe group scrambled to their feet, nodding eagerly. As Zack''s armor propelled him into the air and towards the biological lab, the six exchanged uneasy glances.


    "Should we run?" one of them whispered nervously.


    "Run? Where to? That guy said a plane is coming soon. Do you want to test how far you can get before he hunts you down?"


    "He''s strong, sure," another said hesitantly, "but all he has is that armor. Without it, he''s nothing."


    "Exactly," a middle-aged man with a sharp look said, his tone low and calculating. "Let''s follow him for now. The moment we get a chance, we''ll take the armor. Then we''ll be unstoppable."


    The others nodded, their fear giving way to greed. But they were unaware that Zack, now hovering hundreds of meters above, had heard every word through his suit''s advanced audio sensors. His cold eyes tracked them as they ran back to the lab. "Six will do," Zack muttered, his voice calm but chilling.


    He adjusted his flight path and shot back to the biological lab, entering through the gaping hole he''d blasted earlier. The thrusters roared as he landed, the force stirring up dust and sending frightened survivors scrambling for cover. "Ah!" someone screamed, their voice filled with terror. Ignoring them entirely, Zack strode toward the staircase.


    The dancer from earlier hesitated, then worked up the courage to speak. "W-what happened?"


    Zack didn''t stop. "He''s dead. I crushed his skull and burned him alive with the propeller," he said without looking back, his tone as indifferent as if he were discussing the weather. The dancer froze, her emotions conflicting. Relief mixed with the urge to cry as she bent down, whispering, "Thank you... thank you..."


    Zack continued down into the lab, his expression dark. His initial plan to develop a serum here had been scrapped. The place disgusted him now. "Ego, is the helicopter available?" he asked, his tone sharp.


    "Yes, sir," the AI replied smoothly. "We just finished transporting supplies. It''s ready for deployment."


    "Good. Bring it here," Zack ordered. He grabbed a marker from the lab and began making visible marks on all the equipment and materials he needed. If this lab couldn''t serve his purposes, he''d move everything to one of the empty Mansions in the community and set up a new base there.


    While waiting Zack start checking up the place, a stack of documents on the laboratory table caught Zack''s attention. He narrowed his eyes, curious. "Huh? What''s this?" He walked over, picking up the topmost file. After flipping through the pages, his expression darkened. It was Dr. Samson''s research data¡ªdetailed information on various human experiments. Among the papers was a slim, leather-bound diary with the doctor''s handwritten notes.


    [X Month XX, 20XX]


    Today marks the seventh day of the virus outbreak. I came down with an inexplicable fever¡ª40 degrees. It reminded me of when I was a child, burning up at Aunt Susan''s house.


    Thankfully, I survived.


    Thank God!


    [X Month XX, 20XX]


    It''s the ninth day.


    I''ve noticed... something extraordinary about myself. I''ve awakened a hidden power¡ªan atavism! I can transform into a werewolf within minutes, though the process is agonizing. But once I transform... I am unstoppable!


    Thank God!


    Zack''s lips curled into a sneer as he read the entries. "So, the guy''s a mutant. For a second, I thought he experimented on himself." He continued flipping through the diary, skipping mundane details of daily experiments, until he stumbled upon something that made his blood run cold.


    [X Month XX, 20XX]


    I''m losing my mind! These people are too frail. They can''t even survive minor enhancements!


    [X Month XX, 20XX]


    Success at last! Experimental Subject-27 exhibits zombie-like traits while retaining human intelligence. Testing confirms that zombies won''t attack Subject-27. I''ve done it! If I can pinpoint the mutation''s cause, I can develop a serum that will allow humans and zombies to coexist peacefully! A Nobel Prize would surely be mine!


    Zack slammed the diary shut, his face shadowed with rage. Now he understood. Dr. Samson''s so-called "hope for mankind" was grotesque. The doctor wanted to transform every surviving human into a zombie¡ªthinking, breathing zombies! For this twisted vision, at least twenty innocent people had died on his operating table. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack exhaled slowly, his voice chillingly calm. "I regret it, Ego. I shouldn''t have killed him so quickly. I should''ve made him suffer until he begged for death."


    Ego remained silent, sensing the weight of Zack''s fury. Zack closed the file and tucked it under his arm. He had no intention of staying in this godforsaken lab a moment longer. As Zack reached the upper floor, he came across a tense scene. Dr. Samson''s six surviving men were huddled together, trembling as they faced the transformed dancer.


    Though "confrontation" seemed like the wrong word¡ªit was clear the men were moments away from being torn apart. From the energy readings Ego had scanned, the dancer''s transformation had elevated her strength to rival that of a Night Stalker. Against her, these six men stood no chance.


    "Don''t act rashly!" one of the men stammered, his voice cracking. "We''re... we''re under Master''s protection! If you hurt us, he won''t spare you!"


    The group''s bluff was painfully obvious. They didn''t even know Zack''s name, let alone have real protection. The dancer snarled, but she paused, her sharp claws retracting slightly. It seemed she understood their feeble words.


    "Enough." Zack''s cold voice broke the tension as he stepped into view. "You lot, head back downstairs and start moving the equipment I marked. Don''t take the wrong things¡ªor else." The six men froze. They exchanged nervous glances before nodding furiously. "Y-yes, sir! Right away!"


    Without another word, they scrambled back into the lab, eager to avoid the dancer''s wrath.


    Zack turned to the towering figure beside him. Even at 1.8 meters tall, he had to crane his neck to look up at her. She loomed over him, more than 3 meters tall in her transformed state. "Want to kill them?" he asked bluntly, his tone flat.


    The dancer hesitated, her glowing eyes flickering. Finally, she leaned down awkwardly to meet his gaze. "No... I don''t want to."


    It was an obvious lie. Zack could see the hatred simmering in her expression. But she knew these men were now under Zack''s command, and she couldn''t act on her desires. "Don''t worry," Zack said softly, though his words carried a sharp edge. "They won''t die easy."


    The dancer''s eyes narrowed, but she said nothing further.


    Minutes later, a helicopter descended in front of the lab''s gates. The six men worked quickly, loading crates of equipment and materials onto carts and hauling them to the aircraft. Before long, the helicopter''s cargo hold was packed to the brim. "You lot, get in," Zack ordered, standing by the loading ramp.


    The six men stared at him in confusion. "But... there''s no room, sir."


    "Do you need me to repeat myself?" Zack''s voice dropped, cold and menacing.


    "N-no, sir!" They stammered, scrambling to climb into the cramped hold. They squeezed themselves into the narrow gaps between the crates, their bodies pressed uncomfortably close. Every tiny movement caused another to groan in pain or gasp for air.


    "Close the door," Zack commanded.

 Chapter 67: Old Dog

    Chapter 67 - Old DogEgo silently complied, sealing the ramp shut. Zack watched, his face unreadable, as the helicopter rose into the sky, carrying them all away.


    "If you''re so keen on using people for experiments..." Zack muttered, his tone calm but cutting. "Then you should experience it yourself... what it feels like to be a guinea pig."


    With the hatch secured, the helicopter began to rise under Ego''s control, heading toward the Mansion as planned. Zack, however, didn''t leave immediately. Instead, he sought out the dancer. "What''s your plan now?" he asked, his voice steady, almost indifferent.


    "I..." The dancer hesitated, her voice trembling slightly. Then, cautiously, she asked, "Can I... follow you?" The words were barely out of her mouth before she regretted them.


    "No," Zack replied flatly, his answer exactly what she had expected. He didn''t sugarcoat it. "You should know your situation. Honestly, I''m not even sure myself if you''re still human."


    His bluntness was like a knife cutting through any lingering hope. He gestured toward the survivors in the lab. "Even if I wanted to take you in, look at them. Do you think you can ever be part of human society again?"


    The survivors stared at the dancer with wide, fearful eyes. To them, she was no different from the monsters they had barely escaped. The dancer lowered her head, her hands trembling. "I... I understand," she whispered.


    The weight of Zack''s words crushed her spirit. She had survived Dr. Samson''s experiments and accepted her warped reality, stubbornly clinging to the belief that she was still human¡ªnot a monster. But now, that belief felt fragile. "Even though I can''t take you in," Zack said suddenly, his tone softening just enough to catch her attention, "I can offer you a job."


    Her head snapped up, hope igniting in her eyes. "Really? I''ll do anything you ask!"


    "Don''t get too excited," Zack replied, his voice calm. "Before I tell you what the job is, there''s something I need you to do first."


    "Anything! Just say it, and I''ll¡ª"


    "Kill them."


    Zack''s words hit her like a thunderclap. He pointed at the survivors huddled in the corner, his expression cold and unreadable. "What?" The dancer froze, her face paling. The survivors, sensing the shift, tried to retreat, but the Vulcan machine gun mounted on Zack''s shoulder locked onto them, stopping them in their tracks.


    "Why?" the dancer asked, her voice shaking. These people were just like her¡ªvictims of Samson''s twisted experiments.


    "No reason." Zack''s voice was as emotionless as ever, but there was a cruel edge to it. "This is your test. You either follow me, or you don''t."


    The dancer stared at the trembling survivors, her sharp lower limbs twitching hesitantly. If these had been Samson''s lackeys, she wouldn''t have thought twice. But these were innocent people, just like her. "I..." Her mind raced. Loyalty or humanity? Zack or the survivors? In the end, she made her choice.


    "I''m sorry," she whispered, raising her sharp limbs and lunging toward the corner.


    "Ahhhh!" The survivors screamed, cowering.


    CLANG!


    Her attack was suddenly stopped by the blade of Zack''s chainsaw sword. The motor was off, but the weight of the weapon pressed down on her limbs. "Congratulations," Zack said coolly, withdrawing the blade. "You passed the interview."


    The dancer blinked in confusion, her limbs still raised. "What...?"


    "This is your job," Zack explained, tossing her a communicator. "When I say kill, you kill. Don''t hesitate next time."


    He turned and walked away without another glance, ignoring the terrified survivors entirely. Not long after, Zack, in his full suit, overtook the helicopter traveling toward the Mansion. He arrived first, diving through the garage entrance at high speed and landing directly in the basement.


    The moment he touched down, he saw dozens of Ant scuttling about, busy constructing new spiders. A completed spider stood nearby, its sleek form glinting under the basement lights. "We need more," Zack said, instructing Ego as the AI helped him remove his armor. "Stop spider production for now. Focus on increasing Ants numbers."


    As the last piece of armor was removed, Zack stretched his joints, grabbed a vial of chlorophyll juice from a mechanical arm, and downed it in one gulp. "Once we have enough, we''ll start on Air Fortress and air defense systems."


    Leaving the basement, Zack collected five new spiders and five mechanical Ant. As he stepped outside, he bumped into Annie. "You''re back!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up. But seeing Zack''s focused expression, she quickly stepped aside, too perceptive to interrupt him.


    In the basement of Mansion No. 9, several mechanical Ants assisting with production abruptly dropped their tasks and rushed over at Zack''s command. The harsh sounds of cutting and welding grew louder, echoing through the Mansion. From time to time, a mechanical ant could be seen scuttling out of the Mansion, carrying heaps of discarded materials. Moments later, it would return, loaded with fresh metal components. Despite the frenzy, their movements were precise and orderly, giving the appearance of a well-rehearsed routine.


    Under the efforts of dozens of mechanical Ants, the once-luxurious Mansion was quickly becoming unrecognizable. The doors and windows were sealed tight, transforming the Mansion into a fully enclosed structure. Inside, unnecessary walls were torn down to create larger, open spaces. Detachable fixtures were systematically removed, leaving the interior bare and functional. Every modification was carried out swiftly and efficiently under Zack''s orders.


    Meanwhile, a transport helicopter appeared in the sky not far from the Mansion. As it slowed and began its descent toward Mansion No. 13, the six passengers inside, cramped and aching from the bumpy ride, stirred with renewed energy.


    "Hey, Old Dog! Can you see if we''re about to land?" one of them called out.


    The man referred to as Old Dog¡ªa grim-faced, middle-aged man who had earlier suggested stealing Zack''s armor¡ªshifted uncomfortably and craned his neck to peer out of the small window. His expression quickly shifted from blankness to astonishment, then to excitement.


    "What is it? What do you see?" another asked, noticing the change in his demeanor.


    "Mansions! Big, fancy Mansions!" Old Dog exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement. "We might each get a place to ourselves!"


    "Seriously?" The others leaned closer, their imaginations running wild. They envisioned luxurious lives ahead, fueled by the idea of taking Zack''s armor and seizing control of his resources.


    The helicopter descended steadily and landed smoothly on the lawn in front of Mansion No. 13. The six passengers were practically buzzing with anticipation, dreaming of their newfound riches and freedom. But as the cabin door slid open, their fantasies shattered in an instant. Standing outside were five cold, metallic machines, their sharp, gleaming legs aimed menacingly at the passengers.


    "Come down and get to work," Zack''s voice called out, calm and emotionless. To their dismay, Zack had removed his armor, but there was no relief to be found. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Okay, okay! We''re coming!" the six stammered, their bravado vanishing. Despite their aching bodies, they scrambled off the helicopter as if fleeing for their lives. Under the watchful, glowing eyes of the mechanical spiders, they began unloading the helicopter.


    "Move quickly," Zack said from a distance, his tone indifferent. "Finish unloading tonight, and I might reward you with individual rooms."


    "Yes! Right away!" they replied in unison, their voices shaking. Fear of the spiders drove them to work harder, far more than the promise of single rooms.


    "This is all your fault!" one of them hissed, glaring at Old Dog as they hauled heavy equipment.

 Chapter 68: Air Fortress

    Chapter 68 - Air Fortress"How was I supposed to know he had robots?" Old Dog muttered, despair clear in his voice.


    Still, complaints gave way to desperate labor as they hurried to unload the helicopter''s cargo. Once everything was cleared, the six began transporting the materials into Mansion No. 13, guided and supervised by the spiders. Each item was placed meticulously into its designated area, no mistakes allowed.


    In the basement, the six couldn''t help but notice the transformation taking place. Rows of cells were being constructed¡ªcold, confined spaces that left no doubt about their purpose. "These aren''t rooms... they''re cages," one of them whispered, a chill running down their spine.


    Before they could make a move to escape, they turned and saw one of the mechanical spiders silently blocking the exit. Its glowing eyes were locked onto them. "Pick a cell," Zack said flatly, walking in. He glanced at the six incomplete cells, calculating how much longer it would take for the mechanical Ants to finish. "You''ll each have one in less than half an hour."


    "Wait! Sir!" one of them cried, dropping to their knees. "We''re loyal to you! We''ll do anything for you! Please, don''t lock us up!" One by one, they groveled, their pride long abandoned. These were people who had once worked under Dr. Samson, kidnapping survivors and conducting cruel experiments. They knew better than anyone how monstrous those actions were. Their pleas were desperate, but Zack remained unmoved.


    "Enough," Zack said, his voice cold and firm. "This is the best you can hope for."


    With a wave of his hand, the spiders sprang into action. Despite the cells still being unfinished, they herded the six into their assigned spaces, sharp legs glinting under the dim lights.


    "Watch them." Zack instructed the spider to guard the six captives before leaving Mansion No. 13. It was getting late, and the laboratory renovations still hadn''t been completed. Naturally, Zack wasn''t going to waste time waiting around. With the situation under control, he planned to focus on what came next¡ªstarting the development of the Superhuman Serum the following day.


    Back at Mansion No. 9, Zack headed straight to the basement and approached his workbench. "Ego, pull up the files on the Air Fortress and the Air Defense System," he commanded.


    As soon as he spoke, two folders materialized on the massive screen before him. One contained detailed blueprints for the Air Fortress, and the other held schematics for an Advanced Air Defense System. Zack leaned forward, his fingers gliding over the screen to open the Air Fortress files. "Plastic gold?" he muttered, raising a brow as he scanned the material specifications. "Never heard of it. Ego, search for alternative lightweight, durable materials with high thermal resistance."


    Ego responded promptly, overlaying a list of materials on the screen. Zack selected titanium-aluminum alloys for their high strength-to-weight ratio and carbon nanotube composites for added durability. "Perfect. These will withstand high-altitude conditions and reduce overall weight."


    His attention shifted to the power system. "Fuel-powered engines? Are we still stuck in the last century?" He shook his head. "Nope, we''re upgrading this to a fusion reactor."


    Zack tapped the screen, pulling up a design for a compact cold fusion reactor, a energy source that uses superheated plasma to fuse hydrogen atoms and release immense amounts of energy. "We''ll use deuterium and tritium isotopes as fuel," he explained to himself, adjusting the fuel injection system. "They''re relatively abundant and efficient for sustained fusion."


    He paused, considering the cooling system. "A reactor like this would need a way to handle the extreme heat. Ego, overlay liquid helium cooling channels around the magnetic coils." A schematic updated in real time, showing a network of pipes snaking around the reactor. "This should keep the superconducting magnets stable and prevent a meltdown." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack frowned as he studied the thruster configuration. "If we''re going with fusion, the propulsion system needs an overhaul too. Ego, let''s switch to plasma-based thrusters. They''ll work perfectly with the reactor''s energy output."


    He adjusted the exhaust design, ensuring it could expel ionized gas at high velocities without creating unnecessary drag. "Plasma thrusters will give it the versatility to operate both in atmospheric conditions and in space. Ground-level propulsion will need auxiliary fans, though."


    Next, his focus turned to the fortress''s defensive capabilities. "This laser interceptor... What a waste if it''s only good for short-range." He selected the targeting system and extended its range by integrating adaptive optics to compensate for atmospheric interference. "Let''s add a predictive targeting algorithm. It''ll track and neutralize threats before they get close."


    As the design came together, Zack layered in modular weapon systems. "We''ll need railguns for long-range strikes, anti-missile laser arrays, and EMP launchers to disable enemy electronics. Make them easy to replace or upgrade."


    Finally, Zack enhanced the fortress''s structural integrity. "A titanium-carbon frame reinforced with nano-ceramic plating will keep it light but strong enough to handle direct impacts." He added shock absorption systems to the landing gear and ensured the airlock seals could withstand extreme pressure differences.


    One adjustment led to another, and the workload kept piling up. Zack moved between screens, his fingers a blur as he fine-tuned every component. "If the fusion reactor is our power source, we''ll need redundant energy storage in case of a reactor shutdown." He designed high-capacity graphene supercapacitors to store surplus energy and provide emergency backup.


    By the time the clock struck two in the morning, Zack leaned back in his chair, exhaustion giving way to satisfaction. The Air Fortress now featured state-of-the-art propulsion, defenses, and materials, all grounded in advanced but plausible science. He grinned as he reviewed the final blueprint, murmuring to himself, "Done. This thing''s a beast."


    Despite the long hours, Zack felt surprisingly energetic. His mental state was sharp, as though he could keep going for hours. "Ego, upload the updated schematics to the Mechanical Ants. I want them to start manufacturing first thing tomorrow," he said.


    "Understood, Sir. The data has been uploaded," Ego responded promptly.


    Feeling a wave of relief, Zack grabbed a glass of chlorophyll juice delivered by a robotic arm. After taking a sip, he wiped his mouth on his sleeve and headed upstairs. "Wake me at six," he said over his shoulder.


    At 5:59 a.m., Zack woke up naturally, beating Ego''s alarm by a minute, as usual. He ran a quick self-scan, and the results made him smile. His physical fitness had improved by roughly 3% since the previous day. "Almost 1.8 times that of an average person now," he murmured, clenching his fist and feeling the strength coursing through his body. "But it''s still not enough."


    After a quick wash, Zack was about to head to the basement when something in the garden caught his eye. Through the window, he saw a red-haired figure throwing punches in the air. Curious, he opened the door and stepped outside. "Didn''t expect you to be so disciplined," Zack said, leaning casually against the doorframe.


    "Of course!" Erza replied, performing a set of precise military-style punches. Her movements were sharp and well-practiced, a clear sign of her training.


    Zack smirked. "You know you''re a mage, right?"

 Chapter 69: Serum

    Chapter 69 - Serum"I do, but you''re the bastard who banned me from using my powers inside the Mansion. What else am I supposed to do?" Erza shot back, pausing to point at the collar around her neck. Her glare was sharp enough to cut steel.


    "What, you think I want you blowing the place up?" Zack retorted, rolling his eyes. "I said no magic inside. I never said you couldn''t go outside."


    Erza froze mid-punch, her expression lighting up. "Wait, I can leave the Mansion?"


    "Obviously," Zack said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.


    Without another word, Erza bolted back inside to grab her coat. "I''m going to the steel mill!" she yelled, running out the gate like an overexcited husky finally unleashed after days of confinement.


    Zack opened his mouth to respond, but she was already out of sight. "Why do I even bother..." he muttered, shaking his head. Turning to Ego, he said, "Track her GPS and alert me if anything weird happens."


    By the time Zack arrived, Mansion No. 13 looked nothing like it had the day before. The building now resembled a high-tech research institute. "Not bad," Zack said, stepping through the single entryway.


    Inside, the renovations were clean and functional. The walls gleamed white, and the floors, though simple, had been treated with a non-slip coating. Research equipment was neatly arranged in designated zones, and overhead lighting provided ample illumination to every corner. "What about the ventilation system?" Zack asked, inspecting the enclosed structure.


    "Sir, the ventilation system is designed for maximum efficiency," Ego responded. "It uses a dual-pipe layout with gate-off functionality. If abnormal gases or foreign matter are detected, the main ducts automatically close, and secondary ducts take over."


    "Well done." Zack nodded, satisfied. He stepped into a private elevator that led to the underground levels. The basement of Mansion No. 13 mirrored that of Mansion No. 9. This was where the real work would happen. Whether on the first or second underground levels, access required strict security and the same private elevator system.


    "Time to begin," Zack said, his voice filled with anticipation.


    Ding! The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing Zack as he stepped into the dimly lit basement. His gaze immediately landed on six individuals housed in separate rooms, their faces pale and worn, evidence of sleepless nights etched into the deep circles under their eyes.


    Each room was fitted with one-way glass, allowing Zack to observe without being seen. The walls were no ordinary concrete but reinforced high-strength steel, designed to eliminate any possibility of a breakout by sheer manpower.


    Zack''s voice was as cold as the metal surrounding them. "Didn''t I tell you all to get some sleep?"


    Hearing his voice, the six detainees scrambled to the iron doors, desperation flooding their faces.


    "Sir, please let me go!"


    "You''ve got the wrong person!"


    "I swear I''m not one of Samson''s men!"


    Their pleas came in frantic waves, their voices cracking under the weight of fear. The rooms, while equipped with basic necessities like beds, toilets, and sinks, unmistakably resembled prison cells. Zack''s expression remained unchanged. He turned to Ego. "Release the anesthetic gas. Once they''re unconscious, inject them with nutrient solutions to keep them healthy."


    The faint hope that had flickered in their eyes extinguished instantly.


    "No! Please, no!"


    "You can''t do this!"


    They pounded on the steel doors, their cries echoing in the confined space. But it was futile. As the anesthetic gas filled the rooms, their movements slowed, and soon, all six were slumped in unconscious silence.


    Zack watched impassively as the process unfolded. "Make sure they stay in good health," he added, his tone detached.


    For the six detainees, that phrase was all too familiar¡ªcold, clinical, and devoid of compassion. While the captives were sedated and hooked to nutrient drips, Zack shifted his focus to a far more critical task: configuring the Super Serum. In the brightly lit lab, rows of complex formulas glowed on multiple screens.


    "The formula looks fine," Zack muttered, "but these materials... seriously?"


    His brow furrowed as he scanned the list. Most of the chemical compounds were familiar¡ªamino acids, enzymes, and nanopolymers that could theoretically enhance cellular regeneration and strength. But a few were problematic, relying on rare elements and theoretical molecules that he couldn''t easily source.


    "What the hell is this ''Catalytic Bio-Matrix'' supposed to be?" Zack groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. The material was described as a molecular scaffold to bind and amplify the serum''s active compounds, but its real-world equivalent was elusive.


    "Ego, search for possible alternatives."


    The AI hummed in response, displaying a list of substitute materials on the screen. Zack''s eyes scanned through advanced biopolymers, synthetic peptides, and modified protein scaffolds. Each came with detailed compatibility notes, but the manufacturing methods were far from simple.


    "Figures," Zack muttered. "Guess we''re building it from scratch."


    Using Ego''s guidance, Zack worked through the night. He synthesized biopolymers by breaking down organic matter and reassembling the molecular chains in his improvised lab. Enzymatic reactions were carefully controlled to produce protein scaffolds capable of replicating the effects of the original Bio-Matrix. It was slow, meticulous work, with each failure setting him back hours. But by dawn, he had a functional replacement.


    "Close enough," he murmured, wiping sweat from his brow. Next came the real challenge: stabilizing the serum''s energy transfer. The formula called for ionized microcells, a theoretical medium capable of enhancing the flow of bioelectric signals through the body without causing cellular burnout. The idea was grounded in science¡ªbioelectricity governs muscle contraction, neuron firing, and even wound healing¡ªbut creating something that could amplify it safely was no small task. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ego, any ideas on synthesizing ionized microcells?" Zack asked, already dreading the answer.


    "Silver nanowires embedded in a graphene hydrogel could serve as a functional substitute," Ego replied. "The hydrogel would enhance conductivity while maintaining cellular integrity."


    "Great," Zack muttered sarcastically, "because I''ve got piles of silver and graphene just lying around."


    Despite his frustration, Zack scavenged materials from old electronics, extracting trace amounts of silver and repurposing carbon components to create graphene. Using a makeshift reactor, he suspended the silver nanowires in a hydrogel matrix, carefully ionizing the mixture with a controlled electrical charge. As the hydrogel stabilized, Zack inspected the results under a microscope. "Not perfect," he muttered, "but it''ll have to do."


    With the key components ready, Zack began synthesizing the serum. Each step required precise measurements and constant monitoring to prevent the mixture from destabilizing. The active compounds had to bind seamlessly with the biopolymer matrix and the ionized hydrogel, forming a cohesive solution that could interact with human biology without causing catastrophic side effects. "Ego, run a cohesion check," Zack ordered, his hands steady despite the tension.


    "Cohesion is at 83%. Molecular stability within acceptable limits," the AI reported.

 Chapter 70: Experiment

    Chapter 70 - ExperimentTwo days passed in a blur. Zack''s world narrowed to refining and testing, his focus unshaken despite the monotony. Meanwhile, the mechanical Ants in the community continued their relentless work, their numbers swelling to over fifty. They scurried about, fortifying defenses and constructing the prototype for the Sky Defense System. The Air Fortress''s mainframe was also nearing completion, adding another layer of progress to the bustling activity.


    In stark contrast, the six captives in the biological lab were spiraling into despair. Despite being provided with luxurious meals¡ªcomplete with fish, meat, and even milk noodles¡ªtheir paranoia consumed them. To them, these feasts were nothing more than the last meals of condemned prisoners.


    Every bite was accompanied by dread, but they ate anyway. Hunger strikes were met with immediate sedation and forced nutrient injections. Their physical activity was monitored just as rigorously. Each room contained a treadmill, and they were required to jog five kilometers and sprint one kilometer daily. Refusal brought swift punishment in the form of Zack''s mechanical spiders, which delivered painful but non-lethal stings to stimulate their muscles.


    Zack was meticulous, ensuring their physical health at any cost. On the afternoon of the third day, Zack finally completed the element configuration for the serum. Most elements had near-perfect replacements, but five remained unstable, leaving him with 120 possible arrangements.


    Zack leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "Five unstable elements. Great. That''s 120 different combinations... and I only have six test subjects."


    His eyes flicked toward the breeding tanks filled with white mice. "We''ll start with the mice." He prepared the first serum with precise movements and retrieved a mouse, securing it in a miniature injection chamber. "Super Serum, test one, beginning now," he announced, pressing the start button.


    The chamber lit up as the serum was injected, followed by targeted radiation. Pop!


    The mouse exploded. "Experiment failed," Zack muttered, already reaching for the next arrangement.


    One by one, the tests continued, each ending in failure. Bang! Pop! BOOM!!!


    Hours bled into days. Zack worked tirelessly, refining serums, adjusting variables, and recording results. He no longer swore or complained, his mind wholly absorbed in the grueling process. This was his work, his future. Mistakes weren''t an option. After nearly thirty hours of continuous effort, Zack paused, staring at the latest result. "Still unstable," he murmured. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Exhaling deeply, he stood, stretching his stiff limbs. The serum wasn''t ready¡ªnot yet. But he wouldn''t stop until it was. After countless failures, the lab was littered with shattered hopes and shattered mice¡ªquite literally. One after another, the test subjects exploded in horrifying displays of serum instability. Zack, who had spent sleepless nights in the basement, was close to believing his goal of transformation was a lost cause. But then, the 94th experiment proved different.


    Beep! Hiss! The injection chamber whirred to life and slowly opened. Out stepped a white mouse, now nearly twice its original size. Its movements were sharp, its eyes gleaming with a strange intensity.


    "Squeak!" The mouse''s demeanor quickly turned violent. Trapped within a glass enclosure, it rammed the walls with relentless fury. Crack! A jagged line appeared on the bulletproof glass.


    Zack raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Strength enhancement confirmed. Aggressive tendencies noted," he muttered while scribbling in his log. His excitement, however, was short-lived. Without hesitation, he pressed a red button.


    Zzzap! A laser beam pierced through the mouse''s head, dropping it lifeless. "Noted. Let''s move on to the 95th experiment." Zack''s tone was calm, almost clinical. Fueled by the success of the 94th iteration, he rigorously tested remaining serum variations. By the end of the night, three formulas¡ª94, 101, and 112¡ªwere confirmed as successful, at least for the mice.


    "Time for human trials," he declared, his gaze shifting toward a small, isolated room nearby. Inside, six captives¡ªonce petty criminals, now unwilling participants¡ªcowered in terror. Days of witnessing gruesome experiments had left them paralyzed with fear. The mere thought of being next sent chills down their spines.


    The oldest among them, nicknamed Old Dog, was the first to break the silence. "You bastard!" he spat, voice shaking but defiant. "You think I''ll let you¡ª" Before he could finish, a faint hiss filled the room. Anesthetic gas poured in, cutting him off mid-sentence. One by one, the six slumped to the floor.


    "Bring three of them over," Zack instructed coldly. His mechanical ants dragged three unconscious subjects into crude injection chambers. The machines looked cobbled together¡ªexposed wires dangled dangerously, and the metallic frames bore hasty welds. But the function was the same. "Inject the serum."


    Three different variations¡ª94, 101, and 112¡ªwere loaded into the machines. With a press of a button, the process began. Bright beams of light engulfed the subjects, the intensity far greater than what was used on the mice. The rays surged through the chambers, seeping out through every gap. Under this pressure, the serums began their work.


    "Ahhhhh!" The three captives woke up in agonizing pain, screaming and thrashing against their restraints. Zack ignored their cries, his focus glued to the monitor. "Increase power," he ordered.


    The light intensified further, illuminating the basement like a miniature sun. "Subject One: cardiac arrest, brain wave failure, multiple organ collapse..." Ego, Zack''s AI assistant, reported mechanically.


    "Serum 94 deemed unfit for humans," Zack concluded, shutting down the first chamber without so much as a blink. The subject slumped lifelessly, smoke curling from the edges of the machine.


    The other two chambers, however, remained stable. Zack''s hope flickered.


    "Subject Three: neural damage detected. Brain activity is deteriorating rapidly," Ego warned. A guttural roar erupted from the third chamber, shaking the room. Zack''s eyes narrowed. "If I''m not mistaken, the active component in Serum 101 is... the Zeta virus."


    His hand instinctively reached for the emergency protocol. "Ego, deploy the MV-02W to this location. Now."


    "Understood." In the distance, one of Zack''s unmanned war machines powered up, its heavy metallic frame humming as it sprinted toward the lab. Alongside it, five robotic spiders armed with poison darts scuttled into defensive positions, surrounding the still-closed chamber.


    Meanwhile, Zack''s attention shifted back to the second chamber. "All vitals normal," Ego confirmed.


    Zack allowed himself a small smile. "Finally... success." The third chamber continued to rumble ominously, but Zack ignored it for now. The second machine hissed open, revealing a transformed figure. The subject was well-built, his muscles taut like coiled steel, exuding raw power. Before Zack could even savor the moment, the metal restraints binding the man''s wrists and ankles snapped with a deafening clang.


    "Kill you! Everything you have is mine!" roared the man¡ªnone other than Old Dog, who had been injected with Serum 112. Zack''s eyes widened in disbelief. The subject who was deemed "normal" had already turned hostile, blinded by his newfound strength. Old Dog''s every step cracked the concrete beneath him as he charged at Zack with murderous intent.


    "Ego, activate defense mode!" Zack barked.

 Chapter 71: Super Serum - Success

    Chapter 71 - Super Serum - SuccessThe old dog lunged at Zack, his bloodshot eyes filled with madness. He had one thought driving him¡ªkill Zack and take everything he had. But before he could get close, his delusions were cut short. Thin, gleaming spider threads shot down from the wall above, wrapping tightly around his hands and feet.


    "Argh! What the hell?!" he screamed, thrashing violently. His sheer strength was staggering¡ªso much so that the Web shooter launchers affixed to the wall strained against his efforts. In his wild struggle, he even managed to tear chunks of concrete loose.


    Yet before he could completely free himself, Zack sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "Enough. Take him down. Break his limbs."


    At his command, the spiders swarmed in, their alloy-steel claws gleaming under the dim lab lights. They moved, knocking the old dog to the ground. In seconds, their sharp claws pierced through the joints of his hands and feet. "Ahhh!" The old dog let out an agonized scream as the strength that had filled him moments ago drained away. He felt like a balloon being punctured, his overwhelming sense of power deflating into despair.


    "Throw him into containment for now," Zack ordered coldly, his tone devoid of emotion. "We''ll deal with him after the tests are complete."


    Throughout it all, Zack''s expression remained calm, almost bored. If anything, he seemed amused. "Super Serum, huh?" he muttered. "Without proper skills, it doesn''t make you a super soldier. It just makes you... a super idiot." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack turned his attention to the last machine in the lab. Inside was Subject No. 3, standing completely still, like a lifeless wooden statue. "All vitals are normal," Zack muttered, scanning the monitor. "But his brain activity... damaged beyond repair." His brows furrowed. It was clear the serum¡ªenhanced with the Zeta virus¡ªhad failed to restore cognitive function. "Guess he''s just another failure."


    He stepped closer to the machine, preparing to write off the subject when something unexpected happened. Subject No. 3 moved. Zack''s eyes narrowed. "Hmm?"


    The subject''s movements were minimal but deliberate. Zack watched carefully, then gave a test command. "Lift your right arm." Without hesitation, Subject No. 3 wrenched his arm free from the metal restraints. The force of his movements was so strong that the thick straps snapped like paper. But once his arm was free, he returned to his motionless state.


    "What the...?" Zack muttered, his usual calm shaken. He conducted a series of tests, barking simple commands. Each time, Subject No. 3 followed his orders flawlessly but without a shred of self-awareness. Finally, Zack pieced it together. "He''s responsive to verbal commands but completely devoid of recognition or independent thought. He''ll obey anyone who gives him an order."


    His face darkened. This was both a breakthrough and a problem. "Ego," Zack called out. "What are the chances we can control him by implanting a chip?"


    Ego, the AI assistant, responded promptly. "Sir, current data suggests a 90% feasibility rate."


    "And the other 10%?" Zack asked grimly.


    "There is a risk," Ego explained, "due to the presence of the Zeta virus in his system. While his condition appears stable now, the virus''s long-term effects remain unpredictable."


    Zack let out a frustrated sigh. "Understood. We can''t afford to take chances. Erase him."


    Before carrying out the execution, he turned back to the machine. "Inject him with Serum No. 113 first. Record the formula and name it... Fearless Warrior Serum."


    Once the serum was injected, Zack gave Subject No. 3 one final command: "Return to containment." Subject No. 3 obeyed immediately, walking to an empty cell without a moment of hesitation.


    "Bring in the other three subjects," Zack ordered, his tone cold as ice. "Let''s test Serum No. 101 next. Run multiple trials. A single success doesn''t mean anything."


    The spiders dragged the unconscious test subjects into the injection chambers, strapping them down. Zack pressed the injection button, followed by the ray activation. Bright light flooded the lab. "AAAAH!" The subjects'' screams filled the space, echoing off the sterile walls. The sound was piercing, but Zack remained unfazed.


    Outside, the sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze rustled the trees. The world carried on, oblivious to the horrors unfolding in Zack''s underground lab. Sophia and the others had no idea what Zack was doing, locked away in this dark, foreboding building every day. Erza had tried sneaking in out of curiosity but was stopped at the entrance¡ªaccess denied.


    Back in the lab, Zack checked the data on the screen. The three test subjects had survived the procedure. Their vitals were stable, and their physical data showed no abnormalities.


    "Success." A rare smile crept onto Zack''s face. After days of grueling work, he had finally perfected the Super Serum.


    "Open the chambers," he ordered, his excitement tempered by caution. "Prepare cleanup protocols."


    The war machine and five spiders moved into position, their weapons trained on the three chambers as the doors hissed open. Inside stood three hulking figures, their bodies brimming with raw power. Before Zack could say anything further, a hoarse voice rang out from the corner of the room. "Quick! Kill him! All of you, together!" It was the old dog, his broken limbs sprawled pathetically, yet his hatred undiminished.


    Zack''s smile vanished. "Idiot," he muttered. "Ego, activate suppression protocols."


    The room buzzed with tension as Zack prepared to face the fallout of his latest experiments.


    The three people tied to the machine finally noticed the gravity of their situation. Panic set in, and they began struggling furiously, their restraints creaking under the strain. "Fire!" Zack''s cold voice cut through the tension like a blade.


    Before they could attempt an escape, a hail of gunfire erupted.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The sound was deafening, and in mere moments, the three were riddled with holes. Blood seeped from their bodies, pooling beneath them and staining the floor. Even the sturdy machine behind them was peppered with bullet holes from the armor-piercing rounds Zack had used. "Armor-piercing bullets still pack a punch," Zack muttered, his expression calm and detached as he observed the carnage. To him, it was simply another task completed. He had no emotional attachment to their deaths¡ªjust cold efficiency. He had even reserved these bullets to ensure their swift elimination.


    "Take care of Subject No. 3 next," Zack ordered as the mechanical spider scuttled over to clean up the mess. A single gunshot followed moments later. Subject No. 3, devoid of self-awareness and hope, slumped lifelessly. He hadn''t even flinched when the end came.


    "That''s one less problem," Zack murmured, turning toward another room. Inside, the old dog¡ªa man with shattered arms and legs¡ªlay sprawled on the floor like a broken doll. The only part of him still functional was his head, which he twisted to face Zack.


    "Please, sir! Don''t kill me!" the old dog pleaded desperately, his voice trembling. "I''m useful! I''m strong¡ªI can help you in so many ways!"


    Gone was the bravado he had shown earlier when encouraging others to attack Zack. Now, he groveled shamelessly, clinging to even the faintest chance of survival. Deep down, he knew his odds were slim, but fear kept him clinging to hope. Zack tilted his head, an amused smirk playing on his lips. "Old dog, huh? Gotta say, the name suits you. You really do grovel like one."

 Chapter 72: Finishing Old Dog

    Chapter 72 - Finishing Old DogThe old dog''s face twisted in shame and anger, but Zack''s words hit home. In a world as brutal as this one, cowards and opportunists like him managed to scrape by¡ªbut only until they ran into someone like Zack. "Do you have to kill me?" the old dog asked, a hint of defiance creeping into his tone.


    "Yeah," Zack replied bluntly, "but not just yet. Once I''m sure the serum''s side effects are under control, you''ll get your turn."


    "Damn you!" the old dog cursed, his fa?ade cracking entirely. But before he could say more, Zack shut the iron door with a resounding clang, leaving him in darkness.


    "Monitor Subject No. 2 for any changes and notify me immediately," Zack instructed his mechanical assistant. Peeling off his gloves, he washed his hands thoroughly, then left the lab without a backward glance.


    As Zack stepped out of the lab, he was met by Erza, a fiery redhead lounging on the wall of Mansion No. 13. Her sharp eyes bore into him, suspicion written all over her face. "I''ve been watching you for days!" she announced, sliding down from the wall and sauntering toward him. "What''s the deal? Did you kidnap a bunch of innocent girls to... have fun or something?"


    Zack raised an eyebrow, completely baffled. "What?"


    "Don''t play dumb! I''ve seen the soundproofing and sealed windows! You''re hiding something in there, aren''t you?"


    Zack sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You''ve said all that just to ask if you can go in and take a look, haven''t you?"


    "Maybe," Erza replied with a mischievous grin. "Will you let me?"


    "Widow." Zack''s voice dropped to a commanding tone. A mechanical spider skittered out from behind him. "On it! Little lady, scram!" Gwen hissed in her metallic voice.


    Erza immediately bolted, but not without yelling over her shoulder, "You''re no fun!" She wasn''t here just out of her own curiosity. Sophia and Annie had expressed concern about Zack''s safety and the nature of his experiments, and Erza had volunteered to investigate. Still, she wasn''t entirely sure if her motivations were for their sake¡ªor her own.


    That night, Zack returned to the Mansion and took a rare evening to rest. Though his body didn''t feel fatigue, the relentless pace of his work weighed heavily on his mind. Even while lying on the sofa, he couldn''t completely relax. Images of mutating zombies, the mysterious vanguard organization, and other looming threats raced through his thoughts.


    "If this keeps up, I''ll develop a full-blown persecution complex," he muttered.


    Just then, a pair of slender hands gently pressed against his temples, massaging away the tension. "Are you overworking yourself again?"


    Without looking, Zack knew it was Sophia. She leaned closer, her voice soft with concern. "You''ve been pushing yourself too hard. I know you''re worried about what''s out there, but you''re going to burn out if you keep this up."


    "Don''t worry," Zack replied, his lips curving into a small smile. "The ants are doing most of the heavy lifting now. I''ve even managed to sneak in some laziness. Becoming a full-blown business owner is just around the corner."


    Sophia chuckled, shaking her head. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that." But she didn''t press further, focusing instead on soothing him. Slowly, Zack let his mind drift, her presence calming the storm of thoughts.


    He leaned back into the sofa, his body finally giving in to the rest it desperately needed. Before long, he was sound asleep, the tension in his features easing for the first time in days. Even for someone as close as Sophia, Ego''s protocols dictated constant surveillance. While Zack was asleep, Ego diligently monitored her behavior to ensure no harm came his way. Deep down, though, Ego knew the odds of Sophia betraying Zack were as likely as Mars crashing into the sun.


    "Is big brother asleep?" Annie''s voice chimed from the living room doorway not long after Zack dozed off.


    Covered in engine grease, her face smudged with grime, she stood there looking every bit like someone who had spent hours tinkering in a workshop. "Shh. Don''t wake him up," Sophia whispered, raising a finger to her lips.


    "Aww, but I wanted to share the good news!" Annie pouted, lowering her voice. Over the past few days, she had finally completed Tarantula''s ultimate transformation. The mechanical marvel could now perfectly keep up with her sharp reflexes.


    "Go take a shower first," Annie sighed, muttering under her breath. "Sister Sophia, make sure you cover him with a blanket. Don''t let him freeze."


    Sophia rolled her eyes, nodding as Annie scurried off to clean up. "You''re so bossy sometimes," Sophia muttered to herself. Despite her lighthearted complaint, she couldn''t help but wonder at Annie''s overly intimate attitude toward Zack. Still, she reminded herself that Zack was likely Annie''s sole pillar of support, which eased her concerns.


    When Zack woke the next morning, he found himself in his bed instead of on the sofa. Confused, he rubbed his face and muttered, "Who carried me here? It''s not like Sophia could have done it. Annie, maybe?"


    "Actually, sir, it was Ms. Erza," Ego chimed in, his tone laced with hesitation. "She didn''t carry you on her back, though... she carried you like a sack of potatoes."


    Zack sat upright, startled. "What?!" Ego pulled up the surveillance footage from the previous night. On the screen, Erza entered the Mansion to find Zack passed out on the sofa while Sophia crouched nearby, stretching her legs after what must have been a tiring vigil. Without a word, Erza walked over, lifted Zack like a bundle of laundry, and hauled him upstairs.


    "This woman treated me like cargo!" Zack fumed, his face turning an amusing shade of blue. "Where is she now?" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "She left early this morning," Ego replied. "The GPS shows her at the steel plant."


    Zack shook his head in disbelief, muttering, "She ran off fast enough." He got dressed and headed downstairs. "Ego, how''s Subject No. 2 doing?" Zack asked as he descended the stairs.


    "The subject is highly agitated but otherwise stable. Early this morning, the damaged joints began healing themselves. To prevent a breakout, the spider interrupted the subject''s limbs again."


    "Well done," Zack said with a nod. After washing up quickly, he made his way to the lab.


    Inside, a pitiful sight greeted him. The test subject, an old enemy dubbed "Old Dog," lay sprawled on the floor, his hands and feet shattered, his body limp like a broken puppet.


    "Ahhh! I''ll kill you!" Old Dog roared, writhing like an enraged worm at the sight of Zack.


    "Functional tests confirm the serum''s viability," Ego reported.


    "Good." Zack''s voice was cold. "But there''s one last thing to take care of." With that, Zack grabbed a polished Desert Eagle from his collection, cocked the pistol, and entered Old Dog''s containment room. The shot echoed sharply through the lab. When Zack emerged, his expression was blank. He set the pistol down and said, "Ego, have the spider clean up the mess."

 Chapter 73: Using The Serum

    Chapter 73 - Using The SerumNot long after, Zack stripped off his shirt and walked toward a sleek, state-of-the-art injection pod tucked in the corner of the lab. Unlike the crude setups used on the test subjects, Zack''s station was a fortress of precision and safety. "Prepare the injection," he commanded, lying down in the pod and securing his limbs in the designated restraints.


    The pod''s hatch closed automatically, sealing Zack inside. "Start the injection," he ordered.


    Thin needles pierced Zack''s arms, neck, and other points on his body, delivering the super-soldier serum into his bloodstream. Outside the pod, the advanced serum flowed through sterilized tubes, entering his body in controlled doses.


    "Injection complete," Ego announced.


    "Activate the rays," Zack said, his voice steady despite the sharp tingling spreading through his body.


    A dazzling light filled the pod, stimulating Zack''s cells and triggering rapid division and reorganization. The pain was immediate and intense. "Ahhh!" Zack groaned, his teeth clenched. The rays gradually intensified, amplifying the serum''s effects.


    "Ego," Zack gasped, "why does this feel different?"


    "Sir, your energy levels are spiking," Ego replied urgently. "They''ve already surpassed super-soldier thresholds! Should I stop the process?"


    "No!" Zack barked. "Increase the power! I can handle it!"


    The rays reached maximum intensity. Zack''s vision blurred as the searing pain tore through his body, but he refused to falter. He endured, pushing past the limits of human resilience. Finally, the rays dimmed, and the pod''s systems powered down. "Serum injection complete," Ego reported. "All body functions are stable. Brain activity is within normal parameters. Congratulations, sir¡ªthe process was a success."


    As the machine emitted a steady beep, Zack gradually regained consciousness. "Open hatch..." he murmured. The door of the injection pod responded, sliding open with a soft mechanical hiss.


    A burst of white steam poured out, swirling in the cool air. As the mist dissipated, it revealed Zack''s transformed figure. His once-athletic build had been reshaped into something extraordinary. His body, now a striking shade of light copper, was lean yet powerful. Unlike Lao Gou and the others, who bulked up after their injections, Zack''s muscles were perfectly proportioned, every sinew suggesting immense explosive strength. Standing at 195 centimeters now¡ª15 taller than before¡ªZack stretched, flexing his fingers as if adjusting to this new form.


    "This... feels incredible." His voice carried equal parts awe and disbelief.


    He stepped out of the pod, and instantly, the world seemed different. Colors were sharper, sounds crisper, and even the air felt alive. The faint chemical tang from the lab''s equipment and a metallic hint of blood registered as clearly as if they''d been pointed out to him. Overhead, the whir of the ventilation fan was now unmistakable. Every detail, once mundane, was now vivid.


    Testing his newfound strength, Zack grabbed a wrench from the workbench. Holding it in both hands, he applied a fraction of his strength. With a sharp screech, the solid metal twisted into a spiral. He stared at the misshapen tool, astonished. "Ego, are the scan results ready?" he asked, still inspecting the ruined wrench.


    "Sir, the serum has integrated flawlessly. Your physical capabilities have increased to over six times that of an average human¡ªand they''re still improving," Ego''s voice chimed from the lab''s speakers.


    "Still improving?" Zack raised an eyebrow. "Isn''t the serum supposed to be a one-time boost?"


    "Normally, yes," Ego replied smoothly, "but your body has always exhibited unusual patterns of improvement. Have you forgotten that?"


    Zack paused, realization dawning. "Wait... You''re saying the serum enhanced my natural growth process?"


    "Precisely, sir. To put it simply, the serum has optimized your body''s adaptation mechanisms. Your improvements are now tied to external stimuli¡ªprimarily physical activity. In short, the more you train, the stronger you''ll get."


    "Like working out but on steroids?" Zack smirked.


    "An apt comparison, sir," Ego confirmed.


    Zack nodded thoughtfully, slipping into his clothes from the bench. Or at least, he tried to. The shirt stretched awkwardly over his broader chest, and the pants were several inches too short. "Guess I''ll make do for now," he muttered, rolling his eyes.


    He stepped out of the lab and into the sunlight. The warm rays kissed his skin, and Zack took a deep breath. His enhanced senses picked up the earthy smell of grass and distant sounds of chirping birds. Without warning, he started running.


    At first, it was a casual jog. Then, his pace picked up. Within moments, Zack was sprinting at a speed most people could only dream of. In under three minutes, he''d completed a lap around the neighborhood. "Sir, you''ve surpassed the speed of a cheetah¡ª115 kilometers per hour!" Ego informed him.


    Zack grinned, pushing himself harder. His movements blurred, leaving faint afterimages as he streaked past parked cars and startled pedestrians. He lapped the area again, this time in under two minutes. "That''s Zack, isn''t it?" Sophia''s voice drifted from the porch.


    "Looks like him," Annie replied, squinting to follow his movements with her enhanced vision.


    "Has he turned into some kind of mutant?" Erza asked, returning from the steel mill just in time to witness Zack''s superhuman display.


    After several laps, Zack finally slowed to a stop, his breath coming in controlled gasps. He glanced down at his shoes, the soles worn completely smooth. "What was my top speed?" he asked, his heart still hammering. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sir, you hit 150 kilometers per hour," Ego reported.


    Zack let out a low whistle, shaking his head in disbelief. "This is insane..." Even at rest, his heart was pounding at an ultra-high frequency, pumping blood through his enhanced organs. Everything about him had been fine-tuned¡ªlike a high-performance engine paired with equally advanced components.


    "This is even better than those superhero I watched before," Zack muttered to himself. His eyes landed on a beat-up SUV parked nearby. Curiosity sparked, he approached the vehicle. Planting his feet, he balled his fist and struck the A-pillar¡ªa reinforced part of the car designed to withstand heavy impacts.


    BANG!!!


    The metal crumpled inward like tin foil, bending into a sharp V-shape. Zack examined his hand. Not even a scratch. "This is wild..." he murmured, a faint grin tugging at his lips.


    With one hand, he grabbed the side of the SUV and flipped it onto its roof, the two-ton vehicle landing with a heavy thud.


    "At this rate, the only thing I can''t do is fly," he joked, brushing his hands off.


    "Sir, additional scans show a 0.5-times improvement in your strength and speed," Ego reported.


    "Wait, I''ve already gotten stronger? But I only ran for, what, ten minutes?"


    "Indeed, sir. The serum''s effects are remarkable. With just a short burst of exercise, your capabilities have already increased significantly."


    Zack''s mind raced. He could barely grasp the extent of his potential. A bold idea struck him.


    "Ego... what if I designed a suit? Something lightweight, maybe even non-powered, that not only boosts my combat effectiveness but actively stimulates my body to keep improving. Like a nanosuit from that favorite game people love to test pc on."


    "An intriguing concept, sir," Ego replied. "It''s theoretically feasible."


    "Perfect." Zack''s eyes gleamed with determination. "Let''s get to work." Without wasting another second, he bolted back to the basement, his mind buzzing with ideas.

 Chapter 74: Project Alpha Nanosuit

    Chapter 74 - Project Alpha NanosuitBack in his basement workshop, Zack sat at his workbench, sketching furiously on a digital drafting pad. Lines and annotations filled the screen as his vision for the suit unfolded. The foundation of his design was a cutting-edge nanofiber weave, an ultra-lightweight material capable of mimicking and amplifying human muscle movements. With every adjustment, his blueprint evolved into something extraordinary.


    By morning, Zack stood in the workshop, gazing at the result of his all-night effort: a sleek, jet-black suit hanging on the assembly rack. It was more than armor¡ªit was a fusion of biology, technology, and ingenuity. He called it Project Alpha Nanosuit.


    The suit itself was a marvel of engineering:


    Nanofiber Muscle Enhancement: The suit''s base material consisted of carbon nanotubes woven into synthetic fibers, mimicking and amplifying natural muscle movements. Every step, jump, or punch was enhanced by the suit''s ability to redirect and amplify force with minimal effort, increasing Zack''s strength and agility without bulky motors or servos.


    Dynamic Biomechanical Stimulation: Tiny electroactive polymers embedded in the suit stimulated Zack''s muscles and nerves during movement, mimicking the effects of resistance training. This feature ensured his body didn''t become dependent on the suit but instead continued to grow stronger over time.


    Reactive Flexibility: Unlike traditional armor, which often traded protection for mobility, the nanofiber weave provided both. The material was designed to harden on impact, dispersing kinetic energy while remaining pliable in normal conditions.


    Integrated HUD Helmet: The suit''s helmet was an extension of his Power armor''s HUD system but optimized for this design. It featured: Thermal Imaging for tracking heat signatures in low visibility. Night Vision for nocturnal missions. Radar and Sonar Scanning to detect movement and map surroundings in real time. A vital signs monitor to provide constant feedback on Zack''s physical condition.


    Reflex Boosters: Zack incorporated piezoelectric actuators into the legs, allowing him to convert kinetic energy into bursts of power. These boosters enabled incredible leaps and quick direction changes, vital for close-quarters combat.


    The nanosuit also had a surface coated with optical camouflage technology. Activating this feature caused a honeycomb-like pattern on the suit''s surface to refract light, effectively rendering the wearer invisible. At the core of its design was an artificial spine on the back, housing a hydrogen battery to power the suit''s nanofibers. If his MV armor was a flying, multifunctional juggernaut, then this nanosuit was a ground-combat specialist. Lightweight at just 30 kilograms and far more affordable to produce than the armor, it was a game-changer.


    Zack couldn''t help but grin as he examined his creation. "Alright, let''s try this on." When inactive, the bionic muscle fibers were relaxed and loose, making the suit easy to slip into. After putting it on, Zack gave the command: "Activate."


    The fibers immediately tightened, wrapping around Zack''s body snugly. At first, the sensation was a little uncomfortable, but it quickly shifted. Zack moved his arm and froze in amazement. His every movement felt smooth, natural¡ªalmost like the suit had become a second skin. Despite its weight, he didn''t feel burdened at all. He waved a hand through the air and felt the breeze ripple across his covered skin. "Incredible... It''s like I''m not even wearing armor." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eager to test its capabilities, Zack took a step forward¡ªand immediately collided with his workbench. CRACK. The pool table-turned-workbench that had been with him for years finally gave up under Zack''s newfound strength.


    "Holy crap!" Zack exclaimed, staring at the broken table in disbelief. The nanosuit''s amplifying effects had completely caught him off guard.


    "Sir," Ego, his AI assistant, chimed in, "I suggest you familiarize yourself with the nanosuit''s enhancements before conducting any field tests."


    Zack smirked. "How''d you know I was planning a live test?"


    Ego''s tone carried a hint of exasperation. "Because you always do."


    "Touch¨¦." Zack laughed, brushing aside the warning. "You really know me, don''t you?" As he adjusted to the suit''s capabilities, Zack began moving around the basement. Each step felt faster and more powerful, but not without consequence¡ªhe ended up smashing into a few more pieces of equipment. After a while, though, he got the hang of it. Grabbing the saw chain sword from the war machine setup, Zack looked toward the exit.


    "Let''s go see the Air Fortress."


    "Sir, the Air Fortress was completed two days ago," Ego reminded him. "The Sky Air Defense System is also nearing completion."


    "Perfect timing." Zack grinned and sprinted out of the basement.


    With the nanosuit enhancing his speed, Zack moved so fast he became a blur. Every step left behind deep impressions in the ground. Within seconds, he reached the tarmac where the Air Fortress was parked.


    The aircraft''s iron-black exterior gleamed under the sunlight. A turbine engine on each side enabled vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering. Two jet engines mounted at the back provided propulsion. The aircraft''s design allowed it to hit a top speed of Mach 1.5¡ªfaster than his war machines, thanks to superior aerodynamics. Additionally, the Air Fortress''s wings could fold in half, making it compact for docking. It''s named Avalon.


    The interior was spacious, easily accommodating troops or cargo. As a first-generation model, its weaponry was basic, featuring a 30mm cannon beneath the fuselage. However, its design included provisions for adding missile racks to the wings and a bomb bay for additional firepower. In emergencies, the Air Fortress could double as a bomber.


    Zack turned to Ego. "Load ten mechanical Ants onboard. We''re taking them with us."


    Moments later, the rear cargo door opened, and the mechanical Ants filed in, each one resembling an overengineered robotic nightmare. Despite their size, the interior still had plenty of room left.


    Zack climbed into the pilot''s seat, placing his chain sword beside him. Unlike the Power armor, which made piloting feel awkward, the nanosuit''s streamlined design allowed Zack to sit comfortably. "Alright, Ego, upload the flight manual."


    "Uploaded," Ego replied as the Air Fortress''s controls lit up on Zack''s HUD.


    Zack grinned. "Who even reads manuals these days?" Despite his words, he quickly skimmed the instructions and pushed the power lever halfway. The engines roared to life, and the Air Fortress began to rise vertically. Zack kept the ascent steady until the aircraft cleared the tallest nearby building. Switching to the jet engines, he pushed the lever to full throttle.


    BOOM!


    The Avalon rocketed into the sky, breaking the sound barrier in mere seconds. The sonic boom shattered countless windows around the Mansion. Inside the house, Sophia was baking bread when the sudden explosion made her jump. She ran to the window just in time to see the Air Fortress disappear into the distance. "Why does he always have to go supersonic right over the house?" Sophia grumbled, clutching her chest as she tried to calm down. "That scared the life out of me..."


    "Holy crap, is it really speeding up this much?" Zack turned his head to glance at the Mansion growing smaller and smaller in the distance, his voice tinged with disbelief.

 Chapter 75: Future Plans

    Chapter 75 - Future PlansUnlike the armor, Avalon didn''t come equipped with a built-in buffer system. In simpler terms, every ounce of G-force from the rapid acceleration hit Zack directly and without mercy. "Man, this G-force is no joke..." Even with the protection of his nanosuit, Zack couldn''t help but feel a little queasy.


    "Wait a minute, are all future pilots built like mutant?" he muttered, genuinely impressed.


    If even he, someone used to high-pressure situations, was feeling the strain, wouldn''t an ordinary person have passed out by now? "Sir, the flight manual specifically states that acceleration should be gradual when taking off," Ego chimed in, its tone laced with what Zack could only describe as subtle exasperation.


    "Manual? Oh... right, that thing." Zack scratched his head awkwardly. "I might''ve skimmed over that part."


    Shrugging it off, he switched the Avalon to autopilot, reclining in his seat to admire the view. The sight of the Earth below, stretched out in all its vastness, offered a perspective few got to see. After a tense half-hour flight, the Avalon approached the mountainous area that housed the Armory.


    As the destination came into view, Zack toggled off autopilot, gripping the controls.


    Vertical take-off and landing made flying the Avalon ridiculously user-friendly, even for a rookie like him. "Alright, switch to flight mode for landing..." Zack muttered to himself as he followed the manual''s instructions. Slowly but surely, Avalon began a smooth vertical descent.


    The height dropped gradually, and soon the weed-covered parking lot outside the abandoned factory was in sight. But in the shadows of the dense forest nearby, a pair of glowing, blood-red eyes tracked the descending aircraft. "Sir! I''ve detected signs of a large mutated creature nearby!" Ego''s voice cut through the cockpit, its tone carrying an urgent warning.


    Zack frowned. "You said the same thing last time," he replied skeptically, leaning forward to peer out of the cockpit window. From what he could see, the parking lot was empty, save for weeds and rusted debris. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sir, please observe the data," Ego insisted, projecting the scan results onto the display.


    Zack''s eyes narrowed. A series of massive footprints, each measuring 56 centimeters in diameter, appeared on the screen. Their distinct ''plum petal'' pattern left no doubt¡ªthis belonged to a feline predator, and a colossal one at that.


    "Big guy, huh..." Zack''s expression turned serious. Judging by the size of those prints, the creature had to be at least five meters tall. "Keep Avalon hovering. Don''t land until I figure out what''s out there," Zack ordered.


    "Understood, Sir," Ego replied.


    Without another word, Zack grabbed his chain sword, slung it over his shoulder, and headed to the cargo hold. He opened the rear hatch, letting the roaring wind fill the interior. "Hey, Ego, what''s our altitude?" Zack asked.


    "165 meters," the AI replied promptly.


    "Lower it to 50 meters." Avalon smoothly descended until it hovered at a height equivalent to an 18-story building. "Alright, this is going to be fun," Zack said with a grin, glancing down at the ground far below. Then, without hesitation, he jumped. The wind howled past his ears as he plummeted, the rush of air making his nanosuit vibrate slightly.


    Boom!


    Zack landed in a classic superhero pose, his knee slamming into the cement and cracking the already overgrown surface. A small crater formed beneath him. "Still looks cool, still wrecks my knees," he muttered, brushing off the dust as he stood, chain sword in hand.


    After making sure there was no immediate threat, Zack looked back at the Avalon hovering above. "Alright, release the bugs."


    Following his command, ten mechanical Ants leapt from Avalon. However, their lightweight design made them prone to damage, and Zack knew the drop might be too much for them. "Gotcha! And you! And you too!" Zack shouted as he dashed forward, catching each bug mid-air with precision.


    Despite their awkward tumbles, all ten landed safely in his hands. "Alright, let''s go," he said, waving his hand as he led the way toward the Armory. The mechanical Ants skittered behind him like obedient pets.


    A week had passed since Zack last visited, and the Armory looked even more abandoned than before. Rust had spread over the tunnel doors, and the surrounding area was eerily quiet. Standing at the tunnel entrance, Zack''s gaze landed on a pile of gnawed animal bones scattered inside. His voice turned cold. "Looks like something made itself comfortable here."


    The last time he and Erza were here, the tunnels had been choked with vines, deterring any mutant creatures. Now, with the vines cleared out, the area seemed to have become a hunting ground. Zack stepped cautiously into the tunnel, the sound of his boots echoing off the walls. Along the way, he passed countless shattered bones, each bearing the marks of powerful jaws.


    "Whoever''s been staying here has some serious bite strength," Zack mused, shaking his head. The tunnel eventually led to the steelmaking plant, where everything was just as they''d left it. The rusted door was slightly ajar, and the truck Zack had pushed into position last time remained untouched.


    "It''s pitch black in here. Ego, switch to night vision," Zack instructed.


    The green-tinged display illuminated his surroundings, revealing the factory''s dilapidated state in stark detail. "Man, I really need to invest in full-color night vision," Zack muttered, making his way deeper into the plant.


    In the dense forest outside the tunnel, a massive creature, nearly five meters tall, moved forward with a chilling stealth. It barely made a sound as its enormous body blended seamlessly with the shadows of the trees. Unless someone was specifically looking for it, they''d never notice its presence.


    "Rrrr..." The beast''s guttural breath carried the metallic tang of blood as it exhaled.


    When it neared the Armory, it suddenly halted, its cruel eyes scanning the area. First, it glanced at the Air Fortress hovering above the treetops. Then, it turned its attention to the tunnel Zack had entered earlier. Finally, after a tense pause, it made its decision¡ªchoosing its prey carefully.


    Inside the Armory, Zack inspected the factory layout. Everything was just as he remembered. His expression eased. "Looks like the mutated creatures didn''t manage to get in here," he muttered, walking around to ensure there were no surprises. Satisfied it was safe, he turned to the ten mechanical Ants behind him.


    "Alright, dismantle the production lines I marked and get the parts shipped out!" As he spoke, Zack highlighted a few specific sections of the Armory on his HUD. Most of the marked lines were for producing high-demand ammunition, like armor-piercing rounds and incendiary bombs.


    "We can''t afford to keep these operations so far out," Zack said to himself. "Even with a supersonic jet, it takes an hour and a half to make a round trip. In the middle of a war, that''s just not going to cut it. Supplies would never keep up." His plan was simple: relocate the key production lines to a factory closer to his steelmaking plant. That area was quickly becoming his base of operations, and for good reason.


    First, the proximity meant supplies could be replenished swiftly. Second, if there was ever a problem, Zack could respond within minutes. The steelmaking plant was shaping up to be the backbone of his future plans, a hub for industry and innovation.

 Chapter 76: Mutated Tiger

    Chapter 76 - Mutated TigerZack waved off the other production lines, leaving behind what others might consider treasures¡ªartillery shells, missiles, grenades, even light armored vehicles. "These are just wastes of materials," Zack muttered dismissively. "Not worth keeping."


    For his purposes, large-scale missiles and conventional artillery didn''t make sense. His Power armor and mechanical insect were designed to carry compact but powerful micro-missiles. Why waste precious resources on outdated systems? As for armored vehicles? Zack smirked. "High-strength steel is better used for building more mechanical insect."


    While Zack was marking the production lines, the massive beast from the forest crept closer to the Armory. Unbeknownst to it, its movements had triggered Ego''s sensors. "Sir, I''ve detected a mutant creature approaching," Ego''s calm, robotic voice reported.


    "What?" Zack froze mid-step. On his HUD, a three-dimensional model of the beast appeared, pieced together from the scan data. Zack studied the figure closely. "A cat? No... something bigger." His eyes widened as he read the measurements. "Seven meters long? That''s no ordinary mutant cat."


    Ego''s voice came through again. "The target is heading toward the tunnel. Should I engage with Avalon''s cannon?"


    Zack considered for a moment. If the beast made it into the tunnel, he''d have to deal with it up close¡ªa risky prospect for such a massive creature. "The Avalon''s altitude is too low," Zack decided. "Raise it to 100 meters, then fire!"


    "Understood, sir," Ego replied. Outside, the Avalon adjusted its position, climbing higher into the sky. The moment it reached 100 meters, the 30mm cannon locked onto the target and opened fire. The thunderous roar of the large-caliber rounds echoed through the mountain range, sending flocks of birds fleeing into the sky. The gunfire reverberated between the two peaks, amplifying the sound like a drumbeat of war.


    "RRRAAAAWRRR!!!" The beast''s deafening roar cut through the gunfire like a blade, shaking the very ground. As the creature turned, its full form was revealed under the sporadic flashes of cannon fire. A giant mutated tiger, its body covered in thick, scarred hide. On its forehead, the distinctive "King" marking glowed faintly.


    The 30mm rounds hit their mark, sparks flying with each impact. But as the flames died down, the damage was shockingly minimal¡ªjust shallow wounds oozing thin trails of blood. "Dammit, it''s barely scratching it," Zack muttered.


    The tiger roared again, louder this time, as if calling out to something deeper in the forest. Then, without hesitation, it bolted for the tunnel entrance. "Sir, the target has entered the tunnel," Ego reported. "The cannon is ineffective against its skin."


    Zack sighed. "I figured as much." The Armory''s current munitions were still standard-grade, not nearly powerful enough for something like this. "We need to produce armor-piercing rounds immediately," Zack said, gripping the chain sword strapped to his back.


    Without wasting another second, he sprinted toward the tunnel. "Time to deal with this myself."


    Zack decided to face the mutated tiger himself, curious to test the true limits of the Super Serum and nanosuit in combat. Leaving the Armory through the heavy gate, he stepped into the dimly lit tunnel. The sound of footsteps reached his ears, echoing softly from the other end. "Man, cats really are something else," Zack muttered to himself with a faint smirk. "Even when they''re this big, they barely make a sound." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He continued forward, his boots crunching against the scattered debris on the ground. A few steps later, the faint light ahead revealed a massive silhouette blocking the tunnel. The figure''s sheer size made the already dim surroundings feel suffocatingly dark. "Sir, the target''s physical functions are exceptionally strong. Proceed with caution," Ego''s calm voice warned in his earpiece.


    "Yeah, I got that," Zack replied, tightening his grip on the saw chain sword. Even without Ego''s input, he could tell the beast ahead wasn''t ordinary. This wasn''t just a mutated cat. It was a tiger¡ªa massive, virus-mutated tiger.


    "ROAR!!!" The tiger''s deafening roar reverberated through the tunnel like a shockwave, carrying a gust of wind that kicked up ashes from the charred remains of an old fire. The cloud of dust swirled around Zack, obscuring his vision.


    "Great, just what I needed," Zack muttered, squinting through the haze. The tiger didn''t wait for him to adjust. With another roar, it charged, the ground trembling beneath its weight.


    "Turn off night vision! Switch to thermal imaging!" Zack ordered quickly. The nanosuit responded instantly, replacing the dust-obscured view with a vivid heat signature¡ªa glowing mass barreling toward him at alarming speed.


    "Alright, big guy, let''s play," Zack said, igniting the saw chain sword with a flick of his thumb. The high-pitched whir of the blade filled the tunnel as he bent his knees, ready to counter.


    The moment the tiger lunged through the ash cloud, Zack leapt into the air with a force that cracked the concrete beneath him. His powerful jump sent him flipping over the tiger''s massive head, the spinning teeth of his saw chain sword slashing downward as he passed.


    The blade tore a deep, two-meter-long gash along the tiger''s back, blood spraying like a crimson fountain.


    "ROAR!!!" The tiger''s pained cry echoed through the tunnel as it whipped its massive tail toward Zack, who was still mid-air. "Shit¡ª" Zack barely managed to brace himself before the tail slammed into him with the force of a wrecking ball, sending him hurtling into the tunnel wall.


    BOOM!


    The impact left a crater in the concrete, but Zack pushed himself out almost immediately, landing on his feet. His nanosuit absorbed most of the damage, though he could feel a faint ache in his ribs. Before he could fully recover, the tiger''s tail came crashing down where he stood. Zack rolled to the side just in time, the tail leaving a deep trench in the cement floor.


    "I need to get rid of that tail," Zack muttered, eyeing the beast warily The tiger wasn''t done. Despite its massive size, it moved with terrifying speed, spinning around and leaping at Zack with claws extended. The air seemed to ripple with the force of its pounce.


    "Speed mode, now!" Zack commanded. The nanosuit activated instantly. Tiny nanofibers pierced into his body, stimulating his muscles and nerves. Adrenaline surged as his perception of time slowed. The tiger, mid-leap, appeared almost frozen, its powerful form moving toward him inch by inch.


    "Ten seconds..." Ego''s calm reminder echoed in his ears. Zack wasted no time. He darted forward, narrowly avoiding the beast''s claws. As he slid past its side, he slashed at its left forelimb. The saw chain sword tore through flesh and muscle with ease, but when it hit bone, the blade ground to a screeching halt.


    "Damn, tiger bones are no joke," Zack grunted, pulling the sword free. The tiger howled in pain, spinning its head around and snapping its jaws at him. Zack ducked under the bite and countered with another slash, carving a deep wound under its forelimb.


    "Nine seconds..." The tiger, now enraged, lashed out with its body, using its immense size to slam Zack against the wall. The impact rattled him, the nanosuit''s reduced buffering in speed mode leaving him vulnerable to the crushing force.


    "Hiss¡ª" Zack winced, feeling the strain on his ribs. The tiger wasn''t letting up. It turned its head, jaws wide open, aiming to finish him off with a crushing bite.

 Chapter 77: Crashing the Spine

    Chapter 77 - Crashing the SpineZack cursed under his breath, realizing there was no way to avoid the mutated tiger''s gaping, bloody maw. Gritting his teeth, he swung his chain sword straight at its mouth. The massive jaws clamped down, but Zack had already yanked his arm back just in time. He activated the leg reflex assist in his nanosuit and yelled, "Thruster!"


    Boom!


    The boosters roared to life, launching Zack upward with explosive force. He rocketed out of the tiger''s grip and slammed into the roof of the tunnel. His chain sword, however, remained lodged in the tiger''s mouth. The saw''s jagged teeth began grinding furiously against the tiger''s jaw, spewing blood everywhere.


    "ROAR!!" The mutant tiger thrashed violently, shaking its massive head to dislodge the sword. Blood splattered across the tunnel as it growled in pain and fury, but no matter how hard it shook, the weapon remained lodged.


    Zack dropped back down, landing heavily on the tunnel floor. His gaze hardened as he barked a command. "Power amplification mode!" In an instant, the nanosuit''s fibers began to glow faintly red as the internal mechanisms hummed to life. The artificial spine''s hydrogen battery pumped energy into Zack''s system. The nanofibers in the suit burrowed deeper into his skin, syncing perfectly with his muscles.


    "Let''s see what you''ve got," he snarled. Zack''s eyes were bloodshot, his veins pulsing under the suit''s influence. He clenched his fists, and with a single leap, the ground beneath him cracked and shattered. He launched himself at the mutant tiger like a missile. Despite the overwhelming size difference, Zack''s momentum was devastating.


    Boom!


    The impact was like a cannonball hitting a drum. The massive tiger staggered, its body crashing to one side. The sight of the comparatively tiny Zack forcing the colossal beast to stumble was both shocking and satisfying.


    "ROAR!" The tiger swung its massive tail through the air, the sound of its movement like a whip slicing through the wind. The tail slammed toward Zack with terrifying force.


    Instead of dodging, Zack planted his feet firmly and reached out. Snap! His hands clamped around the tail like a vice.


    The impact reverberated through his suit, the red ionized glow rippling across the fibers. The nanosuit''s power mode dispersed the shock throughout Zack''s body, reducing the strain on any single point. Even so, Zack slid back several feet, leaving a deep gouge in the ground. "Not bad," he muttered, his lips curling into a smirk.


    The tiger roared again, lifting its tail in another attempt to strike. Zack tightened his grip, his muscles tensing under the suit''s enhancement. "You''re not going anywhere," he growled.


    The tiger flailed, jerking its tail wildly, throwing Zack into the air like a ragdoll. Using the tail''s momentum, it swung Zack toward the tunnel wall with immense force. At the last moment, Zack let go. Activating his leg thrusters, he kicked off the wall, cracking the concrete as he launched himself back toward the tiger.


    With gravel and debris flying behind him, Zack curled his fist and drove it straight into the tiger''s jaw. CRACK!


    The blow forced the tiger''s mouth to slam shut, driving the stuck chain sword deeper into its jaw. The blade tore through the bone, emerging from the underside of the tiger''s head.


    Blood poured from the wound as the tiger let out a guttural roar of agony.


    Zack''s lips curled into a cold grin. "Looks like your bones aren''t as tough as you thought," he taunted. Fueled by rage and adrenaline, Zack leaped onto the tiger''s back. His fingers dug into the bloody wound on its spine, clawing through the flesh.


    "Die!" he roared, his voice filled with unrelenting fury. With his enhanced strength and the suit''s power amplifications, Zack began to pull. His fingers sank deeper into the wound, gripping the edges of the torn flesh. He clung tightly and resumed tearing at the gaping wound on the tiger''s back. Blood poured out in waves, soaking him completely. His entire figure was drenched, making him look like a specter rising from a crimson nightmare.


    Finally, his hand brushed against something solid deep within the wound. "Gotcha!" he growled through clenched teeth. Without hesitation, he shoved his entire arm into the wound, his fingers searching for the tiger''s spine. The beast roared in agony, thrashing wildly in its death throes. Its massive body slammed toward the tunnel wall, attempting to crush him.


    "Not so fast!" Zack bellowed, just as the tiger''s back was about to hit the stone. Summoning every ounce of strength, he gripped its spinal column and yanked with unrelenting force.


    CRACK!


    A chunk of bone, flesh, and sinew ripped free from the tiger''s body. The sound was sickening, a wet snap followed by a gush of blood. The mutated tiger let out one last tortured roar before its hind legs collapsed lifelessly. It kicked reflexively for a moment before the back half of its massive frame went completely still. Its forelimbs weakly scratched at the ground as it whimpered in pain.


    Zack dropped to the ground, his breathing heavy but steady. He deactivated the power amplification mode on his nanosuit, wiping the blood from his visor. The suit''s three modes¡ªstealth, power amplification, and speed enhancement¡ªwere designed for limited use. Overuse could push the human body to its limits, and Zack wasn''t about to test those boundaries.


    But something felt off. "Wait... is the boost mode still on?" Zack muttered, noticing his heightened reflexes, sharper vision, and unnatural strength hadn''t subsided.


    "Sir," came the calm, mechanical voice of Ego, his AI companion, "using the nanosuit over time optimizes your physical capabilities. Think of it as... a very advanced form of exercise equipment."


    "Great," Zack grunted, shaking his head. "Guess I''m stuck on an upgrade plan." He turned to the tiger, which was still attempting to growl despite its broken body. Blood pooled beneath it, and its massive chest heaved in ragged, uneven breaths.


    "Let''s finish this," Zack said, striding to its head. Its golden eyes, though dimming, still glared at him with a mixture of rage and despair. The beast''s mouth hung open, the hilt of Zack''s chain sword protruding from its throat. He grabbed it and yanked hard, dislodging the weapon in one swift motion. Blood sprayed everywhere, but Zack barely flinched¡ªhe was already soaked from head to toe. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Rest easy, big guy," Zack murmured. Lifting the chain sword high, he placed it against the tiger''s thick neck and flicked the switch. The blade roared to life with a metallic whine. The tiger let out a final, feeble snarl before the saw''s teeth bit deep into its flesh. Its massive head toppled to the ground with a dull thud, eyes frozen in a grotesque expression of defeat.


    Zack stared at the severed head for a moment before giving it a light kick. "Might make a good trophy," he muttered before turning toward the tunnel leading to the Armory.


    Behind him, the tunnel reeked of blood and death, the massive, headless corpse of the mutated tiger lying in a growing pool of hot, steaming blood.


    Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, chaos erupted. The air was thick with gunfire and the cries of the wounded as a brutal power struggle unfolded. "Team King! Get the others out of here!" yelled a pilot, his face streaked with sweat and grime. "I''ll hold them off!"

 Chapter 78: Other Power

    Chapter 78 - Other Power"No way! You''re coming too!" shouted Antonny, their leader. "The hangar''s just ahead! Once we''re on the plane¡ª"


    A gunshot cut him off mid-sentence. Antonny turned to see the pilot who had volunteered to cover them fall to the ground, blood pooling beneath his lifeless body. "Adam!!!" Antonny screamed, his eyes blazing with fury. "You bastards! Is killing us all really necessary?!"


    He raised his gun and opened fire, his shots precise and deadly. Several pursuers dropped instantly, but their numbers were overwhelming. Before long, Antonny took two bullets¡ªone to the shoulder, another to his lower abdomen. He stumbled and nearly collapsed, but one of his teammates caught him and dragged him toward the hangar.


    "Get the captain on board!" another pilot shouted, taking cover and laying down suppressive fire. He and his partner exchanged grim looks before stepping out of cover, determined to buy their comrades more time.


    From the enemy ranks, a man with sharp features stepped forward, wielding a large-caliber revolver. His movements were deliberate, his aim unerring. Bang! Bang! Two shots rang out, and the pilots fell instantly, each bullet striking dead center in their foreheads.


    "Well done," said a voice from the shadows. Kane, one of the masterminds behind the coup, stepped forward, applauding slowly. "With marksmanship like that, have you considered staying at our base once this is all over?" His tone was light, almost playful, but his eyes glinted with cold malice. As a ruthless real estate mogul turned warlord, Kane''s unassuming name masked a deadly ambition¡ªand a willingness to crush anyone who stood in his way.


    Antonny, the founder of the base, had suffered heavy losses during repeated missions to fight off threats. Each time he went out, his subordinates faced severe casualties. This left his position vulnerable, and Kane, along with his accomplices, seized the opportunity to wrest control of the base.


    The devastating Battle of NYC was no exception. Antonny''s forces were crushed, and his loyal followers were dwindling rapidly. Seeing the perfect chance to strike, Kane allied with the other Base¡ªa large survivor base on their south. Together, they planned to eliminate Antonny and his remaining men. "Not interested," Clint, a middle-aged man with a stern expression, said flatly. His tone carried no hint of emotion. "If it weren''t for my boss''s orders, I wouldn''t even bother with these people."


    Kane wasn''t fazed by the rejection. Instead, he pressed on with a sly grin. What he cared about most was ensuring Antonny''s death and securing absolute control over the Imperial Capital base. "Relax," Kane replied confidently. "Once it''s done, you''ll get what you want¡ªfive thousand girls, as promised." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The population of the base was in the hundreds of thousands. Even if the ratio of women was low, there were still over 20,000. Giving away 5,000 wasn''t a problem for Kane. He was already scheming to send older women to make up the numbers if needed. "Don''t try to fool us," Clint said coldly, his sharp eyes narrowing. "We want girls, not your tricks."


    Kane''s scheming mind was exposed, and he could only laugh awkwardly. "Of course. You''ll get exactly what you asked for." Clint snorted but didn''t linger. Without another word, he headed toward the hangar where Antonny and his men were hiding.


    Inside the hangar, chaos reigned. Antonny''s group was making a desperate attempt to escape. "Start it up, quickly!" Ava, one of Antonny''s trusted allies, shouted as she frantically activated the armed helicopter. The blades roared to life, sending a deafening sound reverberating through the space.


    "Leave me! Steve, you and Ava get out of here!" Antonny, bleeding heavily from two gunshot wounds, struggled to keep his voice steady despite his weakening state.


    "No way! Captain, hang in there!" Steve, a young soldier with a limp from a bullet wound in his leg, gritted his teeth and continued dragging Antonny toward the helicopter.


    Before they could reach safety, Clint entered the hangar like a shadow of death. His revolver barked once, and the soldier standing guard crumpled to the ground, a neat hole between his eyes. His speed and accuracy were terrifying, as if aiming wasn''t even necessary. "You won''t escape!" Clint shouted, his voice echoing over the deafening sound of the rotors.


    Steve, despite his injuries, turned to face Clint, raising his pistol in a last act of defiance. But Clint was faster. Another shot rang out, and Steve collapsed, lifeless. With no one to support him, Antonny fell to the ground as well, his blood pooling beneath him.


    "Damn it!" From inside the helicopter, Ava saw the carnage. Rage filled her eyes as she pulled the control stick. The helicopter lifted slightly off the ground, its nose swiveling to aim at Clint. Moments later, twin Gatling guns roared, unleashing a hail of bullets in his direction. Clint''s expression didn''t change. He rolled swiftly to avoid the gunfire, moving like a predator.


    "Captain! Get on board!" Ava yelled, her voice cracking under the pressure.


    "Leave me!" Antonny shouted back, his voice hoarse but commanding. "That''s an order!"


    "Captain!" Ava hesitated, tears brimming in her eyes.


    "GO!" Antonny''s roar was filled with a last surge of strength, a leader''s final command. "Obey orders!"


    With trembling hands, Ava bit back her emotions and turned the helicopter toward the exit. The Gatlings fired relentlessly, mowing down the pursuers waiting outside as she made her escape.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Clint fired three precise shots, each hitting the same spot on the helicopter''s steel plate. The bullets penetrated the armor, but the helicopter didn''t go down. It rose into the sky, escaping into the distance. Watching the helicopter disappear, Kane scowled. "One of them got away?"


    "I never fail," Clint replied coldly, his voice devoid of doubt. He holstered his revolver and walked back into the hangar.


    Inside, Antonny lay motionless beside Steve''s body, his strength completely gone. His once-determined eyes grew dim as doubt crept into his mind. Was everything he fought for worth it? He couldn''t protect his men, couldn''t protect the survivors...


    As darkness closed in, a faint, imagined voice broke through his despair. It was Steve''s voice, joined by others he had lost.


    "Captain, it''s not your fault."


    "If we don''t protect the survivors, then who will?"


    "We''re soldiers, Captain. We don''t regret it."


    A faint smile appeared on Antonny''s lips, and then everything went silent.


    Elsewhere, Zack sat in his Armory, staring at Ego''s holographic display. "What?! Antonny is dead?"


    "Yes, Sir" Ego replied. "Satellite footage suggests a power struggle broke out in the Imperial Capital Base. Antonny''s faction was overthrown. Only one helicopter escaped."


    Zack clenched his fists. Antonny had once traveled thousands of miles to help him fight a massive zombie horde. He still owed the man a favor¡ªa debt he could never repay now.


    "And the ones responsible?" Zack asked grimly.


    "A third-party force from South region, The Caribbean base, seems to have been involved,"


    Ego''s capacity to manage such a wealth of information with just one satellite was already impressive.


    "Caribbean base?" Zack''s voice was sharp, with a trace of icy anger. "Greed," he muttered, his tone growing colder. "Their hands are reaching too far."

 Chapter 79: Ultralium

    Chapter 79 - UltraliumAntonny and his team hadn''t fallen to the zombie tide but had been betrayed¡ªkilled by their own people because of greed. Zack''s expression darkened as his frustration simmered beneath the surface. "What about the helicopter that got away? Who''s on board?" he asked.


    Ego responded promptly. "Satellite footage shows only one occupant, a female pilot. Based on her profile, she matches Ms. Ava¡ªthe student who piloted a fighter during the last zombie wave. Her aircraft is moving southwest from the Imperial Capital, but she''s been changing direction frequently. Her destination is currently unclear."


    Zack frowned slightly. "Ava... I remember her." The boldness of the pilot student during the previous zombie attack had left an impression.


    "Keep an eye on her. Let me know if anything changes," he ordered. Then his tone hardened. "Also, focus on the Caribbean base. I want detailed information on these two bastards."


    "Understood, Sir," Ego replied.


    Two hours later, Zack landed the Avalon in the open space in front of the steel plant. The aircraft touched down smoothly, its cabin loaded to capacity.


    "Mr. Zack!"


    "Mr. Zack!"


    A small group led by Charles approached, their excitement evident. Many of them carried a glint of admiration¡ªor perhaps fanaticism¡ªin their eyes. They had been briefed ahead of time that Zack, the man in the nanosuit, was arriving. "Charles, have your men unload the cargo from the cabin. Be careful when handling it," Zack instructed, his voice steady but commanding as he jumped down from the plane.


    "Understood! Ernest, get some people to help unload!" Charles called out to a lean man standing nearby.


    Ernest quickly gathered a group of workers¡ªmen who had previously been prisoners but were now reformed under the order of the steel plant. With guaranteed food, safety, and shelter, these men were far more disciplined than before. "Move carefully," Charles reminded them. "Don''t mess this up."


    "Got it, Charles!" Ernest replied as he led the group to the Avalon''s rear. The hatch opened with a soft hiss. As it did, something large and grotesque tumbled out¡ªa severed tiger''s head, its size massive, its blood-soaked features frozen in a snarl. The stench of death and iron filled the air.


    "Ah!" "A tiger?!" Ernest and the others recoiled, stumbling back in shock. The sight of the monstrous head left some trembling, their faces pale.


    "What''s the panic for?" Zack''s calm voice cut through the commotion as he kicked the tiger''s head aside nonchalantly. "It''s already dead." Swallowing their fear, Ernest''s group slowly returned to their feet, wiping sweat from their brows before proceeding to unload the rest of the cargo.


    "Mr. Zack, the factory building you requested has been prepared and cleared out," Charles reported as Zack oversaw the unloading. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "But... you mentioned no workers would be needed. How will it operate?"


    "Machines will handle it," Zack replied plainly. "Your job is to supply the necessary materials¡ªcopper, iron, tungsten, and other components¡ªon time. The Armory is now a restricted area. No one is allowed near it without my permission."


    Though Zack''s tone remained calm, it carried an air of authority that left no room for debate. "Understood," Charles said quickly. He was nothing if not loyal. In the steel plant, his devotion to Zack was unmatched, and his leadership ensured no one dared challenge his position as Zack''s closest ally.


    As the cargo was moved, Ego remotely piloted the Avalon to shuttle between the steel plant and the mountain Armory, transporting production lines, mechanical Ants, and vast quantities of military supplies. Once on-site, the mechanical Ants got to work immediately, harvesting local materials to construct robotic arms and automated machinery.


    By dusk, the Armory roared to life. Materials were fed into fully automated machines, processed, and transferred onto assembly lines. Robotic arms worked tirelessly, loading tungsten-alloy armor-piercing bullets and incendiary warheads into containers. Each time a container was filled, mechanical Ants rolled a new one into place to keep production flowing seamlessly. "How''s the efficiency?" Zack asked, examining a handful of freshly-made armor-piercing rounds.


    "With sufficient materials, we can produce 80,000 tungsten-core armor-piercing rounds and 50,000 incendiary rounds daily," Ego reported. "Output may vary slightly depending on the caliber of the bullets, but it should remain consistent overall."


    "Eighty thousand rounds?" Zack raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Looks like we''ve solved the bullet shortage. Next, we''ll need to get the micro-missile production line up and running." He than check the project that Zack has tasked them on creating a new ingot from his blueprint. "Let me take a look," Zack said, taking the ingot from his hands. He turned it over, inspecting its surface as Ego''s scanning module activated, emitting a faint blue light that washed over the alloy.


    "Material detected," Ego reported in its calm, mechanical tone. "Ultralium, Composition: 60% Gold, 32.7% Titanium, 7.3% graphene infusion." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack raised an eyebrow. "Ultralium? That''s a new one. What''s the verdict?"


    Ego continued, "Hardness is 23 times that of standard steel. Exceptional toughness, high thermal conductivity, and extreme resistance to acids, alkalis, and radiation. However, ductility is slightly lower than optimal, and microfractures may form under repeated high-impact stress."


    Zack rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "In short?"


    "It''s a robust material with significant potential for reinforcement but not ideal for applications requiring extensive flexibility," Ego concluded.


    Zack let out a low whistle, impressed despite the noted limitations. "Not bad for something produced in this wasteland. Twenty-three times harder than steel¡ªnow we''re talking."


    The wiry man, Ernest, watched nervously as Zack inspected the metal further. "How many of these ingots have you managed to produce so far?" Zack asked, his tone sharp.


    "Is there a problem?" Zack pressed.


    Ernest nodded hesitantly. "Actually, two problems, Mr. Zack. First, smelting Ultralium alloy is incredibly difficult. Even with the method you provided, the workers just aren''t efficient enough."


    "And the second problem?" Zack asked.


    Ernest scratched his head, clearly embarrassed. "The material''s, uh... mostly gold. Sixty percent, to be exact. We''re running out of Gold."


    Zack sighed, realizing the issue. "How much gold do we have left in the factory?"


    Ernest answered quickly, "Less than two hundred pounds."


    That wasn''t much, considering the sheer amount they''d started with. Zack had previously deployed mechanical dogs to scavenge precious metals from abandoned jewelry stores and banks throughout NYC City. They''d found a decent haul, but it was clearly dwindling fast. "Two hundred pounds isn''t nearly enough," Zack said thoughtfully. After a moment, he added, "Take a few people and some mechanical dogs out on another run. I''ll supply you with thermite grenades and a laser cutter."


    Ernest blinked in confusion. "Thermite grenades? Laser cutter?"


    Zack smirked. "Banks. Specifically, vaults."


    Ernest''s eyes lit up, understanding immediately. Few people could resist the allure of a bank''s vault. Leaving the steel plant behind, Zack returned to his Mansion. The first thing he did after shedding his nanosuit was order Ego to ramp up production. "Start producing more mechanical Ants. And keep building Avalons¡ªwe''re going to need at least three, if not more. Mechanical dogs and spiders? Keep those coming. No cap on numbers¡ªthe more, the better," Zack instructed in one breath.

 Chapter 80: Taking Over The City

    Chapter 80 - Taking Over The CityEgo processed his commands. "Sir, may I remind you that material supplies are already running low? At this rate, we can''t keep up with demand."


    Zack waved off the concern. "We''ve got an entire city''s worth of resources at our disposal. Send out all the mechanical insect to start clearing the zombies. I want NYC under our complete control within two weeks."


    "What about the other survivor bases in the City?" Ego asked. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack''s eyes hardened. "They''ve got two choices: join us or die. Those who want to take refuge will go through a strict screening process. The healthy ones will be sent to the factories. The old, weak, sick, and disabled? They''ll be relocated to SinSin Prison."


    "And those who resist?" Ego inquired.


    "Kill them," Zack said coldly. "No exceptions."


    At SinSin Prison, even the elderly and disabled had to perform light manual labor or assembly work in exchange for weekly food rations. Zack had ensured a steady supply of food via transport planes. The prison''s current manager, Antonny, was far from ideal¡ªdespite having same name with the Air Force Captain, this one is a greedy man with a elitist temperament¡ªbut for now, he was competent enough to keep the place running smoothly


    "Understood, Sir. Your orders have been relayed," Ego confirmed.


    Moments later, five or six mechanical dogs and a dozen spiders left the Mansion''s grounds. They moved methodically, eliminating zombies in a steadily widening perimeter. The sound of machine gun fire echoed through the city, growing fainter as the mechanical beasts pushed farther away. "How''s our air defense system coming along?" Zack asked.


    "It''s fully operational," Ego replied.


    "Good. Deploy the bugs to the steel plant and set up a mid- and short-range interception system there," Zack ordered.


    "Affirmative," Ego responded but added, "Sir, with the current expansion plan, our resources are stretched too thin."


    Zack smirked. "Doesn''t matter. Clear the zombies, secure the city, and we''ll have everything we need."


    Zack walked to a window, watching the mechanical beasts as they carried out his orders with ruthless efficiency. His gut told him something big was coming, and he wasn''t going to take any chances. "Ego, keep the helicopter operational. We need a constant supply of ammunition for the mechanical bugs.


    "On it, Sir," Ego replied smoothly.


    The transport helicopter parked on the community''s apron roared to life, lifting off under the precise control of Ego and heading toward the Armory. "At this rate, it''s only a matter of time before we reclaim NYC," Zack said with satisfaction, eyes glued to the satellite feed displaying his mechanical beasts patrolling the area. The prospect filled him with excitement.


    Once he secured the resources of an entire city, Zack could expand his mechanical army without holding back. But a sudden thought made him pause. "Wait... why does this feel like I''m turning into some kind of warlord?" He chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "Not that it''s a bad thing. In a world like this, being a warlord with an army of mechanical beasts is the dream, isn''t it?"


    Brushing off the self-reflection, Zack refocused. "Forget it for now. Ego, list all the weapons of mass destruction in your database that I can realistically build."


    "Understood, Sir," Ego responded smoothly.


    Moments later, an overwhelming list of documents filled the screen before Zack, so long he couldn''t even see the end after scrolling through several pages. He sighed, rolling up his sleeves. "Alright, cut anything nuclear. Get rid of heavily contaminating weapons. Also, anything too costly is off the table."


    As he set the parameters, the list narrowed significantly, but there were still plenty of options. One entry caught his attention. "Echo-17 Micro Missile?" Zack blinked at the name. "Isn''t this standard-issue for military drones? Why didn''t I notice it before?"


    He tapped the entry to read the detailed description, and a laugh escaped his lips.


    __________________


    [Echo-17 Anti-Armor and Anti-Fortification Micro Missile]


    Description: Designed for high-impact strikes on fortified targets, this missile delivers a concentrated kinetic and explosive payload.


    Drawbacks: Long preparation time and an infamously high failure rate due to overheating guidance systems.


    Note: Use at your own risk.


    ______________


    "''Use at your own risk''? Who writes these notes?" Zack chuckled, shaking his head. "The engineers must''ve had a sense of humor. No wonder this thing hasn''t been mass-produced." The sheer absurdity of the missile''s failure-prone design and its grimly sarcastic description made him laugh harder than he had in weeks. Despite the humor, he couldn''t help but appreciate the audacity behind the concept.


    Later that night, Zack sat at his workstation, deep in thought as he combed through the remaining options. The screen glowed faintly, illuminating his tired but focused expression.


    After hours of analysis and deliberation, he narrowed it down to two promising choices:


    Magnetic Fluid Cloud Bomb


    Description: A payload designed to disperse a fine cloud of magnetic nanoparticles over a target area. When activated by an electromagnetic pulse, the particles bond to electronic systems, short-circuiting them and rendering them inoperable.


    Strengths: Perfect for disabling drones, vehicles, and fortified enemy defenses without causing massive structural damage.


    Drawbacks: Requires precise deployment for maximum effectiveness.


    ___________________


    Micro-Cluster Spreader


    Description: A compact module capable of releasing dozens of miniaturized explosives in a widespread pattern. Each explosive contains a shaped charge designed to penetrate armor and neutralize infantry or vehicles.


    Strengths: Highly versatile and effective in both offensive and defensive scenarios.


    Drawbacks: Limited range and requires advanced targeting algorithms to maximize efficiency.


    _________________


    Zack leaned back in his chair, satisfied with his choices. "These should do the trick," he muttered. "The cloud bomb for taking out tech-heavy targets, and the cluster spreader for good old-fashioned firepower."


    "Ego," he called out, "can you have prototypes ready by tomorrow morning?"


    "Designs are being processed now," Ego responded. "Prototypes will be ready for testing by 0600 hours."


    "Good."


    The next morning, 6:00 AM, Zack''s eyes snapped open. Since injecting the Super Serum, he rarely felt tired, his energy levels practically endless. His mind was sharper, his thoughts clearer. "Ego, report my physical stats," he requested as he stretched.


    "Your current overall strength is approximately 8.6 times that of an average human," Ego replied. "Muscle strength shows the most improvement. It''s now over 9 times that of an ordinary person."


    Zack raised an eyebrow. "Nine times? Seriously?" He hadn''t expected such a massive boost. "Why don''t I feel clumsy, then? I thought I''d be smashing through walls by accident."


    Ego responded calmly, "The nanosuit, Sir. It''s likely helping you control your newfound strength."


    "Good to know," Zack muttered, heading downstairs.


    In the kitchen, Sophia was setting down a steaming basket of pickle buns. She looked up as Zack entered. "Up so early? Breakfast is ready."


    "Perfect." Zack grabbed a bun without hesitation, the heat not bothering him at all. "This is really good. When did you get into baking?" Sophia hesitated, glancing at the baking guide and recipe book on the counter. "I''ve always liked baking. Used to make bread for my mom..." Her voice trailed off, and sadness flickered in her eyes before she forced a smile. "I''ll steam another basket. Annie and Erza will be hungry when they wake up."


    Zack watched her retreat to the kitchen and shook his head with a faint smile. "That girl..."

 Chapter 81: Mass Destruct Weapon

    Chapter 81 - Mass Destruct WeaponIn the basement After breakfast, Zack headed to his workshop. On the workbench were two newly built prototypes.


    The Magnetic Fluid Cloud Bomb was massive¡ª1.5 meters long, with a half-meter diameter. Its cylindrical body gleamed under the workshop lights, and its lack of a propulsion system made it stand out. Instead, it housed a huge dose of high-energy fuel.


    "Looks solid. I''ll test it later," Zack muttered, turning to the second prototype.


    The Micro-Cluster Spreader was significantly smaller, its compact, boxy design resembling a brick. Its dark exterior gave no hint of its hidden power, but inside were 140 micro-missile warheads, each painstakingly enhanced for greater explosive power.


    "Don''t judge by size," Zack said, lifting the spreader with ease. "This little guy''s packing serious heat."


    "Ego, remember the jammer we built?" Zack asked casually, inspecting the array of devices.


    "Of course, sir," the AI responded smoothly.


    "Good. Tell the mechanical bug to scale it up. Make it big enough to cover at least half of NYC City. Simulate the cry of the leader from the last zombie wave."


    "As you wish, sir."


    Zack grinned. Testing the new weapon was already exciting, but combining it with a practical cleanup of NYC City''s zombie infestation? That was efficiency at its finest.


    The basement buzzed with activity as mechanical arms whirred into motion. Dozens of small mechanical Ants scurried about, assembling the components of the massive jammer. Within minutes, a monstrous device equipped with a huge broadcasting unit was completed.


    "Brother, what are you working on?" Annie''s voice interrupted as she walked into the basement, curiosity written all over her face. She''d just finished breakfast and was drawn by the clatter of machines.


    "Perfect timing! Let''s go watch some fireworks," Zack replied with a mischievous grin.


    "Really?!" Annie''s eyes sparkled with excitement, but her lips curled into into a small frown.


    Zack noticed her expression and tilted his head. "What''s up? You okay?"


    "Oh, it''s nothing," Annie mumbled, her voice dropping. "Fireworks sound fun."


    "Great! Though, technically, it''s more of a weapons test," Zack clarified with a shrug.


    "Ah..." Annie''s enthusiasm dimmed, and she pouted slightly. Zack brushed it off, already focused on the task at hand. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He suited up, donning his war machine armor. The missile launcher on his right shoulder was swapped out for a micro-cluster spreader, and he hefted the cloud bomb with practiced ease. With everything prepared, he moved toward the Avalon parked just outside. "You stay in the plane," Zack instructed, strapping the cloud bomb securely into the cabin.


    "Okay," Annie replied, settling into the co-pilot''s seat. She watched as Zack returned to the basement, emerging moments later with the colossal jammer. He attached it to the Avalon''s underside using a heavy-duty sling.


    With everything in place, the Avalon lifted off vertically, soaring toward NYC City. Zack followed close behind in his armor. "Ego, activate the jammer!" Zack commanded.


    A low hum filled the air as the bait powered on. The sound quickly intensified, climbing to frequencies incomprehensible to human ears. Then, the simulated cry of the zombie leader erupted¡ªa chilling, guttural roar. Almost immediately, NYC City''s undead population stirred. Zombies from every corner of the city became alert, their guttural moans and snarls echoing in response. The sound of countless footsteps grew louder as they converged toward the source of the call.


    "So this is how those massive zombie waves are formed," Zack muttered, observing the chaos from above. One zombie was no threat, but when they gathered in numbers¡ªwhen they moved as one¡ªtheir destructive potential was terrifying. It was a glimpse into the worst-case scenario: an organized, disciplined zombie horde.


    "Ego, slow us down and lead them out of the city," Zack ordered.


    The Avalon decelerated, pivoting to lure the swelling zombie tide toward the outskirts. The streets below teemed with the undead, forming a relentless black wave that swept through the city, consuming everything in its path.


    The Avalon eventually reached the countryside, with zombies from neighboring Wu City joining the fray. Zack estimated the numbers were in the hundreds of thousands now, an apocalyptic swarm with no end in sight.


    "Drop the bait," Zack instructed.


    The Avalon released its payload. The bait, now detached, deployed a parachute mid-air and descended gently into a forest clearing. The simulated cry continued to ring out, drawing the zombies closer and closer.


    "Roar!" "Hiss¡ªroar!" "Roar!" The tide surged toward the jammer''s landing point, its frontlines composed of fast zombies like super-hunters and raiders. Among them, grotesque mutants twisted by secondary infections pushed forward with terrifying speed. "Open the hatch," Zack said as he ascended toward the Avalon. The rear hatch opened just in time for him to glide inside.


    "Brother! There are so many zombies!" Annie''s voice quivered as she rushed to his side. From the air, the sheer scale of the horde was overwhelming¡ªa seething, writhing mass that consumed everything in its path.


    "Don''t worry. You''ll see the fireworks soon," Zack reassured her, walking to a porthole to observe the growing vortex below. At the center of the maelstrom, where the jammer had landed, zombies piled up in a frenzy. More and more pressed in from the edges, turning the horde into a living whirlpool.


    "Preliminary estimate: at least 300,000 zombies," Zack noted grimly.


    "Ego, should I go first, or will you?"


    "Your call, sir."


    Zack grinned, his tone laced with determination. "Alright, let''s light it up!" Without hesitation, he jumped out, activating his thrusters mid-air. The powerful jets roared to life, propelling him higher into the sky. "Prepare to drop the spreaders!" he called out, banking in a wide arc to approach the massive zombie horde below.


    The decision to use micro-cluster spreaders instead of heavier weapons was calculated. The bombing by Antonny''s team had been effective, but Zack needed something optimized for large-scale carnage. Against an overwhelming tide of corpses, the cluster bombs were perfect. As he passed over the swarming zombies, Zack deployed the spreader from his right shoulder with a sharp command. "Drop deployed!"


    A faint thud echoed as the device detached and fell. Moments later, hundreds of micro-missile warheads scattered like raindrops, aided by small wind-guiding fins at their tips. These fins caught the gusts, spreading the warheads over several kilometers, ensuring widespread destruction. Below, the zombies stirred. Some growled, others shrieked, as if sensing the danger overhead. But their unease came too late. The warheads detonated two meters above the ground in a synchronized airburst, unleashing devastating power.


    Boom! Boom!


    The explosions ripped through the horde, fiery bursts lighting up the darkened landscape. Some fireballs connected, forming walls of flame, while others erupted individually, ripping apart the waves of undead. The ground quaked under the relentless barrage. Shredded limbs and burning corpses were strewn everywhere, the once-massive tide now reduced to scattered ash and brittle charcoal.


    Even from his high vantage point, Zack could feel the heat radiating from the destruction. The Avalon''s armor registered the intensity, relaying the sensation through his suit''s feedback system. The results were staggering. Hundreds of thousands of zombies were obliterated in seconds. The explosion radius stretched a full kilometer, with stray warheads wreaking havoc far beyond that. Yet, Zack''s keen eye caught something concerning amidst the smoldering remains.

 Chapter 82: Cleaning Up the City

    Chapter 82 - Cleaning Up the City"Not bad, but the firepower''s lacking against the mutants," he muttered. A handful of mutated zombies, more resilient than the rest, were emerging unscathed from the devastation. He dismissed it quickly¡ªthe spreaders were meant to thin the numbers, not handle specialized threats.


    Zack turned back to the Avalon. "Ego, is the jammer still active?"


    "Yes, sir. The jammer is functioning perfectly. Zombies continue to converge on its signal."


    Zack glanced down, watching the horde relentlessly approach. Many were consumed by the inferno, their charred remains piling up, but more kept coming. Soon, the fire was smothered under their sheer numbers.


    "Your move now, Ego," Zack said, slowing his thrusters to land back inside the Avalon. As he entered the cabin, Annie rushed over, her face lighting up with excitement.


    "Big brother! That was amazing! Can I use that too?" she asked, eyes sparkling.


    Zack chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Sprinklers need altitude to deploy. Tarantula can''t fly, so you''ll have to pass on this one."


    Annie pouted. "Oh... fine." Their conversation was cut short as the tide of zombies below grew even denser. Though the outer perimeter had thinned significantly, the core horde pressed on.


    "Ego, prep the cloud bombs," Zack ordered. The Avalon banked sharply, lowering its altitude for a precision dive. The roar of its engines drew the attention of countless zombies, their grotesque forms turning toward the sound.


    Among them was a mutant Zack had never seen before. Its body was warped, no longer human in shape. Crawling on all fours like a beast, it sported grotesque, frog-like eardrums on its chin that expanded and contracted as it breathed. "What the hell is that?" Zack muttered, narrowing his eyes.


    The mutant crouched low, its muscles coiled like springs. The eardrums on its chin ballooned to an alarming size, accompanied by a sinister creaking sound, as if its very flesh was straining under pressure. Before Zack could react, the mutant opened its mouth wide.


    Boom!


    A thunderous noise erupted as compressed air burst out, forming visible shockwaves. The air blasts rocketed toward the Avalon with terrifying speed, creating conical vacuums in their wake. "Air cannons?" Zack exclaimed in disbelief.


    "Warning! Hostile threat detected. Turbulence imminent!" Ego''s voice cut through the chaos.


    The next moment, the air cannons struck the Avalon. The impacts rattled the cabin, and Zack felt the vibrations under his feet. Annie grabbed onto a support bar, her eyes wide with alarm. The Avalon shook violently but remained intact. Ego''s diagnostic report came through immediately. "Minimal damage detected. Paint scratches only."


    Zack smirked, relief mixing with pride in the ship''s durability. "Not bad for a first encounter with zombie artillery."


    The Avalon quickly stabilized, its flight smoothing out. Zack peered down at the mutants, his mind racing. "When did zombies start developing long-range attacks?" he muttered grimly.


    The mutated zombies didn''t pose much of a threat, but their peculiar abilities were enough to make Zack stay on high alert. "Sir, we''re approaching the optimal release point. Should we proceed with the bombing mission?" Ego''s calm, mechanical voice buzzed in Zack''s ears.


    "Proceed," Zack replied decisively, his curiosity about the mutant zombies overridden by practicality.


    "Understood, Sir. Deploying cloud bombs now." As the Avalon flew over the horde of zombies, the bomb bay doors beneath the aircraft slid open. A massive 600-kilogram magnetic fluid cloud bomb dropped into the horde below, cutting through the air like a falling meteor.


    The bomb detonated at a height of 100 meters with a thunderous explosion. Instantly, thousands of magnetic spheres, each the size of a marble, scattered into the air alongside a dense wave of dark orange high-energy fuel. The magnetic spheres repelled each other, spreading the fuel into a fine mist that blanketed a ten-kilometer radius like an ominous orange cloud.


    The zombies below tilted their heads, roaring and hissing at the Avalon. Their decayed brains couldn''t comprehend the danger descending upon them. The orange mist clung to every surface, adhering to the zombies'' rotting flesh like a second skin. It spread with eerie precision, ensuring not a single creature escaped its reach. Then, the inevitable happened. A stray ember from the remnants of burnt vegetation below made contact with the high-energy fuel. A spark ignited, and within seconds, an explosion ripped through the air.


    BOOM!


    A massive fireball erupted, shooting flames high into the sky. The blast expanded outward, engulfing everything within ten kilometers in a roaring inferno. The explosion was so intense it sucked all the oxygen out of the area, creating a vacuum. Zombies were incinerated on the spot, their bodies consumed by flames so hot they began to melt the ground beneath them.


    Those on the edges of the blast met equally horrifying fates. The sudden change in air pressure caused their bloated bodies to expand violently. Eyeballs burst from their sockets, organs exploded from every orifice, and the surrounding terrain became a nightmare of blood and fire.


    For several seconds, the air was filled with deafening explosions and the unrelenting roar of the flames. As the fireball began to die down, air rushed back into the vacuum, creating a fierce hurricane that scattered the ash and charred remains of zombies like powder. Bones and debris were swept into the blazing center, feeding the dying flames with dry powder that smothered the fire.


    When the flames finally subsided, nothing recognizable remained. The once-bustling area had been reduced to molten, glass-like earth. Rivers of magma slowly flowed over the scorched land, where no signs of life¡ªor death¡ªwere left. Inside the Avalon, silence reigned. The sheer scale of destruction left Anne speechless. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on the hellscape below. "Unbelievable..." he muttered, his voice low and shaken. The power of the magnetic fluid cloud bomb had been described in the briefing, but seeing it in action was something else entirely. No amount of words or numbers could prepare someone for the reality of such devastating power.


    "I think I understand now..." Zack murmured, recalling a quote he had read once: Humankind has devoted unparalleled creativity to destruction.


    Beside him, Anne was visibly shaken. "Brother... these weapons..." Her voice trembled as she struggled to find the words. "You should keep them. I¡ªI don''t want anything to do with this..."


    Zack sighed, snapping out of his daze. "Let''s go back."


    "Okay," Anne replied, eager to leave the horrific scene behind.


    The Avalon arced gracefully in the sky, looping back toward the mansion. Zack glanced at the scorched earth below and murmured, "The mechanical beasts should be able to clear out the remaining zombies soon."


    After waves of zombie hordes and the destruction from Zack''s test, only a fraction of the undead population remained. The survivors were either severely damaged or strange mutant species that avoided regular zombies altogether. "It won''t be long before the resources of this city are mine," Zack muttered to himself. The thought of reclaiming an entire city sparked a flicker of ambition.


    As the Avalon soared toward its destination, Zack remained unaware that his actions hadn''t gone unnoticed. Far above the Earth, three reconnaissance satellites hovered in low orbit, their cameras capturing every second of Zack''s weapon test. Somewhere, powerful eyes were watching, and plans were being made.

 Chapter 83: Kshadi

    Chapter 83 - KshadiIn the Caribbean base, a satellite screen flickered with images of devastation. The satellite, launched by the Asan Kingdom two decades ago, was now the sole reconnaissance tool of the base. Although it was outdated compared to Zack''s LSI satellite¡ªlacking clarity and zoom capabilities¡ªit was still a remarkable feat to retain control of such technology after the apocalypse. While it couldn''t capture fine details like LSI, it provided just enough resolution to observe events on the ground.


    Kshadi, a bearded man with a weathered face, stared at the satellite feed in shock. "What kind of weapons are these?" he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Since when did they have such advanced technology?"


    Kshadi was one of the three leaders of the Caribbean base. His companions were no less interesting. Navas Puticha, a brash man, shared his leadership role. Clint, the infamous sharpshooter spotted at the Imperial Capital base, was Navas'' half-brother. The third leader, Jock Forsman, hailed from the East and was a former soldier.


    Unlike Kshadi and Navas, who shared cultural roots, Jock''s authority stemmed from his military background. Before the apocalypse, he was just a lowly sergeant in a foreign land, resentful of his posting. But when the world fell apart, Jock transformed into a local warlord, ruling with impunity. At Caribbean base, his voice carried more weight than the others. He wielded his power cruelly, exploiting people and resources with no regard for humanity. Many women had fallen victim to his predations, only to be replaced by younger ones, sent by those desperate to curry favor.


    Jock leaned back in his chair, staring at the satellite image with a glint of greed. The screen displayed a black dot¡ªa Avalon¡ªhovering over a scorched battlefield. "Don''t worry," he said with a sly grin. "There''s no major survivor base near NYC City. Whatever weapon that aircraft belongs to will be ours soon enough."


    Kshadi hesitated, frowning. "Are you sure about this? We can''t underestimate them." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You fool," Navas sneered, his disdain for Kshadi evident. "These survivors are cowards. A little pressure, and they''ll hand over everything willingly."


    "And if they don''t?" Kshadi asked, still uncertain.


    Jock interrupted with a sharp laugh. "Then we''ll make them regret it. We''ve got dozens of fighter jets and hundreds of ballistic missiles. We''ll wipe them off the map."


    Kshadi''s expression wavered, but Jock''s confidence was infectious. Navas chimed in again, adding fuel to the fire. "Their Imperial Capital base already has our spies embedded. Those five thousand girls sent there are just a distraction. The real plan is to use Kane to destabilize the base and, eventually, the entire region."


    Kshadi finally nodded, his reluctance fading. Human ambition had only grown more unrestrained in the chaos of the apocalypse, morality eroded by desperation and greed. "Alright," he said. "Let''s contact the base that owns this aircraft. Demand they hand it over. If they refuse, remind them what we''re capable of."


    Jock''s grin widened as he barked orders. "Make it clear: resistance means annihilation."


    Meanwhile, Zack had just returned to his Mansion after a successful weapons test. The micro-cluster sprinkler system had proven devastating against ordinary zombies, but Zack wasn''t satisfied. Seated at his workbench, he pulled up schematics of the MV-02W, muttering to himself. "The aerodynamics are awful," he said, frowning. "It''s like trying to make a brick fly."


    The MV-02W was a powerhouse but had glaring flaws. Its bulky design, with a Vulcan machine gun folded on its back, multiple shoulder-mounted weapons, and a massive bomb compartment, severely hindered its speed. Despite having four auxiliary thrusters on its back and legs, the MV-02W could barely break the sound barrier, maxing out at Mach 1.1. Even the Avalon, with its sleek design, performed better in terms of speed.


    Zack stood before the armor, muttering to himself. "Back in its prime, MV-02 could easily exceed Mach 1.3. But now? It''s just a MV-02W strapped with a boxy spreader that drags it down. Breaking the sound barrier? Forget it." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "That spreader might as well be an anchor with the drag it adds."


    The idea bugged him. He turned to Ego. "Run a simulation. What happens if I crank up the thruster power and force it to go supersonic?"


    Ego''s voice responded almost instantly. "The spreader and right shoulder armor would be torn off by the extreme wind resistance the moment the sound barrier is breached."


    Zack groaned. "Figures. Maybe... I could reduce the spreader''s size and ammo capacity, then move it somewhere less exposed, like the back of the armor. That would free up the right shoulder for something better¡ªmaybe a missile launch system!" His eyes lit up as inspiration struck.


    Grabbing a pen and some paper, Zack sketched out a rough redesign. He muttered under his breath, "If the spreader''s hidden inside the armor, it''ll streamline everything. And with the shoulder freed up... missile launch nest. Perfect."


    Meanwhile, in the basement, a swarm of mechanical Ants crawled along the walls, drilling holes and installing components. A holographic projection system slowly began to take shape. Suddenly, Zack slammed his pencil down. "Damn it! I''m so stupid!" He crumpled the sketch into a ball and hurled it into the wastebasket across the room. The noise startled the mechanical Ants, but when Ego determined there was no actual issue, they resumed their work.


    "This is pointless!" Zack exclaimed, pacing. "Why waste time fixing MV-02? It''s ancient! I''m trying to fit a race car engine into a clunky old wagon and wondering why it doesn''t fly!"


    He stopped mid-stride, realization dawning on him. "I''ve been overthinking it. Instead of patching up old tech, I should just build something new and better."


    Zack slapped his forehead in frustration and began pacing, his hands gesturing animatedly as ideas churned in his mind. "Back when I built the MV-02, I didn''t have the precision tools I have now. No nanoscale mechanical arms, no autonomous insect drones. I was practically working in the dark ages! Now, I can push boundaries¡ªeven without access to exotic elements."


    His eyes lit up as a thought struck him. "Ultralium alloy! Of course. Lightweight, durable, and easy to refine. Perfect for the job." He turned to Ego. "Pull up the specs for all my prior designs."


    Ego''s interface flickered to life, projecting a series of blueprints onto the workshop''s main display. Zack skimmed through them, muttering his thoughts as he reviewed each iteration.


    "MV-02... decent, but too reliant on bulk. MV-03... just a polished version of the 02, nothing groundbreaking. MV-04... ah, the stealth variant. Nice, but not my priority now." He scrolled further, his eyes narrowing in concentration. Then, something caught his attention. "MV07! That''s the one. Modular, adaptable, can assemble on the fly, and it''s perfect for remote operation or quick repairs."

 Chapter 84: MV-09-Apex Suit

    Chapter 84 - MV-09-Apex SuitZack leaned over his workbench, his fingers already sketching rough designs on the digital pad. "Ego, take notes. We''re building a new armor system. Let''s call it the MV-09 Apex Suit. Structural design based on the modularity of the MV-07. Material: ultralium alloy with graphene reinforcement. Power source: upgraded hydrogen fusion core with supercapacitor backups. Now, weapons..."


    He paused, tapping his stylus thoughtfully against the pad. "We need a full loadout. Wrist-mounted laser emitters, palm kinetic pulse cannons, micro-missiles in the shoulders and arms. As for close combat..." He frowned. "Chainsaws? Too bulky. Let''s go with something sleek. How about... an electromagnetic whip? Compact, powerful, and versatile." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Noted, Sir" Ego chimed in. "Would you like to optimize the whip for cutting through conductive materials, or should it also include high-velocity shock capabilities?"


    "Both," Zack said with a grin. "Let''s make it multipurpose. High-voltage shock for disabling electronics, and cutting power for physical barriers or enemies."


    The first draft of the Apex Suit blueprint began to take shape, its streamlined frame incorporating Zack''s every improvement. The suit''s fusion core would be housed in an armored spine section, ensuring maximum energy output while keeping weight balanced. The ultralium-graphene composite provided the perfect blend of flexibility and durability, while the modular design allowed the suit to repair itself mid-battle by swapping out damaged components.


    After hours of intense focus, Zack sat back, satisfied with the final design. He transferred the blueprint to Ego''s database and, in a rare symbolic gesture, incinerated the original sketch with a plasma cutter. "How long to manufacture?" he asked.


    Ego responded promptly. "Fabrication of individual components will take approximately 14 hours. However, due to the ultralium alloy smelting and graphene bonding process, total assembly will require three days."


    Zack nodded, his mind already moving to logistics. "Three days is tight, but doable. We''ll need more ultralium for this, though. Send me the coordinates of the nearest vault with the remaining supply. I''ll handle the delivery myself."


    Meanwhile, in a battered helicopter several provinces away, Ava struggled to stay conscious. Her pale face was etched with pain, and her lower abdomen was wrapped in blood-soaked bandages. The sharpshooter''s escape from the Imperial City base had been far from clean¡ªthree bullets had penetrated both the steel plating and her body. "Just a bit further..." Ava whispered, her hands trembling as she gripped the controls. Her vision blurred, and her strength waned, but she refused to give in.


    The helicopter wobbled dangerously, descending toward the ground. With her last ounce of strength, Ava pulled the lever, softening the crash landing in an unfamiliar city before blacking out entirely.


    "Roar!"


    "Hiss¡ªroar!"


    The chilling sounds of zombies echoed from all directions, growing closer. "Sorry, Captain... I can''t... stay alive..."


    Ava''s consciousness began to fade, her vision darkening. Her strength waned as the approaching zombie horde neared. Suddenly¡ªBOOM! Even in her unconscious state, Ava thought she heard the deafening crash of something heavy hitting the ground.


    Back at the mansion, A pale-faced woman lay flat on the cold floor. Two small, hastily modified micro-mechanical Ants crawled over her lower abdomen, diligently stitching her wounds with threading tools. With no anesthesia, every needle piercing her flesh made her brow furrow in pain, even though she remained unconscious.


    "Looks like we need to build proper medical units soon," Zack muttered, working methodically at his cluttered workbench just a few steps away.


    "Are you talking about the pilot from the zombie wave attack?" Erza asked, crouching beside the woman. Despite her usual carefree nature, she carefully dabbed sweat off the pilot''s face with a cloth, her movements uncharacteristically gentle.


    "Yeah," Zack replied, his focus unwavering.


    "She''s the only survivor?" Erza frowned, glancing at the unconscious woman.


    Zack nodded. "If I hadn''t gotten there in time, she wouldn''t have made it." He hadn''t forgotten his earlier instructions to Ego¡ªhis AI companion¡ªto monitor the helicopter piloted by Ava. The moment it crashed, Ego alerted him, and Zack wasted no time. He flew the Avalon at top speed, arriving just before the zombies shattered the helicopter''s glass.


    "What are you working on now?" Erza''s curiosity was piqued. This was her first time allowed into the basement, and the strange high-tech gadgets around her made little sense.


    "Something for her," Zack said without looking up.


    "For her? What''s so special about her?" Erza asked, puzzled.


    "She''s a pilot with potential," Zack said bluntly.


    "And?" Erza pressed.


    "Like you, I''m going to ensure she''s... useful to me." He picked up a syringe filled with a clear, faintly glowing liquid and approached the unconscious woman.


    "What''s in that?" Erza asked, squinting at the syringe.


    "Microchip, GPS tracking, friend-or-foe identification, and..." Zack paused briefly. "A self-destruct mechanism."


    Erza rolled her eyes. "Seriously? Are you the reincarnation of Gengis Khan? So paranoid!"


    Despite her sarcasm, Erza knew Zack''s cautious and suspicious nature was what kept them alive in a world where betrayal often came from within.


    "Fortresses fall from the inside," Zack said calmly, plunging the syringe into the back of Ava''s neck.


    The injection was quick, leaving only a faint red dot on her skin. The chip traveled through her bloodstream, lodging itself near her heart. "Is that it?" Erza poked at the red mark, unimpressed.


    "Yup. Done."


    "Hey, can I get one of those too? This necklace you gave me is annoying to wear, especially when washing up." Erza fiddled with the metal pendant hanging around her neck.


    "No need. That necklace suits your... Erha temperament," Zack replied, his tone flat.


    "Erha?" Erza blinked, then bristled. "You''re calling me a husky?! Is that how you see me? A silly, energetic husky?"


    "A beautiful one," Zack said casually as he turned and left the basement.


    Erza opened her mouth to retort, but froze mid-sentence. "Wait... Did he just call me beautiful?" She stood there, stunned. "Hehe... I knew it. Even he can''t resist my charm!" Her self-satisfied grin vanished when she noticed a pair of cold eyes staring up at her. "Ah!" Erza jumped back. "Y-You''re awake? Uh... About what I just said¡ª"


    Ava''s icy gaze didn''t waver. "Everyone heard it. As a girl, you''re surprisingly shameless."


    Ava sat up, her movements slow and deliberate to avoid straining the freshly sutured wound on her abdomen. Pain flickered across her face, but she didn''t make a sound. "What is this place? Who saved me? And who are you?" Ava asked, her tone flat and direct.


    Two Days Later, by now, Ava had learned everything she needed to know. When Zack informed her about the microchip¡ªa potential time bomb¡ªin her body, she merely shrugged and said, "Oh." Her composure was unnerving, her calmness unshakable. If Erza was carefree and lively, Ava was her polar opposite: an ice-cold goddess, radiating frost from her very bones.


    Despite agreeing to follow Zack''s orders, Ava refused to integrate into the group. She even requested permission to live alone in the nearby Mansion No. 8 rather than sharing Mansion No. 9 with the others. Zack, understanding her situation, approved without hesitation.


    *Patreon suddenly deactivated my account without any reason, so i decided to move to Ko-fi. This is basicly what Patreon say We can terminate or suspend your account at any time at our sole discretion. We can also cancel any membership subscriptions and remove any descriptions, posts, offerings, or benefits at our sole discretion.


    *If you''re subscribed there i hope you got your money back, since i never get paid there.

 Chapter 85: Testing Apex Suit

    Chapter 85 - Testing Apex SuitBack at Mansion No. 9, a cylindrical aircraft roared out of the garage, tearing through the air with incredible speed. It raced toward Zack, its streamlined design slicing through the sky.


    Apex engaged its air control system immediately upon exiting the Mansion. Flaps deployed on either side, adjusting the flight trajectory as it zeroed in on Zack''s position. In seconds, it reached him, soaring past him briefly before diving to match his freefall speed.


    The onboard scanner locked onto the subcutaneous positioning devices implanted in Zack''s hands and feet. "Scan complete," Ego reported.


    With ease, Apex unfolded mid-air, its armor plates shifting and moving like a living organism. Each segment snapped into place, encasing Zack''s body as he fell. The last piece to lock in was the helmet, plunging Zack into darkness for a moment before the HUD display lit up with a soft hum.


    50 meters above ground, Apex''s thrusters roared to life. The sudden burst of energy propelled Zack upward with a sharp turn, the maneuver so abrupt it defied normal physics. A sonic boom echoed as Zack broke the sound barrier.


    "Yahoo!" Zack''s exhilarated shout pierced through the comms.


    The suit picked up speed rapidly.


    "Mach 2... Mach 3... Mach 4... Mach 4.5!" Ego''s calm voice announced.


    "Let''s hit Mach 5!" Zack grinned as adrenaline pumped through his veins. The HUD filled with data, the numbers climbing steadily as the suit''s boosters pushed harder.


    "4.6... 4.7... 4.8..." Ego''s updates came slower now as warnings began flashing across the display. High-temperature alerts lit up the HUD, warning of the strain on the thrusters.


    "Activate impact beam thrusters!" Zack shouted, determined to push the limits. Six additional boosters¡ªtwo more than a standard MV-02W¡ªpopped open across Apex''s back and sides. Flames erupted as they ignited, sending Zack rocketing forward.


    "Mach 5.1... Mach 5.3... Warning: Thrusters at critical levels. Continued acceleration will melt the jet nozzles," Ego cautioned.


    Gritting his teeth, Zack dialed back the power, reducing speed to a comfortable Mach 4.5. "Noted. Extreme speed is possible but can''t be maintained long-term," Zack murmured, making a mental note.


    Back on the ground, Zack returned to Mansion No. 9, landing smoothly in the garage. The distance he had covered in just twenty seconds was staggering¡ªmore than thirty kilometers, averaging over a kilometer per second.


    Inside the basement, Apex automatically disengaged, its armor pieces folding back to let Zack step out. The golden sheen of the suit gleamed under the basement lights, drawing Zack''s attention.


    "This gold''s too flashy," he muttered, shaking his head. The Ultralium alloy, boasting a purity of 99%, gave the armor an almost ostentatious brightness. While the material made the suit nearly indestructible, it also screamed wealth¡ªa little too loudly for Zack''s taste.


    "I need a new paint job," he said, opening the holographic projection interface. Light blue holograms flickered to life, replacing the outdated 4K screens. Zack navigated through various paint schemes, simulating different colors on the armor.


    "Silver and gold''s a bit too much. Pure black''s sleek but too plain for Power armor. Hmm... silver and black with gold accents¡ªperfect. Just the right mix of style and intimidation." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mechanical arms and insect-like drones got to work, spraying the suit with its new color scheme. When they finished, the silver-and-black body gleamed under the lights, the subtle gold highlights adding a sharp, polished edge. "Now this," Zack said, admiring the suit, "looks like it''s ready for war."


    With the paint job complete, Zack loaded Apex with missiles and other weapons. The time for testing was over. Now it was time to use the armor for its real purpose.


    Looking at the suit, Zack''s expression turned cold. His thoughts drifted back to the group that had attacked the Mansion. "Your turn is coming... Ego install weapon system."


    After Zack finished speaking, the basement came alive as robotic arms and mechanical Ants swiftly installed customized micro-missiles and cluster missiles into the weapon slots of the Apex armor.


    Ever since experiencing the raw thrill of MV-02Ws, Zack had developed an almost obsessive fixation on firepower. The Apex was a testament to that obsession¡ªa true juggernaut among personal armors. Aside from the standard palm pulse cannons, the Apex boasted a brand-new high-power impact beam emitter on the chest. It packed massive destructive force, capable of both rapid strikes and sustained attacks, though its energy consumption was a major drawback.


    For added firepower, each forearm housed an anti-armor penetrating missile launcher, with one missile per launcher. The wrist-mounted laser launchers from previous models remained, but their power was significantly boosted. Zack upgraded the batteries to a triple-surround system to handle the increased output.


    Missiles were where the Apex really stood out. Each shoulder had a honeycomb-style missile bay loaded with 42 micro-tracking missiles¡ª84 in total. These were complemented by spiral ground-attack missiles located on the chest, designed for carpet bombing. Zack configured the system to drop eight missiles at once, with a total capacity of 24.


    For defense, the Apex included a crotch-mounted decoy launcher containing 60 heat source decoy bombs to intercept incoming enemy missiles. Each launch deployed 20 decoys, providing three uses per mission.


    In terms of melee, Zack abandoned the arm blades from MV-01 and Mark 2, as well as MV-02W''s saw-chain sword. Instead, he introduced an electromagnetic whip cord stored at the waist. Powered directly by the reactor, the whip generated intense heat and sparks when swung, capable of slicing through most materials with ease.


    Overall, the Apex struck an impressive balance between portability and raw combat power, marking a significant leap forward in personal armor design. "Only one problem," Zack muttered as he donned the suit and compared it to the MV-02W. The Apex stood taller at 2.8 meters. Its thicker armor, needed to accommodate the Armory, added to its size, though the sleek, aerodynamic design kept it from appearing overly bulky.


    "Brother, are you going out again?" Annie asked as she walked into the basement and saw Zack testing the new armor. Her curious eyes sparkled as she leaned against the doorway.


    "Yeah," Zack replied with a nod. "Just running some field tests."


    "You''ll leave me in charge, right?" Annie asked confidently, her tone serious despite her youthful demeanor.


    Zack couldn''t help but smile. He reached out and ruffled her hair. "That''s right. The house is yours while I''m gone."


    "Don''t worry, I''ve got this!" Annie replied with a determined nod.


    "Oh, by the way, how''s that drone project coming along?" Zack asked, remembering their earlier conversation about weapon designs. He''d tasked her with creating a weapon of mass destruction, and she''d proposed a swarm of bombing drones


    .


    "There are still a few bugs to work out, but it''s coming together. I think it''ll be finished soon," Annie said with a grin. Designing robots and drones was her forte, and she was clearly excited about the project.


    "Good to hear," Zack said, giving her an approving nod before heading upstairs in the Apex.


    He made his way next door to Mansion No. 8, where Ava was. Zack found him crouched next to a flower pot, carefully spraying water on the leaves and wiping away dust with a paper towel. The sight of the stoic Ava tending to plants so delicately caught Zack off guard. "Let''s go," Zack said, opening the door without preamble.


    "Alright," Ava replied simply, standing up without a fuss. His cold demeanor didn''t change, but Zack now knew he had a softer side.

 Chapter 86: Returning the Favor

    Chapter 86 - Returning the FavorThey walked to the open area, where three Avalon fighters were parked. The first was an older model, primarily used for transportation. The second was a combat unit outfitted with cannons, missile racks, and cloud bombs. The third, still under construction, was surrounded by dozens of mechanical Ants busy welding and assembling parts.


    "Avalon," Zack began, gesturing toward the sleek aircraft. "Dual-mode flight system. Turbine engines for vertical take-off and hovering; jet engines for high-speed thrust. Top speed? Mach 1.3."


    Ava''s usually impassive expression softened as she approached the Avalon. Her love for flying was evident in the way her eyes lit up. "Never flown one of these before," Ava admitted, her voice betraying a hint of excitement.


    "It''s not hard," Zack assured her with a small smirk.


    Ava wasted no time stepping into the cockpit. As she studied the controls, her hands trembled slightly. She silently mouthed the names of fallen comrades, a quiet tribute to those who''d flown beside her. Determined, she followed the flight guide displayed on the screen and executed a flawless vertical lift-off in record time. "Impressive," Zack said, raising an eyebrow as Ego chimed in.


    "Sir, it seems Ava''s flying skills surpass yours," the AI teased.


    "Hey! My first flight was a test run!" Zack retorted, his face reddening slightly. "You can''t rush perfection!"


    With that, Zack activated the Apex''s thrusters, taking off and hovering in front of the Avalon''s cockpit. "Follow me," he said firmly. "If you fall behind, use the navigation."


    "Understood," Ava replied, her tone steady. She tightened her grip on the controls, determination evident in her voice. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After switching to flight mode, Zack slowly pushed the power lever forward. The Avalon responded smoothly, gradually accelerating to follow him.


    Ava, in contrast to Zack''s usual recklessness, meticulously followed the flight manual step by step. Yet Zack knew this precision was limited to non-combat scenarios. Once Ava entered a fight, her composure vanished¡ªreplaced by the chaos of a full-blown madwoman. As the Avalon and Zack''s suit hit the skies, a deafening boom echoed in the air¡ªthey both broke the sound barrier almost simultaneously. The difference?


    The Avalon capped its speed at Mach 1.3, steady and controlled. Zack, however, roared ahead, climbing to an insane Mach 4.5. In seconds, Ava was left far behind, a fading dot on the radar. "Open navigation," she muttered, watching Zack''s rapidly shrinking figure on the screen. Activating the satellite guidance system, she smirked faintly. "Let''s see if you''re still laughing later."


    Zack, cruising at a terrifying Mach 4.5, soon reached the skies above Newark City. From his elevated vantage point, the city''s sprawling urban landscape stretched endlessly across the horizon. His expression hardened as the grim details from his earlier interrogation came to mind. The commander had spilled everything: this mysterious organization''s base was here, guarded by anti-aircraft defenses powerful enough to rival those of a military installation.


    Slowing his flight slightly, Zack scanned the horizon. "If what that guy said is right, heading any closer will trigger a missile barrage," he murmured.


    But Zack had planned for this. Equipped with decoy bombs specifically for this mission, he grinned. "Let''s see how good you really are."


    He adjusted his thrusters and dove straight toward Newark City. As he descended past 6,000 meters, the sky exploded into chaos.


    Boom! Boom!


    Three anti-aircraft missiles launched simultaneously, their bright exhaust trails tearing through the air.


    Beep, beep, beep!


    The HUD in Zack''s Apex armor blared warnings as the missiles locked onto him. He glanced at the radar, raising an eyebrow. "Is this for real? Mach 2.5? These things are slower than I expected."


    The speed discrepancy made Zack chuckle. "Guess I won''t even need decoy bombs." Pushing his thrusters to Mach 3, he maneuvered with precision, positioning himself for a head-on collision with the incoming missiles.


    As the missiles screamed closer, Zack''s Apex''s left flap thruster fired abruptly. At Mach 3, he veered sharply to the right in a controlled arc, avoiding all three missiles with surgical precision. The anti-aircraft missiles, unable to match his sudden maneuver, shot past him. Their engines flared as they slowed, turned, and locked onto him again, resuming their pursuit. Zack grinned. "Too slow."


    The honeycomb missile bay on his left shoulder opened, revealing 42 micro-guided missiles neatly packed inside. His HUD immediately locked onto the three incoming missiles. "Fire," Zack commanded.


    With a hiss, three micro-missiles shot out. Although subsonic in speed, their pinpoint accuracy made up for the lack of raw velocity. As the larger missiles, flying at Mach 2.5, barreled forward in predictable trajectories, the smaller, more agile micro-missiles closed in.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Three fiery explosions lit up the sky like miniature suns. Zack smirked as debris scattered harmlessly around him. "Not bad for pencil-sized missiles."


    In the heart of Newark City, within a heavily fortified building, chaos erupted among the command staff. On the main screen, a black-masked figure appeared, his voice a distorted, mechanical growl. "Lord Black Hand!" the commanders greeted in unison, standing at attention.


    "Evacuate all non-combatants and secure critical data underground," the masked figure ordered. "Combat units, prepare to engage."


    "Yes, sir!" The room became a hive of activity as personnel scrambled to obey. Scientists and non-combatants rushed to elevators, carrying boxes filled with research materials. Meanwhile, soldiers in the base began mobilizing, setting up defensive positions.


    Deep within a factory-like section of the base, rows of glass tanks lined the walls. Inside, towering figures floated in a greenish nutrient solution, their muscles grotesquely overgrown. Alarms blared as the tanks began draining. "Wake the supersoldiers!" a commander barked.


    The nutrient solution emptied, revealing nearly a hundred enhanced fighters. Their breathing was harsh and deep, resonating like growls. The largest of them, nearly four meters tall, loomed over the others, his shadow casting an intimidating presence.


    Outside, ordinary soldiers scrambled to prepare. The enemy''s forces were armed with a diverse range of weaponry, from Soviet anti-aircraft guns to NATO-grade missiles. It was a patchwork Armory, but formidable nonetheless. "Target spotted! The intruder is here!" someone shouted.


    All eyes turned to the sky, where a black dot streaked toward them, leaving shattered glass and a trail of destruction in its wake. Zack observed the base through the HUD in his armor, which acted like a high-powered telescope. The layout of the base was crystal clear, and he could even see the shock etched on the soldiers'' faces as they scrambled into action.


    "Fire! Intercept the target!" The shouts of the base commander rang out as two M163 Vulcan Air Defense Systems roared to life. Shells streaked into the sky, their trajectories illuminated by tracers. The thunderous boom of explosions filled the air as the shells burst, scattering shrapnel in a cone pattern that transformed the sky into a death zone.


    Zack smirked. "Too bad I''m not that easy to hit." Diving sharply, he maneuvered the Apex armor into a steep descent. Anti-aircraft guns had their limitations; their elevation angles couldn''t track targets that flew too high or too low. Zack exploited this weakness with ease.


    "Deploy the Stingers!" barked the commander. On the rooftops below, five soldiers armed with stinger missiles scrambled into position. They opened their launchers, locking onto Zack''s descending figure. The sharp, urgent beeping of lock-on alerts filled the air.


    "Stingers, huh?" Zack muttered, a mischievous grin forming.

 Chapter 87: Where Are Your Experimental Soldier?

    Chapter 87 - Where Are Your Experimental Soldier?The HUD highlighted the weapons in their hands, along with detailed specs. He opened the honeycomb missile bays on his shoulders, locking onto multiple targets in seconds. The HUD lit up with dozens of red markers: the soldiers with stingers, anti-aircraft guns, and other threats.


    "Let''s see who fires first," Zack quipped, his voice laced with confidence.


    With a single thought, the missile bays sprang to life, unleashing 81 micro-missiles. The projectiles swarmed out in a chaotic yet controlled barrage, each one programmed with its own target. The sky lit up as the missiles streaked toward their marks, trailing smoke.


    The base was engulfed in explosions as fireballs consumed anti-aircraft guns, stinger teams, and critical equipment. Buildings crumbled as the ground shook under the onslaught. Within moments, the base''s conventional military forces were obliterated. As the dust settled, Zack landed with a heavy thud in front of their headquarters. He immediately raised his hands, palms glowing with the energy of his pulse cannons.


    "Kill him! Take him down!" the soldiers yelled, firing wildly. Bullets pinged harmlessly off the Ultralium alloy armor, the impacts sounding like rain on metal. Zack didn''t even flinch. The Apex''s armor was far beyond what conventional weapons could penetrate. Not a scratch, not even a scuff marred its surface.


    Unfazed, Zack walked calmly forward, firing pulse blasts with precision. Each shot pierced through soldiers and the barricades they hid behind. The particle beams tore through flesh and concrete alike, leaving no cover safe. "Is this the best you''ve got?" Zack mocked, his voice dripping with disdain. "Where are your exprimental soldiers?"


    He stopped in front of a reinforced concrete wall protecting the base. Without hesitation, he raised his arm, and an anti-armor missile deployed from his shoulder. It shot out like an arrow, slamming into the wall with a deafening boom. The explosion sent a controlled cone of flame and debris shooting forward, obliterating the wall and incinerating the soldiers hiding behind it.


    Inside the building, a sniper peered through his scope, an anti-materiel rifle aimed directly at Zack. "Got you..." the sniper whispered as he steadied his aim. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before he could pull the trigger, a particle beam from Zack''s palm cannon seared through the air, melting the sniper''s head in an instant. "Sniping me? Cute," Zack muttered coldly. His armor''s biological scanner had detected the sniper through the walls long before he could take the shot. Nothing within 200 meters escaped the HUD''s surveillance.


    Suddenly, heavy, thunderous footsteps echoed from the side of the building. Zack turned his head, watching as dozens of figures emerged. The HUD lit up, scanning their biological energy signatures. "Well, well," Zack said with a smirk. "Look who decided to show up."


    A squad of super soldiers charged toward him, their bulging muscles glistening under the sun. They were shirtless, their physiques resembling statues carved from stone. Their movements were explosive, almost primal, as they locked onto Zack with single-minded aggression."Kill!" they roared in unison, surging forward like a tidal wave.


    Zack fired his pulse cannons in rapid succession. The beams sliced through the charging figures, but some were surprisingly durable, shrugging off damage as they kept coming. "So, you''re tougher than the average grunt. Let''s see how long you last." Zack''s tone was calm, almost amused. He activated the armor''s auxiliary weapon systems, preparing for the next phase of the fight.


    Zack''s mind raced as he observed the approaching enemies. These super warriors were relentless. As long as their vital points weren''t hit, they refused to fall. Even with gaping wounds from palm cannon blasts, they acted like nothing had happened. No pain, no hesitation¡ªit was both terrifying and impressive.


    Under the relentless barrage of particle beams, the super warriors reached Zack in moments. Leading the charge was the tallest and most muscular of them all¡ªa three-meter-tall brute built like an iron tower. His steel-like muscles bulged grotesquely, radiating sheer, raw power.


    "Kill!" the giant roared, veins bulging visibly on his arms as he raised a massive iron fist. His voice thundered through the chaos, a primal declaration of war.


    Before the punch could land, a whip cord crackling with electric light lashed down on his raised arm. Instinctively, the strongman grabbed the cord with his hand. The next second, high-heat sparks from the electromagnetic whip cord burned straight through his palm, leaving a charred, smoking hole.


    "Do you really grab anything that comes your way?" Zack muttered, half-impressed. The whip could slice through titanium alloy, yet this guy caught it barehanded.


    "Remarkably brave!" Zack added with a smirk. With a sharp pull, he yanked the whip cord back, slicing the giant''s hand clean in two. The severed palm was blackened and smoking, with bone fragments exposed through the mangled flesh. Yet the towering warrior didn''t even flinch. "Kill you!" he bellowed again, charging forward, his half-destroyed arm raised as if nothing had happened.


    Zack decided it was time to end this. Shifting the whip cord to his left hand, he clenched his armored right fist. The thrusters on his legs roared to life, propelling him forward with explosive speed.


    "Come on! Let''s see what you''ve got!" Zack yelled, his voice booming like a battle cry. His iron-clad fist smashed into the giant''s broken hand with a deafening BOOM.


    The force shattered the strongman''s arm entirely, sending shards of bone bursting through his shoulder like jagged projectiles. The impact echoed like thunder, shaking the air around them.


    "Well, that wasn''t bad," Zack muttered, flexing his fingers. His hand felt slightly numb, but his armor had absorbed most of the force. The blow wasn''t just for defense¡ªit was a field test for the buffer system of his new suit. And the results? Impressive. The Ultralium alloy held up flawlessly.


    Meanwhile, the strongman collapsed, his arm reduced to a mangled wreck. Zack didn''t spare him a second glance. "Your part''s done," he said coldly, activating his thrusters and soaring into the air.


    The remaining super soldier could only watch helplessly as Zack ascended out of their reach. They roared in frustration, powerless to stop him. "If I wasn''t testing the new armor, you''d all be ashes by now," Zack thought to himself as he hovered above them.


    In an underground command center, a commander stared at the screen, his face breaking into a hesitant smile. "He''s retreating!" he announced, relief washing over him. "We might have won!" But before the celebration could begin, shouts of alarm erupted around him."No! He''s coming back!"


    All eyes turned to the screen. Zack, who had flown out of range, now reversed course, diving straight toward the Black Hand Building. There were no anti-aircraft weapons left to stop him. "What''s he doing?" the commander whispered, his voice trembling. Then the horrifying realization struck him. "He''s going to bomb us!"


    Zack''s armor opened mid-dive, revealing missile bays loaded with spiral ground-attack missiles. Four on each side¡ªeight in total. He released them all in one devastating salvo. The missiles streaked toward the ground like fiery comets, detonating upon impact.


    The earth shook violently, and massive fireballs erupted across the battlefield. The shockwaves obliterated the super soldiers instantly. Their bodies disintegrated in the heat, reduced to ash before they could even scream. No Building was spared. One side of the structure was blown apart as if a colossal spoon had scooped out an entire chunk. Groaning under its own weight, the building began to tilt before collapsing in a thunderous crash. Dust and debris surged through the streets, blanketing everything in a choking cloud.

 Chapter 88: Incoming Enemy

    Chapter 88 - Incoming EnemyInside the ruins, blood seeped from cracks in the rubble. Any staff who hadn''t evacuated and the remaining soldiers outside were buried alive beneath the collapsed structure. Zack hovered in the sky, surveying the destruction with a calm expression. "Air superiority¡ªit''s a beautiful thing," he muttered, glancing at the smoldering ruins below.


    "Ego, scan for survivors," he commanded, his tone sharp. His AI responded instantly, activating the suit''s sensors to sweep the area. The battle wasn''t over until he was certain every threat was eliminated.


    "Sir, an underground structure has been detected," Ego reported crisply. "It seems the building also has a hidden base, likely housing their command personnel."


    Zack frowned as he processed the information. "An underground base..." he muttered. He didn''t have ground-penetrating missiles, and conventional explosives wouldn''t do much against a bunker buried that deep. Close combat might be the only option¡ªbut that came with its own risks.


    As he deliberated, Ego''s voice broke through his thoughts. "Sir, two fighter jets are approaching NYC City!"


    "Fighter jets?" Zack''s brow furrowed. "The Vanguard Organization," he muttered under his breath. Their retaliation was faster than expected. The commander he''d interrogated earlier had confirmed that the Black Hand base was merely a branch of the larger Vanguard Organization, whose main headquarters were located overseas.


    "Are they from the Vanguard?" he asked quickly.


    "No, sir. Based on satellite data, the two jets took off from Southeast Asia. They''re F-15 models," Ego clarified.


    "F-15?" Zack''s irritation flared. "Wait a second... It''s those two idiots, isn''t it?" His expression darkened. "I''ve left them alone, and now they''ve got the nerve to come after me?"


    The timing couldn''t have been worse. As he stewed in frustration, a deafening sonic boom echoed across the city. Zack glanced upward, his lips curling into a cold grin. "Perfect timing."


    "I''ve arrived," came a sharp, steady voice over the comms. It was Ava, piloting a Avalon. The sonic boom had been her arrival over Newark City.


    "Look below. See those ruins?" Zack gestured toward the destroyed Black Hand building. "That''s our target."


    "Understood," Ava replied as she slowed her flight, her eagle-sharp gaze locking onto the ruins below.


    "Drop a magnetic fluid cloud bomb on it," Zack commanded, his voice calm but deadly.


    "Yes, sir." Ava didn''t question him. She pulled the Avalon into a dive, and when she reached the ruins, she pressed the release button. The bomb bay doors opened with a mechanical hiss, releasing a 600-kilogram magnetic fluid cloud bomb.


    The bomb deployed mid-air, exploding into a spray of magnetic spheres and high-energy incendiary agents. Because of the calculated drop altitude, the incendiary agent spread over a contained radius, blanketing several city blocks, including the ruins.


    The orange-hued incendiary cloud descended like a toxic mist, its glow ominous against the skyline. Under the influence of the bomb''s magnetic field, the fiery agent clung to every surface it touched. Zack had already boosted himself out of the blast radius before the bomb''s payload fully dispersed.


    Underground, the commanders of the base stared at the surveillance feed, their faces pale as the glowing orange mist covered the ruins above them. "What is that?" one of them whispered, panic creeping into his voice. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Relax. We''re ten meters underground. No surface weapon can harm us," the base leader snapped, though his tone betrayed unease. But their confidence wavered when the screen suddenly went dark, the masked face that had been monitoring them disappearing without a word. "Master Black Hand, what''s going on?" one of the officers stammered, but there was no response¡ªonly silence.


    The light orange incendiary cloud finally touched the ground. A tiny electric spark ignited it.


    BOOM¡ª!! A fiery mushroom cloud erupted into the sky, consuming several city blocks in an instant. The blast wave shattered windows miles away, and the extreme heat ignited every flammable surface. Even fireproof layers on buildings melted, fueling the inferno.


    "Evacuate immediately!" Zack barked into the comms, ensuring Ava ascended beyond the reach of the shockwave in time.


    On the ground, the scene was apocalyptic. The flames sucked the oxygen from the surrounding area, suffocating everything within kilometers. Zombies caught in the blast zone convulsed violently, their eyeballs bursting from their sockets, internal organs rupturing under the sheer pressure.


    At the epicenter, the ruins of the building disintegrated. The intense heat melted bricks and steel, reducing them to molten streams of lava-like slurry that flowed downward, seeping into the underground base.


    Inside the base, chaos reigned. The molten liquid burned through protective pipes, dripping into the command room. The commanders didn''t even have time to scream as the unbearable heat and crushing pressure caused their bodies to implode. Their eyes bulged, and their organs were crushed outward by the overwhelming internal and external forces. The grotesque carnage mirrored the fate of the zombies outside.


    Above ground, the firestorm raged, its flames spreading rapidly across half of Newark City, reducing it to a blazing wasteland.


    "Let''s move," Zack said coldly, his expression blank as he observed the devastation. He felt no remorse; the moment the Black Hand and their allies had chosen to oppose him, their fates were sealed.


    "Understood..." Ava''s voice trembled slightly, the sight of the destruction unnerving her.


    As Zack and Ava retreated from the area, the two F-15 fighter jets finally approached NYC City. "Chief, we''ve reached the city," one of the pilots reported.


    The pilot''s voice crackled over the channel, breaking the brief silence that followed his initial transmission. It took a full three or four seconds before Jock responded, his voice delayed and distorted¡ªa clear indicator of their outdated satellite technology. Their communication relied on a general-purpose satellite rather than one specialized for such operations, resulting in unstable signals and noticeable lag during long-distance exchanges.


    "I see something..." the pilot muttered, squinting as his aircraft descended over NYC City. His naked eye scanned the scene below. Their satellite imagery was too crude, providing only vague outlines of the ground. It was incapable of detecting specific details like Zack''s armor¡ªhis humanoid aircraft, which stood only two to three meters tall, went entirely unnoticed.


    "Chief, chief! I''m seeing lots of small, robot-like things!" the pilot exclaimed, his voice rising with a mix of awe and confusion. Descending lower, the two pilots could make out scenes in the streets and alleys: mechanical beasts sweeping through hordes of zombies. The eerie efficiency of the machines stood out.


    "Robots?" Jock''s voice came back, skeptical but curious. "Describe what you see!"


    A few seconds passed before the pilot responded. "They''re not humanoid. Some look like spiders; others resemble dogs. They''re attacking the zombies¡ªthere''s a lot of them. At least a hundred, maybe more."


    As the pilots surveyed the area, their eyes caught sight of a cluster of survivors. "Chief, I''ve found something¡ªa small base in an industrial park. From my observation, there shouldn''t be more than 200 survivors."


    The roar of two F-15 fighter jets thundered through the air, drawing the attention of those working within the steel mill below. Survivors paused their work, gazing up at the sky in apprehension.


    "It seems this little group has some impressive tech," Jock remarked, his tone shifting to one of greedy interest. He snapped an order: "Quick, broadcast a message. Let''s tell them why we''re here."

 Chapter 89: Deliver a Gift

    Chapter 89 - Deliver a GiftThe transmission began, echoing loudly over the base below. "Attention, survivors! This is Caribbean base, the largest survivor base. We come equipped with sixteen anti-surface missiles and are capable of launching devastating attacks. You have ten minutes to surrender all your technology and technological creations. Resistance is futile! Failure to comply will result in missile strikes, and the use of intercontinental or even nuclear weapons cannot be ruled out. Do not test our patience." The arrogance in Jock''s voice was clear, each word dripping with the certainty of their supposed dominance.


    Zack arrived above NYC City, cutting through the skies at Mach 4.5. The moment he approached, the broadcasts of the F-15s reached his ears. Hearing their demands, Zack couldn''t help but chuckle at their ignorance. "Ego, is it April Fools'' Day?" he asked dryly.


    "No, Sir," Ego replied in its usual calm tone.


    "Then maybe they''re just retarded," Zack mused, his amusement vanishing as his expression darkened. Below, the two F-15 jets continued circling above the steel mill, oblivious to the danger looming overhead. Zack had deliberately refrained from activating the base''s air defenses, curious about their intentions. But now, their greed had sealed their fate.


    "Ego, activate the air defense¡ªno," Zack stopped himself, a cold smirk spreading across his face. "I''ll handle it personally." In an instant, Zack accelerated, his speed climbing to nearly Mach 5 as he raced toward the two jets.


    "UFO detected! Speed... Mach 4.8!" The sudden alert on their radar sent the pilots into a frenzy. One pilot''s voice crackled with panic. "Chief, there''s something approaching¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Zack appeared. A small black dot rapidly expanded as it closed the distance, becoming a blur against the horizon. "Evade! Quick!" shouted one of the pilots. But it was too late.


    Zack shot past one of the jets, the wind barrier created by his supersonic speed smashing into the F-15 like a physical wall. The sheer force shredded the aircraft, tearing it into pieces mid-air. One of the engines spiraled to the ground, engulfed in flames, while the pilots were instantly reduced to nothing more than a crimson mist.


    Boom! Boom!


    The delayed sonic boom reverberated across the area long after Zack had already flown far ahead. "Plane 1 is down! Chief, I request evacuation¡ªpermission to retreat!" The remaining pilot''s voice cracked with fear. Without waiting for a reply, he pushed the throttle to its maximum, his jet roaring as it climbed to Mach 2.5 in a desperate bid for escape.


    Zack watched the fleeing jet with cold detachment. "Run all you like. Let''s see if you can outrun the speed of light."


    As the fleeing pilot broke the sound barrier, his radar finally showed the UFO disappearing behind him. Relief washed over him, his frantic breaths filling the cockpit. "I escaped... I escaped!" he laughed, the sound wild and manic.


    His victory was short-lived. A searing red beam sliced through the air, cutting through the F-15 like a hot knife through butter. The jet''s frame glowed briefly before melting, leaving behind nothing but a charred shell that spiraled down to earth. The pilot inside shared the same fate¡ªvaporized before he could scream. "No matter how fast you fly, light will always be faster," Zack said coldly, watching the wreckage fall.


    "Ego, is the channel analysis complete?" Zack asked, his voice laced with icy precision.


    "Yes, Sir. The channel is ready," Ego confirmed.


    "Good," Zack said, his gaze hard and unrelenting. "Patch me through. It''s time to show them what they''ll really get from me."


    "Ha, haha! I-I escaped! I escaped!" In the Caribbean base, the audio signal from the satellite abruptly stopped after these frantic words. Silence followed.


    "Unit 2? Report your situation!" "Unit 2, do you copy?" Jock Forsman called out twice, his voice sharp with urgency, but no response came. His expression darkened with every passing second.


    "Stop shouting. It''s pointless." The audio feed crackled back to life, this time carrying a voice dripping with mockery, cold and taunting.


    Hearing it, Jock exchanged glances with Kshadi and Navas, who stood beside him. These were the three key leaders of the Caribbean base, and they all came to the same realization: the two fighter jets they had sent out... were gone. "Who are you?" Jock grabbed the microphone, his tone laced with hostility.


    "You''ve come all this way to threaten me, and you don''t even know who I am?" Zack''s voice came back smoothly, tinged with sarcasm. "Seems like someone''s been slacking on their intel work."


    "I''ll tell you who you are, you Stupid bastard!" Navas, a Muay Thai master turned mutant after the apocalypse, grabbed the microphone and roared into it. His mutation had amplified his already terrifying strength, inflating his arrogance and disdain for others. "You''ve crossed the wrong people! You''ve angered the Caribbean base!" Navas bellowed. "Wait and see¡ªwe''ll flatten your base with missiles! We''ll take everything from you!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It took a few seconds for his words to reach Zack due to the outdated satellite systems they were using. "Stupid bastard?" Zack repeated, his voice suddenly devoid of humor.


    The playful tone vanished entirely, replaced by a chilling calmness. The kind of calm that made the air feel heavier. "You want my weapons?" Zack said slowly, his voice colder than ice. "Fine. Wait for me¡ªI''ll deliver them to you personally."


    The line went dead. "Activate satellite weapons," Zack commanded Ego, his AI assistant. "It''s time to pluck the eyes out of these fools, one by one."


    He slowed his descent, approaching his Mansion. The Apex suit guided him smoothly into the underground hangar. With a hiss and a series of metallic clinks, the suit opened up as he stepped out, his boots clicking against the polished floor. "Restock the ammo," he ordered, his tone calm but firm. "Recall all the mechanical units and have them board the Avalon."


    He picked up the communicator. "Ava, what''s your status?"


    Almost immediately, Ava''s voice came through, crisp and cold. "Approaching NYC City. ETA: soon." Her words were efficient, her tone steady¡ªcompletely unlike the sluggish, outdated communications the Caribbean base used.


    "Good," Zack said. "The target location is marked in your navigation system. Adjust course immediately."


    "Understood," Ava replied, but there was a slight tremble in her voice. As she checked the coordinates, her frost-like demeanor melted, replaced by a flicker of emotion. The target was the Caribbean base.


    A sharp breath escaped her as memories flooded back. It was at the Imperial Base that she and her squad had been betrayed by Kane. Caught off guard, they had been ambushed by the Caribbean base''s forces. All her comrades had perished. She had been the sole survivor.


    "Sir, what are we going for?" she asked, her voice trembling with both rage and anticipation. For once, she used the word "sir" instinctively.


    "To deliver a gift," Zack replied, his tone steady.

 Chapter 90: Carribean Base (1)

    Chapter 90 - Carribean Base (1)Though cryptic, Ava understood immediately. Her grip on the controls tightened, and the cold flame of vengeance ignited in her eyes. "Thank you, Zack," she whispered, her voice softening for the first time.


    Zack ended the call and turned toward the Apex suit, now fully reloaded and armed. As he prepared to leave, Annie appeared from a side lab, flanked by her Tarantula unit. "Brother, I''m coming with you," she said firmly.


    "You know what I''m about to do?" Zack asked, his voice as calm as a quiet sea before a storm.


    Annie nodded, her small face serious. "You''re going to kill someone."


    "That''s right."


    Annie''s gaze didn''t waver. "Your enemy is my enemy."


    Zack studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Get on the plane." The engine roared to life as Zack lifted off. Hovering in midair, he watched as mechanical beasts from across NYC City began to converge. They streamed out of streets and alleys, returning to the Mansion. Each one entered the Avalon''s cabin, folding itself neatly to minimize space.


    Despite their compact design, there were simply too many. One Avalon couldn''t hold them all.


    "Sir, the third Avalon is operational," Ego reported.


    "It''s incomplete," Zack said.


    "Only secondary systems like scanners and radar shields are missing," Ego clarified. "The main body is fully functional."


    "Perfect. Redirect the overflow units to the third Avalon."


    As Zack issued his orders, he engaged his thrusters at full power. The Apex rocketed into the sky, leaving a sharp sonic boom in its wake.


    Onboard the Avalon, Ava steadied her trembling hands. Her cold, calculated mind burned with the memory of betrayal. She tightened her grip on the controls, her destination clear. "Let''s see how he handles this gift," she murmured, her lips curling into a determined smile.


    Meanwhile the atmosphere in the command room of Caribbean base turned tense. Silence fell over the room as all eyes turned to the three leaders. "We underestimated them," Jock said grimly, his tone heavy with frustration. The loss of two F-15 fighter jets, destroyed without even putting up a fight, was a clear sign that their opponent wasn''t as simple as they had assumed.


    "So what?" Navas scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "Worst-case scenario? They blow up the city." His words dripped with disdain. He couldn''t believe a small base, thousands of miles away, would dare to act against them. To him, Zack''s threats were nothing but empty bluster.


    "Less than 200 people in that base," Navas continued, sneering. "What could they possibly do to us?"


    Kshatti, the oldest and most cautious of the three, frowned. "Don''t forget the satellite footage," he said, his voice calm but firm. "That small base you''re mocking has weapons we''ve never even dreamed of. What if they bring one of those here and drop it on us?"


    Navas rolled his eyes. "First, they need the guts to come this far. And even if they do, do you think our anti-aircraft systems are just for show?" His confidence stemmed from the formidable defense systems at Caribbean base.


    "This isn''t something we can afford to take lightly," Jock interjected, his voice cutting through the argument. The loss of their fighters had forced him to reconsider their position. "We''re dealing with something we don''t fully understand. Our satellites can''t even give us a clear picture of their aircraft, and Mach 4.8... I can''t think of anything that flies that fast."


    He paused, his expression growing more serious. "The F-15 might not be cutting-edge, but it''s still a fourth-generation fighter. Supersonic. Top speed, Mach 2.5. Yet, it didn''t stand a chance." He straightened up and issued a string of commands. "Keep the radar on at all times, no matter the power cost. All pilots, even the ones with minimal flight experience, need to be on standby. Prepare for combat. We can''t afford any mistakes."


    While Jock was busy organizing their defenses, Zack was already far ahead. Traveling at Mach 4.5 in his Mark3-7 suit, he had crossed multiple provinces and was approaching the border. He had even overtaken the two Avalons carrying mechanical beasts that had set out hours earlier. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sir, the LSI satellite is in position. The images are coming in now," Ego''s voice chimed in Zack''s helmet. A high-altitude view of Caribbean base appeared on his HUD.


    The base was more than just a military installation. Around it sprawled a large residential area made up of tents and makeshift shelters, housing at least 30,000 to 50,000 survivors. Encircling this was a massive wall several meters high, made from concrete, steel plates, and scrap vehicles. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, and machine guns were stationed at regular intervals. Outside the walls, tanks and armored vehicles stood ready.


    "No wonder these idiots managed to build a large base," Zack muttered coldly, taking in the scene. "They''ve been playing with their daddy''s leftovers." The military base at the heart of the compound, with its intact runway, had clearly once belonged to army.


    Zack''s eyes hardened as he surveyed the base one last time before switching off the satellite feed. Accelerating to full speed, he streaked toward Caribbean base in a straight line, without radar shielding, making no effort to hide his approach.


    "Leader! Radar just picked up a fast-moving object! Speed estimated at Mach 4.5!" A soldier''s urgent voice broke through the command room''s tension.


    Jock''s face turned grim. "He''s coming."


    Navas, however, looked baffled. "He actually dares to show up?" His earlier bravado faltered slightly, though he tried to mask it with a sneer. "No matter. Once he''s here, I''ll crush his skull and feed it to the dogs."


    "You''ve committed sins even Navas won''t forgive," Kshatti murmured, shaking his head. He knew Navas wasn''t joking¡ªthis madman was perfectly capable of following through on his gruesome threats.


    "Enough talking!" Jock barked. "Clear the runway and get all pilots in the air now! Do not let him get within ten kilometers of the base!"


    Caribbean base erupted into activity. Pilots scrambled to their planes, many of them inexperienced but desperate to follow orders. Fighter jets began to taxi down the runway one after another, their engines roaring. However, the chaos led to mistakes. One F-15, piloted by an overzealous rookie, failed to pull up in time and slammed into a lamppost at the end of the runway.


    The explosion was deafening. Flames and debris scattered across the airstrip as ground crews hurried to clear the wreckage.


    "Leave him!" Jock shouted. "Get the next planes off the ground! Now!"


    Despite the frenzy, Zack''s pace didn''t waver. No one cared whether the pilot had survived or not. Under Jock''s orders, the surrounding soldiers quickly began clearing debris off the runway, allowing the remaining fighter planes to take off.


    After a failed takeoff that ended in disaster, the rest of the squadron managed to lift off without any further incidents. The dozen or so remaining fighter planes performed much better this time. While a few still wobbled in the air like clumsy birds, they all eventually stabilized. None of them replicated the embarrassing scene from earlier with the inexperienced Ah San pilot.


    In total, there were nineteen fighters in the air. Most were cutting-edge models¡ªF-15s and F-22s¡ªbut there were also two older Su-30s. Despite their advanced technology, the pilots'' skills were wildly inconsistent.

 Chapter 91: Carribean Base (2)

    Chapter 91 - Carribean Base (2)Among the group, a few stood out. The F-22 pilots were seasoned professionals, experienced in real combat. But the rest? They were a mixed bag. Some had been hastily transferred from civil aviation. Others hadn''t flown more than a handful of times. A few had never been inside a fighter cockpit until this mission.


    Still, once they were airborne, it didn''t seem to matter. The nineteen fighters quickly formed a neat combat fleet. On radar, the red blips of their planes lined up in formation, approaching a solitary red dot that moved with an unnatural precision.


    "Sir, nineteen enemy fighters spotted!" Ego''s voice chimed in Zack''s ears. "They''ll enter the enemy''s locking range in ten seconds!"


    Zack''s tone was icy. "Where did these fools find so many pilots?"


    In the high-stakes game of modern air combat, maneuverability was king. And the Apex armor Zack piloted wasn''t just a step ahead¡ªit was a leap. No number of fighter planes could close the technological gap.


    Soon, Zack''s display came alive with the telltale sounds of missile locks. The HUD filled with circular icons marking targets: four, then five, then six. Unlike the chaotic dogfights of World War II, modern aerial combat was all about beyond-visual-range engagements. Before enemies could even spot one another with the naked eye, missiles were already locked and fired.


    "It''s just a matter of who has better tech," Zack muttered. His grin turned cold as he watched the number of locks climb to eleven. "Against me, it''s hardly a fair fight."


    The Apex was still outside the locking range of the enemy squadron, yet Zack had already locked onto eleven of their planes. He knew his tech superiority would make this encounter a one-sided massacre. "But I''m fine with that," Zack murmured. He had no intention of drawing out the battle. If these pilots had been anyone else, he might have toyed with them. But for these two-bit enemies, he planned to crush them outright.


    "Fire." With that single word, the missile bay on Zack''s left shoulder snapped open. Eleven micro-guided missiles launched in rapid succession, streaking through the sky like arrows. Their targets were spread across the formation, ensuring maximum damage. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The micro-missiles weren''t as fast as Zack himself, so as he surged ahead, the missiles quickly fell behind.


    A warning blared in his ears. "Sir, you''re locked!"


    "I see it," Zack replied calmly. On the HUD, four enemy missiles¡ªSidewinders launched by the F-22 pilots¡ªraced toward him, their speed peaking at Mach 2.5.


    "Deploy countermeasures," Zack ordered. As the Sidewinders closed in, Zack dove sharply, his movements so fast they seemed impossible. At the same time, his armor released more than twenty heat decoys, bright flares designed to confuse the missiles.


    The sky lit up with a series of explosions as the Sidewinders were tricked into targeting the decoys. One after another, they detonated prematurely, leaving only fireballs in their wake. "The target is using advanced countermeasures!" one of the F-22 pilots shouted. "Our long-range attack failed. Spread out and prepare for close-range combat!"


    The enemy formation broke apart. Seventeen remaining fighters veered off in different directions¡ªsome climbing, others diving, each pilot trying to find the best position for an attack. That''s when disaster struck. An Su-30 piloted by an inexperienced Ah San collided with an F-15 piloted by another rookie. Both had chosen the same escape route, and neither reacted quickly enough.


    "Get out of the way!" "Move!" Their screams were cut short by a deafening explosion. The two planes disintegrated in mid-air, the wreckage plummeting to the ground alongside the pilots who hadn''t even had time to eject.


    Zack, now within visual range, watched the scene unfold. "Did... did they just take each other out?" he muttered, stunned. His missiles hadn''t even reached the formation yet, but the enemy had already lost two planes.


    "The target is in range¡ªattack!"The remaining seventeen fighters opened fire. Missiles streaked toward Zack from every direction. He locked onto the two F-22s immediately. These were the only planes in the enemy squadron that posed even a minor threat.


    Zack accelerated, weaving through the barrage with inhuman movement. The Apex''s maneuverability made it seem as though Zack was threading a needle at supersonic speed.


    Unable to land a direct hit, several pilots resorted to detonating their missiles manually, hoping the shockwaves or shrapnel would bring Zack down.


    Explosions surrounded him, filling the sky with fire and debris. But the Apex''s Ultralium alloy armor shrugged off the shrapnel like it was nothing."Time to take these F-22s out of the equation, "Turn on the flap booster!" he barked, adjusting his position quickly.


    As the booster kicked in, the turbulence disappeared, stabilizing him instantly. "Quick! Intercept him now!" "Don''t let him get near us!" The pilots of two F-22s panicked, their voices crackling over the comms as they shouted orders to each other. Desperation crept into their tones as they watched Zack close the gap. The sleek humanoid figure in the sky moved with terrifying speed and precision.


    Both F-22s pitched their noses up, trying to climb away from his approach. But Zack, undeterred, pierced through their defensive line like an arrow. In seconds, he was alongside one of the fighters, flying parallel with unnerving ease. "I see him! He''s right next to me!" "Humanoid aircraft¡ªhe''s closing in!"


    The pilot of the F-22 glanced out his side window, sweat beading on his forehead. His hands gripped the controls tightly as he tried to shake Zack off. But no matter what he did¡ªdiving, weaving, accelerating¡ªthe F-22 couldn''t match the agility of Zack''s Apex suit. Trapped, he was too close for his allies to risk firing.


    "What does he want?!" The pilot''s voice trembled as he looked directly at Zack, who hovered just outside the canopy. Zack tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable through the helmet. Then, in a calm, steady voice, he spoke over their channel. "Look ahead."


    The eerie composure of Zack''s words sent a chill through the pilot. Against his better judgment, the pilot instinctively turned to see what lay ahead. One glance was all it took. His face went pale. "Guided¡ª" he began, but the words were swallowed by the deafening blast as a micro-missile no larger than a pencil slammed into the nose of his aircraft.


    Boom! The sky lit up as the F-22 burst into a massive fireball. It didn''t stop there. Ten more micro-missiles followed, each homing in on their targets with flawless precision. Boom, boom, boom¡ªone explosion after another painted the sky with fiery wreckage. The missiles moved slowly, almost leisurely, compared to the fleeing fighter planes. To an observer, it looked less like the missiles struck their targets and more like the planes deliberately flew into their own destruction.


    Meanwhile, Zack turned his attention to the remaining fighters. With the speed and maneuverability of the Apex, he was untouchable in close-range combat. His palm cannons charged and fired in quick succession. Boom! Another fighter down. Boom! And another.


    The sky became a graveyard. One by one, all six remaining planes fell, torn apart by Zack''s relentless attack. None managed to land a single hit on him.

 Chapter 92: Carribean Base (3)

    Chapter 92 - Carribean Base (3)Inside the Caribbean base command center, chaos reigned. Desperate voices filled the comms. "Leader, we''ve failed to intercept¡ª" "Mayday! Ejecting now¡ª!" "Save us¡ª!"


    Some pilots managed to pull their ejection handles just before their planes exploded. Their parachutes unfurled like white umbrellas, but their relief was short-lived. Zack''s particle beams sliced through them mid-descent, leaving lifeless bodies floating gently toward the earth.


    "In my skies, there''s no such thing as a ''no-kill'' rule for parachuters," Zack muttered coldly, watching the scene unfold below. He have no plan leaving behind uncertain factor, for him it''s kill or be killed the moment they come to his doorstep. From start to finish, the battle lasted only one minute and twenty seconds. Nineteen fighter planes reduced to burning wreckage. Nineteen pilots dead. From the ground, the falling debris resembled a fiery metal rain.


    Zack''s voice cut through the comms again, this time directed at Caribbean base. "What''s your next move?" His tone was icy, unrelenting as he accelerated toward the base.


    Inside Caribbean base, the command room was dead silent as Zack''s taunting voice echoed through the speakers. Dozens of red blips on their radar had vanished in less than two minutes. The three base leaders¡ªJock, Kshatti, and Navas¡ªstared at the screen, their faces pale and drenched in cold sweat.


    Jock slammed his fist on the console, his frustration boiling over. "What the hell is he even flying?! Not even an F-35 could take down nineteen fighters that quickly! Nineteen!" He seethed, glaring at the room of engineers and techs. "And you useless monkeys can''t even get a clear satellite image of him!" He paced angrily, his voice rising with every word. "Nineteen planes! These weren''t some toy drones¡ªthey were state-of-the-art fighters! And we still have no idea what we''re dealing with!"


    Kshatti raised a hand, trying to calm him down. "The priority now is stopping him," he said firmly, pointing at the radar. Zack''s red dot was approaching the base at an alarming speed.


    Jock took a deep breath, grabbed the microphone, and switched to the public channel. His voice, now forced into a mock-calm tone, echoed across the battlefield.


    "I am Jock Forsman, leader of Caribbean base." He paused briefly before hurriedly adding, "One of the leaders." He continued, his tone shifting to one of strained diplomacy. "We didn''t mean to provoke you. The two planes we sent earlier were only delivering a message, not attacking. Yet you''ve destroyed more than twenty of our fighters." He sighed, as if trying to appear magnanimous.


    "Even so, we''re willing to overlook this. Turn around now, and we won''t pursue this matter further. Better yet..." He glanced at his fellow leaders, who nodded in silent agreement. "Join us. With your strength, you could become the fourth leader of Caribbean base. You must know¡ªwe''re the most powerful base left in the world. Together, we can achieve even greater things."


    Jock forced a smile, though it looked more like a grimace. "What do you say?" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    About two or three seconds passed before Zack''s joking voice echoed through the channel.


    "I''ll be flying over your base soon~" he teased. "You''d better start planning a grand ceremony to welcome your new leader. Otherwise, if the new leader gets upset, well..." He paused for dramatic effect. "The consequences might be... difficult to handle!"


    He chuckled lightly, clearly enjoying his own performance.


    Hearing that Jock and his group were considering recruiting him, Zack nearly burst out laughing. "Seriously? Looks like you guys haven''t learned your lesson yet," he muttered with a smirk. Jock, on the other hand, wasn''t amused. He understood Zack''s mockery all too well. The polite, fake smile on his face vanished in an instant, replaced by a grim look.


    "Fine. If that''s how you want to play it, let me spell it out for you!" Jock snapped. "Our base has missile silos. Do you know what that means?" His voice was heavy with warning.


    "Nuclear bombs, right?" Zack replied nonchalantly, his tone as calm as if they were discussing the weather. "Go ahead, fire away if you feel like it. I''ll be there soon anyway, and no matter what you do, I''ll still be faster." With that, Zack cut the communication abruptly.


    "...What?" Jock and his group were stunned into silence. Who acts like that? Is he not afraid of a nuclear bomb? "It has to be a bluff!" Jock growled, trying to shake off his unease. "Nobody''s crazy enough to not fear a nuclear bomb. Open the missile silo and target NYC City!"


    "Sir, they''ve opened the missile silo," Ego informed calmly.


    Through the LSI satellite''s surveillance, every movement at the Caribbean base was being tracked. Nothing could escape their watchful eyes. "Let them do whatever they want," Zack replied, his anger start burning even further.


    He cast a quick glance at the alert on his HUD but didn''t bother reacting further. Whether or not they managed to launch missiles didn''t matter. Even if they did, the state-of-the-art air defense system protecting NYC City could intercept them effortlessly. The tech was so advanced, it was like something out of a sci-fi movie.


    "Where''s the Avalon?" Zack asked, shifting focus to the positions of Ava and the others.


    "They''ve crossed the border and are expected to reach the Caribbean base in about twenty minutes," Ego reported.


    "Twenty minutes, huh?" Zack mused. "Looks like I''ll be making the first move."


    Engaging his thrusters to full power, Zack accelerated rapidly. His speed climbed steadily, reaching a jaw-dropping Mach 4.8. At such velocity, it wasn''t long before the sprawling Caribbean base came into view on the horizon¡ªa compound the size of a small town, stretching over several kilometers.


    "Sir, anti-aircraft weapons have been deployed. Evasive maneuvers are recommended," Ego warned. At the edge of the base, anti-aircraft missiles roared to life, trailing long, fiery streaks as they locked onto Zack. Simultaneously, large-caliber anti-aircraft cannons began firing from armored vehicles stationed along the base''s perimeter. The cannons thundered loudly, their shells exploding in the sky, scattering deadly shrapnel across Zack''s flight path.


    If Zack maintained his current speed, he would plow straight into the shrapnel field. Slowing down, however, would make him an easy target for the dozens of missiles chasing him. "Not bad. Old-school but effective," Zack remarked casually, as if critiquing a museum exhibit.


    Instead of slowing down, he pushed his thrusters harder, barreling straight into the firestorm at nearly Mach 5. The result was a deafening cacophony of metal on metal as countless shards of shrapnel collided with his armor. However, the Apex suit, crafted from Ultralium alloy, barely took a scratch. The paintwork suffered a few scuffs at most, but the suit itself remained completely intact, shrugging off the impact like it was nothing.


    The ground shook as anti-aircraft vehicles and short-range rotary cannons unleashed a relentless barrage. Streams of tracer rounds lit up the sky, forming fiery arcs that tracked Zack''s movements. "Time to thread the needle," Zack muttered, activating his flaps. With precision only achievable by cutting-edge technology and immense skill, he wove through the hail of bullets and explosions, narrowly avoiding every deadly obstacle.

 Chapter 93: Carribean Base (4)

    Chapter 93 - Carribean Base (4)Ahead, the first wave of anti-aircraft missiles approached. "Old rules," Zack said with a smirk. His thrusters flared as he executed a sudden, sharp maneuver, baiting the missiles into following his feint. At the last second, he veered off sharply, leaving the missiles to detonate harmlessly in his wake.


    As Zack broke through the outer defense network, his HUD lit up with dozens of locking indicators. Every anti-aircraft vehicle, cannon, and missile launcher within range was marked as a target¡ªseventy-one in total.


    "Fire!" Zack commanded. Missile pods on his shoulders opened, unleashing a storm of micro-guided missiles. Each missile, no bigger than a pencil, had a designated target. They streaked through the air like a deadly swarm, leaving bright, curved trails in their wake.


    "Intercept them, quickly!" someone shouted desperately from within the Caribbean base. Soldiers scrambled to respond, but their efforts were futile. The micro-missiles were too small and too fast to intercept effectively.


    Explosions erupted across the base as the missiles found their marks, obliterating anti-aircraft vehicles, gun emplacements, and missile launchers. Secondary detonations followed as stored ammunition ignited, amplifying the destruction. "Still got tanks, huh?" Zack muttered, noticing several armored vehicles stationed near the base''s high walls.


    "His speed is slowing down!" a tank gunner shouted nervously. "We might be able to hit him!" The tank''s gun barrel began to rise, and soldiers in the armored vehicle scrambled to open the protective cover, swiveling the vehicle-mounted Vulcan machine gun toward the sky. But before they could act, they saw eight spiraling missiles hurtling toward them with terrifying momentum. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Move! Hurry!" "Get out of here now!" The machine gunner on the armored vehicle and the tank observer shouted in panic.


    It was already too late. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    Eight spiraling ground-attack missiles slammed into their targets, triggering a devastating wave of explosions. The fiery blast engulfed the tanks and armored vehicles in an instant. When the flames finally subsided, nothing remained but twisted, burning husks of steel.


    In a single strike, Zack had obliterated the most critical outer defense line of Caribbean base. The soldiers manning it suffered massive casualties, and entire sections of the high wall lay in ruins.


    "This is what happens when you don''t have air superiority..." Zack muttered coldly as he lowered his altitude to about a thousand meters, flying over the shattered defense line of Caribbean base without a hint of caution. Outside the base, there was no heavy weaponry left to pose a threat to him. The ordinary soldiers clutching rifles on the ground barely registered in his eyes.


    "He''s actually daring enough to come here himself? Launch a nuke! Now!" Inside the underground command room at the center of the base, Jock''s enraged roar echoed off the walls.


    "If he gets any lower, I''ll handle him myself!" Navas, standing nearby and watching Zack''s carefree flight on the screen, clenched his fists. A cruel glint flashed in his eyes. No one truly knew what his mutant ability was¡ªnot even his half-brother, Clint. All anyone understood was that it was tied to his deadly boxing skills.


    "I''ve sent reinforcements," Kshatti said with grim determination, turning the screen to a moving truck in the survivor''s living area.


    Inside the truck sat hundred of people¡ªall mutants. In a base housing tens of thousands of people, it wasn''t unusual for some to be mutants, but these group were Caribbean base''s trump cards. "They are Navas''s chosen warriors. They''ll crush him," Kshatti declared firmly.


    But before his words could settle, the screen showed eight missiles spiraling toward the truck. "No!" "Is he insane?!" Kshatti''s eyes widened in despair as the missiles descended. Despite his words, his real concern was for the mutants in the truck.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    A string of explosions tore through the area. Dirt roads littered with trash, clusters of makeshift tents, and fragile wooden building were consumed in a massive inferno.


    The truck on the dirt road? Obliterated.


    The mutants army inside? They didn''t even have time to make their move. Erased in an instant by Zack''s overwhelming technological advantage. Without air defenses or anti-aircraft weaponry, Zack was untouchable. Flying freely over the base, he launched missiles at anything he deemed a threat. The air filled with cries¡ªsome desperate to put out fires, others scrambling to escape. A pair of caged Mutant beast screeched incessantly as they clung to the bars of their enclosure, their shrill cries mingling with the chaos of human despair.


    "Only two anti-armor missiles left..." Zack glanced at the dwindling missile count on his HUD, his expression devoid of emotion. The sheer loss of life below didn''t bother him in the slightest.


    "Sir, new missiles launched," Ego''s calm voice reported.


    Zack looked ahead sharply. Sure enough, two massive intercontinental missiles were slowly rising from their silos, leaving trails of fire and smoke in their wake.


    "They''re launching them right in front of me? That''s practically giving them away." Zack frowned. Intercontinental missiles needed time to accelerate to their ultimate speeds, often reaching Mach 20 or more. At launch, however, they were sluggish, barely reaching Mach 1. To Zack, they were nothing but slow-moving targets.


    BOOM!


    He broke through the sound barrier instantly, the shockwave of his flight echoing across the sky. In a flash, Zack positioned himself above the two rising missiles. "What is he planning?" Back in the command room, Jock''s unease deepened. He clenched his fists tightly, watching Zack''s every move on the screen.


    His question was answered moments later. Hovering above the missiles, Zack''s forearm armor shifted, revealing the last two anti-armor penetrating missiles in his Armory.


    "Target locked," Ego confirmed.


    "Fire." With Zack''s command, the two missiles launched from their compartments. Though smaller than the intercontinental missiles, they quickly accelerated to supersonic speeds, racing toward their massive targets.


    Intercontinental missiles had limited maneuverability during their launch phase, locked into a preset trajectory until they reached altitude. In seconds, the micro-missiles struck their targets.


    Two fiery explosions lit up the sky, thousands of meters above the ground. The intercontinental missiles, destroyed mid-ascent, disintegrated into massive fireballs. The dazzling light in the sky burned like two extra suns had risen, illuminating the world below with an almost otherworldly glow. Everyone in Caribbean base¡ªwhether they were fighting the fires, escaping for their lives, or frozen in shock¡ªlooked up instinctively. The eerie silence of the light lasted for several seconds before it happened.


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion ripped through the air, sending shockwaves across the ground. The earth trembled violently as if struck by an invisible hammer, and a gale that felt like a raging storm blew through the base, carrying chaos in its wake. The still-burning fires flared up as the wind fed them, spreading flames to areas that had previously been untouched. What had been isolated blazes merged into an unstoppable sea of fire, consuming everything in its path.


    This wasn''t even the full power of the missile¡ªit was just the explosion of its fuel. The nuclear warheads it carried had either been destroyed in the blast or dropped harmlessly from the sky. Unlike conventional bombs, nuclear weapons have layers of safeguards, making accidental detonation nearly impossible.

 Chapter 94: Carribean Base (5)

    Chapter 94 - Carribean Base (5)Zack hovered above, watching the scene with a trace of regret. "What a waste," he muttered. "If they''d gone off, I could''ve told Ava and the others not to bother coming."


    With a sharp dive, Zack aimed for the military base at the heart of Caribbean base.


    In the command center, chaos erupted. "Fuck! Fuck!!" The roars of frustration from Jock and another officer echoed through the room, their curses carrying the weight of desperation. "Launch the missiles! Intercept him now!" Jock bellowed.


    A pale-faced subordinate stammered, "C-Chief, all the anti-aircraft weapons were destroyed in the initial attack."


    "What about the stingers?!" Jock snapped, practically spitting the words. "Those handheld missiles¡ªwe''ve still got those, right? Use them! Take him down!"


    No one had the heart to remind him that handheld weapons like Stingers were meant for helicopters and slow-moving aircraft, not a man in a high-tech suit zipping through the air like a falcon.


    Before anyone could respond, Jock felt a sharp pain in his back, a cold chill spreading through his chest. He looked down in horror to see a bloodied fist bursting through his ribcage, clutching his still-beating heart.


    Jock''s wide eyes locked onto Navas, his trusted ally, standing behind him. "Y-You..." he gasped, but the words died on his lips as his body collapsed to the floor. His lifeless gaze seemed to ask a silent question: Why?


    Navas, unfazed, dropped the heart onto the ground and crushed it underfoot. "Pathetic," he growled.


    "Why now?" Kshatti, another officer, asked, clearly unsettled but not entirely surprised. His words weren''t a protest, just mild annoyance. "Timing could''ve been better."


    "He was useless anyway. Couldn''t handle one enemy in the sky," Navas snapped. As he spoke, he ripped his shirt off, revealing rippling, steel-like muscles. A tattoo of a ferocious tiger''s head on his chest seemed almost alive, its savage eyes glaring.


    "Sir, high-energy biological activity detected!" Ego''s voice chimed in Zack''s headset as he streaked toward the base.


    "High energy?" Zack glanced at the HUD and spotted the man standing in front of the central building. Shirtless, tattooed, and radiating a dangerous aura, the man stood motionless as if daring Zack to approach.


    "Name: Navas Puticha," Ego began, launching into a detailed rundown. "Male, 31. Former professional Muay Thai fighter, known as the ''Black Tiger.'' Sentenced to life in prison for killing his opponent and the referee during a match. Known for extreme violence, cannibalism, and a... peculiar interest in women over forty."


    "Charming," Zack muttered with a smirk. "Black Tiger, huh?" He hovered in mid-air, raising his palm to charge the suit''s pulse cannon.


    But instead of fear, Navas wore a twisted grin, his confidence unnerving. "You think you''re untouchable just because you can fly?" he shouted, his voice laced with malice. As he spoke, the tiger tattoo on his chest began to glow an ominous red, pulsating like it had a heartbeat of its own. "That''s... new," Zack muttered.


    With a sudden roar, Navas clenched his fist and punched toward the sky. The air around him rippled violently as shockwaves exploded outward, layer upon layer, creating a visible distortion in the atmosphere. The sheer force of the punch sent debris flying in all directions. Fallen leaves, dust, even loose metal poles were torn apart by the pressure.


    The shockwave raced toward Zack, shredding through everything in its path. Below, a metal streetlamp crumpled like paper, its shattered pieces scattering in all directions.


    Navas''s ability to compress air in a specific area, creating unstable high-pressure waves, was powerful enough to tear through most targets. Theoretically, if developed further, he could become a true powerhouse, capable of creating wind walls and barriers from thin air. But for now, his skills were raw and inefficient.


    "The last person who tried to blow me away with an air cannon was a zombie..." Zack''s calm voice echoed through the air, breaking Navas''s fierce concentration. For the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed Navas''s face¡ªa mixture of disbelief and frustration.


    "How is this possible?" Navas stared in shock at Zack, hovering unharmed in the air. His air wave attack could tear through armored vehicles. Was this man wearing armor stronger than a tank?


    If someone like Zack were present, they''d definitely clap Navas on the shoulder and confirm his suspicion: Zack''s armor wasn''t just stronger than a tank¡ªit was at least twice as durable. "If this is the best you''ve got..." Zack''s voice turned cold, his mechanical suit glowing faintly as he prepared to strike. "Then you can die."


    In an instant, Zack dove toward Navas like an arrow, the thrusters on his suit propelling him downward. Navas raised his fist, ready to attack again, but before he could react¡ªBoom! Boom!


    Two sharp particle beams shot from Zack''s gauntlets, hitting Navas''s raised hand with precision. A sizzling sound filled the air as most of his clenched fist melted away, leaving only bone and shredded skin.


    "AHHHHH!" The delayed pain hit Navas like a freight train, his screams of agony piercing the air. But Zack didn''t give him time to recover. In one swift motion, Zack crashed into him, grabbing his face with his steel hand and slamming him into the ground.


    The sheer force of the impact shattered the concrete as Zack pushed Navas along the pavement, the high-speed friction leaving a long, bloody smear behind. Navas struggled, his vision blackening, his head grinding against the ground while heat and pain burned his skin. By the time Zack stopped, Navas''s back was shredded, with bones visibly protruding, and the back of his skull had been scraped flat.


    Zack stood over him, his armored frame towering like an executioner. Grabbing Navas by the head with one hand, he lifted the injured man off the ground effortlessly. "If I remember correctly," Zack said, his tone mocking, "you called me a Stupid bastard, didn''t you?"


    Navas roared in pain and anger, swinging his remaining fist wildly at Zack''s armor. The hits were futile, barely leaving a scratch on the steel. "It seems like that hurt..." Zack commented dryly before tightening his grip on Navas''s skull.


    The pressure made Navas feel like his head would burst. "AHHH!" Navas howled, his voice cracking under the strain.


    "Enough!" Zack barked, silencing the air. With his free hand, Zack struck Navas across the face, shattering his teeth in a single blow. Blood splattered as Zack reached into Navas''s mouth, grabbing his tongue and ripping it out with brutal efficiency.


    Blood gushed from Navas''s mouth, choking him as he gurgled incoherently. His mutated physique kept him from dying immediately, but this resilience only prolonged his suffering. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now," Zack said, hoisting the bloodied and battered Navas like a broken doll, "take me to Officer Jock."


    Zack carried Navas through the entrance of the building, his gait casual, as if he were strolling through his own garden. Ego, the AI integrated into his suit, scanned the building''s layout and projected it onto Zack''s HUD. With a glance, Zack identified the command room and began walking toward it.

 Chapter 95: Carribean Base (6) A Devil

    Chapter 95 - Carribean Base (6) A DevilA soldier, shaking uncontrollably, instinctively pulled out his pistol, gripping it with trembling hands. He pointed the barrel at the door, his fear so overwhelming that he didn''t even realize the safety was still on. "Put that down! Lay it down!" Kshatti hissed at him, his voice stern but barely above a whisper. "What do you think you''re doing? Do you think a small pistol will do anything to someone who shrugged off bullets and a punch from Navas?"


    The soldier jolted, realizing the futility of his weapon. "Y-yes, sir..." His voice quivered as he quickly tossed the gun to the floor and kicked it away, raising his hands in a panicked gesture of surrender.


    "I didn''t mean surrender, idiot..." Kshatti began, his irritation showing. Then, something clicked in his sharp mind. He turned to the others, speaking in hushed but urgent tones. "Quick! Everyone, raise your hands! No one shoots, you hear me? I don''t care what happens¡ªdo not fire a shot!"


    The soldiers scrambled to obey, throwing their weapons aside and raising their hands in unison. Fear permeated the room as the footsteps outside grew louder, heavier.


    Thud. Thud. Thud.


    The distinct, metallic clang of the Power armor boots stopped just outside the command room door. The tension in the room thickened; no one dared even to blink. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    The heavy steel door was violently kicked in, flying across the room like a missile. It slammed into one of the soldiers, crushing his chest with a sickening crunch. The unfortunate man collapsed to the ground, lifeless, the door panel pinning his broken body.


    Zack strode into the room, his Power armor gleaming ominously in the dim light. In his hand, he carried Navas, battered and barely clinging to life. Without a second glance, Zack flung him onto the floor like a discarded rag.


    Navas hit the ground hard, his bruised body sliding across the floor until it came to a stop at Kshatti''s feet. "Help...me..." Navas rasped, his mutilated mouth barely able to form words. "Ksha...Shatt..." Before he could say more, Kshatti recoiled, nudging Navas aside with his boot as if the man''s very presence might seal his doom. His expression said it all: Don''t drag me into this!


    Zack''s gaze swept over the room. The sight of Kshatti and the others, their weapons abandoned and their hands raised, didn''t stir an ounce of pity in him. His voice, calm and cold, cut through the silence like a blade. "Now you''re surrendering? Lose all your " he asked, his tone almost mocking. "Tell me, where''s Jock?"


    A soldier on the floor pointed shakily at a nearby corpse. "C-chief Jock... That''s him..." His voice trembled as he indicated the lifeless body, its chest gruesomely torn open.


    "Ah, I see," Zack said flatly. "So he''s the one Navas dealt with earlier. Got it." He paused for a moment before speaking again. "Alright. Everyone, stand up. Get against the wall and line up. Straighten up."


    Kshatti didn''t hesitate. He scrambled to his feet and darted to the wall, standing stiff as a board. His haste made it clear he feared even a second''s delay could cost him his life. The others followed suit, their movements frantic as they rushed to comply. They stood in a crooked line, trembling as they looked at Zack with wide, terrified eyes.


    On the floor, Navas coughed weakly, blood dribbling from his mouth. His fading gaze flicked to his comrades. A bitter smirk tugged at his lips as the realization dawned on him: ''You fools, he doesn''t care whether you live or die...'' But he never got the chance to say it.


    Zack stepped forward, his expression unreadable behind the mask of his armor. His voice, calm yet laced with steel, commanded, "Turn around."


    Those three simple words hit Kshatti like a lightning strike. His mind reeled. He turned to Zack, his voice shaking. "Sir, please! We surrendered! We¡ª"


    "Turn. Around." Zack repeated, his tone unchanging. There is no way he take changed taking this people in.


    Kshatti swallowed hard, his knees threatening to buckle. He turned slowly, facing the wall, sweat dripping down his face. The others followed suit, their movements stiff and hesitant, as if delaying the inevitable would somehow save them.


    Zack reached for the coiled whip at his side. With a flick of his wrist, the electromagnetic whip came to life, sparking with high-voltage electricity. The crackling sound filled the air, and the ground scorched where the whip dragged.


    Kshatti heard the sound and broke down entirely. He dropped to his knees, banging his forehead against the floor as he begged. "No! Please, don''t kill me! I can help you! I can manage this base for you! I-I''ve done a good job, I swear!"


    Blood trickled from his forehead as he continued to kowtow, his desperate pleas echoing in the tense silence. He assumed Zack wanted the Caribbean base for its resources and people¡ªa valuable stronghold with a population of 40,000, even in the apocalypse. But Zack''s laughter, cold and mocking, cut him off. "You think I''m here to take over this base?" His voice, distorted through the Power armor, carried an almost otherworldly menace.


    After getting report from Ego, that Navas was cannibal something clicked on his mind, how did this base survived this long housing 40.000 people, the answer is they eath the other. What happened here, the atrocity can all be guessed. The world law maybe no more, but for Zack there is still something you should never do, it''s his bottom line.


    Kshatti froze, his face pale. Zack stepped aside, gesturing toward the large screen in the room. His voice was casual but laced with something darker. "No. I don''t need this place. But you''re right about one thing¡ªI''ll be taking some people with me. " He paused, letting his words sink in before adding with a chilling finality, "As for the rest of you... Let''s just say you''ll wish I''d let Navas finish you off instead."


    On the massive screen in front of him, Kshatti''s eyes lost all hope. Despair surged through him like an unrelenting tide as the horrifying scene unfolded. Three strange-looking fighter planes hovered ominously over the Caribbean base.


    One of them, armed with missiles and cannons, was systematically clearing out the ordinary soldiers defending the base. The other two aircraft flew low, no more than fifty or sixty meters above the ground, releasing waves of cold, deadly machines.


    As soon as these dog-like and spider-like killing machines hit the ground, they sprang into action. With terrifying efficiency, they massacred anyone they encountered. The air filled with the deafening sounds of light and heavy machine gunfire, explosions, and the desperate cries of their soldier. The chaos was relentless, echoing through every corner of the base.


    The carnage drew the attention of nearby zombies, their growls and roars rising in unison as they surged toward the base. Undeterred by the high walls, the undead swarmed into the survivor''s living area, cutting off any possible escape route for the terrified inhabitants. On one side, the merciless killing machines advanced. On the other, a growing tide of the undead closed in. There was no escape, no salvation.


    "You are a devil!" Kshatti roared at the top of his lungs, his voice cracking with rage and despair. "A devil! I curse you! Curse you!"

 Chapter 96: Carribean Base (Final) (End Vold 2)

    Chapter 96 - Carribean Base (Final) (End Vold 2)Zack raised his electromagnetic whip. His tone icy cold. "A devil!? After everything that you have done!? Threatening me to take over my tech, launching nuke to my home. And you know the best what you have done here!"


    With a single, calculated swing, he cut through the row of soldiers lined up against the wall. Their bodies fell in halves, their wounds charred and bloodless. "I curse¡ª" Kshatti''s words were abruptly silenced. His body went numb as he felt a strange weightlessness. He saw his own neck slip from his shoulders, the world spinning wildly before his severed head hit the ground with a dull thud.


    At the same time, large bases equipped with reconnaissance satellites around the world were monitoring the battle at Caribbean base with growing alarm. This wasn''t just a skirmish¡ªit was the first human-versus-human war since the apocalypse began. The Caribbean base, with all its resources and manpower, had been utterly annihilated. Its soldiers and leaders were massacred, its defenses crushed. It was a one-sided slaughter, leaving no room for retaliation.


    In the frozen wasteland of Siberia, inside a shadowy, high-security base, a man draped in a heavy cloak stood silently. The only light in the room came from a large screen displaying the grim footage of the Guman battle. "Black Hand, is this the man who attacked your unit?" a synthesized voice asked, cutting through the darkness. The voice was eerily neutral, its tone impossible to place as male or female.


    "Yes," Black Hand replied, his voice dripping with cold hatred.


    The voice paused briefly. "The headquarters will provide you with new weapons and technology. Do you require anything else?"


    "I want command of Team Moon Shadow," Black Hand said, his tone unwavering. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Team Moon Shadow¡ªa legendary three-person team. Its captain, Lillian, known by the codename Moonshadow, and the other two members, had all been spotted in NYC at some point. The burly fighter, "Bear," and the deadly swordsman, "Samurai," completed the trio.


    "Granted," the voice replied after a moment. "But remember, failure is not an option. If you disappoint the headquarters again, you know the consequences."


    As soon as the words faded, Black Hand doubled over, clutching the wall for support. His body trembled violently, wracked by an invisible pain so excruciating it left him gasping for breath. "Rest assured, I won''t fail this time," Black Hand rasped through gritted teeth, forcing the words out despite the torment.


    "See that you don''t," the synthesized voice warned before vanishing.


    Left alone in the darkness, Black Hand straightened slowly, his scarlet eyes glowing beneath the shadow of his hood. They gleamed with the savage hunger of a beast poised to strike. "I will kill you," he snarled, his voice a promise of vengeance.


    Meanwhile, Zack hovered high above the ruins of Caribbean base, the wings of his suit cutting a sharp silhouette against the smoky sky. Below, the scene was a vision of hell¡ªzombies swarming the base. "How many are left?" Zack asked, his tone detached.


    Ego, his AI companion, responded immediately. "Over ten thousand survivors remain, sir. The mechanical beasts were programmed to spare most of the capable young adults, but I cannot make sure have they consumed human or not."


    Zack observed the chaos below for another moment, calculating his next move. Despite his hate for what they did, he needed to balance survival and his own feeling¡ªparticularly with the big problem he have now the gender imbalance at his territory.


    His eyes narrowed. "Bring them in." The women would help balance the ratio of men to women. The men would provide manpower. This is the apocalypse, even with all the tech he have, he cannot take care all of them. He cannot create food and resource from nothing.


    "Sir, the Avalon can''t transport this many people," Ego, his AI companion, reminded him with its usual calm tone.


    "Then we''ll take the river," Zack replied without missing a beat. The Hudson River, the lifeblood of the New York City region, was the perfect solution. Flowing down to the Atlantic, it offered a direct route to the Caribbean. A cargo ship could easily solve their logistical problem.


    "Understood. The robotic dogs are already selecting candidates," Ego responded..


    The massacre at the Caribbean base was nearly over. The mechanical beasts herded over 10,000 survivors onto the airport runway. Cries and shouts echoed through the air, a symphony of despair. Meanwhile, zombies swarmed what used to be the survivors'' living quarters, now reduced to a feeding ground. As the undead tried to converge on the runway, three Avalons circling overhead dropped incendiary bombs, creating a wall of fire that halted their advance.


    From nearby buildings, Zack''s spider drones acted as sentry guns, spitting fire to suppress the zombies. On the ground, mechanical dogs scanned the panicked crowd , separating individuals based on physical health. When the sorting was complete, 1,100 womens and 800 men were isolated from the rest. They were marched and loaded onto an intact cargo ship.


    "Let the mechanical dogs board first," Zack ordered as the last survivors were shoved onboard.


    With a loud, low whistle, the massive freighter pushed away from the dock and began its journey down the Hudson River. Back at the base, Annie watched the chaos from the seat of her Tarantula. "Brother, what about the rest of them?" she asked hesitantly, her voice filled with unease.


    "You go back first. I''ll handle it," Zack replied, his voice devoid of emotion.


    "But, brother..."


    "Go," Zack said firmly. Reluctantly, Annie climbed aboard the Avalon. One by one, the spider drones returned to the aircraft at Zack''s command. The Avalon ascended into the sky, carrying Annie away from the Caribbean base.


    Now only Zack and his subordinate Ava remained, hovering above the runway. "You know why I kept you here, don''t you?" Zack asked, his tone icy.


    "Yes, I understand," Ava replied, her face conflicted.


    "Good. It''s your decision. Do what you want, but don''t report back to me. Whatever happens, I won''t care." Without waiting for a response, Zack activated his thrusters, launching himself into the sky and vanishing into the clouds.


    On the ground, thousands of survivors, left to their fate, erupted into chaos. Some screamed, others begged for mercy, and a few, driven mad by fear, turned on each other. Gunshots rang out as panic spread like wildfire. Unknown to them, the fire outside the perimeter had died down, and the zombies were closing in.


    "Do I really have to choose?" Ava murmured to herself, her hand hovering over the red button of a remote detonator. Memories of her fallen comrades flashed through his mind: Antonny, Steve,¡ªall of them slaughtered by these very people. Their faces, their final moments, played out like a haunting slideshow. ''It''s not like I have any option..'' Her hesitation melted away as rage and sorrow filled her chest. her hand slammed down on the button. Even if she choose to spare them what await them is just hellish experience, they will turn on each other becoming less than human.


    Miles away, Zack hovered mid-air, watching the horizon. A bright, mushroom-shaped fireball rose from the Caribbean base, its shockwave pushing away the clouds to reveal a pristine blue sky.

 Chapter 97: Modifying LSI Sattelite

    Chapter 97 - Modifying LSI SatteliteAfter the battle, everything seemed unchanged. The manufacturing bugs were still working around the clock, their tireless movements filling the streets and alleys. Ant and Spiders returning from missions roamed the city, continuing to clear out zombies from hidden corners. The city settled into an eerie calmness, as though the chaos had never happened.


    Down in the basement, Zack was already hard at work early the next morning after a night of rest. "List satellite weapon options," he commanded.


    "Right away, Sir," Ego responded, activating a holographic projection that appeared mid-air.


    Zack was working on a bold plan: converting the LSI satellite into a tactical weapon platform. It wasn''t just for striking the ground¡ªit needed to be versatile enough to target other satellites too. A true multi-purpose weapon of war. "Orbital laser cannon?" Zack murmured as options populated the screen. He quickly shook his head. "No, it drains too much energy and takes forever to recharge."


    His fingers glided over the holographic interface, dismissing one concept after another. "That''s it! Space-based kinetic energy weapons!" His voice sharpened with resolve.


    The plan was straightforward but devastatingly effective. Satellites would launch tungsten rods¡ªeach weighing several tons¡ªfitted with embedded nanomachines designed for maximum destruction. These rods, measuring 30 centimeters in diameter and 6.1 meters long, would plummet to Earth under the force of gravity, accelerated further by electromagnetic propulsion. By the time they struck, they''d reach blistering speeds of 39,000 kilometers per hour¡ªover 10,000 meters per second.


    On impact, the nanomachines would activate, using the kinetic energy and heat from the collision to power themselves. These microscopic machines would immediately begin breaking down the molecular bonds of nearby materials, liquefying or vaporizing them and allowing the rod to punch deeper into the Earth or fortifications. Against this kind of force, everything was as fragile as paper.


    But that wasn''t all. The LSI satellite would also carry an electromagnetic railgun, designed to target and destroy enemy reconnaissance satellites. A true dual-purpose weapon. "Ego, modularize the weapon system. Use rocket propulsion to send it into orbit," Zack ordered. "I''ll handle the final assembly myself."


    Ego hesitated. "Sir, none of the current Power Armor are capable of operating in space."


    "Then we''ll build a space suit," Zack replied without missing a beat.


    The concept of specialized armor wasn''t new to him. Each Armor had a specific purpose, designed for different environments and enemies. Ego chimed in again. "Do you want me to modify the Project Alpha?"


    "No," Zack said firmly. "Just strip down the MV-02W weapon systems and increase thruster power. It doesn''t need to be fancy, just functional."


    His focus shifted to a different project entirely. "Send me the combat armor blueprints," Zack demanded.


    Zack was planning to create the ultimate land-based combat armor, a weapon designed not for restraint but for absolute domination on the battlefield. Unlike earlier models built with limitations in mind, this new suit would be relentless, engineered for power and adaptability rather than control. "This armor will need modular components," Zack muttered as he examined the files. "Each module powered independently¡ªeleven reactors should do the job."


    His fingers flew across the interface, tweaking the design to match his vision. "Material detected," Ego, his AI assistant, reported in a calm, mechanical tone. "Ultralium: Composition¡ª60% gold for conductivity, 32.7% titanium for durability, and 7.3% graphene infusion for structural reinforcement and flexibility."


    Zack nodded. Ultralium''s unique properties made it ideal for armor. Its gold content ensured flawless power transmission, while the graphene infusion added tensile strength and heat resistance. The titanium provided the balance between toughness and lightweight mobility.


    He focused on the framework, splitting the design into modular sections. The arms would house integrated energy cannons, powered by individual reactors to ensure sustained firepower. Each joint was reinforced with graphene weave to withstand extreme stress without compromising flexibility. The chest plate, the largest component, featured a reinforced power core housing a high-yield Cold Fusiuon Reactor capable of providing the suit with unmatched energy efficiency.


    For mobility, Zack incorporated a graphene-based muscle weave throughout the armor, mimicking human musculature for unparalleled agility. The legs were outfitted with hydraulic actuators designed to amplify physical strength, capable of lifting several tons or propelling the armor into massive leaps.


    "We need thermal regulation," Zack murmured, adjusting the cooling systems. Using graphene''s excellent thermal conductivity, he added microchannels throughout the suit to disperse heat from the reactors and weapons systems. A secondary cooling mechanism, using a liquid nitrogen-based compound, would kick in during high-energy output to prevent overheating during prolonged combat.


    For defense, Zack enhanced the outer plating with a layered structure: an ultralium alloy, topped with an electromagnetic field generator capable of deflecting projectiles and energy-based attacks. Over that, he added an ablative coating designed to dissipate heat and energy impacts, making the armor resistant to laser and plasma-based weaponry. "Ego, there''s not enough reactor material for this," Zack said finally, frustration creeping into his voice. "Send the Ant and Spiders to gather what we need."


    "Already dispatched, Sir," Ego replied. Then, after a pause: "But there''s a problem."


    Zack looked up from the projection. "What problem?"


    Ego displayed satellite footage on the holographic screen. "The cargo ship leaving Caribbean base was attacked while crossing the ocean. All passengers and mechanical dogs onboard were lost. The ship sank to the bottom of the sea." The footage showed a lonely freighter drifting across open waters. On deck, mechanical dogs maintained order while frightened passengers huddled together. For a while, everything seemed fine¡ªuntil the ocean around them turned black.


    From above, it became clear the dark water wasn''t natural. It was alive. Thousands of aquatic creatures swarmed the ship, surrounding it like a tidal wave. Ego zoomed in, revealing the attackers: grotesque, mutated beings that were part-human, part-fish. They had humanoid faces but gills and sharp teeth. Their bodies were covered in scales or shrimp-like exoskeletons. Some had fish tails, while others had shrimp-like legs that allowed them to move swiftly underwater and on land.


    But their most horrifying trait was the unmistakable sign of infection: they were zombies. Bullets were only effective if they hit the creatures'' brains or central nervous systems. Worse, anyone bitten by them would turn into one of these monsters within moments. "Analysis indicates these are marine creatures infected by the Zeta virus," Ego explained. "We''ve named them Abyss Crawlers. They''re highly aggressive and amphibious. Current population numbers are unknown." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack''s face darkened. "Wait... are you telling me the Zeta virus can infect aquatic life too?"


    On Earth, 71% is covered by oceans, with only 29% being land. Imagine how vast and terrifying the marine life must be. "Yes, Sir. There''s actual evidence that the Zeta virus can infect aquatic organisms," Ego explained.


    "Have there been any recorded cases of Abyss Crawlers landing on shore?" Zack asked.


    "No," Ego replied. "The attack on the freighter was the first known appearance of Abyss Crawlers."


    "Alright, got it." Zack frowned slightly. He hadn''t expected to be the first person to encounter zombie-like creatures from the sea.


    Satellite footage clearly showed the Abyss Crawlers¡ªcountless of them¡ªswarming like a tide. Their sharp, insect-like limbs pierced through steel plates as they quickly climbed onto the freighter''s deck. Forty-five mechanical dogs opened fire, taking down a large number of them. But the skimmers kept coming, an unending stream pouring out of the ocean.


    Soon, the entire cargo ship was overrun. By the time the Abyss Crawlers retreated back into the water, not even a single bone remained of the 1,900 survivors brought back from the Caribbean base.

 Chapter 98: Another One

    Chapter 98 - Another OneThe mechanical dogs had been shredded into pieces as well. "It''s a tragedy to lose so many people..." Zack sighed. Machines could be rebuilt, but those carefully chosen young men and women were gone forever.


    "Sir, the air defense system has detected two transport planes and a fighter jet," Ego reported suddenly. "Satellite images show these aircraft took off from the Imperial Capital base. The two transports are carrying about 800 young people, seemingly headed for the Caribbean base."


    "What?" Zack was stunned. The Caribbean base had already been destroyed, and now the Imperial Capital base was sending people there?


    "Are they really sending these women as some kind of forced offering? Let''s intercept them!" Zack said decisively.


    High above, nearly 10,000 meters in the air, an F-15 fighter jet escorted two large transport planes flying toward the Caribbean base. "Sir, why are we heading back so urgently?" one of the transport pilots asked. "Didn''t the leader order us to stay at the Imperial Capital base and wait for instructions?"


    "And wasn''t the agreement to send 5,000? We''re only delivering 800. Isn''t this too little?" another crew member chimed in.


    Inside one of the transport planes, Oster, Navas''s half-brother, stared out the window with a stoic expression. He listened to the grumbling of his subordinates but stayed quiet for a moment.


    "I get that you''re all frustrated," Oster said eventually. "But let me tell you this: we''ve lost all contact with the base. No matter how I try, I can''t get through. On top of that, Kane''s attitude towards us has suddenly changed. They won''t even let us use their satellites for communication anymore."


    "What are you saying?" one subordinate asked nervously.


    "I think... something might''ve happened to the Caribbean base," Oster said, his voice heavy.


    "What? That''s impossible!" another crew member blurted out. "We had tons of aircraft, tanks, and weapons there. How could anything happen?"


    "And when we left, didn''t the satellite data show no signs of corpse waves nearby? There''s no way!" a third added, though their tone betrayed unease.


    "I hope I''m wrong," Oster said, glancing out the porthole again. A deep sense of dread was etched into his face, as though something terrible was about to happen.


    Suddenly, a shadow zipped past the plane''s window. It moved so quickly it was hard to see, but Oster caught a glimpse¡ªa strange, humanoid aircraft, almost like something straight out of sci-fi movie.


    "Everyone, stay alert!" Oster shouted, instinctively grabbing the revolver at his waist. He immediately called the F-15 escort pilot. "Eagle, do you copy?"


    "I''m here," the pilot responded, but before he could say another word¡ªBOOM!


    The F-15 exploded in mid-air, struck by something no larger than a pencil. It erupted into a ball of flames, sending burning debris tumbling toward the ground below. "Dodge!" Oster yelled as the transport planes swerved to avoid the wreckage. The pilots managed to maneuver just in time, narrowly avoiding disaster.


    "We''re under attack!" one of the crew shouted in panic.


    Through the chaos, Oster spotted the black figure ahead. It was Zack, flying in his Newest suit. He maintained a steady, subsonic speed, flying directly in front of the transports while scanning their interiors. "Ego, what do we know about this guy?" Zack asked.


    "Oster," Ego replied. "Male, 27 years old, half-brother to Navas. Former Nordic mercenary with excellent marksmanship. Known for being calm and cunning."


    "So, he''s Navas''s brother, huh?" Zack smirked. "Looks like I''ve found another loose end to tie up." After saying that, Zack drew an arc in the sky and turned sharply, heading straight for the transport plane carrying Oster.


    "Courting death!" Oster hissed, his expression dark as he raised his revolver, aiming at Zack''s rapidly approaching figure.


    Unlike his brother Navas, Oster''s mutant ability granted him superhuman reflexes and unmatched marksmanship. Any firearm in his hands became a deadly weapon, and his shots never missed their mark. "Sir, don''t shoot! You''ll shatter the windshield!" the transport pilot shouted in alarm.


    "Move aside!" Oster snapped, ignoring the warning. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! The deafening gunshots echoed through the cockpit as Oster fired a series of large-caliber rounds from his customized revolver. The bullets shattered the aircraft''s windshield, racing toward Zack.


    Zack, seeing the incoming barrage, activated his armor''s auxiliary flaps, performing an intricate S-shaped evasive maneuver. However, it wasn''t enough. Clang! Clang! Clang! The sound of bullets striking his armor rang out repeatedly, some even hitting the same spot in quick succession. "Is this guy for real? Hitting the same spot like that?" Zack muttered to himself.


    "Sir, the target appears to be a mutant with abilities related to enhanced shooting," Ego explained.


    "Yeah, I figured," Zack replied, his tone cold. "Doesn''t matter. He''s already a dead man."


    Rather than continuing to dodge, Zack pushed forward. The gold-titanium alloy of his armor easily absorbed the shots, leaving only faint white marks where the bullets struck. "Collision warning! He''s coming straight for us!" the pilot yelled, his face pale as Zack closed the distance. No amount of evasive maneuvering could match Zack''s speed and agility.


    Boom!


    With a thunderous crash, Zack smashed through the shattered windshield, landing directly inside the cockpit. "Reverse thrust!" Zack activated his auxiliary thrusters, halting his momentum before he could crash through the entire aircraft. The sudden reversal created a hurricane-like suction, pulling everything in the cockpit toward the gaping hole where the windshield used to be.


    Oster, gripping the handlebar tightly, managed to hold his ground, while the two pilots, secured by their seatbelts, clung to their seats. The others in the cockpit weren''t as lucky¡ªseveral crew members were sucked out of the plane, their screams swallowed by the thin air thousands of meters above the ground.


    In the chaos, Oster aimed and fired again. Bang! Bang! Bang! Three more bullets struck the same spot on Zack''s armor, only to ricochet harmlessly. "Still shooting?" Zack sneered, stepping forward. Thanks to his thrusters, he moved freely, unaffected by the violent turbulence.


    Oster fired his last two rounds, but the result was the same¡ªnothing but faint white marks on the armor. Realizing his futility, he lowered his gun in despair. "Who the hell are you?" he demanded.


    "It doesn''t matter," Zack said, his tone icy. "What matters is that you''ll soon be reunited with your brother."


    "You killed Navas? That''s impossible!" Oster roared in fury. He swung his revolver like a club, aiming at Zack''s head. Zack sidestepped easily, dodging the blow.


    "Not so accurate without a gun, huh?" Zack quipped. He raised his palm, and the faint hum of a charging pulse cannon filled the cockpit. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What happened to the Caribbean base? Was it you? What did you do?" Oster''s voice grew frantic as the glow from Zack''s pulse cannon intensified.


    Boom!


    A flash of light erupted, and Oster''s head was obliterated, the remains of his body sucked out of the cockpit and into the open sky. His lifeless figure tumbled from the aircraft, never knowing what had truly happened to the Caribbean base. "Now it''s just you two," Zack said, turning to the pilots.

 Chapter 99: Three New Maid

    Chapter 99 - Three New MaidBoth men had already donned oxygen masks. Beneath them, their faces were pale with terror. They clung to their controls, trying desperately to maintain balance despite the shattered windshield and Zack''s intimidating presence. "Relax. I''m not going to kill you," Zack said, giving one of them a light pat on the shoulder. The pilot flinched so hard the plane shook, causing screams to erupt from the cargo hold below.


    In the back, over 400 young pepole were crammed together, their screams echoing as the turbulence threw them off balance. Many huddled in fear, sobbing uncontrollably. "Shut up!" one of the two soldiers guarding the cargo hold yelled. Both men, armed with rifles, glared at the women with greedy eyes. "It''s just a little turbulence! Quit crying, or I''ll give you something to cry about!"


    "Haha, look at them cry! These people really are something else," one of the soldiers said, laughing cruelly.


    "I love it when they''re scared. Makes it more fun later," the other added with a smirk. His lips curled into perverted smile, as his gaze locked into some of the woman in the crowd.


    Their laughter echoed through the cabin, adding another layer of dread to the already harrowing situation. Meanwhile, Zack stood calmly in the cockpit, watching the scene unfold with cold eyes. Little did they know, while they were joking and having fun, a battle had already ended in the cockpit, and the boss they believed was dead was very much alive.


    Meanwhile, the transport plane turned and adjusted its course, heading towards a new destination. "Contact the other plane. Tell them that if they don''t want to be shot down, they better turn around and land in NYC," Zack ordered the two terrified pilots in the cockpit.


    The second transport aircraft, realizing the situation had gone sideways, had already fled the scene. With a speed of less than Mach 1, Zack couldn''t be bothered to give chase. Instead, he instructed the pilots of his plane to use the comms to call the other transport back, saving himself the trouble.


    The two pilots, their faces pale with fear, immediately activated the radio and began calling. After a tense few moments, one of them stammered, "Th-they responded! They said... they''ll follow us and land!"


    The cold wind, biting at over ten degrees below zero, poured in through the shattered windshield, frosting the pilots'' faces and leaving them trembling as they spoke. "Good. Now take us down¡ªit''s not far from here," Zack said coolly.


    Following his orders, the two transport planes descended from the skies, dropping from tens of thousands of meters to just above ground level. They made emergency landings on a clearing outside a steel plant, an area cleared by Zack''s Ant and Spiders. "Not bad flying. Come on, follow me," Zack said, giving the pilots a pat on the shoulder before heading off the plane.


    Truthfully, Zack should have carried them off himself. Both men were bruised and half-frozen, struggling to even stand. Still, they managed to stumble after him. The second transport plane soon followed suit, making its own rough landing. From its cargo hold and cockpit emerged five men¡ªpanicked and unarmed¡ªwho quickly threw up their hands in surrender. With a nervous salute, they stood in a line, their fear written all over their faces.


    "Are there more on this plane?" Zack asked the two frozen pilots he''d helped out earlier.


    "Y-yes, two more," one stammered, teeth chattering.


    Before they could finish their explanation, Zack tossed the pilots onto the grass and strode toward the second plane''s cargo hold. But just as he reached the tail, the hatch suddenly creaked open from inside. "Finally landed, huh?" a voice grumbled. "We agreed¡ªI get to pick at least three of these women!"


    Two men, rifles in hand, stepped out. Their smug expressions froze the moment they saw the scene outside. A mechanical Ant and Spider stood in front of them, flanked by four other ferocious-looking mechanical dog, all aiming heavy machine guns directly at them. The men''s rifles clattered to the ground, one even hitting his own foot in his shock. "Get down here," Zack ordered icily.


    Without hesitation, the two men leapt off the plane, quickly joining the others in a huddled group, hands on their heads. "Come out," Zack said as he stepped into the cargo hold, addressing the terrified women crammed together inside. His tone was calm, but his words carried weight.


    Man and woman, huddled in fear, their eyes wide. Months of chaos in the post-apocalyptic world had stripped away the last remnants of civilization''s order. The strong preyed on the weak, and they had become commodities to be traded or stolen.


    If Zack hadn''t intercepted the planes, these men would''ve taken over these people, turning their lives into unspeakable nightmares. "Where are we?" one of them finally asked, her voice trembling as she found the courage to speak.


    "NYC," Zack replied simply. "Your new home."


    His words hung in the air, followed by a few moments of silence. Then, soft sobs broke out, quickly growing into a wave of relieved, cathartic cries. For the first time in months, they felt something other than fear.


    "Don''t worry, Sir! I will take care all of them," Charles promised. Despite being nearly seventy, his voice was firm. He raised his left arm¡ªnow a custom-built robotic hand Zack had crafted for him. Its nerve conduction technology made it even more flexible than his original limb.


    "There''s no need for special treatment," Zack said with a faint smile. "Just let everyone know they''re free to love who they want."


    Charles chuckled. "Don''t you worry about that! With the Ant and Spiders around, there''s no need to worry about anyone causing trouble."


    Satisfied, Zack gave a nod. "Alright. I''ll leave the rest to you."


    Before departing, Zack had Ego scan the people, selecting three woman who stood out for their skills in cooking and house keeping: Mia, Lily, and Grace. All three were young¡ªbetween 17 and 22¡ªand had survived the horrors of this new world with their spirits intact.


    "Mia Carter, Lily Brooks, Grace Porter," Zack called their names.


    The women hesitated before quietly responding, "Yes."


    "Relax. Follow me," Zack said, leading the way to the Avalon that had landed nearby. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the women trailed nervously behind him, Zack turned to the nine prisoner from the transport planes. "You lot, get over here!" Zack barked.


    "Yes, sir!" The men scrambled to obey, their heads bobbing in submission as they followed Zack into the Avalon.


    Inside, the three women were ushered into the cockpit, while the nine prisoners were shoved into the cargo hold. In less than a few minutes, the Avalon took off, leaving behind the steel plant and carrying its new passengers towards a better¡ªor at least different¡ªfuture.

 Chapter 100: New Type of Army

    Chapter 100 - New Type of ArmyThe Avalon slowly descended in Tribeca, its engines humming softly as it landed in the center of the community. Zack stood nearby, clad in his armor, waiting patiently yet imposingly for the arrival.


    As soon as the Avalon''s engines powered down, Zack stepped forward, activating the rear cabin door. Without missing a beat, he issued a sharp command to the two mechanical dogs at his side. "Take those nine to the biology lab."


    The mechanical dogs sprang into action. Their sound modules emitted low growls that reverberated ominously in the area. The people inside the cargo hold froze in fear, clutching one another in the corner as if trying to become invisible. Their terror mirrored the reactions of someone seeing a cockroach for the first time¡ªshaking, helpless, and unable to act. "If you don''t move, I''ll let them eat you!" Zack''s voice cut through the air with irritation.


    They panicked, their voices a chaotic mix of pleading and trembling protests. "No, please, don''t!" one cried out. "God, help us!" another wailed. But their cries fell on deaf ears as the mechanical dogs herded them out of the Avalon, forcing them forward with relentless determination.


    Tears streamed down their faces as they stumbled into the basement of the biology lab, where they were shoved into individual holding cells. The clanging of metal doors echoed through the space, finalizing their grim confinement. Zack turned to the group of three standing nearby. He noticed the youngest of them, Mia, hesitating with an uncomfortable expression. "Do you feel sorry for them?" Zack''s voice was cold, his tone unwavering.


    "N-No," Mia stammered, shaking her head quickly. Her eyes stayed glued to the floor, unwilling to meet Zack''s towering steel-clad figure.


    "If any of you do, maybe you''d like to share a cell with them. Then you''ll understand," Zack said bluntly, his tone sharp enough to send a chill through the air. "You''ll see who''s really pitiful."


    His words struck a nerve. Mia, Lily, and Grace exchanged uneasy glances as the memory of what those people had done to other girls flashed through their minds. Any trace of pity evaporated as anger and disgust took its place. "Let''s move. I''ll show you where you''ll be working," Zack said, his voice steady but firm as he led the trio toward Mansion No. 9. Before they entered the Mansion, however, Zack stopped in the basement.


    One by one, he implanted microchips into each of them, ensuring they could be tracked and monitored. Only then did he take them upstairs. "From now on, the three of you will handle the cleaning, cooking, and general upkeep of this place," Zack explained as they entered the Mansion.


    The trio''s eyes darted around, landing on Sophia, Erza, and little Annie, who all seemed completely at ease in the homey environment. It was then that Mia and the others realized Zack had meant exactly what he said¡ªthis was actual work, nothing more, nothing less. A wave of relief swept over them.


    "No problem," Mia answered on behalf of the group. They quickly settled into their new roles, adapting to the routines of the Mansion and taking over responsibilities with surprising efficiency. Their cooking, in particular, won unanimous praise after a single meal, even earning the approval of little Annie.


    Sophia, however, was less thrilled. With her responsibilities taken over, she found herself with little to do. Frustration led her to the basement, where she confronted Zack with an uncharacteristic pout. "What am I supposed to do now?"


    "You''ll be a combat unit from now on," Zack said matter-of-factly, not missing a beat. "You''ve proven yourself in the field with MV-01. I''ll design a new suit for you¡ªsomething that''ll let you fight alongside Annie in the future."


    His words immediately brightened Sophia''s mood. She had been waiting for this for a long time, and Zack''s promise felt like vindication. After Sophia left, Zack turned to his AI assistant. "Ego, once the space armor is complete, begin designing a new armor. Focus on containment, support, and medical applications," he instructed.


    In the biology lab, the transformation of Subject No. 5 was underway. The special injection chamber hissed open, releasing thick white steam that slowly dissipated to reveal a hulking figure. Standing over three meters tall, the subject''s massive frame looked as if it had been sculpted from reinforced concrete. Each breath made the thick cords of muscle ripple beneath his pale skin.


    "Subject No. 5: height, 3.54 meters; weight, 725 kilograms," the lab''s automated system announced, displaying the details on a holographic screen. "Muscle density and bone structure far exceed normal human thresholds. Subject has undergone a frontal lobotomy. Neural connections in the prefrontal cortex have been deliberately disrupted, resulting in the elimination of independent thought and self-awareness. Current state: fully compliant and responsive to external control."


    Zack''s gaze shifted to the brain scan projected alongside the subject''s physiological data. It showed a detailed cross-section of the brain, with marked areas in the frontal lobe that had been surgically altered. The procedure, a modernized take on lobotomy, involved the insertion of a fine electrode through a small access point in the skull. Once in place, a controlled electrical current disrupted the neural pathways in the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for decision-making, emotional response, and complex reasoning. By disrupting these pathways, the brain''s capacity for higher-order thinking was effectively shut down, leaving behind a functioning body guided solely by external input.


    This process was safer and more targeted than historical methods, avoiding crude damage to other areas of the brain while achieving the desired outcome. With the frontal lobe no longer influencing behavior, the subject was reduced to a state of instinctual compliance, highly suggestible and devoid of resistance. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack studied the data, his expression unreadable. "He''s ready for chip implantation," he said coolly.


    At his command, four specialized mechanical spiders scuttled forward. Their metallic pincers clamped onto Subject No. 5''s wrists and ankles, securing him firmly to the operating table. A robotic arm descended from above, fitted with an electric drill that bored into the subject''s skull. A nanochip, bristling with delicate filaments, was inserted into the exposed cavity. As soon as the chip was in place, the filaments came alive, intertwining seamlessly with the neural pathways of the subject''s brain.


    Once the chip was connected, the robotic arm sealed the skull with a titanium alloy plate. Subject No. 5 didn''t flinch or struggle, the lobotomy ensuring absolute compliance. The entire operation proceeded without a hitch. "Bring Subject No. 5 online and prepare Subject No. 6," Zack ordered, his tone devoid of emotion.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, the final four experimental subjects completed their transformations. Out of the original nine, only Subject No. 1 had failed, ending in self-destruction. The remaining eight stood tall, their hulking three-meter frames lined up in the laboratory. Their massive, steel-like physiques radiated an overwhelming sense of power, making it impossible to look away. "From now on, you are fearless warriors," Zack declared, his voice steady as he gazed at the row of imposing figures before him.


    Even with his advanced armor, Zack had to tilt his head slightly to meet their unflinching gazes. "Yes, sir!" The eight warriors responded in perfect unison, their voices deep and resounding like a drumbeat.

 Chapter 101: To Space

    Chapter 101 - To SpaceEach one of them had undergone a complete transformation. Their lobotomies, paired with the serum, had erased their original identities, leaving behind nothing human. To call them men would no longer be accurate. Nanochips implanted in their brains gave them not only combat skills but also tactical coordination, functioning as a second brain that allowed them to think¡ªbut only in ways that ensured absolute obedience to Zack''s orders. Killing was their purpose. To die in battle, their honor.


    "Ego," Zack said, turning to his AI assistant. "Use MV-01 as a template and design eight suits of armor tailored to their size. For weapons, skip the extras. Just equip each of them with a chain sword."


    "Understood," Ego replied.


    Zack''s mind flickered to the future as he watched the eight towering warriors stand at attention. Each would soon be clad in exoskeleton armor made from alloy steel, carrying their indestructible saw chain swords. Enhanced by their nanochip-implanted fighting skills and coordinated tactics, they would become a force unlike anything humanity had seen before.


    ''Maybe there''s still hope for humanity after all,'' Zack thought, narrowing his eyes. If this trend continued, perhaps one day he could lead an army of machines and fearless warriors to wipe out the zombie infestation and reclaim Earth from the clutches of the virus.


    But his optimism was short-lived. Zack shook his head, forcing himself back to reality. The threats in the ocean alone could destroy everything he had built. Such lofty dreams were still far off. "Focus on what''s in front of you," he muttered to himself, brushing away the distracting thoughts. "Ego, what''s the status of the space-based weapon module?"


    "It''s nearly complete, sir. It will be ready by 4 a.m. tomorrow," Ego reported. "Also, your new armor is ready."


    "New armor?" Zack asked, momentarily puzzled. Then it clicked. "Oh, you mean project Apex," he said, his impatience returning. "Let''s go. I want to try it out."


    Before leaving the lab, Zack addressed the eight warriors. "Stay here until your armor is ready. Once it''s equipped, we''ll begin deployment." "Yes, sir!" they replied in unison once more, their voices booming with unwavering determination.


    Satisfied, Zack nodded and left the lab. Back at the basement of Mansion No. 9, Zack''s eyes immediately locked onto the sleek new armor on the display rack. Painted in white, gold, and black, the Apex armor stood apart from his other suits. Unlike the other power armor, this one prioritized mobility. Aside from the palm-mounted propulsion pulse cannons, it carried no external weaponry. Instead, it featured an advanced propulsion system, complete with a large thruster backpack on the back.


    The armor''s exterior was layered with thick black, honeycomb-patterned materials designed to resist heat and radiation, making it ideal for space travel. However, this protection came with a trade-off¡ªthe armor''s thickness had been reduced to maintain speed, making it unsuitable for combat. "What''s its theoretical speed?" Zack asked as he examined the sleek design. If it sacrificed so much for speed, it had better deliver.


    "Apex can theoretically reach Mach 8," Ego replied.


    Zack was silent for a moment, taking it in. "Good enough. Let''s see how fast Mach 8 really feels," he said with a grin.


    Once Zack donned the Apex armor, he stepped outside. After running a full system check to ensure all heat-resistant and radiation-proof modules were functioning properly, he couldn''t wait any longer. Activating the thrusters, he launched himself skyward like an arrow fired from a bow.


    The acceleration was unlike anything he''d experienced. The thrusters roared as they propelled him through the air, breaking the sound barrier within seconds. A deafening boom echoed as he climbed higher and faster.


    "Activate the propulsion backpack!" Zack ordered.


    The powerful thrusters on his back flared to life, unleashing an explosive burst of energy that sent him rocketing upward. The G-forces were staggering¡ªenough to knock out a normal human instantly. Even Zack, with his enhanced physique, felt the strain as he pushed through the acceleration. "What''s my speed?" Zack shouted over the roar of the engines.


    "Mach 8.1, sir. You''ve reached the thruster''s endurance limit," Ego reported calmly.


    A wide grin spread across Zack''s face. "This is incredible!"


    The scenery around him blurred as he soared higher, leaving the clouds far behind. Soon, he reached an altitude of 50,000 meters¡ªhigher than the legendary Concorde''s cruising height. Up here, the air was thin, and the Earth''s curve became visible. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack looked around in awe. The bright, unfiltered stars stretched endlessly across the dark expanse of space. No city lights, no pollution¡ªjust the serene beauty of the cosmos. "This view..." Zack murmured, his voice filled with genuine wonder. "It''s something you can never see from the steel jungle below."


    "Sir, we''re still 790 kilometers away from the LSI satellite. That means you''ll get to enjoy this view for a while," Ego quipped, sensing Zack''s good mood and deciding to make a light-hearted joke.


    Unlike ordinary reconnaissance satellites, the LSI satellite operates at a much higher altitude. While it doesn''t reach the dizzying 30,000-kilometer heights of geostationary orbit, it''s still far beyond the usual range. In fact, it''s over a thousand kilometers above the Earth¡ªmore than a million meters!


    But with the Apex suit pushing Mach 8.1, it would take less than ten minutes to climb to such an altitude, breaking into low-Earth orbit with ease. The speed was mind-boggling.


    However, as a sub-orbital suit, the Apex wasn''t capable of achieving escape velocity¡ªthe speed required to break free from Earth''s gravity, approximately 7.9 kilometers per second, or about Mach 23. "Sir, we''re approaching the exosphere," Ego announced.


    "The high-temperature resistance and radiation shielding systems are fully operational. Life support is online!"


    As the Apex suit climbed higher, intense heat built up around it. The friction generated at such speeds was immense, but the suit''s honeycomb-patterned, heat-resistant material easily handled it, keeping the interior unaffected. For several minutes, the searing heat surrounded the suit, glowing like molten metal, until Zack finally breached the atmosphere.


    The blazing temperatures vanished, replaced by intense radiation from space. However, the armor''s shielding system blocked it completely, allowing Zack to continue his journey without harm. "Is that the LSI satellite?" Zack muttered, gazing at the massive structure in awe.


    It was his first time seeing a satellite up close. The intricate design and sheer engineering brilliance made it look like a shining jewel suspended in the void of space. Its solar panels extended outward like luminous wings, reflecting the sunlight brilliantly.


    Zack admired the satellite for a while, then turned his gaze downward to the planet below. From a million meters above, Earth looked tranquil and breathtakingly beautiful, as if untouched by chaos.


    No matter how much humanity tried to destroy itself.


    No matter how rampant the virus had become. For Earth, these struggles were trivial. She remained steadfast, an eternal observer, as countless species rose and fell over time. "Humanity needs Earth, but Earth doesn''t need humanity," Zack murmured, a distant look in his eyes.


    After a long moment of reflection, he exhaled and straightened. "Alright, let''s head back."

 Chapter 102: TItan Armor

    Chapter 102 - TItan ArmorWithout hesitation, he turned the suit downward, beginning his rapid descent toward the planet below. In under ten minutes, Zack was soaring above NYC once more. "Apex''s performance is solid," Zack noted as he landed. "But to transport space-based weapon modules, we''ll need to bring in some professionals."


    Back at his Mansion, Zack removed the Apex armor and poured himself a glass of chlorophyll juice, drinking it in one gulp. "Ego, locate the nearest rocket launch site with a functional launch vehicle," he ordered.


    Moments later, Ego responded, "Sir, I''ve found a suitable base with a ready-to-launch vehicle."


    "Kennedy Rocket Complex, huh?" Zack raised an eyebrow as the holographic display projected an image of the launch vehicle. The sleek design bore the marks of an old but functional private aerospace initiative. He chuckled. "Who''d have thought an abandoned launch facility just outside NYC would still have rockets ready to go? Too bad the virus outbreak left this gem gathering dust." His expression turned serious. "Let''s fix that mistake for them."


    Zack donned his Apex armor and walked out of the Mansion. Along the way, he found Ava and gave her instructions. "Bring a few of the mechanical bugs. We''ve got work to do."


    Two Days Later, At the coastal Kennedy Rocket Complex, Zack''s team was hard at work. Outside the perimeter, mechanical dogs and spider drones systematically cleared away the lingering zombies, ensuring the area was secure.


    Meanwhile, dozens of mechanical fabrication bugs, each varying in size, made their final adjustments to the rocket stationed on the launch pad. The space-based weapon module and four specially modified space-work drones had already been loaded. The rocket was almost ready. Just one more round of testing remained before it could take off.


    In the observation room, Annie leaned against the window, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at the massive rocket in the distance. "Big brother, is that the launch vehicle?" she asked excitedly. Her voice carried the wonder of seeing such a thing for the first time outside of a screen.


    "Yeah," Zack replied with a nod. "You''ll get to see it launch soon." Annie wasn''t alone in the observation room. Sophia, Erza, and even Mia, who had only arrived at the Mansion a few days ago, were there, watching the preparations unfold. Zack had given them permission to witness the launch.


    Dressed in his Apex armor, Zack stood quietly, waiting for Ego''s final report. "Sir, testing is complete. All systems are green. Fueling is finished," Ego''s voice confirmed. "We''re ready to light it up!"


    Zack gave a short nod. "Proceed with ignition."


    In the distance, the rocket''s launch platform began to shift, its structure opening like a hand releasing its grip. Fuel lines and cables detached, retracting into their housings as the countdown began. "Ten... nine... eight..."


    The voices of the base systems echoed through the room, matching the tension in the air. "Three... two... one..."


    "Ignition!" A fiery roar erupted from the rocket''s engines as flames surged from its tail, propelling it upward. The ground trembled with the force of the launch as the vehicle ascended steadily, gaining speed with each passing second.


    Soon, it disappeared from sight, leaving only a long trail of smoke stretching toward the heavens. "Booster separation confirmed," Ego reported. "First-stage rocket detached."


    "Fairing separation complete. The designated orbit has been reached. Second-stage engine shutdown confirmed. Approaching the LSI satellite. Payload separation initiated. Beginning docking procedure..." A pause, then Ego''s voice sounded again, calm and clear. "Docking successful. The module has been connected to the LSI satellite."


    Zack grinned as he prepared to take his turn. "Alright, my turn," he muttered, stepping out of the observation room.


    The thruster on his propulsion backpack roared to life, and in an instant, Zack shot into the sky like an arrow released from a bow. His speed was incredible, almost rivaling that of a rocket at launch, though his propulsion system''s tail-end thrust couldn''t quite match a full-fledged launch vehicle.


    Minutes later, Zack spotted the LSI satellite, now bearing a dramatically altered appearance. The once-symmetrical structure had been upgraded with a massive, space-based module that dwarfed its previous design. "Deploy the space bugs!" Zack commanded.


    Four puppy-sized mechanical space bugs emerged from the oversized module. Unlike standard mechanical units, these bugs were made from advanced high-temperature-resistant and radiation-proof materials. Equipped with multi-directional low-power thrusters, they could maneuver effortlessly in the weightless void of space. "I''ll handle the module connections. You take care of the rest," Zack instructed the bugs.


    He positioned himself beneath the space-based module, unscrewing the hatch to divide the unit into its four main components. One by one, Zack docked the modules onto the LSI satellite. It sounded simple, but for Zack, who was performing space operations for the first time, the task was far from easy. Even with the assistance of the bugs, it took nearly four grueling hours to complete the process.


    When the final module was secured, Zack exhaled deeply and wiped the sweat from his brow. "Phew... More exhausting than fighting zombies," he muttered.


    "Alright, little guys, it''s all up to you now. Do your best," he quipped, activating his propulsion pack. Without a backward glance, Zack descended toward Earth, leaving the smaller parts and final adjustments to the capable space bugs.


    By the time Zack returned to the rocket launch base, Annie and the others had already left. Following Zack''s earlier instructions, they had taken the Avalon back to NYC, accompanied by the mechanical bugs. The base was now eerily quiet, occupied only by a dozen spider drones, a few mechanical dogs, and a single Avalon. "Let the Avalon take off," Zack instructed. "The Ant and Spiders can stay here¡ªthis base might come in handy later."


    "Understood, Sir," replied Ego, his AI assistant. Soon, the Avalon lifted off, ascending smoothly into the sky and heading toward NYC. Zack, however, didn''t wait. He quickly overtook the Avalon with his propulsion pack, reaching the city ahead of it. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Back at his villa, Zack removed the Apex suit and immediately immersed himself in work on his latest project: the Titan Armor. It had been six days since he first outlined the design, and now the armor was no longer just a concept on paper. Several large modules sat on his workbench, showcasing significant progress.


    "No, I need to modify the Avalon before finishing the other modules," Zack muttered, frowning as he reviewed his designs. Unlike traditional heavy deployment systems that rely on external logistics, Zack''s Titan Armor would use a modified System. This approach ensured the armor could be deployed independently, eliminating the need for costly external maintenance or retrieval missions.


    While Zack worked, the streets of NYC were undergoing a transformation. Hundreds of Ant and Spiders patrolled the city, systematically clearing out zombies building by building, street by street. More than thirty workers from the steel mill followed behind, loading zombie corpses onto ten massive trailer trucks. These trucks would then transport the remains outside the city for destruction.

 Chapter 103: Mutated Lord

    Chapter 103 - Mutated LordThanks to this methodical effort, the zombie population was dwindling at a visible pace. Block after block was declared zombie-free. Over a million undead had been eliminated, and supplies were being hauled back to the steel mill and Tribeca by the truckload.


    Survivors encountered during the operation were carefully screened. Young adults and women were moved to the industrial zone, while the elderly, sick, and disabled were taken to the prison. Those found guilty of cannibalism or resisting authority were executed on the spot. With these measures, the population of the industrial zone had swelled to over 1,100 people¡ªmore than 800 women and just over 300 men. Meanwhile, the prison housed more than 300 of the old, weak, and infirm. Under Antonny''s guidance, the prison had started to achieve self-sufficiency. Mechanical dogs protected the area, while prisoners cultivated fields surrounding the facility.


    Surprisingly, despite the apocalyptic circumstances, certain crops managed to thrive in NYC''s urban landscape. Leafy greens like kale and spinach, along with root vegetables such as radishes and carrots, had been carefully cultivated in rooftop gardens and repurposed urban lots. These crops were chosen not only for their adaptability to smaller spaces but also for their short growing cycles and high nutritional value.


    When the autumn harvest arrived, these urban farms would provide a sustainable source of fresh produce. The leafy greens were particularly effective at growing in hydroponic setups inside abandoned skyscrapers, where controlled environments allowed for consistent yields. Root vegetables thrived in shallow soil beds built in repurposed parks and playgrounds, their resilience to variable soil conditions making them ideal for post-apocalyptic farming.


    NYC was rapidly transforming into a massive survivor base. However, its core purpose wasn''t what it seemed¡ªit was essentially a large-scale production hub, churning out resources to serve Zack''s ambitions. Supplies flowed endlessly into his hands, becoming steel armor, Ant and Spiders, bullets, and missiles.As the Ant and Spiders continued their systematic sweep of the city, Zack''s ultimate plan was nearing fruition. Once the city was fully cleared, he could harness its resources and bring his wild vision to life¡ªmoving his base into the sky.


    But just as things seemed to be progressing smoothly, an unexpected development occurred. At the city''s warehouse, a section yet to be cleared by the Ant and Spiders, thousands of zombies of various shapes and sizes had gathered in the warehouse district. The scene was horrifying¡ªmutant zombies were crammed into container-filled warehouses, with Lord spotted throughout the horde.


    They seemed drawn by something. Inside one of the largest warehouses, a thick, unsettling fog lingered in the air. At the center of it all was a grotesque tumor-like structure, resembling a twisted tree trunk, with countless tentacle-like roots stretching in all directions. If Zack were there, he would''ve recognized it instantly. This was no ordinary tumor¡ªit was a high-level zombie embryo, similar to the one he found at the nuclear power plant. However, this one had grown significantly, pulsating with a life of its own. From inside the Sarcoma came a muffled thumping sound, like a heartbeat, and through its translucent surface, a massive humanoid figure, three to four meters tall, could be seen struggling to break free.


    The surrounding zombies were transfixed by the tumor. As if responding to an unspoken command, they clawed and bit at its surface, tearing away chunks of decayed flesh with manic fervor. Meanwhile, a squad of Ant and Spiders arrived near the area, methodically eliminating zombies in the area. The steady crack of machine gun fire filled the air as bullets tore through the undead. When a Ant and Spider ran out of ammo, it would retreat to a supply truck driven by workers, reload, and head back into the fray. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This grueling cycle had been ongoing for days. Ant and Spiders were destroyed, only for reinforcements to arrive and continue the fight. These relentless machines had proven their value over the past two weeks, capable of taking down any type of zombie, even lord, using crossfire tactics and tungsten-core armor-piercing rounds. As the mechanical squad pushed closer to the warehouse, one of the mechanical dogs, equipped with a life detector, scanned the building. It immediately detected thousands of strong biological signals inside. "132XX1, 51XX1: Mutant creature gathering point detected. Requesting fire support."


    The mechanical dog transmitted its findings to the rest of the network. Communication between the machines was seamless¡ªsilent electronic signals exchanged at lightning speed. "Execute tactics. Crossfire bombing. Switch ammunition: armor-piercing rounds."


    The response was swift. The mechanical squad split into two groups. One group moved back to higher ground, securing elevated firing positions and deploying missile launchers. The second group advanced toward the warehouse, switching to tungsten-core bullets. Other nearby Ant and Spiders finished clearing zombies in their sectors and began converging on the area. "Arrived at firepower point. Initiating bombardment."


    Four spiders and a mechanical dog advanced to within 20 meters of the warehouse. As they closed in, a signal was sent. "Missiles ready. Launching now."


    The five Ant and Spiders stationed on the high ground responded instantly, firing a barrage of micro-missiles into the sky. Like blazing arrows, the missiles streaked toward the warehouse''s steel roof. Boom! Boom!


    The first two missiles punched through the roof, creating gaping holes. A second wave of missiles followed, raining destruction into the warehouse below. Boom-boom-boom-boom!


    Explosions ripped through the structure, engulfing it in flames. A massive fireball erupted, reducing the warehouse to a burning inferno. Mutant zombies inside were incinerated or blown apart, their charred remains scattered across the area. "Life signals detected. Engage!"


    Even before the flames died down, the mechanical dog issued the command. The heavy machine guns roared to life, unleashing a relentless torrent of tungsten-core bullets into the blazing wreckage. Through the flames, The Zombie Lord¡ªits body engulfed in fire¡ªlet out a thunderous roar and charged forward. The Ant and Spiders didn''t flinch. Their concentrated gunfire tore through the creature''s defenses, bringing it down before it could close the distance. "The life signal persists! Keep firing!"


    The mechanical dog, still scanning the area, detected multiple strong life signals in the flames. Among them was one signal that blazed brighter than all the others. "Reloading!"


    The five Ant and Spiders closest to the warehouse paused to replenish their ammunition, retreating to supply trucks. Simultaneously, the beasts on the high ground completed their missile reload and launched another devastating volley. Dozens of micro-missiles screamed through the sky, raining down like a hailstorm onto the burning warehouse.


    As the second wave of explosions rocked the area, new figures emerged from the flames. Several Lords and a massive silver-backed zombie roared in defiance, their forms silhouetted against the fire.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The explosions came one after another, shaking the ground and filling the air with thick smoke and the acrid stench of burning chemicals. The warehouse containers caught fire, adding to the chaos as flames climbed higher, consuming everything in their wake. Several fighters, already battered and bruised, couldn''t withstand this relentless bombardment. Their massive bodies were torn apart, leaving behind only scattered, charred remains. Yet, despite the destruction, there was no scent of blood¡ªonly smoke and the bitter tang of burning materials.

 Chapter 104: Air Support

    Chapter 104 - Air SupportAmid the inferno, a hulking figure emerged unscathed. The Mutated Lord¡ªits near-impenetrable physique rendered the micro-missiles almost useless. The relentless assault had only managed to peel away its skin, exposing raw, bloody muscle beneath.


    "Target: Mutated Lord." "Conventional weapons are ineffective. Call for air support!" The mechanical dog, equipped with advanced AI, quickly assessed the situation and transmitted an urgent distress signal.


    Far away in Mansion No. 8 of Tribeca, Ava was carefully tending to her plants, wiping their leaves clean with a tissue. Her communicator buzzed to life in her pocket. Glancing at the screen, she saw a live feed of the Mutated Lord wreaking havoc. Without hesitation, she abandoned her task, tossing the tissue aside, and sprinted to the helipad. Moments later, the Avalon roared to life as she took off, heading down the river toward the area.


    This was second nature to Ava by now. At a moment''s notice, she would leap into action, rushing to battle whenever her Ant and Spiders called for backup. To her, these intimidating machines weren''t just tools of war; they were comrades. "Arriving in two minutes. Make sure you identify targets accurately." Ava''s calm voice carried over the communicator to the mechanical units.


    "Air support inbound. Focus fire and pin the target within the strike zone. Two-minute countdown." At her command, the Ant and Spiders adjusted their tactics. All firepower concentrated on the Mutated Lord, unleashing a relentless barrage.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Micro-missiles streaked through the air, slamming into the creature in rapid succession. Tungsten-core armor-piercing rounds flew like an endless stream, their impact heating the barrels of the machine guns until they glowed red. The rapid gunfire thundered like a pounding drumbeat, carving small chunks into the Dominator''s dense muscles. Although its monstrous body resisted most of the damage, the constant pressure from bullets and explosions gradually began to overwhelm it.


    The Mutated Lord''s movements slowed. Its once-mighty limbs seemed pinned under the unyielding hail of fire. More and more tungsten rounds embedded themselves into its muscle tissue faster than the creature could expel them. Each missile strike tore open new wounds, and its burly frame was soon riddled with craters, resembling the surface of the moon.


    Then, from deep within the blazing warehouse, an earth-shaking roar erupted. "ROAR!!!" The sound was deafening, like a thunderclap. It sent shockwaves rippling through the air, extinguishing flames and scattering burning debris.


    Two drivers, stationed 200 meters away in an ammunition truck, cried out in pain as they clutched their ears. Blood seeped through their fingers, and their faces twisted in agony. "Warning: Detected high-energy biological reaction!"


    The mechanical dog''s alarm blared just as a new figure emerged from the smoldering remains of the warehouse. Standing atop a scorched container was a massive, three-meter-tall creature. Its appearance was eerily similar to Insect, but there was something unsettling in its glowing eyes¡ªsomething intelligent. The creature scanned its surroundings, its gaze filled with curiosity, like a newborn seeing the world for the first time. But this moment of calm didn''t last.


    Click! Click! Click!


    The air filled with the sound of armor-piercing bullets as the Ant and Spiders opened fire. The hail of rounds struck the creature, tearing into its flesh, but it barely flinched. Its defenses were surprisingly weak, even inferior to the original Lord. However, before anyone could capitalize on this vulnerability, the creature let out another enraged roar. Its body began to writhe and transform. Black fibers slithered out from beneath its skin like wriggling snakes, swiftly covering its entire body. These fibers hardened, forming an exoskeleton-like shell that glistened in the firelight.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    The next wave of bullets ricocheted harmlessly off the black armor. While each impact left a small dent, the damage was superficial. Worse, the dents began to vanish as the exoskeleton rapidly regenerated. "Suppressive fire! Keep it pinned!"


    Despite the continued barrage, the creature showed no signs of slowing down. Its movements grew more aggressive as it adapted to the relentless assault. With another furious roar, the creature''s arms began to morph. The black fibers pulsated as its limbs elongated and flattened, transforming into razor-sharp blades. "ROAR!!!"


    The beast crouched low, muscles coiling like a spring. Then, with explosive force, it leapt into the air, soaring like a cannonball. Its landing sent shockwaves through the ground, shaking nearby containers and causing two mechanical spiders to stumble. Before they could recover, the creature struck. Its bladed arms flashed with white light as it swung with devastating speed.


    Slash! Slash!


    The sound of metal slicing through air filled the battlefield, followed by the metallic groans of machines struggling to hold their ground. Two alloy-steel spiders were sliced cleanly in half as if their tough exteriors were made of soft tofu.


    Zzzzzzt!


    The cut surfaces sparked with electricity, each edge smooth as glass¡ªa testament to the incredible sharpness of the creature''s blade-like arms. The absence of explosions made the scene eerily quiet in comparison, a change Zack had implemented after the last massive zombie wave rendered the spiders'' self-destruct mechanism dangerous due to radiation contamination.


    "Tungsten-core armor-piercing bullets are ineffective against the target!"


    "Recalculating..."


    "Chance of breaking through its defenses in melee combat: zero."


    "Retreat! Call for missile cover!"


    The mechanical dogs, powered by AI, quickly reassessed the situation. Recognizing the futility of continuing the fight, they made the logical choice to pull back. While retreating, they signaled the distant mechanical units to launch micro-missiles, creating a fiery barrier to shield the withdrawal of the remaining Ant and Spiders. This calculated move highlighted the stark difference between Ant and Spiders and human soldiers. Machines never panicked, hesitated, or acted impulsively. They prioritized survival and efficiency above all else, making decisions purely based on data.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Micro-missiles streaked through the sky, detonating just behind the retreating Ant and Spiders. The resulting inferno engulfed the area, flames surging upward in a futile attempt to block the monstrous pursuer.


    "ROAR!!!"


    The beast emerged unscathed from the wall of fire, its insect-like exoskeleton shedding flames effortlessly. Explosions and heat seemed to do nothing, and its speed was staggering. Its dark form blurred into a shadowy afterimage as it sprinted after the retreating machines. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In moments, it closed the gap, its bladed arms slicing through the remaining two spiders and the mechanical dog in one fluid motion. Sparks erupted as their bodies were torn into jagged metal scraps, scattering lifelessly across the ground. But the creature didn''t stop. It kept moving, heading toward the towering cranes and distant buildings where more mechanical units were stationed.


    "I''ve arrived above your location. Mark the bombing target!" Ava''s voice came through the communicator as her Avalon roared into view above the area. Flying low along the river, she quickly spotted two primary threats: the battered Mutated Lord and the monstrous, insect-armored beast that had emerged from the carnage.


    The moment she saw the latter attacking the mechanical units, Ava didn''t hesitate. "Target number two is the priority. All units, avoid the strike zone!"

 Chapter 105: Tyrant Beast

    Chapter 105 - Tyrant BeastWith a firm press of the red trigger button on her controls, the Avalon''s cannon fired. Thud-thud-thud-thud!


    30¡Á173 mm depleted armor-piercing rounds rained down like a storm of molten fury. These rounds, tested and proven by Zack, generated temperatures exceeding 6,000 degrees Celsius upon impact¡ªenough to melt all but the thickest ultranium alloy.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The barrage tore through the ground beneath the creature, leaving scorched craters in its wake. The powerful shells hit the armored target with devastating force, sending it hurtling back over ten meters, its massive body rolling across the debris-strewn ground. The once-indestructible black exoskeleton shattered under the relentless assault. Holes punched clean through its body, the exposed tissue melting into steaming liquid that dripped onto the ground.


    "Target number two is down. Switching to target number one." From Ava''s vantage point, the insect-armored creature appeared neutralized. She refocused her aim on the Mutated Lord, locking onto its hulking, bruised form. But before she could fire, something unexpected happened.


    "ROAR!!!" The supposed corpse of target number two let out a furious bellow. Its body convulsed as the fibrous tissue began to writhe and expand. Four meters. Five meters. Six meters.


    In moments, the creature''s size doubled. Its blade-like arms morphed into long, whip-like tentacles, each ending in massive, clawed hands. "What the hell is this?!" Ava''s voice wavered for a split second as the monstrous monster rose to its full, towering height. It roared again, swinging one tentacle-arm upward. The appendage stretched unnaturally, elongating like rubber as it reached for the Avalon.


    "Pull up! Pull up!" Ava yanked the controls, forcing the Avalon into a steep climb. But she wasn''t fast enough. The creature''s claws scraped the underside of the aircraft, leaving five deep gashes in its belly.


    Back at the lab, Zack was immersed in his work when the satellite feed of the area appeared on his monitor. He had set strict protocols for the Ant and Spiders: handle minor threats independently and only report critical situations.


    Now, watching the chaos unfold on-screen, Zack realized this was far from minor. The battlefield had reached full-blown crisis levels. The feed showed Ava engaged in a desperate aerial retreat while the monstrous, mutated Beast wreaked havoc. Sparks, fire, and destruction littered the area as Ant and Spiders fell one by one. The Mutated Lord, still active but severely weakened, lumbered through the wreckage.


    "Sir, an advanced mutant zombie has been detected!" Ego''s calm voice echoed through Zack''s lab, breaking his focus as the satellite feed displayed the chaos at the area.


    "Temporary designation: Tyrant Beast. It''s already destroyed five Ant and Spiders! Ava is on-site with the Avalon but hasn''t been able to neutralize it." As Ego delivered its report, Zack''s eyes remained fixed on the screen. The devastation left by the Tyrant Beast was evident.


    "Sir, the Tyrant Beast''s body demonstrates an extraordinary capacity for rapid adaptive changes, shifting its physiology to match environmental and combat demands," Ego reported. "Current observations indicate several distinct forms. The first, an insect-like exoskeleton, provides formidable defense, withstanding tungsten-core bullets and micro-missiles. However, it was shattered by depleted uranium armor-piercing rounds, indicating some limits to its resilience.


    Another form includes bladed arms, which have been observed slicing through 3-5mm alloy steel with alarming efficiency. Their effectiveness against gold-titanium alloys remains untested, leaving uncertainties about the extent of their cutting power. Its tentacle-whip claws can extend up to 80-100 meters, tipped with razor-sharp claws capable of tearing through alloy steel armor. The range and precision of these appendages suggest a focus on long-range lethality.


    Finally, the creature occasionally assumes a gigantic form, though its purpose remains unclear. It may serve as a reserve for power, intimidation, or unknown offensive capabilities." Ego continued, the data streams pulsing with urgency. "Preliminary analysis also suggests the Tyrant Beast originated from a massive aggregation of mutated zombies at the warehouse


    Zack cut in, his voice cold and firm. "So, this thing... it''s another Sarcoma? Like the other sentient Zombie?"


    "Yes, Sir." Zack''s jaw tightened as he recalled the last time he encountered such a monstrosity. Years ago, he''d found a similar one at a nuclear power plant. He''d destroyed it on sight, never giving it a chance to grow. Yet here it was again¡ªanother Sarcoma, hidden deep within NYC.


    "What''s the difference between this Tyrant and the leader of the last zombie wave?" he asked, his tone sharp. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The leader was a high-level zombie bred from a similar Sarcoma, Sir. However, analysis indicates a social structure among advanced zombies, akin to ants or bees. The leader acts as the ''brain,'' commanding other types of zombies, while the Tyrant Beast appears to function as a specialized combat fighter."


    Zack nodded, the explanation making sense. "Understood. Notify all Ant and Spiders in the city. Climb the tallest nearby buildings and prepare for bombardment."


    Hundreds of Ant and Spiders scattered across the city streets immediately responded to Zack''s command. Their sleek, metal forms moved swiftly through alleys and open roads, heading for high-rise structures near the area. Once in position, they fixed themselves to the rooftops, shedding their back armor to reveal missile nests aimed toward the locatioon.


    Even Ant and Spiders out of range sprinted toward closer buildings, ensuring maximum coverage. Zack''s strategy was clear¡ªstay out of reach while raining destruction from above. "Ego, contact Ava. Tell her to climb higher and prepare for a cloud bomb drop."


    "Sir, the place still contains valuable supplies. Are you sure?" Ego asked cautiously.


    "I didn''t say drop it now," Zack snapped, strapping into the Apex suit. The thrusters roared to life, propelling him out of the Mansion and toward the battlefield.


    Meanwhile, chaos raged on. The Tyrant Beast, now towering at six meters tall, roared as it swung its whip-like claws at Ava''s Avalon.


    Whoosh! Boom!


    Each swipe cracked through the air like a sonic boom, the ends of the claws moving faster than the speed of sound. "Ava here. Gaining altitude as ordered!"


    Without hesitation, Ava pulled the Avalon into a sharp climb, leaving the Tyrant Beast thrashing below. Enraged, the creature turned its attention to the remaining Ant and Spiders scattered around the area. "ROAR!!!" Its hulking frame barreled toward a nearby building, slamming into its side with unstoppable force.


    CRASH!


    The wall crumbled instantly, the entire structure collapsing in a deafening roar of rubble and dust. A mechanical dog stationed on the rooftop fell with the debris but used its balance systems to leap across the falling wreckage. Before it could escape, a massive claw shot out from the dust cloud, wrapping around the mechanical dog and dragging it close.


    CRUNCH!


    The Tyrant Beast''s foot came down hard, crushing the machine into a flattened disk of metal and sparks. Dust swirling around it, the Tyrant Beast let out another ear-splitting roar, its glowing eyes locking onto the remaining Ant and Spiders.


    Meanwhile, hundreds of Ant and Spiders had reached their designated rooftops. Each one was firmly fixed in place, missile nests fully deployed and aimed at the Tyrant Beast''s location. Zack hovered above them in the Apex, his expression cold and resolute. "Fire."

 Chapter 106: Against the Beast

    Chapter 106 - Against the BeastFollowing Zack''s command, the three mechanical dogs stationed at the warehouse leaped from their positions, swiftly marking a triangular strike zone with their beacon systems. Moments later, from high-rise buildings in the distance, hundreds of Ant and Spiders unleashed their firepower. Hundreds of micro-missiles streaked through the night sky like a storm of fiery meteors, lighting up the city as they homed in on the triangular coordinates.


    At the center of this targeted zone stood the Tyrant Beast. It had just crushed one of the mechanical dogs with its massive whip-like claws and was turning to attack another when the missiles struck. The onslaught began. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A torrent of micro-missiles rained down in rapid succession, engulfing the six-meter-tall monster in a fiery inferno. Each explosion was like a hammer blow, the earth itself trembling beneath the relentless barrage. The shockwave tore at the beast''s heavily armored body, while flames licked hungrily at its frame. It was as if the Tyrant Beast had been thrown into a furnace of destruction.


    Nearby, windows shattered as buildings two or three blocks away felt the shockwaves, raining shards of broken glass onto the streets below. "Don''t let up! Keep firing!" Zack barked, his voice sharp. "Ava, angle the cannon and hit the target with everything you''ve got!"


    Ava, piloting the Avalon above, responded immediately. She nosedived the aircraft, and the 30mm Vulcan cannon mounted beneath its hull roared to life. A fiery stream of depleted uranium armor-piercing rounds cascaded down from the sky, striking the triangular target zone with precision. The sheer force of the impact ripped apart the surrounding area, and even the unfortunate mutated Lord caught within the zone couldn''t escape its fury.


    Already weakened and covered in wounds, the mutated Lord was pounded by dozens of projectiles and micro-missiles. With a desperate, guttural roar, it was torn to pieces, its body shredded by the storm of firepower. The bombardment lasted over ten seconds¡ªan eternity in battle. Thousands of micro-missiles and depleted uranium rounds poured into the area, reducing much of the place to blazing ruins. Fires raged uncontrollably, and smoke blackened the skyline.


    The triangular impact zone itself had been obliterated. The Tyrant Beast''s last known location was now marked by a massive crater, large enough to fit a basketball court. Flames roared within the depths, and molten debris glowed red-hot. "Send a dog to check it out," Zack ordered, his tone calm despite the chaos.


    A mechanical dog equipped with a life scanner darted from the building, racing toward the crater. As it approached, the temperature spiked to levels hot enough to melt steel. The concrete had vaporized, replaced by smooth, glass-like soil baked by the intense heat. Streams of molten metal and magma pooled within the crater.


    Radiation from the depleted uranium rounds lingered in the air, wreaking havoc on the dog''s systems. Sparks erupted from its frame as it stumbled, its signal scrambled by the interference. Moments later, the machine collapsed near the edge of the pit. "Forget it. I''ll go myself," Zack said, activating the thrusters on his suit. Jets of plasma erupted from his boots as he descended into the crater. Flames and smoke swirled around him, and the high-tech Apex suit absorbed the brunt of the heat and radiation.


    Zack knelt by the fallen dog, inspecting it briefly. "Radiation fried its components," he muttered. He straightened and began walking toward the pit''s center, his footsteps echoing against the glassy surface of the crater walls. The intense heat had transformed the soil into a brittle, ceramic-like material that cracked beneath his weight.


    "Sir, I''ve detected a weak life signal," Ego, his AI companion, reported.


    "What?" Zack froze, scanning the crater.


    His HUD was useless¡ªinterference from the radiation had rendered most of his systems nonfunctional. Forced to rely on his own eyes, Zack peered into the depths of the pit. Then, he saw it. At the very bottom lay a massive black shell, its surface cracked and steaming. It was a hemisphere, five to six meters in diameter, resembling an enormous, armored turtle shell. Streams of molten magma seeped through the cracks, glowing ominously.


    The life signal was coming from within. "A high-level zombie?" Zack speculated, his jaw tightening.


    Then a chilling thought struck him. "The fittest survive..." he murmured. The Zeta virus was evolving. The idea that it might not be of Earthly origin crept into his mind, unsettling him.


    "Sir! The life signal is intensifying!" Ego''s urgent voice pulled him from his thoughts.


    The black shell began to tremble. Cracks widened as molten lava spilled out, and a deep, guttural roar echoed from within. The Tyrant Beast was still alive¡ªand it was waking up.


    Without hesitation, Zack activated his thrusters and shot away from the pit. He wasn''t about to take unnecessary risks before understanding the full extent of the Tyrant Beast''s abilities. "Ego, lure this thing out of the city," Zack ordered, his tone calm yet decisive. His gaze shifted to Bear Mountain in the distance. "Direct it to Bear Mountain."


    "Understood. Deploying the spiders now," Ego responded smoothly.


    Moments later, the mechanical army''s cannon fodder¡ªthe spiders¡ªbegan mobilizing. "ROAR!"


    A deafening bellow echoed from the blazing pit, loud enough to shake the ground like thunder. The force of the sound sent shockwaves rippling outward, extinguishing the flames and clearing the air of smoke and dust. As the pit came back into view, the massive shell-like structure that had shielded the Tyrant Beast was gone. In its place stood a new form¡ªa towering figure over four meters tall. It was smaller than before but still intimidating.


    The Tyrant Beast''s body now had a crocodile-like texture, with thick, armor-like skin that glowed faintly black in the firelight. It took one slow, deliberate step out of the pit, its movements heavy yet deliberate. It roared again, its glowing eyes locking onto Zack, who hovered in mid-air. Despite its intimidating appearance, Zack could tell the creature wasn''t as strong as it seemed.


    The truth was, the Tyrant Beast wasn''t a single organism but a cluster of countless viral fibers working together. Its ability to change form was both its strength and its weakness. The saturation bombing had destroyed its structure repeatedly, forcing it to adapt in real time. Though it had managed to survive, the damage was clear¡ªits once-massive body had shrunk significantly, and its movements lacked the vigor it once displayed.


    Still, its rage was palpable. Its glowing eyes burned with an unsettling intelligence as it glared at Zack. "Sir, the spiders are in position and engaging the target," Ego reported.


    On the ground below, dozens of spiders lined up, forming a trail from the warehouse to Bear Mountain. The nearest spiders opened fire, unleashing a hailstorm of tungsten-core bullets at the Tyrant Beast. The bullets struck its crocodile-like armor but failed to penetrate. Sparks flew in every direction as the rounds ricocheted harmlessly off its body, adding fuel to the creature''s mounting fury.


    "ROAR!" With a burst of energy, the Tyrant Beast crouched low and leaped into the air, its massive frame slamming down onto one of the spiders. The impact obliterated the mechanical unit, sending its shattered remains flying in all directions. The other spiders didn''t retreat. They continued firing relentlessly, their red-hot barrels almost brushing against the creature''s legs.


    Boom!

 Chapter 107: Tungsen Rod

    Chapter 107 - Tungsen RodThe Tyrant Beast retaliated with a heavy punch, reducing another spider to scrap metal in an instant. Sparks and twisted steel littered the battlefield, yet the remaining spiders kept up the assault. Bullets ricocheted wildly, smashing into streetlights, garbage bins, and nearby structures. The chaos left a trail of destruction as the Tyrant Beast roared and charged forward, black fibers coiling and hardening around its arms until they formed massive, hammer-like weapons.


    With a swing of its new appendages, the creature crushed another spider, flattening its alloy frame into a warped, sparking mess. High above, Zack watched the carnage unfold. His expression remained cold and analytical as the Tyrant Beast methodically tore through the spiders, drawing closer to Bear Mountain with each step. "Send the mechanical dogs to recover the scrap," Zack instructed.


    Despite the destruction, Zack didn''t seem bothered. To him, the loss of the spiders wasn''t significant. "Steel is still steel. Iron is still iron. It can all be melted down and reused."


    Zack''s thoughts drifted for a moment as he observed the battlefield. "It''s time to expand the army," he murmured. The spiders and dogs had been hastily designed during the last wave of the zombie outbreak. Now, he realized the need for stronger, more capable units. "By the way, is the MV-01 armor for the Warrior ready?" Zack asked.


    "Yes, sir. It''s been completed," Ego replied.


    "Deploy it," Zack said, his voice as cold as ever.


    "The Warriors will arrive in twenty-five minutes," Ego confirmed.


    Zack frowned slightly. "That''s cutting it close."


    He said no more, his attention returning to the Tyrant Beast as it smashed through the remaining spiders. The creature was steadily moving away from the city, heading toward Bear Mountain, just as planned.


    As the battle spilled onto the lower slopes of Bear Mountain, a chorus of animalistic roars echoed through the air. The mountain, once home to many species, was now overrun with infected, mutated creatures. Sensing the Tyrant Beast''s presence, they became agitated, their cries creating a deafening cacophony. "Push it to the summit," Zack commanded.


    The remaining spiders obeyed without hesitation. They unleashed another volley of gunfire, forcing the enraged Tyrant Beast to climb higher up the mountain. The Tyrant crushed the last of the spiders beneath its massive claws. Unbeknownst to it, the creature had wandered all the way to the peak of Bear Mountain.


    "Roar?" The Tyrant let out a low growl of confusion. The absence of its mechanical pursuers, combined with its sudden arrival at this strange mountaintop, seemed to puzzle it. Despite being an intelligent zombie, it had only recently separated from its mother body. In truth, it was barely an hour old¡ªa newborn with only its instincts to guide it. While it possessed an innate sense of combat and a sharp awareness of danger, the broader situation eluded its understanding.


    "ROAR!!!" Its guttural cry echoed through the mountains as it dropped to one knee, preparing to leap off the peak. But before it could act¡ª "Fire the laser!" Zack''s calm command rang out, carried by a voice devoid of emotion.


    In an instant, beams of red light lanced through the air from the direction of the Tribeca Steel Plant. The lasers struck the Tyrant dead-on, halting it in its tracks. This was no ordinary defense system; it was laser interception weapon. Designed by Zack himself, it had been modified to target ground threats as well as airborne ones. Zack had always thought it a waste to restrict such power to the skies, so he had made sure it could hit ground targets with surgical precision. Bear Mountain, free of urban obstacles, provided the perfect battlefield for the weapon to display its full potential.


    "ROAR!!!" The Tyrant''s thick, crocodile-like hide withstood the initial assault, the lasers unable to pierce its tough exterior. But the relentless energy beams burned hotter and hotter, eating through its outer defenses layer by layer.


    In desperation, the Tyrant relied on its instincts once again. Black fibers began to spill from its back, weaving rapidly into a dome-like shell of hardened material that encased its body like an armored cocoon.


    "Oh, so you''re trying that trick again..." High above, Zack observed the transformation through his visor, his expression cold and calculating.


    "Ego, activate the space-based weapon system."


    "Understood. Activating now," replied Ego, the AI assistant.


    Thousands of kilometers above the Earth, in low orbit, a satellite quietly came to life. Though not yet fully operational, it was equipped with the essentials Zack needed. Small repair drones, no larger than puppies, detached from the satellite and began to reposition its components. Moments later, the satellite''s space-based weapon module deployed. Its design resembled a mechanical octopus, with thousands of parts unfolding to form a powerful electromagnetic railgun. The weapon locked onto its target: the blue planet below. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a burst of energy, the railgun launched its payload¡ªa tungsten rod. Measuring 30 centimeters thick, over six meters long, and weighing several tons, the projectile was propelled forward at incredible speed, reaching Mach 6 as it exited the satellite. As it hurtled toward the Earth, the rod accelerated under gravity, its speed climbing higher and higher. By the time it breached the atmosphere, it had become a blazing streak of fire in the sky, resembling a meteor as it descended straight toward Bear Mountain.


    "ROAR!!!" Sensing the impending danger, the Tyrant roared again, its voice filled with desperation. The black shell around its body shifted slightly, as though trying to move. But the intense laser beams continued to pin it in place, their searing heat preventing any escape.


    Above, the tungsten rod streaked closer and closer, a burning spear of destruction slicing through the sky. With a deafening boom, it struck the mountain. The impact unleashed a dazzling explosion of light. The black shell that had protected the Tyrant crumbled like brittle paper under the tungsten rod''s immense force. The creature''s body, once a towering monstrosity, was torn apart in an instant. Its fibrous tissue dissolved completely, leaving no trace behind.


    The rod''s momentum didn''t stop there. It drilled deep into the Earth, carving through layers of rock and soil as a massive shockwave erupted outward. Bear Mountain itself couldn''t withstand the force¡ªmost of its structure was obliterated, with thousands of tons of debris flung high into the air. A mushroom cloud of dirt and stone rose into the sky, visible for miles around.


    The shockwaves rippled far beyond the mountain, shaking the entirety of NYC City and the surrounding regions. Windows shattered, buildings trembled, and survivors clung to whatever they could as the earth rumbled beneath their feet. The tremors lasted for several minutes before finally subsiding.

 Chapter 108: Eden

    Chapter 108 - EdenIn the wake of the explosion, NYC notoriety spread like wildfire across the globe. First came Zack''s destruction of the Caribbean base¡ªa display that had already drawn the attention of major factions. But this? The debut of a space-based weapon system was on an entirely different level.


    In a distant survivor base known as Eden, nestled in Europe, a group of high-ranking officials stared at the satellite images in stunned silence. The footage of the tungsten rod''s devastating impact played on a large screen before them. "The think tank has completed their analysis," someone announced, breaking the silence. "It''s confirmed¡ªa space-based weapon. Impact speed reached Mach 31.5."


    "Intercepting something like that would be impossible," muttered a man in a military uniform. His gray beard twitched as he spoke, his voice tinged with unease. A colonel''s insignia gleamed on his shoulder as he tossed a report onto the table.


    "What about the nuclear bunkers?" In the conference room, the first thing on the minds of several senior executives was whether hiding in a nuclear bunker could save them. The tension was palpable, but the blonde woman sitting at the head of the table remained silent.


    "Useless!" A middle-aged man in a military uniform, bearing the rank of colonel, broke the silence. His voice was grim and unyielding. "If a weapon like that hits us, the Garden of Eden will be wiped out instantly! It doesn''t matter how deep you hide in a bunker. That tungsten rod can penetrate hundreds of meters into the ground!"


    The room buzzed with uneasy murmurs. "This base is too big a threat to ignore," declared an older, slightly overweight man, his face set with determination.


    "I propose we strike first! Launch intercontinental nuclear missiles at them!" The man''s voice carried a sense of urgency. Living under the shadow of such a weapon felt unbearable¡ªwho could sleep peacefully knowing that, at any moment, a tungsten rod could rain down from the sky and obliterate them?


    "I second the motion!"


    "If we still intend to save the world, we can''t ignore this threat!"


    Another voice quickly chimed in. Though they claimed to want to "save the world," their true motive was thinly veiled¡ªthey sought to unify it under their control. Even in the apocalypse, these hawks clung to their ambitions of domination.


    "Seconded!" "I agree!" "I object!" "Abstain!" The room descended into chaos as voices overlapped. In the end, more than half the attendees supported the proposal to launch a nuclear strike on NYC.


    As the arguments died down, all eyes turned to the blonde woman at the head of the table. Her silence until now had been unnerving, as her status clearly carried weight. "No bombs will be dropped," she finally said, it wasn''t a suggestion or a vote¡ªit was a decision. The final word on the matter. "Meeting dismissed."


    "But¡ª" the older man began, his frustration boiling over. The woman''s gaze silenced him. Around the room, the others were already standing, collecting their things, and leaving in quiet respect. Realizing he was alone in his protest, the man sighed heavily, grabbed his coat, and left with the others.


    Now alone in the room, the blonde woman stared at the satellite images of NYC still displayed on the large screen. Her expression was unreadable. "I hope you survive this time," she murmured softly, reaching into her pocket to retrieve a small coin-sized device. Placing it on the table, she pressed it.


    A beam of light shot out, forming a holographic image of a figure. "Blackhand, where are you?" she asked, her voice synthesized by the device into a neutral, unidentifiable tone. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not far from NYC , a convoy of vehicles came to a stop. "We''ve arrived at the target area," someone reported, their voice cutting through the radio static.


    At the top of what was once Bear Mountain, Zack descended slowly. His thrusters powered down, and his boots touched the ground. What lay before him was no longer a mountain but a massive crater. The entire peak had been obliterated, leaving behind a concave ring-like formation. The once-proud summit was now a bottomless pit.


    "So this is the power of a space-based weapon..." Zack muttered as he stood on the edge of the crater, staring down at the abyss. His heart was heavy with a mix of awe and realization.


    "Sir, the LSI satellite has sustained severe damage. It may no longer function as a space-based platform," Ego, his AI assistant, reported.


    The reminder snapped Zack out of his thoughts. He frowned but remained calm. "That''s fine," he said with a shrug. "If worse comes to worst, I''ll just build another satellite and send it up myself."


    The LSI satellite, he reflected, had been far from perfect. It had been only half-modified when he forced it into service, and now it was damaged, even knocked off course. "Besides," Zack added, his tone thoughtful, "it''s just a reconnaissance satellite. The platform''s altitude is too low anyway. At just over a thousand kilometers, it can''t unleash the full potential of the weapon."


    He glanced back at the massive crater, his mind racing with possibilities. "This power is nothing compared to what the system could do from a geostationary orbit¡ª35,000 kilometers above Earth. If we dropped a tungsten rod from there..." He didn''t finish the thought, but the implications were clear. A strike from that height could rival a nuclear weapon in destructive force. Flattening mountains would be the least of its capabilities.


    "Let''s move," Zack said, refocusing. "We need to clean up the radioactive contamination at the port and move on to the next phase."


    Just as he prepared to activate his thrusters, a warning flashed across the HUD of his Apex suit. "Incoming missiles detected!"


    Zack''s eyes narrowed. "Intercept them. Now."


    Red beams lanced out from the city''s air defense system, streaking across the sky in brilliant lines. Explosions followed as the lasers tore through the incoming missiles, one after another. Thunderous booms echoed in the distance as the threats vanished from his radar. "It seems someone thought I''d taken heavy losses and wanted to kick me while I was down," Zack said coldly.


    But they had miscalculated. Zack hadn''t suffered any significant damage. His mechanical dogs and spiders were mass-produced, with supplies stockpiled in overwhelming quantities. His arsenal of weapons was vast, his resources seemingly endless. "Ego, locate the missile launch site, let''s see who''s so generous, sending all those big rockets at once!" Zack grinned as he prepared to fire up the propeller and take off.


    Just then¡ª "Sir! Stealth unit detected!" Ego''s alert broke the silence.


    Its life detector had picked up a fast-moving signal in the open field ahead. The signal was faint but unmistakable¡ªsomeone was using stealth technology. "Invisible?" Zack muttered, his instincts kicking in. Without hesitation, he raised his hand and unleashed a full-power palm cannon blast toward the empty space.


    Boom!


    A particle beam shot through the air, illuminating the darkness for a moment. Suddenly, the "empty" space wasn''t empty anymore¡ªa man in black materialized mid-stride, struck directly in the shoulder by the blast.

 Chapter 109: Another Ambush

    Chapter 109 - Another AmbushZack studied him quickly. The man''s outfit resembled something out of a neon warrior flick. Cradled in his arms was a strange cylinder, something that looked suspiciously like the warhead of a missile. "Die!" the man snarled through gritted teeth, clutching his wounded shoulder.


    Before Zack could react, the man flung the cylinder toward the ground. As it hit, the warrior twisted his body and vanished into thin air.


    BOOM!


    The cylinder exploded, sending a wave of electromagnetic microwaves rippling outward in a visible ring. The blast spread rapidly, engulfing Bear Mountain and even reaching half of NYC.


    In an instant, Zack''s mechanical dogs dropped to the ground like puppets with their strings cut. All nearby electronics, from simple gadgets to advanced systems, shut down or were fried beyond repair. "Sir, it''s an electromagnetic pulse bomb," Ego reported calmly.


    Being a system itself, Ego was immune to interference. "Dammit! I forgot about that kind of weapon!" Zack cursed, frustrated with himself. He prided himself on being prepared, yet he hadn''t accounted for this.


    "Sir, no plan is ever perfect," Ego offered, trying to be reassuring. "Even the most meticulous strategies will have flaws."


    "Save it, Ego. How long until the armor''s back online?" Zack''s tone was cold, his frustration boiling over.


    "It''ll take ten minutes to reboot the suit, sir."


    "No time for that. Emergency escape!"


    Without a second thought, Zack reached for the emergency handle on his armor. This was a last-resort mechanism, designed specifically for situations like this.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The handle triggered a series of small, controlled explosions within the armor''s connection points. These micro-charges transferred their kinetic energy to carefully engineered components, allowing the armor to break apart.


    Kakakaka¡ª


    The sound of armor pieces sliding and unlocking filled the air as the back panel opened, freeing Zack from the suit. He stepped out just in time to hear a voice echoing from the base of the mountain.


    "You''d better not move!" Turning toward the sound, Zack saw a squad of black-clad soldiers marching toward him. They were armed to the teeth, and at their center was a hulking figure¡ªa super soldier, easily four or five meters tall, stomping toward him with purpose.


    Behind them, a figure cloaked in black stood watching. The synthetic, mechanical tone of their voice rang out mockingly: "Is that all you''ve got without your armor? What are you even worth now?"


    Zack stood at the edge of the deep pit atop Bear Mountain, his brow furrowing as the words rang in his ears. They sounded oddly familiar, like something from a movie. He smirked and replied, "How about this for an answer: I''ve got super soldiers too."


    As he spoke, the ground trembled beneath heavy, rhythmic footsteps. Dong. Dong. Dong. Emerging from the shadows of the hillside were eight towering figures, each nearly four meters tall.


    These weren''t ordinary soldiers. Their bodies were encased in impossibly thick, fully sealed alloy armor. Unlike Zack''s power armor, theirs had no detachable parts¡ªeverything but the helmet was welded together. This armor wasn''t just protection; it was their permanent prison. With built-in life support and cleaning systems, these warriors could never take off their armor. It would be their grave if they died in battle.


    Even the EMP hadn''t stopped them. Though their systems were fried, the sheer physical strength of these fearless warriors allowed them to move. Dragging hundreds of kilograms of deadweight, they marched forward, their steps unbroken by the interference.


    Boom!


    When they stopped in unison, the sound of their armored boots meeting the ground was deafening. The killing intent they radiated was palpable, like a physical force pressing down on everything around them.


    On the mountainside, a dozen soldiers dressed in black raised their guns simultaneously, aiming straight at Zack. Without hesitation, they pulled the trigger. The five super soldiers accompanying them also quickened their pace, charging toward the mountaintop. To guarantee a kill, the black-clad soldiers were using armor-piercing bullets. However, these were just steel-core rounds. In the post-apocalyptic world, only someone like Zack had the resources to mass-produce tungsten-core armor-piercing bullets.


    The moment the soldiers aimed, even before the gunfire echoed across the mountain, two fearless warriors stepped forward, shielding Zack with their massive steel-plated bodies.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Gunfire erupted. Bullets rained down, slamming into the warriors'' heavy power armor.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    The steel-core bullets ricocheted off the alloy steel like pebbles bouncing off a wall, leaving nothing but faint white marks and surface scratches.


    "Kill!" With a roar, the two fearless warriors held their ground, standing firm to protect Zack. The other six warriors drew their massive chain swords and charged down the mountainside, heading straight for the super soldiers and the black-clad troops.


    Clang, clang, clang! Bullets continued to hit the warriors'' armor, creating a symphony of metallic notes that could stir anyone''s blood.


    "Kill!" "For glory!" The fearless warriors'' battle cries echoed. Their blood boiled with the thrill of combat. Even with the electromagnetic pulse disabling their systems, the nanochips in their brains kept them focused. One thought burned bright in their minds: they would fight for Zack''s will, embracing glorious battle or a glorious death.


    Meanwhile, the super soldiers of the Vanguard Organization roared back. Though unarmed, they charged forward fearlessly, undeterred by the towering armored figures or the chain swords they wielded.


    Boom! Boom!


    The two groups collided with earth-shaking force. Flesh met steel. The impact was thunderous, like war drums signaling chaos. The outcome, however, was clear within seconds. Even burdened by hundreds of kilograms of armor, the fearless warriors'' brute strength proved superior. In the initial clash, three super soldiers were sent flying. One was hurled into the air, crashing into the soldiers behind him and knocking them off their feet.


    "FOR OUR MASTER!!!" With their war cries ringing out, the fearless warriors raised their chain swords high and attacked relentlessly. Although the electromagnetic pulse had disabled the rotating saw teeth, the chain swords themselves, weighing hundreds of kilograms, still became deadly blunt weapons.


    A fearless warrior swung his chain sword with terrifying strength, striking the neck of a super soldier. The alloy teeth of the sword bit into flesh, and with a brutal tug, the warrior turned the weapon into a makeshift hacksaw.


    Squelch!


    Blood sprayed from the severed neck, splattering the warrior''s armor. The sight of the fallen super soldier only drove the fearless warriors into a greater frenzy. The black-clad soldiers, seeing even their super soldiers fall, panicked. They screamed orders in desperation.


    "Shoot them!" "Throw grenades! Grenades!" "No! Aghhh!" But it was no use. The fearless warriors tore through the battlefield like wolves in a flock of sheep. One swing of a chain sword could slice multiple soldiers in half.


    In a particularly gruesome display, two fearless warriors worked together to capture a soldier. One grabbed his arms, the other his legs. With a sickening pull, they tore him apart. Within just ten seconds, the entire team of black-clad soldiers and the five super soldiers accompanying them were obliterated.


    "How is this possible?!" At the foot of the mountain, the cloaked figure known as Black Hand watched the scene unfold, his mechanical voice trembling with disbelief.


    "Their armor shouldn''t even be functional! How can they still fight with such overwhelming strength while dragging that much weight? Could these guys actually be stronger than the organization''s super soldiers?"

 Chapter 110: Monster Transformation

    Chapter 110 - Monster TransformationAnger surged through him, but he quickly forced himself to calm down. He knew this was his one and only chance to eliminate Zack. Failure wasn''t an option¡ªnot if he wanted to stay in the good graces of the organization. "Moon Shadow! Take your team and kill him!" Black Hand barked, glaring at Zack, who stood protected by the two fearless warriors.


    As soon as the words left his mouth, three figures appeared out of nowhere. It was Lillian, the muscular man Verrick, and the Neon Warrior who had previously been injured by Zack''s palm cannon. "Shadow, take Verrick and handle the target," Lillian said coldly, barely sparing a glance at Zack on the mountaintop.


    "Understood!" the Neon Warrior replied sharply, grabbing Verrick''s arm. The two vanished again, using their stealth abilities.


    But stealth wasn''t perfect. As they moved, faint footprints appeared in the dirt¡ªa telltale sign of their approach. "Team Two! Team Three!" Black Hand shouted into his communicator, his mechanical voice cutting through the tension.


    "Don''t attack their base yet. Redirect to Bear Mountain and eliminate the target immediately!" Despite the electromagnetic interference, Black Hand''s communicator was still functional.


    On the mountain, Zack noticed the pair disappear and reappear briefly near Black Hand. He understood their strategy instantly. From the moment Zack was injected with the serum, his strength had been growing steadily. Combined with the power of the nanosuit, his overall capabilities had now reached a level about 12 times that of an ordinary person.


    To put it into perspective, even the fearless warriors were only about 8 to 9 times stronger than the average human. "Ego, launch the nanosuit here with a missile. I''m going to need it for this fight," Zack ordered.


    Despite his already impressive abilities, Zack preferred caution. Wearing the nanosuit would ensure he was ready for whatever came next.


    NYC. Southwest and south of the city, two convoys were moving through the streets. Each was loaded with black-clad soldiers and super soldiers, heading as planned toward NYC City''s industrial zone and Zack''s base camp¡ªTribeca.


    However, their plans changed abruptly when they received orders from Black Hand. "Team Two! Team Three! Don''t attack the base yet! Get to Mountain and kill the target!" The orders were clear, and the convoys didn''t hesitate. Both turned sharply, redirecting toward Bear Mountain.


    Back at Tribeca, the industrial zone and Mansion area were already on high alert. Ego''s warning had triggered attack sirens, which blared relentlessly through both locations. The electromagnetic pulse bomb had only affected a small part of NYC, leaving these areas untouched. "Quick! Get everyone to the defensive line!" "Everyone else, find shelter now!" "Move fast!"


    In the industrial zone, Charles skillfully directed the crowds, organizing thousands of people into a well-ordered defense. The "line" he referred to wasn''t a flimsy wall around the steel plant.


    It was a massive fortress stretching across the entire industrial zone. The defense perimeter consisted of hundreds of factory buildings surrounded by reinforced concrete walls six meters high. Rows of automatic machine gun turrets dotted the top of the walls, and mechanical dogs patrolled every kilometer. With the additional personnel Charles was organizing, the defense could now be considered impenetrable¡ªwithout heavy firepower, even dreaming of breaking through was futile.


    In the Mansion area, the attack alert was met with swift action. "My brother''s in trouble!" Annie exclaimed as the sirens blared. She turned to the others.


    "Sister Sophia, you stay here! Sister Erza and I will go help!" Without waiting for a response, Annie climbed into Tarantual and activated her spider mecha. Erza, dressed in her red combat uniform, joined her. Together, they sped off toward Bear MOuntain. That left Sophia and Mia in the mansion, accompanied by a dozen patrolling mechanical dogs.


    But Sophia wasn''t the type to sit back and hide while others fought. As soon as Annie and Erza left, she went down to the basement. There, she found a dark green-and-black steel suit with sleek, feminine features. This was a armor Zack had specifically built for her. "I can''t keep hiding while everyone else fights! I''m a combat unit too. I can stand alongside them!" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Determined, Sophia stepped onto the platform and began putting on the suit. Meanwhile, at Bear Mountain. Erza and Annie were still on their way when a missile launched from Tribeca streaked across the sky. Its trajectory was clear¡ªit was heading for Zack''s location.


    Unlike a typical missile, this one had its warhead removed. Instead, a black package was strapped to it. "Sir, the nanosuit is here," Ego informed Zack as the missile approached.


    The missile descended rapidly, trailing a bright flame, and landed just a few meters in front of Zack. Without an explosive warhead, it simply crashed into the ground, kicking up a large cloud of dirt. "Well done," Zack said, nodding as he approached the impact site. He retrieved the package from the missile, unfolding it to reveal the nanosuit.


    Just as Zack prepared to put it on, something caught his attention. To his left, on the otherwise empty ground, a series of footprints suddenly appeared¡ªone set deep and the other shallow. The footprints were moving quickly, heading straight for him. "Sir, there''s an invisible¡ª" Ego began to warn, but Zack was already moving.


    With a skillful turn, he swung his fist toward the approaching threat.


    Boom!


    The punch tore through the air with a sharp whistle, landing squarely on the invisible figure. The target¡ªa towering man nearly three meters tall and weighing close to 400 pounds¡ªwas sent flying back over ten meters. The impact was so powerful it created a crater where the man landed, scattering dirt everywhere. "The intel was wrong! The target''s a super¡ª"


    "No! Super soldiers aren''t this strong! He might be a mutant!" The second attacker, the Neon Warrior, panicked. He broke out of invisibility, his confidence clearly shaken.


    "You again," Zack said coldly, his eyes narrowing at the familiar figure. Without wasting a second, he launched into a roundhouse kick. With strength 12 times that of an ordinary human, Zack''s kick sliced through the air with a crackling sound.


    "Idiot!" Sensing the danger, the Neon Warrior quickly tried to draw his katana. But before he could unsheath it¡ª


    Boom!


    The kick landed with devastating force. The impact shattered the Neon Warrior''s raised arm instantly, the bone splintering under the pressure. The shockwave continued into his shoulder, fracturing it as well.


    Crack! Crack!


    The Neon Warrior''s massive frame was hurled backward like a ragdoll, flying farther than the first attacker. He crashed into the ground with bone-crunching force, bounced multiple times, and finally came to a stop half-buried in the dirt.


    The scene was no different from a watermelon being smashed open. Not far away, the burly man Zack had punched was struggling to get up. A fist-shaped dent was clearly visible on his chest.


    "FUCK! I''ll crush you!!" Anger surged through the man as he felt the injuries Zack had inflicted. His massive body, over two meters tall, began to expand rapidly. Thick brown fur sprouted across his skin, fangs jutted from his mouth, and his face pushed forward, morphing grotesquely into that of a bear.


    "ROAR!!!" With a wild, bone-chilling roar, the man completed his transformation into a monstrous brown bear. His new form stood nearly four meters tall on all fours, a hulking force of rage barreling toward Zack.

 Chapter 111: A light Blade?

    Chapter 111 - A light Blade?"You probably wouldn''t even win against my warrior," Zack said calmly, finishing the last adjustment to his dark nanosuit. The sleek suit hugged his form perfectly, leaving him a menacing silhouette. He placed the helmet on his head, activating the suit fully. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "But I decided to deal with you myself. Want to know why?" As the helmet clicked into place, the nanosuit came alive. Countless nanofibers pierced deep into Zack''s body, stimulating his muscles, nerves, and bloodstream. The suit accelerated his blood flow, delivering oxygen to his brain at an unprecedented rate. Every fiber of his being felt like it was on fire, ready to explode with power.


    "Because you pissed me off!" Zack roared, charging forward to meet the oncoming bear. The brown bear lunged at him, its enormous paw sweeping down with crushing force. Zack clenched his fist, the power of the nanosuit amplifying every muscle in his arm. As he swung, he felt the air resist his punch, as if the sheer velocity was trying to hold him back.


    BOOM!


    The sound was like a drumbeat from the heavens. Zack''s fist collided with the bear''s paw, punching straight through it. Blood sprayed as bones shattered. A gaping hole the size of a bowl was left in the bear''s paw, Zack''s fist tearing through it effortlessly.


    CRACK!


    Zack withdrew his fist, fragments of bone flying in all directions along with streams of blood.


    "ROAR!!!" The monstrous bear howled in agony, its towering form stumbling back a few steps. Despite its size and strength, fear flickered in its eyes as it stared at Zack.


    Even though Zack stood only 1.95 meters tall¡ªjust over two meters in the nanosuit¡ªhe was like a titan to the bear. The man-beast, enhanced in both strength and defense, had fur that could withstand armor-piercing bullets. And yet, Zack''s fist had torn through it like paper.


    At the base of the mountain, Black Hand stood frozen in disbelief. Cloaked entirely in black, his mechanical, synthesized voice trembled with frustration. Everything he''d been told about Zack had been wrong.


    The reports were clear: Zack, the leader of NYC City Base, was a tech guy. His strength supposedly came from the exoskeleton suits he designed. His forces consisted entirely of machines, not people. Black Hand had believed every word. He''d even gone so far as to request an electromagnetic pulse bomb specifically to neutralize Zack''s tech.


    But the reality? Zack had human soldiers. Not just any soldiers¡ªsuper soldiers. And there weren''t just one or two; there were eight of them. On top of that, Zack himself wasn''t just a "tech guy." He was an overwhelming powerhouse. "This intel team deserves to be sent to Experimental Site No. 42!" Black Hand snarled, his anger spilling over.


    "Lillian! What are you waiting for? Kill him already!" In his rage, Black Hand seemed to lose all composure, shouting at Lillian, who stood nearby in her combat uniform.


    "Black Hand!" Lillian''s voice was cold as ice. She drew a hilt from her waist, pointing it at him. The hilt had no visible blade, but it was enough to make Black Hand step back instinctively. "I''m not one of your subordinates," she continued, her tone sharp and unforgiving. "Watch your words."


    After a tense pause, she lowered the hilt, her gaze shifting toward Zack on the mountaintop. Her expression was unreadable, but deep inside, she felt something strange¡ªIt was irrational, but she couldn''t help it. Zack''s presence stirred something in her, something she hadn''t felt before. "I''ll kill him," she said, her voice firm yet conflicted. "But after this, you''d better apply for three days of leave for me."


    Without waiting for a response, Lillian dashed toward Bear Mountain, moving with the speed and grace of a predator. The uneven terrain didn''t slow her down at all. To her, it was no different from flat ground.


    Back on Bear Mountain, the massive brown bear¡ªVerrik¡ªwas hesitant. The hole in his paw throbbed with pain, and Zack''s display of strength had shaken him. "ROAR!" He let out a warning roar, its injured paw curling under its body as it crouched low to the ground. With three limbs supporting its massive frame, it slowly began backing away.


    "If you were a real brown bear, I might''ve considered keeping you as a pet," Zack said, his voice laced with mockery as he approached the injured creature. The dark nanosuit clung tightly to his body, its faint hum a testament to its activated power.


    "But it''s a shame¡ªyou''re just a human," he added coldly. Before Zack could close the distance, the sound of rapid footsteps echoed behind him. Lillian had arrived. "Kill it," Zack ordered, not bothering to turn around. Compared to other enemies, Zack preferred fighting large opponents like the brown bear. Their sheer size and power made victories against them all the more satisfying.


    Without another word, Zack dashed toward the brown bear. His movement was so fast that the air around him seemed to ripple.


    BOOM!


    His uppercut landed squarely on the bear''s chin, the force of the blow reverberating like a cannon blast.


    CRACK!


    The sound of bones breaking was sharp and unmistakable.


    "ROAR!" The bear let out a guttural cry of pain as its jaw twisted grotesquely. Broken teeth mixed with blood and saliva fell to the dirt below.


    "Aren''t you here to behead me?" Zack shouted, his voice filled with fury as he launched another punch, this time straight to the bear''s face. The impact sent the massive beast crashing to the ground. It rolled twice before struggling to its feet, swaying unsteadily.


    After several failed attempts to stay upright, the brown bear¡ªVerrik¡ªcollapsed again. His paw was mangled, his jaw shattered, and his skull, one of the hardest parts of his body, was now riddled with cracks. Blood seeped into the dirt around his head as his battered form lay motionless.


    "You''re already done?" Zack sneered, walking toward the fallen creature, ready to deliver the finishing blow. Before he could strike, a heavy crash sounded from behind him. Zack turned sharply to see one of the fearless warriors, nearly four meters tall, topple to the ground. Both of the warrior''s legs had been severed by an invisible blade, and the weight of the powered armor¡ªnearly a ton¡ªcaused the earth to tremble upon impact.


    Standing nearby was Lillian, clad in a sleek black combat suit that accentuated her agility and speed. She moved with the fluidity of water, weaving through the group of fearless warriors with ease, despite their relentless attempts to strike her. The fearless warriors weren''t ordinary fighters. They had injected a serum far superior to the second-rate concoction used by the Vanguard organization. But against Lillian, their speed and reaction time seemed sluggish. She darted around them like a shadow, untouchable.


    The blade in her hand, connected to a seemingly edgeless hilt, glowed faintly with a pale, moonlit light. With a single swing, it cut effortlessly through the warriors'' alloy steel armor, several centimeters thick, as if it were paper. Even their bullet-resistant skin offered no protection against the blade''s deadly glow. "What is that?" Zack murmured, his voice tinged with unease. "A light blade?"

 Chapter 112: A Cold Decision

    Chapter 112 - A Cold DecisionHe watched as Lillian continued her assault, dismantling the fearless warriors with terrifying precision. Although Zack didn''t know the exact nature of her abilities, he couldn''t ignore the possibility that her blade might be able to cut through materials as durable as his nanosuit. "Ego, has the Avalon system rebooted yet?" Zack asked, his tone carrying a hint of urgency.


    The Avalon, piloted by Ava, had been grounded earlier due to the electromagnetic pulse. Thankfully, it had landed smoothly in an open area not far from the mountain. Zack was ready to call for an airstrike to obliterate Lillian and the Black Hand''s forces entirely. Before Ego could respond, its voice came through with a shocking revelation. "Sir... Lillian appears to be Ms. Sophia''s mother."


    Zack froze for a moment, stunned. "Sophia''s mother? That''s impossible," he said, shaking his head.


    He vividly recalled the investigation he''d conducted after the outbreak. The report had concluded that Lillian was last seen in a crowded shopping mall and was presumed dead. "Sir, at the time, the survival rate was estimated at less than 4%. However, there was never definitive evidence of her death," Ego explained in its usual methodical tone.


    "A 4% chance? That''s still next to impossible," Zack muttered. His expression hardened, the cold edge of his personality taking over. "No matter what the odds are, after today, she''ll be dead for sure," Zack said, his tone icy and full of murderous intent.


    Even if Lillian was technically Sophia''s mother¡ªand by extension, his mother-in-law¡ªZack couldn''t afford to show mercy. First, she was clearly try to kill him. Second, her strength posed a direct and serious threat to him, one that he cannot underestimate, a single mistake can cost him his life. Zack were no saint, if the choice is his or the other life he will always choose his first. "Activate stealth mode," Zack commanded.


    The nanosuit shimmered for a moment before blending seamlessly into the environment. Using advanced optical camouflage, Zack became virtually invisible to the naked eye.


    Ego hesitated before speaking again. "Sir, perhaps you could use Ms. Sophia to make Lillian stand down¡ªor even convince her to join you," it suggested cautiously.


    "There''s no need," Zack replied coldly. "Your plan relies entirely on the assumption of an emotional connection between mother and daughter. That''s far too uncertain. Emotions can be clouded by amnesia, manipulation, or even brainwashing. I don''t take risks like that."


    "Understood," Ego replied, falling silent.


    While cloaked in invisibility, Zack silently crept toward Lillian. She was still engaged in a fierce battle with the remaining five fearless warriors, unaware that a much greater threat was closing in. ''Anyway,'' Zack thought coldly justifying his action, ''Sophia already thinks her mother''s dead. I''ll just make it true.''


    The thought was as emotionless as his steady approach. Just as he prepared to strike, a sudden roar of rockets and anti-tank missiles sliced through the air, heading straight for their location.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Explosions erupted in rapid succession, engulfing the area in smoke and fire. "Power amplification mode!" Zack barked, disengaging stealth mode at the last second and activating his nanosuit''s defensive enhancements.


    The shockwaves and shrapnel from the explosions battered him, but the nanosuit absorbed the brunt of the force, bouncing off debris like it was nothing. Zack emerged completely unscathed. "Protect the master!" The fearless warriors reacted immediately. Abandoning their fight with Lillian, they formed a protective wall in front of Zack. Even the warrior whose legs had been severed by Lillian crawled forward, determined to shield Zack with what remained of his body.


    Despite the rockets posing no real threat to Zack, the fearless warriors remained steadfast in their loyalty. In stark contrast, Lillian wasn''t as fortunate. Though her agility and superhuman abilities helped her avoid the brunt of the explosions, she was still only human at her core.


    The moment she sensed the danger, she leaped into the deep crater at the top of Bear Mountain. But her speed wasn''t enough. Rockets landed close by, detonating with devastating force. "Black Hand!" she shouted through gritted teeth, fury boiling in her voice.


    Another explosion sent her flying out of the crater. Her body was riddled with shrapnel, and blood streaked across her combat uniform.


    At the base of Bear Mountain, two heavily armed convoys had come to a halt beside Black Hand. From the vehicles, black-clad soldiers were unleashing a relentless barrage of firepower: grenade launchers, individual rockets, and anti-tank missiles¡ªall aimed at the mountain''s peak.


    Flames roared, and smoke consumed the battlefield, the pungent stench of gunpowder saturating the air. "Don''t stop! Keep firing!" Black Hand screamed, his voice manic.


    To him, casualties didn''t matter¡ªneither Lillian nor his own soldiers. All that mattered was Zack''s death. "Die! All of you, just die!" he raved, his voice echoing like a madman''s mantra.


    Suddenly, two fiery columns several meters thick erupted from the ground like dragons, tearing through the air and heading straight for Black Hand and his forces.


    BOOM!


    The flames consumed several vehicles, their heat so intense that the steel melted instantly. At the same time, a spider-like mecha, its three-meter body glistening in gold-titanium alloy, swung down from above using spider silk, landing directly in front of the black-clad soldiers. The mecha''s occupant, Annie, grinned mischievously. "Bad guys! Let the game begin!" she declared, activating it''s battle¡ªor rather, game¡ªmode.


    On Tarantula''s heads-up display, her enemies transformed into cartoonish villains, complete with exaggerated features and silly animations. "Boom! Headshot! Full score!" Annie exclaimed as she fired Tarantula''s machine guns, gleefully mowing down the cartoon villains on her screen.


    Nearby, Erza joined the fray. Dressed in a custom fireproof combat suit designed by Zack, flames danced on her wrists, their heat reaching over 2,000 degrees. "Let''s see who gets more kills, Annie!" Erza called out with a competitive smirk.


    "Deal!" Annie replied, her voice filled with playful excitement.


    "Alright, let''s add some reinforcements!" Annie tapped a button, and a swarm of drones¡ªhundreds of them¡ªdescended from the skies like a flock of birds.


    "That''s cheating, Annie!" Erza protested with a laugh, but it was too late.


    The drones locked onto their targets with deadly precision, each picking out a soldier or vehicle.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Explosions tore through the black-clad soldiers'' ranks, leaving behind nothing but smoldering wreckage. Entire convoys were wiped out in seconds, and even Black Hand wasn''t spared.


    Two drones targeted him directly, blasting him into the air. His tattered cloak fell away mid-flight, revealing a body of metallic prosthetics instead of flesh. When he hit the ground, his broken remains lay in a gruesome pile of twisted metal and blood. With Black Hand''s forces obliterated, the relentless bombing on Bear Mountain came to an abrupt halt.


    As the flames and smoke began to clear, Zack emerged from the chaos, unharmed. However, the fearless warriors who had shielded him hadn''t fared as well. One warrior, the same who had lost his legs to Lillian, had finally succumbed to his injuries. His power armor had shut down, its self-destruct mechanism activating to burn out the reactor. In the end, his armor became his tomb, and he fell in front of Zack, his final act one of unwavering loyalty. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 113: Finally Meeting

    Chapter 113 - Finally MeetingZack stepped out from behind one of the fearless warriors, his expression unreadable. "Check if there''s anyone left alive," he ordered flatly.


    The battle was over, and the enemy had been annihilated. But Zack wasn''t satisfied. All of this could have been avoided. If only he hadn''t neglected to install anti-EMP devices on the armor, none of this chaos would''ve happened. The fight would have ended long ago, and those who sacrificed themselves could have been spared. "Sir! Watch your back!" Ego''s sudden warning rang in his ears.


    Zack reacted instantly, snatching the chain sword from the nearest fearless warrior. Without even glancing back, he spun around and swung the blade.


    Clang!


    The saw chain sword met a pale, glowing blade of light¡ªand was sliced cleanly in half. The alloy steel stood no chance against the light blade''s devastating edge. Lillian was still alive. Dragging her wounded body, she had launched a surprise attack on Zack. "Boy!" Lillian''s voice was sharp yet oddly charged with emotion. "To be honest, I like your grith," she admitted, her tone laced with grim resolve. "But you must die today!"


    With a twist of her wrist, she swung the light blade in an impossible arc toward Zack. The lack of a physical blade gave her infinite flexibility, making her strikes unpredictable and lethal. "Yeah?" Zack tossed aside the broken chain sword and sidestepped her attack with practiced ease. Stepping into her guard, he unleashed a ferocious punch aimed directly at her lower side¡ªa brutal Liver Punch.


    Bam!


    The blow landed with the force of a hammer, sending Lillian''s lightweight body hurtling through the air. She arced gracefully before crashing heavily onto the mountainside, rolling several times before coming to a stop.


    Bang!


    She coughed violently, blood splattering onto the dirt as she struggled to her feet. "No wonder you took out Verrik with one punch," she gasped between ragged breaths, coughing up more blood. "I didn''t think you''d be stronger than that bear... but it seems I underestimated you."


    Despite her frail appearance, Lillian''s strength was astonishing. Her muscle density far surpassed even Verrik''s monstrous brown bear form. "But this ends now," she spat coldly, her tone turning icy as the faint white light on her blade began to spread. It traveled up her arm, enveloping her entire body in a soft, ethereal glow.


    She now seemed as if she were bathed in moonlight, her luminous figure radiating a deadly beauty. "Die!" Lillian roared, her speed exploding as her body blurred into a streak of light. She charged toward Zack like a shadow under the moon, her light blade poised to strike.


    "Sir! Apex has rebooted! Weapons are online!" Ego''s voice announced as the nanosuit''s systems sprang back to life. Not far away, Zack''s Apex armor roared to life, its weapon systems locking onto Lillian as she sprinted toward him. Hundreds of micro-missiles swiveled into position, targeting her with precision.


    At the same time, the seven remaining fearless warriors, their armor now fully reactivated, surged forward. Their strength and speed amplified by the suit''s systems, they easily matched Lillian''s superhuman movements. "No..." Lillian''s expression shifted as she sensed the rising danger. Her instincts screamed at her, but she had no choice. She pressed on, hoping to reach Zack before she was overwhelmed.


    Suddenly, a flash of black streaked across the sky. A feminine Power Armor, sleek and elegant in design, flew into the air, emitting a faint hum as it hovered above the battlefield. "You bad people! All of you, just die already!" Sophia''s voice echoed from within the suit, her tone fierce and determined.


    Lillian froze mid-charge as Sophia raised her right arm. The armor''s only offensive weapon¡ªa 50mm heavy cannon¡ªactivated with a sharp whine.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    High-explosive grenades rained down in Lillian''s path, forcing her to halt. The successive explosions shook the mountain, sending shockwaves rippling through the battlefield. Sophia''s Power Armor wasn''t built for offense. It was a suit, designed for containment, support, and battlefield first aid. Yet, without hesitation, she had used its only lethal weapon to defend Zack.


    It was an act of both fierce loyalty and familial love. The blasts obstructed Lillian''s advance, but her focus wasn''t on the explosions. Her mind clung to the voice that had just echoed from the armor. "Sophia?!" Lillian whispered in disbelief, her glowing figure trembling as she turned toward the sound.


    Hovering in the air, Sophia froze. Her eyes widened behind the armor''s visor as her gaze locked onto Lillian''s bloodied face. The realization hit her like a truck. "Mom...?" Sophia''s voice faltered, thick with confusion and shock.


    For a moment, everything stopped. Lillian''s glowing blade dimmed slightly, her murderous aura faltering as tears welled up in her eyes. "Well, that changes things," Zack muttered under his breath, watching the emotional standoff unfold. "Ego," he said, his tone resigned, "looks like your suggestion was right after all."


    At the base of the mountain, Black Hand lay in the wreckage of a destroyed vehicle, his broken cloak barely covering the grotesque, half-human, half-machine body beneath. His red, mechanical eyes locked onto Lillian and Sophia on the mountain. His damaged lips moved slightly, though no sound emerged. "Call headquarters. Mission failed. Moon Shadow has rebelled... In order to protect organizational secrets, I request authorization to destroy Moon Shadow... and myself."


    Just moments after the signal was sent, Lillian''s expression changed. Still weak and scarred, she knelt on the bloodied ground, clutching her lower abdomen as fresh blood seeped through her fingers. The damage Zack''s earlier punch had caused¡ªnearly shattering her liver and kidneys¡ªwas catching up to her.


    But it wasn''t just the injuries that brought her to her knees. There was something else, something far heavier weighing on her. "Sophia... so you''re still alive after all..." Lillian murmured with a sad smile as she looked up at Sophia, who was descending rapidly toward her. Her eyes, filled with a deep, motherly affection, softened.


    "Mom!" Sophia cried out as she landed and ran toward her.


    "Internal bleeding detected. Liver and kidneys damaged. Condition is life-threatening. Immediate medical attention required!" the armor''s medical system announced, scanning Lillian''s body.


    "Mom, stop talking! I''ll save you! Just hold on!" Sophia said frantically, activating the medical tools integrated into her armor.


    But Lillian weakly shook her head. She gently cupped Sophia''s face with trembling hands, her gaze filled with love and regret. "I''ve searched for you for so long," she whispered. "I followed your tracks... I even found the gas station... but I couldn''t find you." Her voice cracked, tears welling in her eyes. "They showed me your body. The Vanguard Organization told me you were dead," Lillian continued, her voice trembling. "I believed them. I thought you were gone... I''m so sorry, Sophia... I should''ve looked harder."


    Sophia''s tears streamed down her face as her visor flicked open. "Mom... stop blaming yourself! I''m the one who should be sorry! I never searched for you... I thought you were dead. I¡ªI convinced myself you were gone because I couldn''t handle it!" Sophia sobbed, her voice breaking as she clutched her mother''s hands. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Heart rate spiking! Subject is in critical condition!" the armor''s system blared again.

 Chapter 114: Final Moment

    Chapter 114 - Final MomentSophia quickly wiped her tears and opened her medical kit, desperately trying to stabilize her mother. "Sophia..." Lillian said softly, her voice strained. "You can''t save me. It''s not about the injuries..." Suddenly, her expression shifted, her eyes widening with panic. "You have to go! Now!" she shouted, shoving Sophia away with surprising strength.


    "No! I won''t leave you!" Sophia screamed, trying to reach for her mother again.


    Zack, watching from nearby, noticed the sudden shift in Lillian''s demeanor. His eyes narrowed, and he quickly gave an order: "Ego, take control of the armor and get Sophia out of here. Now!" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sophia''s armor abruptly activated its propellers, lifting her off the ground against her will. "No! Mom!" Sophia cried out in despair as the armor carried her away, her outstretched hand reaching for her mother.


    Lillian turned toward Zack with a faint, bittersweet smile. "No wonder I found you pleasing," she said softly. "Take care of my daughter..."


    Her smile turned sad as a faint red glow appeared in her chest, right over her heart. Zack''s eyes widened in recognition. "A chip..." he muttered, his voice heavy with realization. Lillian nodded faintly. Then, in a flash, the glow intensified.


    BOOM! The explosion tore through the air, leaving a devastating silence in its wake. Lillian''s body was blown apart, her perfect form reduced to fragments. Even in death, her face bore a serene, inexplicable smile.


    "Collect her remains. Prepare for burial," Zack said coldly, his face devoid of emotion. He didn''t dwell on what had just happened¡ªthere was no time for that. He removed his nanosuit and equipped the Apex armor. With a roar of thrusters, he descended the mountain, landing near the burning wreckage where Black Hand lay.


    Black Hand, or what was left of him, sat amidst the flames. His cloak had been burned away, revealing the horrific truth beneath¡ªa body of twisted metal and synthetic organs. Only his head retained a vaguely human appearance, though even that was damaged. His synthetic voice rasped through a damaged speaker. "Hahaha... so you''ve come, Zack..."


    Zack''s gaze hardened as he stepped closer, his armor gleaming in the firelight."Black Hand... or should I call you Gers?" Zack asked, his voice sharp with recognition.


    The half-machine being chuckled darkly. "Ah, so you remember. Gers. Once one of the top five richest men in the world," he said mockingly. "The mobile phone empire I built dominated the world. At its peak, it was worth 2.5 trillion dollars. And yet... I died of an illness. Imagine that."


    "You''re dead," Zack said coldly. "Whatever this is... it ends here."


    "Dead? Hah! In this world, Zack, money can bring even the dead back to life," Gers sneered, his mechanical voice dripping with disdain.


    "Why are you laughing?" Zack asked, grabbing Gers by his mangled remains and lifting him effortlessly.


    "Unless you''ve backed up your mind or figured out some other ridiculous method of resurrection, you''ll die for real today," Zack growled.


    Gers laughed again, his laughter a distorted echo from the speaker in his throat. "I''ve lived long enough," he rasped. "If I can take you down with me, then that''s a fitting end."


    "You don''t even realize the kind of enemy you''ve provoked, Zack. But you will..." Gers''s voice faded into static as Zack crushed the remains of his body. As Gers finished speaking, his laughter echoed through the air, wild and unrestrained. But after a few moments, it abruptly stopped.


    His one remaining human eye bulged unnaturally, glowing red as if wrapped in metal. It twitched violently, and it became clear that something was about to happen. "A control chip again?" Zack muttered, his tone a mix of irritation and disappointment. "Figures this guy wasn''t really a high-level player after all."


    Without hesitation, Zack tossed Gers''s half-mechanical body away like garbage. He didn''t even bother looking back as he walked away.


    BOOM!


    Behind him, the sound of an explosion shook the air as Gers''s body detonated. "Brother! Are you okay?" Annie called out, driving Tarantula toward Zack in a hurry.


    "What could happen to him? He''s tougher than a monkey," Erza muttered, though her worried steps toward Zack betrayed her words. Despite her casual demeanor, the sight of Zack unharmed brought Erza a quiet sense of relief.


    "Alright, alright. Let''s all head back," Zack said without emotion, waving the two girls off. His tone was curt¡ªhe had no time for pleasantries. There was still too much to handle, and he wasn''t about to waste energy.


    "Ego, when clearing the battlefield, make sure to collect tissue samples from the tyrant master. Don''t miss anything," Zack ordered as he walked. "And once we''re back, equip every piece of armor, every Ant and Spider, and every Avalon with anti-interference and anti-magnetic devices." He paused, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "These days, mutants are everywhere. It''s only a matter of time before a another magnetic mutant shows up to ruin my day."


    Zack''s tone was cold and determined. He wouldn''t allow the same mistakes to happen again. This time, he was going to make everything foolproof¡ªno exceptions.


    The next day. In an open field on the outskirts of the industrial zone, a coffin was slowly lowered into a freshly dug grave. Sophia stood nearby, her face pale and haggard. She covered her mouth with trembling hands, muffling the sound of her sobs. It was clear she hadn''t slept all night. "Big Sister Sophia, we''re here," Annie said softly, stepping forward and gently holding one of Sophia''s fingers. Her small voice carried a quiet comfort.


    Erza didn''t say a word. He simply walked up beside Sophia, placing a hand on her shoulder in silent support. Ava was there too, standing off to the side, his expression heavy with grief.


    Even Zack, usually distant and indifferent, had taken time out of his packed schedule to attend the funeral. Dressed in black, he stood silently at the edge of the gathering, his face as unreadable as ever. The coffin was lowered into the grave, and soil was shoveled on top.


    A simple tombstone was erected, bearing the inscription:


    Lillian''s Tomb


    Beloved Mother, and Guiding Light


    "In our hearts, her love forever shines."


    When the funeral concluded, Zack returned to the Mansion. He spent the first part of his day perfecting the Titan Armor he had been working on. After that, he checked the progress on the installation of anti-electromagnetic devices across all equipment. Finally, he walked into the biology lab, alone. "I didn''t expect you to attend my funeral," a woman''s voice echoed from within the lab.

 Chapter 115: Shadow

    Chapter 115 - ShadowIt was Lillian. Her voice came from inside a large tube. Her body, blown apart in the explosion, had been pieced back together, though only a small portion. Her barely functioning brain floated in the liquid, tubes and wires connecting to it. "Sophia must''ve cried a lot, huh?" she added with a soft sigh.


    Zack approached the tube, his expression serious. "I''ll ask you one last time," he said, ignoring her question. His voice was cold and direct. "Are you absolutely sure you want to live like this?"


    Lillian''s face softened as she fell into quiet reflection. "Sophia''s father passed away early," she began after a moment. "The weight of the family business fell on me, and I never had time to be there for her. Even when the apocalypse came, I failed her..."


    "Stop." Zack cut her off, his voice sharp. "You know that''s not what I''m asking," he continued, leaning closer to the tube. "The funeral was perfect. Everyone was there. Sophia believes you''re really gone now. She''s finally accepted your death." Zack''s eyes narrowed. "Why not let it end there? Rest in peace. Do you really want to end up like Gers? What happens if you show up one day, looking like this, and tell Sophia you''re still alive?"


    His words were blunt, cutting through any illusions of hope. Lillian was silent for a long time, her face clouded with emotion. Finally, she spoke, her voice steady despite the tears forming in her eyes. "You''re right," she said softly. "But I still won''t change my mind. No matter what I become, as long as I can protect Sophia... I''ll do it. I''m willing to give up everything for her."


    Zack sighed. "Fine," he said after a pause. "But I''m warning you now," he continued, his tone cold and unyielding. "After the transformation, I''ll have complete control over you. Your thoughts, your actions¡ªeverything will be under my command. My orders will override even your own will." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Theoretically, I could even make you harm Sophia. And you''d do it without hesitation."


    Lillian smiled faintly. "I trust you," she said simply.


    Zack''s brows furrowed, caught off guard by her confidence. "Don''t misunderstand me," she continued. "You may be ruthless on the outside, but you''re kind at heart. You''d never hurt her."


    Zack glanced at the monitor beside the tube, where a scrolling display of her brain''s thoughts was being processed in real-time. "Ahem," Zack said, his expression darkening. "You do know I can see what you''re thinking, right?"


    Lillian froze, "Let''s just get on with it," she muttered, changing the subject quickly. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack shook his head, he slipped on his lab coat. He adjusted his gloves and pushed Lillian''s culture chamber under the robotic arms. Nearby, two shelves were lined with pre-made artificial mechanical organs that looked eerily similar to their human counterparts. "How can you be so sure I can keep you alive?" Zack asked, his tone calm but probing.


    In truth, he wasn''t the one performing the transformation. The real work was handled by the robotic arms overhead and a swarm of nano-mechanical insects designed for delicate procedures. "Do you think I had a choice back then?" Lillian said, forcing a faint smile despite the situation. "But I figured if someone like you can create such advanced exoskeletons, then maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªyou could pull off something like the Vanguard organization and bring me back."


    "Let me make something clear," Zack replied flatly, adjusting the console. "I can''t resurrect people. All I''m doing is salvaging someone who isn''t completely dead."


    As soon as he finished speaking, the robotic arms sprang to life, moving with mechanical precision. Lillian''s eyes flickered with fear as the robotic arms descended toward her. "It''s not too late to change your mind," Zack offered, pausing the process with the press of a button.


    "No! I don''t regret it!" Lillian quickly protested, though her voice wavered. "It''s just..." She hesitated, glancing nervously at the machinery around her. "For such a big procedure, are you sure you don''t want to give me anesthesia first?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably.


    "You won''t feel anything. Your pain-conducting nervous system has already been severed," Zack said, not looking up from the console. "But if you''re scared, I can knock you out."


    "I''m not scared. Just get on with it," Lillian replied, attempting to sound brave.


    "Alright." Zack nodded and resumed the procedure.


    The robotic arms moved again, carefully picking up mechanical components to begin the transformation. As the first tool neared her, Lillian clenched her eyes shut and blurted out, "Okay, I''m scared! Knock me out! Do it now!"


    Zack sighed, pressing a blue button on the console. "You know," he said dryly as she slipped into unconsciousness almost instantly, "the procedure hasn''t even started yet."


    With her finally out cold, Zack''s expression grew serious. "Ego, is it ready?" Zack muttered, focusing entirely on the task at hand.


    "Sir, the foundational blueprints for synthetic human anatomy have been compiled. I''ve integrated existing knowledge of bioengineering and nanotechnology with data extracted from pre-collapse archives. Additionally, extrapolated models from experimental neural-interface research have provided pathways for augmenting brain-machine integration. The synthetic human model relies on three critical components: the neural bridge, the artificial organ network, and the bionic exoskeleton. Shall I detail the construction sequence?"


    "Go on," Zack said, crossing his arms as the holographic display shifted to a three-dimensional schematic.


    "The neural bridge acts as the central interface between Lillian''s organic brain and the mechanical systems. It''s composed of ultra-thin graphene nanowires, which are flexible yet conductive enough to handle the brain''s complex bioelectric signals. These nanowires will connect to the neural nodes implanted in the mechanical body''s core systems."


    "Sounds straightforward so far," Zack muttered.


    "The artificial organ network," Ego continued, "utilizes synthetic mechanical components designed to replicate essential functions. Unlike conventional prosthetics, these organs are modular and equipped with integrated nanomachines to maintain functionality autonomously. Finally, the bionic exoskeleton uses a Ultralium alloy for strength and durability. This material is resistant to corrosion and capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions. The internal framework incorporates shock absorption and kinetic redistribution systems to handle high-impact scenarios."


    "Good, let''s start the process than." Zack ordered. Several hours later, The transformation was nearly complete. The final mechanical component clicked into place, and the lifeless body on the table gleamed under the sterile lab lights.


    Except for the brain, Lillian''s body was now entirely mechanical or synthetic. The cost of the materials alone was astronomical, but Zack didn''t care about the price. There was still one critical piece missing: "Bionic skin ready?" Zack asked.


    "Production complete, sir," Ego replied.


    Zack nodded and removed his gloves, stepping aside to drink a cup of chlorophyll juice while the sterile cabin completed its work. When the notification chimed, Zack placed the empty cup down and walked to the cabin. Through the observation window, he saw the finished product¡ªa perfectly sculpted female body.

 Chapter 116: Don’t Worry

    Chapter 116 - Don''t WorryThe synthetic skin covering it looked flawless, softer and smoother than even the healthiest human skin. If not for the knowledge that it was synthetic, no one would suspect it wasn''t real. However, one detail stood out: the facial features of the body were entirely different from Lillian''s original face. "Subcutaneous bulletproof tissue implanted?" Zack asked as he inspected the synthetic skin.


    "Confirmed," Ego replied.


    "Good. Begin installation." Though the bionic skin appeared fragile, it housed advanced defensive features. In the event of an attack, its sensors would harden specific areas of the skin instantly, providing enough protection to deflect rifle bullets. The system was powered by the Cold Fusion Reactor embedded in Lillian''s heard¡ªa power source strong enough to sustain her new body indefinitely. "At least palladium poisoning won''t be an issue," Zack muttered, watching as the final layers of bionic skin were seamlessly attached.


    A short while later. A lifelike woman sat up on the transformation table, her eyes snapping open as if waking from a long nightmare. Energy from the Cold Fusion Reactor coursed through her artificial body, activating every synthetic organ in perfect harmony. "Ugh..." Lillian groaned softly, her hand instinctively touching her head as she adjusted to her new senses.


    Zack tossed a pile of clothes onto her lap. "Get dressed," he said without emotion.


    "I..." Lillian stared at her hands in disbelief, flexing her fingers as if to confirm they were real. Her gaze moved down to her body, inspecting every inch. "Are you sure I''m a robot?" she asked, her voice filled with shock.


    The reflection staring back at her looked nothing like the half-machine monstrosity she had expected. Instead, her skin was smoother and softer than ever, her body seemingly rejuvenated to its prime. Her appearance now resembled a younger version of herself, as though she had aged backward twenty years. "The sense of touch is still there... the smell too..." she murmured, her disbelief growing. "Disinfectant... I can smell it."


    "Of course," Zack said bluntly, leaning against the console. "It''s synthetic, not magic. You''re still half-robot. You just don''t look like real human."


    Lillian remained silent for a moment, staring at her reflection. After a long pause, she looked up at Zack. "Thank you," she said softly.


    Zack didn''t reply, his focus already shifting to the console, preparing for the next task. Lillian stood up from the transformation table and stretched, adjusting to her new body. Her movements were hesitant at first, but within moments, she seemed comfortable in her new form. Then, her reflection in a nearby polished metal surface caught her attention. "Wait," she said, stepping closer to her reflection and touching her face. "My face... it''s different."


    "Lillian is dead. Buried," Zack said bluntly. "From now on, you''re someone else. You can pick a new name if you want."


    "I know that," she replied, nodding. A change of identity was something she had anticipated¡ªand even hoped for. But that wasn''t her real concern. "That''s not what I mean," she said, narrowing her eyes. "Where did this face come from? It doesn''t feel like me... and it''s a bit too young."


    Zack pointed at a holographic display across the room. "I designed it," he said simply. The screen showed a face-creation system reminiscent of character customization in online games. Lillian approached the display, tilting her head as she examined the digital model of her new appearance. "Well," she said after a long pause, "I have to admit... your taste isn''t bad." She reached out instinctively to touch the hologram, only for her hand to pass through it.


    "Stop admiring yourself," Zack snapped, his tone impatient. "Get over here and see if your powers still work."


    "Yes, sir!" Lillian replied automatically, her voice carrying an odd mix of authority and submission. She froze for a moment, her face puzzled, but her body moved instinctively toward the testing platform.


    "I told you before," Zack reminded her, watching her reaction closely. "After the transformation, you''ll obey my orders unconditionally. How does that feel? Regret it yet?"


    Lillian looked back at him, her expression calm and resolute. "No, I don''t regret it," she said firmly. Her tone left no room for doubt. Then, without warning, she knelt on one knee, lowering her head slightly. "From now on, I''ll protect Sophia from the shadows, no matter what. I''ll do whatever you ask of me," she said with conviction. "From this moment forward, I''ll be your Shadow."


    The testing began. Shadow, as she now called herself, stepped onto the platform. Her right hand transformed seamlessly into a blade, and a faint, pale white light¡ªresembling moonlight¡ªformed along its edge. She turned sharply and swung the blade at an alloy steel pipe with a diameter of five centimeters.


    Screeech!


    The pipe was sliced cleanly in two, the cut surface smooth and precise. After several rounds of testing, Zack observed that Shadow''s powers remained intact. It seemed mutant abilities originated in the brain, not the body. She could generate energy resembling moonlight, which could either coat her weapons or form into constructs like light blades. This energy was unimaginably sharp, capable of cutting through alloy steel with ease.


    Even ultralium alloys, known for their resilience, weren''t entirely immune. While it couldn''t sever them completely, it left deep, damaging cuts¡ªenough to compromise their integrity. "Good thing I didn''t let you get too close in the fight," Zack remarked dryly, watching the test results.


    In their previous encounter, Lillian hadn''t had the chance to attack. Zack had landed a devastating punch before she could even raise her blade. Though her powers were formidable, her physical strength was far below his.


    Even without armor, Zack''s body had a strength index 12.5 times that of an ordinary human¡ªand that number was climbing. His physical capabilities alone made him more powerful than the fearless warriors under his command. But Zack preferred efficiency over theatrics. If a missile could do the job, there was no need to risk hand-to-hand combat. His personal strength was a trump card he rarely needed to play.


    "Aside from the basic life-support systems, your new body has plenty of built-in features," Zack told Shadow as she completed her tests. "You''ll stay in the lab for now and explore your new abilities. Once you''ve adapted, I''ll design a suit for you. Until then, don''t go anywhere." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Understood," Shadow replied, her tone steady. She could feel the immense power surging through her new body with every move she made. The Cold Fusion Reactor embedded in her chest supplied limitless energy, filling her with a sense of strength she had never experienced before.


    As Zack turned to leave, he suddenly paused and glanced back. "One more thing," he said. "From now on, keep your distance from Sophia. Minimize your contact with her as much as possible."


    Shadow nodded without hesitation. "Understood," she replied automatically. Then, after a moment, she added in a softer voice, "Don''t worry. Sophia has finally accepted my death. I won''t disrupt her peace." Her first response was an instinctive obedience to Zack''s command. Her second was a heartfelt promise, born of a mother''s love.

 Chapter 117: New Armor

    Chapter 117 - New ArmorLeaving the biology lab, Zack stepped into the dark night. Outside, in the Mansion area, countless manufacturing bugs worked tirelessly, their glowing outlines moving with purpose. "Ego, how''s the progress on the upgrades?" Zack asked, his tone steady but firm. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sir," Ego''s voice responded immediately, calm and efficient, "all Avalons and armors have been equipped with anti-electromagnetic and anti-magnetic devices. Nearly 70% of the Ant and Spiders have been upgraded as well. The rest are on schedule and expected to be completed by 4 a.m."


    After experiencing the devastating effects of an electromagnetic pulse bomb attack, Zack had issued a strict directive to upgrade all mechanical equipment in the base with anti-electromagnetic and anti-magnetic capabilities. These upgrades would now be the standard for all future creations. "Good," Zack replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. He strolled toward the high wall surrounding the community and looked out at NYC in the distance.


    The skyline, once alive with lights, was now an eerie steel jungle. The high-rises stood in complete darkness, no signs of life or the familiar, haunting roars of zombies¡ªjust an unsettling silence. "Has the city been fully cleared?" Zack asked, breaking the quiet.


    "The port along the river where the Tyrant Beast was last seen was the final area to be cleaned," Ego answered. "With the Tyrant Beast eliminated, the operation has been completed. NYC is now 100% cleared." Ego continued, "Over eight million zombies have been eliminated, their corpses destroyed. During the operation, we lost 21 mechanical dogs and 75 spiders. All recoverable materials from them have been salvaged. Ammunition consumption was significant."


    "Eight million zombies..." Zack muttered, exhaling slowly. "The total population of NYC was about eight million. That means nearly the entire population¡ªclose to 100%¡ªturned into zombies." He shook his head, his expression grim.


    "Starting tomorrow, have the Ant and Spiders patrol the perimeter of NYC around the clock. Prioritize repairing the city''s main power and water supply lines. Deploy manufacturing bugs to assist," Zack instructed, his voice decisive. "Also, install more laser interception devices to ensure the Sky Defense System covers the entire city. Any abandoned or dangerous buildings should be demolished. Recycle any useful materials." He paused briefly before adding, "Oh, and find people with driving experience. Train them to operate construction vehicles. We need a defensive line outside the city."


    Ego''s voice chimed in, "Sir, this is a large-scale project, and we may face a manpower shortage."


    Zack smirked, as if anticipating the concern. "Ego, you''re overthinking this. Building a defensive line doesn''t mean constructing a massive wall. Even the strongest wall can''t hold back a massive zombie horde." He continued, "The goal isn''t to stop a tidal wave of zombies¡ªit''s to manage the day-to-day. Set up sentry towers at regular intervals around the city and equip them with automatic machine guns. They''ll handle stragglers or small groups. If we face a full-blown zombie wave, we''ll take the fight to them with the mechanical army."


    "Understood, Sir. I''ll implement your orders," Ego replied, sending the commands across the city''s systems.


    "That''s all for now." Zack nodded, leaping down from the wall and heading back toward the Mansion. The upgrades to the base were almost complete. Now, it was time to focus on his larger plans.


    The next morning, Zack arrived at the biology lab, carrying a sleek, compact deployment pod. The design was based on his latest advancements in modular exoskeleton systems, incorporating ideas he''d refined after brainstorming improvements late into the night. Most of the credit, however, went to Ego''s assistance in execution. He placed the pod on the table. "Put it on," he instructed.


    Lilian, standing nearby, eyed the compact cylindrical device curiously. "How am I supposed to wear this?"


    Zack gestured toward it. "Press the activation panel on the top, and hold still while it deploys."


    Following his instructions, Lilian pressed the panel. A faint hum resonated as the pod opened, revealing a set of modular armor components housed within. The pieces moved swiftly, guided by internal mechanisms and magnetic locks. They attached themselves to her body with seamless precision, aligning perfectly with her frame.


    The clinking of armor echoed in the lab as a black-and-white exoskeleton emerged around Shadow. The white sections, made of Ultralium alloy, strategically covered vital areas for maximum protection. The more flexible parts¡ªsuch as the joints, waist, and abdomen¡ªwere crafted from a black, nanofiber combat suit. "Wow, it''s so light..." Lilian said, twisting her torso and flexing her arms. "It doesn''t restrict movement at all."


    "Try the helmet next," Zack instructed, his arms crossed.


    The visor fell into place with a crisp click, enclosing Lilian''s head in a sleek helmet. The translucent mask, built using advanced graphene technology, offered incredible protection rivaling that of alloy steel. "Can this armor turn invisible?" Shadow asked as the HUD inside the helmet lit up, revealing the armor''s main functions. Her curiosity sparked as she skimmed through the system interface.


    "Yes," Zack replied with a nod.


    This suit of armor wasn''t built for brute strength or speed enhancements. It didn''t even include weapons. Its design revolved around two key functions: optical invisibility and biological scanning. That''s all Zack needed to give her.


    Lilian herself was the ultimate weapon. Her synthetic body had near-impenetrable defenses, unparalleled speed, and incredible strength. She never tired, and her superhuman capabilities far exceeded anything mechanical enhancements could provide. Giving her invisibility only elevated her potential. Now, with this new feature, Shadow was undoubtedly Zack''s most formidable creation. Not even his Ant and Spiders or other experiments could compare. "Try it," Zack instructed.


    "Yes, Master!" Lilian activated the armor''s stealth mode without hesitation. A faint ripple in the air marked her transformation as her body vanished from sight. The perfect figure, hidden beneath the armor''s sleek design, dissolved into the surroundings.


    Zack watched carefully. The invisibility wasn''t flawless; small distortions in the air and faint traces like footprints could give her away to a trained observer. However, in darkness or low-light environments, Shadow would become a spectral assassin, a terror no one could see coming. "It''s effective," Zack remarked, nodding in approval. Without warning, he extended his hand and grabbed her arm despite her invisibility.


    "The biggest flaw of optical invisibility," he said with a smirk, "is the spatial distortion when moving. It''s subtle but visible if someone knows what to look for."


    Lilian reappeared, kneeling on one knee as she deactivated the stealth mode. "Thank you, Master!" she said, her voice filled with gratitude and reverence.


    "Remember," Zack said, his tone sharp as he turned to leave, "don''t get too close to Sophia." Shadow froze momentarily at his words but didn''t respond. Zack left the lab without looking back, his mind already shifting to the tasks ahead.


    The past two days had been consumed by Shadow''s transformation, delaying Zack''s other plans. But he felt it was worth it. He now had an absolute, loyal killer¡ªa phantom in the night. "With Shadow in my arsenal, I now hold two sharp blades," Zack muttered to himself as he walked toward the basement of Mansion No. 9. He hadn''t forgotten about his other project¡ªthe "dancer." While Shadow was powerful and devoted, the dancer''s "monster" form might still prove useful. "It''s time to put her to work," Zack decided. "Ego, you mentioned Antonny has been stirring up trouble recently?"

 Chapter 118: Goliath

    Chapter 118 - Goliath"Yes, Sir," Ego responded immediately. "Reports from the mechanical dogs indicate that since taking control of the prison, Antonny has been secretly recruiting survivors. He has even tried several times to sabotage the mechanical dogs using zombies."


    Zack sighed. "Typical. Give someone a little power, and they''ll always overreach."


    Antonny had been tolerated up to this point. His minor antics weren''t worth Zack''s attention. But now, he had clearly crossed a line. "Send his picture to the dancer," Zack ordered in a calm, detached tone. The decision to end a life seemed as mundane as deciding what to eat for dinner. With that, he dismissed the matter entirely.


    Reaching the basement, Zack sat down at his workbench. Unfinished schematics from the previous night lay scattered before him. The bold title on the top page caught his eye: Space-Based Integrated Global Strike System. Hours passed as he sketched and calculated, finalizing the preliminary plans for the ambitious project. By the end, a thick stack of blueprints sat neatly in front of him.


    "The Titan Armor will have to wait," Zack muttered. There were simply too many other priorities: managing NYC, expanding the mechanical army, deploying his global strike network, and advancing his fearless warriors.


    "All of these are more pressing than the armor," he decided. He leaned back, tapping his pen thoughtfully against the table. "It''s time to move forward... to create something new."


    The Cold Fusion Reactor, which had served as the cornerstone of his energy systems, was outdated. The problem wasn''t the palladium poisoning¡ªit was the power output. It simply wasn''t enough for his growing ambitions. "If I were to use this reactor for the Titan Armor, I''d need at least 15 reactors just to power its basic functions," Zack mused. "And that doesn''t even account for high-energy weapons like laser cannons. But a new reactor..." sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He let the thought hang in the air. The new reactor should be non-toxic, more efficient, and exponentially more powerful. "Ego," Zack said, breaking his silence, "Any option?"


    "I propose the development of a Singulium Reactor, Sir."


    "Singulium?" Zack leaned forward, intrigued. "What''s that?"


    "It is a theoretical reactor design based on a synthetic superheavy element: Element X-421, which I have designated as ''Singulium.'' This element is theorized to exist in an island of stability within the periodic table, possessing unique properties such as ultra-dense energy storage and near-perfect thermal conductivity. When properly contained, Singulium could act as both the fuel source and the primary energy conductor for a high-output reactor."


    Zack''s brow furrowed. "That sounds promising. How to made it?"


    ""To synthesize Singulium," Ego explained, "a high-energy particle accelerator is required to collide atomic nuclei at velocities approaching 99.99% of the speed of light. The collision will create the conditions necessary for the nuclei to fuse into this superheavy element. Once created, the atoms must be stabilized within a magneto-gravitic containment chamber to prevent immediate decay."


    "Then let''s build one. We have the materials, right?"


    "Yes, Sir. Manufacturing bugs have already been equipped with the necessary blueprints." After Ego finished speaking, the production data was transmitted to the mechanical bugs scattered across NYC. These machines, ranging from small to large, immediately sprang into action. Using their scanning devices, they efficiently gathered the required materials throughout the city. Thanks to the LSI satellite network, every collected material was tracked, ensuring no overlap or waste of effort.


    "It''s going to take a while to get the particle accelerator up and running," Zack muttered, leaning back in his chair. "Let''s deal with the mechanical army next."


    From the thick stack of blueprints beside him, Zack pulled out a few sheets filled with intricate diagrams of mechanical parts. He spread them across the table, and with a flick of his hand, the flat schematics transformed into three-dimensional holographic projections. The room lit up with glowing lines and structures as the mechanical designs hovered before him. "Mechanical dogs and spiders aren''t enough anymore," Zack said, his fingers moving rapidly through the projection. "We need specialized warriors designed solely for killing."


    He worked quickly, deleting redundant designs and refining flawed components. What remained were two entirely new concepts for his mechanical army, each addressing a critical gap. The first design was for an aerial unit. Its sleek frame was compact and aerodynamic, built for speed and maneuverability¡ªa fully autonomous drone optimized for aerial combat.


    In form, the drones were engineered for versatility, with modular systems that allowed for rapid adaptation to different mission requirements. Zack had no intention of using them as expendable cannon fodder. These aerial units would be armed with precision-targeting weaponry, advanced countermeasure systems, and enhanced flight capabilities, making them formidable war machines with unmatched dominance in the air.


    Equipped with cutting-edge propulsion technology and a suite of onboard weapons, these aerial drones would address the mechanical army''s glaring lack of air power. "Of course, there''s a catch..." Zack murmured, studying the material requirements for the project. He clicked his tongue in frustration. "The cost of building one of these is astronomical, as bad as my MV-02 suits."


    The mechanical dogs and spiders relied on hydrogen batteries, but these drones required full Cold Fusion Reactors for power¡ªa massive leap in resource consumption. It was clear these aerial units would have to remain a limited production model. "Start with ten units," Zack decided. "We can''t afford to have no air power, no matter how expensive they are."


    Next, Zack turned his attention to the second design, an earth-shaking behemoth that bordered on madness. If the aerial drones filled a strategic need, this second project was pure overkill¡ªa response to his ongoing obsession with firepower. The design was modular and foldable, compacting into a 3x2-meter rectangular block. When deployed, it expanded into a massive humanoid war machine standing 5.6 meters tall. This Goliath drone was essentially a walking fortress bristling with weapons.


    "More than 20 missile launchers..." Zack mused, scrolling through the specs. "But not micro-missiles. We''re using something with a bit more... punch." Instead of hands, the Goliath featured twin 50mm six-barreled Vulcan cannons, capable of unleashing an insane barrage of firepower. These were not standard machine guns¡ªthey were larger than the main cannons on most fighter jets. Loaded with two types of ammunition¡ª50mm tungsten core armor-piercing rounds and 50mm depleted uranium shells¡ªthe Goliath was designed to annihilate anything in its path.


    The idea was born after Zack''s encounter with the Tyrant Beast. While the mechanical army''s firepower had been sufficient to handle most threats, its inability to deal massive single-target damage had become glaringly obvious. The Goliath was his solution. "Still feels like something''s missing..." Zack muttered, staring at the blueprint. "What about adding an electromagnetic railgun? That should handle single-target penetration."


    Ego hesitated for a moment before responding. "Sir, I believe that''s feasible. The railgun''s electromagnetic coil systems can be integrated into the Goliath''s power core with some modifications to accommodate the recoil and heat dissipation."


    Zack nodded, rolling his shoulders. "Perfect. Let''s do it."

 Chapter 119: ASR

    Chapter 119 - ASRThe railgun design was intricate, requiring the Goliath to deploy stabilizing legs and anchor itself firmly to the ground before firing. The weapon operated by using electromagnetic coils to accelerate a solid metal projectile to hypersonic speeds. When the railgun was activated, high-capacity capacitors released a burst of energy through a series of conductive rails, generating the electromagnetic force needed to launch the projectile. The result was a kinetic strike capable of piercing through even the toughest armor or structures.


    "Now for the endurance problem," Zack muttered as he studied the thermal output from test models. The energy required to fire the railgun generated immense heat, enough to warp lesser materials or compromise the weapon''s integrity. The solution came in the form of ceramic heat sinks and an advanced liquid-metal cooling system. The heat sinks would rapidly absorb thermal energy from the firing mechanism, while the cooling system would pump liquid metal through the rails, dissipating heat into dedicated reservoirs to maintain operational stability.


    Ego chimed in, "The stabilizers and cooling systems will ensure the railgun operates at optimal efficiency. However, firing the weapon requires substantial energy. The Goliath''s fusion core will need to divert power to the railgun during use, limiting its ability to operate other systems simultaneously."


    Zack smirked as he added the final touches to the blueprint. The railgun would fold neatly onto the Goliath''s back when not in use, reducing its profile and maintaining mobility. "That should do it..." Zack said with a satisfied grin. "Build five Goliaths for now. The cost is astronomical, but we need them."


    Even with his satisfaction, Zack couldn''t help but shake his head. The sheer expense of his projects was staggering. Between the aerial drones, the Titans, and the regular maintenance of his mechanical army, the resources of NYC were being pushed to their limits. "If I go ahead with the global strike system too..." Zack trailed off, grimacing. "I''ll burn through everything this city has to offer." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ego chimed in, breaking his train of thought. "Sir, I must remind you that according to your current plan, we need more manufacturing bugs. The existing units can''t keep up."


    "How many do we have now?" Zack asked. He knew the number fluctuated daily as new bugs were produced and old ones were recycled, but he had never paid close attention to the exact figures.


    "There are currently 124 manufacturing bugs," Ego reported, listing the types:


    Make-1 Micro Mechanical Bugs: 21 units


    MK-2 Medium-Sized Bugs: 75 units


    MK-3 Large Bugs: 14 units


    MK-4 Space Work Bugs: 4 units


    MK-5 Nanometer Bugs: 10 units


    "That''s not enough," Zack said flatly. "We''ll need to ramp up production for everything coming down the pipeline. Start manufacturing additional bugs immediately."


    Zack leaned back in his chair, staring at the holographic projections surrounding him. The industrial zone served as the primary source of raw materials, but Zack''s true core productivity came from the hundred-plus mechanical bugs under his control. Their efficiency determined the success of his ambitious plans. "So," Zack said thoughtfully, "we''ll need to optimize their production process. First, redesign the manufacturing steps for the bugs. Create an assembly line to mass-produce the main components, then assemble the parts afterward. This should speed things up."


    He glanced at Ego''s holographic interface. "Contact Charles. Tell him to clear out an empty factory building to focus exclusively on mechanical bug production."


    The foundation of every plan hinged on the manufacturing bugs. Without enough of them, Zack''s grand ideas would remain just that¡ªideas. "While you''re at it, design a batch of larger, heavy-duty manufacturing bugs," he added, a sudden thought striking him. "They need to be at least five meters tall."


    These larger bugs were essential for the next step of his plan: a mobile base. His blueprint wasn''t just for a machine¡ªit was for a flying fortress, a behemoth that would be both a production hub and a war platform. "When this thing is built," Zack said to himself, grinning as he looked at the massive design on the holographic projection, "there won''t be a single place on Earth I can''t reach. Maybe..." He trailed off, chuckling. "Maybe I really could rule the world like some movie Mansionin."


    "Or," Ego interjected, "you could lead humanity out of the apocalypse, like a hero saving the world."


    Zack scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Hero, Mansionin¡ªit''s all the same. In the end, I''ll be the one in charge. Ruling is just another way of saving." He smirked, but his eyes glinted with cold determination. "Enough philosophizing. Right now, I only have one goal for this global strike system: to eliminate my enemies. Quickly. Accurately. Completely."


    His tone hardened as he barked his next command: "Call Lilian. It''s time to uncover everything about the Vanguard organization."


    Not long after, Lilian entered the basement, her black-and-white combat armor gleaming under the dim lights. The translucent visor added an ethereal quality to her presence. "You called for me, Master?" she said calmly.


    Zack didn''t look up. "Have you seen Sophia?"


    "From a distance," Lilian replied. Her tone remained level, but there was a trace of something beneath the surface¡ªconcern, perhaps even guilt. "She looked haggard. She didn''t recognize me."


    Zack''s eyes flicked toward her. "Do you know why I called you here?"


    "Vanguard organization," she answered without hesitation, her sharp intuition cutting to the heart of the matter.


    "Correct," Zack said, shutting off the holographic display and lighting the stack of finished blueprints on the table. The faint smell of burning paper filled the room as he turned his full attention to her. "Tell me everything you know."


    Lilian nodded. "Before the apocalypse, the Vanguard organization operated under a different name: the Frontier Scientific Research and Experimental Group. It was called ASR for short."


    Zack tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "ASR?"


    "Yes. Before the end, I had some dealings with them," she explained, her tone steady. "They were incredibly secretive, but I learned enough to know they were involved in cutting-edge work across multiple fields: machinery, medicine, aviation, biology, energy, and even arms manufacturing."


    Zack''s eyes narrowed. "Hold on," he said, turning to Ego. "Search the downloaded data. Do we have anything on this ASR?"


    After a moment, Ego responded, "Yes, Sir. I found some information in the files retrieved before the network went down."


    Zack leaned forward as the details appeared on a new holographic display:


    Frontier Scientific Research and Experimental Group (ASR):


    Brought together top talents from various industries worldwide.


    Operated in machinery, medicine, aviation, biology, energy, automotive, arms, and other sectors.


    The summary was brief but staggering in its implications.


    "How have I never heard of them before?" Zack muttered, frowning.


    "They operate with extreme discretion," Ego explained. "They avoid any public exposure or media attention."

 Chapter 120: The Organization

    Chapter 120 - The OrganizationZack sighed. Before the apocalypse, his life had been confined to a different social class, far removed from this shadowy elite. "Can you trace the founder of this organization?" he asked, his voice edged with impatience.


    "Apologies, Sir, but I couldn''t find any information about the founder," Ego admitted. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "However, I did find significant financial ties between ASR and several global syndicates, as well as half the individuals on Forbes''s billionaire list."


    Zack''s jaw tightened. "So, they''re tied to the elite and criminal underworld alike," he muttered. "Interesting." Turning back to Lilian, Zack gestured for her to continue. "How did you get involved with them before the apocalypse?"


    "It was during a business negotiation," she said, her voice calm but reflective. "I was meeting with a client, and they brought someone else along. Later, I found out that person was a member of ASR."


    Zack raised an eyebrow. "What did they want? Were they trying to recruit you?"


    "Possibly," Lilian said, tilting her head in thought. "They didn''t say it outright, but they seemed interested in forming a long-term partnership. At the time, I dismissed it as just another business deal." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack leaned back, his mind racing as he pieced together the fragments of information. The Vanguard organization wasn''t just a player in the shadows; it was a kingmaker, pulling strings behind the scenes. And now, in this post-apocalyptic world, it posed a direct threat to his plans. "Ego," Zack said after a moment, his voice sharp, "dig deeper. Pull up anything we can use to find their active members or hidden bases. If they have assets, I want to know about them."


    "Yes, Sir," Ego replied. "I''ll begin compiling the data."


    Turning back to Lilian, Zack''s lips curled into a cold smile. "Good work. Now, it''s time to dismantle this Vanguard organization piece by piece. We''ll start with their visible assets and move from there."


    "Um," Lilian nodded. The voice from her sound-generating device was much younger than her actual voice¡ªlight and sweet, almost childlike. "To be honest, my assets at the time didn''t meet their standards. Most of the people who got in were the ultra-rich, the kind you''d see topping the Forbes rankings," she said, dropping a bombshell. It was hard to imagine that having tens of billions in assets wasn''t enough to qualify.


    "Then why did they still approach you?" Zack asked curiously. But as soon as the question left his mouth, something clicked, and he answered himself. "Wait¡ªit''s because your company is focused on import and export trade!"


    Zack remembered hearing this in the news. Lillian''s Group was well-known for dominating the import-export industry. "Exactly, Master," Lilian confirmed with a nod. "ASR''s main operations are overseas, but they haven''t abandoned the domestic market. From what I know, they didn''t just approach me; they also contacted other wealthy individuals in the country, like the rodschilt."


    "And they all agreed?" Zack asked, surprised. "What''s so special about this Vanguard Organization that makes so many rich people line up to join?"


    "No one said no," Lilian replied with a slight shake of her head. "And there''s a good reason for that. ASR has developed a drug that extends human life and slows aging. It''s not just a promise or an idea¡ªit''s real. Clinical trials have already proven it, but only a handful of people in the world know about it. When ASR representatives approached us, they brought samples of this drug to prove its authenticity."


    Zack frowned. A drug that defied aging? It sounded like something out of a science fiction movie. "But later, I started to have doubts," Lilian said softly. "I began to suspect that the so-called miracle drug we took back then might have been the Zeta virus in disguise. The reason the virus spread worldwide overnight might be because people like us¡ªwealthy elites¡ªconsumed it, thinking it was some kind of elixir."


    "What?!" Zack''s voice rose in shock. "Are you saying the virus was man-made?"


    "No, not necessarily, Master," Lilian said quickly, waving her hands. "It''s just a theory. I''m not certain about it. In the Vanguard Organization, I was only a team captain. My authority was much lower than the Black Hands, and I had no access to the organization''s top secrets. I don''t know for sure where the virus came from."


    Her denial didn''t do much to ease Zack''s growing unease. What she had just said planted a seed of doubt in his mind. "Ego," Zack called out internally, "is there any chance the Zeta virus was artificially created?"


    This question was critical. If the answer was yes, Zack knew he''d stop at nothing to take down this organization,"= even if it meant flattening half the planet. "Sir," Ego responded immediately, "based on the current level of human biotechnology, the probability of the Zeta virus being man-made is zero."


    Zack let out a breath of relief. Ego''s answer wasn''t ambiguous or filled with percentages¡ªit was a definitive zero. "However," Ego continued, "the possibility that the virus is a biological weapon from an alien civilization cannot be ruled out. Theoretically, with a sufficiently advanced level of technology, anything is possible."


    "Aliens, huh?" Zack muttered, shaking his head. "Not my problem for now. Let''s focus on dealing with the Vanguard Organization."


    "How much do you know about their bases and operations?" Zack asked Lilian, turning his attention back to her.


    "Not much, Master," Lilian admitted. "As a team captain, my knowledge is limited. But I do know that the Vanguard Organization has a base in Siberia, another one in the Yangtze River Delta in China, and a branch in Japan, although I don''t know its exact location. There''s also one in Australia," she said, marking the locations on the holographic map Zack had projected.


    For locations she was certain of, she placed precise markers. For others, she drew rough circles to indicate the general area. There were four locations in total¡ªone domestic and three abroad. "As for their internal structure, I don''t have much to offer," Lilian said apologetically. "The organization is incredibly strict about compartmentalization. The headquarters doesn''t contact us directly. Orders come through the Black Hands, and we only hear what''s relevant to our assignments."


    "That''s fine," Zack said with a dismissive wave. "Just knowing their bases is a good start."


    With his anti-electromagnetic devices and mechanical army, Zack wasn''t too concerned. If the Vanguard Organization tried to come after him, they''d regret it. And if they didn''t? Well, once he deployed his global strike system, they''d face their reckoning soon enough. The next morning, sunlight streamed into the third floor of the Mansion, bathing the room in a warm glow. Zack opened his eyes, glanced at the disheveled quilt, and let out a quiet sigh. He got up carefully, slipped on his clothes, and prepared to head downstairs.


    Since Lillian''s death, Sophia had become a completely different person. She clung to Zack like never before, terrified that one day he might leave her behind. "Are you awake?" Sophia''s groggy voice came from behind him just as he was about to leave the room.


    "Yeah. You should rest a bit longer," Zack said softly, pausing in his tracks. His strength was nearly thirteen times that of an average person, but Sophia was just a regular human. The difference between them was overwhelming.


    Maybe it''s time to give them the Super Serum, he thought to himself as he made his way toward the stairs. "By the way, Zack..." Sophia''s hesitant voice stopped him again. "That new girl, Shadow... where did you find her?"

 Chapter 121: Aegis

    Chapter 121 - AegisZack turned slightly, surprised by the question. "The first time I saw her," Sophia continued, "she looked so familiar. It felt like I''d met her before, but I couldn''t figure out why. Her appearance, her body¡ªnone of it matches anyone I can recall, but still..."


    "Her background is similar to Erza''s," Zack explained calmly. "She was from another base before she joined us."


    "Oh, I see," Sophia said, nodding. The explanation seemed to ease her mind, and she decided to drop the matter. Maybe it was just her imagination after all.


    "Alright, take it easy today. Don''t overdo it and risk reopening your wounds," Zack said as he turned to leave.


    Sophia''s face flushed bright red. She pulled the quilt over her head, muttering a muffled, "Okay."


    Zack chuckled, shaking his head, and headed downstairs. After washing up quickly, he grabbed the breakfast prepared by Mia and her team and made his way to the basement. "Ego," Zack said between bites of toast, "did you pick up anything last night?"


    The night before, Shadow also revealed the Asian communication frequency band of the Vanguard Organization, Ego had managed to hack into it within seconds, undetected. Rather than tampering with the band, Ego had simply listened in, gathering what information it could. "Nothing significant, sir," Ego responded. "The frequency had minimal activity last night, and the few communications that took place didn''t reveal anything useful."


    "That''s fine. Keep monitoring it," Zack said, unconcerned. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Right now, the situation was in his favor. He was operating in the shadows while the Vanguard Organization remained exposed. As long as the frequency band stayed active, all of the organization''s movements in Asia were under his watch. "Sir, incoming call¡ªfrom the prison," Ego suddenly announced.


    "The prison?" Zack frowned, then realization dawned on him. "Ah, the dancer must''ve succeeded."


    When Zack answered, an anxious, trembling voice greeted him. "Mr. Jack? Is that you?"


    "It''s me," Zack replied coldly.


    "Mr. Jack, it''s terrible! Antonny... he was killed by a monster! And everyone who was with him¡ªthey''re all dead too! The prison is in chaos... Everyone''s terrified the monster might come back..."


    The voice belonged to an elderly man, and in the background, Zack could hear other panicked voices chiming in. It sounded like the prison''s old, weak, and sickly survivors had found Antonny''s communicator and were desperate for guidance. "Carry on with your usual work. Keep tending the farmland. Don''t worry about the monster. I''ll send someone to handle things," Zack said in an even tone.


    "Understood, Mr. Jack. We trust you! We''ll keep working hard. The crops will be ready for a big harvest this fall!"


    Despite Zack''s rare appearances at the prison, the survivors there were deeply grateful to him. These elders had endured unimaginable hardships in their lives, and Zack was the only one who gave them a chance. In any other base, they would''ve been abandoned, left as zombie bait, or worse, turned into rations. But Zack took them in.


    Out of gratitude, they worked tirelessly, turning the barren land outside the prison into lush farmland filled with fruits, vegetables, and grains. What was once Prison had transformed into something closer to a farm¡ªa granary for Zack''s growing empire."Ego, contact Charles. Tell him to select someone with management experience from the steel mill and send them to the prison," Zack ordered.


    "Understood, sir," Ego replied.


    With the prison issue handled, Zack turned his attention back to the work he hadn''t finished the night before.


    The space-based satellite project was progressing smoothly. The LSI satellite launch base had a ready-to-use launch vehicle, so building the satellite was the only remaining step. The real problem, however, was the flying fotress. A bigger version of Avalon "No matter how I run the simulations, it''s not feasible," Zack muttered to himself.


    Zack blinked in surprise. "Wait, what?" His brow furrowed. "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"


    Ego remained silent for a moment, as if debating how to respond. Finally, it answered. "Sir, based on the current situation, I recommend the Aegis-Class Aerial Command Platform. Its modular design would better suit your current resources and strategic goals."


    A 3D holographic model of the platform appeared on the screen in front of Zack. The stats were staggering. The craft was massive, with a fuselage length of 90 meters and a wingspan of 100 meters¡ªlarger than the world''s biggest aircraft. When parked, it occupied an area equivalent to several football fields.


    "Aegis-Class?" Zack tilted his head, studying the model. "This looks like an oversized Avalon, doesn''t it?"


    He scanned through the details and quickly realized how impressive the design was. At first glance, the Aegis-Class did look like a scaled-up aerial unit, but its purpose was far more advanced. It wasn''t just a transport vehicle¡ªit was a full-fledged aerial combat and command platform, capable of coordinating ground and air operations from the sky. Its advanced modular bays allowed it to dock, repair, and deploy smaller aerial units, making it indispensable for large-scale campaigns.


    Unlike a stationary base or ocean-bound carrier, the Aegis-Class offered unparalleled versatility. It could remain airborne for extended periods and operate independently, even in hostile environments. The more Zack read, the clearer it became. Building a massive fortress in the sky right now would be impractical¡ªits resource requirements and vulnerabilities outweighed its benefits. The Aegis-Class, however, was adaptable and efficient, meeting his needs without draining his territory''s resources. "What''s its maximum flight speed... Mach 5?!" Zack''s eyes widened. "You''re telling me this giant thing is supersonic?"


    For a plane with a maximum payload of 300 tons and a takeoff weight of 840 tons, a top speed of Mach 5 was mind-blowing. It was like imagining an elephant soaring through the skies, "This is it! We''re building Aegis Class," Zack declared, his excitement reignited.


    "Understood, sir. Construction of Aegis will commence immediately," Ego replied.


    The planned construction site at the port was swiftly abandoned in favor of NYC Airport. Supplies and materials were redirected, and work began at once. "Sir, if you''re building Aegis, I recommend designing a dedicated Avalon fighter," Ego suggested.


    Zack nodded, already intrigued. As an aerial command platform, Aegis wasn''t just a standalone vehicle. Its design included a docking station for a Avalon on its back¡ªa "parent-child" structure. Aegis acted as the mother vessel, while the smaller Avalon could dock, deploy, and return after missions. "It''s a clever design," Zack mused, admiring the concept. "But it''s a shame it can only carry one Avalon at a time."


    This limitation was why Ego had proposed designing a new fighter. "That shouldn''t be too hard," Zack said, pulling up a 3D holographic model of the Avalon. "Its current design leans too heavily on transportation, which affects its aerodynamics and speed. We''ll fix that."


    Zack got to work, reshaping the Avalon''s design. He stripped away unnecessary bulk, streamlined the frame for combat, and added a flatter, sleeker profile. He tweaked the propulsion system to boost speed, reworked the weapon placements, and adjusted the materials for better durability without sacrificing maneuverability. The end result was a completely transformed Avalon. Its new design resembled a flat blade, sharp and agile. From the side, it looked like a peregrine falcon diving at high speed. "Ego, what are the simulation results?" Zack asked, studying the holographic model.

 Chapter 122: Tianri Base

    Chapter 122 - Tianri BaseEgo responded promptly. "Sir, the simulations indicate that this fighter''s maximum speed could reach Mach 6 to 7."


    "That''s more than enough," Zack said, satisfied. "Any faster, and we''d run into material limitations."


    To achieve Mach 6, Zack had already incorporated a Ultralium alloy into the fighter''s shell. Further improvements would require replacing the entire frame with the alloy¡ªan expense even he wasn''t willing to shoulder. "Alright, the design''s good to go. Start production, Avalon F-2" Zack ordered.


    With that, he deleted all related files, drawings, and holographic archives. There was no need to keep them once the manufacturing process began. Time passed quietly. Three days later, NYC was unrecognizable, transformed into a fortress of progress and security.


    Outside the city, a network of sentry towers had been constructed. Each tower operated on an independent power supply and was equipped with highly sensitive optical sensors. The moment a zombie was detected approaching the city, the towers'' automated machine gun turrets¡ªfitted with silencers¡ªsprang into action, neutralizing the threat. Stray zombies and even small hordes couldn''t make it within a hundred meters of the city. For several days now, no zombies had been spotted near NYC.


    If the struggling survivors outside could see this scene, they would likely be torn between envy and disbelief. Compared to the desolate outskirts, the changes inside the city were even more dramatic. Inside NYC, countless dilapidated buildings had been demolished. Construction vehicles rumbled along the cleared roads, hauling away debris. Materials that could be salvaged were recycled, and the rest was transported out.


    The city''s water and electricity had been restored. Streetlights illuminated the night, powered by a small Cold Fusion Reactor that provided energy to the entire city. NYC felt alive again. Each day, a fleet of trucks and dump trucks transported enormous quantities of resources to two major construction sites.


    The first was the industrial zone, where production was in full swing. The second was JFK International Airport, Zack''s newly planned hub for his ambitious projects. This was where Aegis, space-based satellites, Titan-class machines, and other large-scale projects were being constructed. In the industrial zone, the bug manufacturing plant had been operational for two days. Dozens of manufacturing bugs were being produced daily, exponentially boosting productivity.


    This rapid development, however, came at a cost. The city''s resources were being consumed at an alarming rate, far faster than Zack had anticipated. But to him, it was worth every ounce of material. At sunrise on the fourth day, four Avalon transport aircraft lifted off from NYC City International Airport. Each carried a completed space-based satellite module, heading across to the Rocket Launch Center.


    While NYC was evolving rapidly, Zack had been taking it easy in his Mansion. Since the last battle, Sophia had grown increasingly aware of the vast power gap between her and Zack. Determined to bridge that gap, she had enlisted help over the past two days. Unfortunately, all her attempts had ended in miserable failure.


    As the Avalons soared toward the rocket base, Zack reclined on a sun lounger, basking in the sunlight and admiring the girls training nearby. Sophia, as always, was flawless. But what caught Zack''s attention were the surprising capabilities of two of the newcomers, Lily and Grace. Lily, in particular, was exceptional. The youngest, Mia, however, was a different story. At 17 years old, her performance was reminiscent of Annie''s at 13¡ªuncoordinated and clumsy. Of course, Erza still held the title of champion, her skills unmatched.


    "Sir, the space-based satellite module has been delivered to the Launch Center," Ego''s voice chimed in, cutting through Zack''s leisurely observations.


    "Already?" Zack raised an eyebrow, then muttered with a wry smile, "I guess time really move faster at holliday." With that thought, Zack shook off his laziness and switched to work mode. "Playtime''s over," he announced, waving a hand before vanishing from sight.


    To the girls, Zack''s disappearance was instantaneous, a blur too fast to follow¡ªexcept for Annie, whose enhanced vision caught the motion. When Zack reached the basement, he called out, "Ego, is the high-energy particle accelerator almost ready?"


    "Expected to be operational this afternoon, sir," Ego replied.


    "Perfect. Once the satellite is in orbit, we''ll start synthesizing new elements and build the Singulium Reactor " As he spoke, Zack donned his Apex armor. The suit''s thrusters roared to life, and in a flash, he shot out of the basement garage, leaving a deafening sonic boom in his wake. Hours later, at the Launch Center, the final preparations were complete.


    The last operational launch vehicle had been secured on the pad, its payload replaced with the space-based satellite module. Fueling was done, and all systems had passed their checks. The rocket was ready. "Begin the countdown," Zack ordered, watching from the control center with far more composure than during his first launch.


    "Ten... Nine..." As the countdown progressed, reconnaissance satellites orbiting the Earth captured the scene. Zack''s first rocket launch had stunned the world when it resulted in a devastating space-based weapon strike. Now, he was launching another.


    Speculation ran rampant. "What could he possibly need another space-based weapon for?"


    "Fighting zombies? That''s like using a sledgehammer to kill a fly!"


    Across the globe, leaders of various factions debated their options. Should they intercept the rocket? Was it worth the risk of provoking Zack?


    While most hesitated, one base acted without delay.


    At the Tianri Base of the Vanguard Organization in Japan, missile silos opened. High-altitude interceptors were locked onto Zack''s rocket, ready to launch.


    "Hurry! The headquarters has issued a order¡ªthis rocket cannot be allowed to launch!"


    "Blackhand was killed by this man!"


    "We must avenge him!" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Why didn''t we just send someone to assassinate him?"


    "I don''t know, but the headquarters ordered us to stop him. Maybe there''s something about him they need?"


    "Three!"


    "Two!"


    "One!"


    "Fire!"


    As the countdown at the Tianri base reached zero, the silo doors opened, and at the same time, the launch countdown from the base also ended. Rumble...


    With a loud roar, the rocket shot into the sky, its tail leaving behind a trail of flames as it slowly ascended. What''s worth noting, though...At this moment, Zack wasn''t in the observation room. He was clinging to the rocket itself, lifted by its powerful force!


    There was no other way. The Apex''s top speed was Mach 8. To break free from Earth''s gravity, it needed to reach Mach 23¡ª7.9 km per second. To do that, multi-stage rockets were necessary.


    "Sir, we''ve detected critical information! The Vanguard organization on Japan is attempting to intercept your rocket!" Ego, who had been monitoring Vanguard''s communications, reported promptly.

 Chapter 123: Out of Character

    Chapter 123 - Out of Character"No surprise there. They''ve figured out I have space-based weapons. It would be strange if they didn''t try to stop me." Zack wasn''t surprised in the least. He released his grip, activated his thrusters, and detached from the rocket. The rocket was still climbing slowly, so he could catch up at any time. "Where''s the interceptor missile?" Zack asked.


    "Coordinates uploaded, sir." Ego responded.


    Every missile launched was immediately shown on the Apex''s HUD. "Let''s go. Time to intercept the interceptors!" Zack grinned. With that, he pushed his suit''s thrusters to full power, rocketing off at Mach 8 toward the incoming missiles.


    BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!


    The sharp sound of missile locks filled Zack''s helmet. Anticipating trouble, he had Ego modify the Apex suit a few days earlier to carry a payload of supersonic micro-interceptor missiles. "Fire!" Zack commanded. Several tiny missiles shot out from the suit, accelerating to Mach 5 in seconds as they honed in on the targets. Moments later, explosions lit up the sky above the clouds.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    The enemy interceptor missiles were obliterated. "That''s all they''ve got?" Zack chuckled, shaking his head. With his thrusters still at full power, he turned back toward the rocket, which hadn''t yet reached its full speed. Soon, he reattached himself to the vehicle.


    "First stage rocket separating!" "Fairing separation complete!" "Second-stage engine shutting down¡ªapproaching designated orbit!"


    The automated announcements marked each critical step as the multi-stage rocket pushed past the first cosmic velocity. Zack had officially reached a geostationary orbit, 35,000 kilometers above Earth. This orbit, perfectly synchronized with the planet''s rotation, allowed satellites to hover over a fixed point. From here, one satellite could cover over 40% of the planet¡ªa single hemisphere.


    However, the apocalypse had left its scars even here. "Damn, this orbit''s a mess," Zack muttered, his eyes scanning the field of space debris.


    Old, abandoned communication satellites floated aimlessly, remnants of a time when humanity maintained its global networks. Without proper maintenance, the satellites had stopped working, leaving geostationary orbit clogged with junk. Normally, obsolete satellites would be moved to a higher "graveyard orbit" to avoid collisions. But post-apocalypse, no one had bothered. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Starship separated!" "Satellite module unfolding!"


    Zack watched as the final stage of the rocket detached, revealing the satellite module. Its solar panels unfolded like an enormous umbrella, resembling a jellyfish suspended in the dark void.


    "Positioning complete!" "Orbit correction done!" "Satellite is now operational! Space-based modules detaching!" The space-based module separated from the rocket, and the satellite''s built-in micro-propulsion system kicked in immediately. It adjusted its position, preparing for docking and installation, with the help of space-operating drones.


    However, before the satellite''s main module could be installed, two critical components had to be deployed: the laser transmitter and the electromagnetic railgun. These were vital to eliminate the looming threat of abandoned satellites and orbital debris that could crash into the system at any moment. "Sir, an abandoned satellite is on a collision course! Impact in five minutes¡ªplease be ready!" Ego''s voice echoed in Zack''s helmet.


    Zack grimaced. The satellite wasn''t equipped for self-defense yet. A single impact could obliterate the expensive space-based module that had taken so much effort and resources to build. "Mark its trajectory," Zack ordered.


    In an instant, the abandoned satellite''s flight path appeared on Zack''s HUD. The projection confirmed it¡ªcollision was imminent. "I''ve got this," Zack said, activating his thrusters and flying toward the incoming satellite. This was exactly why he was here. Protecting the satellite was his top priority.


    "Ego, I see it now," Zack said as the satellite came into view, hurtling through space at high speed.


    "Sir, push it out of orbit, but do not destroy it!" Ego reminded him, a serious tone in its voice. "If it breaks apart, the debris will create more hazards for the satellite."


    "Relax, I know what I''m doing," Zack replied, adjusting his thruster output. He aligned himself with the satellite''s trajectory, carefully matching its speed to stabilize their relative positions. As the two objects flew in tandem, Zack reached out, bracing himself against the satellite''s body.


    "Activate the propulsion backpack," he commanded. The Apex suit''s propulsion system roared to life, gently nudging the abandoned satellite out of its orbit. Gradually, Zack pushed it higher and higher, maneuvering it past the space-based satellite. Finally, he guided it into a designated "space cemetery," a region filled with decommissioned satellites and orbital debris.


    "Done," Zack said, watching the satellite drift into its final resting place. He turned and returned to the operational satellite, only to repeat the process twice more over the next hour. Two additional satellites were removed from the area, ensuring no immediate threats to the system.


    "Sir, the laser transmitter is installed. You can take a break now," Ego informed him. Zack hovered near the satellite, which resembled a mechanical jellyfish suspended in orbit. But now, the harmless-looking satellite began to display its true potential.


    Buzz! Buzz!


    A red laser beam shot out from the satellite, cutting through the darkness of space like a crimson thread. Every laser strike hit its target¡ªa piece of orbital debris or an abandoned satellite¡ªand vaporized it entirely. "Nice," Zack muttered, nodding in satisfaction. The system was fully operational. With his mission complete, he set his sights on the blue planet below and began his descent.


    Flying back from 35,000 kilometers above Earth wasn''t exactly a quick trip, but Zack underestimated just how much speed he could gain. Thanks to the Apex suit''s aerodynamic design and the pull of Earth''s gravity, he soon found himself accelerating beyond Mach 8. At this point, Zack wasn''t just descending¡ªhe was plummeting like a tungsten rod. The intense friction of re-entry heated the suit''s surface to extreme levels. "2,000 degrees Celsius... 2,500... still climbing!" Ego warned as temperatures soared.


    Fortunately, the Apex suit was built for space operations and had advanced heat-resistant and radiation-proof coatings. Despite the blistering heat, Zack remained unharmed. "Prepare to slow down," Zack instructed as he hit the upper atmosphere.


    Using precise maneuvers, he reversed his thrusters, gradually bleeding off speed. Slowing down was critical¡ªwithout it, he''d hit the ground like a meteorite. After a grueling deceleration process, Zack finally reduced his speed to Mach 8. Several thousand meters above the ground, he redirected his trajectory and dove toward an artificial lake near Tribeca.


    Splash!


    The moment he hit the water, the surrounding area erupted in steam. The lake boiled furiously, and fish floated belly-up to the surface, cooked alive by the intense heat radiating from the Apex suit. After ten seconds, Zack activated his thrusters again, propelling himself out of the water. He soared through the air, drawing a graceful arc before landing near his Mansion. "Ego, is the particle accelerator ready?" Zack called out as he entered the basement, removing the Apex suit piece by piece.


    "Yes, sir, the accelerator is finished," came the response. "But..." Ego''s voice cut in, sounding mildly annoyed. "Sir, aren''t you forgetting something?"


    Zack paused, frowning. "What now?"


    "The Vanguard organization base in Japan," Ego reminded him. "The same people who tried to blow up your rocket?"


    "Eh, forget it," Zack said, shrugging as he walked toward the lab.


    "Sir, this is... out of character for you," Ego remarked with a hint of sarcasm. "You''re really letting them off the hook after trying to sabotage your launch?"


    "They failed, didn''t they?" Zack replied nonchalantly. "Why waste time?"

 Chapter 124: Light It Up

    Chapter 124 - Light It UpZack strolled into the basement of Mansion No. 6, his expression calm as if the monumental project around him was nothing out of the ordinary. The high-energy particle accelerator, a massive ring-shaped device akin to a particle collider, occupied most of the underground space. "Besides, I''ll need their help with a little task later," Zack said casually, his voice echoing in the vast, sterile room.


    "Sir, are you aware that you''re dealing with a hostile organization?" Ego, his AI companion, interjected with a note of exasperation. It couldn''t fathom what sort of favor Zack expected from an enemy group.


    "Weapon testing," Zack replied nonchalantly. "Those space-based satellites I spent ages deploying? I''m not letting them sit around collecting dust."


    His tone was light, almost dismissive, but the intent behind his words was chilling. Zack had a destructive plan in mind: using Neon Country''s Vanguard Organization Base as a live target to test his space-based cannon stationed in geostationary orbit. Forgiveness? Turning the other cheek? Forget it. For Zack, the only fitting response to provocation was absolute retaliation. "Enough chatter. Let''s get to work on the new elements," Zack said, turning his attention to the particle accelerator. For now, the Vanguard Organization would enjoy a brief reprieve¡ªtime to savor their remaining days. In response, the holographic projection system lit up, filling the basement with a faint hum. A complex structure of shimmering elemental patterns appeared before him, projected in vivid detail.


    Meanwhile, in Japan, chaos reigned at the Vanguard Organization Base. A group of senior officials was locked in a heated argument during an emergency meeting.


    "The interception failure falls squarely on you!" one official bellowed.


    "You claimed six missiles would be enough!" another snapped.


    "Don''t talk nonsense! The enemy obviously knew about our interception plan in advance!" The man shot back.


    "And how would they know unless someone leaked the details? Murakami, I''m looking at you!" accused another, his finger jabbing the air accusingly.


    The room descended into an uproar as the officials hurled accusations back and forth, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of blame. "Enough!" The commanding voice of an elderly man cut through the din. The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward the figure at the head of the table: Hiro, the current leader on this branch. His sharp, calculating gaze revealed none of the frailty expected of a man his age. "Arguing won''t change what''s already happened," Hiro said firmly. "The real question is: how did our enemies know about the plan? Hikawa might have a point." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His words silenced further dissent. Hiro scanned the room, his stern demeanor brooking no argument. "I''ll get to the bottom of this. But first, we need to salvage this disaster before headquarters comes down on us." "But... headquarters ordered us not to send anyone to NYC City anymore," one official reminded him hesitantly.


    "That was before," Hiro replied, his tone ice-cold. "If we fail now, next month''s serum supply will be cut. Do you want that?"


    Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room. One by one, the officials nodded. "Then it''s settled. Send an action team to eliminate the target," Hiro concluded.


    None of them realized that far away, Zack was already preparing for his next move. "Installed already?" Zack murmured, surprised by the notification from Ego. He immediately stopped what he was doing and activated the holographic projection screen. Adjusting the LSI satellite''s orbit, he zoomed in on Japan and locked the view onto the Vanguard Organization Base. With a quick tap, he started recording. "All right, let''s light it up," he said, a gleam of excitement in his eyes.


    Over 35,000 kilometers above Earth, in geostationary orbit, a massive satellite resembling a mechanical jellyfish began to stir. Its intricate structure glowed faintly as countless mechanisms whirred to life. Etched along the side of the satellite was a simple yet personal inscription: "Annie, Zack''s Shining Pearl."


    Inside the satellite, preparations were underway. A tungsten rod, measuring 30 centimeters in diameter and 6.1 meters in length, slid into position on an electromagnetic rail. Charging initiated. The massive rod, weighing 8.3 tons, accelerated down the rail with a thunderous boom, reaching a staggering speed of Mach 16. Designed for maximum penetration, the tungsten rod''s sharpened shape minimized atmospheric drag, ensuring it maintained its deadly velocity as it hurtled toward Earth.


    Under the combined pull of Eart''s gravity and the propulsion engine, the tungsten rod launched from the satellite didn''t just maintain its terrifying muzzle velocity of Mach 16¡ªit accelerated further.


    Mach 19.


    Mach 23.


    Mach 27.


    The numbers climbed higher and higher, the speed reaching unimaginable levels. Even as it hit the atmosphere and began to burn like a fiery comet, the tungsten rod didn''t slow down much.


    Mach 28.


    Mach 29.


    The rate of acceleration lessened, but the speed was already mind-boggling. And don''t forget¡ªthe rod had been launched from geostationary orbit, 35 kilometers above the ground. Even at Mach 30, it would take nearly an hour to reach the surface. But this wasn''t just any projectile. Its speed skyrocketed past Mach 30 in no time.


    Mach 40.


    The tungsten rod, now resembling a flaming meteor, streaked toward the planet with speed far exceeding any natural phenomenon. The impact force it carried was terrifying, growing more devastating with every passing second. After a few minutes, the tungsten rod entered low-Earth orbit, reaching its maximum speed.


    Mach 61.


    By this point, the rod''s surface temperature had pushed tungsten metal to its absolute limit. Originally weighing 8.3 tons, it had lost nearly a third of its mass to atmospheric friction, now reduced to just under 6 tons. But what it lost in mass, it made up for in destructive potential¡ªits power had multiplied dozens, even hundreds of times. "Countdown to impact: 20 seconds." "The total strike duration: 21 minutes and 7 seconds."


    Ego''s calm voice echoed as the LSI satellite''s sensors locked onto the tungsten rod''s descent. From this point, the tungsten rod, hurtling at Mach 61, would need just 20 seconds to complete its devastating journey, covering more than 20,000 meters per second. "It''s happening! It''s really happening!" Zack''s excitement was palpable as he watched the glowing ''meteor'' streak past the satellite''s cameras.


    On the screen, the LSI satellite refocused its lens on Neon Country''s Vanguard Organization Base. Several peculiar-looking aircraft were just lifting off from the base. Inside, two squads of enhanced soldiers and superpowered operatives were gearing up.


    "Akimoto-san, the target is extremely dangerous. Be cautious!" a voice came over the comms.


    "Relax, Hikawa Okita-san," came the confident reply. "With our team''s strength¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a shrill air-raid siren pierced the air. The sound was brief¡ªbarely a second¡ªbefore a blinding white light engulfed the scene. The radar had barely registered the tungsten rod''s descent before it was too late. The world seemed to freeze. The tungsten rod tore through everything in its path like a bullet through paper.


    BOOM!!!


    The deafening sound of the impact came a moment later, rippling across the landscape in waves of destruction. The Vanguard Organization Base, just moments ago bustling with activity, was obliterated. In its place, a massive crater over a kilometer in diameter gaped like a wound on the Earth''s surface. No one had time to react.

 Chapter 125: Larger Wave

    Chapter 125 - Larger WaveThe aircraft that had just taken off were caught in the shockwave, crushed into twisted heaps of metal before they could even explode. Everything within the base was annihilated in an instant, reduced to ash and rubble. But the tungsten rod''s devastation didn''t stop there. Traveling at Mach 61, the five-ton projectile buried itself deep into the Earth like a drill. The sheer force of the impact triggered a chain reaction, shaking the very foundations of the planet.


    The seismic shock rippled through the Earth''s crust, disrupting the continental plates. And unfortunately for Japan, it lay at the volatile intersection of the Eurasian and Pacific plates. What followed was a disaster of unimaginable scale. The plates shifted violently, setting off the largest earthquake in human history. Cities across the country were leveled in seconds. Skyscrapers toppled like dominos, entire neighborhoods crumbled, and survivor bases were swallowed by landslides.


    Fissures split the ground, bottomless cracks tearing through the land. Seawater poured in, flooding everything in sight. It was a scene straight out of an apocalypse¡ªa chilling replica of every doomsday scenario ever imagined. Entire swathes of land were lifted, fractured, and sent crashing into the ocean. Almost a third of the country sank beneath the waves, forever lost. Meanwhile, an enormous tsunami, with waves towering hundreds of meters high, surged outward from the sinking landmass. These waves barreled toward coastal cities, leaving destruction in their wake.


    Back in the Mansion, Zack stared at the satellite feed, his expression frozen in shock. His excitement drained away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of disbelief. "Holy... crap..." he finally muttered, standing there for what felt like an eternity. The screen displayed scenes of absolute devastation. Cities sinking, massive tsunamis forming, the land itself breaking apart. Zack couldn''t even find the words to describe what he was seeing. "How am I supposed to use this thing again?!" he finally shouted, his voice cracking in a mix of panic and incredulity.


    Ego''s voice cut through the chaos. "Sir, I think you should prepare to face global backlash."


    Zack blinked, his mind still racing to process the scale of destruction. "I get that. But... can someone explain to me how this thing ended up this powerful? The simulations didn''t show anything like this! This is¡ªthis is insane! It''s, like, ten thousand times stronger!"


    Ego replied in a measured tone, "Sir, the target''s unique geographical conditions likely amplified the effects significantly." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack''s jaw dropped as the implications sank in. What he''d planned as a calculated show of force had turned into a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions. "Well, this is a mess..." Zack muttered, sinking into his chair. He doesn''t even use the enhanced tungsed rod, this just a normal rod but the result is like mini apocalpyse.


    Japan sat at the crossroads of two tectonic plates. The tungsten rod strike had landed right on that delicate intersection, unleashing catastrophic destruction. The sheer depth of the impact set off a chain reaction that turned the world upside down. The collision wasn''t just devastating; it was apocalyptic. The ground quaked, and entire cities were swallowed by chaos as the plates shifted violently. This wasn''t just the force of a weapon¡ªit was nature''s wrath, triggered by a single, precise strike. "Man, this thing is too destructive," Zack muttered, shaking his head in frustration. From now on, space-based cannons were strictly off-limits unless absolutely necessary. Especially not anywhere near him.


    Even though the destruction wasn''t entirely the cannon''s doing¡ªit was the tectonic plates reacting to the strike¡ªthe tungsten rod had been the trigger. It acted like a match lighting an explosive, unleashing the full fury of nature. The tungsten rods might fall like arrows from the heavens, but the aftermath was far worse. The earth trembled. A third of Japan was gone, and the surrounding coastal cities had been submerged. Even some domestic coastal regions were starting to feel the effects.


    Zack sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I can already see it... People all over the world are putting me at the top of their danger lists." But even Zack had underestimated the fear the space-based cannon would inspire. The live footage of the strike, captured by satellites, quickly spread across survivor bases, secret organizations, and anyone lucky¡ªor unlucky¡ªenough to see it.


    For a moment, there was silence. No words. Just shock. Even the most hardened survivors and mysterious organizations were left gaping in terror. Those watching the footage didn''t even have the presence of mind to utter a simple "fuck." The scenes of devastation were beyond comprehension, evoking a deep, primal fear. It felt just like the first time humanity saw the true power of nuclear weapons. But this wasn''t a bomb; it was something far worse. A weapon hanging high above their heads, waiting to fall, like the Sword of Damocles.


    Everyone understood the implications, and it scared them to their core. What if it happened to them? What if their city was next?


    Finally, someone broke the silence. "No! This thing has to be destroyed!"


    "This weapon should never exist!"


    "Why are we building weapons like this when the world is already falling apart?!"


    Outrage erupted across the world. Survivor bases and factions of every kind, across every region, found themselves in rare agreement. Race, location, and old grudges didn''t matter. The consensus was clear: this weapon was too dangerous, and it had to be destroyed. Otherwise, no one would ever sleep peacefully again. The space-based cannon wasn''t just another threat. It was worse than the billions of zombies plaguing the world. Zombies could be fought off. This? This was unstoppable. Once it was deployed, the end was guaranteed.


    But while many raged, no one dared to openly challenge Zack. Not yet. His reputation for swift, merciless retaliation had already been proven. Japan was a chilling example¡ªjust a few missiles fired in his direction had led to their destruction. A third of their territory was now under the sea. Millions of survivors had perished. And the missiles they''d fired? Intercepted before they even reached their target.


    "Quick! I don''t care what it takes¡ªfind out everything about his base!"


    "We need answers now!"


    In the midst of the chaos, different factions scrambled to gather intelligence. Survivor bases, governments, and organizations were all mobilizing, desperate to learn more about Zack and his space-based cannon.


    "He''s the devil himself! The reincarnation of Satan!" a religious leader screamed in hysteria.


    "Enough! We can''t stop him on our own¡ªwe need to unite with other forces!"


    Similar calls rang out across the world. Alliances were proposed, conspiracies were hatched, and fear fueled every decision. Many secretly hoped to leverage Zack''s technology for their own gain, but the overwhelming fear of his weapon overshadowed greed. It didn''t take long for half the major survivor bases to agree to a loose alliance. Their goal was simple: eliminate Zack before he brought the world to its knees. Yet, amidst all the chaos, it seemed as if invisible forces were fanning the flames, pushing Zack into the role of a global Mansionin.


    For Zack, trouble came in waves. Just as the world rallied against him, the zombies decided to make their presence known.


    Imperial Capital Base. Here, the mood was tense. Unlike the rest of the world, they hadn''t joined the crusade against Zack. Instead, they were bracing for an entirely different kind of disaster. Even teenagers were handed weapons¡ªspears, guns, whatever they could find. The air was heavy with dread, like a storm brewing on the horizon.

 Chapter 126: Singuilum

    Chapter 126 - SinguilumKane, the man who''d taken charge of the Imperial Capital Base, barely had time to enjoy his newfound power. His dream of ruling like a king was shattered by grim news: a massive zombie horde was heading straight for them. It had started small. A regular zombie wave, nothing they hadn''t seen before. But this one didn''t stop. Every city it passed through swelled its ranks, turning it into an unstoppable, ever-growing force. What had started as a manageable threat was now a monstrous tide of death.


    The scale was beyond comprehension. Satellite images showed an endless sea of zombies stretching as far as the eye could see. Even mutated zombies, numbering in the tens of millions, were just a fraction of the total horde. The tsunami of zombies swept across the land like a relentless, black wave. Even the massive super zombie, powerful as a Juggernaut, was no more than a droplet in this dark ocean. "How... How could there be so many zombies!?" Kane''s voice trembled as he stared at the satellite images, his face pale with disbelief.


    Around him, the intelligence officers exchanged uneasy glances. Though some looked at him with thinly veiled contempt, none dared let him notice. They had warned him days ago. Back then, the zombie tide was barely in the hundreds of thousands, not even close to a million. If it had been the old general in charge, he''d have taken decisive action¡ªcalling in bombers to obliterate the horde before it grew out of control. But Kane wasn''t him.


    Kane''s priorities lay elsewhere¡ªparties, luxury, and turning the Imperial Capital base into his personal palace. He dismissed the early warnings, letting the zombie tide grow unchecked until it exploded into the disaster now staring him in the face. And now, a catastrophic super zombie horde threatened everything.


    Meanwhile, in NYC, Zack listened as Ego, his ever-reliable AI assistant, delivered a report. "Sir, we''ve intercepted unencrypted communications from several major survivor bases. The messages suggest¡ª"


    "They want to unite to pressure me, right?" Zack interrupted, already one step ahead.


    Ego paused briefly before continuing. "Yes, Sir. They''re coordinating to¡ª"


    "To what?" Zack cut in, a smirk forming on his face. "They''re terrified of my space-based cannons. None of them dare challenge me alone, scared I''ll wipe them off the map. So, what else can they do but huddle together like scared children? And let me guess¡ªthey''re plotting to get their hands on my tech, right?" His confidence was unshaken. "It''s not the space-based cannons they hate. It''s the fact that I have them, and they don''t."


    Ego confirmed his assessment but issued a caution. "Sir, we shouldn''t underestimate them. The Sky Air Defense System is robust, but it can''t shield NYC from indirect threats. If they drop nuclear or dirty bombs on surrounding cities, the resulting contamination would be catastrophic."


    Zack nodded, understanding the risks. "Nuclear pollution is a nasty problem. But that''s assuming they can actually follow through." He leaned back, a sly grin on his face. "I''ve got a plan to deal with them."


    "Sir, the data suggests that preventing nuclear fallout from surrounding areas would be nearly impossible," Ego pressed, its tone grave. "Even with our technology, the secondary effects would¡ª"


    Zack cut it short. "Relax, Ego. I know how bad nuclear pollution can be. But here''s the thing¡ªif they can''t communicate, they can''t coordinate. Without that, their grand alliance falls apart like wet paper. So..." He leaned forward, his grin widening. "We''re pulling the plug. Activate it and take out every operational communication satellite in orbit."


    Within moments, the space-based platform sprang to life. High above Earth, lasers and kinetic warheads rained down with terrifying precision. Satellites in low-Earth orbit, geostationary positions, and everything in between were systematically obliterated. The dark void of space lit up as red beams sliced through the sky, and the debris of fallen satellites scattered like shooting stars. It''s area of coverage was massive, encompassing nearly half the globe. By the time it was done, nearly every satellite on one side of the planet was either destroyed or rendered inoperable. The few that survived, stuck on the opposite side of the Earth, were practically useless. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack watched the results with satisfaction. "No satellites, no guidance. No guidance, no missiles. It''s like trying to shoot a target while blindfolded." He chuckled. "Good luck with that."


    Elsewhere, several survivor faction leaders were already squabbling over the spoils of Zack''s downfall¡ªspoils they hadn''t yet claimed. On their makeshift communication network, their arguments grew increasingly heated. "Trinity Stronghold''s nuclear strike capability is unmatched. We deserve the largest share!" boomed one voice.


    "Ha! You''re still clinging to that outdated plan?" another leader from the Freehold Confederacy shot back. "Your submarines are rusting in some graveyard, and your missile range is a joke. You couldn''t hit the broad side of a barn!"


    The leader from Trinity Stronghold fired back angrily. "At least we''re not greedy like you Freehold scavengers! We noble defenders of the Trinity should lead this operation!"


    Their bickering continued, each side unwilling to back down. In their arrogance, none of them realized their communications were being systematically dismantled by Zack''s strike on their satellites.


    By the time the destruction of communication satellites was complete, chaos reigned among the so-called alliance. With no guidance systems, their nuclear capabilities were crippled, and their plans to pressure Zack fell apart.


    Sitting in his command center, Zack smiled at the irony. "They wanted to play games with me. Well, I just flipped the board."


    A Few Hours Later In the basement of Mansion No. 6, Zack had finished setting up the high-energy particle accelerator for the creation of a new element¡ªSingulium. "Okay, initializing the accelerator," Zack announced, slipping on a pair of protective goggles. He placed a precision-engineered plasma containment prism into the accelerator''s core chamber.


    The prism, a specialized containment vessel designed to stabilize superheavy isotopes during synthesis, adjusted its position automatically under Ego''s guidance. Absolute precision was essential, and Ego, his AI assistant, ensured that every calculation was flawless. Zack stood by the console, his hand hovering over the illuminated start button. "Ego, status check."


    "Sir, the particle accelerator is fully initialized and ready for activation," Ego''s calm voice replied.


    Zack pressed the button without hesitation. The lights in the basement flickered briefly before stabilizing. A deep hum filled the room as the particle accelerator roared to life, its magnetic coils energizing to direct subatomic particles along the accelerator''s curved paths. Bright streams of ionized particles began their journey through the accelerator''s vacuum tubes, glowing faintly with high-energy emissions. "Begin particle collision," Zack commanded, gripping the manual override lever and pulling it down steadily.


    Inside the containment chamber, the accelerator directed streams of high-velocity nuclei toward the plasma containment Cube. As they collided at nearly the speed of light, a dazzling cascade of energy erupted. The process created conditions similar to the core of a neutron star¡ªhigh enough to forge a superheavy element on the theoretical island of stability. "Focus the beam," Zack shouted, monitoring the fluctuating energy levels. The beam intensified, directed precisely onto the plasma prism. The containment systems struggled to maintain integrity, diverting excess thermal energy into the liquid-metal cooling system.

 Chapter 127: New Reactor

    Chapter 127 - New Reactor"The cube is holding, Sir," Ego reported. "But energy output is approaching critical levels."


    "Activate superconductors!" Zack ordered over the rising noise.


    The particle beam''s energy surged into the superconducting field coils, which used quantum flux stabilization to maintain the precise electromagnetic field necessary to stabilize the nascent Singulium. The prism began to glow faintly, then more brightly, as the new element crystallized within its core. The glow soon became blinding, forcing Zack to shield his eyes. "Shut it down!" Zack yelled, slamming the stop button.


    The accelerator powered down with a loud hiss, releasing clouds of white vapor as its cryogenic systems worked to cool the overheated components. Zack removed his goggles and exhaled, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "Now that''s power," he muttered.


    Carefully, Zack approached the containment chamber and used a pair of robotic tweezers to retrieve the glowing prism. Inside it, the newly synthesized Singulium shimmered faintly, its structure radiating with barely-contained energy. "Sir, congratulations. You''ve successfully synthesized Singulium," Ego said, her tone carrying a rare hint of pride.


    "Let''s test it," Zack replied, placing the Singulium core into the Singulium Reactor prototype he had prepared earlier. As soon as the core was secured, the reactor came to life, emitting a steady, brilliant light. Its systems began converting the Singulium''s latent energy into usable power, with Ego monitoring the results. "Status report," Zack ordered, crossing his arms.


    "Sir, the reactor is fully operational. Calculating energy output..." Ego replied. "12 billion joules per second... 25 billion... 48 billion... 60 billion... 72 billion..." "Sir, the new element has stabilized at a maximum output of 76 billion joules per second, exceeding all theoretical projections," Ego concluded.


    Zack blinked in astonishment, the grin on his face widening. "Ten times stronger than the cold fusion Reactor..." he muttered, barely believing the numbers. He had expected improvements, but this was beyond his wildest expectations. "This changes everything," Zack said, his voice filled with excitement. "Time to redesign all my blueprints."As the reactor glowed steadily, filling the basement with its light, Zack felt a wave of exhilaration. He was just getting started.


    The Titan Armor was originally designed to be powered by eleven Cold fusion reactors. With the Singulium''s incredible energy output, only one reactor was now needed to achieve the same performance. Take another example: Aegis, the air-command platform currently under construction, was supposed to run on twelve Cold fusion reactors. Now? Just one Singulium Reactor would suffice. "Sir, it''s great that Aegis hasn''t fully started construction yet," Ego said, her tone steady as always, "but you''ve already built many parts for the Titan Armor. If you cut down the number of reactors, those parts will go to waste."


    "Who said anything about cutting down the number of reactors?" Zack chuckled, his grin widening into something almost maniacal. "Keep all the reactors! Any extra power can go straight to the weapons!"


    "But¡ª" Ego started.


    "No buts, Ego. Just do what I say." With that, Zack picked up an Singulium Reactor reactor and strode out of Mansion No. 6, heading to Mansion No. 9. Excitement bubbled in his chest as he thought about the upgrades he could make to his suits of armor.


    Back at Mansion No. 9, Zack wasted no time installing the new reactor into the Apex suit. Finally, the armor shed the limitations and fully reach utilize all it''s potential! "With this new element, I think Annie can finally have her own reactor," Zack suddenly remembered.


    Annie''s unique condition made her hypersensitive to palladium. Even minimal contact would lead to severe poisoning, forcing her to rely on a hydrogen battery¡ªa pitifully weak power source in Zack''s eyes. "Ego, once we build enough Singulium Reactor reactors, make sure Annie gets one," Zack instructed.


    "Understood, sir. But..."


    "What is it now?" Zack paused, frowning slightly.


    "Sir, the materials you currently have won''t allow you to build as many Singulium Reactor reactors as you''re planning." Faced with material shortages, Zack begrudgingly abandoned his dream of cramming a dozen Singulium Reactor reactors into a single machine. While the new elements themselves weren''t hard to produce, the superconductors required to harness their energy were made of incredibly rare materials.


    "Alright, here''s the plan," Zack said, leaning over the console to adjust his designs. "Aegis and the Titan Armor each get four Singulium Reactor reactors. Aegis''s sub-body fighter gets one as well. That leaves just enough materials to build a smaller reactor for Annie."


    The immediate problem was solved, but Zack couldn''t ignore the larger issue. To make new armor or expand his projects in the future, he would need more superconductors. "Resources are still too limited," Zack muttered, frustration seeping into his voice.


    When he first took control of NYC, he thought the resources of an entire city would be more than enough to fuel his ambitions. But reality had other plans. While basic materials like steel were abundant, rare metals and superconducting materials were in painfully short supply. Take rhodium, for example¡ªa crucial component of the superconductors. Its abundance in the Earth''s crust was a measly one part per billion. Expanding his territory to nearby cities wouldn''t solve the problem; these materials were simply too rare.


    "It seems I can''t quietly stockpile resources and build in peace," Zack sighed, shaking his head. "Time to target those cutting-edge research bases directly. Why waste time searching for crumbs when I can just take the whole cake?" With this thought in mind, Zack shifted gears. "Ego, how''s the mechanical army coming along? Have the Titans and drones been built yet?"


    "Sir, two Goliath have been completed. They''re currently parked in the airport construction area, awaiting activation. Five Mark multipurpose drones have also been built and are awaiting activation alongside the Goliath," Ego replied promptly. "The mechanical army now consists of 210 spiders, 115 mechanical dogs, two Goliath drones, and five Mark drones. Additionally, over 300 manufacturing bugs are operational to meet current production needs. However, continuing production at this pace may lead to resource wastage. Shall I reduce the factory''s efficiency?" S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Reduce it," Zack agreed after a moment''s thought. "But keep producing maintenance parts, and don''t let the number of mechanical bugs fall below 300."


    "What about Aegis?" Zack asked next.


    "The production framework is 57% complete. Full-scale production is expected to begin within a week, with an estimated build time of 21 days. Altogether, it will take one month and seven days to complete," Ego reported.


    A massive air-command platform with a wingspan of 100 meters completed in just over a month¡ªthis level of productivity was unheard of, even before the apocalypse. "Much faster than I expected," Zack said, nodding in approval.


    Satisfied with the progress, Zack decided to inspect the new members of the mechanical legion. He donned his upgraded armor Apex V2, as it would now be called¡ªand prepared to head out. "First, let''s test the power of the new reactor," Zack said, excitement bubbling in his tone.


    Activating the thrusters, he shot into the sky like an arrow released from a bow. The raw power of the Singulium Reactor reactor roared to life, pushing the thrusters to maximum output almost instantly.


    Boom!


    The sonic boom shattered the calm of the neighborhood, echoing through the air as Zack broke the sound barrier within seconds. Inside the Mansion, Sophia sighed as she heard the familiar explosion. "Here we go again..." she muttered, shaking her head.

 Chapter 128: The Legion Horde

    Chapter 128 - The Legion HordeBefore landing, Zack caught sight of two towering steel giants standing silently on the runway below. From a distance, they looked like ancient, otherworldly gods draped in metallic armor, their massive forms radiating an aura of destruction, as if they could tear the world apart at any moment.


    As the aircraft descended, Zack''s awe grew stronger. The giants, named Goliath, stood at a staggering 8.8 meters tall¡ªfar exceeding their original design of 5.6 meters due to some structural modifications. At their feet, Zack felt truly dwarfed, barely reaching a third of their height. His gaze traveled up their immense mechanical bodies to the two colossal 50mm Vulcan cannons mounted in place of arms.


    The sheer size of the cannons was mind-blowing. A 20mm caliber was already classified as artillery, but 50mm? That could easily fit a grown man''s fist into the barrel. Aside from the weapons, the Goliath'' overall design was as intimidating as it was functional¡ªrugged and straightforward. Their "heads," which housed high-sensitivity sensor systems, were embedded in their chests, shielded by layers of thick alloy armor. Meanwhile, less critical components were left exposed, giving them a raw, brutalist aesthetic.


    Where a conventional head might sit, the Goliath instead featured a 20-unit missile launcher loaded with armor-piercing missiles designed to obliterate fortified structures. "Does this thing even move?" Zack muttered, skeptical despite being its creator. The sheer size made him question if the Cold Fusion reactor could handle the job."Sir, the Titan isn''t capable of flight, but for ground operations, the Cold Fusion reactor is more than sufficient," Ego, his AI companion, assured him.


    Relieved, Zack gave the command. "Power them up." At his words, the Goliath, which had been eerily still, suddenly roared to life. The ground trembled as their massive frames began to move. With the hum of rotating machinery, their sensor assemblies¡ªglowing like menacing red eyes¡ªlit up, bathing their surroundings in an ominous scarlet glow. "Goliath online. Awaiting combat instructions," came a chilling, synthesized voice from their internal speakers.


    "Holy crap..." Zack breathed, his excitement surging. "Who could stand against this?"


    The sight of the Goliath towering before him stirred something primal. These weren''t just machines¡ªthey were walking fortresses, mechanical juggernauts designed for total domination. "We''ll start by testing their combat capabilities," Zack said, unable to contain his impatience. He''d momentarily forgotten about the unmanned armors waiting for activation in the hangar.


    "Sir, the unmanned armors are still offline," Ego reminded him.


    "Oh, right. Activate those too," Zack said, snapping back to reality. Moments later, the sound of thrusters filled the air as five unmanned armors emerged from a nearby hangar. They formed a perfect line in front of Zack, each one landing with a heavy thud.


    Unlike the sleek and fragile designs often seen in the movies, Zack''s armors were built for war. Their reinforced alloy plating gave them a bulkier, more intimidating presence. Each was outfitted with an array of weaponry: shoulder-mounted nine-unit micro-missile pods, palm-mounted pulse cannons, and heavy Vulcan guns similar to those used by his Goliath. Designed for maximum firepower, these armors sacrificed speed and agility for raw destructive potential.


    The downside? Their top speed was only Mach 1.5, and they lacked specialized air combat capabilities. But that didn''t matter¡ªthese units weren''t built for dogfights. Their purpose was clear: to rain destruction from above and provide aerial support for Zack''s mechanical ground forces. "Let''s start with the usual¡ªselect a remote area for the test," Zack ordered.


    The chosen location was a desolate, uninhabited stretch of land far from any settlements, making it an ideal testing ground. Its scarred terrain bore the marks of past experiments, with deep craters and scorched patches scattered across the landscape¡ªa testament to the relentless efficiency of Zack''s weapons. "Unmanned armors, proceed to the target coordinates and initiate a full bombardment," Zack commanded.


    The five armors powered up and launched into the sky, their thrusters igniting as they accelerated toward the area. Within seconds, they broke the sound barrier, leaving faint shockwaves in their wake. "They''re not the fastest, but for unmanned units, it''s good enough," Zack remarked as he watched their silhouettes fade into the distance. These mass-produced units couldn''t compare to the high-performance suits, but for their intended purpose, they were more than adequate. "Sir, the unmanned armors have reached the are. Satellite footage is¡ª" Ego began. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No need. I can see it just fine," Zack interrupted. The next moment, the once-dark area lit up with a brilliant, overwhelming glow, illuminating nearly half the mountain.


    Boom! Boom!


    A series of thunderous explosions rolled through the air seconds later, reaching Zack''s ears even though he was several kilometers away. The ground beneath him trembled faintly as if the earth itself was groaning under the assault. Thanks to Ego''s calculations, the missiles hit with meticulous accuracy, covering the area in a precise "carpet" of destruction with no overlap. This ensured maximum coverage and devastation. Once the missiles were expended, the unmanned armors transitioned to their next phase, unleashing their machine guns and pulse cannons. Each unit took responsibility for a designated area, saturating it with relentless firepower. The ground was churned and torn apart repeatedly, soil and debris flying into the air as the earth seemed to recoil under the bombardment.


    When the missile bays reloaded, the armors conducted a second round of carpet bombing, leaving the surface turn into cratered wasteland. After completing their run, the five unmanned armors, now cloaked in smoke and gunpowder residue, returned to the airport in a synchronized formation. "Not bad," Zack muttered, nodding in approval. He was satisfied with their performance. For sheer firepower, their combined output had surpassed his older power armor. "Alright, Goliath'' turn," he said eagerly, ready to watch his steel giants in action. But before he could give the command, Ego''s voice cut in sharply.


    "Sir! Do you remember the zombie horde in the north I mentioned a few days ago?"


    "Yeah, what about it?" Zack asked, his brow furrowing. He had heard about the massive horde but dismissed it, knowing the trajectory showed it crossing the Potomac River and steering clear of any major population centers.


    "It''s changed course, sir. The horde is now heading straight for Washington, D.C.," Ego replied, urgency lacing its tone.


    Zack''s expression stiffened. He knew the scale of this horde, and Washington, D.C. wasn''t equipped to handle such a threat. "How big is it?" Zack asked calmly, though his eyes narrowed.


    "Unclear, but it''s massive¡ªdefinitely not less than 30 million," Ego answered, its usually precise estimates faltering.


    Zack''s mind raced. A horde of this size, if left unchecked, would devastate everything in its path. "If we don''t intervene, by the time it reaches NYC, its numbers could easily double or triple," Ego warned. "Every city it passes will add to its size, and every survivor base it overwhelms will fuel its growth." Zack''s calm demeanor turned icy. "Do you think I''m just going to sit back and let it happen? What am I, Kane?" he snapped, his voice cold. "But I won''t send my forces without a reason," Zack added, then quickly asked, "Ego, how many survivors are in capital city?"

 Chapter 129: Fang the Mutant

    Chapter 129 - Fang the Mutant"Approximately 600,000, sir. It''s one of the largest survivor bases in the region," Ego replied.


    "What about their resources?" Zack pressed.


    "The city houses top-tier universities and research facilities, with rare materials and elements estimated to be more than ten times the amount in NYC," Ego said.


    "Good," Zack said with a chilling smile. "Put everything else on hold. Focus all production on the Avalon transport fleet."


    Back in Washington, chaos had erupted. Despite Kane''s efforts to keep the news contained, rumors of the approaching zombie horde spread like wildfire. "Arrest anyone spreading rumors!" Kane roared, his voice echoing through the base command center. But his orders did little to quell the panic. Fear had taken root, and no amount of authoritarian control could stop it. People whispered about how the base''s defenses would crumble under the sheer weight of the horde. Some even claimed Kane had already made plans to abandon them and flee.


    Inside the command center, Kane sat with his council in an emergency meeting, his usually pompous demeanor replaced by visible desperation. "We need a solution," he barked, glaring at his subordinates. "What can we do to stop this horde?"


    The room fell silent. Every proposed solution had been shot down after rounds of debate. Finally, someone broke the silence. "Sir, it''s... unstoppable," a council member said hesitantly. "Even nuclear weapons won''t be enough at this stage."


    Kane slammed his fist on the table. "I don''t believe that!" he shouted. He had clawed his way to power, eliminating rivals and securing his position as leader of Washington DC''s base. Now, faced with an unprecedented threat, he wasn''t ready to give it all up. "Fine!" Kane snapped. "We''ll create a nuclear barrier. Blast a radiation field horizontally across the horde''s path. That should stop them!"


    His subordinates exchanged uneasy glances. Finally, someone spoke up timidly. "Sir... zombies aren''t affected by radiation."


    The color drained from Kane''s face. He froze, then erupted in fury. "If that won''t work, then what will? What do you expect me to do?" he roared, his voice shaking with anger and frustration.


    Kane, despite his reputation as a shrewd businessman, had earned respect over the years through his mix of cunning and brute power. But when his temper flared, it left everyone trembling. One of his subordinates, a skinny man with an unpleasantly sly face, visibly quaked as Kane''s sharp gaze locked onto him. "You. Speak!" Kane barked, his tone leaving no room for argument. His glare seemed to say, ''Come up with a solution, or you''re dead.''


    The man stammered, his voice cracking under the pressure. "I... I think we could try contacting other bases. Maybe... trade like we did with Carribiean Base... exchange people for their help." The words barely left his mouth before regret washed over him. The room went silent, the air thick with judgmental stares. Kane''s face darkened, his already round cheeks seeming to sink into a shadow.


    "You idiot!" Kane bellowed. "How exactly do you plan to contact them when all our satellites are gone? Huh? Tell me that!" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The man flinched but couldn''t respond. "We don''t even know where the horde is anymore, let alone have a way to reach other bases!" Kane thundered, his rage reaching its peak. "Drag this fool to the wall! Let him greet the zombies when they arrive!"


    Two tattooed guards strode in, grabbed the trembling man, and dragged him out of the room. The man screamed, begging for another chance. "Wait!" he shouted desperately. "I have a way to track the horde!"


    Kane raised his hand, signaling the guards to pause. His glare turned icy as he addressed the man. "Talk."


    The man''s voice wavered. "We... we could use planes. Even without satellites, the planes¡ª"


    "Planes?" Kane cut him off, his face livid. "Drag him out! I don''t need fools wasting my time!"


    Before the man could defend himself, the guards hauled him out of the room. His cries faded into the distance, leaving the room in an awkward silence. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances. They all knew mentioning airplanes was a touchy subject. After the old Commanders''s fall, Kane had executed the base''s few remaining military pilots, leaving them with no one capable of flying fighter jets. Even their civil aviation pilots were barely competent. But despite his anger, Kane eventually grumbled, "He''s not entirely wrong. We can still use drones to track the horde."


    One of his subordinates hesitated before speaking cautiously, "Leader, the drones have a limited range. Even if we spot the horde, we won''t have much time to prepare."


    "It''s better than nothing," Kane snapped. "Send the drones out. Once we locate the horde, we''ll drop the nuke and prepare to leave." With that, he slumped back into his chair, his massive frame seeming to sink under the weight of his desperation. The room remained quiet. No one voiced objections¡ªthey were all focused on their own survival, not the 600,000 lives in the base.


    Under Kane''s orders, military drones launched in waves from the Washington DC base, scanning the northern plains. Without satellite support, their range was limited to a 200-kilometer radius. This limitation posed a dire problem. The moment the horde was detected, it meant the zombies were already dangerously close¡ªjust 24 hours away for ordinary undead. For faster variants like Night Stalker and Hunters, the time could be cut down to less than 10 hours. Kane, ever cautious, had already prepared his escape. A luxury transport plane sat fueled on the runway, stocked with fine wines, gourmet food, and a group of young women dressed as flight attendants. To Kane, these women were more than company¡ªthey were currency, valuable enough to barter for safety and resources at another base.


    But not everyone shared his selfish mindset. In the crowded survivor living quarters, resentment toward Kane simmered. In one of the makeshift prefab houses, a group of mutants gathered. These weren''t ordinary survivors¡ªthey were powered individuals who had formed a resistance of sorts.


    "That fat bastard Kane," one of them growled, slamming his fist on a creaky table. "He''s got no intention of defending this place!" The speaker, a muscular man with a bull-like frame, clenched his fists in frustration.


    "Why don''t we just send Fang to take him out?" he suggested. "End this nonsense before it''s too late."


    Another mutant shook his head. "It''s not that simple. You think Kane''s mutants are just for decoration? He''s got them guarding him day and night."


    The man known as Fang rolled his eyes, frustrated and out of breath. His ability, akin to a chameleon''s camouflage, allowed him to blend seamlessly into his surroundings at night, making him nearly invisible. However, the ability was useless under ultraviolet light, rendering him powerless during the day. Hearing about Kane''s loyal mutant enforcers, the burly man beside him instinctively rubbed a scar on his arm, letting out a long sigh.

 Chapter 130: Earth is Done For?

    Chapter 130 - Earth is Done For?When mutants like him first awakened their abilities, many of them dreamed of becoming invincible, superhero-like figures straight out of the movies. Reality, however, was a harsh teacher. Mutants weren''t as powerful as they imagined. Their numbers were limited, with only one or two emerging per 8,000 to 10,000 people. And even among them, abilities ranged from impressive to utterly useless. Combat-ready mutants were rare, and even fewer could withstand bullets. "Damn traitors," the burly man growled, clenching his fists. "They sold their souls to Kane for scraps."


    A young woman, hot-tempered and full of fire, jumped in, cursing loudly. "I can''t believe those dogs got powers while decent people like us are left to suffer! It''s like fate''s got it out for us!"


    The group of rebels, a ragtag band of about a dozen mutants, had resisted Kane''s rule. Unlike most mutants in the Washington base, they refused to join him despite the tempting promise of food, comfort, and luxury. Instead, they lived in a crumbling prefab house, surviving on rations and determination. "If Kane runs, his pack of lapdogs will follow him," a quiet girl wearing glasses remarked, breaking the tense silence.


    "What about the 600,000 survivors in the base?" the fiery girl asked, her voice trembling with frustration.


    The girl with glasses, known to everyone as Scarlett, adjusted her frames and sighed. "That''s the problem. Kane''s locked down all information. We don''t even know how large the zombie horde is."


    "Scarlett, you''re the smartest one here. You must have a plan," the burly man urged.


    Scarlett hesitated, her calm demeanor masking the weight of the situation. "If Kane had a way to stop the horde, he wouldn''t be planning to run. He loves his life here too much. The fact that he''s ready to flee means the horde must be massive¡ªeasily over 20 million." Her words sent a shiver through the room.


    "That can''t be right," the fiery girl stammered. "How could there be that many?"


    "Think about it," Scarlett continued, her voice steady but grim. "Kane''s not stupid. He''s calculated every option, even nukes. If he''s ready to abandon the base, it''s because no method can stop them."


    The group fell silent, the weight of Scarlett''s conclusion settling in. "Even if everyone in the base fought, we''d still lose," Scarlett added. "This... this might really be the end."


    While despair gripped the Washington DC base, the atmosphere in NYC was entirely different. Under Zack''s leadership, the city buzzed with activity, a stark contrast to the chaos elsewhere. Every resource was mobilized. Over 300 manufacturing bots worked tirelessly, supported by mechanical beasts, churning out Avalon transport planes one after another.


    The steel mill blazed day and night, recasting endless streams of metal. The military factory operated non-stop, producing mountains of ammunition that filled warehouse after warehouse. NYC wasn''t preparing to run¡ªit was gearing up for war. "Where''s the horde now?" Zack would ask daily, keeping a close eye on the situation. Each time, Ego provided updates, and Zack continued working without pause.


    Days later, the Titan Armor was completed. The specialized suit, carried in modules on a modified Avalon, could be deployed mid-air, allowing Zack to equip it seamlessly. "Sir, the zombie horde has reached Pittsburgh and will arrive in Washington, D.C., within 12 hours," Ego reported one morning.


    Zack stood in silence for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, his voice cut through the air like steel. "It''s time. How many Avalon units do we currently have?" Zack asked in a deep, calm voice.


    "Sir, there are 21 Avalon multipurpose fighters and one Avalon F2 currently operational," replied Ego, his AI assistant. Though the Aegis project isn''t complete yet, its prototype¡ªthe Avalon F2¡ªhas already been manufactured. Ava, a highly skilled pilot, is currently operating it. This cold and calculating woman adapted quickly to the immense power and performance of the second-generation Avalon. The Avalon F2 combines sleek aerodynamics with vertical take-off and landing capabilities. Its streamlined improvements have pushed its top speed to an astonishing Mach 7.5¡ªfar exceeding initial expectations and approaching the performance of advanced spacefaring craft.


    To ensure Ava could handle the extreme acceleration of the Avalon F2, Zack mandated that both she and Sophia undergo injections of a modified super-soldier serum. Unlike Zack, whose own injection had caused a dramatic increase in height and muscle mass, the serum had a subtler effect on them. Their physical capabilities were enhanced without altering their appearance significantly.


    The only notable change was their flawless skin. Before, even the most beautiful faces have imperfections, no matter how small. But now, both Sophia and Ava appeared unnaturally perfect¡ªlike living works of art, surpassing any digitally enhanced celebrity image. Zack, overwhelmed by the transformation, found himself struggling to stay composed. "Ava, you''ll lead the mechanical army and handle the escort operation," Zack commanded firmly.


    "Understood," Ava replied. Her tone, while still reserved, lacked the icy detachment she once had.


    Soon, Avalon transport planes loaded with mechanical legions departed NYC Base. Following them was the Avalon F2, piloted by Ava, accompanied by five automated MV-03 armors. The fleet of over thirty flying units set out, their formation dominating the skies. It was a force powerful enough to challenge a nation''s military strength¡ªeven before the apocalypse. "This is the first mission for the mechanical army. Don''t let me down," Zack muttered as he watched the fleet disappear into the horizon.


    This deployment consisted of only a portion of Zack''s forces: 100 Spiders, 50 Mechanical Dogs, 2 Goliath, and all 5 automated MV-03 armors. The rest of the mechanical units were left behind to defend NYC Base. "You can''t fight a war and leave your home undefended," Zack had decided, prioritizing both offense and security.


    "Ego, what''s the status of the zombie wave?" he asked, turning his attention back to the immediate threat.


    "Sir, the vanguard of the zombie horde has passed through Pittsburgh City and will reach Washington DC in approximately eight hours," Ego reported.


    "A vanguard, huh? Pull up satellite images¡ªI want to see the scale of this horde," Zack instructed, curiosity piqued.


    Within moments, the satellite feed appeared before him. Unlike regular snapshots, the images came from Anne-1, Zack''s satellite stationed 35,000 kilometers above Earth. The display spanned the entire northern hemisphere of the planet. "Wait... what''s that black mass covering the surface?" Zack asked, his instincts immediately on high alert.


    Then it hit him. "That''s the zombie horde?!" The wave of undead stretched for hundreds of kilometers, a massive, black tide swallowing cities in its path. "If this keeps up, they''ll bulldoze everything in their way," Zack muttered, stunned by the realization.


    "Indeed, sir," Ego responded gravely. "If no action is taken, the horde will reach NYC Base within days." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The grim scale of the apocalypse became clear. Humanity had once numbered seven billion, but overnight, 80% had turned into zombies¡ªover 5.6 billion infected. Including subsequent casualties and mutations, the global zombie population exceeded six billion. This northern horde, comprising tens of millions, was just one of many such swarms that could form. Adding to the chaos were the mutated land animals and aquatic life forms, which posed their own threats. Zack exhaled sharply. "This planet is done for. Maybe it''s time to find a new one."


    He muttered the words half-jokingly, but the overwhelming challenge before him was no laughing matter. "Sir, I do have blueprints and information related to spaceships and interstellar migration stored in my database," Ego responded honestly to Zack''s joking remark.

 Chapter 131: Vish and Andre

    Chapter 131 - Vish and Andre"Alright, alright, I was just kidding," Zack said, shaking his head to dismiss the thought. Then, in a deeper tone, he added, "Call Lillian over. I''ve got a mission for her."


    "Yes, Sir," Ego confirmed without hesitation. A short while later, Lillian entered the room, clad in her sleek black combat armor. Her presence was as sharp as the blade she wielded. "Master, you called for me?" she said, kneeling on one knee in respect.


    Zack gave a small nod and handed her a photograph. "This is your target," he said. "Eliminate him."


    Lillian took the photo, quickly scanning the image of Kane, the current leader of the Washington DC base. "Kane?" she muttered, instantly recognizing the round-faced man in the picture.


    "You know him?" Zack asked casually.


    "Yes," Lillian replied, her voice calm. "I crossed paths with him during my days in business. He was one of my competitors, and his methods were... underhanded, to say the least."


    Zack leaned back slightly, observing her. "He''s now in charge of the Washington DC base, surrounded by heavy security, including mutants. Can you handle it?"


    "Guaranteed," Lillian replied without hesitation. Before she became Zack''s most formidable warrior, Lillian had dealt with countless men like Kane. Now, with her abilities enhanced far beyond human limits, this mission was almost trivial. Her reinforced body could withstand incredible damage, and her strength and speed surpassed even Zack''s enhanced attributes. Combined with her energy-based weaponry that could slice through nearly anything, Lillian was an unstoppable force.


    "Take the Phoenix," Zack instructed. "It''s prepped and ready for you."


    The Phoenix, a modified aircraft built from a Avalon platform, had been enhanced specifically for high-risk missions. The name Phoenix came from ancient mythology, symbolizing indomitable strength¡ªan aspiration Zack had when designing it. "Understood," Lillian replied. Without another word, she turned and headed toward the launch pad.


    The Phoenix, larger and more imposing than standard transports, featured detachable modules that could transform into auxiliary combat units. It was a flying fortress designed to adapt to any situation. As the transport lifted off vertically and surged northward, Ego''s voice broke the silence. "Sir, while I understand you don''t like to listen to me, I feel obligated to mention... the Titan modules have not undergone proper testing. Using them in combat isn''t advisable."


    Zack smirked. "Ego, let''s not have this conversation again. I know exactly what you''re going to say."


    "Of course, sir," Ego replied dryly. "At this point, you''d usually remind me that we should learn to run before we learn to walk." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack chuckled. "You know me too well, old friend."


    After a brief moment of levity, Zack''s face turned serious. "Alright, it''s time to move out. Annie and the others will hold the base, and with the mechanical units in place, there shouldn''t be any issues."


    Zack suited up in the Apex exosuit. As the thrusters roared to life, he shot into the sky, breaking the sound barrier almost instantly.


    Inside the mansion, Annie stood by the window, watching him disappear into the horizon. She pouted. "Sister Sophia, my brother is so unfair! He never takes me along."


    Sophia, sitting nearby with a book, glanced at her with mild amusement. "You''ve been out once. I''ve only been out twice. Quit complaining."


    "But Sis, it''s not fair!" Annie whined, flopping onto the couch dramatically. "I''ve got the reactor installed, and I can fly just like you! But he still won''t let me join. He even took Erza this time and left me behind!"


    Sophia sighed, setting her book down. "Your brother has his reasons. Besides, he said you and Erza are mutants, so injecting you with enhancements could cause unpredictable side effects. For now, it''s better to stay safe."


    Annie perked up, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Sophia. "But Sister Sophia, your skin is so perfect now. I want that too!"


    Sophia pretended to push her away with a look of mock disgust but then pulled her into a warm hug. "Alright, alright, stop being so dramatic. You can go guard the best, it''s also very important task!" Sophia said with a serious expression, leaning back slightly in her chair. Her mind wandered back to the pre-apocalypse days when she and her friends used to play games. One friend would head out to battle while Sophia stayed behind, guarding their base.


    "Really?" Annie tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. Then, as if making a vow, she declared, "Alright then, I''ll guard the base perfectly!" She paused, grinning mischievously. "I''m putting on Tarantula!"


    Before Sophia could stop her, Annie had already skipped out of the room, her footsteps echoing down the stairs. "This girl..." Sophia muttered, shaking her head with a soft smile. Watching Annie''s energetic departure was like a ray of light in the darkness of their world. In these grim times, having someone so lively around was a blessing.


    Once Annie was gone, the smile faded from Sophia''s face. She walked over to the window, leaned her head against the glass, and stared northward. Zack hadn''t told them the exact scale of the zombie horde, but based on his demeanor and the fact that he had dispatched over twenty Avalons, she could tell it wasn''t just a minor threat. "The battle on Capital isn''t as simple as he made it sound," Sophia murmured to herself. She clasped her hands together tightly. "Zack, you have to come back safely. You''re the only family I have left."


    Far to the north, a transport plane roared across the pre-apocalypse border, entering us airspace and heading straight for NYC City. Its purpose was unknown. Inside the plane, a group of large, burly men sat in silence. Some were soldiers armed to the teeth, while others were mutants.


    The Kamchatka Tundra region had the highest concentration of shapeshifting mutants in the world. Unlike typical mutants, shapeshifters didn''t require years of training to harness their abilities. Their combat potential was immense from the moment they awakened. This particular transport carried ten shapeshifters: six hulking bears, one Siberian tiger, and three wolves. Alongside them were heavily armed soldiers outfitted in crude exoskeleton armor, designed to enhance their strength and endurance.


    While Zack''s advanced suits of armor were decades ahead of these clunky exoskeletons, the bear-men treated their gear like precious treasures. For them, even this rudimentary technology was a game-changer. "Vish, where are we now?" Andre, the Siberian tiger shapeshifter and leader of the group, asked in a booming voice that echoed through the cabin.


    The pilot, Vish, glanced back nervously. "Chief Andre, we''re approaching Washington, there''s a large base there. They might have anti-aircraft defenses. Should we take a detour?"


    Andre frowned, his brow furrowing. "Take the detour. Without satellite support, we can''t risk a miscommunication leading to our plane being shot down."


    "Understood," Vish replied, adjusting their course slightly.


    One of the younger wolf shapeshifters approached Andre hesitantly. "Chief, do you think this mission will work?" he asked, his voice shaky. Before the apocalypse, he''d been a college student. Now, the idea of a real combat mission made him nervous.


    Andre placed a reassuring hand on the boy''s shoulder. "Don''t worry. We''ve studied NYC City carefully. Based on satellite intel before we lost them, the base relies heavily on machines. They have fewer than ten super soldiers, and only one person with notable abilities¡ªa woman who controls fire."

 Chapter 132: The Legion Come

    Chapter 132 - The Legion ComeAndre grinned confidently. "We brought two EMP bombs. Once we take out their machines, the city is ours."


    Unbeknownst to Andre, Zack had already addressed the weakness they''d identified. Just as Andre was feeling sure of their success, Vish''s sharp voice interrupted. "Sir! You need to see this!"


    Andre growled, walking toward the cockpit. "What''s wrong? I told you to stay on course!"


    "You''ll want to see this for yourself," Vish said, lowering their altitude and breaking through the cloud cover.


    As the ground came into view, Andre''s eyes widened, and a string of curses spilled from his mouth. "What the hell..." he muttered, his voice a mix of disbelief and horror.


    Spread across the landscape below them was an unimaginable sea of zombies, a legion of horde stretching as far as the eye could see. "This... this... this..." Andre''s voice drew the attention of everyone else on the transport plane. Through the small windows, the team saw the vast, unending black torrent below¡ªa tide of zombies stretching endlessly across the ground.


    Gasps and murmurs of disbelief filled the cabin. "At least the horde is heading south," someone said after a moment of stunned silence. The group collectively exhaled in relief.


    "Those poor people ," another muttered.


    Despite any hostilities that may have existed between their country in the past, the sight of fellow humans facing certain annihilation sparked a deep, instinctive sadness in the group. Andre, however, remained quiet. He was lost in thought, staring at the endless black wave. Memories of his past came rushing back. He had once been the leader of a small survivor base, but a zombie horde had torn through it, killing everyone he cared about. "Vish, can we still contact the base?" Andre asked, his voice heavy.


    "No, sir. Communications were cut off long ago," Vish replied honestly. Without satellites, radio signals couldn''t reach such distances.


    Andre frowned, his jaw tightening. His gaze remained fixed on the scene below as he muttered, "Sometimes, you''ve got to do what''s right, not what''s written." It was a phrase he''d picked up from an old American friend, a firefighter who believed in putting people above protocol.


    "Sir, our mission is to attack New York City!" one of his men reminded him. "And... there are way too many zombies down there."


    Andre didn''t respond immediately. His face betrayed the internal struggle he was grappling with. Should he fulfill his orders or follow his conscience? Seeing his hesitation, the others began whispering among themselves. Finally, one of them stepped forward. "Sir, whatever decision you make, we''re with you."


    The rest nodded in agreement. Andre''s leadership had earned their unwavering loyalty. Looking at their resolute faces, Andre''s uncertainty began to fade. It was time to make a decision.


    Meanwhile, in stark contrast to Andre''s group, Kane, the leader of the Washington DC base, had no such moral dilemmas. When his reconnaissance drones captured footage of the approaching zombie horde, Kane wasted no time planning his escape. He gathered a group of loyal followers and hastily packed his belongings before heading to the airport. But when he arrived, he found the runway packed with thousands of desperate survivors. "Damn it! How did these peasants get in here?!" he shouted furiously. "Why didn''t anyone stop them?!"


    The sight of Kane, surrounded by armed guards and carrying bags stuffed with valuables, only fueled the crowd''s anger. "There he is! That bastard is really trying to run!" someone yelled, pointing at him.


    The survivors surged forward, shouting in unison.


    "Kane, you can''t leave!"


    "You''re abandoning us to die!"


    "What about the 600,000 people in the base?!"


    The mob''s shouts grew louder as they pressed against the soldiers forming a barricade around Kane.


    "Stop them!" Kane barked, panic creeping into his voice. His guards swung the butts of their rifles, beating back the crowd. Cries of pain and fury echoed across the airfield.


    "Fight back!" someone in the crowd shouted. But the survivors, weakened by hunger and exhaustion, were no match for Kane''s well-fed and well-armed soldiers. Many fell under the assault, their blood staining the tarmac.


    "These lowlifes are revolting!" Kane screamed, his face red with rage and fear. "If anyone else moves, shoot them! Leave no one alive!"


    His guards didn''t hesitate. One of them fired three shots into the air.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The gunfire silenced the crowd, leaving only the sound of frightened whispers. An elderly woman stepped forward, her frail body trembling. She knelt before the soldiers, clasping her hands in desperation. "Chief Kane," she pleaded, her voice cracking. "If you leave, what will happen to us? To the 600,000 people in the base?"


    At the same time, when three gunshots echoed from the Washington DC base, a thin young man nicknamed Fang heard the noise and sprinted back to their makeshift headquarters¡ªa cluster of prefab huts. "Sister Scarlett, your timing was perfect! Just as Kane was about to make his escape, our people stopped him!" Fang burst into the room, breathless but grinning as he spoke to the quiet girl with glasses seated at a desk.


    Scarlett, calm as ever, adjusted her glasses and replied, "I expected as much. That fat coward can''t run now."


    Fang laughed. "Serves him right!" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Scarlett''s voice cut through his excitement. "Don''t celebrate just yet," she said. "If he feels cornered, he might order his men to open fire. We''re not here to stop him entirely, just to delay him long enough for Gwen and her team to finish their part."


    "Gwen and her team? I don''t get it," Fang muttered, scratching his head. "Why not just let him leave? Wouldn''t it be easier for us to rally everyone to fight the zombie horde without him?"


    Scarlett glanced at him and answered in a cold tone, "Nuclear bomb."


    Those two words sent a chill down Fang''s spine. She explained, "If Kane launches it after takeoff, there''s no point fighting the zombie tide. We''ll all die either way."


    Before Fang could respond, the door burst open. Gwen Lynn, a fiery young woman with a commanding presence, walked in alongside a brawny man built like an ox. "We''re back, Sacarlett!" Gwen announced, her face glowing with excitement. "No one refused us!"


    Scarlett raised an eyebrow. "Even the city defense army and the security team?"


    "Yup!" Gwen said proudly.


    "The security team?" Fang asked, wide-eyed. "The same bunch who look down on us? Gwen, did you hypnotize them?"


    Gwen rolled her eyes. "I didn''t need to. I just told them the truth¡ªKane plans to ditch them and run. They jumped to join us after that!"


    Scarlett nodded. "Fear is a powerful motivator," she murmured. "Good work, Gwen. Notify the city defense army and have them shut down the missile launch process immediately¡ª" She stopped mid-sentence as a faint tremor rippled through the ground beneath their feet.


    The water in a glass on the table quivered, the ripples becoming more pronounced with each passing second. The tremors grew stronger. "The Legion is coming..." Scarlett whispered, her voice barely audible.


    From outside, panicked screams grew louder, carrying a chilling message: "The zombies are here!"

 Chapter 133: Don’t Hold Back

    Chapter 133 - Don''t Hold BackThe ground shook violently as the northern wind swept through the city, carrying with it the foul stench of decay. "The drone has sent back footage!" someone shouted from the outer defense wall of the Washington DC base. "The zombie horde is closing in!"


    Thousands of city defense troops stood on the wall and along the frontlines, weapons ready. Despite their reputation as enforcers who bullied the weak, these men understood the gravity of the situation. If they failed to hold the line, everyone in the city would die. "The horde is entering the ten-kilometer range! Prepare artillery!" shouted Scott, the commander of the defense forces.


    Washington DC base, one of the largest survivor strongholds, was armed to the teeth. More than 300 tanks were lined up outside the defensive perimeter, forming a steel fortress. Behind them, rows of rocket launchers and artillery were primed and ready, awaiting orders to unleash destruction. "The lack of air support is a damn shame," Scott muttered under his breath. Fighter jets had once been the pride of the base, but Kane''s incompetence had left them without trained pilots. He knew that without air superiority, holding back a horde of this size was nearly impossible. But he kept those thoughts to himself, unwilling to undermine morale.


    "The horde is within range!" a soldier reported, his voice strained with urgency.


    Scott didn''t hesitate. "Fire!" In an instant, the battlefield erupted into chaos. Hundreds of artillery pieces unleashed their payloads, their deafening roars shaking the earth. Rockets screamed into the sky, trailing smoke as they hurtled toward their targets.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The tanks joined in, their synchronized firepower creating an unending barrage. The thunderous explosions drowned out all other sounds, leaving the troops on the wall unable to hear even their own teammates shouting beside them. Thousands of shells arced through the sky, descending upon the plain ahead. The once-quiet landscape erupted into a storm of fire and smoke.


    The first clash between Washington DC base and the zombie tide had begun. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The zombie Legion Tide, an endless black torrent, surged across the plains. Densely packed with super hunters and raiders, the horde obliterated everything in its path. The earth beneath them was left lifeless, vegetation trampled and destroyed. As hundreds of thousands of super hunters advanced, a sharp whistling sound filled the air. Moments later, thousands of artillery shells and rockets rained down like a violent storm.


    Boom! Boom!


    Explosions rocked the landscape, turning most of the plain into a sea of fire. Thousands of super hunters were obliterated, their limbs blown apart. Hundreds of thousands of raiders were shredded into pieces. Smoke. Fire. Blood. The plain had become a hellish scene, the once-mighty black tide appearing to falter under the relentless bombardment. But the reprieve was short-lived.


    In the next moment, more super hunters and raiders emerged from the chaos, surging forward undeterred. From a satellite''s perspective, the artillery strike was like a pebble tossed into a collapsing dam¡ªutterly futile. The black torrent surged onward, its speed unrelenting.


    Inside the Washington DC base, the deafening sound of artillery fire reverberated through the air, making the 600,000 survivors within the walls tense with fear. The ground quaked beneath them as the explosions continued, the tremors even felt in the city center.


    "The zombies are here!"


    "Quick! Push them back! Open fire!"


    Kane''s expression twisted as he heard the thunder of artillery. Panic spread across his face as he barked out orders. "Stop wasting time and get these people under control!" he shouted, pointing at the crowd of survivors blocking his escape route. "Shoot if you have to!"


    The soldiers hesitated. Though they were no strangers to intimidation and violence, the thought of gunning down unarmed civilians made even them falter. "Why are you all just standing there? Didn''t you hear the leader''s orders?!" yelled one of Kane''s loyal men. Without waiting, he raised his rifle and fired into the crowd.


    Bang! Bang!


    Bullets tore through flesh, and screams filled the air as blood spattered across the tarmac. Survivors fell in rows, their bodies crumpling to the ground. The sight sent the rest of the crowd into a frenzy, and they fled in all directions, desperate to escape. "Let''s go, Chief," said one of Kane''s lackeys, flashing a sycophantic grin.


    "Good work," Kane said with a nod, patting the man''s shoulder. "Don''t worry, when we''re out of here, I''ll reward you handsomely!"


    He motioned for his inner circle, including several mutants, to follow him as they made their way to the plane. "What about us?" asked one of the soldiers who had been holding back the crowd.


    Kane didn''t even turn around. "Just hold the line. Another plane will come for you later." His voice was dismissive, and his pace quickened as he climbed aboard the aircraft.


    The remaining soldiers exchanged glances, realization dawning on them. "He''s lying," one muttered, fists clenching. "There''s no other plane coming."


    The elderly woman who had begged Kane earlier lay on the ground, bleeding from a gunshot wound. Her voice, weak but cutting, carried to their ears. "He''s abandoned you... all of you..." Her words struck the soldiers like thunder. In that moment, fury replaced hesitation.


    "That bastard!"


    "Blow up his damn plane!"


    "No one''s leaving us behind to die!"


    Angry shouts erupted as the soldiers turned their guns on Kane''s plane.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Bullets riddled the aircraft, tearing through its thin metal exterior. Holes appeared across the fuselage as the plane shook under the assault. "Leader! They''re shooting at us!" the pilot screamed, panic written all over his face.


    "Ignore them and take off! These idiots won''t matter once the zombies arrive!" Kane barked, his face twisted in rage. But his arrogance was short-lived.


    Boom!


    One of the engines exploded in a fiery burst, followed quickly by a second.


    Boom!


    Then a third. The plane sputtered and groaned as it lost power. Kane''s escape plan was crumbling before his eyes. "These ingrates!" he snarled, his chubby face trembling with anger. "How soon can the spare aircraft in the hangar be ready for takeoff?"


    "Fifteen minutes!" the terrified pilot stammered.


    Kane''s expression softened slightly, but his eyes still burned with malice. "Fine," he growled. "Old Fire! Kill them all! Leave no one alive!"


    Meanwhile, at the outer perimeter of the base, Scott''s face was grim as he observed the drone feed of the advancing horde. "Don''t hold back! Keep firing! Don''t stop for even a second!" he shouted.


    The sheer scale of the zombie tide was beyond anything he had imagined. Artillery shells continued to rain down, and the earth trembled under the relentless barrage. Despite their efforts, Scott knew that this battle would push them to the brink. The tide showed no signs of slowing. Tons of artillery shells and rockets slammed into the advancing zombie tide, but it was like throwing stones into an ocean. Not even a ripple was created. Thousands of zombies fell, torn apart by the relentless bombardment, but for every one killed, more swarmed forward. Their speed was astonishing. The cratered plain, riddled with debris, posed no obstacle to them. They moved as though it were smooth ground, relentlessly closing the distance.


    "The tide is 7 kilometers away!"


    "6 kilometers!"

 Chapter 134: Andre Decision

    Chapter 134 - Andre DecisionAs the reports came in, Scott''s face grew darker. The vanguard of the zombie tide¡ªcomposed entirely of speed zombies like super hunters and raiders¡ªcould cross a few kilometers in mere moments.


    "The tide is 5 kilometers away!"


    "Deploy the tanks!" Scott bellowed without hesitation.


    Rumble¡ª!!!


    More than three hundred tanks roared to life, their engines growling as they formed a steel phalanx. The tanks rolled forward like ancient heavy cavalry charging into an overwhelmingly larger enemy. Billowing smoke and dust trailed behind them as they plowed ahead, a wall of iron aimed directly at the black tide.


    "Fire!"


    "Reload!"


    The tank crews, made up of ordinary people with minimal training, could only operate at a basic level. But here, on the flat plains surrounding the base, they didn''t need precision. Reload, aim roughly, and fire. Every shot hit something, and every hit counted.


    As the tanks advanced, they drew closer to the zombie tide. Then, with a deafening roar, the two forces clashed. The fifty-ton steel behemoths tore into the horde, leaving trails of crushed flesh and gore in their wake. The tanks, each equipped with collision buckets and reinforced with spikes, became blunt instruments of destruction. "Crush them!" a soldier roared over the comms as the tanks sliced into the tide.


    The battlefield became a chaotic maelstrom. The tanks fired continuously, the gunners inside unleashing bullets from their machine guns. Outside, flamethrowers spewed firestorms that incinerated zombies in their path. But the horde was relentless. Hunters, with claws sharp enough to tear through metal, leapt onto the tanks, scratching and clawing at their armor. The shriek of metal-on-metal filled the battlefield, even overpowering the thunder of gunfire.


    Boom! The first tank fell, overwhelmed by zombies that set its fuel ablaze. Flames engulfed the vehicle, roasting its crew alive. The steel tombs burned brightly on the battlefield, marking the sacrifices of their crews. One by one, more tanks succumbed. Tracks were torn apart. Engines stalled. Crews, trapped and desperate, detonated their tanks, taking as many zombies as possible with them.


    Rumble¡ª!


    The earth trembled as lord-class zombies, towering and monstrously powerful, joined the fray. Even the heavily modified tanks couldn''t withstand their strength for long. Although the tanks bought time and killed countless zombies, they couldn''t stop the tide entirely. Swarms of zombies bypassed the immobilized tanks and surged toward the Washington DC base.


    "The tide is 4 kilometers away!"


    "I can see them!"


    On the high walls of the base, soldiers stared at the black wave with pale faces and trembling hands. "Commander Scott, the tanks... we''ve lost contact with all of them," a soldier reported, his voice heavy with despair.


    "I see," Scott replied grimly, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He knew deploying the tanks alone was a tactical gamble, but he''d had no choice. On the open plains, the tanks were their best option to slow the horde.


    But the zombie tide was far larger¡ªand far deadlier¡ªthan he''d anticipated. "We''re doomed," a soldier muttered, his grip on his rifle shaking. "If the tanks couldn''t stop them, how are we supposed to hold them off?"


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Artillery continued to pound the approaching tide. Rocket trucks fired their payloads and retreated to reload, while survivors hurriedly carried ammunition to the walls. "Hold the line!" Scott roared. "Raise the first line of defense!"


    At his command, a series of steel walls erupted from the ground 1.5 kilometers from the base. The walls, lined with sharp spikes, were positioned in a staggered formation, creating a crude maze designed to slow the zombies. As the horde collided with the barricades, many were impaled, their bodies writhing as they were skewered.


    The defense worked, briefly halting the tide''s momentum. The steel walls didn''t connect, forcing the zombies to navigate through the labyrinth while under constant artillery fire. "The maze design from the old Commander is still effective," Scott muttered, his voice tinged with a sliver of hope.


    But he knew this was just the beginning. Scott stared at the steel walls in the distance and let out a quiet sigh. This strategy had been devised by Wang Lei to counter speed-type zombies like super hunters. These creatures could otherwise sprint at full speed and leap directly onto the high walls of the Washington DC base.


    Although the hunters could climb over the steel walls, they lost their momentum and could no longer use their sprinting speed to vault straight onto the base''s defenses. "Heavy machine guns! Everyone else, prepare for battle!" Scott roared.


    When the tide was within one kilometer, the order was given. This was the optimal range for heavy machine guns.


    Click, click, click...


    Hundreds of heavy machine guns roared to life, transforming the high walls into a relentless barrage of firepower. The bullets rained down like fiery tongues, forming an unbroken wall of destruction aimed at the advancing tide.


    "Roar¡ª¡ª!" Zombies dropped in droves, their bodies riddled with bullets. No one could count how many had been killed. The soldiers only knew that the numbers seemed endless. More zombies surged forward, trampling over the corpses of their fallen.


    The carnage was overwhelming. The three-to-four-meter-high steel walls were quickly buried under mountains of zombie corpses, forming natural ramps that allowed the tide to move faster. Without the steel walls slowing them down, the zombies charged through, advancing rapidly toward the base. "We''re finished..." Scott muttered, despair flickering in his eyes. Was the nuclear option the only choice left?


    Just then, the distant roar of engines broke through the chaos. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A plane! A plane''s coming!"


    "Is it our air support?"


    "No... that''s not one of ours!"


    The soldiers watched in confusion as a massive transport plane descended through the clouds, its rear cabin door opening mid-flight. There, standing in the doorway, was a group of massive figures. "Comrades!" Andre''s booming voice echoed. "For humanity!"


    "Ula¡ª¡ª!" they roared in unison. Then, without hesitation, they leapt from the plane¡ªwithout parachutes.


    "Are they insane?!" The sight of Andre and his team jumping from such a height left the soldiers on the walls speechless. The transport plane was flying at over 100 meters¡ªfalling from that height without a parachute should have been fatal. To make matters worse, the ground below was teeming with zombies.


    Scott was the first to understand. "They''re mutants!" he realized. "Cover them! Clear a landing zone!" he shouted immediately. Following his order, the soldiers unleashed a torrent of firepower, mowing down zombies below the falling fur bears.


    In mid-air, Andre and his team began to transform. Their bodies shifted rapidly, undergoing an atavistic change. Thick fur sprouted, their already muscular frames expanding like balloons. By the time they hit the ground, they were no longer human.


    Andre landed as a five-meter-long Siberian tiger. The others¡ªsix giant bears and three prairie gray wolves¡ªstood three to four meters tall, their forms exuding raw power. "Roar¡ª¡ª!" Andre''s roar shook the battlefield as he lunged into the horde.


    With a swipe of his massive claws, he slammed a super hunter into the ground, tearing it apart. His tail whipped through the air, sending raiders flying like ragdolls, their bones shattering on impact. "Comrades! Form a defensive line!" Andre bellowed, his deep voice cutting through the chaos.


    "Ula¡ª¡ª!" Although the other shifters couldn''t speak, they retained enough intelligence to follow Andre''s commands.

 Chapter 135: For the Humanity

    Chapter 135 - For the HumanityThe team spread out beneath the high walls, creating a circular formation that allowed them to cover one another. Whenever one of them was overwhelmed, the others quickly provided support. On the walls, the soldiers of Washington DC base intensified their firepower.


    No one questioned where Andre and his team had come from. In this moment, it didn''t matter. They were human. They were fighting zombies. That was enough to make them allies. "Team Three! Where''s your recoilless rifle?!" Scott shouted. "Provide support to the fur bears below!"


    At the same time, the transport plane that had dropped Andre and his team circled back, flying dangerously low¡ªbarely skimming the ground. The maneuver made Scott''s heart skip a beat. "What''s that plane doing?!" he yelled down at Andre. Hearing the question, Andre turned his massive tiger head toward the wall, a faint smile playing across his face despite the chaos.


    "Comrade!" Andre roared, his voice human despite his animal form. "We have nothing to fear!"


    "Ula!"


    Andre spun around, his massive tiger tail sweeping away a super hunter that lunged at him. Without pausing, he pounced on two more super hunters, his razor-sharp claws ripping through their chests with ease.


    At the same time, the transport plane circled back, its intentions becoming clear. The rear hatch remained open, revealing more than thirty soldiers clad in simple exoskeletons. They carried heavy machine guns, their ammunition belts draped over their shoulders like trophies. Their faces were filled with a burning determination.


    As the plane passed over the high wall, the soldiers of Washington DC stared in disbelief. One by one, the soldiers leapt from the transport plane, each jumping down from a height of over ten meters.


    "They''re insane!"


    "Do they even have superpowers?!"


    Scott''s voice cut through the shocked murmurs. "They''re not mutants!" he shouted, realizing the truth. "They''re just men with courage!"


    The soldiers watched in awe as they landed solidly on the high wall platform. Their crude exoskeletons absorbed most of the impact, leaving them ready for action. "Cover the officer!" one of the soldiers bellowed. Without hesitation, they rushed to the edge of the wall, heavy machine guns blazing as they unleashed a relentless barrage on the tide of zombies below.


    Scott noticed something peculiar about their ammunition. "What bullets are they using?!" he yelled.


    The language barrier made it impossible for them to respond. "Does anyone here know their language? Ask them what caliber they''re using!"


    A quick-thinking soldier picked up a spent casing and examined it. "Commander Scott! It''s 12.7x108mm!"


    "Logistics! Find every last box of 12.7x108mm ammo and get it up here!" Scott ordered.


    The soldiers, understanding the gesture when the ammunition boxes arrived, shouted with renewed vigor. "§©§Ñ§é§Ö§Ý§à§Ó§Ö§é§Ö§ã§ä§Ó§à!" "For humanity, comrades!" They redoubled their efforts, their heavy machine guns tearing through the endless horde with unrelenting precision.


    "Commander Scott! Reinforcements are here!" Scott turned to see Scarlett and her team of mutants arriving on the high wall.


    "And us!" shouted a voice from behind. The security team, notorious for their misdeeds, joined the fray.


    "You''re just in time!" Scott said, a rare smile breaking through his grim expression.


    With the combined forces of the mutants, the city defense army, the outside soldiers, and the changers battling at close range below the wall, the tide of zombies began to falter. For the first time, the base''s firepower outpaced the flow of zombies. To the soldiers, it appeared as though the horde was retreating.


    "We''re holding them back!"


    "Long live humanity!"


    "Ula!"


    The morale of the defenders soared. But their celebration was short-lived.


    Boom!


    The ground trembled violently. The joy on everyone''s faces quickly shifted to fear and panic as they saw what approached next. Hundreds of Lords. The massive, hulking zombies that had destroyed the tanks earlier were now charging toward the base. Their sheer size and brute force were overwhelming¡ªa true tide of humanoid steel. "No..." Scott''s voice was barely a whisper. His face paled as despair overtook him.


    Andre, still in his tiger form, turned to look at the advancing Lords. Lowering his head slightly, he sighed. "Comrades... I may have led us to a path of no return." He knew the truth. His decision to fight for strangers¡ªto protect a cause greater than himself¡ªhad sealed their fate. He and his brothers would die far from home, in a place that might never remember their names. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Is there still hope for a miracle?" On the high wall, Scarlett gazed skyward, her usually composed face now showing signs of despair. Even her sharp mind couldn''t conjure a way out of this situation.


    Then she noticed it. A faint white light streaked across the sky. "Wait..." she muttered. "Is that... a meteor?" The light grew brighter, descending rapidly toward the earth. But this wasn''t a meteor¡ªit was something far more precise.


    A tungsten rod, fired from space, was falling at Mach 61. It tore through the atmosphere, glowing white-hot from the friction. Its target: the center of the zombie horde. "What is that?!" someone shouted, pointing at the sky.


    "Roar¡ª¡ª!" As the tungsten rod descended, a gray wolf changer near Andre roared, sensing the approaching juggernaut wave. But this time, hope was falling from the sky. Andre spun around, his massive tiger tail sweeping away a super hunter that lunged at him. Without pausing, he pounced on two more super hunters, his razor-sharp claws ripping through their chests with ease.


    "Josh! Come back!" Andre roared, his deep voice desperate. But Josh didn''t stop. He had already decided to throw everything into this final stand. The Lords were closing in fast. "Roar¡ª¡ª!" Josh leapt into the air, aiming for the nearest juggernaut.


    At that moment, the white light streaking across the sky, moving at Mach 61, slammed into the ground with an earth-shattering impact.


    Boom!


    The explosion shook the battlefield, but Josh didn''t falter. He sank his teeth into the juggernaut''s pale flesh, tearing off chunks with savage ferocity. The juggernaut''s filthy blood sprayed everywhere, staining the lone wolf''s fur crimson. Josh growled, refusing to let go. But soon, the Lords swarmed him. Massive humanoid tanks, standing three meters tall, grabbed Josh by his limbs and tail.


    With terrifying strength, they tore his body apart. Chunks of flesh and fur scattered across the blood-soaked battlefield. "Josh!!!" Andre''s voice echoed, filled with rage and grief as his comrade fell.


    The ground trembled violently. The shockwave from the white light''s impact rippled outward like an earthquake of unprecedented magnitude. Cracks snaked across the high walls of the Washington DC base, and soldiers clung to anything solid to avoid being thrown off. "What just happened?!" Scott shouted, his voice trembling as he gripped a cement pillar. "Send a drone to check it out!"

 Chapter 136: Lords Swarm

    Chapter 136 - Lords SwarmThe drone''s feed returned moments later, and what Scott saw left him stunned. Where there had once been a plain, there was now a massive crater, two to three kilometers in diameter, its depths unfathomable. The force of the impact had pushed thousands of tons of earth into a ring-shaped wave of mud that radiated outward, burying countless zombies in its path. The enormous crater became an impassable obstacle, forcing the horde behind it to detour. For the first time, the unending zombie tide seemed to pause. ''It was that white light...'' Scott whispered, realization dawning. But his thoughts were interrupted by the guttural roars of the Lords.


    Although the crater had disrupted the main tide, hundreds of Lords and countless other zombies had already made it past the blast zone and were now closing in on the base''s defenses. "Focus all firepower! Don''t let the Lords get closer than one kilometer!" Scott barked. "Artillery, concentrate fire! Shoot now!"


    The Washington DC base unleashed its full might. Anti-aircraft guns, usually reserved for aerial threats, were leveled at the advancing horde, firing alongside hundreds of artillery pieces adjusted to near-vertical angles. High-explosive shells arced into the sky, raining down on the approaching Lords and their followers.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Flames engulfed the battlefield, and zombies were incinerated in the fiery blasts. But the Lords, impervious to anything but direct hits, marched through the inferno unscathed. The shrapnel and shockwaves barely scratched them. "Old man! We''re lowering the basket! Get your people up here now!" Scott shouted down to Andre.


    Andre, still in his tiger form, roared to his team. "Vicky! Get moving! Take the basket! I''ll cover you!"


    But seconds passed, and the basket didn''t descend. "What''s going on?! Where''s the basket?!" Scott yelled, panic rising.


    "Commander Scott! The basket''s stuck!" came the frantic reply from a soldier.


    Under the high wall, Andre heard the words. He turned to look at the eight changers who remained by his side¡ªsix giant bears and two gray wolves, all battered and bleeding. Their fur was matted with blood, and two of the bears were too injured to stand. Andre lowered his massive tiger head, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Comrades... I''ve led you to a dead end."


    At that moment, the king of beasts lowered his massive head, his piercing eyes meeting those of his followers. "ROAR!" The king''s bellow echoed through the battlefield.


    "ROAR!" The giant bear and the gray wolf howled in response, their cries a mix of rage and defiance.


    These creatures weren''t ones to cower in fear or cling desperately to life. They were ready to face the tide of death before them. "I understand what you mean," Andre muttered under his breath, his five-meter-long tiger body trembling with anticipation.


    BOOM!


    The tide of undead was already upon them. Leading the charge, one of the hulking "masters" threw its body into the steel barricade blocking the road, reducing it to rubble. Hearing the approaching roar of the undead, Andre turned. Muscles rippled under his fur as he gathered all his strength, preparing for the fight of his life. The giant bear snarled, revealing sharp fangs, while the gray wolf flexed its claws, each ready for the final stand. "We''re not afraid!" Andre roared, his voice full of fury and determination.


    "ULLA!!" Andre charged first, his claws slashing through the air. The bear and the wolf followed close behind. Nine shapeshifters against hundreds of undead masters and countless zombies. Before the inevitable clash, a deafening BOOM tore through the sky. Everyone looked up as the sonic boom of fighter jets echoed overhead.


    The next moment, sleek futuristic aircraft streaked across the battlefield, their machine guns roaring to life. Streams of depleted uranium rounds ripped through the air, carving a fiery line of destruction through the undead. "What kind of planes are those?" someone gasped.


    More jets appeared, over twenty of them, their sleek forms racing over the landscape. As they neared the battlefield, they opened their bomb bays. Soldiers on the high wall braced themselves for the bombing run. But what fell wasn''t bombs. From the bays dropped strange, folded mechanical bodies.


    The machines unfolded mid-air, their intricate designs snapping into place as they plummeted to the ground.


    THUD! THUD! THUD! Mechanical beasts¡ªspider-shaped constructs with four sturdy legs¡ªlanded with heavy impacts. Their rugged design absorbed the shock of the fall with ease.


    Under the wall, a hundred mechanical spiders began to spread out. Five of them flanked Andre''s group, their integrated heavy machine guns unleashing a storm of tungsten-core bullets. The incoming fire created a deadly crossfire, shredding the myth that the masters were immune to bullets. The front-line undead, no matter how massive, fell like broken puppets.


    Behind the spiders, fifty mechanical dogs dropped onto the high wall with resounding metallic clangs. Soldiers scrambled out of their way as the machines took over the platform, ignoring the humans entirely. The mechanical dogs unfolded launch pods from their backs, revealing rows of micro-missiles.


    WHOOSH!


    Hundreds of missiles streaked through the sky, aimed at the oncoming undead horde. Explosions erupted, shaking the earth and sending fiery plumes into the air. The bombardment didn''t just kill¡ªit incinerated. Zombies, raiders, and mutated hunters were torn apart by the blasts, their remains charred to ash in the ensuing inferno. Only the strongest Zombie¡ªsurvived, staggering forward with burned and blistered flesh peeling away, revealing grotesque, oozing wounds.


    "ROAR!" Andre''s sharp eyes caught the mechanical beasts tearing into the undead. He wasn''t the only one who noticed.


    The giant bear beside him growled, its gaze turning to Andre. "I know," Andre said through gritted teeth, "but this isn''t the time!" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a furious roar, he leapt at the nearest Lord, his claws slicing through its chest and ripping out its organs. Another Lord lunged at him, but before it could strike, a gray wolf jumped in, its fangs tearing into the undead''s throat. The battlefield was chaotic. A giant bear found itself surrounded by four masters. Despite its strength, it fell under their relentless assault, its massive body collapsing lifelessly to the ground. "Navas!" Andre roared, his heart sinking. He tried to reach the fallen bear, but more Lords swarmed him.


    The soldiers stationed on the high wall, fearing collateral damage, hesitated to aim their heavy weapons like anti-aircraft guns at the lords fighting near Andre. "Skarner!" Another giant bear fell with a pained roar.


    Andre and his group were locked in a brutal struggle. Below the wall, some of the poisonous spiders redirected their fire, forming a crossfire that rained tungsten-core bullets onto the lords surrounding them.


    Unlike the soldiers, the mechanical spiders showed no hesitation. BRRRT! Heavy machine guns roared, and though the shots came dangerously close to Andre and his allies, not a single one struck them. The Lords, however, were torn apart, their massive bodies riddled with holes. Andre, noticing the backup, roared, "Do you see this? We''re not alone!"


    "Ula!" With renewed determination, Andre''s massive tiger form surged back into the fight, clawing and slashing through the enemy ranks.


    The other shapeshifters glanced at one another, their initial distrust fading. No missions. No grudges. Only allies against the undead. Even if those allies were cold, unfeeling machines capable of shooting them if the situation demanded.


    Buzz, buzz... The distinct hum of engines filled the air as a sleek aircraft banked sharply and dove toward the battlefield. Ava, piloting the second-generation fighter, didn''t hesitate. The 20mm cannon mounted on the aircraft roared to life, cutting through the line of Lords with ruthless efficiency.

 Chapter 137: Fiery Explosion

    Chapter 137 - Fiery ExplosionOne unfortunate Lord caught a depleted uranium round straight on. The entry wound was the size of a fist. The exit wound? As large as a basin. The intense heat of the impact¡ªover 6,000¡ãC¡ªcharred the edges of the wound instantly, leaving no blood to spill. As Ava''s fighter swooped back up, two more jets flew over the battlefield. Each carried a massive, square payload suspended by steel cables. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom! Boom!


    The moment the jets reached the center of the battlefield, the cables released. The heavy objects crashed to the ground with thunderous force, shaking the earth. Soldiers on the wall felt the vibrations beneath their feet.


    Ka-ka-ka-ka...


    Mechanical whirring followed as the massive objects unfolded. The soldiers watched, stunned, as two towering machines, each eight meters tall, rose from the ground. The sheer size of these Goliath rivaled the height of the defensive wall itself. From their vantage point, the soldiers could see the back of the Goliath'' heads¡ªor rather, the missile launchers mounted there. "What... what are those?" Scott stammered, his voice barely audible over the chaos. He could no longer make sense of the battlefield. It wasn''t his to control anymore.


    The tide of battle had shifted entirely, taken over by a new force. Minutes earlier... Before the arrival of the mechanical army, Scott and his forces were locked in a desperate struggle against the horde. Meanwhile, within the Base, a bloody massacre was unfolding. Kane''s mutant thugs, aiming to secure his escape, slaughtered soldiers and survivors with cruel efficiency. The once-secure airport was now a scene of carnage. Blood painted the tarmac, and bodies were strewn across the runway.


    Kane''s men worked quickly, dragging the corpses aside to clear the path. "Move it! Get those bodies out of the way!" Kane barked, his eyes darting nervously toward the distant sound of gunfire. Nearby, a group of terrified women in flight attendant uniforms huddled together, their eyes filled with despair. They were Cheng''s bargaining chips¡ªhis "currency" for survival. "Get those women on the plane, now!" he shouted. In the distance, the hum of engines grew louder.


    Boom! Boom!


    The sonic booms of approaching jets echoed above, drawing Kane''s gaze upward. He watched as the aircraft flew toward the frontlines. "They''re from NYC City," he muttered, recognizing the sleek designs. "Idiots. They''re flying straight to their deaths." He snorted and turned back to his men. "Hurry up! Clear the runway! We''re leaving!"


    One jet, however, broke formation. Slowing as it neared the base, its cabin door opened mid-air. A figure leapt out, twisting through the air before vanishing into thin air.


    Back at the airport, Kane''s men finally cleared the runway, dragging the bodies into haphazard piles like discarded trash. "Boss! The runway''s clear!" one of them called out.


    "Good! Let''s move!" Kane barked, relief flickering across his face.


    But as his thugs began herding the women toward the plane, chaos erupted again. "Boss! These women are refusing to board!"


    "What?" Kane spun around, his face twisting in fury. "What the hell are they doing?!" Before he could storm over, a faint thud echoed from the runway. The runway seemed empty. Yet, a faint depression appeared in the ground, as if something heavy had just landed.


    "What''s going on?" one of Kane''s men asked nervously.


    "Let''s check it out," another said, summoning courage as they cautiously moved toward the mysterious dent.


    Before they could reach it, a strange breeze brushed past their faces. "Did you see¡ª" one began, but his voice caught in his throat. A chill crept along his neck.


    The world spun around him, and as his vision blurred, he caught a glimpse of his own headless body crumpling to the ground. One by one, the others fell in the same eerie manner. A fleeting breeze, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance, swept through the runway, leaving a trail of headless bodies in its wake.


    Death came so quickly that none of them even realized what had happened. "Enemy¡ª!" a voice shouted from the hangar, where a mutant had spotted the carnage. But the fragrant breeze reached him before he could finish. His head separated cleanly from his shoulders, hitting the ground and rolling a few times before coming to a stop.


    The warning, incomplete as it was, alerted Kane and his remaining men. "It''s a stealth mutant!" shouted Larry, Kane''s strongest subordinate, as he sprang into action. Without hesitation, his body burst into flames, the inferno engulfing him like a second skin. His clothes and hair burned away instantly, but Larry stood unharmed, the flames dancing across his body. "I''ll flush them out!" he growled, his fiery aura expanding in a massive ring.


    The wave of searing heat surged across the area, sparing only the aircraft. Amid the flames, a figure materialized¡ªa lithe and Graceful silhouette outlined by the fire. "It''s a woman!" Larry sneered, his expression twisting into a sadistic grin. "Burning her will be much more fun!"


    But his grin froze in place. The woman didn''t writhe in pain or scream. Instead, she dashed through the flames, unscathed and incredibly fast. "No!" Larry managed to gasp as a faint white blade of light flashed before his eyes. The world spun around him, and his fiery form crumpled. He never stood a chance. "Run! Run now!" Kane screamed, his voice cracking as he bolted toward the plane. His men scrambled after him, but chaos ruled the hangar.


    "Start the plane! Go, go, go!" Kane barked as he slammed the cabin door shut behind him. The pilot, terrified by the scene outside, didn''t waste time on pre-flight checks. Engines roared to life as the aircraft began to taxi down the runway, accelerating quickly.


    "Are we safe?" Kane muttered, his voice trembling as the plane neared takeoff speed. Relief washed over him as he approached a window to look back at the hangar.


    Then it happened. A faint white light streaked across the plane. Kane froze, his body stiff as if caught mid-motion. The light sliced cleanly through the aircraft, splitting it¡ªand everyone aboard¡ªinto two halves. The plane''s inertia carried it forward, the two sections sliding along the runway at over 200 kilometers per hour.


    BOOM!


    A fiery explosion consumed the wreckage as it collided with the guidance lights at the end of the runway. In the aftermath, standing amidst the smoking debris, a figure emerged. Clad in sleek black-and-white armor, her presence was as chilling as it was commanding. "The target is dead," she reported calmly.

 Chapter 138: Avoid the Red Zone

    Chapter 138 - Avoid the Red ZoneLillian walked into the burning wreckage, her movements precise and deliberate. After a moment, she stepped back out, her voice unchanging as she confirmed the kill. She didn''t waste words. Actions were her language. High above the battlefield, Zack listened to Lillian''s report. His expression was grim as he turned his gaze toward the distant black tide. Ego''s voice echoed in his ears. "Sir, all mechanical beasts have been deployed. The aircraft are returning."


    From their vantage point tens of thousands of meters in the sky, Zack and Ego had been observing the battlefield. While Scott and his forces only saw the dense wave of zombies in front of them, Zack knew the grim reality. "This isn''t even one percent of the horde," Zack muttered.


    The Avalon wasn''t just a transport vehicle¡ªit was a multi-functional war machine. After deploying the first wave of mechanical beasts, the jets immediately returned to NYC City to reload. They were bringing aerial bombs, fuel-air explosives, and additional ammunition supplies for the mechanical beasts, ready to rejoin the battle. "Send out Mk-2 and MK-3 manufacturing drones to search for rare materials," Zack commanded in a calm yet firm tone.


    He hadn''t forgotten the secondary purpose of this mission: securing vital resources amidst the chaos. "Understood," Ego replied, transmitting the orders to NYC City.


    Meanwhile, the zombie tide, which had been briefly disrupted by the space-based cannon strike, was regrouping. The horde had bypassed the massive crater caused by the initial bombardment, merging with the rear ranks and reforming into a continuous black torrent. "Recalculate the strike points," Zack said coldly, his gaze locked on the satellite feed.


    The previous strikes had been meticulously planned to break the tide without causing catastrophic damage to the continental plate. "Attack points updated," Ego reported as seven glowing red markers appeared on the satellite map.


    Each marker indicated a precise location where another space-based strike could temporarily halt the horde without triggering massive earthquakes. "Sir, I must remind you, space-based weapons aren''t designed for large-scale destruction," Ego said, his voice carrying a hint of hesitation. "Even if you deploy all remaining tungsten rods, they won''t be enough to eliminate the entire zombie tide."


    Zack remained unfazed. The Annie-class satellite carried only eleven tungsten rods in total, each weighing several tons. Two had already been used, leaving just nine. "You''re worrying too much, Ego," Zack said evenly. "Shadow has already seized control of the nuclear missile systems at NYC."


    Ego paused before responding. "Sir, you intend to deploy nuclear weapons?"


    "Yes," Zack replied, his voice devoid of emotion. His calm tone sent a chill through Ego''s circuits. Zack wasn''t like Scott or the other commanders scrambling for survival. His focus was on the bigger picture, the long-term future. No matter what the legion need to be stopped there.


    "Understood. Calculating optimal detonation points for maximum effectiveness," Ego said. For all his logic, Ego was unwavering in his loyalty to Zack, even if the plan required sacrifices on a massive scale.


    "Good. Prepare the calculations but hold off on launching for now," Zack instructed. "In the meantime, fire the space-based cannon at Point Two in two minutes."


    With that, Zack launched himself into the air, heading directly for the most chaotic part of the battlefield. He had observed long enough¡ªit was time to act. On the ground, the appearance of the Goliath had brought the battle to a standstill. Towering over the battlefield at 8.8 meters, the massive mechs immediately drew attention. Their arrival wasn''t just imposing¡ªit was devastating. "Target locked. Initiating attack," the Goliath announced in synchronized, monotone voices.


    Their sensors glowed crimson, locking onto the lords leading the zombie tide. Unlike other mechanical units, the Goliath ignored lesser threats like raiders and hunters. Their focus was solely on the Lords. The Goliath raised their enormous arms, each equipped with twin 50mm Vulcan cannons.


    BAM!


    The cannons roared, each shot like thunder. A single 50mm round packed enough power to leave massive craters in the ground. The lords caught in their path were obliterated, their bodies reduced to mangled chunks of flesh and shattered bone. Every shot tore through the zombie ranks with devastating precision. The ground was churned into a bloody mess as the Goliath advanced, their relentless firepower mowing down hundreds of lords and countless lesser zombies.


    The sheer destruction was overwhelming. The sky rained flesh and blood, and rivers of rancid gore flowed around the Goliath'' feet. On the high wall, soldiers stared in horror, many unable to stomach the gruesome display.


    "Ugh..."


    Several retched at the sight.


    The zombie tide had always been a terrifying force, but now, in the face of the Goliath, it was reduced to a chaotic slaughterhouse. As the Goliath emptied their first ammunition belts, the battlefield ahead of them had been utterly cleared. For nearly a kilometer, not a single Lord remained standing. The once-unstoppable tide was nothing more than a river of blood and dismembered corpses.


    "Reloading..." The Goliath paused momentarily to reload, their massive forms standing amidst the carnage like unyielding giants.


    The Goliath were meant to target Lords, but their overwhelming firepower didn''t discriminate. Tens of thousands of lesser zombies caught in the crossfire were obliterated, reduced to a gruesome rain of blood and gore. For the first time since the horde struck, humanity pushed back, reclaiming hundreds of meters of blood-soaked land. But those few hundred meters came at a cost¡ªa field littered with rotting corpses and rivers of foul-smelling blood.


    The reprieve was short-lived. The earth trembled as the zombie tide surged forward once more, bypassing the massive crater caused by the earlier space-based strike. More hunters. More lords. Their numbers were impossible to count, seemingly endless, like a storm without end.


    As the tide approached, the defensive artillery and rocket launchers, which had been relentlessly firing, began to falter. The once-constant barrage of cannon fire became sparse, then almost silent. "What''s going on? Why are we stopping the bombardment?" Scott shouted, panic rising in his voice.


    A soldier nearby responded hesitantly, "Commander, we''re out of shells!"


    Scott froze, his disbelief palpable. "What?! Thousands of tons of ammunition in the warehouse, and we''re out?" sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But the truth was harsh. The ammunition stockpile, while vast, had been consumed at an alarming rate. Each shell weighed sixty to seventy kilograms, and hundreds of artillery pieces firing simultaneously devoured dozens of tons with every volley. Rocket launchers, firing at high speeds, drained the reserves even faster. Even thousands of tons of ammunition weren''t enough to sustain the relentless assault.


    Desperation crept into Scott''s voice as his gaze fell on the mechanical beasts stationed on and beneath the high wall. These machines still had their deadly micro-missiles, but they operated independently, ignoring all commands except those from Zack. "Fire already!" Scott muttered, watching helplessly as the tide surged closer.


    Suddenly, a deafening boom split the air. Zack, clad in his Apex armor, plummeted from the sky, pulling up just before hitting the ground. Flying low over the battlefield, he skimmed past the walls of Washington. Trailing behind him, Ava in her second-generation Avalon completed her strafing run and turned back to join him. "Deploy the unmanned armor units," Zack ordered.


    A few kilometers away, five unmanned power armors hovering in the air accelerated, each breaking the sound barrier as they closed in on the battlefield. Before the Avalon returned to base, these unmanned units were the only aerial reinforcements available. "Ava, lead the unmanned armor units and cut off the tide," Zack instructed. "Avoid the red zone on your map."

 Chapter 139: We Need Help

    Chapter 139 - We Need HelpAva glanced at the holographic display in her cockpit, where a bold red area flashed prominently. "Understood," she replied, pulling the joystick and banking the Avalon toward the rear of the zombie horde. "Prepare to deploy cloud bombs," she said, pressing the release button.


    The Avalon''s bomb bays, now equipped with under-mounted rocket boosters, launched two magnetic fluid-based cloud bombs. These devices, resembling oversized air-to-ground missiles, streaked toward their designated targets. The bombs detonated mid-air, releasing clouds of light-orange high-energy fuel. The mist expanded with the wind, spreading across the advancing zombies.


    BOOM! BOOM!


    The mist ignited in a fiery explosion, creating twin mushroom-shaped fireballs on either side of the crater. The resulting infernos incinerated hundreds of thousands of zombies, leaving behind nothing but scorched earth. The heat drained oxygen from the surrounding air, causing the eyes of nearby zombies to burst and their internal organs to rupture violently.


    It was a gruesome end, but the horde pressed on undeterred. Mindless and relentless, they charged into the flames, their bones crackling as the fire consumed them. Behind Ava, the five unmanned armors unleashed a storm of micro-missiles. There was no need for precise targeting¡ªthere were simply too many zombies.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The explosions blended with the firestorm from the cloud bombs, creating an unbroken sea of flames that halted the tide''s advance. Millions of zombies perished in the blazing inferno, but some of the more powerful ones managed to push through. The most striking were the Mutated Lords¡ªtowering four to five meters tall, their backs marked by silvery-white lines. Seeing this zombie emerge from the fire, Zack descended swiftly, landing at the forefront of the battlefield between the two Goliath.


    The soldiers on the walls, the remaining defenders, and even the Goliath seemed to pause for a moment. "It''s him!" someone gasped, their voice trembling with a mix of hope and fear.


    The moment Zack landed, Andre, in his towering Siberian tiger form, immediately recognized the armor. His sharp eyes narrowed, but he didn''t say much. Whatever mission he once had no longer mattered¡ªhe had already chosen righteousness over orders. "My name''s Andre, and I was sent to kill you!" His voice boomed, rough and full of unfiltered honesty.


    Zack turned to look at Andre, his gaze shifting briefly to the battered group behind him: Heber, the tiger who could barely stand, the three remaining giant bears, and the two gray wolves. A flicker of acknowledgment passed through Zack''s eyes. "Andre, right?" Zack said, his voice calm. "Survive this battle. I''ll wait for you in NYC."


    Without waiting for a reply, Zack turned his focus back to the approaching zombie tide. Despite the raging sea of fire acting as a barrier, the horde pressed forward. Many of them were powerful lord-class zombies, immune to the deterrence of conventional fire.


    "Tactical analysis... Target: Mutated Lord. High defense. Deploy electromagnetic railguns." The Goliath, through their advanced optical sensors, locked onto the Mutated Lord several kilometers away. Their targeting systems calculated the trajectory, and within moments, the Goliath prepared to fire.


    Above, at an altitude of 35,000 meters, the next tungsten rod was loaded into its orbital track. The tungsten rod fired, propelled by electromagnetic acceleration at a blistering Mach 6. It descended toward the ground with pinpoint accuracy. Simultaneously, the Goliath began to charge their railguns. The 8.8-meter steel giants shifted into firing position, their massive forms steadying against the ground. The electromagnetic railguns on their backs unfolded, extending into multi-meter-long tracks. A tungsten kinetic energy warhead was locked in place.


    "Target locked." With a synthetic, booming voice, the Goliath engaged their weapons. Energy surged along the tracks, creating a visible magnetic field. The interaction of electricity and magnetism generated immense force, launching the warhead at Mach 12. A blinding streak of white light burst forth, slicing through the battlefield. It moved so fast that even Zack couldn''t follow its trajectory.


    The Mutated Lord had no chance to react. The tungsten warhead pierced its skull in an instant, annihilating it. The devastation didn''t stop there. The kinetic energy warhead tore through every zombie in its path, slicing them apart as easily as a bullet through paper. A straight line of obliteration extended to the horizon, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.


    "ROAR¡ª!" As the two Mutated Lord fell, a chilling, high-frequency roar echoed through the battlefield. Zack''s expression hardened.


    "That sound... it''s the leader!" he muttered coldly. Unlike the mindless hordes, a zombie tide of this scale couldn''t operate without a commander. Zack had suspected there was a leader orchestrating the attack, and now he was certain.


    "Sir, I''ve calculated the general direction," Ego''s voice chimed in.


    On Zack''s holographic display, a red zone appeared, marking a one-kilometer radius. "So close?" Zack frowned. From past experience, Zack knew these leaders were highly intelligent and cautious.


    They typically remained far from the frontlines to avoid danger. For one to appear this close¡ªless than ten kilometers from the base¡ªwas highly unusual. "This feels like a trap," Zack said, his voice laced with suspicion. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Shall I deploy the Goliath for a precision strike?" Ego suggested.


    "No." Zack shook his head. "Saturate the target area with missile fire. Leave nothing standing." At Zack''s command, the mechanical army sprang into action. On the high wall, fifty mechanical dogs opened their missile pods, while below, a hundred poisonous spiders deployed their launchers. Even the Goliath retracted their railguns, revealing massive 20-unit missile arrays.


    WHOOSH! WHOOSH!


    Hundreds of micro-missiles filled the sky, their tails streaking like meteors as they descended upon the marked zone.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    A series of deafening explosions rocked the battlefield. Fireballs erupted one after another, engulfing everything within the red zone. The ground trembled violently as the saturation strike obliterated all in its path. Even the mighty Mutated Lords could only endure for a few seconds before succumbing, their bodies torn to shreds by the relentless bombardment.


    "ROAR¡ª!" Amid the fiery chaos, a figure emerged. Wrapped in a pitch-black, armor-like shell, it let out a defiant roar before darting through the storm of missiles at incredible speed.


    "That''s not the leader," Zack realized, his eyes narrowing as he observed the zombie''s movements. The creature resembled a Mutated lord but was weaker in terms of raw power. Still, its resilience was astounding¡ªit had survived the saturation strike unscathed. While Zack focused on the rogue zombie, the mechanical beasts were fully occupied. Without their concentrated firepower, the city''s defenders on the high wall were left exposed.


    On the frontline battlefield, the tide of corpses surged forward, overwhelming the previously held buffer zone within moments. The hundreds of meters reclaimed earlier vanished instantly under the unrelenting swarm. Andre and his group, positioned at the vanguard, were quickly engulfed. The shapeshifters fought valiantly, but even Andre, surrounded by four or five super hunters, was being pushed to his limits. Razor-sharp claws raked across his tiger body, tearing deep gashes into his fur and flesh.


    "Zack! We need those machines!" Andre roared, his voice thick with urgency. "Without their firepower, we can''t hold them off!"

 Chapter 140: Retreat?

    Chapter 140 - Retreat?Andre swatted a hunter aside with a powerful blow, but his plea was met with a dismissive shake of Zack''s head. "Old man, you can retreat," Zack replied coolly, trying to convince Andre and his group to fall back. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Retreat? Who do you think we are?" Andre growled, his tiger form towering over the battlefield. "We fear nothing! Ula!" With a defiant roar, Andre threw himself back into the fray, his battered body unleashing a second wave of ferocity. Claws flashing, he cut his way through the sea of zombies. But the relentless tide took its toll. Another gray wolf fell, collapsing from exhaustion and blood loss. One by one, the shapeshifters were overwhelmed, their bodies battered and broken on foreign soil far from home.


    "Ego, call the Aegis! Deploy the Fearless ," Zack ordered, his voice cold and unyielding as he watched the battlefield descend into chaos. The Aegis wasn''t just an Goliath platform¡ªit was a massive airship with an expansive interior, capable of carrying troops, machinery, and supplies. After extensive modifications, its cargo hold dwarfed that of a standard Avalon. As for Fearless warrior, it''s how now he call the brainwashed super soldier that doesn''t fear death.


    "Understood, Sir," Ego replied. From the clouds above, a sleek, futuristic aircraft descended rapidly, its powerful engines roaring as it approached the battlefield.


    The moment the Aegis arrived, its tail hatch opened, and seven massive steel giants leapt out without hesitation.


    THUD! THUD! THUD!


    Each Fearless Warrior landed with a thunderous impact, creating half-meter-deep craters in the ground. The earth trembled under their immense weight. "With Zack''s will!" one of them roared. "Kill!"


    The warriors rose, unscathed from their landings, and charged into the zombie horde. Their chainsaw swords roared to life, the alloy teeth spinning furiously at 4,600 revolutions per minute. With one sweeping motion, a Fearless Warrior cleaved through a row of zombies, slicing them cleanly in half.


    "Push forward!" The seven warriors advanced in a tight formation, each maintaining a two-meter gap. Their chainsaw swords turned the tide of corpses into a field of severed limbs and broken flesh. The thick power armor they wore rendered them impervious to attacks from ordinary zombies, allowing them to cut through the swarm without hesitation.


    "ROAR¡ª!" An lord-class zombie lunged toward one of the warriors, its massive frame dwarfing the smaller undead. But in comparison to the Fearless Warrior''s power-enhanced form, the lord was no more than a child.


    "Kill!"The warrior didn''t bother using his chainsaw sword. With a single punch, he sent the lord flying, its massive right arm snapping at a grotesque angle.


    "Push forward!" Step by step, the Fearless Warriors carved a path through the zombie tide, their raw power turning them into living tanks. The horde, drawn to the warriors like moths to a flame, swarmed them in an attempt to overwhelm. But no matter how many came, the warriors stood tall. Each swing of their chainsaw swords sent a rain of blood and gore into the air, shredding zombies as effortlessly as cutting wheat. Even the lords fell to their relentless onslaught.


    Within minutes, the seven Fearless Warriors had reclaimed the buffer zone. The ground they retook, however, was unrecognizable¡ªan expanse of churned-up earth mixed with minced flesh, organs, and blood. "This power..." Andre muttered, watching the scene in disbelief. The tiger''s bloodied body trembled, not from fear, but from the realization of what he was witnessing.


    What if he hadn''t come to fight the zombie tide? What if he had chosen to attack NYC City instead? Would he have been forced to face monsters like these? The thought chilled him. He turned to the gray wolf and the two remaining giant bears beside him, all of whom looked equally stunned. "We''d rather fight a billion zombies," one of the bears muttered, echoing the unspoken thoughts of the group. "Anything but those steel giants."


    On the battlefield, even Zack was momentarily stunned by the sheer power of the Fearless Warriors. Back during the Battle with Black Hand, their power armor had been hindered by an electromagnetic pulse, limiting their full potential. Now, for the first time, their true capabilities were on display, and the results were nothing short of devastating.


    "Hey, you! Up here!" A voice broke Zack''s focus. He looked up to see the Aegis hovering above the battlefield. Standing at the open hatch was a red-haired woman in a tight combat suit. Before Zack could respond, she leaped down from a height of ten meters, mimicking the Fearless Warriors.


    "Why are you joining the fight?" Zack sighed as he activated his suit''s thrusters, catching her mid-air and lowering her safely to the ground.


    "Thanks for the assist!" Erza grinned, brushing herself off. "Now it''s my turn to show off!" Before Zack could respond, Erza was already charging into the fray.


    BOOM! BOOM!


    Explosions erupted as a small flame appeared in Erza''s palm. Fueled by the wind, the flame quickly grew into a massive fire dragon, several meters thick and stretching hundreds of meters long. The fiery beast roared, tearing through the zombie tide with a temperature of thousands of degrees Celsius. Of course, the intense heat wasn''t Erza''s doing¡ªher ability was flame manipulation, not generation. The terrifying temperature was the result of her custom suit, designed by Zack. "Your control''s improved," Zack observed, watching as the fire dragon weaved through the battlefield.


    "Obviously!" Erza shouted back proudly. "Don''t forget who I am!" Her boastful tone didn''t diminish her effectiveness. The fire dragon carved through the horde, incinerating everything in its path.


    Meanwhile, the mechanical beasts had completed their saturation attack on the suspected leader''s location. With their missile pods empty, they returned to the frontlines, where their machine guns roared back to life. The tide of corpses was met with an unrelenting wall of firepower. Between the Fearless Warriors, the mechanical beasts, and the two Goliath, the zombie horde was being systematically annihilated.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    The Goliath'' 50mm Vulcan cannons roared, their depleted uranium rounds cutting through the horde with devastating precision. Every shot obliterated dozens of zombies, including lords and Mutated Lords, turning them into clouds of blood and shredded flesh. The combined firepower was so overwhelming that the tide of corpses, for the first time, began to falter. The once-unrelenting black torrent now showed signs of retreat, its relentless advance slowed to a crawl.


    "The tide is retreating!" "We''re winning!" "Ula!" Cheers erupted from the soldiers on the high wall as they watched the tide of corpses being pushed back. Even Scott allowed himself a small sigh of relief. But the mechanical beasts didn''t pause. Their heavy machine guns continued to fire, their AI systems immune to human emotions.


    "It''s too soon to celebrate," said Scarlett, her voice calm and measured despite the apparent victory.


    "But aren''t the zombies retreating?" asked Gwen, who was firing into the horde alongside Fang.

 Chapter 141: The Nuclear Missiles

    Chapter 141 - The Nuclear Missiles"Do you really think that''s all of them?" Scarlett adjusted her glasses, her tone sharp. "If the tide was this small, Kane wouldn''t have run in the first place." Scarlett''s rational deduction was chilling. From the start of the battle, only three to four million zombies had been eliminated¡ªa fraction of the estimated 20 million she had predicted. What she didn''t know was that the true scale of the tide far exceeded her estimate. "And don''t forget," she added, "the machines don''t have unlimited ammunition."


    Her ability wasn''t combat-oriented or directly supportive. Instead, she possessed a unique gift for hyper-rational analysis, gained at the cost of her emotions. Her machine-like mindset allowed her to foresee problems others couldn''t. "What do we do if they run out of ammo?" Gwen asked, her voice trembling.


    "Pray," Scarlett said coldly, her gaze fixed on Zack in the distance.


    "Scarlett, I heard he''s the leader of NYC," Fang said, reloading his weapon. "His name''s Zack, right?"


    "Oh my god, he''s so handsome!" Gwen squealed, stars in her eyes. "I''m calling it now¡ªthat''s the father of my child!" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "When did you have a child?" a burly soldier asked, confused.


    "I''ll figure it out after I catch him!" Gwen shot back, undeterred.


    While others admired Zack, Scarlett''s gaze remained analytical, her lips pressed into a thin line. Her concern was simple: Zack''s decisions might not align with the survival of the Base. As a leader, his priority would be to protect NYC, even if it meant sacrificing the 600,000 people here. Self-sacrifice was a soldier''s duty, not a leader''s. And Zack, she suspected, was a man who would make the pragmatic choice every time. "What''s going to happen next?" she muttered, her heart heavy with the possiblity.


    In the control room, a panicked shout rang out. "Everyone in the control room is dead!? Someone has taken control of the nuclear missiles!" Scott''s exclamation sent a wave of dread through the room, confirming Scarlett''s worst fears.


    Given the circumstances, the culprit was obvious. Now, the fate of 600,000 lives in Washington DC rested entirely in the hands of one man. The control room was a blood-soaked mess. Corpses with severed heads lay sprawled on the ground, their blood pooling across the floor, filling the air with a sickening metallic stench. "Master, the system has been fully infiltrated. The nuclear warheads are now online," Lillian reported calmly, retrieving the last of her nanobots.


    Her announcement caused a series of glowing radiation symbols to appear on the holographic display inside Zack''s armor. "Well done," Zack replied coldly. Unlike others, Zack wasn''t concerned about immediate survival¡ªhis focus was on halting the zombie tide from moving south and spreading further.


    To achieve that goal, he was willing to use any weapon at his disposal, even if it meant sacrificing the 600,000 lives in Washington DC. "Ego, take control of the missiles. Lock onto the space-based strike zone and stand by," Zack commanded.


    Instantly, Ego took over the missile systems, activating the launch sequences. Missile silos and vehicles within Washington DC''s base rotated into position, their warheads aimed skyward. On the frontline, the mechanical army''s firepower began to wane as their ammunition supplies dwindled. Mechanical dogs leapt from the high walls, joining the Spiders in melee combat alongside the Fearless Warriors. "What kind of ammo do those machines use? Do we have any left?" Scott shouted from the wall, desperation creeping into his voice.


    "Commander, we''re out!" a soldier replied grimly. Scott''s heart sank. After Kane took power, his focus had been on consolidating authority and suppressing rivals, neglecting essential infrastructure like an ammunition supply chain. The stockpiles they''d been using were remnants from the previous administration, and now they were gone.


    On the battlefield, Zack activated his thrusters, hovering mid-air as he unleashed dozens of micro-tracking missiles. The sky lit up with explosions, temporarily bridging the gap left by the mechanical army''s depleted firepower. "Ego, how long until the Avalon arrives?" Zack asked as he dropped a final barrage of spiral missiles, igniting another sea of fire in the horde.


    "Approximately ten minutes, sir," Ego replied.


    Before Zack could respond, a blinding white light streaked down from the heavens. It was the tungsten rod, fired ten minutes earlier. Traveling 35,000 kilometers at Mach 61, it struck the zombie horde''s densest cluster with unrelenting force.


    BOOM! The impact shook the earth. A massive crater, several kilometers in diameter, gouged into the ground. The shockwave hurled tens of thousands of tons of soil into the air, obliterating everything in its path. Zombies caught in the blast were disintegrated in an instant, their remains scattered like ash on the wind. "No wonder..." muttered Ava, piloting the second-generation Avalon. She glanced at the massive crater, now a gaping wound in the earth. It was precisely the red zone Zack had warned her not to approach.


    The devastating power of the space-based strike drew the attention of the zombies. "ROAR¡ª!" High-frequency sound waves echoed across the battlefield. The black tide shifted, dividing into two streams that bypassed the plain and began encircling Washington DC. "Sir, the horde is changing direction," Ego reported. "Based on the detected sound waves, the leader is issuing commands. Satellite imaging also shows a large cluster of specialized zombies, likely the leader''s escorts."


    Zack''s eyes narrowed. "Good. It''s time to act." his voice cold as he glanced at the hovering Aegis. Instead of deploying anti-lord units immediately, he turned on his communicator and issued new orders. "Ava, the Avalon will arrive soon. Have it cut off the zombie tide. You and the unmanned armors will cover our next operation."


    "Understood," came Ava''s calm reply. She redirected her Avalon, flying back toward the battlefield with five unmanned armors in tow.


    "Ego, drop the nuke," Zack ordered.


    Missiles carrying nuclear warheads shot into the sky from Washington DC''s base, their fiery tails blazing trails against the dark horizon. Unlike Kane''s crude targeting system, which relied on drone approximations and resulted in imprecise strikes dangerously close to Washington DC, Zack''s approach was surgical. With satellite support, he targeted the densest part of the horde hundreds of kilometers away, minimizing collateral radiation damage to the base.


    The missiles arced gracefully before descending into the heart of the horde. Zack''s calculated strike would buy precious time, not just for the defenders of Washington DC but for the survival of humanity itself.


    "No..." To Scarlett, the sight of ballistic missiles streaking into the sky wasn''t a symbol of hope¡ªit was the prelude to disaster. What she had feared most had finally come to pass.


    "Look! It''s our base''s missiles!"


    "Haha! Blow those monsters to bits!"


    "It''s about time we turned the tide!"

 Chapter 142: Spitter

    Chapter 142 - SpitterThe soldiers on the high wall erupted into cheers as they watched the missiles launch. For most, nuclear weapons were little more than a concept¡ªan abstract force of destruction they didn''t fully understand. Amid the celebration, however, a few began to feel uneasy. "Where are those missiles targeting?" Scott shouted, his voice trembling. His expression was one of pure horror¡ªgreater even than when he faced the tide of millions of zombies earlier.


    As the commander of the city''s defenses, Scott knew what nuclear weapons were capable of. If one was detonated too close to the base, it wouldn''t matter how many zombies were killed¡ªeveryone in Washington DC would perish. "Go! Find out where they''re targeting!" he barked.


    A squad of soldiers, nervous but determined, broke into the control room, braving the blood-soaked carnage within. What they found chilled them to the bone: a room filled with mutilated corpses, blood pooling on the floor, and a satellite map displaying flashing red markers. The scene was transmitted back to Scott. For a moment, he froze, staring at the red icons. Then, after a few seconds of silence, he laughed hysterically, relief washing over his face. "Haha! We''re safe! The targets are hundreds of kilometers away!"


    The yield of the nuclear bombs wasn''t particularly high, and at that distance, the base was out of immediate danger. Radiation clouds would take time to drift over¡ªif they reached the base at all. "Wait... hundreds of kilometers?" Scott''s face suddenly turned pale as a horrifying realization struck him. Whoever took control of the nuclear missiles wouldn''t waste them on empty land. If the targets were hundreds of kilometers away, it could only mean one thing. "The zombie tide stretches for hundreds of kilometers!?" he screamed, finally grasping the true scale of the threat they faced.


    On the battlefield, Zack didn''t waste time after issuing the command to launch the missiles. "Ego, how long until the Avalon arrives?" Zack asked.


    "Three minutes, sir," Ego replied.


    "Good. I''ll bring the Fearless Warriors back. Let the mechanical beasts hold the line for three minutes," Zack ordered.


    The seven Fearless Warriors, drenched in blood but unbroken, began to fight their way out of the horde. Their once-pristine armor was now coated in gore, making them look as though they had emerged straight from the depths of hell. Yet, not a single one had fallen. As they retreated, the mechanical dogs and Spiders surged forward, their melee units taking up the fight. The two Goliath, having emptied their second ammunition chains, lay down once again, unfolding their electromagnetic railguns and carving through the tide with line after line of devastation. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even so, the endless wave of zombies pressed on, threatening to overwhelm the defenses. "I''ll hold them off!" Erza shouted, flames already dancing at her fingertips.


    "Air support will arrive in two minutes and thirty seconds," Zack replied tersely before activating his thrusters and soaring toward the rear of the horde.


    Lillian joined the retreating Fearless Warriors, guiding them onto the Aegis, which took off to follow Zack. Mid-flight, Ava and her unmanned armors joined the formation.


    As Zack led the charge, Ego''s voice rang out. "Sir, be careful!" Before Zack could respond, a blinding white light erupted on the horizon. A dozen mushroom clouds rose in unison, their fiery brilliance momentarily turning night into day. The nuclear bombs had detonated.


    For a moment, Zack was struck by the sheer magnitude of the explosions. This wasn''t the controlled devastation of cloud bombs or missiles¡ªthis was destruction on a godlike scale. It was as if a dozen suns had descended to Earth. "Check the radiation shielding!" Zack shouted into the comms.


    "All systems functional," Lillian replied.


    "Shielding intact," Ava added calmly.


    "Perfect condition," the Fearless Warriors said in eerie unison.


    BOOM¡ª!


    The sound of the nuclear explosions reached them long after the initial light, a deafening roar that shook the air itself. The infrasound and ultrasonic waves rippled through every frequency, followed by a hurricane-force blast. Even though Zack''s team was well outside the primary blast radius, they still felt the impact as a physical force. Inside the true zone of destruction, the effects were apocalyptic. Millions of zombies, along with vehicles, buildings, and every trace of the landscape, were obliterated. The ground was gouged out into a dozen craters, each several kilometers wide. Shockwaves sent waves of earth and debris crashing outward, leveling everything in their path.


    When Zack and his team finally entered the nuclear zone, the destruction had settled, but the towering mushroom clouds remained¡ªa grim testament to the devastation. Even hundreds of kilometers away, civilians could see the clouds rising into the stratosphere. "Stay clear of the dust clouds," Zack instructed, carefully navigating around the fallout zones.


    Despite the power of the nuclear strikes, their impact was limited. The dozen bombs had wiped out tens of millions of zombies, but this was only a fraction of the overall horde. What remained of the tide was still massive, though now divided into smaller groups of a million each by the lingering mushroom clouds. "Divide and conquer," Zack muttered, a faint smile playing on his lips. "The wisdom of our ancestors." With that, he dove toward one of the divided hordes, where the suspected leader of a million-strong zombie wave awaited.


    As Zack dived toward the horde, thousands of mutated zombies with swollen, toad-like jaws turned their heads skyward, as if sensing his presence. "Tch they again? Spitter..." Zack muttered, immediately recognizing the peculiar zombies. These were the same long-range attackers he had encountered while testing the cloud bombs, their primary weapon being bursts of compressed air shot with cannon-like force.


    But something felt off. "This isn''t just compressed air..." Zack realized, his sharp eyes catching the unnatural way the Spitter zombies'' jaws swelled like overinflated balloons. Suddenly, the S dropped to the ground, their distended chins inflating rapidly. Moments later, thousands of them opened their mouths simultaneously.


    Boom!


    The sound of compressed air rupturing filled the battlefield as black spikes shot from their gaping maws. These weren''t the harmless air bursts Zack had encountered before. Each spike was a sharpened bone spur, its pointed tip designed to pierce and kill. At the tail, squid-like appendages flared outward, stabilizing the projectiles mid-flight. "What''s the point of zombie evolution?" Zack muttered, baffled by this adaptation. But there was no time to ponder.

 Chapter 143: Titan Suit

    Chapter 143 - Titan SuitAs the dense swarm of bone spurs streaked toward him, Zack activated his auxiliary thrusters, pulling into a sharp, evasive maneuver. Still, curiosity got the better of him. Deliberately, he let one spike strike the alloy on his left shoulder.


    Bang! The bone spur shattered on impact, leaving not so much as a scratch. "That''s it?" Zack sneered, unimpressed. Without hesitation, he launched eight spiral anti-ground missiles, each targeting clusters of the Spitter below.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    A series of fiery explosions tore through the horde, leaving a long, blazing trail of destruction. More than half of the Earth Roars were obliterated in seconds. "Sir, there''s a Mutated Lord at your three o''clock," Ego''s voice cut in.


    At the same time, Ava''s second-generation Avalon swooped down, locking onto the Mutated Lord with its depleted uranium-loaded cannon. The Avalon''s 20mm cannon roared as Ava strafed the horde. The Silverback, despite its formidable defenses, was riddled with holes and collapsed, bringing a line of lesser zombies down with it. "Be careful! These zombies have ranged attacks now," Zack warned over the comms.


    "Understood," Ava replied without hesitation, pulling the nose of her plane up and away from the bone spurs. As a soldier, following orders was second nature to her.


    "Sir, high-frequency sound waves detected. Suspected leader. Coordinates uploaded," Ego reported.


    "So soon?" Zack was genuinely surprised. His original plan had been to use the nuclear strikes to divide the massive zombie tide into smaller groups, then locate the leader hidden among them. The odds of finding it so quickly were slim.


    "Good luck," Zack muttered, a smirk forming as he adjusted course toward the marked location. As he approached the marked zone, the density of mutated zombies increased dramatically. Dozens of Mutated Lord, countless lords, Hunters, and even more Spitter packed the area. But what truly made the leader hard to find was its uncanny ability to blend in with ordinary zombies.


    Ordinary in appearance, indistinguishable in movement, and emitting sound waves inaudible to human ears, the leader was an enigma that even the end of the world hadn''t fully revealed. Zack and the Vanguard Organization were among the few who knew of its existence. "But luck isn''t on my side today," Zack muttered coldly, eyeing the horde. Despite the nuclear strikes, which had annihilated tens of millions of zombies, the leader had survived, hidden among its monstrous army.


    "Sir, high-energy reaction detected!" Ego''s sudden warning snapped Zack''s attention forward.


    A dark shadow burst from the horde at an incredible speed, heading straight for him. "What the hell?" Zack exclaimed, instinctively yanking the controls. The Apex suitresponded with an almost impossible sharp-angle turn, narrowly avoiding the incoming projectile.


    Boom! The shadow missed Zack, arcing through the air before slamming into the ground like a cannonball. The impact left a massive crater, the force shaking the surrounding area. There were no flying zombies, which meant this creature had leaped over a hundred meters into the air purely on raw power. "A Sarcoma?" Zack muttered, turning to get a better look at the monstrosity.


    The creature below him was unmistakably a Sarcoma , but far more formidable than the one he had faced before. Last time, the Sarcoma had been little more than a newborn, barely understanding its capabilities. This one, however, had fully matured. "Roar..." From within the deep pit, the Sarcoma raised its head and locked eyes with Zack. For a moment, Zack could have sworn he saw something disturbingly human in its gaze¡ªa mocking, taunting glint.


    "Sir! High-frequency sound waves detected!" Ego''s voice broke through Zack''s thoughts. "The source isn''t the leader¡ªit''s the Sarcoma below!" sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack frowned. "You''re telling me the zombies are learning to lie now?"


    "Target locked!" Ava''s voice cut through the comms as she dove toward the Sarcoma in her Avalon. The depleted uranium rounds from her 20mm cannon streaked toward the creature in a fiery torrent.


    "Roar!!!" The Sarcoma roared as the bullets slammed into its body, creating fist-sized craters in its thick flesh. But even depleted uranium rounds, powerful enough to shred through tank armor, couldn''t pierce its defenses.


    With a deafening crash, the Sarcoma leaped again, the ground beneath its feet exploding into rubble as it soared over a hundred meters into the air. It reached for the Avalon, holding its own against the relentless cannonfire. But Ava had been warned. She quickly pulled the nose of her aircraft upward, maintaining an altitude of two to three hundred meters to stay out of the Sarcoma''s reach. "Sir, the depleted uranium rounds are ineffective. I''m withdrawing to attack other targets!" Ava announced before diverting her attention to the masses of zombies below.


    Moments later, the Aegis and the unmanned armors arrived. "Master, I can break through its defense. Let me handle it," Lillian offered from inside the Aegis. Her abilities were uniquely suited to taking down heavily armored foes.


    "No need. You and Ava will focus on the second sound signal. Leave this one to me," Zack ordered, his tone decisive.


    "Yes, sir!" Lillian replied without hesitation. As the Aegis and the unmanned armors veered toward another section of the divided horde, Lillian and the seven Fearless Warriors leapt from the aircraft, falling a hundred meters into the swarm of zombies below.


    They landed with an earth-shaking crash, their impact seemingly swallowed by the endless tide of corpses. "The sound wave''s origin has been pinpointed! Kill!"


    What looked like drops of water falling into an ocean suddenly erupted into chaos as Lillian and the Fearless Warriors carved their way through the horde like a blade through flesh. Meanwhile, Zack hovered mid-air, watching the Sarcoma below. "Call the Titan," Zack commanded coldly.


    The Aegis''s sleek form split into many modules, each equipped with thrusters of its own. The modules shot through the air like homing missiles, converging on Zack. The Apex armor began shutting down its systems as the Titan modules attached themselves to it, piece by piece. With each module added, the suit grew bulkier, heavier, and deadlier. The thrusters maintaining Zack''s hover cut off, and he began to plummet toward the ground, a mass of several tons. The sound of machinery locking into place echoed in the air as each piece of the Titan suit connected seamlessly. To Zack, the sound was like a symphony¡ªa heavy, mechanical rhythm no warrior could resist.


    "Roar!!!" The Sarcoma, seeing its chance, let out a furious roar and charged toward Zack''s falling form with terrifying speed. Its massive frame, over four meters tall, moved like a blur as it barreled through lesser zombies, knocking them aside like ragdolls.


    As Zack neared the ground, the Sarcoma leaped once more, channeling its full momentum into a single devastating punch aimed directly at him.


    BOOM! At the same moment, the final piece of Zack''s armor¡ªa massive, reinforced head module¡ªlocked into place, completing the Titan suit. Zack slammed into the ground like a meteor, creating a crater several meters deep. "The neural link is online. Full system functionality achieved," Ego reported.

 Chapter 144: Adult Sarcoma

    Chapter 144 - Adult SarcomaThe neural control system transferred Zack''s commands to the massive Titan armor, and in an instant, the eight Singuilum reactors roared to life. A fraction of a second later, the suit''s right hand clenched into a devastating fist and launched toward the charging Sarcoma.


    BAM! The collision sent a deafening shockwave across the battlefield. The hulking black figure of the Sarcoma was flung like a cannonball, hurtling hundreds of meters before slamming into a distant hillside.


    CRASH! The impact carved a massive crater into the hillside, throwing dirt and debris high into the air. Back where Zack stood, the shockwave rippled outward, creating a hurricane-like blast that flattened every zombie within dozens of meters. Dust and smoke swirled, momentarily obscuring everything.


    When the dust cleared, Zack''s full form was revealed¡ªa towering six-meter-tall metal giant clad in dark black armor that gleamed with a cold metallic sheen. The Titan was a walking fortress, powered by eight reactors, its bulky frame bristling with weapons and armor. "Ah, it feels like putting on a brand-new suit..." Zack muttered, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. The faint, cold scent of metal and machinery sent a thrill down his spine. When he opened his eyes again, a smirk spread across his face. "Let''s see how it handles," he said, raising one massive arm.


    On the distant hillside, the Sarcoma clawed its way out of the crater, but before it could fully recover, a sharp crack split the air. A brilliant white flash streaked across the battlefield¡ªa tungsten metal kinetic warhead fired from the Titan''s arm-mounted railgun. Traveling at Mach 10, the projectile was a blur, visible only as a flash of light.


    The Sarcoma, hit squarely in the chest, was thrown back with incredible force. A gaping hole, the size of a cannonball, was punched clean through its torso. The projectile didn''t stop there. It tore through the zombies behind the Sarcoma, smashed through trees and buildings, and finally embedded itself in a tree trunk several kilometers away, setting it ablaze with the heat it carried.


    The Sarcoma roared in defiance, black virus-like fibers writhing under its skin. Within seconds, the hole in its chest closed, the fibers forming a crocodile-skin-like armor across its body. "Roar¡ª!" Its eyes, now glowing red, locked onto Zack, seething with fury.


    "The target''s vitality has decreased by 15%," Ego reported, its voice calm despite the lord''s apparent regeneration. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Energy conservation. Makes sense," Zack said coldly, watching the creature carefully.


    The electromagnetic railgun retracted into Zack''s arm as he cracked his massive fists, his heavy footfalls crushing any zombies in his path. "Let''s try something new."


    The Sarcoma roared again, black fibers twisting into massive, one-meter-long blades that jutted from its hands. The creature charged, its speed defying its hulking form, and swung one of the glowing black blades toward Zack. "Let''s test the Rocket Punch!" Zack''s voice was filled with barely-contained excitement.


    "Activating elbow thrusters," Ego announced. Zack clenched his right fist, and the armor at his elbow slid open, revealing a compact Mark booster jet.


    WHOOSH!


    A blazing impact beam erupted from the thruster, propelling Zack''s punch with terrifying speed and force. The punch collided with the Sarcoma''s blade.


    BOOM! The impact sent out a massive shockwave, shattering the black blade into countless fragments. The force continued into the Sarcoma''s arm, obliterating the entire limb in a bloody explosion. Bone, muscle, and virus fibers disintegrated, leaving only a shattered upper arm bone dangling from its shoulder.


    The lord''s massive body was launched like a missile, crashing into the ground and killing dozens of zombies as it bounced, skipping across the battlefield like a stone on water before landing in a bloody heap. "Ego, who said Rocket Punch wasn''t practical?" Zack said, his tone a mix of awe and smug satisfaction as he admired the aftermath.


    Even he was surprised by the sheer power of the attack. The Titan, with its six-meter-tall frame and 11-ton mass, was already a heavyweight, but the Rocket Punch had taken things to another level entirely. "The target''s vitality has decreased by 39%," Ego reported, skillfully avoiding Zack''s teasing.


    The Sarcoma, missing an arm and battered from Zack''s assault, slowly rose from the ground. This time, its red eyes held less fury and more calculation¡ªa chillingly human-like expression of fear. "Roar..." It let out a guttural sound but didn''t charge. Instead, it turned and bolted, tearing through the tide of zombies in a desperate attempt to flee.


    "Smart. Even zombies are afraid of death once they gain some intelligence," Zack said coldly, watching it retreat.


    Without hesitation, he activated the Titan''s thrusters. The main boosters under his feet ignited alongside the secondary thrusters on his waist, back, and sides. The combined propulsion lifted the eleven-ton armor effortlessly into the sky. While it lacked speed, the Titan''s rapid ascent was astonishing for its massive size. "Flight components are stable," Ego reported, monitoring the armor''s performance.


    "Good. Now, let''s test the buffer system," Zack said, his tone filled with reckless excitement.


    The armor shot up to a height of 2,000 feet before Zack abruptly shifted position. Turning headfirst, he angled the armor into a dive, plummeting straight toward the fleeing Sarcoma. "Sir, this maneuver is highly dangerous. The buffer system remains untested," Ego cautioned.


    "Well, consider this the test!" Zack shouted, fists raised above his head as he hurtled toward the ground at full speed. The Sarcoma stopped abruptly, sensing the impending threat. Its body contorted as writhing black fibers emerged, forming a dense, armor-like carapace over its frame. The new layer resembled tank armor, complete with diamond-shaped patterns.


    BOOM!


    The collision was cataclysmic. An explosion of light and sound radiated from the impact point, followed by a shockwave that swept away all nearby zombies. When the dust cleared, a crater over ten meters wide and as deep as a basketball court scarred the battlefield. The ground around it was littered with black fragments of the Sarcoma''s shell.


    At the center of the crater, the Titan stood slowly, its hulking form emerging unscathed. Despite the incredible force of the impact, the armor''s damage was less than 5%. Protected by two layers of advanced plating, Zack felt nothing more than a slight jolt. "Well, that works. I''m calling this move the ''Rocket Headbutt,''" Zack said, brushing debris off the armor''s faceplate with a metallic hand.


    "Sir, your naming conventions remain... unique," Ego replied, its tone tinged with resignation.


    "Ha!" Zack chuckled, his eyes scanning the blackened fragments scattered across the ground. "Ego, any signs of life?"


    "What do you think?" Ego retorted, seizing its chance to mock Zack for once.


    While Zack dealt with the Sarcoma, the situation on the front lines grew dire. Without the Fearless Warriors to hold the line, Erza and the depleted mechanical army faced the full brunt of the zombie tide. Even so, Erza refused to retreat. She controlled two massive fire dragons, one rampaging through the horde to clear paths while the other coiled defensively around her and the remaining soldiers. Despite Zack''s specially designed heat-resistant suit, sweat dripped from her forehead as the mental strain took its toll.


    "Hey! You oversized tiger! What are you made of, steel?" Erza shouted, her voice strained as she tried to distract herself from the throbbing pain in her head.

 Chapter 145: Air Supports

    Chapter 145 - Air SupportsThe person she was addressing was none other than Andre. The Siberian tiger shifter stood alone at the forefront of the zombie tide. His body, over five meters long, was battered and bruised. His tail hung limply, broken, and two ribs jutted grotesquely from his side¡ªinjuries dealt by a Mutated Lord. Still, he fought with unyielding determination. "I''m the fearless Siberian tiger! King of the jungle!" Andre roared, his voice shaky but filled with pride.


    "Siberian tiger? Just say tiger! Why are you bringing Siberia into this?" Erza retorted through gritted teeth, her sarcasm automatic even in the heat of battle. Behind them, the high wall defenses began to falter. Soldiers and security teams scrambled to find any remaining ammunition, but every supply run came back empty-handed.


    "It''s over! We can''t hold the line!" The morale of the troops shattered as the gunfire ceased. Without the constant barrage of bullets, the deafening roar of the zombie horde filled the air, reigniting old fears of the apocalypse. Memories of the early days of the end times¡ªof terror and helplessness¡ªflooded back, and panic spread like wildfire.


    The first wave of retreat began. "NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO RUN!" On the wall, Scott grabbed a megaphone and bellowed at the top of his lungs. His voice carried a mix of anger and desperation. "Anyone who retreats will be court-martialed! STAND YOUR GROUND!" But even as he shouted, doubt crept into his heart. The tide of death was relentless, and the line between survival and annihilation grew thinner by the second. "Others are down there risking everything, fighting for their lives!" Scott bellowed, his voice raw and hoarse from shouting. "And we''re up here, hiding behind the wall with empty guns? Are we cowards?" His voice cracked as he continued, veins bulging on his forehead. "They''ve been holding the line for so long¡ªit''s about damn time we take our turn!"


    "But we''re out of bullets!" someone shouted back.


    "Then use knives! Use stones! Use your fists if you have to!" Scott roared, pacing the wall with a fiery determination. "We are not weaklings! If those fearless people can do it, then so can we!" The weight of his words filled the air. "Open the gates!" Scott demanded. "Anyone with the heart to fight, follow me! We will not retreat, even if it means dying here!"


    His final cry echoed like a thunderclap: "I WILL NOT RETREAT!" "Don''t retreat!" "Even if we die, we don''t retreat!" "Let''s go!"


    Emboldened by Scott''s ferocity, the soldiers began to move. Bayonets were fixed to rifles, and those without proper weapons grabbed steel pipes, wooden planks, or anything else they could wield. But courage wasn''t universal. As the soldiers rallied, some broke away, retreating into the depths of the base in fear. "Forwards!" Scott roared, leading the charge.


    The gates swung open, and he and the remaining soldiers stormed into the horde of undead, their battle cries piercing through the chaos. Several mutants took the lead, cutting through the zombie tide like living weapons. Even Scarlett, calm and emotionless as ever, wielded a blade and pushed forward without hesitation. "Are you all crazy? You''re just throwing your lives away!" Erza shouted from her position, struggling to maintain control of the fire dragons protecting the line.


    "Better to die fighting than die running!" one mutant shouted back.


    "You''re beautiful, by the way!" another yelled, grinning even as he charged into the fray.


    "You¡ª" Erza faltered, momentarily stunned by the absurdity of the comment. Then came the sound of rumbling footsteps, heavier and slower than the chaos of the charging soldiers. Behind the wall, tens of thousands of emaciated survivors emerged, armed with anything they could find¡ªhammers, broken tools, kitchen knives.


    Among them were the soldiers who had fled earlier, rallying the base''s inhabitants. "Kill! If we''re going to die anyway, we might as well take some of them with us!"


    The roar of the survivors'' charge was deafening. Malnourished, scared, and desperate, they surged forward with an almost primal fury. They crashed into the zombie tide like a second wave, an untrained, chaotic mass. Thousands fell almost instantly, but they took just as many zombies down with them. "Kill!" The battlefield descended into an orgy of violence. Amidst the carnage, the survivors and soldiers tapped into a deep, primal instinct to fight.


    From above, the scene was horrifying¡ªa roiling sea of humans and zombies tearing into each other. "Stick with the mechanical units! Don''t throw yourselves away!" Erza yelled, but her voice was lost in the chaos.


    For every survivor that fell, another rushed forward, their ranks thinning but never breaking. The ground turned into a morass of mud, blood, and shattered bodies. The tide of survivors looked like it would crumble at any moment. Then, the sound everyone had been waiting for. Boom! The sonic booms of returning Avalons split the sky. "Finally..." Erza whispered, her entire body sagging with relief. Two minutes and thirty seconds had felt like an eternity.


    From above, twenty Avalons descended in formation, their sleek forms cutting through the clouds. The 30mm cannons mounted on the aircraft roared to life. Streams of armor-piercing rounds rained down, carving through the horde with devastating precision. The survivors, locked in hand-to-hand combat with the zombies, heard the roar of the Avalons'' strafing runs. Then came the explosions. Zombies around them were obliterated, flesh and bone disintegrating in showers of blood and gore. The survivors paused for just a moment, awestruck by the destruction.


    The Avalons pulled up after their first run, climbing to safer altitudes. As they ascended, the rear hatches opened, and parachutes filled the air. Underneath each parachute was a box of ammunition. "Ammo!" someone shouted.


    Soldiers rushed to the crates, tearing them open and loading their weapons. Moments later, the mechanical beasts roared back to life. Spiders and mechanical dogs opened fire with heavy machine guns and micro-missiles, creating a wall of destruction. The relentless tide of zombies faltered under the renewed firepower.


    Finally, the Goliath joined the fray. The deep, rhythmic thunder of their 50mm cannons echoed across the battlefield. Each shell annihilated dozens of zombies, cutting massive swaths through the horde. With the combined firepower of the Avalons, mechanical beasts, and Goliath, the tide began to turn. Where moments ago the survivors had seemed like a fragile dam against an unstoppable wave, now the zombies were being driven back, falling in droves under the relentless assault.


    From above, it looked like a miracle¡ªthe tide of corpses was breaking. But for those on the ground, it was simply the beginning of another brutal fight for survival. The Goliath, now rearmed with fresh ammunition, thundered back into the fray, mowing down zombies with mechanical precision. "We''ve got air support! Ha ha!" "Kill them all!"


    sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 146: The Source

    Chapter 146 - The SourceEven though the soldiers and survivors couldn''t use the massive-caliber ammunition dropped for the Goliath and mechanical beasts, their morale soared. Cheers erupted across the battlefield as more than twenty Avalons roared overhead, dropping vital supplies. As the Avalons completed their supply drops, they banked sharply, heading toward the rear of the zombie horde. Their bomb bays opened, revealing payloads of magnetic fluid cloud bombs. It was time to deal a decisive blow.


    At the rear of the zombie tide, Ava and his team had been meticulously searching for the source of the second high-frequency sound wave. Their efforts finally bore fruit. "High-frequency sound waves detected! Running comparison..."


    Ava piloted the second-generation Avalon with deft precision, weaving through volleys of bone spurs launched by the zombies below. The sound of compressed air bursting echoed as the spines hurtled skyward. The Avalon''s advanced Ultralium alloy hull deflected the projectiles, though two of the accompanying unmanned armors weren''t so lucky. Struck by the sharpened bone spurs, they spiraled down in flames. "Comparison complete. Audio match: 97.7%!"


    The holographic screen displayed the results, and Ava allowed himself a rare smile. "Gotcha," he said, his voice filled with restrained excitement. The leader had been found, hidden within the swarm below. But locating it was one thing¡ªeliminating it amidst millions of zombies was another challenge entirely.


    "Send me the coordinates!" Lillian''s voice cut through the comms.


    "On their way!" Ava replied. Lillian immediately led the Fearless Warriors into the heart of the horde. They advanced in a tight cone formation, Lillian at the spearhead. Her pale energy sword flashed as she charged ahead, cutting through waves of zombies with terrifying precision. The Fearless Warriors followed close behind, their chain swords roaring as they bisected anything in their path¡ªordinary zombies, mutated variants, even the formidable lords.


    The closer they got to the leader''s position, the more ferocious the resistance became. One Fearless Warrior fell, his armor battered and deformed by relentless attacks. Even in death, he stood as a monument to the brutality of the battle, his dented frame covered in gore. "Born to fight, and die the same way!" one of the remaining warriors roared. Fueled by rage, they pressed on with renewed ferocity, cutting deeper into the tide.


    A Mutated lord emerged from the chaos, smashing two Fearless Warriors aside with terrifying strength. "Roar¡ª!" The lord roared and leaped high into the air, slamming its massive fists into the fallen warriors. The impact flattened them, their armor crumpling under the force.


    "Die!" Lillian screamed, launching herself at the Mutated lord with explosive speed. Her blade flashed, pale energy slicing through the lord''s neck in one clean motion. The behemoth''s head toppled to the ground, blood spraying in a gruesome arc. The body stood frozen for a moment before collapsing with a thunderous crash.


    Without pausing, Lillian charged onward, her blade cutting a path through the horde. A deafening roar of propulsion echoed through the battlefield. A massive metal giant streaked across the sky, trailing a plume of heat and exhaust. The Titan armor had arrived.


    Boom! The armor landed with earth-shaking force, sliding forward and crushing dozens of zombies beneath its weight. "Roar¡ª!" Several lords charged, their three-meter frames dwarfed by the Titan''s six-meter bulk. Zack, encased within the massive machine, watched them approach. "This suit was made just for you," he said with a smirk.


    Under Zack''s neural command, a blade-like weapon unfolded from the armor''s right wrist. Initially, it appeared as a simple metal rod, unremarkable in design. But then a low hum filled the air. Buzz! The edge of the rod began to glow, and the temperature skyrocketed. Powered by its own Sylinium reactor, the rod became enveloped in searing plasma. It glowed a deep red, the surrounding air shimmering from the heat.


    The weapon now resembled a forge-fresh iron bar, its edges burning with an almost divine intensity. "Let''s test this out." Zack moved forward, his massive frame dwarfing the charging lords. The first lord swung a massive claw, but Zack intercepted it mid-swing with the plasma blade.


    The lord''s arm was severed cleanly, molten flesh and bone dripping from the cauterized wound. Before it could react, Zack drove the blade into its chest, the plasma melting through its tough hide like butter. The lord collapsed, its insides reduced to smoldering slag. The remaining lords hesitated, growling uncertainly as they circled the massive armor. "Too late to run now," Zack said, activating the elbow thrusters for a devastating follow-up strike. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The plasma blade burned brighter as Zack surged forward, carving through the horde like a living storm of metal and fire. The three-meter-long ion sword, held in the hand of the towering six-meter-tall Titan, seemed more like a short dagger, perfectly proportioned to Zack''s mechanical colossus.


    "Roar¡ª!" Several lords charged, their monstrous forms radiating raw power. But Zack was unfazed. With a single calculated sweep, he swung the ion sword in a fiery arc, slicing through the air. The air shimmered and twisted around the blade as if recoiling from its intense heat. A crimson streak trailed the sword''s edge, cutting through the bodies of the charging lords. Heads rolled. Not just figuratively, but literally. Seven or eight lords collapsed at Zack''s feet, their heads split cleanly in two, right through the middle. The edges of their wounds were seared black, the ion sword''s extreme heat cauterizing the cuts instantly.


    Thud! Thud! The bodies fell heavily, pooling at Zack''s feet like discarded debris. "Now I see why Lillian always looked so cool," Zack muttered with a sly grin, twirling the glowing ion sword. The weapon wasn''t just deadly¡ªit was a masterpiece. The blade''s high-frequency ions allowed it to vibrate at incredible speeds, generating a heat that could destabilize molecular structures. In simpler terms, it could cut through anything that wasn''t harder or more elastic than its material.


    "Master, we''ve located the leader!" Lillian''s voice crackled through the comms. "It''s hiding in this wave of corpses!" Rejoining her and the Fearless Warriors, Zack didn''t hesitate. He plunged into the thickest part of the horde, carving a path straight toward the heart of the zombie wave.


    The Titan''s sheer size and weight turned Zack into an unstoppable force. Ordinary zombies crumbled beneath his feet, their bodies pulverized by his eleven-ton bulk. For the mutated zombies, he spared only the slightest effort¡ªa casual swing of his ion sword was enough to cleave them in two. Even the notoriously tough Mutated Lords couldn''t withstand more than a couple of strikes. "This might be the easiest fight I''ve ever had," Zack said, exhilarated by the sheer dominance of his new armor.


    For the first time, he felt invincible, as if he could take on the entire tide of millions singlehandedly. The Titan''s power was intoxicating, making Zack believe that nothing could stop him. "Sir, I''ve pinpointed the source of the high-frequency sound waves," Ego''s calm voice cut through his thoughts. "The target has been marked."


    "Got it," Zack replied, his tone sharpening. He spotted the leader immediately¡ªan ordinary-looking zombie, unnervingly plain amidst the chaos. But its behavior gave it away. Surrounded by hordes of mutated zombies, it stood at the epicenter of their frenzied aggression, directing the horde like a conductor leading an orchestra.

 Chapter 147: This Is Madness

    Chapter 147 - This Is Madness"Found you," Zack sneered, charging forward. Seeing Zack approach, the leader''s face contorted in panic¡ªan expression almost human. It let out a high-pitched roar, one inaudible to human ears but understood perfectly by the surrounding mutants. In response, the nearby zombies surged forward, desperate to block Zack''s advance.


    "Getting nervous now, are we?" Zack muttered. With a smirk, he holstered his ion sword and broke into a full sprint. The ground shook under his feet as he barreled toward the leader, plowing through the undead like an unstoppable juggernaut. Bones cracked and splintered. Mutated zombies were sent flying, their bodies shattering like brittle clay against the Titan''s unstoppable charge.


    Overhead, more than twenty Avalons roared into the fray. Their bomb bays opened, and magnetic fluid cloud bombs descended, dispersing light orange mist across the battlefield. The firestorm that followed turned the horde into a writhing inferno. But Zack didn''t stop. The explosions around him only spurred him forward, and soon, he stood face-to-face with the trembling leader. Its sunken, pale face reflected in the metallic sheen of Zack''s blood-streaked armor. "End of the line," Zack growled. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He raised his massive iron fist, now coated in gore and glowing faintly from the heat of countless impacts. "Die!" With a thunderous roar, Zack brought the fist down.


    Simultaneously, the Avalons released their remaining payloads. Mushroom clouds of fire erupted across the battlefield, each explosion sending shockwaves that rippled through the ground and air. The horde, once an endless tide of death, was consumed by the flames. Zombies disintegrated in the inferno, their twisted bodies reduced to ash. Amid the destruction, Zack straightened, his massive frame towering over a newly-formed crater. Inside the pit lay nothing but a viscous, charred pulp¡ªthe leader obliterated beyond recognition "It''s over," Zack said quietly, his voice echoing in the cockpit.


    For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the battlefield fell eerily silent, save for the crackling of flames. "Finally," Zack murmured, retracting his bloodied fist and staring out at the horizon. Behind him, the survivors began to cheer, their cries of triumph rising above the chaos.


    Victory was theirs, but Zack''s gaze remained cold and calculating. There would always be another wave, another leader. With the death of the leader, the zombie tide lost its cohesion, descending into chaos. What was once a unified, devastating force now became a scattered mass of wandering corpses, aimlessly lingering in place.


    Above the scorched plains, more than twenty Avalons continued their relentless bombardment. Each magnetic fluid cloud bomb created mushroom clouds that blotted the horizon, while the number of zombies steadily dwindled. By the time over a hundred cloud bombs had been deployed, the northern plains were unrecognizable. The once-vast fields had become barren, charred land. Not a single blade of grass remained for miles. The oppressive heat radiating from the scorched earth even began to influence the weather itself.


    The sky, which had been clear moments ago, turned a murky gray as layers of dust filled the air. Thick clouds formed overhead, thunder rumbled, and then it came¡ªan unrelenting downpour. It was as if nature sought to wash away the blood-soaked land. The heavy rain fell in torrents, extinguishing the remnants of the fire. Yet, it wasn''t the rain that smothered the flames entirely; it was the lack of anything left to burn.


    As the infernos died down, the nuclear-induced dust clouds loomed ominously, their heights stretching thousands of meters into the sky. Radioactive ash mixed with the rain, falling back to earth, embedding itself into the barren plains. Millions of zombies, now leaderless, wandered aimlessly through the toxic storm. "This land is done for," Zack muttered as he hovered a thousand meters above ground in his Titan armor. His steely gaze scanned the desolate landscape below. "From now on, there will only be the undead here. It''ll remain like this for centuries."


    While Zack brooded, Lillian and the surviving Fearless Warriors boarded The Phoenix. Ava, piloting the second-generation Avalon, flew alongside them, heading back to the capital base. Fortunately, the fallout zone caused by the cloud bombs was localized. The rain, heavy with dust and radiation, would not yet reach the base hundreds of kilometers away. At least for now. "Ego, how''s the weather looking?" Zack asked, his tone sharp and decisive.


    "The northern climate will remain stable for the next several days," Ego replied. "Light eastward breezes are expected, and no major cold fronts will move south until mid-next month. The radiation dust will drift toward the Bohai Sea before then."


    For once, a sliver of good news. "Good enough," Zack muttered. With a burst of thrusters, the massive Titan armor accelerated, leaving behind a blazing trail as it flew toward the Capital base.


    The 100-kilometer journey took Zack nearly ten minutes¡ªa painstaking eternity given the weight and aerodynamics of his eleven-ton armor. But when he arrived, the scene awaiting him at the base was unlike anything he''d witnessed before. The aftermath of the battle had left survivors in an eerie limbo. Some hugged each other, laughing hysterically or sobbing uncontrollably. Others knelt on the ground, overcome by the enormity of what they had endured. But as adrenaline faded, reality set in.


    People began collapsing without warning. Exhaustion, blood loss, and overuse of abilities claimed many. Among them was Erza, who fainted mid-step. A mechanical dog caught her just in time, preventing her from falling into the blood-soaked mud. While those unconscious were spared from immediate despair, the ones still standing faced a much harsher reality.


    On the battlefield littered with severed limbs and broken bodies, only a fraction of the 70,000 who had marched out to face the zombie tide remained. Five or six thousand survivors clung to life, many of them already showing signs of infection. Miraculously, Scott was among the survivors. Slumped on the ground, his body a canvas of cuts and bruises, he coughed weakly, his voice hoarse as he asked, "Is there anyone still moving?"


    Silence. Then, a deafening roar broke the quiet¡ªa sound of propulsion engines overhead.


    Boom! A heavy object landed, shaking the earth. The massive Titan armor stood tall amidst the carnage, its towering frame an imposing silhouette against the rain-filled sky. Zack''s voice boomed, cold and authoritative: "Fearless Warriors, descend and maintain order! Spiders, clear out the zombies and eliminate all infected!"


    The six-meter-tall metal giant surveyed the battlefield, his glowing eyes exuding an unyielding dominance. "Mechanical Dogs, head into the base. Round up every survivor¡ªyoung, old, it doesn''t matter. Bring them here to clean up this mess!"


    Zack''s tone grew harsher, brooking no argument. "Any rebels? Kill them on the spot. No need to report." His commands were met with swift obedience. Spiders scuttled into the chaos, targeting both zombies and those showing signs of infection. Fearless Warriors began patrolling, their presence enough to quell any potential unrest among the survivors. The Mechanical Dogs marched toward the base, barking orders in synthesized tones, dragging reluctant survivors out to the bloodied field. Those who resisted were dealt with harshly.


    It wasn''t long before shouts echoed from the survivors'' living quarters. Da-da-da-da! The shouting was swiftly drowned out by the relentless roar of heavy machine guns. Moments later, a sea of survivors, herded like livestock by the mechanical dogs, began pouring out of the high-wall of Washington DC gates.


    "What are they doing?


    Why are they pushing us out?"


    "Clean the battlefield? Is the zombie wave really over?"


    "This is madness! They''re sending us to our deaths!"

 Chapter 148: Scott

    Chapter 148 - ScottPanic and anger rippled through the crowd as they stumbled out onto the battlefield. Many feared the worst, believing that being forced outside the walls meant certain death. Though reluctance spread like wildfire, few dared to resist. The ones who had the courage to fight back had already perished on the battlefield, leaving behind those who were mediocre or cowardly. Under the ominous threat of machine guns, the crowd hesitantly obeyed, stepping into the open wasteland beyond the walls. But as their eyes fell on the battlefield, their anger turned to horror.


    Severed limbs and dismembered corpses stretched as far as the eye could see. Zombie bodies were piled into grotesque mountains, while dozens of mechanical spiders skittered across the field, methodically finishing off any remaining undead¡ªand even infected humans. The air was thick with the putrid stench of decay, blood, and a sickening slurry of flesh churned into mud.


    "Vomit!"


    "I can''t take it! I need to go back!"


    Terrified, the front of the group tried to retreat, but more survivors, driven forward by the mechanical dogs, forced them back into the chaos. Amid the confusion, Zack''s amplified voice boomed like thunder, silencing the crowd. "Anyone who takes a single step back¡ªdies."


    The survivors froze, their eyes snapping toward the six-meter-tall steel giant standing amidst the carnage. Its raised palm glowed ominously, a charged pulse cannon ready to fire. Some whispered among themselves, certain Zack wouldn''t follow through. "Why should we listen to him?"


    A man stepped forward, his tone arrogant. He was one of the soldiers who had fled the battlefield earlier, accustomed to flaunting authority under Kane''s rule. "You''re not from our base¡ª"


    BOOM! Before he could finish, a searing particle beam erupted from Zack''s palm, obliterating the man where he stood. Bone fragments and charred flesh rained down on those nearest to him. A chilling silence fell over the crowd as the reality of Zack''s resolve settled in. Those who had spoken up earlier now cowered, their defiance extinguished.


    Zack''s gaze swept over the crowd, his voice cold and unyielding. "Now, does anyone else have questions?" The survivors trembled under his glare, the weight of his brutal aura pressing down on them. They understood now¡ªthis was no idle threat. Disobedience would lead to certain death.


    Yet amid the fear, some began to realize the truth: the zombie wave, the unrelenting terror, was gone. The battlefield, though littered with corpses, held no living zombies.


    "It''s true..."


    "They''re really gone."


    "We''re... safe?"


    The realization spread like a ripple through the crowd. Relief quickly replaced fear, and many began moving toward the field voluntarily. "Let''s clear the battlefield. It''s the least we can do!"


    The atmosphere shifted. Gratitude and survival instincts drove the majority to action. Soon, hundreds of thousands of survivors began cleaning up the endless remains, their efforts gradually restoring order to the chaos. Zack watched the scene unfold from his towering vantage point. His expression softened slightly as he spoke. "How many survivors remain?"


    "Approximately 410,000, sir," Ego replied. "However, during the cleanup, we estimate a loss of 10,000 to 20,000 due to residual zombies or accidental infection."


    Cleaning the battlefield was dangerous work. Undetected zombies or careless exposure to infected blood could prove fatal. "Should I mobilize additional mechanical units from NYC to assist with cleanup?" Ego asked.


    Zack''s gaze lingered on the survivors toiling below. After a moment of thought, he responded, his tone resolute. "No. They need to do this themselves. Let them clean up the mess left by their fear. It''ll remind them what survival costs."


    To Zack, anyone who couldn''t even handle cleaning up corpses had no place struggling in this apocalypse. "If they can''t manage this, they''re better off resting in peace."


    Ego paused. "Sir, are you planning to take control of the base?"


    "Of course." Zack''s voice was icy. "I''ve spent a fortune wiping out that zombie tide. If I walk away with just a handful of rare materials, it''d be a waste." The Capital was rich in resources, its proximity to the mineral-rich north making it a prime acquisition. By seizing control, Zack would claim an entire region''s worth of resources.


    "Where are the crafting bugs I asked for?" Zack inquired sharply.


    "They''re in the Avalon," Ego replied promptly. "Twenty manufacturing bugs were brought in total. Should I release them?"


    "Deploy them immediately." Zack''s narrowed eyes gleamed. "This base needs restructuring, and I''ll ensure everyone here falls in line."


    A few hours later. The sun had long set, but powerful floodlights illuminated the high walls of the Capital, turning the night into day. The battlefield outside was a sea of chaos as survivors, driven by Zack''s commands, worked tirelessly to clean up the remnants of the battle. Hundreds of thousands of survivors had been divided into three groups, rotating shifts to transport the mountains of corpses using heavy trucks. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The bodies were being buried in the radiation-soaked plains nearby, handled by personnel wearing protective suits. By now, the immediate area surrounding the high walls was clear of limbs and shattered bodies. The blood-soaked ground remained a dark red, and the metallic stench of death still clung to the air, a grim reminder of the earlier carnage.


    Meanwhile, the manufacturing bugs had been deployed. Scuttling through the abandoned corners of the base, they scavenged materials, rapidly producing self-destructing microchips that Zack intended to use for his future plans. Zack, now out of the Titan armor, strode toward a group sitting near the base of the wall. Among them were survivors of the earlier battle, including Scott and Scarlett''s mutant squad. Nearby, two hulking bear soldiers stood guard, wearing rudimentary exoskeletons. Andre, still unconscious but stable, lay nearby.


    The sound of heavy footsteps caught their attention, and the group looked up, expressions of gratitude and awe evident on their weary faces. "Sir Zack?" one soldier ventured, standing up hastily.


    The rest followed, scrambling to their feet. These were people who had truly faced despair, their gratitude to Zack deeper than words could convey. In their darkest moment, his mechanical army had been their only hope. "Sit down," Zack said casually, walking through the group and stopping in front of Scott.


    "Thank you..." Scott rasped, leaning heavily on a blood-streaked rifle for support. "Thank you for saving us¡ªfor saving the 600,000 people in Washington DC."


    "Thank me later." Zack waved off the sentiment. "I''m here to talk about the management of the Capital." Scott''s expression shifted, his wearied features darkening. He had always stayed out of power struggles, focusing solely on the safety of the city.


    "You managed this battle well," Zack began, his tone neutral. "I want you to run this base for me." Before Scott could respond, Zack cut him off. "Kane is dead. I sent people to deal with him. This base is mine now. Any objections?"


    "No!" Scott shook his head immediately, his tone decisive.


    ''''Smart move,'' Zack thought. He didn''t need defiance, only compliance. If Scott refused, Zack could easily replace him with someone else¡ªloyalty was all that mattered.


    "You can rally these soldiers to help you manage the base," Zack continued. "I''ll provide the weapons and equipment you need."

 Chapter 149: Final Moments

    Chapter 149 - Final MomentsScott''s eyes widened. "What?" He had expected to be given nominal control, but Zack was handing him actual military power¡ªa rarity in the apocalypse. Even more surprising, the soldiers Zack offered were those who had fought and bled alongside Scott, cementing their loyalty to him.


    "Sir Zack, I''ll oversee the base, but I can''t accept control of the troops, especially not these men," Scott protested, his tone firm but respectful. He knew better than to overreach and invite suspicion.


    Zack chuckled, a rare, cold smile gracing his lips. "I understand your concerns, but don''t worry. I have measures in place to ensure loyalty." He turned slightly and gestured, his voice commanding. "Let''s proceed."


    Moments later, the manufacturing bugs rushed in, each carrying syringes loaded with microchips. These devices, no larger than a grain of rice, were designed to integrate seamlessly into the bloodstream, traveling to the brain where they could perform their full suite of functions. Each chip had tracking capabilities, behavior monitoring, and most importantly¡ªa self-destruct mechanism to ensure absolute control. "Behavioral analysis, positioning, and self-destruction," Zack said, holding up one of the syringes and handing it to Scott.


    Without hesitation, Scott took the syringe, injected it directly into his neck, and stood resolutely. The pressure-activated needle delivered the microchip in an instant. There wasn''t a moment of doubt in his movements. Zack observed him, a slight smirk playing at his lips. Scott''s decisiveness didn''t come from coercion alone. The sheer technological and military prowess Zack displayed, combined with his pragmatic approach to leadership, had already won Scott''s allegiance. To him, Zack''s rule promised something rare in the apocalypse: stability, progress, and strength.


    Scott knelt on one knee, his voice unwavering. "Master, I am yours to command."


    Zack acknowledged the gesture with a nod. "Good. Take these to your soldiers. Once they''re chipped, I''ll grant you secondary control over their functions."


    "Understood!" Scott stood without hesitation and began distributing the syringes to his troops. As this unfolded, a deep, rough voice cut through the tense atmosphere. Zack! What are you going to do with me?"


    Zack turned to see Andre, supported by two burly soldiers, finally regaining consciousness. Despite his weakened state, Andre''s voice carried his usual defiance. "How would you prefer I handle this?" Zack asked, his tone calm and unreadable.


    "My mission is to kill you and take your weapons and technology," Andre said bluntly. "This time, we fought a common enemy, but next time, there won''t be such an alliance. If you let me live, I''ll fulfill my mission, even if it costs my life."


    Andre''s words left Zack momentarily silent, but it wasn''t confusion or hesitation¡ªonly mild irritation. He admired the Siberian tiger''s stubbornness, but this unyielding honesty bordered on suicidal. "You''re forcing me to kill you," Zack finally said, his voice laced with exasperation.


    "That''s the point," Andre replied with a grim determination. "My men are dead. I want to join them." The two bear soldiers standing behind Andre stiffened. Although they didn''t understand the conversation fully, their intuition told them what was happening.


    "Sir!" one of them, a wiry man named Nikolai, interjected. "We will stand with you, no matter what!" Andre turned to his men, speaking to them in their native tongue. "Wish, Pavel, you have families to return to. Go home. This is my decision."


    "We refuse!" Nikolai said firmly, his voice shaking but resolute. "We are warriors. Fearless warriors. We will not abandon our commander!"


    Andre sighed deeply. He admired their loyalty but knew they wouldn''t leave him. Turning back to Zack, he spoke again. "You''ll have to kill three of us to end this." His body began to transform, colorful stripes spreading across his skin as his muscles expanded. The fur grew back, replacing his human features with the primal ferocity of a five-meter-long tiger. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Roar!" Andre''s thunderous growl echoed across the battlefield as his claws dug into the blood-soaked earth.


    Zack exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable. "If this is what you''ve chosen..." With a sharp, metallic click, the plates of the Apex suit began to shift. Armor pieces reconfigured, and weapons systems activated. Zack wasn''t rushing into the fight; this was a demonstration, a calculated and precise show of dominance.


    "What are you doing...?" Andre growled, his tiger claws poised in midair, hesitation flickering in his predatory eyes. Without his armor, Zack looked like any ordinary man. Andre couldn''t understand how Zack considered this a "fair fight."


    Zack''s voice was calm, almost dismissive. "I don''t like hand-to-hand combat. If I can solve a problem with my armor, I do. But this time, I''ll make an exception."


    With those words, Zack raised his foot and stomped it into the ground. The earth trembled under the force, and a shallow crater with spiderweb-like cracks spread out beneath him. The shockwave silenced Andre''s doubts. Even without armor, Zack was no ordinary human. "Roar!" Andre''s hesitation evaporated. He roared, launching himself forward with his claws aimed at Zack''s head. Holding back now would be an insult to the fairness Zack had offered.


    The tiger''s claws tore through the air like blades, accompanied by a gust of wind. Zack stood his ground and met the strike with a clenched fist. The collision was monumental¡ªa human fist against the massive paw of a five-meter-long tiger.


    Boom! The sound reverberated across the battlefield. Andre immediately felt a force he could barely comprehend. His claws met Zack''s fist, and the result was catastrophic¡ªbut not for Zack. The sound of bones shattering echoed, followed by a pained roar from Andre as the bones in his paw were crushed. But Andre didn''t stop. With a roar, he swung his tail¡ªa lethal weapon, even with part of it severed. The whip-like force cracked through the air, aiming for Zack.


    Zack raised his forearms just in time to block. The impact sent him skidding backward, his feet digging a trench in the blood-soaked earth. He came to a halt just before colliding with Scott, planting his hand into the ground to steady himself.


    The blow hadn''t injured him¡ªZack''s body bore no bruises or marks¡ªbut his light frame had been thrown purely by the force. "To be honest, Andre," Zack said, shaking the dirt off his arm, "you''re better at being a tiger than most real ones I''ve killed."


    Zack smirked, then crouched low. "But that''s all you''ve got!" With explosive force, Zack launched himself forward like a cannonball, the ground behind him cratering from the sheer power of his takeoff. He collided with Andre mid-stride, the impact so intense it staggered the tiger and nearly knocked him off his feet.


    "Commander Andre! We''ll back you up!" Two of Andre''s remaining soldiers, Nikolai and Pavel, rushed into the fray, their exoskeletons amplifying their strength to nearly superhuman levels.


    "You''re true warriors," Zack said in perfect Russian, his tone sincere. "But I won''t hold back." In a blur of motion, Zack closed the gap between them. His speed was inhuman, his fists like sledgehammers. One blow each, and both soldiers were sent flying. Their exoskeletons crumpled inward under the force, their central nervous systems instantly severed. They fell lifelessly to the ground, spared the pain of drawn-out deaths.


    "Roar!" Andre bellowed as he charged Zack again, his voice a mix of rage and relief, knowing this was the end. Zack heard no hatred in the roar, only a desperate desire for closure.

 Chapter 150: Second In Commands

    Chapter 150 - Second In CommandsZack bent his knees, his right fist clenching tightly. The air around him seemed to grow heavy, compressing with the weight of his gathered strength. "§á§à§Ü§à§Û, §Õ§â§å§Ô," Zack whispered in Russian. "Rest in peace, my friend." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack turned and swung his fist with everything he had. The air rippled outward, layers of pressure blasting forward like a tidal wave. Boom! The punch landed squarely on Andre''s head. The colossal tiger crumpled to the ground, a crack splitting his skull as blood seeped out onto the dirt. His massive form stilled, lifeless but strangely serene.


    The battlefield fell silent, every witness frozen in shock at the raw, unrestrained power Zack had displayed. Zack exhaled, straightened, and regarded the fallen warriors. "Bury them alongside their comrades," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "They deserve a proper monument."


    Scott nodded, his expression somber. "Yes, Master." He had wanted to plead for Andre''s life but knew it would have been futile. Andre had made his choice¡ªhis loyalty and pride demanded no less than an honorable death.


    Scott''s thoughts darkened further. He knew Andre and his men had defied their superiors by coming to fight the zombie tide. Even if Zack had let them live, they would have faced harsh punishment upon returning to their base. Disobeying orders, abandoning their mission, and sacrificing their squad¡ªthese were unforgivable offenses. As brutal as Zack''s decision was, it offered Andre and his men something their own leaders never would have: respect and a dignified end.


    However not everyone understood this perspective, however. "You... you killed them?!" Gwen, the ever-enthusiastic young woman who often fantasized about Zack as her future husband, forced her way through the gathered crowd. Tears of outrage welled in her eyes as she faced Zack. "They came all the way here to help us fight the zombies! How could you just kill them?"


    At only eighteen years old, Gwen lacked the life experience to see the grim truths hidden beneath the surface. She couldn''t comprehend the layers of cruelty woven into decisions like Zack''s. But Scarlett did. "Shut up, Gwen!" For the first time, a flash of anger colored Scarlett''s usually composed tone. The bespectacled young woman, calm and calculating as ever, stepped forward, her voice low but firm.


    Zack''s leadership over the Capital base was still new and fragile, and Scarlett knew the importance of maintaining authority. To question him now could only result in disaster, not just for Gwen but for everyone present. Yet to her surprise, Zack did not react with anger or hostility. He merely turned his attention to Scarlett. "You''re Scarlett, right?" he asked, his gaze steady.


    "Yes, Sir Zack," she replied, her tone respectful but unwavering.


    "Scarlett, nineteen years old. Former student of the University of Washington. No history of relationships. Mutant ability: unknown," Ego''s efficient voice relayed in Zack''s mind.


    "What''s your mutant ability?" Zack asked, his sharp eyes scanning her.


    "My mutation has dulled my emotions significantly," she replied evenly. "As a result, my ability to think logically and analyze complex situations has improved dramatically."


    Zack raised an eyebrow. "You''re saying you''ve been stripped of emotions, and that''s your superpower?"


    "Not entirely stripped, just diminished," Scarlett clarified, adjusting her glasses. "I still experience basic emotions, but they are far less influential."


    Ego chimed in with an explanation in Zack''s mind. "Humans are inherently emotional creatures, Sir. Removing emotions allows for greater rationality, akin to artificial intelligence."


    Zack mulled this over. "So, you''re smarter than most people. Tell me, then, what would you say to ensure I don''t punish this girl for her outburst?" The sudden chill in Zack''s tone made everyone freeze. His cold demeanor and the raw power emanating from him made the air feel heavy. Scarlett felt her face pale, but her composure didn''t falter.


    "Inject everyone with microchips," she replied without hesitation. "Then allow Gwen and me to serve you. We will be your women."


    "What?!" Gwen''s eyes widened in shock, and she instinctively took a step back. Before she could protest further, realization dawned on her. Scarlett wasn''t offering herself for personal gain¡ªshe was trying to save them both. The realization made Gwen bite her tongue, though cold sweat beaded on her forehead.


    Zack blinked, momentarily taken aback. He had expected a plea for leniency or clever reasoning, not such a bold and calculated offer. He smirked. "That''s... an unexpected answer."


    Scarlett, undeterred by his reaction, added, "I''ve never been in a relationship. Neither has Gwen. If it concerns you, I can assure you¡ª"


    "Enough," Zack interrupted, raising a hand. "I was just testing her. I don''t actually care about her outburst. Go see Scott for the microchip injections." With that, Zack shook his head, walking away with a hint of amusement. "It seems machine-like logic isn''t always reliable," he muttered to himself.


    Scarlett''s calculated gamble had worked. Though her methods were unorthodox, they had averted a potential disaster. Zack''s leadership over the Capital was now absolute. The following morning, the rising sun illuminated a transformed landscape outside Washington. The relentless efforts of over 400,000 survivors had cleared the battlefield of corpses. The two-kilometer radius around the base was free of limbs and gore, replaced by the dark red earth soaked in blood. Further out, mass graves were being dug to bury the remaining bodies, lime added to the soil to prevent disease.


    Although the survivors were exhausted from the grueling labor, the complaints were few. The reason was simple: they could eat their fill. The first thing Zack did after taking control of the base was to redistribute food supplies, ensuring that everyone had enough to eat. A seemingly simple act, yet it stirred overwhelming gratitude among the survivors¡ªmore profound than even their relief at surviving the zombie horde.


    Under Kane''s rule, food rations had been deliberately reduced to maintain control over the population. In the early days, everyone had enough to eat, but eventually, three people''s rations barely fed one. It wasn''t due to a food shortage; the Capital base had grain reserves sufficient to feed millions for over a year. The deprivation was entirely calculated, a tool for manipulation. Now, with full stomachs and renewed energy, the survivors poured their efforts into clearing the battlefield. In just one night, the area outside the high walls was unrecognizable. Stumps, bodies, and debris had been transported away, leaving only the blood-soaked earth and the faint scent of disinfectant hanging in the air.


    The aftermath of the corpse tide had faded. Life inside the Capital base had resumed¡ªbut under new leadership. "Master!" Scott approached Zack early in the morning, his voice brimming with urgency. "A total of 1,300 people have been implanted with microchips."


    "Stop calling me ''Master.'' It sounds strange. Just call me ''Sir,'' like Scarlett does," Zack replied with a faint frown.


    "Yes, Sir," Scott quickly corrected himself.


    "1,300, huh? I''ve granted you secondary control," Zack said, nodding. The moment Zack finished speaking, Scott felt a sharp pain in his right eye. It only lasted a few seconds, but when the sensation subsided, his vision was replaced by a display of data, similar to a holographic projection.

 Chapter 151: The Deserter’s Fate

    Chapter 151 - The Deserter''s FateThe data was linked to every soldier who had been implanted with a chip. Scott could monitor their movements, analyze their behavior, and, if necessary, activate the chip''s self-destruct function with a mere thought. "This... this is terrifying," Scott muttered, his heart pounding. Only now did he fully grasp the power of the microchips. Even with secondary control, the authority to wield this kind of power chilled him to the core.


    "I''ll manage the Capital base diligently, Sir! I swear there will be no second thoughts!" Scott dropped to one knee, his tone resolute.


    "Get up. Stop kneeling," Zack replied, waving his hand dismissively. He could see the fear in Scott''s eyes¡ªfear that stemmed from realizing just how little control he truly had. After a pause, Zack''s gaze sharpened. "Wait... weren''t there more than 1,300 soldiers who survived? Why didn''t you gather them all?"


    "Yes, Sir," Scott began, nodding. "Most of the 1,300 are survivors who joined the fight. Less than 300 were part of the original city defense force or the security team. The rest... well, they''re deserters."


    "Ah, I see. They ran while others fought," Zack said coldly, his eyes narrowing. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That''s right. These deserters may still be called soldiers, but they''re nothing compared to the survivors who stood their ground. Injecting them would''ve been a waste of chips," Scott admitted bluntly.


    Zack smirked faintly. "I remember them. A group of them tried defying my orders when I commanded the battlefield cleanup. That didn''t last long after I dealt with their leader. How many of them are there?" Zack asked, his tone icy.


    "More than 1,500," Scott replied, clenching his fists. The contrast was stark¡ªonly 1 in 10 soldiers had the courage to fight the tide of corpses, yet nearly all the deserters had survived.


    "Leader, I don''t believe implanting chips will fix them. Their cowardice and lack of loyalty run too deep," Scott added.


    "You''re right. Chips alone won''t work," Zack said, a chilling smile creeping across his face. "But I have another idea. Gather them all." It took over an hour for Scott to round up the 1,500 deserters. They didn''t make it easy. Many outright refused to follow his orders, relying on their numbers to defy him. Without ammunition, even the threat of firearms held little sway. The conflict devolved into brawls, with sticks and fists as the primary weapons.


    The deserters gathered reluctantly on the runway of the Capital base, herded there by mechanical dogs. Most of them didn''t take the situation seriously¡ªuntil one of the dogs executed their leader with cold precision, firing without hesitation. Only then did the thousand-strong crowd comply, though their demeanor was anything but disciplined. Some sat, others squatted, and a few nervously chattered among themselves, creating a scene more chaotic than a bustling market. "Nate, this new guy isn''t playing around," one man whispered.


    "No kidding," Nate replied, lowering his voice. "That dog didn''t even flinch. Let''s not become the next example."


    Others had different concerns.


    "Do you think he''s here to settle accounts? For real?"


    "He wouldn''t kill all of us, would he?"


    Still, there were the shameless ones: "We didn''t sign up to fight a million zombies. Better alive and useless than dead and noble, right?"


    The runway buzzed with uneasy chatter until a sound silenced them all¡ªheavy, deliberate footsteps. Zack approached slowly, his imposing figure flanked by the remaining four Fearless Warriors. The warriors, clad in battle-scarred power armor dented and groaning with every movement, exuded an air of mechanical menace. At nearly four meters tall, they looked more like monstrous steel Goliath than humans.


    The crowd instinctively parted, fear written on their faces. No one wanted to be in the way of those armored giants. Zack stopped a few feet from the gathered deserters, his sharp gaze sweeping across the disorganized assembly. His voice, though calm, carried an unmistakable edge. "Have you ever been trained?" The question hung in the air, met with nervous fidgeting. Someone in the crowd, sharp enough to sense the weight behind Zack''s tone, shouted, "Stand up! Quickly! Let''s show some order!"


    The rest followed in a panic, scrambling to form rows and columns. It took more than ten minutes for the group to arrange themselves into a semblance of order, and even then, their crooked lines looked more like the aftermath of chaos than discipline. "Enough," Zack said, shaking his head. "Don''t bother." He raised a hand, signaling into the distance.


    The deserters turned to see what he was gesturing at¡ªand froze. Lined up were mechanical spiders armed with heavy machine guns, their black barrels gleaming menacingly under the sun. The silence broke with a panicked scream: "He''s going to kill us!" Before anyone could act, the machine guns roared to life.


    Click, click, click... Bullets rained down¡ªnot on the crowd, but just inches from their feet. The ground erupted with craters, dirt flying in every direction. "Run!" someone shouted, and the crowd erupted in chaos. The gunfire abruptly stopped.


    Frozen mid-flight, the deserters turned back to see Zack smiling faintly, his gaze as cold as ice. "Run. Why don''t you?" he asked, his voice dripping with mockery.


    A trembling voice from the crowd dared to speak. "M-Mr Zack, there are so many of us... you can''t possibly¡ª"


    "Yes, I can," Zack interrupted, his smile sharpening. "I can kill you all." The silence that followed was suffocating. Even the thought of fighting back died in their throats as Zack''s piercing gaze scanned the crowd. "But..." Zack continued, letting the tension linger, "...I''ll give you a choice."


    The deserters collectively held their breath. "Become Fearless Warriors under me¡ªor die." Zack gestured to the four towering warriors beside him. The words hung heavy, and for a moment, no one moved. Then, realization dawned, and chaos erupted once more¡ªthis time, in the form of desperate enthusiasm.


    "Sir, I choose to become a Fearless Warrior!"


    "Me too!"


    "Count me in!"


    The crowd clamored, each man shouting to ensure their voice was heard, their earlier fear replaced by a feverish desire for power. To become a Fearless Warrior meant trading their cowardice for strength, their insignificance for greatness. Zack observed the scene with a faint smirk, his expression unreadable. "It seems you''re all quite eager," he said dryly. "But let me warn you¡ªonce you join, there''s no turning back. Regret isn''t an option."


    His words were lost in the noise of the desperate crowd, who had already convinced themselves this was their path to salvation. "Then get on the planes," Zack ordered.


    From a nearby open space, more than twenty Avalons lifted off in unison and hovered over the crowd before landing. Without hesitation, the deserters surged forward, fighting for spots on the aircraft. Their earlier sluggishness was replaced with frantic energy, fueled by a mix of fear and ambition. "Ego?" Zack called out.


    "Yes, sir. The injection chamber factory is operational, and the Fearless Warrior serum is in mass production. The facility in NYC is prepared to process this batch," Ego replied.


    Zack''s smirk grew colder. "Perfect. Let''s see if cowards can be reforged into warriors."

 Chapter 152: Immortal!? (End of Volume 3)

    Chapter 152 - Immortal!? (End of Volume 3)As the last Avalon took off, Zack watched the planes ascend into the sky. The deserters were headed to NYC, where the transformation process awaited them. There, they would undergo rigorous procedures, their bodies injected with the Fearless Warrior serum, and their minds tethered by unwavering loyalty. For Zack, this wasn''t just punishment¡ªit was an investment. "I''ll give them what they crave," Zack muttered, his voice low. "Strength, power, purpose... but on my terms."


    After resolving the deserter issue, Zack convened a meeting with the newly appointed managers of the Capital base. The agenda was straightforward but transformative. In the meeting, Zack declared the base would now be called the Northern Base, serving as his first and currently only sub-base. Its primary purpose: collecting mineral resources and rare materials to fuel Zack''s growing dominion. Scott was officially appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Northern Base, tasked with managing its operations, overseeing resource collection, and ensuring the base''s efficiency. Defense responsibilities were divided between the 1,300 city defense troops implanted with microchips, two Goliath, and a handful of mechanical beasts that Zack left behind.


    To strengthen security further, Zack ordered the deployment of over 20 mechanical manufacturing units to establish a cutting-edge aerial defense system. These units worked tirelessly to produce microchips and secure materials for the base''s future growth. With these arrangements in place, the Northern Base was set on a stable development trajectory. For Zack, this marked the completion of his immediate objectives there. Leaving the day-to-day operations in Scott''s hands, Zack excused himself and returned to his quarters.


    Inside his private quarters, Zack activated a holographic display, scanning a roster of the top intellectual talents among the base''s survivors, curated by Ego.


    Charles Sullivan, 67, former lecturer in physical chemistry at the University of Washington.


    Daniel Lewis, 31, philosophy lecturer at Seattle Pacific University.


    Walter Blake, George Johnson, and so on... Zack skimmed the profiles with mild disinterest. While these individuals would have been invaluable before the apocalypse, their knowledge now seemed outdated or irrelevant in his eyes¡ªespecially compared to the advanced technologies he had at his disposal. Still, their potential utility to others couldn''t be ignored. "Implant chips in all of them and let Scott assign their roles," Zack instructed coldly, turning off the display. "Even if they aren''t useful now, we might as well control them."


    As the holograms faded, Zack leaned back, speaking to Ego. "That''s enough for now. Inform Scarlett and the others¡ªit''s time to return to NYC." Shortly after, Ego''s summons brought Scarlett and Gwen to Zack''s quarters. Both were visibly nervous, though Scarlett, ever composed, maintained her quiet elegance. Dressed in clean clothes with her signature black-rimmed glasses, she looked every bit the intellectual.


    "Sir," Scarlett said with a polite nod, her voice calm. Behind her, Gwen¡ªusually boisterous and carefree¡ªfidgeted nervously, her cheeks flushed as she avoided eye contact with Zack.


    "You''ll both return to NYC with me," Zack said, his tone brisk and direct.


    "Yes, sir," Scarlett replied immediately. Gwen nodded, though her usual energy was notably absent.


    Moments later, two other mutants arrived at Ego''s request. These individuals, once under Kane''s command, had survived only because Kane deemed their abilities too weak to bother taking them when he fled. Now, they stood before Zack, unsure of their fate. "You two, as well," Zack said, barely sparing them a glance. "You''ll come with us."


    "Yes, sir! Of course!" they stammered, nodding vigorously. Despite their agreement, unease lingered on their faces. Their abilities had been dismissed as useless before¡ªwhy would this new leader want them? The thought gnawed at their minds, filling them with dread.


    The Avalon was soon ready. While Scarlett and Gwen boarded The Phoenix alongside Zack, the two other mutants were unceremoniously herded into the Avalon''s cargo hold, packed alongside crates of rare materials. Their unease only grew as the door closed behind them. Shortly after takeoff, Zack donned his Apex armor. With a thunderous sonic boom, he launched into the sky, heading south. As he passed over the ruins of what was once Washington DC, Zack slowed, hovering to take in the desolation below.


    From the outer Capital Beltway (I-495) to the inner K Street Corridor and into the city''s heart, the view was the same¡ªabandoned streets, decaying buildings, rusted vehicles, and scattered zombies wandering aimlessly. The once-thriving metropolis was now a shadow of its former self, a ghostly wasteland devoid of life. "You know, Ego," Zack said, his voice unusually soft, "back in the day, I used to dream about making enough money to explore every corner of this city¡ªenjoying its food, seeing its sights."


    Hovering over the lifeless cityscape, Zack chuckled bitterly. "Well, it''s all mine now. The entire city is at my feet." "But..." He trailed off, gazing at the empty streets below. "There''s nothing left. No life. No food. No laughter."


    Ego''s voice, calm and unwavering, broke the silence. "Sir, you have the power to rebuild. If you choose, human civilization can rise again¡ªstronger, brighter, and more enduring than ever before. Not just here, but across the universe."


    Zack listened to Ego''s encouragement, then shook his head with a calm yet dismissive expression. "Living my own life is enough," he said. "Decades later, when I''m gone, why should I care about what happens to this world?"


    Saving the world? That felt like an unattainable dream, a responsibility Zack wasn''t interested in shouldering. Ego remained silent for a moment before speaking again. "Sir, what if... you lived far longer than just a few decades?"


    "What are you implying?" Zack raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.


    "Sir, do you recall the period before you injected the super serum? When your overall physical attributes improved incrementally each day?" Ego''s tone carried a rare intrigue.


    "Of course. It hasn''t changed, has it?" Zack responded, recalling how his body had subtly grown stronger over time, even before his current abilities. While the improvements were minuscule back then, they had drastically accelerated once he began high-intensity training. The difference now was staggering¡ªenough that Zack could hold his own in combat without armor.


    "Indeed, it has changed. I detected a unique increase in your cellular activity recently. Your telomeres exhibit characteristics not seen in normal humans," Ego explained. "Your cells now divide at an extraordinary rate, and nerve cells appear to resist aging entirely."


    Zack froze as the implications sank in. "What are you saying?"


    "Your body''s cells seem capable of infinite division," Ego clarified. "At the same time, your nerve cells show no signs of degeneration. To put it simply, Sir¡ªyou may have achieved both biological immortality and cognitive immortality."


    The words struck like a thunderbolt. Zack leaned back in his seat, his mind reeling. He knew enough biology to grasp the enormity of what Ego was describing. "So, I won''t age or die naturally?" Zack murmured.


    "Precisely," Ego confirmed. "Your body renews itself indefinitely, and your brain remains unaffected by the typical wear and tear of time. In essence, you are biologically immortal."


    Zack wasn''t overjoyed. Instead, he furrowed his brow, his analytical mind seeking answers. "How did this happen? Is it because of the serum?"


    "I detected these traits before you were injected, though they were faint. The serum likely accelerated the process," Ego revealed. "But there is insufficient data to determine when or how this began."


    Zack paused, processing the information. "Does this mean... I''m a mutant?" He frowned, recalling the similarities between his brain activity and that of other mutants like Erza and Annie.


    "It''s possible," Ego said. "However, you''ve exhibited no overt mutant powers aside from your unique cellular traits. These could also be a natural anomaly."


    Zack shrugged, brushing off the specifics. "Any side effects I should know about?" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "None. You''re in perfect health¡ªan ideal specimen," Ego assured him. "Your current lifespan estimate is at least 300 years, barring external factors."


    The news landed heavily on Zack. He exhaled sharply, the weight of centuries pressing on his thoughts. "Three hundred years, huh?" he muttered. "That''s... a lot of time."


    For a moment, he was silent, staring at the desolate skyline below. Then, a smile tugged at his lips. "Ego, let''s talk about unifying the world." With renewed vigor, Zack shot into the sky. Apex''s thrusters roared to life, propelling him southward. The once-vibrant city faded into the horizon as he soared past the abandoned streets and crumbling ruins. "Unifying the world," Zack mused. "If I''ve got this much time, I might as well set some big goals."

 Chapter 153: Who Else?

    Chapter 153 - Who Else?Elsewhere, the rest of the world struggled to grasp the growing enigma of Zack''s faction. The major bases on earth were scrambling for information about NYC, desperate to understand what was happening in Zack''s domain. In one of the basses, several high-ranking officials gathered in a dimly lit room, their faces etched with frustration. "NYC reportedly developed a low-orbit stealth satellite," one suggested. "We need something similar."


    "We funded a similar project years ago," another chimed in. "Get it operational." But no matter their efforts, their lack of intelligence was glaring. The zombie wave that had ravaged the Northern Base was a complete mystery to them. In fact, they knew nothing about the state of the northern hemisphere at all.


    The northern hemisphere''s skies were completely dark to their surveillance¡ªno satellites, no drones, no reconnaissance aircraft. Any attempts to cross into Zack''s domain resulted in immediate loss of contact.


    "It''s like fighting blind," one executive muttered. "Meanwhile, he has night vision goggles and a loaded gun."


    "And he''s not afraid to use them," another added grimly.


    "Damn it!" A senior executive slammed his keyboard in frustration. "I looked into it¡ªthis plan never even got off the ground! Those bastards were just embezzling funds!"


    "Are you serious?" another bellowed, his face turning red. "Those fraudsters! I checked the archives. There''s only one folder labeled for the project¡ªand it''s empty!"


    The conference room erupted into curses and insults aimed at the long-gone opportunists who had siphoned funds for personal gain. The irony wasn''t lost on many of the executives, who had, in their own ways, benefited from similar practices in the past.


    Amid the chaos, the conference room door creaked open, and a man stepped in. He was a researcher, one with little to no presence in daily operations. His name tag read Master. "What are you doing here?" barked one of the executives, his anger spilling over onto the unassuming intruder. "This is a private meeting! Get out before I have you removed!"


    Before the guards stationed nearby could act, Master calmly approached the table. Without a word, he set down a stack of documents bound in plain, nondescript folders. "This is a small token of goodwill from EPOCH," he said with a faint, knowing smile. Then, just as calmly as he had entered, he turned to leave.


    The executives froze. EPOCH ¡ªExploration and Progress Organization: The Vanguard for Humanity¡ªwas a name that commanded both intrigue and dread. One of the soldiers moved to examine the stack, wary of potential traps.


    "Don''t touch it!" an executive barked. "Everyone out¡ªnow!" Reluctantly, the soldiers exited the room, leaving the executives to examine the mysterious delivery. After a moment of hushed whispers explaining EPOCH''s reputation to those less informed, one of the higher-ups reached for the documents.


    As they skimmed the contents, the executives'' expressions morphed from skepticism to shock. "This can''t be real," one muttered, flipping through blueprints and technical schematics. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Graphene batteries?" another blurted out. "Two thousand times the lifespan of lithium-ion? Are they serious?"


    "Electromagnetic railguns?" someone else exclaimed. "The Navy barely managed a prototype before the collapse. And they''ve perfected it?"


    The room buzzed with excitement and disbelief, but one page silenced them all: detailed schematics of a stealth radar satellite. "This is... from the russian?" an executive whispered, barely able to contain his astonishment.


    The documents, written in precise language and annotated in the northern dialect, were clear proof of high-level espionage or collaboration. The sudden windfall of advanced technology left the executives practically salivating. Master, who had remained by the door, watched their reactions with a bemused expression. "Consider this a welcome gift from EPOCH," he said lightly, his tone tinged with faint amusement.


    One executive, trying to recover his composure, straightened his tie and addressed Master. "And what does EPOCH want in return for this... generosity?"


    Master''s smirk deepened. "Nothing at all," he replied smoothly. "Our organization is committed to the advancement of humanity, even in times as dire as these. Our goal is simple: to create a global community with a shared future. Any technological advancements we make, we freely share for the betterment of mankind."


    His words rang with practiced sincerity, but no one in the room believed him. The executives, jaded and cunning, saw through the charade. Still, the documents were too valuable to dismiss. "If your goal is so noble," one executive challenged, "why haven''t you shared this knowledge before now?"


    Master''s smile didn''t falter. "Because," he said smoothly, "we hadn''t finished developing it." It was a blatant lie, of course. Some of the technologies dated back decades, their theoretical foundations well-known. But practicality had kept them out of reach¡ªuntil now. With the chaos wrought by Zack and the zombie apocalypse, the value of cutting-edge weaponry like electromagnetic railguns had skyrocketed.


    "We know what this is about," another executive finally said. "You want us to pave the way for the NYC, don''t you?"


    Master''s smile sharpened at the mention of the infamous trading hub. "What you choose to do with the information is entirely up to you," he said, his tone smooth and noncommittal. "But remember¡ªknowledge is power, and power demands action." As he turned to leave, his voice carried one final note of subtle challenge. "Good luck, gentlemen. The world is watching."


    The leadership at Dragon Base wasn''t foolish. It took them little time to decipher the Vanguard Organization''s true intentions. "So that''s their game," someone muttered, piecing it together.


    Master, standing confidently, offered a faint smile. "I''ve made myself clear¡ªhumanity should stand united in the face of extinction. Sharing technology with the world isn''t just beneficial; it''s a moral obligation. Refusing to do so..." He paused, letting his words sink in. "Wouldn''t that be anti-human?"


    His devilish grin made everyone in the room uneasy. They understood his implication. But their greed demanded more assurances. "What else can you offer us?" one executive asked, his tone dripping with avarice.


    Master chuckled lightly. "That''s not for me to decide," he replied. "But I can tell you this¡ªour organization is constantly working on groundbreaking advancements. There''s much more where this came from."


    With that, he turned and exited the room, leaving behind a group of senior officials blinded by the tantalizing promise of technological power. The same scene played out across multiple bases.


    The Next Day As the morning sun broke through the dense clouds, it painted the industrial zone of NYC in soft light. Men and women streamed out of their dormitories, chatting amicably as they headed for the cafeteria. Breakfast was warm, plentiful, and inviting¡ªa rare luxury in a post-apocalyptic world.


    NYC had grown eerily quiet. The once ever-present growls of zombies were gone, replaced by the hum of industry and the chatter of its residents. For those who lived there, it was as if the apocalypse had never happened. "Did you hear about that massive zombie horde up north?" a girl asked her group of companions.


    "They say it was hundreds of millions strong!"


    "Get out! That many? No way!" someone responded incredulously.


    "It''s true!" the girl insisted, puffing up with pride. "But it was wiped out completely."


    "Who could pull that off?" another asked skeptically.


    "Who else?" she replied with a confident grin. "Sir Zack, of course!"

 Chapter 154: Two Mutants

    Chapter 154 - Two MutantsThe small crowd listened in awe as she regaled them with exaggerated details. The horde, initially reported as tens of millions, had grown to hundreds of millions in her tale. For these workers, Zack was nothing short of a mythical figure. The girls were especially enamored. To them, Zack was not only their savior but also a hero who had rescued them from their grim fates at the northern base. "Sir Zack is amazing!" one girl declared.


    "Obviously!" another chimed in. "I heard he turned Washington DC into a sub-base and renamed it the Southern Base."


    "Tch. I don''t like them," someone else muttered, prompting nods of agreement.


    The disgust for the Southern Base didn''t last long. The mention of Zack brought smiles and animated chatter back to the group."I wonder what Sir Zack is doing right now," someone mused.


    "Probably something incredible," another said wistfully.


    "I miss him..." one girl sighed.


    "Me too!" came the chorus of agreement.


    The girls'' conversation faded into daydreams about Zack, their thoughts carrying them far away.


    Meanwhile, in Tribeca Just kilometers away, in Zack''s private mansion, Mia and her companions limped down the stairs, holding onto each other for support. They had prepared breakfast with visible exhaustion, their movements slow and deliberate. "Miss them? They don''t know what they''re envying," Mia grumbled under her breath.


    The rest nodded silently. After Zack''s grueling training and the aftermath of the massive zombie wave, they had been pushed to their limits. Despite working together with Sophia and Ava, they couldn''t match Zack''s relentless energy, leaving them sore and bruised.


    The meal was simple but hearty. Everyone gathered around the table: Zack, Sophia, Erza, Annie, Mia, Ava, Scarlett, and Gwen. It was a full house, almost like a big family coming together. At the table, Annie tugged on Erza''s sleeve. "Sister Ezra, why did you make me sleep next door last night?" she asked, her innocent eyes wide.


    Erza''s face flushed red. "Ahem... You''ll understand when you''re older," she mumbled, avoiding eye contact.


    "Oh," Annie replied, her curiosity satisfied for now. After breakfast, Zack headed to the biology lab. The facility was quiet, save for the muffled cries coming from one of the isolation rooms. Inside, two mutants who had once been under Kane''s control now sat in relative comfort. They had food, water, even a projector and TV. If not for the locked door, it would have been a dream.


    "Sir Zack!" one of them cried out as Zack entered. "Please, it wasn''t our idea! Kane made us do it!"


    "Stop whining. If you don''t want to stop, I''ll just let you both go," Zack said coldly, not sparing the two mutants even a glance.


    The threat, oddly enough, had the opposite effect.


    "No, no, no! Please don''t do that!"


    "Yeah, Boss, that''s not necessary. Just keep us locked up a little longer. We haven''t had such good meals in months!"


    Zack paused, turning his head slightly. The absurdity of the situation wasn''t lost on him. He was offering freedom, and they were begging to stay locked up. "You two are something else," Zack muttered, shaking his head. He walked toward the lab''s test area, dismissing their protests. As he prepared the super serum, he couldn''t help but muse aloud.


    "If I really am a mutant, these experiments would be redundant. But the results so far... mutants not only handle the super serum, but they thrive with it." It didn''t take long for Zack to mix two doses of the glowing blue serum. The lab''s mechanical assistants efficiently pushed out the injection cabins he''d prepared earlier.


    Zack turned back to the locked room, his voice steady. "All right, tell me about your abilities. Quickly."


    One of the mutants, a wiry man with an almost comically guilty expression, stepped forward eagerly. "Leader, my name is Samuel. My ability is... uh... night vision."


    Zack stared at him for a moment, waiting for more. When no elaboration came, he sighed. "That''s it?"


    "Yes, sir," Samuel said sheepishly. "That''s it."


    Zack rolled his eyes and turned to the other mutant, a stout man shifting nervously. "And you?"


    "My name is Hayes, Boss... but everyone calls me Gray," he mumbled. His voice dropped to an embarrassed mutter. "My ability is, uh..."


    "Farting," Samuel interjected, unable to hold back. "He stinks up the place."


    Gray bristled. "It''s not farting, you moron! It''s biological gas production! Highly toxic! Way better than your useless night vision!"


    Zack rubbed his temples, patience waning. "I don''t care if it''s gas or toxic clouds. If you so much as think about using that ability in front of me... I promise, you''ll regret it."


    The chill in Zack''s voice froze both mutants in place, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads. "Yes, Leader!" Gray stammered, nodding furiously. "I''ll hold it in, I swear!"


    "I''ll make sure he does," Samuel added quickly. "Even if I have to tape his mouth shut!"


    Zack exhaled heavily, muttering under his breath, "These two... where did Kane even find them?" He pointed to the injection cabins. "Get in. Take off your coats first." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The mutants obeyed without hesitation, stripping off their outer layers and climbing into the cabins. As the doors sealed, a light anesthetic gas filled the chambers, lulling them into unconsciousness. "Ego, begin data recording," Zack commanded, his focus shifting to the holographic display.


    "Data is being logged," Ego confirmed. Despite their absurd abilities, Samuel and Gray had physical attributes far surpassing ordinary humans, a testament to their mutant physiology. On average, their overall stats were 2.5 times that of a normal person.


    "Proceed with the injection," Zack ordered.


    The mechanical arms within the injection cabins began their work, precisely administering the glowing serum into the mutants'' bodies. "Serum injected. No immediate rejection detected," Ego reported. "Beginning ray stimulation."


    The cabins lit up with a bright, pulsating glow as the serum activated. The display tracked their stats as they climbed rapidly. "Strength index increasing... Three times baseline... Four times... Five times..."


    By the time the rays dimmed, their stats had plateaued at 7.1 times the average human¡ªa nearly threefold increase from their starting point. "Any side effects?" Zack asked.


    "No abnormalities detected," Ego responded.


    "What about their abilities?"


    "Brain activity scans show no changes. Their mutant abilities remain unaffected." Zack nodded, unsurprised. His own experience had led him to suspect as much, but it was still gratifying to see it confirmed.


    "Wake them up," Zack instructed.


    A moderate electric current coursed through the injection cabins, jolting Samuel and Gray back to consciousness. The hatches hissed open, revealing two hulking figures, their muscles bulging under their skin. Yet despite their newfound physiques, their familiar, foolish expressions remained unchanged. "Whoa... what is this feeling?" Samuel blinked, staring down at his powerful arms as if they didn''t belong to him.


    Clink. Gray, still dazed, reached out and accidentally dented the metal frame of the injection cabin with his fingertips. "Holy crap, Gray! Look at you!" Samuel exclaimed, wide-eyed. "You''re like... a walking tank!"


    "Me? Look at yourself!" Gray fired back, equally stunned. "You look like you could tear down a building with one hand!"

 Chapter 155: Limit of Technology

    Chapter 155 - Limit of TechnologyTheir amazement quickly turned into giddy excitement as they clenched their fists, marveling at the raw power coursing through their bodies. "This is insane!" Gray roared with laughter. "I feel like I could punch straight through the planet!"


    "Yeah! Forget earth¡ªmaybe even the moon!" Samuel added, flexing his biceps dramatically. The sheer strength had already inflated their egos to cartoonish proportions.


    As they reveled in their transformation, their attention finally shifted to Zack, who stood a few feet away, arms crossed and a decidedly unamused expression on his face. "Oh, right," Gray said, his excitement momentarily subdued. He dropped to his knees. "Thanks, Sir! You''ve blessed us with this amazing power! I owe you everything¡ª"


    "Idiot!" Samuel hissed, yanking Gray back up by his arm. "Why are you kneeling? We''re stronger now. He should be kneeling to us!"


    Gray blinked, realization dawning on his face. "You''re right!"


    Straightening up, Gray patted his knees and cleared his throat. "Thanks, Sir Zack ," he said, a smug grin spreading across his face. "I gotta hand it to you¡ªtaking the risk to test this on us first instead of keeping it for yourself? Real generous of you."


    "Yeah, super generous!" Samuel chimed in, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You probably figured, ''What''s the worst that could happen, right? They die? No big deal!'' But guess what? The experiment worked! And now, here we are¡ªstronger than ever!" He spread his arms wide, his laughter echoing through the lab.


    "Bet he didn''t see that coming," Gray added, nudging Samuel. "Look at him¡ªhe''s too stunned to speak! Probably thinking about how he just created two unstoppable forces!"


    The pair erupted into laughter, completely oblivious to the growing darkness in Zack''s expression. "...Ego," Zack muttered under his breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Please remind me..."


    "Yes, sir?" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How exactly did I end up with these two idiots?"


    Ego''s silence was deafening. Samuel couldn''t resist stepping forward with a mocking grin. "Sir Zack, cat got your tongue¡ª" But before he could finish, his words caught in his throat. The Zack standing in front of him began to fade until he disappeared entirely! A sharp gust of wind whipped past Samuel, making him shiver. It was only then that he realized¡ªthe Zack he''d been taunting wasn''t real. It was an afterimage!


    Boom!


    A deafening crash erupted behind him. Samuel spun around, his face pale, just in time to see Gray, who had been acting cocky a moment ago, flung through the air like a ragdoll. His body curled up in pain, resembling a shrimp, before smashing into the basement wall with a thunderous impact. The force embedded him into the half-meter-thick concrete, leaving him stuck like a broken doll.


    Zack''s speed was terrifying. Even though Samuel himself had been enhanced with a super soldier serum, he couldn''t keep up with what had just happened. He didn''t even see Zack move. Gray, who had been behind him, was sent flying with a single punch and ended up fused into the wall. "You wanted me to talk?" Zack now stood where Gray had been moments ago, his cold gaze drilling into Samuel.


    "Gulp..." Samuel swallowed hard. His mocking expression vanished, replaced by fear. He remembered the rumors back at the northern base¡ªthe ones claiming their new leader had strength far beyond human. They''d said he could take down a mutated bear soldier with his bare hands. Samuel hadn''t believed it then. But now... It was all true.


    "Sir, Sir!" Samuel stammered, stumbling backward. His bravado evaporated like smoke. "I... I was just joking! I swear! I¡ª" He tripped over his words, scrambling to salvage his pride. Fear gripped him as his earlier confidence popped like a balloon pricked by a needle. All that remained was dread¡ªa cold, creeping terror that locked him in place.


    "Do you know why I hit him first?" Zack asked, his tone chilling as he examined his fist.


    "B-Because... his farts smelled?" Samuel blurted in desperation, his face twisted with fear.


    Zack smirked faintly. "Bingo. Here''s your reward." Before Samuel could react, Zack''s fist was already closing in on his face. He saw it¡ªclear as day¡ªbut his body refused to move.


    Boom!


    The punch landed with a dull, drum-like thud. Samuel''s face caved in, and the sheer force launched him backward into the concrete wall. Like Gray, his body was embedded, his head buried in the unforgiving surface. "Still alive?" Zack glanced at the two motionless bodies. The holographic projection confirmed they were clinging to life. "Their brains are intact. Prep them for the procedure," Zack commanded, his tone flat. "No point wasting good serum."


    Mechanical assistants, resembling oversized spiders, scuttled forward with tools in their claws. With electric drills and accurate movements, they extracted Gray and Samuel from the walls, then performed lobotomies on the spot. Micro-control chips were implanted into their brains, the same kind used in Fearless Warriors. Once complete, the machines hauled the limp bodies away for further processing.


    Zack wiped his hands with a towel handed to him by another mechanical assistant. "Experimental results confirm it¡ªmutants can handle the serum. Time to prepare injections for Annie and the others."


    "Sir," the AI, Ego, interrupted. "The Fearless Warrior transformation is progressing. One hundred and fifty are complete. Should I prioritize the remaining candidates?"


    "No rush," Zack replied, shaking his head. "The southern base is stable for now. Focus on securing resources and expanding our operations. The other bases can wait." A sly smile tugged at his lips. "Of course, if anyone dares to provoke me... well, I''ll deal with that when the time comes."


    Zack''s gaze turned toward a nearby monitor displaying satellite feeds. Thanks to his advanced reconnaissance system, any movements from rival bases were crystal clear. Attempts at surveillance, whether by drone or plane, were swiftly neutralized by his defenses. None had succeeded in transmitting data back. He let out a soft chuckle, dismissing the petty attempts. "Let them keep trying. They''ll learn soon enough."


    Zack, a master of countless advanced technologies, was destined to rise to dominance. His rapid progress wasn''t just because of his brilliance¡ªit was also because his enemies right now weren''t strong enough. But this wouldn''t last forever... One last thought lingered in his mind''The limit of superpowers is to turn an individual into a god. The limit of technology? To elevate a civilization to godhood.''


    With the experiments now complete, Zack instructed Ego to manufacture several brand-new injection chambers, built to the highest standards. He was preparing to inject the serum into Annie and the others.


    Stepping out of the biology lab, Zack was greeted by the warm midday sun. The crisp autumn air carried a faint dryness, distinct to the season."By my estimate, The Farm should be ready for the harvest soon," Zack said in a calm tone.


    Sing Sing Prison had been completely transformed into Sing Sing Farm. Outside its once-ominous walls, fields of rice and wheat now flourished. Under the care of the elderly, the weak, and the disabled, crops grew abundantly¡ªeven better than on the most fertile soils. If all went well, the harvest would secure NYC City''s food supply for the next two years.

 Chapter 156: Bountiful Harvest

    Chapter 156 - Bountiful Harvest"Yes, sir," Ego replied. "Gavin Lee left a message for you yesterday, but you might have missed it."


    Gavin Lee was the man Zack had appointed to manage Sing Sing Farm after Antonny''s death. A former steel mill worker, he was one of the first people to follow Zack. Under Gavin''s leadership, the farm had expanded dramatically, with its reclaimed land now more than three times what it had been before. Fields of grain, vegetables, and even fruit trees stretched across the horizon. "He wants me to come by, doesn''t he?" Zack guessed, a faint smile forming on his lips.


    Gavin Lee, like Charles from the industrial zone, was one of Zack''s most loyal followers. Their unwavering dedication sometimes bordered on the ceremonial¡ªthey lived for his approval. Zack knew that Gavin''s request to visit was less about the harvest and more about hearing Zack''s praise firsthand. "Yes, sir. He''d like you to give the order to start the harvest," Ego confirmed.


    "These old-timers and their traditions..." Zack shook his head, though his smile lingered. "Alright. Let''s pay them a visit."


    Returning to the villa, Zack called for Annie and Sophia. Together, they boarded the jet and set off for Sing Sing Farm. "Big brother, look!" Annie''s voice was filled with excitement as she peered through the window. Below them, vast fields of golden rice swayed gently in the autumn breeze.


    In a world plagued by despair, this sight¡ªa bountiful harvest¡ªbrought a rare sense of joy. For Zack and the others, it symbolized hope, a connection to their roots, and a glimpse of a brighter future.


    "Look, it''s the leader''s plane!"


    "Make space for the landing! Clear the area!"


    "Get those brats out of the way!"


    On the ground, the people of Sing Sing Farm¡ªelderly, disabled, and children¡ªbuzzed with excitement. They rushed to make way for the landing, shooing away children who were playing too close. Despite their hardships, their faces radiated genuine smiles. "We''re so lucky to have the leader. Without him, my old, broken body would''ve never survived this long," an elderly man muttered as he set aside a half-woven basket. In other bases, people like him¡ªthe old and weak¡ªwere discarded as dead weight. But here, they thrived.


    The jet landed vertically in the open space cleared by the crowd. As the cabin door opened, Zack stepped out with Annie and Sophia by his side. "Sir Zack! Sir Zack!"


    Cheers erupted from the crowd. Hundreds of people¡ªold, young, and disabled¡ªknelt to the ground in reverence. Some threw aside their crutches and prostrated themselves entirely, bowing with overwhelming gratitude. "Ah!" Annie squeaked, startled by the display, and hid behind Zack. Sophia also looked uneasy. Neither of them had expected such a dramatic gesture.


    "Stand up," Zack said firmly, his voice calm but commanding. His youthful, handsome face carried a growing air of authority. Those few simple words were enough to make everyone rise, their respect for him evident in their eyes. In reality he doesn''t care to be worshiped like this, but he also doesn''t feel to put out effort to stop them. If anything the situation work to his advantage.


    "Sir. Zack!" From the fields emerged Gavin, his dark face beaming with a broad smile. His trousers were caked in mud, but he didn''t care. The fifty-something man hurried over, breathless but brimming with pride.


    "Sir. Zack, the workers and harvesters are ready. We''re just waiting for your order," he said, panting slightly.


    Zack smiled faintly. "Then let''s get started."


    The moment the words left his mouth, a group of young workers sprang into action. Though some of them were missing limbs, their disabilities didn''t hinder them from operating the harvesters with practiced ease. Machines roared to life, rolling into the fields as their blades began slicing through the golden crops.


    "Hurry up, everyone!" Gavin shouted. "Don''t waste a single grain!" His words weren''t necessary. The farmers, who had tended to these fields with such care, were already following closely behind the machines. With sickles, baskets, and dustpans in hand, they worked tirelessly to gather every stalk of rice and wheat.


    Workers manually harvested the rice and wheat missed by the machines, carefully gathering every stalk. The rich aroma of fresh grains filled the air, carrying a sense of accomplishment. "Brother, can I go help?" Annie''s bright eyes sparkled as she watched the bustling scene of the harvest.


    It wasn''t just Annie¡ªSophia and the other women were itching to join in as well. For them, this wasn''t just a new experience; it was a chance to feel the joy of harvesting with their own hands. "Go ahead," Zack said, smiling.


    The moment he gave permission, the girls rushed into the fields, eager to help Gavin and the others.


    "Hey, hey, don''t mix the rice with the wheat!"


    "Leave the soybeans; those are for seeds!"


    Amid the busy farmwork, bursts of laughter echoed across the fields. Though they fumbled at first, the girls quickly got the hang of things. Soon enough, they were genuinely contributing to the harvest. By late afternoon, the fields were full of activity. Rice and wheat filled sack after sack, carted off in trucks to be dried and processed. Corn, peanuts, and other crops were stacked in hills nearby. The scene was one of overwhelming abundance.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and red, the day''s work finally came to an end. Though some crops remained to be harvested over the next few days, the granaries were already overflowing with the day''s bounty. The sheer volume of food was so overwhelming that there wasn''t enough storage space for it all.


    Exhausted but smiling, the workers¡ªold and young alike¡ªsat together, their faces glowing with the satisfaction of a successful harvest. "Wow, I''m so tired!" Annie flopped onto the ground, her short hair now a tangled mess of dirt and weeds. "I didn''t think harvesting could be this exhausting!"


    "Four sacks of corn," she added with a tired grin, "all by myself!"


    "Only four? I managed two bags of wheat and still feel like I''m dying," Sophia chimed in, her voice teasing. "By the way, Sister Ezra, how are you not even sweating?"


    "Maybe ask your brother Zack," Ezra replied with a sly smile. The group burst into laughter. Annie, though, was a different sight altogether. Her small face, usually smeared with engine oil from tinkering with machines, now had bits of mud and leaves sticking to it. Despite her natural beauty, Annie had a knack for making herself look like she''d been through a war zone.


    "How''d you get so filthy?" Zack asked, grinning as Annie shuffled over. "Were you rolling in the mud?"


    "I wasn''t rolling!" Annie puffed her cheeks. "I was carrying those huge sacks! Those rice bags weigh hundreds of pounds!"With her enhanced strength, Annie had managed to lug multiple heavy sacks, but it left her absolutely covered in grime.


    sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 157: Tianri’s Remain

    Chapter 157 - Tianri''s Remain"Well, since you had so much fun, your punishment is washing clothes by hand for a month," Zack said, smirking.


    "What? But there''s a washing machine!" Annie protested, her face falling.


    "Hand wash. And you''d better scrub them clean," Zack said firmly, shutting down any hope she had.


    "Ugh..." Annie''s shoulders slumped as she pouted, dragging herself away like a deflated balloon.


    Just then, Ego''s voice echoed in Zack''s mind. "Sir, the harvest statistics are in," Ego began. "The total rice yield is 1,7 tons, averaging 1,060 kilograms per acre. Wheat yield is 1,1 tons, averaging 1,000 kilograms per acre. Corn came to 9 tons..."


    Ego continued listing off the results: soybeans, peanuts, and other crops all contributed to the grand total. "In summary," Ego concluded, "4,154 tons of grain were harvested. This is enough to feed everyone for three to four years."


    Zack was stunned. "That much? In just one season?" He''d expected a good harvest, but these numbers were off the charts. "Is this land cursed or blessed? How can the output be so absurd?"


    Ego replied calmly, "The grain has been tested and is safe for consumption. There are no signs of mutation."


    "Seriously, Ego, work on your metaphors," Zack muttered to himself. Still, the good news brought a smile to his face. As the leader, this kind of success meant hope and stability for everyone under his protection.


    "Let''s celebrate," Zack announced, his voice brimming with pride. "Notify everyone in the industrial zone and the city: Tomorrow is a day off! Tonight, we''re hosting a farm party, and food rations are unlimited. Bring everyone! If they''re nearby, they can drive themselves; if not, send the jet to pick them up."


    Cheers erupted as Zack finished speaking.


    "Long live the leader!"


    "Long live!"


    The atmosphere on Sing Sing Farm shifted instantly. Exhaustion gave way to excitement as everyone began preparing for the party. "Let''s make this dinner unforgettable!" Gavin shouted. "We old folks will show the young ones how it''s done!"


    Zack''s announcement didn''t just excite the workers; it left Sophia and the others pleasantly surprised as well. Their anticipation grew with each passing moment.


    Soon, trucks and industrial vehicles flooded Sing Sing Farm. Normally used for transporting waste, the trucks were now brimming with people. Songs filled the air as they cheered Zack''s name, their faces glowing with happiness.


    In this cruel, apocalyptic world, a dinner party for thousands of people, complete with fine wine and delicious food, was something no other survivors could even imagine. But in this place, Zack made it a reality.


    "Long live the leader!"


    "Long live Sir Zack!"


    Cheers echoed from every corner of NYC converging at Sing Sing Farm, where the aroma of food and drink filled the air. Over two thousand people had gathered, their excitement transforming the once-desolate farm into a lively celebration. Standing atop the high walls of the former prison, Zack surveyed the scene. From his elevated position, he could see the entire crowd reveling below. Whenever his gaze landed on a group, they erupted into thunderous cheers, their voices rising like waves crashing against a cliff.


    Among the crowd, shrill voices pierced the air¡ªmostly from the women in the industrial zone.


    "Sir Zack looked at me! Did you see?!"


    "Dream on! He was obviously looking at me!"


    For a brief moment, the weight of the apocalypse was forgotten. Thousands of people were caught up in the joy of celebration, their laughter and cheers blending into a symphony of hope.


    "No wonder ancient emperors would grant amnesty during moments of joy," Zack mused, a faint smile playing on his lips. Compared to displays of power or authority, the act of giving back¡ªeven something small¡ªwas far more rewarding. The gratitude it inspired was a different kind of power altogether.


    "Feeling accomplished, sir?" Ego asked, its voice interrupting his thoughts.


    "Yeah," Zack admitted, nodding slightly. From having nothing to building a thriving base filled with people who admired and relied on him¡ªit was hard not to feel a sense of pride. This kind of respect, this adoration from thousands, was intoxicating.


    "Even so, a celebration is still a celebration," Zack said, his voice turning serious. "Make sure the mechanical army remains fully operational. We can''t let our guard down." Even in the midst of revelry, Zack stayed cautious. While the city celebrated, he made sure the mechanical forces filled the gaps left by workers, maintaining the base''s security.


    While NYC basked in the joy of its harvest, another story was unfolding far to the north. In the remnants of what was once a strong country, disaster loomed¡ªone caused by Zack''s space-based tungsten rod seem trivial by comparison.


    The land ravaged from the worst earthquakes and tsunamis. But that changed when tectonic plates shifted violently under the force of the space-based cannon. A third of the area was swallowed by the sea. The remaining land was ravaged by aftershocks and tsunamis, leaving it unrecognizable.


    Still, the people of Tianri Base were nothing if not resilient. Despite unimaginable devastation, many survived through sheer grit and determination. But their survival wasn''t fueled by hope¡ªit was driven by a singular, burning obsession: revenge. Their hatred for Zack and NYC Base consumed them, giving them purpose in a world that had stripped everything else away.


    "Keep training!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "For revenge, you must give ten times¡ªno, a hundred times¡ªthe effort!"


    Even as the night deepened, torches illuminated the Tianri Base, their flickering light revealing rows of short, wiry figures locked in brutal combat. The training was merciless. Fighters didn''t just spar¡ªthey fought as if their lives depended on it, often leaving both combatants bloodied and unconscious.


    "Get up!"


    "Fight until you drop dead!"


    A man with half his face disfigured barked orders, his scarred visage twisted with rage. With a whip in hand, he lashed at those who collapsed from exhaustion, forcing them back to their feet.


    "The only reason you''re alive is for revenge!" he roared. "If you can''t even do this, you don''t deserve to live! None of us do!"


    The survivors trained relentlessly, their hatred for Zack driving them to endure unimaginable pain. The disaster caused by the space-based cannon had wiped out most of zombies, allowing the survivors to focus entirely on their vendetta.


    Through this relentless training, they stumbled upon a dark discovery: Extreme physical exertion significantly increased the likelihood of mutation. Before, the chances of someone becoming a mutant were about one in ten thousand. But under their grueling methods, that number skyrocketed to one in a hundred. Of course, the cost was staggering¡ªcountless trainees perished before they could mutate, their bodies broken by the inhumane regimen.


    "Run fifty kilometers along the beach! No breaks until you''re finished!" The disfigured man''s voice echoed through the base as the trainees stumbled toward the shoreline, their determination unwavering.

 Chapter 158: New Risk

    Chapter 158 - New RiskAfter finishing their brutal combat training, a group of battered and bruised individuals was herded onto the beach and forced to run. "Kosaka, if this keeps up, our numbers will dwindle until there''s no one left," a young man wearing glasses said as he trotted alongside the disfigured Kosaka. His voice was filled with urgency.


    As a researcher, the man with glasses, Akita, understood their predicament all too well. Their priority shouldn''t be revenge¡ªit should be survival. "We need to regroup, take advantage of the reduced number of zombies, reclaim the cities, and rebuild our homes. Once we''re stable, we can focus on reproduction and rebuilding our numbers. That''s the only way our people have a chance at regaining their former glory. Revenge can come later!" Akita argued.


    Kosaka''s expression darkened, his scarred face contorting into a menacing snarl. "Akita, you coward!" he snapped. "Millions of our people were slaughtered! No matter what the cost, it''s worth it for revenge!"


    Akita held his ground. "But what if the cost is even worse?!"


    Kosaka froze, his fury boiling over at the challenge. He turned to Akita, his eyes burning with rage. "You dare question me?!"


    The ground around Kosaka trembled, and gravel within a wide radius began to levitate, swirling under his power. "The only purpose of our lives is revenge! For my wife! For your parents! For everyone we''ve lost¡ªrevenge!" Kosaka roared, his voice echoing over the beach.


    The overwhelming pressure of his power bore down on Akita, forcing him to his knees. His legs sank into the sand, creating two shallow craters, and his face was pressed hard into the ground.


    "Run... everyone... run..." Akita choked out, his mouth full of sand. His warning wasn''t a plea for mercy¡ªit was a desperate shout of alarm.


    Kosaka frowned, following Akita''s panicked gaze toward the horizon. His heart sank. Under the dim moonlight, the sea was receding at an alarming speed, exposing vast stretches of wet sand. "No..." Kosaka whispered, his face twisting in horror. He knew exactly what this meant¡ªa tsunami was coming.


    "Everyone, run!" Kosaka bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos. The hundreds of people he had forced to run along the beach froze, their eyes widening as they saw the ocean retreating unnaturally far from the shore.


    "It''s a tsunami!" someone screamed, triggering a frantic rush inland.


    The beach devolved into chaos as people sprinted for their lives. But before they could get far, a deafening roar filled the air. A massive wave, towering tens of meters high, surged toward the shore. It carried with it an acrid, indescribable stench that made those who smelled it gag. "What''s that...?" Kosaka muttered, his eyes narrowing as he spotted something strange within the wave.


    Under the moonlight, countless shapes could be seen writhing within the water. At first, they seemed like shadows, but as the wave drew closer, their forms became horrifyingly clear.


    They were creatures¡ªpart human, part aquatic nightmare. Their upper bodies were humanoid, covered in a thick black shell, while their lower halves were a grotesque mix of fins, shrimp-like legs, and crab-like claws. "Enemies!" Kosaka shouted, his voice trembling as the realization hit him.


    The tsunami crashed onto the shore with a thunderous boom, sweeping away everything in its path. Buildings crumbled under the weight of the water, and streets were submerged in an instant. From within the wave, the sea monsters emerged in a relentless tide, swarming onto land. Their shrimp-crab legs allowed them to move quickly, even on solid ground, and their sheer numbers were overwhelming. "Run!" Kosaka shouted again, but it was too late for many.


    The survivors, battered from training, pushed their exhausted bodies to the limit, desperate to escape. But human speed was no match for the tsunami or the creatures it carried.


    Kosaka fought valiantly, his mutant powers allowing him to hold his ground longer than most. But even he was no match for the endless swarm of monsters. "No!" Kosaka roared in despair as the creatures overtook him, tearing him apart. His screams were drowned out by the chaos, and when the tide receded, not a single trace of him remained.


    The next morning. At NYC Base, the aftermath of the previous night''s harvest celebration was still evident. The people''s loyalty to Zack had reached new heights, and despite being given a day off, many workers, especially the older ones, chose to continue working. The steel mill hummed with activity as the workers poured their renewed energy into their tasks. Far from being fatigued, the celebration seemed to have reinvigorated them, boosting efficiency across the base.


    Meanwhile, Zack was focused on his next technological project when Ego''s voice interrupted his thoughts. "Sir, urgent news. It appears the Tianri''s base survivors may be facing extinction."


    Zack frowned, setting down the schematics he had been reviewing. "What happened?" he asked, his voice sharp.


    Although Zack didn''t particularly care about their fate, he was still curious about what could wipe out nearly one million people on the Island in a single night. "Sir, here''s the footage captured by the LSI satellite during the event," Ego reported.


    A live feed projected a high-altitude satellite image in front of Zack, showing the aftermath. "Abyss Crawlers..." Zack muttered, his face growing serious as he examined the overwhelming black tide moving across the image. His fears had come true¡ªmutated sea creatures had started coming ashore.


    In a single night, these creatures had overrun Tianri''s last major base, slaughtering nearly one million survivors. By dawn, the Abyss Crawlers had retreated back into the ocean, leaving behind a gruesome scene of rivers of blood and destruction. "It seems things will become more dangerous," Zack remarked as he turned away from the satellite feed.


    Ego''s assessment was accurate¡ªthe survivors were on the brink of extinction. The previous disasters had left most of the country in ruins, with the remaining survivors forced to gather in the last intact base. This concentration of people, however, proved to be their undoing, leading to their complete annihilation. Even if a few individuals managed to escape, their numbers were now too small. "For hours, those Abyss Crawlers didn''t return to the ocean... it looks like they''ve developed full amphibious capabilities," Zack said grimly.


    "Ego, have there been similar incidents in other regions?" Zack asked.


    "Yes," Ego confirmed. "Last night, some of the nordic''s base was also attacked by sea creatures." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Abyss Crawlers?" Zack asked.


    "No. Satellite imagery shows the attack was carried out by a single massive sea creature. Unfortunately, the resolution wasn''t high enough for a detailed analysis. The creature was eventually killed by the barbarian base," Ego replied.


    Zack frowned. "Another mutated sea creature... It seems nature''s mutations aren''t limited to land. And it''s not just zombies anymore¡ªmutated creatures are spreading across all ecosystems."


    Unlike zombies, these mutated animals retained their instincts and reproductive capabilities, giving them a significant evolutionary advantage. Normal species were being driven to extinction, while mutated creatures multiplied rapidly, dominating the food chain. "We need to upgrade our defenses," Zack said, his tone heavy with urgency.

 Chapter 159: Octopus

    Chapter 159 - OctopusThe sheer number of creatures in the ocean was incalculable. If they began to consistently invade land, it would be nothing short of a natural disaster for humanity. What made matters worse was NYC''s location. As a coastal city connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River, it had a direct link to the sea. Although there had been no signs of Abyss Crawlers in freshwater yet, their amphibious nature made it impossible to rule out a future attack along the river and its extensive estuary system."The ocean is too vast, and with our current equipment, we can''t even think about exploring it," Zack muttered as he leaned on his workbench, deep in thought.


    Based on the satellite footage, a single Abyss Crawlers was roughly as strong as a hunter. Their thick carapace provided incredible defense, making them formidable opponents. But what made them truly dangerous was their sheer number.


    While Zack''s mechanical army could provide suppression through concentrated firepower, the limitation was always ammunition. Once supplies ran out, the skimmers could easily overwhelm the machines with their crab-like pincers, tearing through steel as if it were paper.


    Tianri''s last battle had proven this. Satellite footage showed the skimmers not only moving quickly on land but also scaling walls and tearing apart armored vehicles with frightening ease. "I just can''t understand it," Zack muttered, staring at a 3D projection of a sea skimmer. "What kind of virus can infect mammals, birds, fish¡ªand now even crustaceans? It''s like some alien civilization developed this as a bioweapon to wipe out humanity."


    "Sir, while the probability is low, the possibility of alien involvement cannot be entirely ruled out," Ego responded.


    Zack sighed. "I guess figuring out the origin of this virus needs to be added to our agenda."


    With NYC Base and the northern base now secured, Zack knew it was time to shift focus from survival to understanding the origins of the Zeta virus. "Still, that''s a problem for later. For now, we need to prioritize protecting against these ocean threats," Zack said, pushing aside his thoughts about the virus''s origins.


    The only lead he had was the Vanguard Organization, the group that first discovered the virus. But pursuing that would have to wait. "Sir, perhaps you could develop deep-sea armor," Ego suggested.


    "Armor must be developed¡ªbut should I personally test its limits?" Zack shook his head decisively. "No. Let the mechanical beasts handle it."


    The ocean held far too many unknowns. Zack, ever cautious, wasn''t about to risk venturing into the deep sea himself¡ªa realm steeped in mystery and danger. "Mechanical beasts?" Ego caught on quickly. "Sir, are you planning to develop a new type of mechanical beast specifically for deep-sea combat?"


    "Not combat¡ªmonitoring," Zack corrected, his tone calm but resolute. "The ocean is vast, and its creatures are too numerous to eliminate entirely. Even if we could wipe them out, it would spell ecological disaster for the planet." As he spoke, Zack picked up a pen and began sketching designs. His plan was to develop a reconnaissance underwater drone capable of patrolling rivers and coastal areas. This would give him an early warning system, allowing him ample time to prepare defenses if marine creatures approached.


    "If they make it onto land," Zack continued, "they''re still dangerous, but far more manageable than fighting them underwater."


    "So your approach to marine threats is focused on prevention?" Ego inquired. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack nodded. "For now, yes. But I know prevention alone won''t solve the root problem."


    Without waiting for a response, Zack added, "That''s why I''m considering leveraging the biotechnology in your database. If I can develop a controllable biological virus to infect marine life, we could trigger mutations that force them to fight each other. Let the mutations neutralize each other¡ªit''s a way to contain the Zeta virus without direct intervention." His words were cold, calculated, and devoid of hesitation.


    "Sir, that''s a high-risk plan," Ego cautioned. "If it fails, it could lead to irreversible damage to the planet''s ecosystem."


    "But if it works, it could contain or even eliminate marine threats without further effort," Zack countered as his pen moved swiftly across the page. "Of course, the virus must be strictly controllable, but let''s table that for now. First, we''ll focus on building this little project."


    Zack tapped the paper, and the two-dimensional sketch transformed into a 3D holographic projection of his design. The model resembled a octopus with a mechanical structure. Its body was oval-shaped, with sixteen mechanical tentacles extending from its base.


    The mechanical octopus was equipped with cutting-edge detection capabilities, including light sensors, heat sensors, radar, and sonar. Its "head" featured a cluster of red, multi-lensed eyes for enhanced visual coverage.


    In terms of weaponry, fifteen of its tentacles were armed: eleven with alloy steel claw-like tips, two with high-energy particle emitters, and two with discharge points capable of delivering electrical shocks. The sixteenth tentacle was dedicated to a deep-sea communication enhancer.


    While not designed for heavy combat, the mechanical octopus excelled in speed, detection, and communication. It could patrol an area within several kilometers, communicate at depths of up to 800 meters, and travel underwater at a maximum speed of 220 kilometers per hour. "How long will it take to produce?" Zack asked as he shut off the hologram and burned the sketches.


    "Approximately three hours, sir," Ego replied. NYC Base''s efficiency had improved drastically. Under Scott''s management, the southern base was now operational, contributing resources and manpower. Every day, transport planes moved supplies between the two bases, accelerating production capabilities.


    The manufacturing of a mechanical octopus prototype, which once would have taken days, could now be completed in mere hours. "Three hours?" Zack raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Not bad."


    He couldn''t help but reflect on how far they''d come. Back when he first started, it had taken him days to cobble together a crude prototype of the MV-01 armor. Now, building a complex machine with thousands of parts took less time than preparing a meal. "This is just for the prototype," Ego added. "Once the model passes field testing and enters mass production, efficiency will increase even further."


    The sheer power of mechanization was on full display. With around 500 manufacturing bugs operating simultaneously, the base could manage multiple projects without sacrificing productivity. The mechanical beasts, Aegis, Goliath, Unmanned Power armors, and more were all being produced at record speeds.


    "Oh, by the way," Zack said suddenly, "discontinue the production of spiders. The model is outdated and no longer meets our needs. Recycling the materials would be a waste." He recalled sketching an upgraded design for the spider during the goliath project but hadn''t finalized the details.


    "What about the mechanical dogs?" Ego asked.


    "Keep producing them," Zack replied. "But focus less on heavy weaponry. Shift their design toward base security instead of battlefield deployment."


    The mechanical dogs'' advanced AI made them invaluable for patrolling and securing the base, even if they weren''t suited for frontline combat. "Understood, sir. Your orders have been implemented," Ego confirmed.


    At the NYC Airport, the mechanical beast manufacturing area immediately adjusted its production lines. The poisonous spider model was discontinued, and resources were reallocated to other projects.


    The efficiency of machines was unparalleled, a stark contrast to human labor. "That should do it," Zack said, leaning back. "With the octopus still a few hours from completion, I''ve got just enough time to finalize the spider upgrade."

 Chapter 160: Attack on the River

    Chapter 160 - Attack on the RiverMeanwhile, at the western edge of NYC''s industrial zone, near the fishing area by the river, a refrigerated truck pulled up. Inside the vehicle was a group of young women, laughing and chatting. In the passenger seat sat a girl named Bianca, the youngest of the group.


    She had once proudly claimed that Zack had single-handedly wiped out hundreds of millions of zombies. Bianca, full of dreams and youthful energy, often fantasized about getting closer to Zack. "Ah, I''m so happy!" Bianca exclaimed with a dreamy smile. "Last night at the dinner party, Sir Zack smiled at me! Did you see it? He smiled at me!"


    The other girls giggled as they reminisced about the celebration and the few fleeting moments they''d caught glimpses of Zack. The road ahead was empty, and with no traffic to worry about, their chatter filled the air.


    The once-congested streets of NYC previously cluttered with abandoned vehicles, were now completely cleared. Thanks to the recycling department, those rusting cars had been melted down and repurposed as raw materials for steel production. The city was almost unrecognizable from the desolate wasteland it had once been. "If I''d known Sir Zack was going to visit the farm during the harvest, I would''ve applied to work there," Bianca sighed wistfully, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed out the window.


    Their job, however, was fishing¡ªthough not in the traditional sense. The traps and bait had already been set by a team of men. The girls'' task was simply to check the traps daily, collect the catch, and transport it back to the canteen for processing. Any surplus fish were stored in the refrigerated truck. Fish and other aquatic creatures had become the primary source of meat for the NYC base, replacing the livestock that had either mutated or gone extinct in the apocalypse.


    "Here we are!" called the eldest of the group, a woman old enough to be the mother of the others. She pulled the refrigerated truck to a stop by the riverside. "As always, each of you is responsible for a bridge," she instructed. "If you find fish, pull the rope."


    The women exited the truck and walked toward the river. Several reinforced concrete bridges extended a few dozen meters into the water. These bridges weren''t meant to connect to the opposite bank¡ªthey were specifically built for fishing, a feat of engineering created by Annie. Beneath the bridges were automated fishing traps. All the girls had to do was pull the ropes, and the mechanical devices would haul up the nets, depositing the catch onto conveyor belts that ran along the bridges. The girls then loaded the fish into trolleys and transported them back to the truck.


    "These ten traps are mine!"


    "I''ve got six here!"


    "Empty bait on this one... Looks like the guys were slacking off again!"


    The girls laughed and teased each other as they checked the pressure gauges attached to the traps. The gauges displayed whether or not the traps had caught anything.


    "Wow! This one''s loaded!" Bianca exclaimed as she reached her section of the bridge. She eagerly pulled the rope, and the sound of machinery hummed beneath the water.


    Moments later, a steel fishing net emerged, glistening in the sunlight. Dozens of strange, wriggling fish flopped within its confines. These were tiger shrimp fish, a mutated freshwater species. Unlike most other mutated creatures, tiger shrimp fish were both edible and safe from the Zeta virus. Their meat was highly nutritious and had become a crucial part of the survivors'' diet.


    However, tiger shrimp fish were dangerous predators in their natural habitat. Known for their rapid reproduction and aggressive behavior, they could strip a person to the bone within minutes if someone fell into the water. Still, with proper precautions¡ªlike the fishing bridges at NYC¡ªthey were a renewable and abundant source of protein. "Wow! Come help me; I can''t push all of this by myself!" Bianca shouted gleefully as fish spilled onto the conveyor belt.


    The eldest woman walked over to help, and together they loaded the tiger shrimp fish into the truck''s refrigerated compartment. "Hah! We''ve definitely caught more than Jane''s team this time!" Bianca said proudly, wiping her hands.


    Like the other teams, they had a friendly rivalry, competing weekly to see who could bring back the largest haul. "Alright, that''s everything here. Let''s head to the next spot," the eldest woman said, clapping her hands. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as the girls climbed back into the truck, a shrill scream echoed from the riverside. The sound was chilling¡ªhigh-pitched and desperate, like that of a woman or child in distress. "Did someone fall in the river?!" Bianca gasped, her eyes wide with alarm. Without a second thought, she flung open the truck door and sprinted toward the source of the cry.


    Bianca jumped out of the truck and hurried along the riverbank, her heart pounding. "Ahhh!" The shrill screams echoed through the air, sharp and piercing like nails on a chalkboard. The sound was unnerving, sending chills down her spine.


    "Hold on! I''m coming to save you!" she shouted, summoning every ounce of courage she had. Her pace quickened despite her fear.


    Soon, she spotted a dark figure lying in the reeds by the river, its upper body on the surface and its lower half submerged. "Someone really fell into the river!" Bianca gasped. Without hesitation, she grabbed a long bamboo stick from the roadside and ran toward the reeds.


    "Grab this! I''ll pull you up!" she yelled, shoving the stick into the water. As she pushed the reeds aside, her blood ran cold. The figure wasn''t human at all. Emerging from the water was a grotesque creature with a human-like upper body and a lower half resembling a mix of fish and shrimp. Its mouth emitted the horrifying, high-pitched scream she''d been hearing.


    What made the scene even more terrifying were the two mangled bodies lying next to the creature, half-eaten. Bianca recognized one of them¡ªit was Jane, her friendly rival from another fishing team. The confident, competitive Jane was now an unrecognizable corpse, nothing more than prey for this monster. "Ahhh!" Bianca screamed as the creature turned its attention to her. It let out another ear-piercing shriek and began to move.


    Panicked, Bianca swung her bamboo stick at the monster. The makeshift weapon struck its carapace with a loud clang but didn''t even scratch its tough shell. "Ahhh!" The creature screamed again, launching itself out of the water. Its sharp fangs glinted as it lunged at her.


    Bang!


    A gunshot rang out. The bullet hit the monster''s carapace, bouncing harmlessly off, but the impact threw it off course, causing it to miss its target. "Run!" shouted the older woman, holding a pistol with trembling hands.


    Workers like them, even within NYC''s borders, were issued small self-defense weapons for emergencies. Without a second thought, Bianca scrambled to her feet and sprinted toward the older woman. "Ahhh!" The creature let out another shriek, angrier and louder than before. It scuttled onto the shore, its multiple legs propelling it forward with horrifying speed.

 Chapter 161: Strong Defense

    Chapter 161 - Strong DefenseThe older woman fired shot after shot, but her aim was poor, and most of the bullets missed. Even the few that hit the creature''s shell ricocheted off, leaving no visible damage. As the monster closed the distance, panic overtook the older woman. She fired again, but this time, disaster struck¡ªthe bullet deflected off the creature and struck Bianca in the back. "Ahh!" Bianca cried out, collapsing to the ground in pain.


    "It''s over... Bianca! Get up! It''s catching up!" the older woman screamed in despair.


    "Sister, go! Find a patrolling mechanical dog!" Bianca shouted through her tears. She knew she couldn''t escape now. The only way to ensure the others'' safety was for her to buy time.


    "I''m sorry, Sir Zack," Bianca murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "It seems I won''t see you again..." She closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face as the monster''s footsteps grew louder.


    Boom! S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A blinding particle beam shot down from the sky, striking the creature dead-on. The intense heat melted through its carapace, blasting it back and sending it tumbling down the riverbank.


    Thud!


    A tall armored figure landed heavily in front of the creature. Bianca opened her eyes at the sound, her vision blurry from pain and tears. When she saw the scene before her, she froze in shock. "Sir Zack!" she shouted, forgetting the pain entirely as relief and awe overtook her.


    Zack flicked open his helmet, revealing his calm face. He turned to Bianca and said, "If something happens, notify the patrolling mechanical dogs immediately. Don''t investigate alone."


    NYC''s mechanical dogs patrolled 24/7, ensuring the area was always secure. "I''m sorry... I caused so much trouble..." Bianca lowered her head, her face flushed with shame. The bullet wound on her back seemed insignificant compared to her embarrassment.


    "It''s fine," Zack replied evenly. He didn''t reprimand her further¡ªhis real focus was the monster lying near the river.


    This creature, though similar to the Abyss Crawlers captured on satellite imagery, had notable differences. While the Abyss Crawlers had jet-black carapaces, this monster''s shell was a light grayish-brown, blending in with the river''s sandy silt. Additionally, its lower body lacked the fish tail seen on Abyss Crawlers. Instead, it had multiple shrimp-like legs, giving it the appearance of a giant prawn with a humanoid upper body.


    Zack''s eyes narrowed as he studied the creature. "Interesting... Could it be a variant of the Abyss Crawlers?" Zack muttered, his sharp gaze locked onto the struggling monster. Its cracked carapace and writhing form intrigued him, but his tone was cold and calculating.


    If it was a Abyss Crawlers, it meant they could now enter freshwater, posing a significant new threat. More importantly, this marked the first time NYC had been directly attacked by a sea creature. "Sir, I lack sufficient data to confirm your suspicion," Ego replied. "However, the specimen could be taken back for dissection."


    Zack nodded. "Then we''ll take it back." He closed his visor and walked toward the injured creature.


    "Arghhh!" The monster let out a piercing scream, its jagged mouthparts opening wide as it desperately crawled toward the water. Before it could make any progress, Zack''s iron foot, weighing several hundred kilograms, stomped heavily onto its shell.


    The creature screeched louder, its body convulsing as it thrashed under Zack''s weight. Its sharp, jagged legs clawed helplessly at the ground. Zack remained unfazed. He raised his arm, activating the laser transmitter built into his Apex suit. "Scan the central nervous system," he commanded.


    A holographic display illuminated his HUD, showing a dotted line tracing the creature''s spine up to its brain. The red laser swept across the creature''s carapace with precision, slicing through its central nervous system. The cut rendered the monster immobile, severing its motor functions without killing it. "Where''s your refrigerated truck?" Zack turned and asked, holding the lifeless creature in one arm as if it weighed nothing.


    "Our truck is in the D-12 fishing area!" Bianca blurted out, her voice filled with excitement despite her injury. She was still starstruck from meeting Zack face to face, completely ignoring the bleeding wound in her back.


    Fortunately, the bullet had missed any major arteries. "Alright. Lead the way." Zack walked over to her, bent down, and extended his left arm. A panel on the armor popped open, releasing a burst of emergency medical freezing spray onto her wound. With a faint hiss, a gel-like substance rapidly covered the injury.


    "Why... it doesn''t hurt anymore!" Bianca exclaimed in surprise. The numbing chill of the gel replaced the sharp pain, and within moments, she could stand and even walk again.


    "It''s only temporary. The bullet is still inside," Zack said matter-of-factly. "Once you''re back, go to the infirmary and have someone extract it."


    "Understood!" Bianca nodded vigorously, her wide eyes sparkling with admiration.


    Zack followed Bianca and the older woman to the truck. When the other girls saw Zack approaching, their jaws dropped in shock. They scrambled to fix their disheveled appearances, visibly panicking under his stoic gaze.


    Zack ignored their reactions and went straight to the truck''s refrigerated compartment. He opened the door, and a wave of cold air hit him. Inside, the tiger shrimp fish Bianca and her team had caught earlier were neatly frozen in rows. "So this is tiger shrimp fish?" Zack mused, inspecting the catch. Despite the fish being a key protein source for the base, Zack rarely ate it. The villa area where he lived was stocked with fresh beef, pork, and poultry from Sing Sing Farm''s carefully managed livestock. "The meat looks decent," he commented, studying the frozen fish.


    With a heavy thud, Zack tossed the immobilized monster into the truck. "Drive this to Tribeca. A mechanical beast will be waiting to escort you," he instructed, slamming the compartment door shut.


    The girls nodded nervously. Without another word, Zack activated the suit''s propellers and took off, flying low along the River. Within seconds, he disappeared from view. "Stop staring, Bianca! Get in the car! We need to complete the leader''s mission!" the older woman urged, snapping her out of her daze.


    "Right!" Bianca reluctantly climbed into the passenger seat, stealing one last glance at the sky where Zack had vanished.


    Zack hovered low over the riverbank, scanning the area as he moved downstream. After dozens of kilometers, he finally spotted another creature identical to the one he''d captured. "There''s more than one," he muttered, hovering mid-air. He raised his arm, and a mini-missile slid out of his armor. With a soft whoosh, it arced through the air and landed directly in the reeds where the monster was lurking.


    Boom!


    The explosion sent a massive plume of water and debris into the air, flattening the surrounding reeds. When the spray settled, the monster lay on its back, its shrimp-like legs twitching in the air. Its carapace had been blown open, exposing torn flesh and shattered bones. Though it was dead, its body remained mostly intact, save for the gaping hole in its abdomen. "This thing''s defense is ridiculous," Zack remarked coldly, his eyes narrowing as he studied the remains.


    The durability of the creature''s carapace was impressive, but Zack knew part of the issue lay with his Apex suit. Though still functional, the suit''s technology was outdated, particularly its weapons systems. "We need an upgrade," Zack muttered, his voice tinged with frustration as he hovered over the scene.

 Chapter 162: Testing The Octopus

    Chapter 162 - Testing The OctopusThe Apex relied heavily on micro-missiles for firepower. While effective for clearing out lesser threats, it was becoming insufficient against the increasingly formidable types of zombies and mutated creatures. The suit''s firepower could only manage basic enemies; it lacked the lethality required for true challenges. "It''s time to build the Apex Mk-2," Zack said, his tone solemn.


    "Sir, the mechanical octopus prototype has been completed. Would you like it delivered?" Ego''s voice chimed in suddenly.


    "Already? That''s fast," Zack said, glancing at the time. Three hours, exactly as promised.


    "Send it over on a Avalon," Zack instructed. Soon, a Avalon arrived, switching to hover mode as it approached Zack''s location. The hatch opened, revealing the cargo hold, where the mechanical octopus sat dormant, waiting to be activated.


    Zack stepped inside, his gaze immediately drawn to the prototype. The mechanical octopus was compact, standing less than a meter tall, but its tentacles were strikingly long¡ªeach extending up to five meters and as thick as a human arm. The tentacles were coiled together, resembling a cluster of roots. "Activate it," Zack ordered after a quick inspection. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "System is activating..." The moment Ego confirmed activation, the mechanical octopus came to life. Its tentacles, which had been tangled and knotted, untwisted effortlessly and began moving with an eerie fluidity. The machine lifted itself upright, using its tentacles as support, and scanned its surroundings with its cluster of mechanical eyes.


    As if to show deference, the octopus bent forward slightly in a gesture resembling a bow and emitted a series of high-frequency chirps. "Not bad," Zack said, watching the machine''s performance. While primarily a patrol drone, the mechanical octopus was equipped with high AI capabilities, similar to the Titan. However, Zack had deliberately omitted a voice module, reasoning that communication wasn''t necessary for an underwater machine. Signals were enough.


    "How strong is it?" Zack mused, his curiosity piqued. Underwater combat posed unique challenges. Most conventional weapons lost their effectiveness or were significantly weakened. The mechanical octopus''s primary attack method relied on close combat: strangling enemies with its tentacles or stabbing them with claw-like appendages. Both required immense physical strength.


    "Let''s test it," Zack said, extending his arm toward the octopus. As if understanding his command, several of the mechanical tentacles lashed out, wrapping tightly around his left arm like metallic pythons.


    "Begin," Zack instructed. The tentacles began to constrict, their internal mechanisms locking into place and rotating like interlocking gears. The pressure increased steadily, becoming more intense with each passing second.


    Sparks flew from the joints of Zack''s Apex armor as the force bent the metal inward. "Alright, that''s enough," Zack said calmly.


    The mechanical octopus immediately released him, its tentacles retracting with precision. "Strength assessment complete," Ego reported. "The strangulation power of a single tentacle is approximately 1.5 tons. With additional tentacles, the total force multiplies exponentially, reaching 8-10 times the initial strength."


    "Impressive," Zack said, nodding in satisfaction.


    "Now for the real test¡ªdeploy it into the water," he ordered. At his command, the mechanical octopus moved toward the open hatch. With a fluid motion, it leapt into the river below, diving headfirst like a spear. The entry was seamless, barely creating a ripple.


    "Sir, you can view the mechanical octopus''s perspective through your armor''s UI or control it remotely using neuro-sensing glasses," Ego explained.


    "Let''s try the glasses," Zack said, removing the Apex armor and stepping out. He sat down nearby, donned a pair of transparent glasses, and activated the system.


    A faint hum accompanied the startup sequence. The glasses'' display flickered to life, showing a murky underwater view. The mechanical octopus''s sensors captured the environment in real-time, displaying it directly to Zack. "This is its vision?" Zack muttered, noticing the slightly turbid quality of the image.


    As he thought about turning, the view shifted accordingly. It felt intuitive, like controlling a remote-controlled toy via neural feedback. Zack could hear the faint sounds of the water and see everything clearly, but it didn''t feel like he was physically present. "Interesting," he said, adjusting to the controls.


    Zack controlled the mechanical octopus as it maneuvered through the murky waters of the River. Its sensors picked up a school of tiger shrimp fish, swimming lazily past the metal intruder. The fish showed no interest in the unappetizing chunk of iron, focusing instead on their natural behaviors. "Attack," Zack commanded.


    The mechanical octopus, which had been moving fluidly moments before, transformed into a deadly weapon. Its dozen mechanical tentacles lashed out, their sharp claw tips piercing the unsuspecting fish one by one.


    The water quickly turned crimson with blood, but the tiger shrimp fish didn''t retaliate. Instead, the surviving fish turned on their injured companions, tearing into their flesh with razor-sharp teeth. Even the unharmed fish began attacking each other in a frenzy, driven by some primal instinct. "Savages," Zack muttered, shaking his head as he watched the chaos unfold. He controlled the octopus to disengage and surface.


    After testing the octopus''s maximum underwater speed of 220 km/h and assigning it a patrol route from the River to the coastline, Zack removed the neuro-sensing glasses. "Ego, the remote-control armor system works flawlessly," Zack said, satisfied.


    Ego''s voice interrupted his thoughts. "Sir, we have a situation. The LSI satellite has detected a launch vehicle taking off¡ªsuspected to be a satellite launch."


    "A launch vehicle?" Zack frowned. Before he could ask for more details, Ego updated the feed. Several more launches had been detected. In total, three rockets were now heading into space¡ªtwo originating from the eastern Hemisphere and one from the northwestern part of the Eastern Hemisphere.


    "Can they be intercepted?" Zack''s tone was cold.


    "Unfortunately, no, Sir. All three rockets have reached near-first cosmic speed and are out of range," Ego replied.


    "Then we''ll wait. Ready the Annie satellite to intercept as soon as those rockets enter the northern hemisphere," Zack ordered.


    This was the advantage of having the first operational space-based satellite. The Annie satellite, stationed in geostationary orbit, provided unparalleled control over the northern hemisphere. Any satellites launched by rival factions had to pass through its area of influence, giving Zack the upper hand.


    However, geostationary orbit had its limitations. The Annie satellite remained fixed relative to the northern hemisphere, unable to adjust its position like the LSI reconnaissance satellite. This limitation meant Zack couldn''t strike targets in the southern hemisphere unless additional satellites were deployed. "We''ll need to launch more satellites for true global coverage and strike capability," Zack remarked as he studied the holographic Earth orbit map.

 Chapter 163: Lady Immortal Fox

    Chapter 163 - Lady Immortal FoxOn the display, three arrows representing the rockets streaked across the dividing line between the eastern and western hemispheres. At a velocity of 7.9 kilometers per second, they entered low-Earth orbit above the northern hemisphere. Although now within the Annie satellite''s strike range, the rockets were still moving too fast to lock onto. "They''re likely reconnaissance satellites," Zack speculated as the rockets began decelerating.


    The separation stages occurred smoothly, with the satellite modules detaching from their boosters and deploying into orbit. "Why do they still dare to launch satellites under my watch?" Zack wondered aloud. His previous actions should have been enough to deter any attempts at overt satellite launches.


    Moments later, the satellite modules fully unfolded. But as Zack observed their positions on the holographic map, the arrows suddenly blinked out of existence. "Sir, the three satellites have disappeared," Ego reported. "It appears they are equipped with radar and spectral stealth technology."


    Zack narrowed his eyes. This type of stealth technology existed in Ego''s database, but it had always been deemed impractical due to its complexity and limited applications. Clearly, Zack''s dominance had pressured his adversaries into deploying such experimental assets. "Ingenious, but impractical," Zack said, shaking his head. "Let''s see if it actually works."


    "Ego, calculate their orbital paths, motion periods, and velocities. Simulate their positions and prepare to strike," Zack ordered.


    "Yes, Sir," Ego replied, instantly beginning calculations. For Ego, processing such vast amounts of data was effortless.


    The holographic map shifted, displaying the projected orbital paths of the three satellites. While they were no longer visible due to their stealth capabilities, their positions could still be inferred through advanced simulations. "It seems my initial lesson wasn''t harsh enough," Zack muttered. "They think invisibility will save them."


    "Sir, the target positions have been simulated. The first strike is in progress," Ego reported. High above the Earth, the Annie space-based satellite prepared to unleash its power. Stationed more than 30,000 kilometers above the surface, it activated its electromagnetic railgun, which roared to life. A flash of light signaled the launch of three tungsten alloy kinetic warheads.


    These warheads, though small at just over a dozen kilograms each, were designed for precision. Their speed and force, reaching several times the speed of sound, made them ideal for disabling spaceborne targets. While they lacked the mass to cause widespread ground destruction, their purpose was singular: obliterate satellites. "Approaching simulated strike points..."


    The tungsten projectiles streaked through the atmosphere, losing about 70% of their mass during reentry. Despite this, their impact was more than enough to destroy fragile spacecraft. "Impact imminent," Ego announced.


    Moments later, the Annie satellite''s feed lit up with a small red dot marking the first successful strike. "Target one destroyed," Ego confirmed. "Two misses. Recalculating for secondary strikes."


    The electromagnetic railgun adjusted its aim for the two remaining targets, preparing to fire again. At Dragon Base in the eastern hemisphere, a tense silence filled the air. Moments earlier, the team monitoring their newly launched stealth satellite had been celebrating its successful deployment. Then, the screen went blank. "Wait a second," Chaslik, one of the base''s leaders, said, his voice rising in disbelief. "Where''s our satellite? It was there just now!"


    "It''s gone, sir," a trembling researcher replied. "It... it appears to have been shot down."


    "Shot down? Impossible!" Chaslik roared. "These were stealth satellites! The Vanguard Organization assured us they were invisible! How could they be detected, let alone destroyed?"


    His protests were futile. The reality of the situation was undeniable. At the Glory Queen Base, the mood was equally grim. The launch team had been caught off guard by a flash of light in their satellite''s feed. "Was that... an attack?" one of the engineers stammered, his face pale.


    "It can''t be," another replied. "Our satellites are invisible! The ASR technology isn''t a scam, is it?"


    The room fell into uneasy silence. While no one voiced it outright, their confidence in the invisibility technology was clearly shaken. "Do you think there will be a second attack?" asked Annas, the base''s leader. Her question hung in the air as the second wave of strikes began. Two more tungsten descended from the Annie satellite, targeting the remaining stealth satellites. Traveling at Mach speeds, they closed the gap in seconds.


    Boom! Boom! S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both projectiles hit their marks. The stealth satellites, once hailed as technological marvels, were obliterated, reduced to burning debris falling back to Earth. "No!" A desperate scream echoed through the command room.


    Everyone at the Glory Queen Base knew the cost of building and launching these satellites. The resources, manpower, and sacrifices required had been monumental. Yet, in mere moments, all that effort was rendered meaningless by Zack''s precision strikes. Annas stared at the darkened screen, her expression frozen. "Our satellites... destroyed?" she murmured, barely able to process the words.


    No one dared answer. After a moment of stunned silence, the room erupted into chaos. Senior officials scrambled to shift blame, pointing fingers at other nations. "This is all the fault of Dragon base!" one shouted. "We should''ve launched from the Western Hemisphere and changed orbit later!"


    "Exactly!" another agreed. "Instead, we listened to their idiotic plan to launch directly from the Northern Hemisphere!"


    "Idiots, all of them!" The bickering continued until Annas, seething with frustration, shouted, "Enough! Get out!"


    The room fell silent before the officials slinked away, leaving Annas alone with her thoughts. "Is he really this strong?" she muttered, her gaze fixed on the blank screen.


    Meanwhile, at the Eden Base, the destruction of the stealth satellites was met with mocking laughter. "Are these people idiots?" scoffed the base''s leader, a blonde woman with an air of cold calculation. She leaned back in her chair, her lips curling into a smirk. "They should''ve coordinated the launches better. Change orbits after entering space¡ªhow hard is that?" Her amusement grew as she thought about the effort wasted by the other factions. "Good thing they were only bait. If I''d partnered with them seriously, I''d have died of frustration by now."


    Shaking her head, she rose from her desk and adjusted her suit, her movements precise and deliberate. Her figure exuded authority, and the subordinates outside her office straightened the moment she appeared. Lady Kara!" they greeted in unison, their voices filled with deference.


    Every man in the corridor who caught sight of the blonde woman paused, their faces plastered with feigned respect as they shouted greetings. But their eyes betrayed them¡ªhungry, greedy, and shameless. "Well, don''t let me keep you. Back to work," the blonde woman said with a tone of detached politeness, walking toward the elevator. She ignored their stares, stepping into the lift without so much as pressing a button. The elevator moved automatically, descending past the listed floors on the panel until it reached an unmarked 11th level.


    Ding.


    As the elevator doors slid open, two guards dressed in sleek black uniforms stood waiting. Their weapons, a fusion of biotechnology and cutting-edge tech, caught the eye. While the weapons had a traditional barrel and trigger, their design was unusual¡ªalmost alive, resembling a crustacean''s shell. Instead of bullets, the chamber glistened with a dark, viscous liquid, like black oil. "Lady Immortal Fox!" The guards saluted and stepped aside immediately.

 Chapter 164: Bait Sattelite

    Chapter 164 - Bait SatteliteThe blonde woman¡ªKara¡ªgave a curt nod, striding past them with cold indifference. The bustling world of Eden above, home to countless survivors and managed by its so-called leaders, was a smokescreen. Unbeknownst to nearly everyone above, a deeper, hidden base existed beneath their feet. And at its helm? Kara, known to the underground as the enigmatic leader of the Vanguard organization¡ªcodename: Immortal Fox.


    Walking down the sterile corridor, Kara passed labs bustling with white-coated researchers. The atmosphere was clinical, almost eerie. Some operating tables were hidden beneath white sheets, but occasional movements hinted at grotesque experiments. From time to time, a gloved hand would toss what looked like still-pulsating organs into biohazard bins. Unfazed, Kara continued, never sparing a glance at the grim work surrounding her. At the corridor''s end, she stopped in front of a seamless wall. Without hesitation, she underwent multiple layers of security checks: retina scan, fingerprint, and finally, brainwave verification.


    Click. The wall slid open, revealing a room filled with advanced technology. At the center stood a sleek machine, resembling a high-tech cultivation pod connected by countless cables. Kara removed her clothes, stepping into the pod without hesitation. Dark liquid began to fill the chamber, swallowing her whole.


    Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers away in the vast Sahara Desert, another facility lay hidden beneath the sands. In a dimly lit underground chamber, a similar pod hissed open, spilling out dark fluid. A blonde woman jolted awake, gasping for air as if escaping a nightmare.


    Kara emerged from the pod, muttering under her breath. "This body''s overdue for maintenance..." Stepping out, she wiped off the black liquid clinging to her skin. "Even the joints feel stiff," she grumbled, dressing quickly before taking an elevator to the surface. As sunlight poured in through the crack of the elevator doors, she squinted at the harsh Gobi landscape. Not far away, a towering rocket launcher dominated the horizon.


    Ding.


    When the elevator fully opened, the desolation of the desert hit her¡ªa scene of endless yellow sands and scorching winds. Nearby, soldiers scurried about, hauling crates of mysterious black materials toward the launchpad. "Lady Immortal Fox!" The researchers and soldiers greeted her with a mixture of respect and fear as she approached.


    "How''s the rocket prep going?" she asked, her tone casual but sharp. A familiar face approached¡ªa man known simply as Master. He wasn''t under her direct command, operating instead in the Vanguard''s energy development division, whereas Kara led the biotechnology branch. Despite this, Master reported with a neutral politeness that made it clear he wasn''t intimidated by her.


    "The rocket fuel''s been fully loaded. We''re ready for launch," Master said, adjusting his glasses.


    Kara raised an eyebrow. "And Leo?"


    "Alive and well, thanks for asking," Master replied evenly.


    "Shame," Kara muttered, spitting on the ground. "Maybe next time I''ll hear better news." Leaving Master standing there, Kara walked toward the massive rocket. Its design was unlike anything from traditional aerospace technology. Jet black with pulsing crimson lines that flared intermittently, it resembled a living organism rather than a machine. Its nozzle, crafted from a mysterious dark material, seemed almost organic.


    As Kara studied the rocket, a holographic projection flickered to life before her. The blurry image of a large head appeared, its features impossible to discern. "Immortal Fox," a deep voice called out.


    Kara''s demeanor shifted instantly, her posture straightening as she offered a slight bow. "Prophet."


    Everyone around her, soldiers and researchers alike, froze in place, bowing deeply at 90 degrees. None dared to lift their eyes toward the projection. The voice of the Prophet was calm yet imposing. "I hear the satellites from the Eden base were intercepted?"


    Kara nodded. "Yes, Prophet. They ignored orders and launched too close to the NYC base. Their recklessness cost them."


    As Kara mentioned the NYC Base, a fleeting absent-mindedness crossed her perfect face beneath her golden hair. Whatever thought had surfaced, she quickly brushed it aside. "You shouldn''t dwell on such things," the Prophet''s voice broke the silence. "Remember, they are allies now. Send them some outdated tech to make up for the loss of their satellites. Keep them placated."


    "Yes, Prophet," Kara replied immediately, her expression unreadable. It didn''t matter. The technology they sent would be outdated relics, things the Vanguard organization had long discarded¡ªitems NYC''s leaders would likely disdain, but couldn''t refuse.


    The Prophet''s holographic form turned slightly, his blurry visage observing the strange rocket poised on the launchpad. Though his features remained indistinct, the faintest trace of a smile appeared. "With this launch, we will have our own space-based weapon," he declared. "Securing an orbital presence over the eastern Hemisphere will ensure that NYC and its allies can no longer threaten us."


    Kara nodded as the Prophet''s image began to fade. "Understood, Prophet. I will ensure the rocket launches smoothly."


    "This is critical to the organization''s plans," he added as his voice grew fainter. Then the hologram blinked out completely.


    Kara turned on her heel, her face hardening as she issued her next command. "Begin the launch sequence."


    "Yes, ma''am!" came the quick response from the control room. She crossed her arms, watching the crew prepare with mechanical efficiency. The sooner the space-based weapon was operational, the better. With Zack preoccupied with shooting down the decoy satellites, there was little chance he''d interfere with this.


    "Begin countdown," one of the technicians announced.


    "9... 8... 7..."


    The tension in the air thickened as the final numbers approached.


    "3... 2... 1..."


    "Launch!"


    A deafening roar filled the base as the rocket''s engines roared to life. Blue flames erupted from its tail, propelling it upward at an astonishing speed. Its sleek, dark exterior glowed faintly as crimson lines coursed along its surface, radiating waves of energy toward its tail, further accelerating its ascent.


    Unlike traditional multi-stage rockets, this one used a mysterious, seamless propulsion system. It soared higher, breaking through the atmosphere without pause. "Approaching geostationary orbit!" a technician called out.


    Kara''s lips curved into a rare smile as she turned toward the east, her gaze distant, as if she could see across the desert and the ocean to where Zack and his operations were. "Zack," she murmured under her breath, "you''re not the only one with toys in space anymore."


    Meanwhile, Zack leaned back in his chair, staring at the holographic projection in front of him. He had just shot down three reconnaissance satellites when another red blip appeared on his screen. "What''s going on today?" he muttered, half annoyed. "Did they get a discount on rockets?"


    Despite his sarcastic tone, he noticed something odd. This new rocket had avoided entering the firing range of Annie, his space-based defense platform. Its trajectory shifted mid-flight, settling into a geostationary orbit far from Annie''s reach. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm," Zack mused. "A space-based satellite, huh? Not exactly groundbreaking, but I see what they''re trying to do." He wasn''t impressed. The concept of space-based weapons was hardly new. Even before the apocalypse, there were whispers of nations experimenting with devices like this¡ªkinetic energy weapons that essentially dropped tungsten rods from orbit to devastate targets below. Zack''s own Annie operated on a similar principle.

 Chapter 165: Divided Worlds

    Chapter 165 - Divided Worlds"Nothing fancy. Just throwing rocks from a higher spot," Zack muttered. "The hard part''s getting the rocks up there." He leaned forward, his brow furrowing. "Looks like they don''t want me stepping into the east."


    From the rocket''s orbital path, it was clear¡ªthis satellite was positioned at exactly one Earth''s distance from Annie, effectively creating a territorial divide. Neither Zack''s satellite nor the new one could interfere with the other. "Ego, have you tracked the launch site?" Zack asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity.


    "Based on the trajectory, the rocket was likely launched from the Desert on east Continent," the AI replied. "The exact site is difficult to pinpoint due to limited monitoring in that region."


    Zack frowned. The Desert on east Continent was a barren stretch of Gobi with only a handful of small survivor bases, none of which had the capability to launch such an advanced rocket. "If they launched from there..." Zack trailed off, piecing together the puzzle. "It has to be the Vanguard organization."


    He drummed his fingers on the console, recalling Ego''s earlier reports. "The three stealth satellites we shot down? Bet those were their handiwork too. They must''ve supplied them to those bases. No way those groups could''ve developed that kind of tech on their own, let alone launched them simultaneously."


    "Probability: 97%," Ego confirmed. "The Vanguard organization likely staged the stealth satellite launches as a diversion, ensuring the success of this larger operation."


    "Ah, what a great idea," Zack muttered with a sly smile, his sharp gaze betraying his true intentions. Sharing half the world? Not in his plans. There was no room for compromise. "Send a scout jet to test that satellite. Let''s see if it''s really a space-based weapon," Zack ordered, his tone calm but firm.


    "No problem, sir!" Ego replied promptly. Moments later, a battered jet, scarred from years of use, lifted off from the NYC base. Inside, there were only a few outdated, spider-like machines¡ªautomated drones that were due for decommissioning.


    As the jet disappeared into the horizon, Zack turned his attention to something far more critical. "How''s the progress on Aegis?"


    If the satellite above was a deterrent, Aegis would be a blade¡ªsilent, deadly, and impossible to counter. It was the linchpin of Zack''s global strike system. "The main structure is complete and is on schedule for finalization by the end of this month," Ego reported.


    "Ten days left then?" Zack mused. That was faster than expected, thanks to the northern base supplying pre-fabricated materials and an influx of mechanical drones increasing production efficiency.


    "Let the situation in the east be for now," Zack said, leaning back in his chair. "If the Vanguard Organization wants to draw a line, so be it. We''ll stay on our side and let them stay on theirs¡ªfor now. Until we confirm if that satellite is a space-based weapon, LSI is to stay out of the Eastern Hemisphere for reconnaissance."


    For now, the two forces were in a temporary standoff, neither willing to cross the line. But Zack wasn''t worried. This fragile balance wouldn''t last long. Once Aegis was operational, it would shatter like glass.


    "Playing shadow games with me?" Zack chuckled darkly. "Let''s see how long they can keep it up." He started the propeller of his personal craft, leaving the base behind as he headed toward the mansion area.


    Meanwhile, the jet-black rocket launched by the Vanguard Organization had reached its destination. As it entered geostationary orbit, the main body of the rocket detached. But instead of falling back to Earth, the dark outer shell peeled away like a cocoon, revealing an ominous satellite.


    The satellite resembled a massive octopus, its mechanical tentacles folded tightly around its body. As the shell completely disintegrated, the "octopus" extended its limbs, locking into orbit. At the tip of each tentacle was a slender tungsten rod, attached to power devices filled with a dark, flowing liquid. The rods shimmered faintly, a silent promise of destructive potential.


    At the rocket base in the Desert East Continent, Master rushed to Kara with excitement written all over his face. "Lady Immortal Fox! The Eye of Arbitration has successfully entered orbit. The organization now has its own space-based weapon!"


    Kara barely glanced at him, pulling a small vial of black liquid from her pocket and tossing it to him. "Well done. This is for you." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Master caught it, his eyes widening as he examined the vial. "Is this... a modified Zeta serum?" His voice trembled with excitement.


    It was a rare and highly coveted formula, reserved for top researchers within the Vanguard Organization. He quickly pocketed the vial, grateful beyond words. "Go tell Leo I wish him a quick journey to the afterlife," Kara said coldly, turning away before Master could respond. Moments later, Kara stepped into the elevator, her face unreadable.


    At the Eden base, an identical Kara emerged from another elevator, perfectly composed, her expression betraying nothing of what had just occurred. In the biology lab''s underground section, mechanical arms worked tirelessly over a restrained creature on an operating table. The monster, a grotesque blend of aquatic features and humanoid traits, thrashed weakly against its restraints. It screamed¡ªa high-pitched, chilling sound¡ªbut its central nervous system had been severed, leaving it unable to move.


    A mechanical clamp held its head steady as robotic arms meticulously dissected it, laser cutters slicing through its flesh with cold precision. "Removing the forehead shell... no visible gill structures detected," one arm reported as it worked.


    "Abdominal carapace removed... diaphragm located. Proceeding with further dissection."


    "Heart discovered. Standard mammalian structure, similar in size to a human heart."


    The creature''s cries echoed through the lab, but Zack stood in the observation area above, unmoved. To someone who had witnessed a mountain of corpses and oceans of blood, this was nothing more than routine.


    Ego''s voice broke through the mechanical hum of the lab. "Tentative designation: Freshwater Banshee. A freshwater predator suspected to be a hybrid of aquatic organisms and human DNA. Uses vocal mimicry of children or women to lure humans into its territory."


    "Not the same as the Abyss Crawlers then," Zack noted, his gaze fixed on the dissected creature.


    "Correct. Full genome sequencing is in progress," Ego replied, displaying a live data feed on the screen before Zack.


    The dissection of the freshwater banshee continued, and the findings grew more shocking by the second. Ego''s voice echoed in the lab. "Surprisingly, this creature doesn''t just look different from the Abyss Crawlers¡ªit might not even be a pure aquatic species. Preliminary genetic sequencing reveals that its DNA is 95.6% similar to human DNA."


    Zack''s brow furrowed. "95.6%? That''s nearly as close as chimpanzees are to humans. White mice, commonly used in experiments, are only about 85% similar. Are you saying this thing could be some kind of close relative to humans?"


    "That''s one possibility," Ego replied. "Either this creature''s predecessor was an undiscovered relative of humans, or it was once human before infection."

 Chapter 166: Ancient Virus

    Chapter 166 - Ancient VirusZack crossed his arms, processing the information. "A close relative? Unlikely. Almost every species this similar to humans has already been cataloged. A hidden species of this level wouldn''t go unnoticed."


    "Then the more plausible answer is infection," Ego concluded. "This banshee could be a mutated human infected by Zeta disease."


    Zack shook his head, unconvinced. "If this thing started as human, then what about the ones in the ocean? Abyss Crawlers look almost identical to this creature, aside from living in saltwater instead of freshwater."


    Ego immediately countered, "Impossible, sir. Satellite imagery from the Sea alone shows numbers of Abyss Crawlers beyond measure. Adding the reports from across the globe, their population easily exceeds that of humanity before the apocalypse. That scale rules out human origin."


    Zack exhaled sharply. "Whether it''s human or not, the real issue is clear. The Abyss Crawlers aren''t isolated freaks of nature. If there''s something like the banshee in freshwater, the oceans could be teeming with more¡ªand possibly even stronger¡ªvariants."


    Before Zack could continue, Ego interrupted. "Sir, the sequencing is complete. There''s something unusual about this banshee''s strain of Zeta."


    Zack glanced at the monitor. "Unusual how?"


    "It''s ancient," Ego said, his tone heavy with significance. "Far older than any Zeta strain we''ve encountered before."


    Zack frowned. "Ancient? The original disease predated humanity itself. What makes this one special?"


    Ego''s response was chilling. "The strain in the freshwater banshee dates back roughly three billion years. It''s practically untouched, preserved in its original form. This strain predates most multicellular life on the planet."


    Zack''s eyes narrowed. "How could it stay preserved for so long?"


    "My theory is that it remained frozen, possibly in glaciers, until global warming melted the ice and released it," Ego said. "This strain might be the origin of the Zeta disease."


    Zack''s mind raced. "If that''s true, we''re closer to finding the truth behind the apocalypse." His thoughts drifted to Lillian''s words. Before the end of the world, Vanguard Technology¡ªthe predecessor of the Vanguard Organization¡ªhad offered the rich and powerful a supposed "elixir of life." Shortly afterward, the apocalypse began.


    "Could the elixir have been the first strain of Zeta?" Zack muttered to himself, his expression darkening. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ego spoke again, pulling him back to the present. "Sir, if you want answers, we might find them at the Vanguard Organization''s branch bases."


    "How many are there?" Zack asked.


    "There are three remaining bases in Asia," Ego replied. "One in Siliya, another in dragon base, and the last in phoenix, Arizona base. However, intercepted data suggests the Arizona base was abandoned."


    "Two active bases, then," Zack muttered. "And one right under my nose. I''ve been so busy I didn''t even notice." He clenched his fists. "Get my armor ready. Have a Avalon prepped and load up some fearless warriors. We''re heading to Alaska first, abandoned or not."


    Not long after, Zack donned his Apex armor and activated the thrusters, soaring toward the heart of NYC. He touched down with a soft metallic thud in front of a massive factory, its structure dominating the flattened remains of old buildings.


    This was the Fearless Warrior Factory, a production hub spanning 60,000 square meters. Zack walked inside, the hum of machinery filling the air. Assembly lines stretched as far as the eye could see, each one operated by robotic arms that worked with relentless precision. Pieces of power armor moved from one station to the next, growing larger and more complete with each stage. Finally, towering suits, each standing 3.8 meters tall, emerged¡ªbulkier and more aggressive versions of Zack''s original MV-01 design.


    Three Avalon transports descended outside the factory, landing in the designated downtime zone. Soldiers and equipment began unloading efficiently. "How many fearless warriors do we have now?" Zack asked, his gaze sweeping over the assembly lines.


    "Sir, 341 subjects have undergone transformation," Ego reported. "336 were successful, and 5 failed."


    Zack paused, raising an eyebrow. "Five failures?"


    This was his first time visiting the Fearless Warrior Factory to personally oversee the progress, so he hadn''t realized that some transformations didn''t succeed. "Five subjects couldn''t handle the serum due to genetic anomalies," Ego explained. "Their cells disintegrated during the process, leading to death."


    Zack shrugged, his tone indifferent. "It''s a minor issue. Failure is inevitable in a process like this." He glanced at his HUD. "Where are the reformed warriors?"


    Ego projected a detailed map of the factory onto Zack''s holographic interface, highlighting the route to the transformation area. Without hesitation, Zack followed the path through the manufacturing zone, eventually arriving at the transformation chamber.


    Rows upon rows of injection pods lined the chamber, their design simple but effective. Beyond this area was a vast hall, large enough to hold thousands of people. Here, Zack finally saw them¡ª336 Fearless Warriors standing in formation.


    They were towering figures, each between 3.5 and 4 meters tall. Half of them were encased in power armor, looking like mechanical giants. The rest stood bare-chested, wearing only shorts, their bodies rippling with muscles like carved stone. Veins snaked across their skin like roots of an ancient tree, pulsing with life. Armored or not, they stood completely still, like statues, their presence radiating raw power. Even with Zack clad in the Apex, he felt dwarfed by their sheer size.


    Suddenly, as Zack approached, all 336 warriors moved in unison. The ground quaked as they dropped to one knee, the synchronized motion creating a thunderous boom that reverberated through the factory. The shock was so strong that the chandeliers overhead swayed violently. These were no longer the weak, cowardly deserters they once were. Under Zack''s command, they had been reforged into his most loyal warriors¡ªextensions of his will, living weapons bred for war. Their purpose was singular: to fight.


    "FIGHT!!!" their voices roared in unison, shaking the very walls of the hall. The sound was deafening, like a thunderstorm unleashed indoors.


    Zack smirked coldly. "Good. I like them." His gaze swept over the rows of warriors before pointing to a group. "This row¡ªthirty of them in armor. You''re with me."


    Boom. Boom. Boom.


    The selected thirty stepped forward, their heavy footfalls echoing like drumbeats. Each one moved with military precision, their cybernetic enhancements granting them the equivalent of centuries of combat training. Discipline was embedded into their very existence. "Ego, is the Avalon ready?" Zack asked.


    "Yes, sir. Three Avalons are parked on the tarmac outside the factory," Ego replied.


    Zack turned to the warriors. "Follow me."


    "YES! Sir!" the thirty boomed, their voices like thunder.


    Minutes later, three Avalons, each loaded with ten Fearless Warriors, lifted off from the factory. Zack flew alongside them in his Apex armor, his thrusters leaving a sonic boom in their wake as they soared downstream toward the River. This was a force capable of leveling a medium to large survivor base with ease. As the convoy passed over smaller settlements, panic erupted below. The sight of Zack and his fleet was enough to terrify even the most hardened survivors.

 Chapter 167: Hunter the Leader

    Chapter 167 - Hunter the LeaderAt one medium-sized base with a population of over 10,000, the leadership, driven by fear, locked onto Zack and the Avalons with anti-aircraft missiles. "Sir, we''re being targeted," Ego informed him.


    Zack''s response was dismissive. "Drop an aerial bomb. A warning should suffice."


    Boom. A cloud bomb detonated in an open area near the base, the fiery explosion sending a mushroom cloud skyward. Zack deliberately lowered his altitude as he passed over the settlement, ensuring everyone got a good look at him. Down below, the base''s leader¡ªa wiry man¡ªstared in disbelief. "Boss... was that... a nuclear bomb?" he stammered.


    No one answered. The entire base had fallen silent, paralyzed by fear. Even as Zack''s convoy disappeared into the horizon, the leader finally snapped out of his daze, muttering angrily, "Who did I offend? What kind of psycho drops a bomb as a greeting?"


    The journey continued, flying over both small and large survivor bases. Finally, Zack reached the Yangtze River Delta. Ego''s voice chimed in. "Sir, the coordinates have been uploaded."


    "I see it," Zack replied, his sharp eyes locking onto the target. Below was a heavily fortified survivor base surrounded by high walls. Faded billboards on the walls revealed that this place had once been an industrial park belonging to a major e-commerce company. Now, it was a Vanguard Organization branch base.


    Zack hovered in mid-air, surveying the base with a cold gaze. "It seems the Vanguard Organization really did abandon this place," he muttered before diving down toward the base.


    The three Avalons followed suit, shifting into landing mode as they descended. "Look out! An unidentified aircraft is approaching!" On the high wall surrounding the base, a group of scrappy survivors, armed with makeshift weapons, shouted in alarm. Their fear was palpable as they scrambled to respond.


    Zack landed with a loud thud in the open center of the base, the impact cracking the concrete beneath him. The sound startled the nearby survivors, who hurriedly pointed their improvised crossbows and guns at him, their hands shaking.


    "These people aren''t from the Vanguard Organization," Zack murmured, taking note of their ragged appearance. "Looks like a random group of survivors stumbled across this place after it was abandoned." He didn''t give the nervous survivors a second glance as he issued his orders. "Send a few Fearless Warriors to maintain order. The rest stay on the Avalons."


    Moments later, one of the Avalons opened its doors, and four Fearless Warriors leapt down from a height of several meters. Each landing sent a tremor through the ground, their enormous frames creating a visual shock for the survivors.


    The warriors, standing over three meters tall in their hulking power armor, looked more like steel titans than humans. Their presence alone crushed any thoughts of resistance. The survivors, overwhelmed, dropped their weapons and crouched on the ground, some holding their heads in their hands. "Who''s in charge here?" Zack asked as he flicked off his mask, his tone calm but firm.


    "I-I am..." A broad-shouldered young man, clearly nervous, stepped forward. His physique hinted he might have been a fitness trainer before the apocalypse, but now, in the shadow of the Fearless Warriors, he was visibly trembling. "Sir, w-we didn''t know this was your territory! If we''d known, we wouldn''t have come here! Please, we''ll leave right away!" the man stammered.


    Zack waved dismissively. "Relax. I''m not here to take the base from you. I just have a few questions."


    Hearing this, the young man exhaled in relief. "Thank you, sir! Thank you!" he said quickly, though the hint of wariness in his eyes didn''t go unnoticed by Zack.


    Zack didn''t bother addressing the man''s lingering distrust¡ªit wasn''t worth his time. "When did you find this base?" he asked, walking toward one of the buildings.


    "Last week, sir. Saturday," the man replied, following closely behind.


    "Was it empty when you got here?"


    "Yes, sir. At first, we thought it might be a trap. I mean, a base this big, with defenses like this? Who would just leave it behind?" the man explained. "But when we checked, it was really abandoned."


    Zack pushed open the door of the building and stepped inside. As he moved through the rooms, it became clear the place had been stripped bare. Anything of value was gone, and what couldn''t be taken had been destroyed, likely with thermite or similar methods. Scorch marks and burnt debris littered the floors¡ªa clear sign the Vanguard Organization had planned their departure carefully. "How long have you been here?" Zack asked, crushing a handful of ash between his fingers.


    "Five days, sir," the young man replied.


    "Anything strange happen during that time?"


    The man hesitated before nodding. "Now that you mention it... at night, we''ve been hearing strange noises."


    "What kind of noises?" Zack asked, his interest piqued.


    "I can''t really describe it, sir. It''s... odd. It sounds like it''s coming from underground. At first, we thought it might be zombies and almost left the base. But then we realized no one was getting hurt, so we decided to seal off the basement entrances to all the buildings," the man explained.


    "Did sealing the basement stop the noise?" Zack asked.


    "No, sir. The noise is still there. But after sealing everything off, it feels less... unsettling," the man admitted, his discomfort evident.


    Zack nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting. What''s your name?"


    "People call me Hunter, sir," the man said hastily, catching himself mid-sentence. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright, Hunter," Zack said, turning to face him. "Get your people to clear the blockages from the basement entrances. I''ll need to take a look."


    Hunter hesitated but quickly nodded. "Y-yes, sir. Right away."


    "One more thing," Zack added as he glanced at the dimming sky. "I''ll be staying here for the night. That won''t be a problem, will it?"


    "No problem at all, sir! You''re welcome to stay as long as you like!" Hunter said, his voice shaking with a mix of relief and nervous energy.


    The night deepened, the once vibrant industrial park now shrouded in eerie silence. Zack, having removed his armor, lounged in a room the survivors had prepared for him, waiting patiently for the darkness to fully envelop the base.


    Outside, the three Avalon transport planes hovered steadily, their powered thrusters glowing faintly blue against the night sky. To the untrained eye, they resembled UFOs, their futuristic design casting an otherworldly presence over the abandoned base. Though the aircraft hadn''t landed, all thirty Fearless Warriors had disembarked and now stood like sentinels in two disciplined rows outside Zack''s quarters. Their sheer size and menacing aura kept the survivors far away, too terrified to even whisper among themselves.


    In this tense atmosphere, Hunter gathered his courage and approached the building, dragging along a girl who was visibly trembling. She was young, with delicate features, though her tear-streaked face and quivering frame betrayed her fear.

 Chapter 168: Luna

    Chapter 168 - LunaAs they neared the fifty-meter perimeter of the building, the Fearless Warriors turned their heads in perfect unison, their glowing visors piercing the darkness. The girl gasped, clutching Hunter''s arm as a low mechanical voice shattered the silence. "Come closer and die."


    One of the Fearless Warriors stepped forward, his voice a grating metallic snarl. The girl let out a small cry and shrank back, tears streaming down her face. Even Hunter, who fancied himself a brave man, felt his legs tremble under the crushing pressure of the warrior''s presence.


    "S-sir! I-I''m just delivering something for Mr. Zack!" Hunter stammered, his voice barely audible. His words, however, fell on deaf ears. The Fearless Warrior''s hand moved to the hilt of his chain sword, the subtle motion radiating lethal intent.


    Just as the tension reached its breaking point, Zack''s voice called out from within the building, calm but commanding. "Let them through."


    The warriors immediately straightened, their thunderous reply echoing across the courtyard. "Yes, sir!" They returned to their positions, their imposing silence resuming as if nothing had happened.


    Hunter exhaled shakily, wiping the cold sweat from his brow. "God, is this what they call killing intent? I thought I was dead for sure..."


    When he turned to the girl, she was trembling violently, her tears flowing freely. "I-I can''t... I can''t do this!" she sobbed, shaking her head.


    "Stop crying!" Hunter hissed under his breath. "Do you want to ruin your makeup? This is our chance to impress him! If you mess this up, we''re all dead!"


    The girl sniffled but nodded weakly, wiping her tears and touching up her face before following Hunter into the building. The door creaked open, revealing Zack lounging on a sofa, his back to the door. His exoskeleton armor stood nearby, motionless but imposing, like a silent guardian. "Sir," Hunter said with a deep bow, his voice trembling slightly. "The basement entrances have been cleared, as you requested."


    Zack didn''t turn around, his feet resting casually on the coffee table. "Good. That''s all I needed. You can go."


    Hunter hesitated, sensing Zack''s impatience, but mustered the courage to speak again. "Uh, sir... I also brought my sister. She''s, um, well taken care of... untouched, I promise!"


    The room fell silent. For a moment, Zack said nothing, and the tension grew thick. Hunter''s mind raced with worry, fearing he had made a mistake.'' Does he not like women? Did I offend him?''


    Finally, Zack''s voice broke the silence. "The girl stays. You leave."


    Relief washed over Hunter''s face. "Thank you, sir! Thank you!" He shot a quick glance at the girl before backing out of the room, leaving her behind.


    "Luna, is it?" Zack said without looking back. His voice was calm, but the girl stiffened in surprise. How did he know her name?


    "Yes..." she murmured, her voice barely audible.


    "Relax," Zack said with a faint smile, sensing her nervousness. "Come here and give me a shoulder massage."


    Zack didn''t need to turn around to sense her nervousness. The rapid, uneven rhythm of Luna''s heartbeat was as loud to him as if it were echoing in the room. "Alright," Luna managed to say, nodding slightly. She moved closer and placed her trembling hands on Zack''s shoulders. Despite her efforts, her grip was weak, more from fear than a lack of strength.


    "You¡ª" Zack began to speak, but his words were cut off by a low, muffled roar that seemed to reverberate through several walls.


    "Roar~~~" The sound was faint but unmistakable¡ªthe guttural growl of a creature.


    "Night Stalker?" Zack muttered, his brow furrowing as he focused on the sound. He''d encountered it before, and the memory came rushing back.


    "Confirmed, sir. Audio comparison identifies this as the sound of a Night Stalker," Ego confirmed.


    "The sound is coming from underground," Zack noted as he carefully traced its source. He stood from the sofa, his focus narrowing as he prepared to investigate. When he turned, he finally took a good look at Luna. She had a quiet beauty about her, slightly reminiscent of someone he once knew¡ªLayla. However, the resemblance stopped there. Layla had a radiance that Luna lacked, her elegance putting her far above the girl before him. By Zack''s internal score, Layla was a 95¡ªhigher if she removed her glasses. Luna, with her makeup smudged from tears, barely hit 85.


    Still, Luna wasn''t unattractive. In fact, she was quite pretty, but Zack''s standards were exacting, and her charm wasn''t enough to hold his attention. "I have to deal with this. Stay here or go back to your brother. Your choice," Zack said curtly. Before she could respond, he turned to the Apex suit, which activated at his command, encasing him in sleek black-and-gold armor. With confident strides, he left the room.


    The roar sounded again as Zack stepped outside, clearer this time and unmistakably coming from beneath his feet. "Groups of three. Search every basement thoroughly," Zack ordered, addressing the thirty Fearless Warriors who stood in formation.


    "YES, SIR!" their voices boomed in unison. The warriors divided into ten teams, each heading toward a building. They quickly began clearing the entrances to the basements, their immense strength making short work of the rubble. What had taken the survivors hours to clear was removed in seconds as debris was flung aside like leaves in the wind.


    Once inside, the warriors activated the searchlights built into their power armor, illuminating the dark basements as they began their sweep.


    "No abnormalities found." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No abnormalities found."


    "Mutant rodents detected. Eliminating targets."


    Boom! The elimination of even a single rat created a deafening sound, akin to a small-scale explosion. It was overkill, but thoroughness was part of their protocol.


    As the warriors completed their sweep of the dozen buildings, including the main headquarters, they reported back. Aside from some mutated rodents and cockroaches, no significant lifeforms were discovered.


    "Roar~~~" The growl echoed again, louder and more distinct, as though it came directly from beneath Zack''s position. He frowned. The basements were clear¡ªso where was the sound coming from?


    "Strange..." Zack muttered, his eyes narrowing as they focused on the main building. It was adorned with the faded logo of a prominent e-commerce company: a stylized bee. This structure had been the first one he inspected earlier in the day, but at the time, it had seemed thoroughly stripped of anything valuable.


    "If I were running the Vanguard Organization, I''d use this as the headquarters," Zack mused. The building''s central location and size made it the ideal choice.


    "Sir, you''ve already inspected this building," Ego reminded him.


    "That''s true," Zack replied, "but what you see is often what others want you to see. Real secrets are hidden where no one thinks to look."

 Chapter 169: Underground Facility

    Chapter 169 - Underground Facility"Understood. Initiating structural scan," Ego responded. A holographic model of the building materialized in front of Zack, layer by layer. Floors one through twenty-eight were displayed in perfect detail, along with the first and second underground levels.


    Suddenly, the scan paused, revealing something unexpected¡ªa hidden elevator shaft that descended far deeper than the official floors. Its depth extended well beyond the standard three or four underground levels typical of buildings like this. Finally, the scan revealed a large, empty structure buried over ten meters below the surface. "Underground structure detected. Entrance located in the southeast corner of the building," Ego reported.


    Zack''s eyes narrowed. "So that''s where it is. The Night Stalker''s roar must be traveling through hidden ventilation shafts."


    "Confirmed. The vents could be amplifying the sound and carrying it to the surface," Ego replied.


    "How large is the entrance? Can Fearless Warriors fit?" Zack asked.


    "They can, but only five at a time," Ego answered.


    Zack smirked. "Five will be enough. Let''s get to the bottom of this." The building''s power supply had been offline for a long time, but for Zack, that wasn''t an issue. With a simple order, a Fearless Warrior removed the reactor from its power armor, more than enough to supply the entire industrial park.


    When the lights flickered back on, the survivors gathered outside were left speechless. The harsh reality of the apocalypse had robbed them of even the most basic luxuries. For people who hadn''t seen lights at night in years, this was a rare and joyous sight. "Ah! There''s electricity! There''s power!"


    Cheers erupted among the group as they abandoned their campfires and rushed toward the illuminated building, their faces glowing with excitement. "Shh! Quiet down!" Hunter barked, trying to calm them. "What if you attract zombies?"


    Not far away, Zack, who had just finished connecting the main cable to the reactor, overheard the commotion. He shook his head silently. These people were celebrating too early. The power was temporary¡ªwhen Zack left, the reactor would be returned to its original place. Nothing here was going to be left behind for them. "Let''s go see what''s waiting for us downstairs," Zack muttered, ignoring the cheers. He motioned for ten Fearless Warriors to follow him and headed into the building.


    Leaving most of the Fearless Warriors stationed outside, Zack entered the building with the selected group. As they moved through the corridors, Zack began noticing details he had overlooked earlier. "The first floor''s ceiling height is unusually high," Zack said, his voice cold.


    Most buildings had an average height of three meters, barely enough for the Fearless Warriors to move around without crouching. But here, the ceilings were 3.7 meters high, allowing the towering warriors to move with only a slight tilt of their heads. Even the corridors were designed to be unnaturally tall and wide, as though the space was deliberately built for giants. "It''s almost like this place was designed with us in mind," Zack sneered as he approached a wall at the end of the corridor. There were no visible buttons or panels¡ªnothing to indicate an entrance.


    "Open it," Zack commanded. Ego, who had already infiltrated the building''s systems, responded instantly. The wall buzzed and slid open, revealing an enormous elevator shaft. However, there was no elevator, just a dark, gaping void.


    "Four to five times the size of a normal elevator shaft," Zack noted, stepping closer to peer inside. Using the night vision feature on his armor, he could see the wreckage of a destroyed elevator wedged halfway down the shaft. It was surrounded by twisted metal and debris.


    "They blew up the elevator," Zack muttered. "Was this to keep people out... or to trap something inside?" He frowned, trying to piece it together. Regardless of the reason, he would soon find out. "Go down and check it out," Zack ordered, stepping back from the edge.


    "Yes, sir!" A Fearless Warrior stepped forward and leapt into the shaft without hesitation. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    BAM! The warrior landed on the elevator wreckage with a resounding crash, the impact dislodging the debris and sending it sliding downward. Sparks flew as the metal scraped against the shaft''s walls, before crashing to the bottom with a thunderous noise. "Entrance is clear!" the Fearless Warrior reported after cutting through the wreckage with its chain sword.


    One by one, Zack and the remaining warriors descended into the shaft, their heavy landings reverberating through the underground structure. When they emerged, they found themselves in a vast corridor.


    The space was massive¡ªfar larger than the building above had suggested. The walls and floors were smooth and reflective, almost polished. The corridor was wide enough for several Fearless Warriors to walk side by side, with plenty of clearance above their heads. "Quite the setup," Zack remarked as he began walking down the corridor. The base''s power supply was offline, leaving the area in complete darkness, but Zack''s Apex armor and the searchlights on the Fearless Warriors made it easy to navigate.


    "Sir, analysis suggests this is a biological laboratory," Ego reported. "There''s evidence of extensive experimental equipment nearby."


    "Biological lab?" Zack''s tone held a hint of curiosity. "Maybe we''ll find a new kind of Night Stalker down here."


    As if on cue, the guttural roar of the creature echoed through the corridor, louder and much closer than before. "Roar~~~" Zack followed the sound, eventually entering a massive laboratory that spanned several hundred square meters. The moment he stepped inside, the stench of rotting flesh hit him like a wave.


    "Turn off smell feedback," Zack ordered. The foul odor disappeared instantly as his armor filtered it out. Meanwhile, the Fearless Warriors activated their searchlights, illuminating the dark room. The laboratory was in complete disarray, with overturned tables and shattered equipment scattered across the floor.


    On the operating tables, scattered remnants of tools, stained from long use, surrounded a rotting corpse of unknown origin. The ground and walls bore layers of dried blood, telling stories of violence. "Sir, there was a fight here," Ego''s voice echoed.


    "I can see that," Zack replied, stepping cautiously. Bullet casings littered the ground, and the walls were riddled with holes, evidence of a chaotic battle.


    As his eyes scanned the area, Zack noticed a relatively intact corpse lying face down in a white coat near another corridor''s entrance. It was positioned oddly, almost deliberate. He stepped closer but halted when he noticed something unusual underneath it. "Trap," Zack said sharply, raising his hand. Without hesitation, his palm cannon charged.


    Boom! A burst of energy hit the corpse, blasting it apart into decayed chunks. But just as the remains scattered, a loud roar erupted from behind the body. From the shadows of the corridor, a figure shot forward¡ªswift, almost ghostlike.

 Chapter 170: Night Stalkers Nest?

    Chapter 170 - Night Stalkers Nest?Zack barely had time to react. His arms instinctively raised, releasing twin particle beams that illuminated the lab in blinding flashes. The shots missed, slamming into the walls and leaving smoldering craters. But the brief light revealed the creature.


    It was humanoid but grotesquely decayed, its pale skin stretched tightly over a skeletal frame. Slender limbs moved unnaturally, and its pale, glowing eyes seemed to burn with intent. Spines jutted from its back, and its elongated arms morphed into flexible, tentacle-like appendages. As it moved, the creature used its arms to latch onto walls, evading attacks with uncanny agility.


    "Roar!" The creature''s jaw stretched wide, unnaturally so, its dislocated mouth seemingly able to engulf a human head. Yet it hesitated, observing Zack and his team with unsettling intelligence. "Oh, great. You''re uglier than I thought," Zack muttered, disgust flickering across his face. He waved off the idea of dealing with it personally. "Alright, line up. Push it back. Keep it alive if you can."


    The fearless warriors immediately responded, pulling saw-chain swords from their backs. The lab filled with the grinding sound of the blades spinning to life. A wall of ten warriors began advancing methodically, cutting through anything in their path.


    The creature snarled, stepping back, before spitting a stream of acidic green liquid. The corrosive spit splattered onto one warrior''s armor, sizzling and eating away at the alloy. But the armor was thick enough to withstand the assault, and the warriors continued their advance undeterred. "When did these things start spitting acid?" Zack muttered, narrowing his eyes.


    The creature, frustrated by its failed attack, roared again and lunged. Its tentacle-like arms swung with lethal precision, claws slicing deep into the armor of one warrior, leaving jagged marks. "Target''s position changed," a warrior noted calmly, reacting with trained precision.


    The two warriors at the flanks moved swiftly, cutting off the creature''s retreat. "Block its escape route!" one barked. The remaining three advanced, their saw-chain swords forming an impenetrable line. The creature growled, its glowing eyes darting between them, calculating an escape. Realizing it was trapped, it launched into a desperate attack.


    "Roar!" In a blur of motion, it darted forward, aiming for one of the warriors. Despite their size and heavy armor, the creature''s speed allowed it to dodge the slashing blades. It collided with a warrior''s chest with a resounding crash, forcing the massive soldier to stagger back.


    "Damn, it''s strong," Zack muttered. His expression darkened.


    Taking the chance, the Night Stalker jumped onto the wall, dropped to all fours, and bolted toward the corridor, aiming to escape. But then¡ª Buzz¡ª! A red laser cut through the air.


    Thud! Thud! The Night Stalker, mid-sprint along the wall, suddenly stopped as its body split cleanly into two halves. Both chunks hit the ground with a sickening thud. "No matter how fast you are, you''re not faster than light," Zack muttered. He calmly detached the disposable battery from his laser emitter and tossed it onto the severed remains of the creature.


    "Arghhhh!" The halved Night Stalker writhed on the ground, its guttural screams echoing through the lab. It didn''t pay attention to Zack or the fearless warriors. Its pale eyes fixated on the corridor at the far end of the laboratory, even as its worm-like entrails spilled from its torso and squirmed briefly before going still in the open air.


    "Sir, based on its performance, this one''s far beyond ordinary Night Stalkers!" Ego''s voice chimed in. "Its strength rivals that of a fearless warrior, and its speed is almost at your level!"


    "You''re missing one detail, Ego," Zack said coldly. "It''s smarter than the rest." He took a step toward the bisected creature. Suddenly¡ª "Roar!" Another deep, guttural cry echoed from the corridor ahead. It was strange, almost like a woman crying.


    Zack stopped, a strange thought crossing his mind. "Hey, Zack, do you think zombies... can feel emotions?"


    Zack scoffed, but Ego chimed in before he could reply. "Sir, any creature with high intelligence has the potential for emotions."


    "That''s not exactly comforting," Zack muttered, his expression growing darker. Something about this situation felt increasingly off. He didn''t know what the Vanguard organization had done to these Night Stalkers, but whatever it was, it wasn''t good.


    "Stay here. Don''t let anything¡ªor anyone¡ªget out," Zack ordered.


    "Yes, sir!" The ten fearless warriors responded in unison, their voices booming through the confined underground lab like thunder.


    "Ego, full scan mode," Zack instructed as he stepped alone toward the corridor. Real-time data flooded his HUD through the Apex''s display, even picking up a cockroach scuttling across the floor.


    "This place had living quarters," Zack noted aloud as he progressed. Midway down the corridor, two paths split off¡ªone leading to dormitories, the other to a lounge area. He inspected both. The dormitory was a chaotic mess, with discarded items littering the floor and bloodstains marking every surface. The lounge area was no better. Bullet casings and more blood painted a grim picture of the events that had unfolded.


    "Looks like they abandoned this base because something went wrong in the lab," Zack muttered after inspecting a corpse.


    "Likely, sir," Ego responded. "There''s a lot of data left in the lab. We might find answers there." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Not yet. Let''s deal with the remaining Night Stalkers first," Zack replied. He returned to the main corridor and continued forward.


    Suddenly, Ego''s voice warned, "Multiple fast-moving humanoid entities detected!"


    Boom! Boom!


    Two particle beams fired from Zack''s palms, lighting up the dark corridor. The shots hit two small figures dead-on, their heads bursting like overripe melons.


    "Roar! Roar!" The surviving figures scattered, their shrieks echoing as they fled. Zack stepped closer to inspect the remains and froze.


    The two bodies were small¡ªchildlike. The Night Stalkers he''d just killed were no taller than a child, their bone spurs only partially developed. Zack''s expression hardened. "If zombies are smart, that''s bad enough. But if they can reproduce... I''ve got a bad feeling about this," he muttered. Before Ego could respond, a deafening roar erupted from the end of the corridor. It was high-pitched and angry, carrying a primal rage that made the walls vibrate.


    The next moment, a massive black shadow barreled toward him, reeking of rot and decay. Zack, thankfully, had scent feedback turned off. As the shadow rushed closer, Zack fired two palm cannons without hesitation.


    Boom! Boom! The beams hit the creature, tearing through its flesh and spilling dark blood everywhere. But the beast barely slowed. With an ear-splitting roar, it lunged, claws extended, aiming directly for Zack.


    "Bring it on!" Zack growled. He deactivated the palm cannons, clenched his fist, and met the attack head-on. His punch connected with a sickening crunch, sending shockwaves down the corridor. The impact was like a freight train hitting a wall.


    Boom! The creature flew backward, its massive body slamming into the far wall. Bone and flesh splattered across the corridor as its claws shattered on impact.

 Chapter 171: Night Queen

    Chapter 171 - Night QueenZack stood his ground, flexing his fingers. "Did you catch all that, Ego?" his attacks was so decisive that he hadn''t gotten a clear look at the shadowy figure.


    "Sir, the 3D model is ready," Ego''s voice chimed in, pulling up a holographic projection. The scan revealed the shadow was humanoid¡ªstanding an imposing five meters tall. Its size was too large for the corridor, forcing it to crawl on all fours like a beast. The creature resembled a grotesque, enlarged version of a female Night Stalker, but with a horrifying twist. Its lower body bulged into a swollen, spider-like abdomen, covered with fist-sized tumors.


    Inside each tumor, curled up like fetuses, were smaller Night Stalkers. "Just great. My worst fears confirmed," Zack muttered as he stepped forward, his face grim. He barked an order to the fearless warriors stationed at the other end of the corridor: "Do not let anything escape. No exceptions!"


    "Yes, sir!" they replied, their voices echoing like thunder in the narrow space. Zack continued down the corridor, which opened into a larger room. The area was filled with rows of cultivation tanks and petri dishes, most shattered or spilling their gruesome contents across the floor.


    The moment Zack entered, sharp roars erupted around him. His HUD lit up, marking several thin figures sprinting toward him. Zack, prepared for the ambush, uncoiled an electromagnetic whip from his belt. The whip sparked and crackled as it activated, radiating heat hot enough to slice through steel.


    With one smooth motion, he swung the whip in a wide arc. The electrified cord cut through the oncoming shadows effortlessly, severing them at the waist. Their bisected bodies collapsed to the ground with sickening thuds. "Roar!" A piercing scream echoed from the far end of the room. This time, the voice sounded weak, almost desperate.


    "Looks like it''s time to meet the real boss," Zack muttered, gripping the crackling whip tightly as he moved toward the sound. The light from the whip illuminated the space ahead, and Zack finally got a good look at the massive creature. It matched the scan results, but now it was visibly battered. Both arms hung limply, broken from the earlier impact. Bone spurs jutted out at odd angles, and blood covered its mangled body.


    Despite its injuries, the creature exuded an air of menace. Zack didn''t care. "Ego, start a scan," he ordered coldly, stepping closer.


    "Roar!" The creature''s hollow eyes fixated on Zack. It let out a guttural cry and spat a stream of acid at him.


    Crack! Zack snapped the whip without hesitation, striking the creature''s jaw. The electrified cord tore through flesh and bone, ripping off half its chin. The acid meant for Zack spilled harmlessly onto the creature itself, though it seemed immune to its own corrosive attack.


    The creature let out a distorted, ear-piercing scream. Then, it did something Zack didn''t expect. "You... I... save..." it rasped, its voice garbled and wet, as though it were choking on its own fluids.


    Zack froze, stunned. "Did you hear that, Ego? It just... spoke!"


    This was the first time Zack had encountered a Night Stalker capable of speech. "Sir, the scan is complete," Ego replied. "And there''s more. This creature¡ªtemporary designation: Night Queen¡ªis carrying two types of Zeta in its body."


    "Go on," Zack said, his gaze locked on the grotesque figure in front of him.


    "One strain is the standard Zeta responsible for the infection. The other is an ancient variant, recently discovered in the Freshwater Banshee. The combination has granted the Night Queen significant growth potential. She''s asexual and capable of producing offspring without a mate." Ego''s tone turned serious. "This level of threat is unprecedented. Recommend immediate termination."


    "I was already planning on it," Zack replied, his voice cold. He took a step closer, still gripping the whip.


    "Can you understand me?" he asked, addressing the Night Queen directly.


    "Save... I... escape..." it rasped again, its voice shrill and broken.


    "She''s imitating," Ego observed. "She''s copying the words she''s heard." Zack nodded slowly, realizing Ego was right. The creature wasn''t truly speaking¡ªit was mimicking human language. Even so, its ability to imitate speech so quickly hinted at a terrifying level of intelligence.


    "With enough time, it might actually learn to talk," Zack muttered, a shadow passing over his face. "But too bad... you''re out of time." The Night Queen let out another chilling scream, her swollen abdomen pulsing as if trying to produce more offspring. Zack didn''t hesitate. Raising his right arm, he aimed the laser emitter at the creature.


    "Save..." the Night Queen rasped one final time. Although the creature uttered words that sounded like a plea for mercy, its snarling face and furious, hate-filled eyes betrayed its true emotions. It wasn''t begging¡ªit was consumed by an overwhelming hatred, the kind only a mother could feel after losing her young. Before now, zombies only killed out of instinct, driven by an unrelenting hunger for flesh. But this was different. For the first time, Zack was witnessing a zombie roar at a human out of sheer hatred. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The next moment, a red laser beam sliced through the air, cleanly cutting the Night Queen''s head in two. Her grotesque face froze in place for a second before the top half of her head fell to the floor, rolling twice before stopping at Zack''s feet. Her massive body collapsed against the wall, twitching a few times before falling still. But just as Zack thought it was over, several black tumors on her bloated abdomen burst open.


    From inside, a dozen or more underdeveloped Night Stalker embryos spilled out. Small and incomplete, they instinctively began tearing through the Queen''s flesh and feasting on her remains. Among the writhing mass, Zack spotted a juvenile Night Queen, smaller but already showing signs of its deadly potential.


    "No wonder the Vanguard Organization abandoned this place," Zack muttered grimly. "If even one of these things escaped..." The thought made his stomach churn. The Night Queen wasn''t just another zombie; she was something more. A new species. One that could potentially surpass and replace humanity. Zack turned toward the corridor. "Send in reinforcements. I want every last Night Stalker in this lab wiped out. No survivors!"


    "Yes, sir!" came the swift response as a group of fearless warriors moved in, their heavy footsteps echoing through the space. They began systematically clearing out the embryonic Night Stalkers, their saw-chain swords roaring to life.


    While they handled the cleanup, Zack moved deeper into the underground base. His search soon led him to a pile of scattered documents, hastily packed but ultimately abandoned. Bloodstains smeared across some of the pages hinted at a violent interruption. "Sir, you should take a look at this," Ego said, highlighting key sections of the documents via holographic projection.

 Chapter 172: Researcher’s Note

    Chapter 172 - Researcher''s NoteZack picked up one of the marked files, his eyes narrowing as he read the title.


    ***


    Scientific Report: Ancient Zeta Transformation Project


    Project Overview


    The Ancient Zeta Transformation Project explores the potential integration of Ancient Zeta, a bio-organic compound of unknown origin, into various hosts to analyze its effects on cellular and physiological transformations. This report summarizes key experiments, observations, and outcomes.


    Experiment 1


    Subject: Ordinary zombie (Runner class)


    Objective: To test Ancient Zeta integration on a reanimated subject with heightened metabolic activity.


    Procedure: The compound was injected directly into the subject''s circulatory system under controlled conditions.


    Results:


    Initial response showed heightened aggression and bloodthirst, consistent with baseline metabolic stimulation.


    Subject experienced violent convulsions within 15 minutes post-injection.


    Observed excretion of viscous black fluid from the oral cavity.


    Rapid cellular disintegration occurred, resulting in total decomposition within 30 minutes.


    Conclusion: The zombie physiology was unable to stabilize Ancient Zeta integration. Further testing on reanimated subjects is not recommended.


    Experiment 2


    Subject: Awake human male (age: 32, physically fit)


    Objective: To test the viability of Ancient Zeta integration on a conscious human host.


    Procedure: The compound was administered via intravenous injection under medical sedation.


    Results: S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Subject lost consciousness within five minutes.


    Observable symptoms included:


    Severe alopecia (hair loss).


    Secretion of viscous black fluid from pores and orifices.


    Formation of a hardened black carapace over the epidermis.


    Physical deformities resembling aquatic species (notably fish and crustaceans) emerged within one hour.


    Subject regained semi-consciousness and displayed hostile behavior.


    Containment was breached, resulting in 3 fatalities and extensive property damage.


    Conclusion: Ancient Zeta causes rapid physiological mutations incompatible with human biological structure, resulting in extreme aggression and structural instability.


    Experiment 3


    Subjects: Two live Night Stalkers (classified as Mother Bodies for their high regenerative capacity and adaptability).


    Objective: To analyze Ancient Zeta effects on advanced regenerative hosts.


    Procedure: Intravenous injection of Ancient Zeta compound into both subjects.


    Results:


    Black fluid secretion observed on both subjects within 10 minutes.


    Development of abdominal tumors within 48 hours. Tumors later identified as containing life forms (codenamed 01-1 and 02-1).


    Attempt to surgically extract 01-1 led to:


    Tumor rupture.


    Violent containment breach, resulting in 12 fatalities.


    Subject-1 was eventually subdued but displayed irreversible mutations and heightened hostility.


    Subject-2 remained docile and exhibited an IQ comparable to that of a 10-year-old child.


    Communication established via basic sign language.


    Additional Notes:


    Subject-2 was selected for advanced testing due to its unique cognitive and behavioral characteristics.


    During transit for further research, Subject-2 breached containment. Current status and location: unknown.


    Researcher''s Note


    At the bottom of the final page of the report, an additional note was written by an unnamed researcher: "We were deceived by that beast."


    Analysis: This cryptic statement suggests that Subject-2 or a related entity may possess deceptive intelligence or capabilities beyond initial observations. Further investigation is necessary to determine the implications of this claim.


    ***


    Zack''s expression darkened. The implications were chilling. "So... there''s more than one Night Queen," Zack muttered. His voice was grim as he turned to Ego. "Am I reading this right? One of them escaped?"


    "I''m afraid so, sir," Ego replied, its tone heavy with unease.


    Zack clenched his fists, anger flaring. "Idiots! They let it go?!" This was the angriest Zack had been in a long time. Before this, his conflict with the Vanguard Organization was mostly due to Black Hand''s provocations. But with Black Hand dead and both the Black Hand and the other bases destroyed, Zack''s grudge against them had largely faded. He didn''t hate the Vanguard Organization¡ªhe simply found them distasteful.


    But this? This was different. "They want to shift the blame for their own mess onto us," Zack muttered coldly, his voice laced with icy anger.


    The Night Queen wasn''t just their problem. Her existence threatened everyone on the continent. "Ego, speed up production on Aegis. We''re going to need it sooner than expected," Zack said calmly. Despite the measured tone, the chill in his voice was unmistakable.


    After thoroughly combing the underground base to ensure nothing critical was left behind, Zack led the fearless warriors back the way they had come. Before leaving, he deployed several micro-missiles from his suit. Setting the detonation timer, he flew up the elevator shaft using his armor''s propulsion system, bypassing the steel cables the fearless warriors above had prepared.


    One by one, the fearless warriors were hauled up after him. Once everyone was out, the earth trembled violently.


    Boom!


    The foundation of the building gave way, collapsing into a cloud of smoke and dust. What had once been a dangerous research base was now nothing but rubble. "Sir! The building¡ª!" Hunter and his group ran over in a panic, fearing Zack had been buried beneath the debris. Relief washed over their faces when they saw him standing unharmed.


    Zack didn''t bother acknowledging their concerns. "I''ve done my part. This place is yours now," he said to Hunter without turning around.


    "Wait, sir, are you leaving already?" Hunter stammered, startled.


    "What? You want to stop me?" Zack asked with a raised brow, his tone sharp.


    "N-no! Of course not!" Hunter stuttered, shaking his head frantically. But as Zack prepared to leave, Hunter gathered his courage. "It''s just... my sister..."


    "I''ll take her with me. But as for you, you''re staying here," Zack said plainly.


    Hunter nodded eagerly, his relief palpable. "That''s more than enough! Thank you, sir!"


    What Hunter didn''t realize was that Zack''s willingness to take his sister had nothing to do with favoritism. To Zack, emotions had no place in survival. If Hunter had known him better, he would''ve realized that even if Zack took his sister in, it didn''t mean he cared about Hunter himself. "Take this communicator," Zack said, tossing the device to Hunter. "If you see anything unusual, especially any strange zombies, contact me immediately."


    Unbeknownst to Hunter, this wasn''t an act of kindness¡ªit was strategy. If the escaped Night Queen had emotions, she might return to save her companions, giving Zack an opportunity to track her down. "Of course! I won''t let you down!" Hunter said enthusiastically, catching the communicator. He thought Zack was showing him favor. Little did he know, he was just being used as bait.


    After handing over the communicator, Zack took Luna, who seemed completely bewildered by the situation, and left the Alaska Base with the fearless warriors.


    By the time they returned to NYC Base, it was already late at night. The base was quiet, but many areas remained brightly lit. Main roads were illuminated thanks to inexhaustible clean energy¡ªone of the few luxuries humanity still enjoyed. While the survivors slept, Zack''s mechanical army patrolled tirelessly, ensuring the base''s safety. "Ego, station the fearless warriors along the riverside defense line," Zack instructed Ego.


    "Understood, sir," came the reply. As the fearless warriors disembarked, Zack took Luna, who had fallen asleep during the journey, back to the mansion district.

 Chapter 173: Apex Mk 2

    Chapter 173 - Apex Mk 2Tribeca was as peaceful as ever. Streetlights glowed softly, and even the mansion that had previously burned down had been fully restored. The high walls surrounding the community concealed hidden defensive systems¡ªlaser turrets and high-voltage rods¡ªthough their presence wasn''t obvious. On the surface, Tribeca looked like a luxury neighborhood untouched by the apocalypse. "Wake up," Zack said as the Avalon landed on the community''s tarmac.


    "Huh?" Luna stirred, rubbing her eyes as she groggily stepped off the jet. For a moment, the unfamiliar surroundings scared her, but she quickly calmed down when she saw Zack nearby.


    "Sir..." she murmured nervously, glancing around. The luxurious mansions caught her eye immediately, their bright lights and pristine appearance contrasting starkly with the devastation she was used to. Her expression softened¡ªnot with greed, but with awe. After so long in the harsh, unforgiving apocalypse, she had almost forgotten what peace looked like.


    "Sir... is this where you live?" she asked timidly, her voice barely above a whisper. Luna stared at the luxurious mansions in shock. She couldn''t help but notice something surreal¡ªthere wasn''t a single zombie roar here.


    A cool breeze swept past, carrying the fresh scent of dew from the grass instead of the rancid stench of decay she''d grown used to. "This will be your home now," Zack said, pointing to mansion No. 10. His voice was steady but firm. "Head there. There are three girls living there¡ªget to know them." He paused, then added, "mansion No. 9 is where I live. That''s where you''ll be working from now on. And yes, your work will include... everything."


    His words were blunt, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Luna''s cheeks flushed instantly. She stammered softly, "I... I understand."


    "It''s late. Go get some rest," Zack said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "mansion No. 10 has plenty of empty rooms. Pick whichever one you like."


    "Good night, sir," Luna mumbled, bowing slightly before nervously walking toward mansion No. 10. She opened the door cautiously, trying not to make noise and disturb the other occupants. She needn''t have worried. The girls in the mansion¡ªlong accustomed to the safety of this haven¡ªslept soundly. Unlike most survivors in the apocalypse, who were constantly on edge, they no longer startled awake at the slightest sound.


    "Good night," Zack murmured to himself, watching her retreat into the mansion. He shook his head with a faint, bitter smile. "If I had any superpower," he muttered under his breath, "it''d be immortality... and never feeling sleepy."


    With that, he turned and headed toward the basement of mansion No. 9. Zack took the elevator down to the second underground floor¡ªa space he hadn''t visited in a while. It had once been the former owner''s private collection room but was now repurposed as a showroom for Zack''s armor.


    As the elevator doors opened, his eyes landed on the riveted, clunky MV-01 armor, the first suit he had ever built. Next to it stood the MV-02, modified into a prototype war machine. Following that was the MV-02W The Titan Armor wasn''t here¡ªit was still in active use and too large to fit in the showroom. "Time to add the Apex," Zack said to himself. He walked to an empty display stand and removed the armor, which had served him longer than any other suit.


    Apex was a beast¡ªa firepower machine loaded with over a hundred micro-missiles. It had been upgraded multiple times, evolving into a reliable war asset. But its reliance on physical ammunition was starting to feel outdated. "Ego, send me the Apex Mk-2 schematics," Zack said as he placed the Apex onto the stand and turned toward the elevator.


    By the time the sun rose the next day, Zack stood in the dimly lit basement, surrounded by a dazzling sea of holographic projections. Blueprints and intricate 3D models of armor components floated around him. His hands moved, guiding the projections as lines of code and technical schematics scrolled rapidly in the background. "Adjust the beam emitter for variable firing modes," he muttered, tweaking the projection of a sleek energy cannon. A burst of light simulated the weapon''s functionality, demonstrating a shift between rapid bursts and a high-powered precision shot.


    "Increase the shooting frequency," he continued, dragging a virtual slider. The simulated weapon pulsed at intervals so rapid the air itself seemed to hum.


    "Keep only the anti-fortification missiles and fortress penetrators," Zack said, swiping his hand to delete secondary weaponry. Explosions rippled across the projection as the updated missile schematics showed destructive power designed to pierce through reinforced structures.


    "Add the Singulium reactor..." His eyes gleamed as the hologram morphed. "Streamline the armor design and compress the structure." He pinched and rotated the 3D model, narrowing bulky plates and refining the exoskeleton. The once-rigid design became a seamless blend of strength and agility, interlocked with nanostructures that could adapt to impact stress.


    "Apply the optical camouflage coating," Zack finished, layering a translucent film over the armor. The coating shimmered as the hologram demonstrated its cloaking ability, bending light to render the suit invisible. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Piece by piece, Zack reshaped the Apex Mk-2 template provided by Ego, turning it into a marvel of engineering. He wasn''t done. In the heart of the hologram, Zack implemented toroidal force-field generator. It appeared as a circular array embedded in the armore, its simulated energy arcs forming a magnetic confinement system. Borrowing principles from magnetic resonance technology, the generator emitted an adaptive energy shield capable of deflecting projectiles and dispersing kinetic energy on impact. With a flick of his fingers, Zack activated the simulation. The force field flared to life, absorbing simulated strikes and nullifying them in bursts of dispersed energy.


    The result was no longer just the Apex Mk-2. It was a hybrid, combining the best features of multiple suits into a single, versatile, and battle-ready design. "This isn''t just another armor," Zack said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Alright, that''s everything," Zack said aloud.


    At his command, the holographic projections of the armor parts began moving into position. Despite their intangible nature, the simulated assembly sounded satisfyingly real, as if the pieces were physically clicking into place.


    Soon, the image of a sleek, unpainted suit of armor appeared before him. Its design was a masterpiece of streamlined curves and sharp transitions, radiating a muscular, mechanical elegance. The overall look gave off the vibe of a high-performance supercar¡ªonly wearable. "A Ferrari you can wear," Zack mused, impressed by the design.


    "Good. Now, for the color..." He paused, then smiled. "Let''s go with red and gold."


    "For someone who likes stealth, that''s a bold choice," Ego remarked, a hint of sarcasm in its tone.


    Zack smirked. "Don''t worry, Ego. By the time the enemy sees me, they''ll already be dead." The armor featured optical camouflage coating and reflective stealth technology, rendering it invisible to both the naked eye and radar. Its vibrant paint job was more of a statement than a liability.


    "Now for the name..." Zack hesitated. "Forget it. Let''s call it Apex Mk-2 for now," he decided. "We''ll deal with the naming when we reach the next milestone."

 Chapter 174: Terror Spider

    Chapter 174 - Terror Spider"Apex Mk-2, officially recorded," Ego confirmed.


    "How long until it''s ready?" Zack asked.


    "Approximately five days," Ego replied.


    "Same as Aegis?" Zack raised an eyebrow before letting out a soft chuckle. "Perfect timing." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With that, Zack shut off the holographic displays and headed upstairs. The next few days would be spent resting and working on smaller projects, like finalizing the designs for his new mechanical spiders and upgrading the Titan Armor.


    Four days later. Both Aegis and the Apex Mk-2 armor were nearing completion, and NYC Base had undergone significant changes. Over 700 fearless warriors had been outfitted with power armor and saw-chain swords, creating a force capable of conquering half the region''s medium-sized bases. Meanwhile, the mechanical army had grown substantially. Ten new Goliath drones had been added, and the number of unmanned aerial armors had reached 55, forming a formidable air force.


    However, the numbers of the older mechanical beasts¡ªthe poisonous spiders and mechanical dogs¡ªhad decreased. The mechanical dogs, responsible for patrol and security, were capped at 300 units. Only 100 poisonous spiders remained, most of which had been dispatched to the northern base.


    At NYC Base, only Annie''s Tarantula mech remained as a spider-like robot. Despite these changes, Zack hadn''t been idle. While taking time to rest and interact with the girls at the mansion, he had also made several advancements.


    The Titan armor was now equipped with a force field generator, capable of withstanding electromagnetic railgun attacks. Additionally, Zack had upgraded the Singulium reactor. The new design implemented multi-phase energy harvesting, a process inspired by fusion reactor systems. By optimizing the reactor''s plasma flow, electromagnetic fields were synchronized with nanosecond precision, allowing more efficient energy transfer from the superheated Singulium core to the reactor''s output channels. This reduced energy loss through heat dissipation and maximized usable power. The result was a staggering 50% increase in power output¡ªenough to meet the Apex Mk-2''s demanding laser systems while leaving additional reserves for auxiliary functions.


    "No," Zack replied, shaking his head. "We''ll wait for the Apex Mk-2 to be ready tomorrow and test it then." He carefully placed the Singulium v2 reactor into its dedicated storage unit, locking it securely in place. "Is the new spider ready?" Zack asked, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation.


    "The prototype has been constructed. Should I activate it for testing?" Ego asked.


    "Send the prototype to the testing site," Zack instructed. After a moment''s thought, he added, "And get Annie to join us. I want to see which one''s better¡ªher spider mech or my new spider."


    "Understood. Miss Annie has been notified," Ego confirmed.


    With that settled, Zack exited the basement and walked to the underground parking lot of the neighboring mansion. Moments later, the roar of a Ferrari''s engine shattered the silence as the sleek supercar tore out of the garage, sparks flying as it scraped the ground. "There''s definitely something wrong with the suspension," Zack muttered, shaking his head as he floored the accelerator.


    The deserted streets were perfect for racing. With his reflexes enhanced to thirteen times those of a normal human, Zack pushed the Ferrari to its limits, coaxing every ounce of performance from the car. At one point, the speedometer climbed past 300 kilometers per hour.


    The brakes glowed red-hot under the strain of sudden stops, but Zack grinned, relishing the thrill. "Driving really is something else," he said, laughing as the scenery blurred outside the windows. While his armor allowed him to reach speeds of Mach 8 or even Mach 10, flying through the air never gave him the same rush. Up there, there were no reference points¡ªjust endless space. But on the ground, the roaring engine and the flashing scenery created a visceral sense of speed that was utterly exhilarating.


    Zack''s joyride continued until he approached the testing site. As he rounded a sharp corner near the final stretch, the uneven road threw the Ferrari off balance. The car, traveling at nearly 300 kilometers per hour, spun out of control. Despite Zack''s lightning-fast reactions, he wasn''t a professional racer. There was only so much skill could do to save a supercar on the verge of disaster.


    Boom! With a deafening crash, the Ferrari slammed into a tree by the roadside. The impact sent shards of carbon fiber flying as the car disintegrated into a fiery wreck. Zack, who hadn''t bothered with a seatbelt, was flung through the windshield. He soared dozens of meters before landing, rolling instinctively to disperse the impact. When he stood up, his clothes weren''t even wrinkled. "Well, I guess Ferrari lives up to the hype," Zack said casually, brushing a few leaves off his shoulders. He glanced at the burning wreckage but didn''t bother giving it a second thought. With a shrug, he turned and began walking toward the test site.


    Annie, already at the site, heard the crash and quickly drove her Tarantula to investigate. "Big brother! Are you okay?" she called out, her voice filled with worry as she spotted Zack and the smoldering remains of the car.


    "I''m fine," Zack replied nonchalantly. "That thing didn''t stand a chance against me." As he spoke, his eyes drifted to Annie''s mech. The Tarantula had undergone significant upgrades, thanks to Zack''s occasional technical assistance. Its sharp, angular design had been replaced with smoother, more aerodynamic curves to enhance flight performance. The mech''s frame now had a feminine elegance, accentuated by its reddish-pink color scheme.


    The spider-like appendages had also been redesigned to allow upright movement, giving the Tarantula a more humanoid gait. Of course, the original quadruped mode remained intact, enabling it to operate independently of Annie when needed. Unbeknownst to Annie, Zack had embedded a hidden override system into the Tarantula, allowing him to take control of the mech at any time. His authority over the machine was absolute. "It looks decent, but I''m not sure it''s a match for my scary robot," Zack said, deliberately provoking her.


    "Hmph! Tarantula is definitely better than your ugly robot!" Annie retorted, pouting.


    Zack smirked. "I guess we''ll find out soon enough. Let''s have a little competition." Without waiting for a response, he turned and began climbing the mountain. The mountain was now a wasteland of craters and debris, with only the northern slope remaining intact. A newly constructed road wound its way up to a platform halfway up the mountain, where Zack''s new spider awaited. When Zack saw it for the first time, he couldn''t help but nod in approval. "It''s even more impressive in person," he murmured.


    The Terror Spider, Zack''s latest creation and successor to the spider, stood at an imposing height of three meters, with a curb weight exceeding a ton. Over half of that weight came from its sheer arsenal of weaponry.


    In terms of design, the Terror Spider couldn''t be more different from Annie''s Tarantula. While Tarantula''s rounded, aerodynamic form resembled a cartoonish spider, the Terror Spider leaned into the menacing and mechanical look of a real spider. Its steel frame stood firm on four mechanical legs, prioritizing stability. Beyond its limbs, the robot was equipped with two additional mechanical arms on its torso. These were mounted with an array of machine guns, missile launchers, and other traditional weapons.

 Chapter 175: Terror Spider Vs Tarantula

    Chapter 175 - Terror Spider Vs TarantulaThe Terror Spider lacked any kind of paint or polish. To streamline production, unimportant mechanical components were left exposed, while only the core areas¡ªhousing the battery and control chip¡ªwere reinforced with armor plating. Yet this didn''t make it fragile. The exposed parts were deliberately non-critical, designed to ensure the robot could keep fighting even after sustaining damage. And with its overwhelming firepower, getting close to it was nearly impossible. Zack had packed every conceivable conventional weapon into this beast, from armor-piercing rounds to high-explosive bombs. The result was a devastatingly powerful relic of the gunpowder age, ready to dominate any battlefield.


    "Alright, big brother, how are we doing this?" Annie asked as she hopped out of Tarantula, tilting her head smugly. "No matter how we compare, Tarantula is obviously the best." As if echoing her confidence, Tarantula displayed a heart-shaped smile on its emotional interface.


    "Let''s compare firepower," Zack said with a grin. He pointed to two hills in the distance, divided by the scars of a space-based cannon blast. "See those? Each one is about the same height¡ªroughly 300 meters." He smirked. "Pick a hill. After ten minutes, whoever has the lower hilltop wins."


    "Firepower?" Annie''s confident grin faltered, her shoulders slumping as she eyed the Terror Spider''s array of weaponry. The sight of its massive gun barrels didn''t help her confidence. "Uh, big brother... How about we start with mobility instead?" Annie asked sheepishly.


    "Mobility?" Zack knocked her lightly on the head with a knuckle. "You''ve got flight capabilities. How is that even a fair comparison?"


    "Ow!" Annie rubbed her head, pouting. "Fine, I''ll take the hill on the right," she grumbled, clearly feeling cornered.


    "Perfect. I''ll take the left," Zack said. With that, Zack gave the activation command. The Terror Spider, which had been dormant until now, came to life with the whir of servos and clanking metal. It immediately began ascending the hill, each step deliberate as it searched for the optimal firing position.


    Annie, not to be outdone, climbed back into Tarantula. Her mech quickly took off, its boosters igniting as it sprinted up the other hill.


    Zack reached a prime vantage point and called out, "Countdown starts now¡ªthree, two, one... go!" The moment he said "go," Tarantula leaped into the air, its propulsion wings unfolding to stabilize its flight. Hovering over the hill, Annie unleashed a barrage of firepower.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Missiles streaked through the air, detonating across the hilltop in a chain of explosions. The blasts echoed through the valley, scattering dust and debris. Meanwhile, the Terror Spider didn''t bother with anything fancy. It firmly planted itself at a vantage point, transforming into a stationary weapon platform.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    A relentless hailstorm of armor-piercing shells, depleted Graphene rounds, high-explosive grenades, and micro-missiles poured down on the opposing hill. The sheer volume of firepower turned the mountainside into a fiery inferno, with smoke and rubble cascading down like a landslide. Even from miles away, the towering columns of black smoke and flashes of fire could be seen. Though the thick smoke obscured the actual damage, the rolling boulders and collapsing rock faces gave a clear indication of just how effective the assault was. "Big brother! This isn''t fair!" Annie''s voice crackled through the comms, tinged with frustration. "How am I supposed to compete with that thing?"


    Zack grinned,. "Don''t worry, Annie. I''m only using conventional weapons. If you''re scared, feel free to admit defeat now."


    "Scared?!" Annie huffed, clearly annoyed. "I''ll never admit defeat!" She clenched her fists and shouted, "Tarantula, call the swarm!"


    Moments later, a dark mass emerged on the horizon, flying rapidly toward the battlefield from NYC Base. The "swarm" was Annie''s secret weapon¡ªa fleet of micro-drones controlled by Tarantula. These drones were small, fast, and armed with everything from explosives to EMP devices. The design improvements were undoubtedly influenced by Zack. "Little Annie, calling in outside support... isn''t that considered cheating?" Zack turned his head slightly, chuckling as the buzzing swarm approached.


    "No... it doesn''t count," Annie replied, her tone unconvincing. "The drones are part of Tarantula! They''re... partners! Partners can''t be considered cheating, right?" Her excuse was vague at best, but Zack didn''t press the issue. Instead, he laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the barren mountain range.


    Annie''s swarm drones, however, were no laughing matter. As the first drone broke formation, it dived straight toward the hill Annie had chosen to attack.


    Boom!


    A thunderous explosion erupted on the hilltop, sending shockwaves across the valley. Even Zack, standing some distance away, felt the ground tremble beneath his feet.


    Before the smoke cleared, the second drone followed.


    Boom! S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Annie''s drones didn''t swarm all at once; instead, they attacked in a calculated, sequential manner, maximizing the impact of each strike. Within moments, the hilltop had been flattened by several meters. "Looks like you''re not going down without a fight, little Annie," Zack remarked with a grin. He gave a new command to the Terror Spider.


    The machine, which had been firing relentlessly at the other hill, paused briefly, stepping forward with a heavy, metallic thud. It left a pile of spent shell casings in its wake.


    As it leaned forward, armor panels on its back opened, revealing a sleek gun barrel. Though its caliber wasn''t massive, the weapon exuded an intimidating presence. "Big brother! What is that?!" Annie''s voice crackled through the comms, tinged with panic. "Why is Tarantula''s alarm going off like crazy?!"


    "Nothing to worry about," Zack replied casually, almost mockingly. "Just a little... self-detonating hydrogen battery." Nuclear weapons were far too destructive and messy for Zack''s taste, but hydrogen-based explosives had been reworked into cleaner, more conventional options. Though slightly weaker than their predecessors, they packed enough punch to handle large-scale threats while keeping collateral damage manageable.


    Hearing this, Annie froze. "A hydrogen battery?!" She immediately landed Tarantula and jumped out of the mech, stomping over toward Zack with an exasperated expression. "Alright, you win! I''m done!"


    "Oh, giving up already?" Zack teased, raising an eyebrow as she trudged toward him, visibly defeated.


    "Yes!" Annie huffed, lowering her head as she muttered, "You always cheat anyway..."


    "Fine, no mushroom clouds today," Zack said with a laugh. He issued a command for the Terror Spider to stand down. The hydrogen battery had already been tested a few days ago, so there was no need to detonate it now. But as Zack looked at Annie, he noticed something off. Her usually cheerful demeanor seemed dimmed, and her hands fidgeted nervously with the hem of her shirt.


    "What''s wrong, little Annie?" Zack asked, his voice softening.


    Annie hesitated for a moment before looking up, her eyes red and slightly misty. "Big brother... do you dislike me?"


    Zack blinked, caught off guard. "What? No! Why would you think that?"


    "You... you really don''t?" Annie''s voice trembled slightly as she asked, her gaze uncertain.


    Zack sighed. "Of course I don''t dislike you. Why would I? Ever since your mother entrusted you to me, I''ve been taking care of you. You''re like family¡ªeveryone in the mansion feels the same way."


    "Do you... like me then?" Annie pressed, her big eyes widening with hope.


    Zack chuckled. "Of course I do."


    Hearing this, Annie''s mood instantly shifted. Her eyes sparkled, and she became her lively self again. "Really?!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing with energy.


    "Yes, really," Zack replied, still unsure why she had doubted him in the first place.


    "Okay!" Annie grinned, her earlier gloominess forgotten.


    "Alright, let''s head back," Zack said, shaking his head. He could never fully understand what went on in the minds of these girls¡ªand frankly, he didn''t want to try.


    "But your car broke down... can I give you a ride?" Annie offered eagerly.


    "Forget it," Zack replied with a laugh. "I''d rather walk than get in your mech."


    "Then I''ll walk with you!" Annie declared, practically skipping along beside him.


    And so, under the fading light of the day, Zack and Annie began their trek back to the base, leaving behind the smoldering hills and the Terror Spider standing watch like a sentinel on the battlefield.

 Chapter 176: The New Weapons

    Chapter 176 - The New WeaponsTime passed on, back in the mansion, Zack closed the wall box containing a reactor and turned his attention to Ego. "Hey, did you have a flying car blueprint?.."


    "Yes, Sir," Ego replied.


    "Good. If the materials are available, add one to the production list. I want my own flying car," Zack said casually.


    "Understood. The flying car has been added to the production queue," Ego confirmed.


    Zack waved it off with a nod. Vehicles like this were just toys to him¡ªamusing but not essential. "Oh, by the way," he continued, "what''s the status of the Avalon we sent to the Eastern Hemisphere? Has it been shot down yet?" He had sent the Avalon to test the Vanguard Organization''s satellite capabilities, suspecting it might be equipped with space-based weapons. So far, there had been no reports of it being destroyed.


    "Sir, I believe you''ve overestimated the Vanguard Organization''s capabilities," Ego replied.


    "What do you mean?" Zack asked, narrowing his eyes.


    "While constructing and launching a space-based satellite is challenging, the real difficulty lies in achieving precise strikes from such satellites. It''s a far more advanced task."


    Hearing this, Zack immediately understood what Ego was implying. "Oh, I get it now," Zack said with a grin. "It''s not that they don''t want to hit the Avalon¡ªit''s that they can''t."


    Hitting stationary ground targets or other satellites in orbit was one thing. But striking a moving target like a Avalon, which could fly irregularly at Mach speeds, from a geostationary orbit 35,000 kilometers above Earth? That was almost impossible. Even Zack''s own advanced satellites couldn''t pull off such a feat. "Alright, that''s my mistake," Zack admitted. "Have the Avalon land in a conspicuous spot and deploy some spiders to scavenge materials nearby. Let''s make it look like we''re setting up a base."


    "Understood. The Avalon is preparing to land," Ego replied. Far away in the Eastern Hemisphere, the Avalon began its descent, touching down in the middle of a desolate Gobi Desert. As dawn broke in that part of the world, the Avalon''s sudden presence did not go unnoticed.


    Several local forces had been monitoring the Avalon''s movements for some time, but none dared to make the first move. Among them was one of the Base responsible for the failed satellite launch that had been shot down earlier. "Sir, should we scramble F-35s to destroy it?" one of Chaslik''s subordinates asked.


    Chaslik shook his head. "No. We''ve already taken one misstep. We won''t make another." He stared westward, his expression icy.


    Chaslik knew the last satellite''s failure wasn''t just due to their own arrogance in targeting the northern hemisphere. The Vanguard Organization had clearly used Gotham and its allies as bait, deliberately drawing fire from Zack''s forces. He wasn''t about to fall into another trap.


    But not everyone shared Chaslik''s caution. At Eden Base, another major power in the region, the Avalon''s landing had also been noted. The base''s leader, Kara, received the report almost immediately. "It landed?" Kara asked, surprised.


    "Yes," her subordinate confirmed. Kara dismissed everyone from the room, then activated a holographic communicator. A glowing projection of a blurry figure appeared before her.


    "Prophet," she said with reverence, bowing slightly.


    "Immortal Fox," the figure responded in a deep, deliberate tone. "You''re contacting me because of that plane, aren''t you?"


    "Yes, Prophet," Kara replied respectfully. "I suspect the landing was intentional."


    The holographic figure nodded. "It was. That plane is a decoy. The pilot wants to confirm whether our satellite is a space-based weapon."


    Kara''s eyes widened slightly. "Should I send fighters or missiles to destroy it?"


    "No," the Prophet said firmly, shaking his head. A faint smile seemed to cross the blurred face. "Use the Eye of Arbitration. If he wants to know, let''s give him an answer. Show him that we, too, possess space-based weapons. Make it clear that his plans to enter the Western Hemisphere will come at a cost."


    Kara nodded. "Yes, Prophet." As Kara lifted her head, the holographic projection in the room disappeared, leaving only the communicator on the table.


    "Notify the team¡ªexecute an arbitration strike on the aircraft," Kara said into the empty air. Moments later, the Octopus satellite, stationed in geostationary orbit 35,000 kilometers above the Earth, began to activate. The Octopus satellite unfolded slowly, its mechanical components coming to life. One section lit up with an ominous red glow, revealing a tungsten warhead weighing several hundred kilograms.


    At the end of the launch track, a mysterious black liquid began to shimmer, transitioning from dark to bright. The liquid emitted an unsettling black-red energy that rippled outward in visible waves, propelling the tungsten rod into motion. With a metallic clink, the warhead left the satellite, hurtling down the launch track at a speed close to Mach 1.


    Although slower than the Mach 6 exit velocity of the Anne satellite''s weaponry, the projectile gained speed as it descended under the pull of Earth''s gravity. When the tungsten rod entered the atmosphere, it ignited into a brilliant streak of light, falling toward its target below. By the time it impacted the ground, it had reached a staggering speed of Mach 33.


    Boom! The tungsten projectile struck the northwest side where the decoy Avalon was stationed. In an instant, the entire area collapsed as though struck by a giant''s fist. Buildings, streets, trees, the Avalon, and a dozen poisonous spider drones were obliterated. In their place was a massive crater, its edges glowing faintly from the impact''s heat.


    The ground trembled violently, though the noise quickly subsided after about ten seconds. Roughly ten seconds later, Zack, sitting far across the globe, received the last few frames of footage transmitted by the Avalon just before it was destroyed. "So, it really is a space-based weapon," Zack muttered, leaning back in his chair. "But it''s a bit underwhelming."


    Despite only having a few frames to analyze, Zack could tell the weapon was far less powerful than the Anne satellite''s tungsten rods. "Looks like it only weighs a few hundred kilograms," Zack estimated. For comparison, the tungsten rods launched by the Anne satellite weighed over 8 tons and measured 6 meters in length. "Still, we''ve confirmed it¡ªthe Vanguard Organization has space-based weapons," Zack said, stretching casually. He didn''t seem worried in the slightest. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ego, how''s everything coming along?" he asked.


    "Sir, both Aegis and the Apex Mk-2 armor are in their final stages and are expected to be completed by tomorrow morning," Ego replied. "Would you like to check on the production progress?"


    "No need," Zack said with a yawn, gazing out of the light well toward the starry night sky.


    "Are we working on new weapons next?" Ego inquired.


    "No, I''m going to sleep," Zack said with a laugh.


    "Understood, Sir. Sweet dreams," Ego responded, switching to standby mode, leaving only essential scanning and alert functions active.


    "Sweet dreams to you too, Ego," Zack said, heading upstairs.

 Chapter 177: Testing Apex Mk 2

    Chapter 177 - Testing Apex Mk 2Sunlight streamed through the windows as Zack woke up, rolling over to check the time. It was already past 8 a.m.¡ªthe longest he''d slept in months. "Ego?" Zack called.


    "Yes, Sir. What are your orders?" Ego''s voice responded promptly.


    "Is everything ready?" Zack asked, sitting up.


    "All systems are ready, Sir. Both Aegis and Apex Mk-2 await your activation," Ego confirmed.


    "Haha, I won''t keep them waiting," Zack said with excitement. For the first time, he referred to his creations as if they were living beings, calling them "they" in a tone filled with anticipation.


    "Miss Lily has prepared breakfast for you," Ego added. "And your vehicle is ready outside."


    The "vehicle" in question was a Avalon parked just outside the mansion.


    "Got it," Zack replied, feeling thoroughly satisfied.


    After a quick wash and a hearty breakfast, Zack boarded the Avalon and departed the mansion. Unlike his other armors, the Apex Mk-2 wasn''t built at the mansion. Instead, it, along with Aegis, was being manufactured at the repurposed International Airport, now an advanced construction hub.


    As the Avalon approached the airport, Zack caught sight of Aegis from the air. The massive aircraft occupied two full runways, its sheer size making it look like a behemoth of the skies. Even with its wings folded, it spanned the equivalent of ten basketball courts. The Avalon, parked nearby, looked like a child''s toy plane by comparison. "Wow... so much for a dramatic reveal," Zack muttered, unable to hide his grin. "Seeing it like this kind of kills the sense of ceremony."


    "Sir, if it''s ceremony you want, perhaps you should check out the Apex Mk-2 first," Ego suggested with a hint of humor.


    Hearing Ego''s suggestion, Zack''s interest was piqued. "Alright, let''s take a look," he said.


    The Avalon, which had been preparing to land, abruptly adjusted its trajectory and headed toward another hangar at the same airport. As the aircraft touched down, Zack stepped out and entered the hangar, which had been converted into a bustling production center.


    The strong smell of metal, oil, and iron filings hit him immediately¡ªa sharp, industrial aroma that most would find unpleasant. But to Zack, it was invigorating, a scent that spoke of creation and innovation. Inside, robotic arms and manufacturing drones worked tirelessly, sparks flying and lasers cutting with precision. The hangar was alive with the sound of machinery, a chaotic symphony of progress. "Sir, this way," Ego guided.


    Zack noticed a small room tucked into the corner of the hangar. As he approached, the alloy door slid open automatically, revealing the centerpiece of all this activity. A stunning suit of red-and-gold armor stood gleaming under the lights, its muscular, streamlined design a testament to engineering brilliance.


    Zack stopped in his tracks, eyes locked on the Apex Mk-2. "Ego, is this the ''sense of ceremony'' you were talking about?" Zack asked, though his gaze never wavered from the armor.


    "I thought you''d want to see it as soon as possible, Sir," Ego replied apologetically.


    "No need to apologize," Zack said with a small smile. "This is perfect. I love it."


    He approached the armor slowly. As Zack drew near, the Apex Mk-2 responded. Plates of gold-titanium alloy unfolded and shifted outward, as though the armor itself were welcoming its master. Zack smirked, saying nothing as he turned and backed into the suit.


    Click. Click. Click. The armor closed around him, sealing him inside. The visor descended over his head, momentarily plunging his vision into darkness before the familiar holographic interface lit up. Ego''s voice came through, calm and precise. "Singulium power stable. Initiating system diagnostics."


    The Apex Mk-2 began a self-check. Panels opened and closed, revealing hidden propulsion systems and weapon ports before retracting back into place. "Diagnostics complete. All systems operational," Ego reported.


    Zack grinned. "You know what I''m thinking, don''t you, Ego?"


    "The flight system has already been calibrated for you, Sir," Ego replied smoothly. Without hesitation, the Apex Mk-2''s thrusters roared to life, sending a dazzling beam of energy shooting from its feet. The armor launched skyward, smashing through the hangar''s observation window before arcing gracefully into the open sky. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Reactor power stable," Ego noted. "Current energy output: 107 billion joules per second." Zack could feel the immense power of the Singulium reactor coursing through the armor. The third-generation reactor might not have the tenfold improvement of its predecessor, but its 80% increase in power was still staggering. "Ego, what''s the current G-force reading?" Zack asked as he ascended rapidly. The intense acceleration caused a slight discomfort, even with the suit''s buffering systems.


    "With the buffer device engaged, you''re experiencing approximately 9.64 G," Ego replied.


    "And without the buffer?"


    "17.1 G," Ego said. Even with his enhanced physique, Zack knew such forces would be unbearable without assistance. Fighter pilots could barely handle 7-8 G for a few seconds¡ª17 G would be lethal for most. Despite this, the Apex Mk-2''s vertical climb had already reached Mach 8, a speed that continued to increase steadily.


    "Life support systems online," the suit beeped, drawing Zack''s attention to the fact that he had already reached low Earth orbit.


    In just a few minutes, the Apex Mk-2 had gone from zero to over 1,000 kilometers above the Earth''s surface. "Top speed: Mach 9.18. Average speed: Mach 8.5," Ego reported.


    "Activate stealth mode," Zack commanded. Immediately, countless microscopic mirrors deployed across the armor''s surface, bending light and radar waves to render the suit invisible. "Let''s see if the Sky Air Defense System can spot me," Zack said, deactivating the suit''s identification friend-or-foe (IFF) system.


    The armor was now classified as an unidentified flying object. Zack made a sharp U-turn, diving toward NYC at Mach 9. As he entered the range of the Sky Air Defense System, no lasers fired. "Sir, the system has not detected you," Ego confirmed, checking the system logs.


    "Deactivate mirror camouflage. Leave optical stealth active," Zack instructed. The Apex Mk-2''s radar invisibility was disabled, but its visual stealth remained.


    "Sir, laser incoming!" Ego warned. A bright red laser shot toward Zack, but before it could make contact, a light blue energy shield erupted from the armor''s right wrist. The ion shield absorbed the laser, rippling slightly before reflecting the energy away harmlessly.


    "Enable IFF," Zack said calmly. As the friend-or-foe system reactivated, the laser ceased immediately. Zack smiled to himself, admiring the flawless functionality of his latest creation.


    "The detection tech of the Sky System is getting outdated..." Zack muttered, frowning at the display. The ease with which the Apex Mk-2 bypassed the system''s defenses left him uneasy.


    If an enemy were to develop similar technology, such as mirror camouflage armor, wouldn''t that render the entire air defense system useless? They could march into NYC unchallenged. The odds of that happening were slim¡ªmirror camouflage armor was at least 150 years ahead of anything Earth''s tech could manage¡ªbut Zack didn''t like gambling when it came to security. "Ego, add upgrading the Air Defense System to my schedule," Zack instructed.


    "Yes, Sir," Ego replied promptly. Satisfied, Zack decided not to test any more functions of the Apex Mk-2. "No need to overdo it. There''s still a big guy waiting for me," Zack said with a grin as he descended and flew toward the massive aircraft parked at the airport.

 Chapter 178: Charlie The Prophet

    Chapter 178 - Charlie The ProphetWhen Zack landed in front of Aegis, the sheer scale of the aircraft was overwhelming. Standing before it in the sleek and compact Apex Mk-2, Zack felt positively diminutive. The new armor, designed for portability and defense, made him just over two meters tall¡ªsmaller and more streamlined than any of his previous suits. It exuded advanced technology, a product of Zack''s finest engineering, yet it was dwarfed by the hulking presence of Aegis.


    Raising his head, Zack gazed at the enormous rhomboid-shaped body of the aircraft, its armor a mix of gold-titanium alloy and alloy steel. Aegis resembled a Avalon, scaled up dozens of times. Its foldable wings housed four massive turbine engines for vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering. At the front, four steering thrusters provided stability for low-speed maneuvers and sharp turns.


    The tail featured four jet propulsion engines, two on top and two below, enabling a top speed of Mach 5 and a maximum flight altitude of 5,000 kilometers. With an external booster, Aegis could even reach the first cosmic velocity and enter space.


    Despite its size, Aegis''s radar signature was smaller than a sparrow''s¡ªless than 0.1 square meters¡ªthanks to its stealthy design. When its mirror camouflage and optical cloaking were activated, the behemoth, spanning thousands of square meters, would vanish entirely from sight and radar. Even stationary, its immense presence radiated deterrence. "Can this thing really fly?" Zack murmured, tilting his head to get a better look at the colossal machine. Despite being its creator, seeing Aegis in person made him doubt it could lift off.


    Ego''s voice broke the silence, launching into an introduction: "Air Command Center¡ªAegis. Length: 88.4 meters. Wingspan: 98.4 meters. Maximum takeoff weight: 840 tons. Maximum cargo capacity: 300 tons. Powered by eight Singulium reactors¡ª"


    "Alright, alright, that''s enough," Zack interrupted, raising a hand. "Forget the specs. Let''s see what she can do in action."


    "As you wish, Sir. What kind of test would you like to conduct?" Ego asked.


    "Actual combat," Zack replied without hesitation.


    After a brief pause, Ego said, "Coordinates for all hostile forces within Aegis''s strike radius have been marked on your HUD."


    Zack''s HUD lit up with a holographic map of Earth, dotted with countless red markers. Every identified hostile force¡ªzombie hordes, sea creatures, survivor bases that had once attacked NYC, and Vanguard Organization strongholds¡ªwas displayed. At first glance, it looked as though the entire world was against him. "Wait a minute," Zack said, narrowing his eyes. "Didn''t you say you marked enemies within Aegis''s strike radius? Why does it look like the whole planet is lit up?"


    "Sir, that''s because the entire world is within Aegis''s strike radius," Ego replied, a hint of amusement in its tone.


    Zack blinked, then laughed. "Of course it is." Aegis had no conventional strike radius. Its crew survival module allowed it to operate for six weeks without landing¡ªor up to 24 weeks with optimal resource management. With Avalons capable of ferrying supplies back and forth, Aegis could theoretically remain airborne indefinitely.


    "Ego, I think I''m falling in love with this big guy," Zack said, activating his thrusters to hover closer to Aegis''s underbelly.


    As Zack approached the massive aircraft, he couldn''t help but admire its sleek design. The sheer size, coupled with its advanced technology, made it a marvel of engineering. "Ego, prepare Aegis for deployment," Zack said, his excitement barely contained.


    "Understood, Sir. Would you like to pilot it yourself?"


    "Of course," Zack replied with a smirk. Zack tapped the belly armor of Aegis twice, the dull sound of metal reverberating through the air as Apex Mk-2''s gauntleted hand collided with the behemoth.


    "Alright," he muttered, eyes narrowing on the holographic map before him. "Let''s deal with the Vanguard bases near our doorstep first." His gaze settled on a location in the far north¡ªNunavut. In the northern hemisphere, the Vanguard Organization had four bases, with another in the southern hemisphere. Among them, Nunavut was the closest. It was the obvious first target.


    Meanwhile, in Nunavut. The icy wastelands stretched endlessly under a bleak, gray sky. In the middle of the desolate expanse stood a massive survivor base, fortified with high reinforced concrete walls that seemed out of place in the barren tundra. "AHHH!!!" A sudden scream pierced the frozen silence, echoing through the base.


    The source was an old, blind man curled on the ground, his voice ragged with panic. His cries soon drew a crowd of onlookers, survivors from the base who whispered amongst themselves.


    "Old Charlie''s screaming again..."


    "Bet he''s out of vodka. Told you not to give him too much yesterday." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Anyone got extra contribution points? Let''s pool together and buy him another bottle."


    The group muttered, exasperated but strangely protective. Despite their grumbling, they couldn''t bring themselves to leave the old man entirely alone. Someone finally returned with a fresh bottle of vodka, holding it out to him. "Here, old man. Drink this and calm down."


    But as the bottle approached, Charlie slapped it away, sending it crashing to the ground. "Demon!" he howled, his voice hoarse but filled with terror. "It''s a devil! The devil is coming! I saw it!"


    He clawed at the dirt, ignoring the shards of broken glass cutting into his hands. "Giant birds in the sky! Horned demons descending! Disaster is coming for us all!"


    The crowd watched, unsettled, but eventually dispersed. "Forget it," someone muttered. "He''s finally gone completely mad."


    Soon, only Charlie remained, muttering incoherently about devils and disasters as blood from his palms mixed with the spilled vodka. Unbeknownst to him, a figure cloaked in black stood nearby, listening intently. The stranger recorded every word of Charlie''s ramblings before disappearing into the shadows.


    Minutes later, the base erupted into activity. Groups of black-clad soldiers streamed out from its inner sanctum, their boots pounding against the ground as they moved with purpose. Machine guns were mounted on the walls, their barrels aimed outward in anticipation of an attack.


    These soldiers were no ordinary survivors. Their muscular physiques, enhanced exoskeletons, and uniforms bearing animal insignias marked them as part of the Vanguard Organization''s elite forces. Despite the show of strength, the truth behind the base''s construction was far darker.


    Like many others, the Nunavut survivor base was built atop an underground facility belonging to the Vanguard Organization. Under the guise of offering protection, the organization used these bases to brainwash survivors into joining their ranks¡ªor to experiment on them. Old Charlie was one such victim. Once a mutant with prophetic abilities, he had been subjected to relentless and invasive experiments. Now, his mind was fractured, his prophecies dismissed as the ravings of a lunatic. But the base''s leaders didn''t take his warnings lightly.


    They ordered martial law, their soldiers remaining on high alert for the "devil" and "giant bird" Charlie had foreseen. Unfortunately for them, their preparations were inadequate. The true scale of the coming disaster was far beyond their imagination.

 Chapter 179: Perparing the Aegis

    Chapter 179 - Perparing the AegisBack in NYC, at the airport. A scene of organized chaos unfolded, reminiscent of a grand military exercise. Aegis, towering like a colossus, opened its massive tail hatch. The ramp extended with a mechanical whir, forming a sturdy slope capable of supporting the weight of the heaviest vehicles.


    Boom. Boom. Boom.


    Two Goliath lumbered forward, their massive frames looming over everything around them. As they approached Aegis, their bulky mechanical bodies began to fold in on themselves. Their arms retracted, their legs folded, and their 8.8-meter-tall forms compressed into compact 4-meter-by-3-meter rectangles.


    Wheels emerged from their undersides, allowing them to roll forward. This design wasn''t about style¡ªit was practical, created for easier transportation. Soon, a dozen fearless warriors approached the folded Goliaths and began pushing them up the ramp into Aegis''s cargo bay. The sound of heavy machinery echoed across the tarmac as the massive machines were secured inside. High above the loading scene, Zack hovered near Aegis''s underbelly, his Apex Mk-2 thrusters holding him steady. "Ego," he said, running his hand across the ship''s gleaming alloy surface. "What''s the status of our loading?"


    "All critical systems are operational, Sir," Ego replied. "The Titans have been secured. All personnel and equipment are ready for deployment."


    "Ego," Zack asked, taking in the massive interior, "what''s the maximum carrying capacity of Aegis again?"


    "Sir, the maximum load capacity is 300 tons. The total maximum takeoff weight is 840 tons," Ego responded. "Aegis can accommodate up to 20 mechanical dogs, 15 fearless warriors, 2 Goliath drones, 10 unmanned armors, 10 Teror Spiders, and one second-generation Avalon fighter. Additionally, it can carry 20 to 25 human crew members."


    Zack nodded thoughtfully. Aegis was the linchpin of Zack''s global strike system. At its core, it was a stealthy, supersonic transport aircraft capable of flying at Mach 5. While its primary purpose was transportation, it boasted a robust defensive suite, including two 30mm Vulcan cannons mounted under its wings, 16 laser interceptors, 10 sets of countermeasure flares, and 22 air-to-air missiles.


    Despite its defenses, Aegis was not built for direct combat. Its offensive capabilities relied entirely on the second-generation Avalon docked on its back. Of course, the odds of Aegis engaging in direct air combat were minuscule. The advanced stealth technology rendered it nearly undetectable by any radar system on Earth. Beyond its stealth features, Aegis was also equipped with the same ring-shaped energy shield generator found in Apex Mk-2. This allowed it to deploy a defensive shield capable of absorbing and deflecting attacks when necessary.


    This wasn''t just a transport aircraft; it was a technological marvel. Aegis exemplified how advancements in technology elevated not just individuals, but entire systems, to new heights. "Sir, the mechanical army deployment is nearly complete," Ego''s voice interrupted Zack''s thoughts. "Shall I contact Ms. Ava?"


    Zack''s eyes lit up. "Ah, right. Almost forgot." As the pilot of the second-generation Avalon¡ªthe only dedicated air-combat vehicle aboard¡ªAva''s expertise was indispensable. "Call her over," Zack said.


    Just as Ego had outlined, Aegis now carried its full complement of forces: 20 mechanical dogs, 15 fearless warriors, 2 Titan drones, 10 Mark unmanned armors, and 10 Teror Spiders. The massive cargo hold was now filled to capacity, the equipment meticulously secured for deployment. As the preparations were completed, a second-generation Avalon hovered over the runway. "Sir, what is this?" Ava''s voice crackled through the comms, tinged with awe as she looked down at the massive aircraft occupying two full runways.


    "Aegis," Zack replied, his tone filled with pride. "Park the Avalon on its back."


    Moments later, the upper panels of Aegis shifted, revealing a dedicated docking slot designed specifically for the Avalon. "Parking on another plane? That''s new," Ava muttered, her usual cool demeanor giving way to a rare moment of surprise. Switching the Avalon to vertical takeoff and landing mode, she carefully descended into the docking slot.


    As the Avalon settled into place, mechanical clamps secured it firmly with a series of soft clicks. Ava''s control panel flashed with new instructions:


    [Fighter secured. Manual controls are now disabled.]


    [Please disembark through the belly hatch.]


    "The belly hatch..." Ava murmured, finally understanding the purpose of the circular hatch in the Avalon''s floor.


    The hatch opened automatically, revealing a staircase leading into the heart of Aegis. Stepping down, Ava was immediately struck by the sleek, metallic corridors of the aircraft. Soft, ambient lighting illuminated the space, though she couldn''t pinpoint where the light was coming from. "Sir?" she called, her voice echoing faintly in the corridor. Though close to Zack, she habitually addressed him formally during missions. Before she could say more, a holographic projection materialized on the corridor ceiling, displaying a detailed map of Aegis''s interior.


    "Welcome aboard, Ms. Ava," said a smooth, feminine voice. "I am November, the onboard AI of Aegis. Please proceed to the main control room." Ava blinked, momentarily taken aback. Though she had seen her fair share of advanced technology, the sophistication of Aegis exceeded her expectations.


    This "November" wasn''t even an AI in the traditional sense. It was more like a smart onboard assistant¡ªcleverer than a robotic dog, but nowhere near the complexity of a true artificial intelligence. For Ava, someone encountering this kind of tech for the first time, the sudden voice in her headset startled her. "Oh, okay, yes!" she replied, quickly snapping to attention. Without hesitation, she ran forward, following the guidance displayed on her internal map.


    One unique feature of Aegis was the ever-present holographic projection guiding her way, no matter how fast she moved. A virtual arrow hovered just in front of her, marking her direction clearly. The interior of Aegis was practically a holographic wonderland, with every surface seemingly alive with light and data. This tech ensured the crew could access vital information instantly. Following the projection''s lead, Ava navigated her way through the ship, passing by areas like the dining hall, the conference room, and even a lounge and an entertainment center. Yet none of these spaces prepared her for the sight that awaited in the main control room.


    The main control room of Aegis was massive¡ªnearly the size of a basketball court. Every inch was alive with a futuristic glow, holographic interfaces displaying streams of data and final system checks before takeoff. The room didn''t feature traditional controls like keyboards or monitors. Instead, it was divided into specialized cockpits: semi-enclosed pilot pods, crew stations, communication hubs, and data management cabins. There were even fully enclosed combat and command cabins for high-stakes operations.


    But the most breathtaking part? The view. The walls, ceiling, and even the floor gave the illusion of being made of glass, offering a stunning 360-degree panorama. In reality, the ship''s nose was sealed under layers of heavy armor. The "view" was a technological marvel, created by high-definition lens feeds and ultra-clear holographic projections.


    Ava finally pulled herself together, shaking off the awe as she noticed Zack had already entered the room. "Sir!" she called out, snapping into her professional demeanor. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack turned to glance at her, offering a short nod. "You''re here," he said simply, his focus returning to Aegis.

 Chapter 180: Strange...

    Chapter 180 - Strange...As Ava approached, Zack was already stepping out of his advanced flight suit. The segmented armor unfolded smoothly, allowing him to step free. Unlike most systems, this one didn''t simply power down when not in use. Instead, it activated its independent mode, following Zack like a silent sentinel. "Ava, I''ve seen what you can do behind the controls," Zack said with a faint smirk. "How about taking the helm of something a little... bigger?"


    Ava blinked, caught off guard. "You mean this? This... giant thing?" she stammered. "Can it really fly?"


    Zack rolled his eyes. "Why else would I build her? But fine, if you''re not up for it, just find a seat and enjoy the show." Without waiting for her reply, Zack made his way to the main cockpit. As he sat down, the semi-enclosed pod adjusted itself automatically, locking him into position.


    The controls came to life, projected in front of him in a seamless holographic display. "It''s a pleasure to assist you," a soft, synthetic voice chimed in his ear. It was November, the ship''s onboard assistant. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack chuckled. "November, your voice is a lot easier on the ears than my last system''s."


    "Thank you, sir," November replied evenly.


    Another voice cut in¡ªthis one more familiar and laden with sarcasm. "Sir, You do realize I could hear it, right?" It was Ego, Zack''s personal AI assistant, speaking directly into his mind.


    "Yeah, yeah, I know. Just don''t ruin my fun," Zack teased, grinning. Ego, unlike November, was his long-time companion and had a knack for throwing in a witty comment or two.


    Though November''s voice was pleasant, Zack couldn''t help but notice its robotic precision. Unlike Ego, it lacked any real emotion. Ego was capable of humor, banter, and even the occasional argument, while November was purely functional. "I could always switch to a female voice if that''s what you''re into," Ego quipped before going silent, leaving Zack shaking his head with a smirk.


    "All right, November," Zack said, getting serious, "prepare for takeoff."


    As he spoke, Aegis''s massive engines roared to life. The dual reactors at the ship''s core pulsed with energy, lighting up like twin suns. Power surged through the system as the wings¡ªpreviously folded¡ªslowly extended, casting enormous shadows over the launch platform. "Sir, please activate the underwing vertical turbines," November prompted.


    Zack tapped the interface, and the four turbines mounted beneath the wings whirred to life. Their rotation sped up rapidly, generating a powerful upward thrust. Bit by bit, the massive aircraft¡ªnearly 100 meters wide and weighing over 800 tons¡ªlifted off the ground. The force of the turbines sent shockwaves through the air, ripping up grass and debris around the launch site. Slowly but surely, Aegis began its ascent, the steel colossus climbing higher and higher into the sky. "Currently off the ground and climbing steadily," November reported.


    Aegis continued to rise, gaining speed rapidly. At the same time, the four directional thrusters located on the front of its fuselage ignited, releasing concentrated bursts of energy. The powerful thrust allowed the massive aircraft to hover steadily, rotate mid-air, and align itself toward its destination: Nunavut. "Sir, please switch¡ª"


    "I''ve got it. I know the drill," Zack cut off November''s prompt, tapping the interface to shift the flight mode manually. With a deafening roar, the four propulsion engines at Aegis''s tail came to life. Blazing streams of fire erupted from the jets¡ªtwo positioned high and two lower¡ªpropelling the several-hundred-ton aircraft forward. The thrust was enormous, and the acceleration was immediate.


    "Ah¡ª!" Ava yelped as the sudden speed caught her off guard. She hadn''t secured a seat and stumbled, barely managing to keep her footing. But the aircraft wasn''t slowing down; if anything, it was picking up even more speed. In less than ten seconds, Aegis broke through the lower atmosphere, its velocity nearing Mach 1.


    "Find a seat, Ava!" Zack called back, his tone calm but firm. "This beast is about to break the sound barrier." He pushed the throttle all the way forward. The massive aircraft surged ahead, a visible airburst forming around it. The sonic boom reverberated loudly as Aegis shattered the sound barrier, leaving a ring-shaped shockwave in its wake.


    From the panoramic windows in the main control room, the view was breathtaking. Clouds streaked by at an incredible pace, dissolving into the endless blue sky above. Aegis''s speed stabilized at Mach 2.8, cruising smoothly, though it was far from its limit. The ship could theoretically reach Mach 5, but prolonged operation at that speed would risk overheating and damaging the rear jets.


    "Activate stealth mode," Zack ordered. Instantly, the surface of Aegis shimmered as its hexagonal mirror-like panels activated. An optical camouflage coating kicked in, bending light around the aircraft. The entire structure seemed to dissolve into the sky, vanishing from sight like a ghost slipping into another dimension.


    "Switch to autopilot," Zack said, standing up and stretching. "November, she''s all yours now." November''s voice chimed in acknowledgment as Zack exited the cockpit, looking thoroughly pleased with himself. Flying Aegis was exhilarating, even for someone used to pushing boundaries.


    "Sir, next time, let me handle the first flight," Ava muttered as she walked out of the crew cabin. Her face was pale, and she was clearly still recovering from the intense ride.


    "You want to fly Aegis now?" Zack asked with a hint of teasing in his voice. "Too late. This ship''s autopilot system can handle everything¡ªfrom takeoff to landing. If it weren''t for this being her maiden flight, I wouldn''t have even bothered to do it myself."


    With that, Zack turned and walked toward the information command room, leaving Ava standing there, stunned. "That''s not what I meant..." she murmured under her breath, forcing a weak smile. For all her experience as a fighter pilot, Zack''s reckless driving style had genuinely shaken her. Who pushes the throttle all the way forward without a second thought? Pilots are supposed to ease into it!


    Zack stepped into the information command room, his eyes immediately drawn to a massive holographic projection of a blue planet suspended in mid-air. Scattered across the globe were glowing red markers, each representing a key location.


    Walking closer, Zack reached out and tapped one of the markers. The projection zoomed in smoothly, shifting from a global view to a detailed satellite image of a continent. With another tap, the view zoomed further, revealing high-resolution details of the terrain¡ªdown to individual trees and buildings. "Let''s check out our target," Zack said, pinching his fingers together on the projection. The view expanded outward, returning to the planetary level before he pinpointed a glowing red dot representing the Nunavut base. He tapped it, and the projection rapidly zoomed in again, offering broad view of the base from above.


    Aegis was more than just a transport aircraft. It was also a mobile command center, equipped with advanced satellite systems, ground-scanning capabilities, and high-altitude communication arrays. It could serve as an early warning aircraft, a reconnaissance unit, or even a temporary communication satellite in areas without traditional radar coverage. This multifunctionality was why Aegis had taken so long to complete¡ªbut it was worth the wait.


    The projection now displayed a detailed overview of the Nunavut base. Zack could see everything¡ªthe layout, personnel movements, even the tiniest details like individual vehicles parked near the perimeter. "Strange," Zack muttered, narrowing his eyes. "They''re on high alert... Do they know we''re coming?"

 Chapter 181: Air Attack

    Chapter 181 - Air AttackThe entire base seemed to be in defensive mode. Guards were posted at key locations, and there was a noticeable increase in activity. Zack found it odd. As far as he knew, there was no way Nunavut could have detected their approach. His satellites were the only ones operating in this region, and none of them had been compromised. "Maybe it''s just a coincidence..." Zack mused, though the thought didn''t sit well with him. After all, coincidences rarely occurred in his line of work.


    Zack couldn''t make sense of it, but he wasn''t the type to linger on mysteries. Shrugging off his unease, he shifted his focus to the defenses of the Nunavut base. However, after only a few minutes of observation, he let out a bored sigh. "Seriously? This stuff belongs in a museum," he muttered, shaking his head.


    From the satellite feed, it was clear that the base''s primary defenses were outdated. Rows of rocket launchers, tanks, and fighter jets lined the perimeter¡ªplenty of firepower, but nothing cutting-edge. The sheer quantity was laughable, and Zack couldn''t help but feel unimpressed. The only thing that caught his attention was the group of vanguard soldiers stationed on the high walls. Dressed in sleek black uniforms, they carried strange rifles that didn''t resemble any conventional weapons Zack had seen before. "Ego," Zack called.


    "Yes, sir?" The AI''s voice responded immediately.


    "Any records on that weapon?" Zack zoomed in on the satellite image, pointing to one of the rifles. Even though the image resolution wasn''t great, the rifle''s design was distinctly different from traditional firearms.


    "Negative, sir. No information available. It''s likely a new weapon developed by the Vanguard organization."


    "Hmm... noted," Zack said thoughtfully. He leaned back in his chair, turning off the holographic display. "Guess I''ll find out more when we get there."


    With November in autopilot, Aegis cruised steadily through the troposphere, flying at a constant speed of Mach 2.8. The aircraft soared over vast distances, quickly approaching the icy plains. "Sir, we''re nearing our destination," November announced.


    Aegis began to descend, smoothly gliding through the cloud layers. From the panoramic windows in the control room, Zack could see the barren, snow-covered plains stretching endlessly below. "Man, those survivors were lucky back in the day," Zack remarked, staring at the desolate wasteland.


    The early days of the outbreak had been relatively manageable for survivors in this region. The sparsely populated land meant zombies were spread thin, making it easier to avoid massive hordes."That was then, sir," Ego chimed in. "Conditions have since become far harsher for survivors in this region."


    The once-safe plains had turned into a hunting ground for mutant creatures. Massive, dangerous predators roamed freely, preying on the scattered survivors. And with winter approaching, the harsh cold posed yet another challenge for the struggling population. "But that''s not our problem," Zack said dismissively, his tone indifferent. As he spoke, his eyes focused on the horizon. In the distance, the high walls of a large survivor base¡ªNunavut¡ªcame into view. Glancing at the clock, Zack noted that Aegis had covered thousands of kilometers in just over half an hour. The aircraft began to slow down as it approached the base, transitioning from supersonic to subsonic speed. Zack turned to Ego. "Are their anti-aircraft defenses tracking us?"


    "Negative, sir." A cold smirk played on Zack''s lips. "Good. Let''s give them a little surprise."


    Down below, panic rippled through the Nunavut base. "The bird is coming! The devil is here! We''re doomed!" shouted Old Charlie, a blind, raving survivor known for his wild predictions. His cries quickly reached the ears of the base''s leader, Victor, a man known for his cautious nature and his role as the right-hand man of the infamous Immortal Fox.


    Victor frowned, staring up at the clear blue sky. Nothing seemed out of place, but unease gnawed at him. "Anything on the radar?" he asked for the seventh time that day.


    "Nothing, sir. No signs of any flying objects," one of his subordinates replied.


    Victor''s shoulders relaxed slightly. "Seems like the old man''s wrong this time," he said with a faint smile. But his expression quickly hardened. "Stay sharp. Keep monitoring. I don''t want any surprises."


    "Yes, sir!" Unbeknownst to Victor, a massive stealth aircraft was already descending toward their base, slipping through their airspace undetected. Aegis''s advanced cloaking technology rendered it invisible to both the naked eye and radar systems. It passed directly over the base''s anti-aircraft defenses without triggering a single alarm.


    Inside Aegis, Zack stood by the panoramic window, observing the Nunavut base with an air of detachment. "Ego, have you marked their anti-aircraft weapons?"


    "Yes, sir. Targets are locked."


    "Deploy the unmanned units," Zack ordered.


    Panels along Aegis''s sides slid open silently, revealing rows of unmanned armors neatly arranged inside. The drop ports remained hidden from view, concealed by the aircraft''s cloaking field. From the ground, the sky appeared as empty as ever. As the armors prepared for deployment, Zack''s cold gaze lingered on the base below. "Let''s see how long they last," he muttered, his tone dripping with icy confidence.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    With the roar of impact beam engines, ten armors launched from the drop bays almost in unison. "What the hell?! Where did these things come from?"


    Shouts of alarm spread as people on the ground spotted humanoid machines appearing out of thin air. Aegis had flown in nearly silently, its advanced stealth systems rendering it invisible until the armors were deployed.


    "It''s NYC''s exoskeleton units!"


    "Alert the commander!"


    On the high walls, a vanguard soldier from the Vanguard Organization recognized the armors immediately, his panicked cry echoing across the base. The armors wasted no time. The moment they entered the airspace above Nunavut, they launched their assault. Micro-missiles streaked through the sky, locking onto targets with lethal precision¡ªair defense vehicles, missile launchers, radar stations, and more.


    "Get out of here!"


    "Run!"


    The soldiers stationed at the targeted defenses scattered in terror. But it was too late.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Explosions rocked the base as missiles hit their marks. Fireballs erupted into the sky, sending debris flying everywhere. The air was filled with the screams of soldiers and the deafening roar of destruction.


    "What is going on?!" Victor, the commander of Nunavut base and right-hand man to the infamous Immortal Fox, slammed his fist on the command table as the reports poured in.


    "I ordered constant radar surveillance! How did these things get so close without anyone noticing?!" Veins bulged on his forehead as anger and frustration boiled over. He knew the loss of their air defense system was catastrophic. Without it, the base was vulnerable to an aerial onslaught. But Victor wasn''t one to dwell on emotions for long. Taking a deep breath, he barked new orders. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Concentrate all firepower on those machines! Cover the fighters! Get them airborne now!"


    "Yes, sir!" Gunfire erupted across the base as soldiers from both the Vanguard Organization and the Defense Force retaliated. Bullets and shells filled the sky, creating a relentless barrage aimed at the unmanned armors. Meanwhile, dozens of pilots rushed to their planes, desperate to take off and counter the threat.

 Chapter 182: Overwhelmed

    Chapter 182 - OverwhelmedUnbeknownst to Victor, their frantic preparations were being watched. Inside Aegis, Zack observed the chaos through a live feed from the LSI satellite. He smirked, shaking his head. "A little late to start scrambling fighters, don''t you think?" he muttered.


    Turning to Ava, he gestured toward the screen. "The fighter planes are yours."


    "Yes, sir!" Ava stood at attention and saluted before hurrying out of the control room. Taking the metal stairs, she returned to the hangar where the Avalon-II was docked.


    The cockpit display lit up as she strapped in, a notification appearing:


    [Pilot: Ava]


    [Authorization: Granted for departure from Aegis]


    With a mechanical hiss, the Avalon''s docking clamps released. Boom! The aircraft shot out of the hangar, propelled into the sky like a sharp arrow.


    "Where did that plane come from?!" Victor''s roar echoed through the command room as he spotted the Avalon-II slicing through the air. His expression turned pale when he realized its trajectory.


    "No... Stop that plane! NOW!" But it was already too late. Flying low over the base''s ruined defenses, Ava guided the Avalon-II toward the airfield. Beneath its hull, the 20mm Vulcan cannon spun to life.


    Brrrrrrrrrttt!


    The sound of rapid-fire gunshots roared across the base as streams of depleted Graphene rounds tore through the parked fighter jets.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Explosions erupted in quick succession. Flames consumed the airfield as planes burst apart, one after another. Pilots who had barely reached their cockpits were caught in the blasts, their efforts to fight back reduced to ashes. The chain reaction of explosions engulfed the entire airfield in a sea of fire, sending debris flying in all directions. "Mission complete. Visual assessment... target neutralized," Ava reported calmly as she flew over the devastated airfield, flames still rising in her wake.


    "Well done," Zack''s voice came through her earpiece. "If there are no enemy planes left, return to base."


    "Understood," Ava responded. She banked the Avalon for another pass, scanning the airfield below.


    "Damn it, it''s coming back!" Victor''s voice trembled as the Avalon-II descended for another sweep. On the runway, one lone plane¡ªa Su-57 fighter¡ªhad managed to start its engines. The pilot was desperately accelerating for takeoff, trying to escape the chaos.


    Ava narrowed her eyes at the scene. "Tempting as it is to test my skills in a dogfight..." she muttered, locking onto the fighter. "The mission comes first." With a flick of her controls, the Vulcan cannon roared to life once more, sending a devastating spray of rounds toward the fleeing plane.


    Boom!


    A mini-missile shot out, striking the Su-57 squarely on the runway. The explosion engulfed the jet in flames, reducing it to smoldering wreckage. "Mission accomplished," Ava reported calmly, steering the Avalon back toward Aegis.


    At the same time, the ten unmanned armors, having efficiently destroyed the air defense systems, returned through the drop windows of Aegis. Inside the aircraft, small maintenance drones scurried out, tending to the damaged armors and reloading their weapons. As the Avalon and unmanned armors disappeared into the stealth aircraft, the chaos on the ground reached a fever pitch.


    Though they couldn''t see Aegis, the survivors at Nunavut base realized the terrifying truth: a massive aircraft was hidden somewhere above them. But by the time they pieced it together, it was too late. Their anti-aircraft defenses were obliterated.


    "A horned demon... descended from the heavens..."


    "We''re doomed. It''s over..."


    Blind old Charlie clung to a wooden post, his trembling voice cutting through the panic. Though he couldn''t see anything, his words carried an eerie weight¡ªas if he understood the inevitable fate awaiting them.


    Inside Aegis, Zack observed the unfolding chaos below through the panoramic window. As the Avalon docked, he issued a single, cold command: "November, disengage stealth."


    At his words, the air around Aegis shimmered and distorted. The enormous aircraft slowly became visible, its colossal frame blotting out the sun. The shadow it cast stretched across the base, swallowing the high walls and the terrified soldiers standing atop them. "Holy shit!"


    The stunned soldiers on the walls could only stare in horror. The sheer size of Aegis left them speechless. Even the most battle-hardened among them couldn''t muster the courage to fire the first shot. "What... what the hell is this?!"


    Victor, watching from the safety of the command room, stared at the screen in disbelief. His hands trembled as he tried to comprehend the monstrous craft that had appeared out of nowhere. "How can something that massive... even fly?"


    Victor''s voice faltered with every word, his confidence shaken to its core. Back inside Aegis, Zack''s expression remained cold and emotionless. He glanced at the command display and gave the next order. "Deploy the mechanical legions and Fearless warriors. Anyone who resists... eliminate them."


    The massive tail hatch of Aegis opened slowly, revealing rows of hulking Fearless Warriors. With a thunderous crash, the first Fearless warrior dropped from the aircraft, landing on the base''s high wall. The impact left a massive dent in the reinforced concrete, sending shockwaves through the structure. The unlucky soldier standing at the point of impact was reduced to a smear of blood and mangled flesh. Those nearby were hurled into the air, their bodies slamming against the ground far below. And yet, the Fearless Warrior stood unscathed. The four-meter-tall steel giant shook off the debris and roared: "For glory!" Chainsword in hand, its teeth spinning at a brutal 4,600 RPM, the warrior charged into the stunned soldiers.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One by one, more Fearless Warriors leapt from Aegis. Each landed like a cannonball, creating craters in the walls or the ground below. Wherever they landed, destruction followed. The soldiers on the walls finally snapped out of their shock.


    "Shoot! Don''t let those things advance!" Gunfire erupted as the defenders unleashed a hailstorm of bullets. But their attacks were futile. Regular ammunition ricocheted harmlessly off the power armor of the Fearless Warriors, leaving only scratches.


    The Vanguard soldiers'' experimental rifles were the only weapons capable of any damage. Their strange, biomechanical design pumped a dark, viscous liquid through the weapon, each shot spraying a red, laser-like beam. But even these advanced rifles struggled to penetrate the armor. It took two or three consecutive shots at the same spot just to leave a significant dent.


    The Fearless Warriors pressed forward, unrelenting. Swinging their roaring chainswords, they carved through the defenders like a knife through butter. With each swing, another soldier fell¡ªsplit in two or shredded into an unrecognizable mess.


    "Regular ammo''s useless!"


    "Switch to armor-piercing rounds! Now!"


    Despite the order, the defenders'' efforts barely slowed the Dreadnoughts. Their towering steel frames moved like tanks, shrugging off the desperate attacks.


    Above the chaos, Aegis descended further, opening additional drop bays. From these bays emerged the mechanical legions: twenty sleek mechanical dogs and ten combat-ready robots. The mechanical dogs, equipped with sharp claws and compact machine guns, darted through the battlefield with lethal agility. The robots, standing over two meters tall, unleashed suppressive fire with their built-in autocannons.


    "Fall back!"


    "We can''t hold them!"


    In contrast to the mechanical dogs'' agility, the Terror Spiders landed with brute force, much like the Fearless Warriors. Each impact sent tremors through the ground.

 Chapter 183: Leading The Charge

    Chapter 183 - Leading The ChargeOnce on the ground, these three-meter-tall machines of destruction wasted no time. Alongside the mechanical dogs, they began systematically clearing the remaining defenses of the Nunavut base. Micro-missiles streaked through the sky, exploding in rapid succession. The roar of heavy machine gun fire echoed without pause, creating a deafening symphony of destruction.


    Unlike the Fearless Warriors, whose power lay in their close-quarters combat, the mechanical legions specialized in raw firepower. Against the outmatched soldiers of the base, it was a one-sided massacre. Pinned down by the relentless assault, the defenders couldn''t even lift their heads.


    Crack! Crack! Crack!


    A group of Vanguard soldiers huddled behind a crumbling bunker, flinching as bullets and debris rained down around them. Outside, several mechanical dogs kept up a relentless barrage, their heavy rounds chipping away at the reinforced concrete. "The targets are hiding in the bunker! Switching to armor-piercing rounds!" Before the mechanical dogs could fire, a nearby Terror Spider raised its mechanical arm. Two micro-missiles launched from its integrated launcher, streaking through the air in a sharp arc.


    Boom! Boom!


    The missiles bypassed the bunker''s front and detonated from above, turning the soldiers hiding behind it into a mess of shredded flesh and scattered limbs. The Nunavut defenders weren''t completely helpless. Though the Vanguard soldiers'' rifles couldn''t penetrate the Fearless Warriors'' power armor with a single shot, they were devastating against the lighter-armored units.


    Mechanical dogs, in particular, were highly vulnerable. A single well-placed shot could punch through their thin alloy plating, and two or three shots to a critical area could take one down completely.


    Even the Terror Spiders, though better armored, weren''t invincible. Their mass-produced design meant they couldn''t withstand sustained fire from the strange biomechanical rifles wielded by the Vanguard soldiers. But the relentless advance of the Fearless Warriors and the suppressive fire of the mechanical legions left the defenders with little chance to fight back. Most soldiers cowered behind cover, too terrified to raise their heads.


    "Armor-piercing rounds equipped." The mechanical dogs and Terror Spiders switched their ammunition, and the tide of battle shifted again.


    Brrrrrt!


    A barrage of heavy machine gun fire ripped through the bunkers, turning the once-sturdy walls into swiss cheese. The soldiers hiding behind them fared no better, shredded along with their last defenses."Sir! The front line is collapsing!"


    The grim report reached the command room. Victor slammed his fists on the table, his face twisted in rage. "Abandon the perimeter defenses!" he barked. "Draw them into the residential zone! Deploy the shifters for urban combat!"


    As his orders went out, the remaining defenders on the high walls were effectively abandoned. The sound of gunfire on the front lines lasted only another ten seconds before fading into eerie silence. The high walls, once manned by thousands of soldiers, were now nothing but smoldering ruins. The reinforced concrete lay in rubble, with entire sections blown apart. Blood and mangled bodies littered the area, the thick stench of death mingling with the smoke. The devastation quickly spread panic to the residential zone.


    Inside the chaotic survivor camp, panic erupted. Screams. Crying. Shouts. People scrambled to escape, some trying to steal supplies in the chaos. The area descended into utter bedlam. Among the chaos, dozens of shifters¡ªtattooed with animalistic patterns¡ªmelted into the crowd, using the chaos as cover to position themselves within the dense, maze-like structures.


    "What''s this? A street fight?" Zack, observing the unfolding scene through Aegis''s panoramic window, chuckled coldly.


    "They think I''ll hold back because of the survivors?" he sneered. "Ego, shatter their little fantasy."


    "Understood, sir," Ego replied. At the command, the mechanical legions and Fearless Warriors shifted their focus, advancing into the residential zone.


    Leading the charge were the mechanical dogs, equipped with advanced life scanners capable of detecting armed targets through walls and buildings. "Sector 11! Two armed targets detected in the building!" The lead mechanical dog locked onto its targets. Its autocannon swiveled, spitting tungsten-core armor-piercing rounds that tore through the walls like paper.


    Inside, the armed soldiers didn''t even have time to scream before they were cut down. "Sector cleared. Advancing," came the emotionless report. The mechanical legions pressed further into the residential zone. Buildings that blocked their path were bulldozed without hesitation, tents and shacks crushed underfoot.


    Vanguard and Mutant Defense soldiers hiding in the structures stood no chance. Their positions were discovered and eliminated before they could even fire a shot.


    "Run!"


    "They''re shooting through walls!"


    The sound of bullets and explosions created an atmosphere of pure terror. Survivors fled in every direction, their panic adding to the chaos. The residential area was in complete disarray.


    In the chaotic residential area, survival instincts took over. Supplies and valuables were forgotten. Women, men, children¡ªeveryone ran like headless chickens, darting through the mess of tents and makeshift homes, their panicked screams echoing through the air.


    Amid the chaos, some unfortunate souls stumbled directly into the path of the advancing mechanical army.


    "Ahhhhhh!"


    The sight of a four-meter-tall Fearless Warrior froze them in their tracks. They collapsed to the ground, paralyzed by fear, their trembling bodies drenched in cold sweat. But the warriors and mechanical legions ignored them completely, their heavy steps thundering past.


    Thud. Thud. Thud.


    The sound of the Fearless Warriors and Terror Spiders marching through the streets felt like a drumbeat hammering against the survivors'' chests. Each step made their hearts pound harder. When the machines had passed, the terrified civilians let out shaky breaths of relief. Many were left drenched in sweat, and a few even had wet pants, the acrid smell of fear filling the air. Still, not everyone was willing to cower. Among the bolder survivors, a few picked up whatever weapons they could find, determined to fight back.


    One of them was a burly man with a beer belly, gripping a shotgun in one hand and a grenade in the other. Crouched by a window, he listened intently to the heavy footsteps growing louder outside. "Sector 07. Armed target detected. Engage," came the cold, mechanical voice of a nearby mechanical dog. Before the man could make his move, the dog''s mounted heavy machine gun locked onto the building.


    Click. Click. Click.


    The gun roared to life, riddling the walls with bullet holes the size of dinner plates. Inside, the burly man''s face twisted in shock as several rounds tore through his body, leaving gaping wounds. He crumpled to the ground, his shotgun slipping from his hand. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Papa! Papa!" A boy, no older than ten, rushed to the man''s side, his tear-filled cries cutting through the air. He knelt over his father''s lifeless body, trembling with grief.


    Through the window, he spotted the mechanical dog outside, its emotionless sensors scanning for new threats. In a surge of rage, the boy grabbed the bloodstained shotgun and pointed it at the machine. But before he could pull the trigger, an armor-piercing bullet ripped through the wall, piercing his skull. "Target neutralized," the mechanical dog reported coldly. Smoke drifted from its gun barrel as it resumed its advance.

 Chapter 184: The Shapesifters

    Chapter 184 - The ShapesiftersThe harsh reality of war was laid bare: civilians who remained unarmed were ignored. But the moment anyone picked up a weapon¡ªman, woman, or child¡ªthey became a target. The machines were merciless, designed for one purpose: to kill. After eliminating countless Vanguard soldiers, defense forces, and armed survivors, the Fearless Warriors and mechanical legion reached the heart of the residential area.


    "Sector 03. Abnormal target detected. Life signal unusually strong. Suspected mutant."


    "Sector 11. Abnormal target detected."


    "Sector 07..."


    As soon as the mechanical dogs entered the residential zone, their scanners began picking up changers¡ªsuperhuman shifters hiding among the ruins. Before the machines could fire, guttural roars erupted from the shadows.


    Roar! Roar! ROAR!


    Out of the ruined buildings charged a group of massive beasts: three-to-four-meter-long bears with rippling muscles, giant gray wolves with glowing eyes, and sleek red foxes that moved like blurs of flame. The changers tore through tents and ramshackle homes as they charged, their sheer size and speed leaving destruction in their wake.


    A sight like this would''ve sent human soldiers into disarray, morale plummeting as panic set in. But the mechanical legions weren''t human. "Target: Shifters. Execute tactics: crossfire suppression. Ammunition: armor-piercing."


    Without hesitation, the machines unleashed their firepower.


    Click. Click. Click.


    Dozens of heavy machine guns roared in unison, their armor-piercing rounds forming streams of death that crisscrossed the battlefield. The Terror Spiders proved especially devastating. Dual 20mm cannons mounted on their robotic arms unleashed explosive rounds with terrifying precision. Each shot left craters in the ground or shredded the changers in their path.


    The charging bears and wolves fell one after another, their bodies riddled with holes. Blood pooled beneath them as their massive frames hit the ground with sickening thuds. But their resilience was remarkable. It took dozens of armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds to bring down a single changer.


    "Roar!"


    After losing a dozen of their own, the remaining changers closed the distance. A giant bear at the front of the pack rose onto its hind legs, towering over the battlefield. Its roar shook the air as it charged forward, enduring the hail of gunfire. With a mighty swing, it brought its massive paw down toward a mechanical dog. Before the blow could land, a saw chain sword came slashing upward.


    Rrrrrrrr!


    The high-speed rotating blade tore through the bear''s flesh and bone, severing its paw in one clean strike. "Fight!" roared the Fearless Warrior as it stepped forward, its chainsword raised high.


    The warrior plunged into the fray, its blade whirring as it cleaved through the oncoming changers. More Fearless Warriors joined the battle, their massive forms crashing into the changers with unrelenting ferocity. Each swing of their chainswords brought blood and carnage, carving a path through the battlefield.


    Boom!


    With a thunderous crash, a Fearless Warrior at the front of the charge lowered its massive shoulder and slammed into a giant bear. The bear, already missing one paw, was sent sprawling to the ground like a felled tree.


    Thud!


    The impact shook the earth as the four-meter-tall bear hit the dirt, dazed and unable to recover.


    Without hesitation, the Fearless Warrior raised its roaring chainsword and brought it down in a brutal arc.


    Roar!


    The bear let out a deafening cry of fear as the blade tore into its face, sawing through from its nose to its jaw. The chainsword chewed through the bone, grinding against teeth and cheekbones.


    But the Fearless Warrior didn''t stop. Pressing down with relentless force, the rotating teeth of the blade carved through the bear''s skull like a saw cutting timber.


    Click, click, click...


    The gruesome sound of bone being sliced filled the air as the warrior''s armored boot pinned the bear in place, preventing it from struggling.


    Crunch!


    With a wet, sickening noise, the bear''s head finally split apart, its body convulsing before going still. The Fearless Warrior yanked its chainsword free, blood and brain matter dripping from the blade, and immediately turned to the next target.


    All around, the other Fearless Warriors fought in a similarly brutal fashion. These hulking soldiers were built for war, using brute force and crude methods to take down the changers. But the shifters weren''t ordinary enemies.


    Howl!


    A pair of gray wolves, each three meters long, leapt across the rooftops of bullet-ridden buildings. Moving like shadows, one of the wolves lunged at a Fearless Warrior, knocking the armored giant to the ground.


    Roar!


    The second wolf snarled and pounced, sinking its fangs into the warrior''s neck. The thin alloy plating around the neck, designed for mobility, gave way under the wolf''s powerful bite, exposing vulnerable flesh beneath. Just as the wolf prepared to tear out the warrior''s throat, a deafening blast echoed across the battlefield.


    Boom!


    A tungsten kinetic energy round, fired at Mach 13, tore through the wolf''s skull. Its lifeless body slumped to the ground as blood pooled around it. Not far away, a Terror Spider stood with its shoulder-mounted electromagnetic railgun humming faintly, small arcs of electricity crackling around the barrel. Even these killing machines had been outfitted with railguns, ensuring no enemy was beyond their reach.


    The remaining wolf, furious at its companion''s death, turned its attention back to the fallen Fearless Warrior. With a growl, it lunged, jaws snapping. But the warrior, chainsword still in hand, swung upward in a wide arc.


    Rrrrrr!


    The blade sliced cleanly through the wolf''s midsection, severing its body in two. The animal let out a strangled yelp before collapsing, its blood spraying onto the rubble-strewn ground. The Fearless Warrior rose to its feet, gore dripping from its weapon. Without pausing, it swung the blade again, splitting the wolf''s head open with a single strike. Flesh, bone, and brain matter splattered in all directions.


    In terms of sheer strength, the Fearless Warriors and the changers were evenly matched. A Dreadnought could overpower a giant bear in brute force but lacked the speed of a gray wolf. However, their power armor and chainswords gave them an undeniable advantage. In one-on-one combat, the warriors could easily dominate the changers. Only when outnumbered two-to-one or more did they face real challenges. For the changers, the bears'' reliance on brute strength made them vulnerable. Despite their size, they couldn''t match the sheer destructive capability of the Dreadnoughts'' weapons and armor. The chainswords, with their unrelenting rotation and razor-sharp teeth, turned every encounter into a bloody spectacle.


    Click, click, click...


    The sound of chainswords grinding through flesh and bone filled the battlefield. One by one, the giant bears fell, their limbs and heads severed. Blood-soaked fur and mangled bodies littered the ground as the Fearless Warriors pressed forward.


    The wolves and rare red foxes fared slightly better due to their speed, relying on quick movements and group tactics to overwhelm the warriors. But their efforts were short-lived. "Target: shifter. Priority engagement." The Terror Spiders adjusted their aim, focusing on the faster changers.


    Click, click, click...


    The heavy machine guns roared again, their armor-piercing rounds shredding through makeshift walls and rubble. The foxes, darting between buildings like crimson ghosts, found their space shrinking rapidly. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When pinned down, they became easy targets for the electromagnetic railguns.

 Chapter 185: Aegis Capabilites

    Chapter 185 - Aegis CapabilitesBoom! Boom!


    The railgun rounds hit with unerring accuracy, blasting holes through the changers'' bodies or reducing them to lifeless heaps of fur. Despite their ferocity, the changers couldn''t withstand the relentless assault.


    As the giant bears were wiped out one by one, the mechanical army shifted its fire to the wolves and foxes. The once-fast predators found themselves corralled, their movements restricted by collapsing buildings and relentless firepower. Armor-piercing rounds tore through their agile frames, leaving broken bodies in their wake. Even the foxes, with their supernatural speed, couldn''t escape the systematic destruction.


    The battlefield was left in ruins, soaked with blood and littered with the remains of changers who had dared to challenge the machines of war. The gray wolves howled in agony as dense armor-piercing rounds tore through their bodies, reducing them to lifeless, bloodied heaps. The red foxes fared no better, their swift movements unable to save them from the relentless onslaught.


    In just a few dozen seconds, what began as a fierce charge by the shapeshifters turned into a brutal, one-sided massacre. Under the crushing strength of the Fearless Warriors and the overwhelming firepower of the mechanical legion, the dozens of changers were swiftly reduced to single digits. The few remaining gray wolves and red foxes broke ranks, retreating in desperation.


    In the command room of the Nunavut base, the atmosphere was suffocating. Despair weighed heavily on the soldiers'' faces. Even though they had been brainwashed into unwavering loyalty by the Vanguard Organization, their primal fear of death began to take hold. "Sir, there''s nothing more we can do! Please head to the backup chamber!" one of Victor''s men urged. "We''ll fight to the last breath and ensure your consciousness is returned to headquarters so Lord Immortal Fox can resurrect you!"


    Victor''s face darkened, his expression as cold and grim as death itself. "If I retreat like this..." He clenched his fists and growled through gritted teeth, "how can I face Lady Immortal Fox?" His bloodshot eyes remained fixed on the battle feed displayed on the screen, as though desperately hoping for a miracle. But the footage offered no reprieve¡ªjust changers falling one after another under the mechanical legion''s relentless assault.


    "Useless trash!" Victor snarled, his voice trembling with rage.


    "Sir! You must leave now!"


    "No! I refuse to retreat!" Victor bellowed. "We still have one trump card left!"


    His men froze. "Sir! Master Immortal Fox strictly forbids¡ª"


    "I don''t care!" Victor cut him off, waving his hand dismissively.


    "Send the order," he said, his tone low and deliberate. His bloodshot eyes burned with defiance as he spoke, "Release... Unit 01."


    Deep underground, in the bio-laboratory of the Nunavut base, alarms blared as a red alert was triggered. A corridor leading to the surface was hastily cleared, and scientists scrambled to pack their materials and evacuate as quickly as possible. At the end of the corridor, a massive alloy gate slowly slid open, revealing a second gate behind it.


    As the second gate opened, it revealed a pitch-black chamber. Lights flickered on, illuminating the room to reveal a towering stasis pod¡ªlarge enough to hold two Fearless Warriors with room to spare. Pipes and cables snaked across the pod, connected to every corner. Dark liquid, similar to the mysterious fluid found in Vanguard technology, pulsed through the pipes like veins.


    Hissss¡ª


    A soft sound of depressurization echoed as the seals on the stasis pod loosened. Inside, a rhythmic breathing sound emerged, low and steady at first, then growing louder.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, the pod''s lid exploded outward with a violent force, crashing into the ceiling and leaving sparks showering down from damaged wiring. The lights in the room flickered erratically, casting eerie shadows across the space. Under the flickering light, a massive figure emerged from the pod. Over five meters tall, the hulking form seemed more beast than man, its silhouette both grotesque and terrifying.


    Roar!


    A feral roar erupted as the figure moved, its heavy steps echoing through the corridor. Wherever it went, the lights failed, plunging the path behind it into darkness. Just as it neared the exit to the surface, the creature stopped abruptly. Under the faint glow of a remaining light, its face was revealed¡ªneither fully bear nor fully human. Interlocking fangs ground against each other, and viscous saliva dripped from its snarling jaws. Its flared nostrils sniffed the air, detecting the scent of flesh and blood.


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    With a deafening bellow, the creature turned and rushed in another direction, veering toward the lab. Screams erupted moments later. The sound of skulls being crushed and bones splintering filled the laboratory as chaos descended.


    Meanwhile, in the residential area, the battle was nearing its conclusion. The last gray wolf, attempting to flee, was struck by an electromagnetic railgun fired from a Terror Spider. The tungsten round blasted a hole in its body so large that a person could have crawled through it. The wolf collapsed in a lifeless heap. The stench of blood filled the air. Limbs and gore from both the changers and the mechanical legions littered the area. Not all the changers were killed. Two red foxes, realizing the battle was lost, released their transformations and slipped into the crowd of terrified survivors, reverting to their human forms.


    The two young peoples hoped to blend in, but their gamble failed. Terrified survivors, driven by fear and self-preservation, dragged the pair toward the mechanical army.


    "We surrender! We won''t resist anymore!" one of the girls cried.


    "Please! We''re giving up!" the other pleaded, her knees hitting the ground as she raised her hands in surrender.


    The mechanical legion showed no response, their weapons still aimed at the two. As machines, they operated purely on logic, incapable of making decisions without orders. "Hold them for now," Zack said indifferently, watching the scene from Aegis''s control room.


    The display showed the aftermath of the battle: bodies strewn across the battlefield, the mechanical legion standing victorious amidst the carnage. The strength of the Fearless Warriors and mechanical units had been proven. But this battle wasn''t about them. The true star of this operation was Aegis itself. From the moment it identified its target to loading troops, flying thousands of kilometers, and executing a surgical strike, the aircraft had performed flawlessly.


    It wasn''t until Zack deliberately disabled Aegis''s stealth mode that the residents of the Nunavut base became aware of the behemoth looming above them. "Wait a second... based on this efficiency..." Zack muttered, running some mental calculations. "Doesn''t that mean Aegis could take off from NYC and hit any bases on the other side of the world in less than ten hours?"


    He stared at the massive aircraft in awe. Speed aside, the true terror of Aegis lay in its ghost-like stealth capabilities. Existing air defense systems couldn''t detect it at all. When it descended with its mechanical beasts and unleashed its wrath, no base or force could react in time. The Nunavut base was living proof of that.


    "Sir, high-energy biological reaction detected," Ego''s voice suddenly rang in his ears.

 Chapter 186: Biological Weapon

    Chapter 186 - Biological Weapon"High-energy biological reaction?" Zack frowned slightly but didn''t pay it much mind. The Fearless Warriors were more than capable of handling any biological threat. Armed with power armor and chainswords, they could go toe-to-toe with even the most fearsome creatures, like the Mutated Lord, and come out unscathed.


    Zack wasn''t concerned¡ªuntil he heard it. "ROAR!" The sound was deafening, followed by the rumble of collapsing buildings. A massive figure burst from the underground slope inside the base, its body dripping with blood and scraps of flesh.


    The creature was enormous, standing five meters tall¡ªnearly two stories high. Its limbs were humanoid in structure but covered in fur, claws, and fangs more fitting for a beast. Its face and palms bore distinctly bear-like features, though its fur was striped like a tiger. The mismatched features gave it a grotesque and unnerving appearance, as though a tiger and grizzly bear had been forcibly fused with human DNA through some horrific biotechnology. Two large tumors protruded from its shoulders, and its pale, lifeless pupils radiated a chilling emptiness. On its left shoulder, where the fur had been burned away, bold lettering branded its identity:


    [BIOLOGICAL WEAPON NO. 01]


    [FROM MUTANT TRANSFORMATION PROJECT: ShapeShifter]


    [WARNING: PRODUCT DEFECTIVE. RELEASE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.]


    "ROAR!" Biological Weapon No. 01 emerged into the sunlight, its monstrous form visible to all. Its pale eyes narrowed, and its massive nose sniffed the air. The acrid scent of gunpowder and the pungent stench of blood seemed to ignite something within it. Droplets of scarlet liquid dripped from its bloodstained fangs¡ªwhether saliva or remnants of its earlier victims was unclear.


    The creature locked onto a direction and charged at full speed. Buildings in its path were reduced to rubble, crumbling like paper under its sheer power.


    "ARGhhhh!" Survivors hiding in one of the buildings barely had time to react before the roof was ripped away. The beast''s bloodied maw descended, tearing into its victims without mercy.


    Victor, watching the carnage from the command room, paled. This was far beyond what he had anticipated. He''d expected No. 01 to target the invading mechanical army. Instead, the creature was attacking indiscriminately, treating all living beings as prey. The personnel in the underground base had been the first to fall, but now the residential areas were in chaos. For No. 01, anything that moved was a target.


    "High-energy biological reaction confirmed!"


    "Threat level critical! Concentrate firepower!"


    The mechanical legions instantly identified the threat and formulated a plan. Terror Spiders lined up in formation, their electromagnetic railguns charging simultaneously. They locked onto No. 01''s location, scanning through the rubble.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    Ten tungsten rounds, each traveling at over Mach 10, were fired in unison. The bullets tore through multiple walls, ignoring the buildings in their path as if they didn''t exist. Six of the rounds struck their mark, hitting No. 01 squarely as it crouched over a mutilated corpse. The tungsten rounds ripped through its massive frame, creating gaping holes from front to back.


    Blood sprayed everywhere. For a moment, the beast staggered, roaring in fury. It threw aside the remains it had been gnawing on and broke through another wall, charging toward the mechanical army with terrifying speed. Its pale, zombie-like eyes were filled with rage¡ªa rage that hinted at intelligence.


    "ROAR!" As the beast moved, the gaping holes in its body began to close. Muscle fibers visibly knit themselves together, sealing the wounds in seconds.


    "Engage the target!" The Fearless Warrior swung its chainsword in a powerful arc, leaving a crimson trail in the air as it aimed for Creature No. 01.


    "ROAR!" But this was no ordinary creature. A monstrous amalgamation of the bear, wolf, and tiger changers, it responded with terrifying speed. Its massive paw, nearly half a meter across, lashed out from below with such force that afterimages blurred in its wake.


    BOOM!


    The chainsword never landed. No. 01''s paw slammed into the warrior''s chest, the impact ringing out like an explosion.


    CRACK!


    The thick power armor, designed to withstand immense force, buckled inward. The sheer power sent the Fearless Warrior hurtling through the air like a ragdoll, soaring at least ten meters before crashing into the ground. The impact left a deep crater in the earth.


    "Fight!" The remaining Fearless Warriors didn''t hesitate. Ignoring their fallen comrade, they charged forward, unshaken by the creature''s overwhelming strength.


    These super soldiers had been stripped of fear, their minds rewired with chips that not only restored their ability to think but also implanted centuries'' worth of military training. Realizing their opponent was both faster and stronger, the remaining warriors quickly adjusted their tactics. The chaotic rush turned into a coordinated assault. Warriors attacked from multiple angles simultaneously, leaving no blind spots for the creature to exploit. They deliberately left gaps in their formation, allowing the mechanical legions to maintain their barrage. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    The mechanical legion didn''t let up. Terror Spiders and mechanical dogs unleashed a relentless storm of firepower, their bullets and electromagnetic rounds tearing through the air. The battlefield was consumed by smoke, even thicker than before, as explosions echoed endlessly.


    "Target identified: Unknown large biological entity with super self-healing capabilities," a mechanical dog''s AI reported. "Conventional weapons ineffective. Combat effectiveness remains stable despite sustained damage."


    It was true. No matter how many rounds were fired, no matter how many slashes the chainswords landed, Creature No. 01 healed its wounds almost instantly. Its monstrous body seemed impervious to lasting harm, its regenerative abilities far surpassing anything the mechanical army had encountered before. "Requesting authorization to deploy weapons of mass destruction," the Terror Spider''s AI transmitted to Zack. Among its arsenal, each Terror Spider carried a deployable, controlled hydrogen bomb.


    "Request denied," Zack replied coolly. "Fall back and draw it to me."


    As the mechanical army began its tactical retreat, a hatch on Aegis opened once more. From the massive aircraft, a sleek set of gold-and-red armor shot into the air, its streamlined design glowing faintly with energy.


    "Biological Weapon No. 01, huh?" Zack muttered as he approached, clad in the Apex Mk-2 armor. Even before landing, the suit''s built-in scanning system had analyzed the laser-branded markings on No. 01''s shoulder.


    "I''m really starting to hate these guys," Zack said, his voice laced with irritation. "They just can''t stop messing with biology. Haven''t they learned their lesson yet?" He was still furious over the Night Queen incident, and now the Vanguard Organization had unleashed another uncontrollable abomination. Unlike Zack''s purely mechanical advancements, the organization had delved into dangerous bioengineering, creating monsters like this one.


    "Ego, scan it for weaknesses," Zack commanded as he dived toward the battlefield. The Apex Mk-2''s palm cannons, upgraded for rapid firing with zero charge time, unleashed a barrage of particle beams as Zack descended.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    The beams struck No. 01''s massive body, each hit leaving wounds the size of a bowl. The edges of the injuries were charred, smoke rising from the burnt flesh. The damage was devastating, rivaling the power of the Terror Spiders'' electromagnetic railguns. The Apex Mk-2''s enhancements were clearly evident¡ªnot only had the firing rate improved, but the power of the palm cannons was on a completely new level.


    "ROAR!" Despite the assault, No. 01 roared in defiance. The creature''s wounds began to close almost instantly, muscle fibers knitting together at an alarming speed. It charged through the onslaught, its pale eyes burning with rage.

 Chapter 187: Biological Weapon (2)

    Chapter 187 - Biological Weapon (2)Zack hit the ground like a meteor, slamming into No. 01 with his armor''s force field barrier activated.


    BOOM!


    The impact unleashed a shockwave that rippled through the battlefield, sending debris flying in all directions. No. 01, despite its massive size and weight, was thrown backward, crashing through several walls before finally coming to a stop. Protected by the force field, Zack remained unscathed, hovering just above the ground.


    "Switch to palm cannon mode. Charge for maximum output," Zack commanded. The Apex Mk-2''s palm cannons glowed brightly as energy surged through them, readying for a devastating attack.


    The Apex Mk-2 armor was an unparalleled masterpiece of energy efficiency and firepower. Its palm cannon alone featured three distinct firing modes.


    High-Speed Burst Mode: This mode delivered rapid-fire shots with medium power, rivaling the miniature electromagnetic railguns used by the Terror Spiders.


    Charged Mode: While it required a short charging time and couldn''t fire continuously, this mode packed the most destructive force of the three.


    Continuous Laser Mode: In this mode, the cannon shifted from single-target bursts to a sustained laser beam. While it had the lowest power per hit, the sheer impact, high temperature, and stacking damage potential made it deadly in prolonged combat.


    "Mode switched," came the calm notification from the armor''s AI. Zack raised his palm as an arc of light surged to life, distorting the air around it with its intensity.


    "ROAR!" Creature No. 01, having just risen to its feet, seemed to sense the imminent danger. With its higher-than-average intelligence, it attempted to evade the attack, retreating rapidly. But No. 01 underestimated the Apex Mk-2''s charging speed.


    "Charge complete." The notification chimed in Zack''s ears, and in the blink of an eye, two brilliant energy beams erupted from his palms.


    BAM!!!


    The beams struck No. 01 squarely, throwing the massive creature backward like a ragdoll.


    "ROAR..." Two massive holes, each the size of a washbasin, appeared in the creature''s chest. Yet before Zack could savor the hit, the beast began to stir again. Its roar, while less confident, still carried menace. The wounds on its body began to close almost immediately, the tissue regenerating at an alarming speed. "Sir, the target''s metabolism is extremely fast. Conventional weapons cannot cause lasting damage. No weaknesses detected. Exercise caution," Ego reported.


    "Quite the problem," Zack muttered. "But it''s a perfect chance to test the Apex Mk-2''s full capabilities." Switching to continuous laser mode, Zack extended his right palm.


    Buzz!


    A blazing orange beam shot forth, striking No. 01 and bombarding it relentlessly.


    "ROAR!" The creature bellowed in rage as its rapid healing clashed against the unrelenting laser. Raising its massive hand, it shielded itself and charged toward Zack with terrifying speed.


    "Ego, order the mechanical army to fall back," Zack commanded, his tone calm despite the situation. "I can''t go all out with them in the way." Even as he spoke, Zack intensified the laser''s power. The beam grew brighter, and the high temperature began to char No. 01''s flesh, melting away its skin and even blackening its bones.


    The sustained impact slowed the creature''s advance, but it wasn''t enough to stop it entirely. With a sharp click, a compartment on Zack''s left wrist popped open. A crimson laser blade extended outward, resembling a blade of pure energy.


    With a sweeping motion, Zack slashed toward No. 01. The laser blade cut cleanly through everything in its path¡ªtrees, rubble, and even reinforced walls. For the first time, No. 01 hesitated. Sensing a genuine threat, it tried to retreat. But in the face of light itself, there was no escape. The red blade swept across No. 01''s neck, and in a desperate bid to survive, the creature raised its left arm to shield itself.


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    The laser sliced through the raised arm with ease, severing it completely. The limb fell to the ground with a heavy thud, but the sacrifice wasn''t in vain. The blade''s energy only managed to cut halfway through No. 01''s neck. Its fur, muscles, trachea, and vocal cords were all severed, leaving the beast unable to roar. Yet its cervical vertebra remained intact, sparing it from decapitation.


    "Uh... uh..." Though unable to vocalize, the creature''s furious expression spoke volumes. In a shocking display of agility, No. 01 leapt into the air. Spinning mid-flight, it dodged Zack''s next pulse blast and struck out with its remaining bear-like paw.


    Caught off guard, Zack couldn''t avoid the attack.


    BOOM!


    The massive paw struck Zack with a resounding crash, sending him hurtling backward like a cannonball. The red-and-gold figure smashed through more than a dozen walls before activating the auxiliary thrusters on the back of the armor. The jets fired, slowing his momentum and bringing him to a stop.


    "ROAR!" No. 01, its neck still half-severed, barreled forward with unstoppable momentum. The tattered buildings in its path crumbled beneath its sheer weight.


    Zack, still hovering in the air, watched in disbelief as the creature''s vocal cords and trachea rapidly regenerated. In mere seconds, the injuries had almost completely healed. "What the hell is this thing?" Zack muttered, his expression darkening. "I hope you''re capable of molecular regeneration," Zack muttered coldly, his eyes narrowing as Creature No. 01 barreled toward him at breakneck speed.


    Firing up his thrusters, Zack propelled himself dozens of meters into the air. The sudden maneuver left No. 01 flailing and crashing into the empty space where Zack had just been.


    "ROAR!" Frustrated by its missed attack, No. 01 whipped around, locking its pale, feral eyes on Zack as it crouched, readying to leap. But Zack was faster.


    With both palms aimed at the creature, the laser emitters on his wrists activated with a mechanical click, and two beams of searing orange light erupted alongside twin crimson cutting lasers. Unlike the Apex''s reliance on physical ammunition, the Apex Mk-2 had been fully optimized for energy output. The upgraded emitters, powered by the improved reactor, could deliver devastating firepower without reliance on outdated hydrogen batteries.


    "ROAR!" The combined beams slammed into Creature No. 01, eliciting its first genuine scream of agony.


    The searing lasers burned away its shoulders, severing both arms cleanly at the joints. The crimson cutting beams left glowing, molten edges where the limbs had once been. While the red lasers dealt raw, brutal damage, the twin orange pulse rays offered something more insidious¡ªcontinuous impact.


    Buzz! Buzz! The harsh, mechanical hum filled the air as the pulse rays bore into the creature. One beam focused on its chest, slowly burning through its flesh, while the other relentlessly melted its face and cheekbones. Even its massive, several-ton frame wasn''t immune to the physical force of the beams. The concentrated energy pushed No. 01 backward, its feet carving long trenches in the ground as it struggled to remain upright.


    "ROAR..." Disarmed and unable to protect itself, the creature lowered its head in an attempt to shield its vulnerable face. But the relentless beams scorched its scalp, melting through layers of thick bone to reveal patches of charred skull beneath.

 Chapter 188: Please Escape Sir

    Chapter 188 - Please Escape SirFaced with the genuine threat of death, No. 01 let out a feral, guttural roar, one that echoed like the cry of a tiger. The sound was deafening, but what followed was worse.


    Pop! Pop!


    The tumors on the creature''s shoulders burst open, spraying dark, viscous liquid in every direction. The strange, almost living substance defied gravity, writhing and flowing toward the stumps where its arms had been severed. Fibrous black threads began weaving themselves together at an astonishing speed. Within seconds, it became clear¡ªNo. 01 was regenerating its lost limbs.


    Inside the Apex Mk-2, warning lights flashed, and a robotic voice echoed in Zack''s ears: "WARNING: Jet temperature critical!" The prolonged use of high-power rays had pushed the armor''s palm emitters to their limits. The air around the emitters shimmered with heat, and Zack could feel the temperature rising.


    "Fine, fine," Zack muttered, temporarily cutting off the pulse rays to allow the jets to cool. No. 01, sensing an opportunity, raised its head mid-healing. Its grotesque, half-burned face twisted into something resembling a grin as its exposed skull began regenerating flesh.


    "Oh, you''re laughing?" Zack scoffed, his irritation mounting. "Laugh all you want, pal. I''ve got more than just one way to roast you." The chest plate of the Apex Mk-2 shifted, and a high-power impact beam emitter emerged.


    BOOM!


    A beam of blinding energy, as thick as a human arm, erupted from the center of Zack''s armor, striking No. 01 square in the chest. "And while I''m cooling down, what are you waiting for?" Zack growled. The moment the chest beam stabilized, the wrist-mounted lasers roared back to life.


    Buzz!


    Twin crimson rays shot out once more, their intense heat slicing through No. 01''s newly regenerated arms like a hot knife through butter. "ROAR!!!" The creature''s screams filled the air as its limbs were severed again, falling uselessly to the ground.


    Meanwhile, the high-power beam from Zack''s chest continued its relentless assault. The immense impact pushed No. 01 backward, its feet dragging deep furrows in the dirt as it struggled against the sheer force.


    BOOM!


    The beam pierced through No. 01''s torso, boring a hole clean through its massive frame before slamming into the buildings behind it. Compared to the creature''s near-impenetrable defenses, the reinforced concrete of the buildings crumbled like paper. The light beam tore through walls, melting thick slabs of cement into molten magma that dripped to the ground in glowing red streams. "Try healing from this!" Zack roared, his frustration turning to fury.


    In the face of absolute destructive power, even the strongest self-healing abilities lose their effectiveness. As the light beam completely obliterated its heart and internal organs, Creature No. 01''s regenerative aura vanished. The hulking mass of its body finally crumbled to the ground, lifeless. A massive, charred hole burned through its center.


    But Zack wasn''t ready to take any chances. As he''d said, this creature wouldn''t stop being a threat until it was reduced to nothing but ashes.


    "Power consumption at 80%."


    "Power consumption at 90%."


    "Reactor limit approaching maximum output."


    Warnings from the armor''s systems flashed in Zack''s HUD as the Singulium reactor in the Apex Mk-2 glowed brighter and hotter. "Shut up and activate the palm pulse cannons!" Zack barked.


    Raising his hands, he reignited the pulse cannons that had only just cooled. Twin orange beams erupted from his palms, joining the arm-thick ray from his chest. The three combined beams turned the battlefield into a dazzling display of golden light, bathing everything around them in an intense glow. The surrounding air shimmered with heat, distorting everything in view.


    "ROAR..." No. 01 let out one final scream, its voice strained and hollow. Under the relentless assault, its entire upper body was incinerated.


    "Power consumption at 99.99%."


    "Triggering power protection..."


    "Reactor ceasing high-output operations." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a final beep, the Apex Mk-2''s energy weapons powered down, leaving a haze of smoke and glowing embers in the air. "Ego?" Zack asked calmly, lowering his arms.


    "No vital signs detected. Target is confirmed dead." Zack said nothing, his breathing steady as he surveyed the battlefield. The emitters on his palms, chest, and wrists glowed red-hot from the prolonged use, triggering the suit''s internal fire suppression system. Cool gas hissed through the armor, enveloping Zack in a refreshing mist.


    "Sir," Ego''s voice chimed, breaking the silence. "Analysis shows this creature''s strength was comparable to a mutated lord or even stronger. Based on this data, the Apex Mk-2 now possesses the capability to neutralize similar high-level targets without external support."


    "That''s good to know," Zack replied, though his tone remained critical. "Still, there''s an issue. Just like with the Apex, the attack methods are too... simple. It needs versatility." Zack descended toward what remained of No. 01. Calling it a corpse was generous¡ªwhat lay before him was nothing more than a half-charred husk. The entire upper body had been melted away, leaving behind only a brittle, carbonized spine and a blackened skull.


    He nudged the remains with his foot. The spine crumbled instantly, the pieces disintegrating into fine, black dust. "Let''s go," Zack said coldly, stepping over the ashes. "Time to find out which genius thought creating this thing was a good idea."


    While Zack battled No. 01, the fearless warriors and the mechanical legion had finished the final sweep of the base. Gunfire and screams had faded, replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the crackling of flames and the pungent stench of blood and smoke that filled the air. Without the mutants, the remaining soldiers were no match for the mechanical legion. Many threw down their weapons and surrendered, while others were slaughtered in their futile attempts to fight.


    The ordinary survivors¡ªformer defense forces and civilians¡ªwere spared once they surrendered. Mechanical dogs herded them into makeshift holding areas, keeping them under strict surveillance. The Vanguard soldiers, however, met a grimmer fate. Their brainwashed loyalty ensured they fought to the bitter end, refusing to surrender even as the mechanical legions annihilated them with ruthless efficiency. By the end, there was only one place left untouched: the command center in the heart of the base.


    The command center was surrounded. Fearless warriors and Terror Spiders positioned themselves at every exit, their weapons trained on the building. Anyone who tried to escape was gunned down instantly or crushed by a warrior''s chainsword. A handful of survivors attempted surrender but detonated the control chips implanted in their bodies, killing themselves on the spot.


    Inside the command center, only two people remained: Victor, the base commander, and his last loyal subordinate, Chuck. "Damn it! How can he be this strong?" Victor muttered, his face pale as he slumped into his chair. "Even Biological Weapon No. 01 is dead..."


    "Sir, you have to get to the backup cabin!" Chuck urged desperately. "We can still transmit your consciousness to Lady Immortal Fox! She''ll find a way to bring you back!"

 Chapter 189: Another Nuke

    Chapter 189 - Another NukeVictor shook his head bitterly. "It''s no use, Chuck. From the moment that plane appeared, this was already over. We never stood a chance. Everything I''ve done... it''s meaningless. We''re just ants beneath their boots."


    "No, sir!" Chuck protested, clutching his pistol with trembling hands. "As long as the backup data is sent, you can return. Lord Immortal Fox will save you!"


    Victor let out a hollow laugh. "And how exactly do you plan to transmit it? Look around. We''re done."


    BOOM!


    A deafening crash shook the room as something burst through the wall. Victor and Chuck froze. "So this ''backup''... is it consciousness or desperation?"


    The voice was calm yet mocking. From the dust and rubble stepped Zack, still clad in the gleaming Apex Mk-2. "I''ll hold him off! Sir, go now!" Chuck shouted, raising his pistol.


    BOOM!


    A flash of white light filled the room.


    Before Chuck could even pull the trigger, the top half of his head evaporated, leaving only a smoldering stump where his skull had been. His body collapsed lifelessly to the floor.


    Plop. With a dull thud, Chuck''s lifeless body hit the ground, the top half of his head completely gone.


    Victor''s eyelids twitched, a flicker of sadness crossing his face before he suppressed it."Zack," Victor said, his voice steady despite the carnage.


    The name had become infamous within the Vanguard Organization after several past confrontations. Zack''s reputation had reached every department, spreading like wildfire. "You know, it''s polite to introduce yourself first," Zack replied, stepping over Chuck''s corpse casually and pulling out a chair. He sat down as if he were meeting an old friend for coffee. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Victor... Lakhan Victor, head of the Biological Research Department under Lady Immortal Fox." To Zack''s surprise, Victor didn''t follow the typical Vanguard soldier protocol of committing suicide to protect secrets. Instead, he introduced himself with unnerving composure, almost like he had already accepted his fate.


    "You do realize you''ve just spilled a lot about your organization, right?" Zack remarked with a sly grin. Victor''s brief introduction revealed the existence of a leader called "Immortal Fox" and hinted at multiple divisions within the Vanguard Organization.


    "I know," Victor said, pointing to his chest. "The chip''s already flagged me for leaking classified information." Zack chuckled, finding Victor''s cooperation both amusing and suspicious. This was the first time he''d had a calm conversation with someone from the Vanguard Organization, and the other party seemed unusually forthcoming.


    "That thing I fought earlier... Biological Weapon No. 01. Was that your work?" Zack asked casually. He didn''t expect a straight answer. But to his surprise, Victor responded without hesitation. "No," Victor replied, shaking his head. "01 was personally overseen by Lady Immortal Fox. It was sent to our base two months ago as a genetic reference for our work on the changers."


    Zack was silent for a moment. The Apex Mk-2''s scanning system indicated Victor wasn''t lying. Still, Zack couldn''t shake his suspicion. Why would someone from the Vanguard Organization be so cooperative? "Sir..." Ego''s voice cut through his thoughts, delivering a report directly to Zack''s helmet.


    Hearing the AI''s analysis, Zack relaxed slightly. "Alright, next question," Zack said, his tone sharp. "How much do you know about Zeta and Ancient Zeta?"


    Victor froze. His calm demeanor faltered, his pupils narrowing slightly as if Zack had struck a nerve. "If you refuse to answer¡ªor lie¡ªI''ll check out that ''secret room'' behind you myself," Zack warned, his voice low and menacing.


    Victor''s face turned pale. His panic was palpable. "How... How do you know about that?"


    "I noticed it the moment I walked in," Zack said nonchalantly, gesturing for Victor to sit. "Now, answer the question."


    Victor hesitated but eventually sat down. His confidence was shaken, and his expression betrayed his unease. "I''ve heard of Ancient Zeta, but I''ve never had direct access to it, so I can''t tell you much," Victor began, exhaling deeply. "As for Zeta... It was first discovered in the Antarctic ice sheet in the 1990s. The remains of an ancient creature were retrieved and publicly displayed at the New York Museum back then."


    The revelation stunned Zack. "That''s impossible," Zack said, narrowing his eyes. "Didn''t Zeta infect anyone?"


    "No," Victor replied calmly. "Because Zeta isn''t a disease at all."


    The words hung in the air like a bombshell. But before Zack could press further, Victor''s expression contorted in pain. He clutched his chest, his face twisting with agony as beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. "What about the rest?" Zack demanded, his tone growing cold.


    Victor gritted his teeth, forcing a twisted smile. "Ha! Zack, do you think I''ll tell you anything more?"


    Victor''s breathing grew ragged as he forced out his words. "My goal has been achieved... The countdown to the nuclear bomb is over!" His voice rose into maniacal laughter, a mad grin spreading across his face despite the pain. "No matter what you know, it''s useless now. You won''t escape!"


    "Is this the nuclear bomb you''re talking about?" Zack''s voice was calm, but it carried a mocking edge. A holographic projection flickered to life from the Apex Mk-2''s visor, displaying a round device with a countdown timer frozen mid-sequence.


    Victor''s laughter stopped abruptly. His eyes widened in horror as he recognized the device on the display. "You were planning to take the entire area down with you?" Zack muttered, his voice laced with disdain.


    Victor''s face twisted in despair. He looked at Zack as if he were a demon incarnate. "You... You knew all along, didn''t you?" Victor stammered. His voice cracked, the realization dawning too late.


    "Of course I knew," Zack sneered. "What kind of amateur do you take me for?"


    Victor let out a hollow, defeated laugh before lunging toward the wall behind him. "Lady Immortal Fox, I''ve protected you¡ª"


    KA-BOOM!


    A burst of red light erupted from Victor''s chest. His body exploded, splitting cleanly in two and scattering blood and viscera across the room. Zack stood unfazed, watching the gruesome display with a detached expression. "This thing again..." Zack muttered, shaking his head. The heart-implanted explosives were a common failsafe in Vanguard agents, something Zack had encountered before.


    "Ego, have the mechanical dogs bring a few people to clean this place up," Zack instructed, frowning as he eyed the bloodstains on the ground. He wanted the room spotless before investigating further.


    Within moments, two mechanical dogs herded a group of frightened, fur-covered bear survivors into the room. Driven by fear, the survivors worked with surprising efficiency, scrubbing the command room clean in mere minutes. Once the survivors had scurried out, Zack stood up, his gaze fixed on the spot Victor had desperately tried to reach before his death. Without hesitation, he approached the wall.


    "Sir, an encryption program has been detected... cracking now..." Ego''s voice echoed in Zack''s ears.


    A second later, Ego announced, "Crack successful." The seemingly smooth, mirror-like wall parted with a faint hiss, revealing a narrow, brightly lit passageway.

 Chapter 190: Adult Baby

    Chapter 190 - Adult BabyThe corridor was pristine¡ªfar too clean for anyone to have walked through recently. Zack stepped in, his boots echoing faintly on the polished floor. As he advanced, a faint fragrance reached his senses through the feedback systems in the Apex Mk-2. "Could it be that Victor was trying to protect some hidden beauty before he died?" Zack mused aloud, his tone laced with mockery. A wry smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth as he strode forward confidently.


    A few steps later, another alloy door blocked his path. This one was far more imposing, thick enough to withstand both blasts and cutting tools. "Well, aren''t you a secret worth protecting?" Zack muttered, his curiosity piqued.


    Before long, Ego announced, "Encryption cracked." With a soft hum, the alloy door slid open, revealing a dark, silent room beyond. The lights flickered to life as Zack stepped inside, illuminating the space. The room was barren, save for a single device in the center¡ªa large, futuristic sleeping pod connected to a network of pipes and machinery.


    Zack''s brow furrowed. "Another biological experiment?" he muttered, feeling his patience wear thin. But as he approached the pod, he realized he might have been wrong. Through the frosted glass of the observation window, Zack could make out the faint silhouette of a human figure.


    Intrigued, he wiped away the frost with a gloved hand. Beneath the glass lay a stunningly beautiful blonde woman, her serene face giving the illusion of peaceful sleep. Her body was submerged in a dark, viscous liquid, leaving only her head exposed. Her faint, rhythmic breathing confirmed she was alive.


    If any survivor from Eden Base had been present, they would have immediately recognized her: Kara, their enigmatic leader. To Victor, she was known as the "Immortal Fox." "Sir, this appears to be a consciousness transfer device," Ego chimed in.


    Zack''s eyebrows rose slightly. "A consciousness transfer? Are you saying this woman is someone''s clone?" He leaned closer, studying her features. Her skin was flawless¡ªporcelain-like, as if untouched by time or the elements. It was unnaturally perfect, devoid of any blemishes or signs of wear.


    "Definitely a clone," Zack muttered, his sharp eyes catching every unnatural detail. He smirked, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. "So, this is the ''Immortal Fox'' Victor kept mentioning. Or at least, her clone."


    Zack straightened, the smirk still on his face. "Human cloning and consciousness transfer... This is their so-called immortality?"


    ''Cloning,'' he mused, had been technically possible since the 1990s, as evidenced by Dolly the sheep. But while humanity had refrained from crossing that line for ethical reasons, those lines blurred when society collapsed or maybe it''s only done to deter to public. Still, Zack wasn''t impressed.


    "It''s clever, I''ll give them that. But copying and pasting a consciousness into a new body doesn''t make you immortal¡ªit just makes the clone believe they''re you." He shook his head. "And even if the transfer works, there''s no guarantee the consciousness remains intact. The brain can''t always recognize when it''s been compromised." For Zack, the whole concept was a futile endeavor. Death was death. No matter how perfect the clone, it was still just a shadow of the original.


    His thoughts were interrupted by the pod''s silent hum, its machinery maintaining the perfect conditions for the woman inside. "But one thing''s for sure..." Zack murmured, his gaze lingering on the sleeping figure. "This trip wasn''t a waste. Ego, see if you can wake her up."


    "Understood, sir," Ego replied. Almost immediately, it began interfacing with the pod''s control systems.


    The dark liquid encasing the blonde woman slowly drained away, siphoned through the connected pipes. With a soft hiss, the seal of the chamber released, and the pod gradually opened. The blonde woman was now fully visible. "Ahem... have a mechanical dog bring some clothes over," Zack muttered, coughing lightly but keeping his eyes locked on her.


    There was no denying it¡ªshe was breathtaking. Her features were flawless, and her porcelain skin seemed untouched by the world. Suddenly, a soft gasp broke the silence. The woman stirred, her eyes fluttering open as if waking from a long dream. Her sapphire-blue eyes were vivid, almost unnaturally clear, yet devoid of any emotion or awareness. "Ah, just a container after all," Zack sighed, his tone laced with disappointment. He had hoped he''d captured someone important¡ªa high-ranking member of the Vanguard Organization. Instead, all he had was an empty shell, a clone without a mind of its own.


    "Sir, the cerebral cortex is activating. Self-awareness is beginning to emerge," Ego reported.


    Zack''s eyebrows shot up. "What does that mean?"


    "The target''s brain appears to have been dormant. Now that it''s been awakened, it''s developing rudimentary cognitive functions, similar to a newborn," Ego explained.


    As if on cue, the woman blinked, staring blankly at Zack. Then, without warning, she reached out with both arms. "Baa...ah...ah..." Her babbling was no different from a baby''s first sounds.


    Zack froze, his expression caught between disbelief and exasperation. "Sir, congratulations on your new 23-year-old daughter," Ego quipped.


    "Get out," Zack snapped. "She''s a year older than me! Daughter, my ass..." But despite his protests, Zack couldn''t deny the situation was bizarre. This woman¡ªthis clone¡ªwas a replica of someone important, likely a leader within the Vanguard Organization. That alone made her valuable. "Forget it," he muttered, shaking his head. "We''ll take her back and figure it out later." S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just then, a mechanical dog trotted over, carrying a neatly folded set of clothes. "Here," Zack said, holding out the garments to the woman.


    She stared at him, her face blank and uncomprehending. "Of course," Zack muttered under his breath. "Why would this be easy?" With a resigned sigh, he grabbed the clothes and approached her.


    After what felt like an eternity¡ªand a lot of awkward maneuvering¡ªZack emerged from the building, the blonde woman cradled in his arms like an oversized infant. Aegis had landed in the center of the base, its massive frame dominating the open space. A dozen or so crumbling buildings had been bulldozed by the fearless warriors to make room for the colossal aircraft.


    Nearby, over 20,000 survivors had been corralled into a large square, kept in check by the mechanical dogs. "Sir... she''s...?" Ava''s voice broke through the hum of activity as Zack boarded Zephyr 1. Her gaze darted to the woman in Zack''s arms, then back to him, her confusion evident.


    "Perfect timing," Zack said, unceremoniously placing the woman in front of Ava. "Figure out how to feed her or something. I''m not cut out for raising a baby."


    "Feed her? A... baby?" Ava blinked, her confusion growing by the second. She glanced between Zack and the blonde woman, who stared at her with wide, curious eyes.


    "Da...bah...stay...wow," the woman babbled, her nonsensical sounds only deepening Ava''s bewilderment.


    "Sir, who is this?" Ava began, only to realize Zack was already gone. "Sir?" she called again, looking around. Zack had vanished, leaving Ava alone with the babbling blonde woman.


    "I... I''m just a pilot!" Ava groaned, her voice tinged with despair. The blonde woman giggled, reaching out toward Ava with clumsy movements. The two stared at each other, one clueless and the other overwhelmed. "What do I do with her?" Ava muttered, burying her face in her hands as the absurdity of the situation sank in. "I can barely fly this thing, and now I''m a babysitter?"

 Chapter 191: Strange Rifle

    Chapter 191 - Strange RifleZack stepped off Aegis and fired up the thrusters, arriving at the massive square where the survivors had gathered.


    At this moment, inside the Base, the resistance fighters had already been wiped out by Zack''s mechanical army. The only ones left were ordinary survivors¡ªmore than 20,000 people, all huddled together, fear written all over their faces. They had no idea what fate awaited them.


    Mechanical dogs patrolled the area, maintaining order and barking commands in the native bear language. Beyond the square, Zack''s fearless warriors and terrifying robots stood in formation, unmoving. The recent battle had left their cold, metal bodies stained with blood, making the survivors even more terrified.


    Boom!


    Zack landed at the center of the square, instantly drawing everyone''s attention. These people understood one thing¡ªthe man who would decide their fate had arrived. "Ego, are the numbers ready?" Zack asked in his mind, scanning the frightened crowd.


    "The report is complete, sir. There are 21,432 survivors in total," Ego responded. "In addition, we found four mutants: two female red fox who surrendered during the fight, a young gray wolf changer who is still too young to fight, and one old blind man. The old man doesn''t appear to be a shapesifter, and his abilities are unknown."


    "Take them away." Zack''s cold eyes swept over them before he gave the command. His main goal in coming here had been to test out his new gear and exact revenge on the Vanguard Organization. But now that the base was taken, it would be a waste to leave empty-handed. As for keeping the Base? That was out of the question.


    First, it was in a remote area, crawling with too many mutated creatures. Second, there was nothing of real value nearby. Making it pointless endeavor, he was taking what was useful and leaving the rest behind. It was a selfish move, sure, but in the apocalypse, a leader''s kindness should be reserved only for his own people.


    Still, the survivors weren''t completely out of luck. While the base had suffered losses, its high walls remained intact, and there was still plenty of weaponry. Zack wasn''t going to bother taking these outdated guns and ammo, so at the very least, they had enough supplies to last a few years. "Bring the two red fox too. Assign two fearless warriors to keep an eye on them," Zack continued. "The kid isn''t worth worrying about... but as for the old man..." Unlike other human groups, at least 70% of mutants here were shapesifters¡ª. Out of the four, three were shapesifters. But the fourth¡ªan old, blind man¡ªwas something else. "Bring him here."


    A fearless warrior stepped forward, dragging the old man toward Zack. The moment they touched him, he started thrashing wildly, shouting nonsense about demons. "Charlie, right?" Zack asked, flicking up his visor as he crouched in front of the old man. "What''s your mutation?" But instead of answering, the old man suddenly froze.


    Then, as if he had seen the most terrifying thing in the world, he clutched his head and screamed: "AHHHH! Demon! You are the devil!"


    Zack frowned. "What''s going on?"


    Ego quickly ran a scan. "Sir, his brain shows severe nerve damage in multiple areas. He appears to have lost his mind," Ego reported.


    ''In other words... he''s insane.'' Zack let out a breath and shook his head. "Forget it. Take him away."


    Just as a fearless warrior stepped forward to grab him, the old man suddenly shouted something completely different: "Demon! The real devil is coming! We''re all going to die! Zeta is the devil''s flame! It will burn us all! Burn to death! Burn to death! HAHAHAHA!"


    Then, before anyone could stop him, the old man lunged forward and smashed his skull against a metal pillar. His head split open instantly. Dead.


    The sudden change caught Zack off guard. For a brief moment, silence fell over the square. But in the end, with Victor and the others gone, there was no one left in the Base who knew the truth about Charlie''s abilities .And his final words? They died with him. Zack didn''t bother thinking too much about a madman''s nonsense.


    After the whole ordeal with old Charlie, Zack lost interest in further questioning. He ordered the selected survivors to be taken aboard Aegis, then turned and walked away from the square. Of course, Aegis was massive, but it wasn''t big enough to take the entire mechanical legion, fearless warriors, and over 700 people in one trip. So, Zack decided to leave the robots and warriors behind for now. "Ego, have Aegis come back for another trip later," Zack said, heading toward the underground entrance of the Vanguard Organization''s laboratory.


    The moment he stepped inside, the overwhelming stench of blood hit him like a wave. Severed limbs, broken bodies, and scattered organs covered the floor in a gruesome display of carnage. "People always try to control power they don''t understand," Zack muttered indifferently, switching off his suit''s smell sensors before moving deeper inside.


    There was no doubt¡ªthis massacre was the work of Biological Weapon No.01. The uncontrollable monster had turned on its creators the moment it was released, wiping them out in a brutal frenzy. Zack scanned the wreckage, his eyes landing on several files and data terminals. "Blackwater weaponization experiment records... Mutant gene test sequences... All valuable experimental equipment¡ªmark it for transport," Zack ordered as he walked through the lab, tagging anything that could be useful.


    Most of the Vanguard Organization''s research was worthless to him. Their projects revolved around outdated methods¡ªbody modifications, unstable serums, and crude cloning attempts. None of it impressed him. But knowing the enemy''s technology was never a bad thing. Even useless research had its value in war. After scanning the entire lab, Zack let out a sigh. "That''s all? What a waste of time." He had expected more from an advanced research facility, but in the end, there wasn''t much worth taking.


    Just as he was about to leave, his eyes landed on something interesting¡ªa strange-looking rifle. He picked it up, examining its sleek, futuristic design before casually pulling the trigger.


    Boom! S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A red energy beam blasted out, punching a fist-sized hole into the reinforced concrete wall. "Well, this is interesting," Zack murmured, giving the gun a closer look. "Take it back. We''ll do some reverse engineering," he said, tucking the weapon under his arm before leaving the lab.


    Meanwhile, outside, the mechanical dogs had already loaded the 721 frightened survivors onto Aegis. The massive aircraft, covering several thousand square meters, had its cargo bay packed to the brim. The front sections¡ªliving quarters and control areas¡ªremained mostly empty, but the back was filled with people. "Let''s go," Zack said as he stepped aboard. With the last of the lab equipment secured, Aegis''s engines roared to life.


    Boom¡ª!


    The four massive turbines fired up, generating a hurricane-like force that blew away everything on the ground. Within seconds, the colossal aircraft, weighing hundreds of tons, lifted off and soared into the sky.

 Chapter 192: Different Tech Route

    Chapter 192 - Different Tech RouteBack at the Base...


    "Look! The plane''s leaving!" "They''re really gone!"


    For a brief moment, the survivors let out a breath of relief, until they noticed something. The fearless warriors and terrifying robots were still there. Their metallic forms loomed over the square, unmoving. Fear quickly replaced relief. The atmosphere grew even more tense than before. And it stayed that way until Aegis completed its trip, delivering Zack and the 700 survivors to NYC before returning for the fearless warriors and terrifying robots.


    Only after the last machine was gone did the fear finally fade. But in its place came confusion.


    "They... really just left?"


    "What about us?"


    Then, the murmurs turned into anger.


    "Those bastards stole our able man and woman!"


    The moment they realized Aegis wasn''t coming back, outrage spread like wildfire. Men who had been silent minutes ago were now screaming in fury, acting as if they had been personally wronged. Yet none of them had dared to lift a finger when it happened. Not one of them had spoken up. Not one of them had tried to stop the mechanical dogs. But now? Now they were furious. And then, someone made a discovery that changed everything.


    "Wait... the weapons!"


    "They left all the guns behind!"


    For a moment, the anger vanished, replaced by a mad rush toward the armory.


    "Grab them!"


    "That house is mine!"


    Gunfire erupted.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Violence spread like an infection. Survivors, who had just been side by side in suffering, turned on each other, slaughtering their own people over weapons, supplies, and even who got to claim which house or woman. Blood and smoke filled the base once more. The massacre Zack had started ended, only for a new one to take its place.


    Meanwhile... Thousands of miles away, Zack stood in NYC, completely unaware of what was happening back in that Base. And honestly? He wouldn''t have cared even if he knew.


    Hours Earlier... While Zack was forcibly waking the blonde woman from the dormant pod, far away on the other side of Earth, inside Eden Base, something unusual happened. Kara, who had been leading a meeting, suddenly froze as if sensing something. Then, without a word, she stood up abruptly. "One of my bodies just went offline?!" Her expression darkened, countless thoughts flooding her mind. "Did someone forcefully activate a dormant pod?" Her eyes filled with rage. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the perfected consciousness transfer technology, Kara could send her mind to another body anywhere on the planet in an instant, like logging into a different device over a network. But just now... One of her bodies had disconnected from the system. "Who did this?" She was still processing the situation when,


    "Kara, leader?" "Leader Kara?" The voice snapped her back to reality.


    Inside the conference room, a high-ranking executive had been discussing plans when Kara suddenly stood up in silence. After calling her name twice with no response, his voice now carried a hint of nervousness. "Leader Kara, is there something wrong with my proposal?" he asked cautiously.


    Kara blinked, realizing she hadn''t heard a single word of his plan. "Ah... right, your proposal..." she muttered, barely thinking. "Let''s talk about it next time. Meeting dismissed."


    Without another word, she turned and strode out of the conference room, leaving behind a room full of confused executives. Moments later, she had her answer. Looking at the holographic map in front of her, Kara clenched her fists, her teeth grinding in frustration. "It''s you again..." A dimmed gray icon marked the exact location where her body had gone offline.


    Back at NYC, After dealing with the surivors, Zack didn''t bother resting. Instead, he entered his private laboratory, carrying the data and equipment recovered from the last raid. "Alright... let''s see what kind of ''cutting-edge technology'' the Vanguard Organization had up their sleeves," Zack muttered sarcastically. He placed a strange rifle, one used by Vanguard soldiers, onto the workbench.


    Click!


    A mechanical arm extended from the wall, grabbing the rifle and quickly dismantling it into its components. Zack observed the parts... but one in particular caught his attention. "...What the hell is this?" Lying in front of him was a black, organ-like component, twisted, pulsating, and almost alive. It didn''t look mechanical at all. It looked like it had been grown rather than built.


    Discarding the barrel, grip, and other common parts, Zack focused on this alien-like core. "Wait a second... is this the energy input terminal?" He pointed at a small hole on the black component, studying its structure. "Let''s see how this thing actually fires."


    Taking a test tube, Zack carefully dropped a few black liquid samples, extracted from the Hipporia Base, into the hole. The reaction was instantaneous.


    Bzzzt, !


    The black organic mass glowed red, emitting a low hum, as if coming to life. A second later,


    BOOM!


    A beam of red energy shot out from the black component, smashing into the wall and blowing a hole the size of a washbasin! Rubble flew everywhere! And then, a horrid stench filled the lab. A smell like sulfur, but a hundred times worse. "Ventilation, now!" Zack snapped.


    The air filtration system kicked in, quickly purging the putrid smell from the room. At the same time, Ego''s voice echoed in his mind. "Sir, this weapon appears to use bionic technology...But here''s the problem, The technology it mimics isn''t from Earth."


    Zack''s expression shifted. "...Bionic technology?But it''s not based on Earth''s biotechnology?" His fingers slowly curled into a fist. If what Ego said was true... Then this confirms the existence of non-human life. The implications were staggering.


    After analyzing the Vanguard Organization''s bionic rifle, Zack shifted his focus to something even more intriguing, the rifle''s energy source. That mysterious black liquid. Using lab equipment, he extracted a sample and ran a full analysis. The results were shocking. The liquid had a higher thermal energy value than oil.


    Which meant... This "Black Water" wasn''t just some biological experiment, it was an entirely new liquid energy source. But that wasn''t all. Black Water wasn''t just used as fuel. The dormant pod where Zack had found the Fox clone was also filled with it. Which meant only one thing... The Vanguard Organization had mastered an entirely different branch of technology. "Biotech?" Zack muttered, shaking his head. He wasn''t a fan. In his eyes, machines were the future.


    After studying the rifle and Black Water, he moved on to the rest of the research data and experimental equipment brought back from Xilia Base. Most of it was garbage. But among the piles of useless biotech files, he found something interesting, A detailed report on the clone and a consciousness transfer machine. And just as Zack was beginning to form a picture of the Vanguard Organization''s technological level, Aegis returned to NYC, bringing back the Fearless Warriors and Mechanical Legion.


    Finally, Zack had seen enough to make a judgment. "Their tech tree is all over the place...They''re walking a dead-end path." He had originally assumed the Vanguard Organization was just another biotech cult, but the truth was worse. Now, he was sure, They had to have reverse-engineered alien technology or discovered relics from a lost civilization.


    That should''ve been a huge advantage. But instead, All of their cutting-edge projects showed signs of imperfect replication. "Maybe they don''t even understand what they''re working with..." Zack muttered. But regardless of their competence, the possibility of alien influence made him uneasy. Very uneasy. "It''s time to accelerate the plan."

 Chapter 193: Hank From TarryTown

    Chapter 193 - Hank From TarryTownZack lifted his head, his gaze piercing through the walls¡ª As if he could see every inch of this planet. "Ego."


    "What are your orders, sir?"


    "How many Fearless Warriors do we have?"


    "Sir, we currently have 961 Fearless Warriors, of which 573 are equipped with power armor."


    Zack processed the numbers, his expression turning sharp. "Leave 100 here. Deploy the rest to wipe out the zombies. Same orders for the Mechanical Legion." If alien tech was in play, he needed to seize control of the wasteland faster.


    The Next Day... For the first time in a long while, NYC wasn''t silent. The air buzzed with tension¡ªthe kind that only came before war.


    An unprecedented mobilization was underway. In the city center, the Fearless Warriors¡ªeach nearly four meters tall¡ªstepped out of the transformation factories where they had been created. Their thick power armor gleamed under the morning sun, their chain swords¡ªweighing hundreds of kilos¡ªresting heavily against their shoulders. With every step they took, the ground trembled.


    From the mechanical factories, three-meter-tall combat robots emerged in perfect formation, marching silently into the streets. The clash of metal, the hum of engines, the synchronized movement of war machines¡ª It echoed through every street of NYC. Zack stood atop a high-rise building, gazing down at the legion. Watching them march toward the endless wasteland.


    A wave of steel, firepower, and destruction. "This..." Zack smirked. "This is the future." Then, right as he was about to bask in the sight of his unstoppable army¡ª


    "Sir," Ego interrupted.


    "Lady Sophia sent a message. Carter learned to speak." Zack''s smirk vanished instantly. "...I don''t wanna hear that name," he sighed. It felt like someone had just poured a bucket of cold water over him. The war-mongering commander of seconds ago suddenly felt like a tired, middle-aged father.


    Carter. The blonde woman Zack had found. The clone of the Immortal Fox. Sophia and the others, for some mysterious reason, had adopted her like a lost puppy and even given her a name. They babied her. Taught her how to speak. Treated her like a newborn.


    Zack didn''t get it. But what was worse¡ª Carter only listened to him. She didn''t trust Sophia. Didn''t talk much to anyone else. But with Zack? She clung to him like a lost child desperate for a parent. And Zack was not okay with that. "Sir, there''s a distress call from the mansion," Ego added.


    "Carter is crying and wants to see you."


    Zack groaned. "For no reason at all, I''ve been made the ''father'' of the Vanguard Organization''s most valuable clone." He rubbed his temples. "What the hell is this supposed to be?" Sighing, he jumped off the building. No armor. No jetpack. Just raw human capability. Right before hitting the ground, Zack grabbed an outcrop on the wall, using it to slow his fall before landing effortlessly. Even without power armor¡ª He moved like a superhuman.


    Meanwhile... Not far from NYC, in the ruined remains of Tarrytown something else was brewing. In the outskirts areay, a medium-sized survivor settlement had taken root, resembling a small town with thousands of residents. It wasn''t as massive as the larger bases that housed tens of thousands, but its location made it one of the better places to survive.


    Positioned far from the city, the town was bordered by a river, making it naturally defensible. Even better, it had never faced a true corpse tide. The largest wave of zombies they had encountered numbered only in the thousands¡ªa laughable number compared to the horrors of the wasteland.


    At the center of Tarrytown, a large open area had been converted into farmland, providing a steady food supply. Survivors could also fish gobies from the river, ensuring no one starved. Still, food wasn''t the only necessity. Unlike Zack''s NYC, which was self-sufficient, this town relied on scavenging. And with winter approaching, items like medicine and cold-weather clothing were becoming more valuable than gold. Some bases wouldn''t even trade women and children for them.


    That morning, Tarrytown dispatched a scavenging team, as usual. Several heavily modified trucks, reinforced with spikes and armor, rolled out of town toward potential loot zones. Though the town had enough food for now, other supplies were running low. "Hank, you''ll head east this time!" A bearded man barked orders as the team prepared to leave. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Tyson''s group checked it out last time¡ªfewer zombies and a clothing factory packed with supplies."


    But Hank, a young man in the lead vehicle, stuck his head out of the spiked-up truck and grinned. "Forget that. Let the second team handle the east," he said. "Our mission is to hit the hospital in the west for medicine."


    The bearded man''s face darkened. "Just a few of you going to the hospital? Are you insane? Did you forget what happened last time? The others didn''t come back."


    Hank just shrugged. "Yeah, well, the boss''s wife¡ªand a few other women¡ªare about to give birth." Then, with a disgusting smirk, he added, "Who knows? Maybe one of ''em is mine."


    The bearded man''s face stiffened. "Watch your mouth," he hissed, lowering his voice. "If the boss hears you talking like that, he''ll have you fed to the zombies."


    Hank snorted. "I wasn''t talking about his wife¡ªjust the other women in town. Besides, the boss keeps his wife locked up 24/7. We never even see her."


    The bearded man waved him off in frustration. "Enough. Just get moving before you drag me into your nonsense too."


    Hank laughed, slamming the truck door shut. "Fine, fine. Wait for my good news." The engines roared as the convoy of spike-covered vehicles rolled out.


    Despite their heavy armor, the trucks had been modified for stealth, reducing engine noise to avoid attracting large hordes. It was proof of human ingenuity¡ªin the face of extinction, people found ways to survive. The convoy sped down abandoned roads, occasionally crushing stray zombies under their several-ton weight. Their destination¡ªthe hospital.


    "Hank, you''re bold as hell," a young scavenger riding in Hank''s truck chuckled. "Even joking about the boss''s wife¡ªthat''s crazy." The guy was Hank''s former classmate, now reduced to being his personal hype man. A professional bootlicker.


    "What''s the big deal?" Hank smirked. "I don''t have a wife. Why should I care?" He scoffed. "Besides, I''m a mutant. Even if the boss found out, you think he''d kill me over some woman?"


    The bootlicker immediately jumped on the opportunity. "Of course not! Hank is too strong for that! In fact, next time we find a new woman, we should let Hank pick first!"


    "That''s right¡ª" Hank grinned. "But let''s focus. We''re almost at the hospital." His expression shifted slightly. "Also, the boss is still the boss. Don''t talk like that in front of others." He pretended to scold his flunky, but his eyes glowed with arrogance.

 Chapter 194: Hospital

    Chapter 194 - HospitalBy the time they arrived, the hospital had already been partially cleared. Only a few dozen zombies remained. The scavengers made quick work of them, using only machetes and wooden shields. They didn''t even need to fire their guns. Months of brutal survival had sharpened these people into efficient killers.


    "Griffin!" Hank barked. "You and Leo stay with the trucks." The rest of the team follow me inside. Move fast." The two scavengers he assigned to guard duty were his lackeys. It was fitting¡ªdogs should guard the door.


    "Once inside, grab every medicine you see! I don''t care if you can''t read it¡ª just take everything!" With orders given, Hank took two men and headed toward the inpatient wing. He had another goal. "If I remember right... Last time, Team 3 found a little nurse here." A nasty grin spread across his face. He pushed open the doors and stepped into the darkened hallways. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The moment he entered the building¡ª A deep, unnatural chill ran through his body. It wasn''t cold from the season. It was bone-deep, soul-freezing cold. Something was wrong. Hank shivered, his breath turning visible. "What the hell? Winter''s not here yet... why is it so cold?" He muttered, rubbing his arms as he kept walking.


    Everyone who stepped into the hospital¡ªwhether in small groups or alone¡ªfelt an eerie cold seep into their bones the moment they entered. It wasn''t the kind of chill from a drafty room but something unnatural, something that made the hairs on their arms stand on end. "This place gives me the creeps! Let''s hurry up, grab what we need, and get the hell out of here!"


    A group of scavengers entering the building were visibly unnerved by the inexplicable cold, quickening their pace without even discussing it. They spread out, searching in different directions. The hospital''s medicine storage had already been raided months ago by supply teams from the larger bases, leaving behind only scraps. But that was precisely why the hospital wasn''t crawling with zombies¡ªthere was nothing left to attract them. "Still... it''s weird," one of them muttered. "Why aren''t there any zombies inside?"


    Just because there weren''t many outside didn''t mean the place should be completely empty. They''d been inside for a while now, and aside from a few scattered Immortal lurking near the entrance, the hospital was eerily still. Too still. "Eh, whatever. Probably another group came through and cleaned them out," a younger scavenger shrugged, gripping his homemade shotgun as he spoke nonchalantly.


    Without hesitation, he strode toward the utility room at the end of the corridor. But before he could get close, an icy draft slithered out from the gap beneath the door. His pupils shrank. A thick, white mist leaked from the cracks, curling in the air like steam from a freezer. It was as if the room wasn''t a storage space, but a walk-in refrigerator. "Hey! I found something over here!" he called out, gripping his shotgun tighter. With cautious movements, he nudged the door open with the barrel.


    Hissss¡ª


    A wave of bitter cold slammed into him, making him shudder involuntarily. The mist rolled out, dispersing slowly, revealing what lay inside. There was a man. Or rather¡ªa frozen corpse. The body had turned into an eerie ice sculpture, frozen solid mid-motion. From his clothing, the man was clearly another scavenger, probably from one of the big bases. His many-pocketed vest, the small backpack strapped to his shoulders¡ªstill bulging with medicine¡ªand even the rifle lying on the ground all screamed "raider."


    But none of that was what made the sight so horrifying. It was his face. His eyes were wide open in absolute terror, as if he''d seen something so nightmarish that he couldn''t even close them in death. His skin was covered in burn marks, yet his clothes remained untouched. Cold mist still seeped from his mouth, nose, and ears¡ªcontradictory signs that made it impossible to tell if he had been burned alive or frozen to death.


    One thing was certain¡ªhe had died instantly. So fast that the terror on his face remained frozen in time. The young scavenger gulped, his throat dry. For a moment, he considered leaving. But greed won out. A backpack full of medicine was too valuable to ignore. Steeling himself, he stepped forward and reached for it.


    Hiss¡ª


    The second his fingers brushed against the corpse''s exposed skin, a searing pain shot through him. His breath hitched as his fingertips immediately turned purple, frozen numb in an instant. He yanked his hand back, gasping. That''s when he saw it¡ªa shadow flickering in the reflection of the utility room window. It was barely there. Something unnatural, shifting just beyond the edge of his vision. Not visible to the naked eye, but in the right angles, through the right reflections¡ªhe could see it.


    A creeping horror clawed its way up his spine. "Shit¡ªghost! There''s a goddamn ghost in here!" He stumbled backward, his voice echoing through the empty halls. But no one answered. Only the bitter cold pressed against his skin, wrapping around him like unseen fingers. Panic overtook him. Screw this. He had to get out. Clutching the medicine tightly, he turned and bolted from the utility room, sprinting toward the stairs.


    As he ran, he spotted one of his companions standing ahead, unmoving. "There''s something We-" But the moment he got closer, his words died in his throat. His "companion" was just like the man in the utility room. Frozen solid. Burned skin, intact clothing, cold mist seeping from his nose and mouth¡ªa perfect replica of the previous corpse.


    The young scavenger stumbled backward, nearly losing his balance. "Shit¡ªSHIT!" Heart hammering, he scrambled to his feet and fled. He didn''t care about the others anymore¡ªhe just needed to get the hell out of this cursed place. He barreled through the hospital doors, gasping as the crisp autumn sun hit his face. But instead of warmth, he still felt the chill clinging to him like death itself.


    From the inpatient building, another scavenger, Hank, leaned out of a window and scowled. "Oi! Zell! The hell are you running for? Did you find the meds or not?!" But Zell didn''t even glance back. He just ran.


    Hank clicked his tongue, annoyed at being ignored. "The hell''s wrong with this guy? Acting like he''s seen a damn ghost." Shaking his head, he turned to go downstairs¡ª Then he saw it. Mid-stride, Zell suddenly stopped. His legs froze mid-motion. His entire body stiffened, bit by bit¡ª Then, in an instant, he collapsed.


    Bang!


    He shattered. A human body, broken like brittle ice. Fragments of red ice scattered across the pavement, sparkling in the sunlight. A second later, warmth melted the shards, leaving behind a pool of crimson blood. Hank''s breath hitched. His fingers curled against the windowsill. What the hell did he just witness?


    Even as a mutant, Hank felt a shiver crawl down his spine. This wasn''t normal. "Move!Everyone, get out! NOW!"

 Chapter 195: Escaping

    Chapter 195 - EscapingAfter a brief moment of shock, Hank snapped back to his senses and shouted, his voice cutting through the eerie silence. He was already sprinting toward the stairs before the others could even process what was happening. They didn''t need to understand¡ªwhen the boss runs, you run. Without hesitation, the rest of the team bolted after him. But then... that freezing wind came again.


    Like a silent predator, it swept through the hospital in an instant. Anyone caught in its icy grasp froze mid-motion. Their bodies stiffened, their skin darkened as if scorched, and then¡ªflesh, organs, and bones turned into solid ice. One by one, they collapsed, shattering into crimson ice shards.


    "Griffin! Start the damn car!" Hank was almost at the hospital doors when he bellowed toward the two teammates waiting outside in the modified truck.


    At the same time, the invisible cold behind him devoured everything in its path. It was coming for him next. "Go, go, GO!" With a burst of strength, Hank lunged for the truck''s door, yanking it open and jumping inside just as the freezing air licked at his heels.


    The moment he slammed the door shut, the engine roared to life. The truck lurched forward, smashing through the abandoned vehicles blocking the road as it sped away. But the cold didn''t stop chasing. Behind them, the streets, buildings, even stagnant puddles of water¡ªeverything was rapidly frosting over, freezing solid in seconds.


    Meanwhile... A team of Fearless Warriors¡ªbattle-hardened soldiers tasked with clearing out the Immortal¡ªhad just arrived on the outskirts of the city near NYC. Their movements were loud, drawing zombies toward them as they began the cleansing operation...


    Back on the Road..."The road ahead''s blocked!Take a left¡ªNOW!" Hank, breathless from the escape, barked orders at the driver. At the same time, he glanced at the rearview mirror.


    What he saw made his stomach drop. Their heavy-duty truck had just splashed through a puddle on the road. But the water droplets that flew into the air... froze instantly. The moment looked paused in time, the ice crystals glistening under the sunlight. "Shit." Hank''s face went pale. "Something''s chasing us."


    The driver''s hands tightened around the wheel. "Hank, what the hell is going on?!"


    "How the hell should I know?!" Hank snapped, grabbing his shotgun from the door pocket. He rolled down the window, leaned out, and fired two shots at the empty road behind them. Pellets scattered across the asphalt, slamming into abandoned cars, cracked pavement, and rusting streetlights. Nothing. Not a single thing was there.


    "Goddammit! The bullets don''t even hit anything!" Even without seeing it, he knew¡ªsomething was still following them. He didn''t need proof. The way abandoned vehicles on the roadside were frosting over, the way the air itself felt heavy with ice¡ªit was still there.


    "Hank!!" The driver''s panicked voice yanked him from his thoughts.


    "What now?!" Hank growled, turning back¡ª His heart stopped. Up ahead... A massive horde of zombies flooded the road. A corpse tide¡ªthousands of undead, packed so tightly together that the road wasn''t even visible anymore.


    "Shit!" Leo, the third passenger, trembled as he stammered, "T-That''s a... That''s a zombie tide!" Hank''s hands clenched into fists.


    Blocked in front by zombies, and behind them¡ªGod knows what the hell that thing was. One thing was clear: if they stopped, they were dead.


    "Griffin!" Hank barked. "Downshift and RAM THROUGH!" He didn''t hesitate¡ªmore torque meant more force. If they hit the horde at full speed, they might just plow their way through without getting stuck.


    Griffin gritted his teeth. "Got it, Hank!"


    BOOM!


    The truck''s engine screamed as the modified exhaust let out a guttural roar. The reinforced steel beast charged forward, smashing into the zombie horde like a battering ram. The custom-built bumper shoveled dozens of Immortal aside in an instant.


    BANG! BANG! BANG!


    Zombies slammed into the truck''s body, bouncing off or getting impaled on the welded spikes. "ROAR!!" The horde, now aware of them, reacted instantly. The Immortal shrieked, lunging toward the vehicle from every direction, some climbing onto the sides, others throwing themselves under the wheels.


    Hank twisted around, gripping the truck''s metal frame as he peered through a side gap.His stomach churned at what he saw. Behind them, where the truck had just run through¡ªa long trail of blood painted the road red.


    But in the next moment... That river of blood¡ªfroze solid. The zombies chasing them froze too¡ªin the exact same unnatural way as the ones back in the hospital. All at once, they turned into ice sculptures, their contorted screams forever trapped in frozen agony. Hank''s blood ran cold. "It''s still chasing us..." he whispered, voice barely above a breath.


    No one needed to say anything. They all felt it. Up Ahead... Through the blood-streaked windshield, Griffin spotted something else¡ª A new danger. "Hank!" he choked out. "There''s mutated zombies up ahead!"


    Hank''s head snapped up. And then, he saw them. On the roundabout at the end of the street, dozens of massive figures stood in formation. Not mindless undead. These were Fearless Warriors¡ªbattle-tested mutants clad in reinforced armor, standing in a precise formation. At their center... A large suitcase-sized device hummed, vibrating at an odd frequency. A speaker. A lure blasting through the air.


    Around it, dozens of Fearless Warriors stood like towering giants, wielding chain swords, their spinning teeth carving through the swarming zombies like scythes through wheat.


    "There''s a vehicle approaching!"


    "Three survivors inside!"


    "Stay alert. If they show hostility, eliminate them!"


    The moment Hank''s doomsday truck came into view, the warriors immediately noticed. But their mission was to clear out the Immortal¡ªnot to play babysitter. Without sparing a glance at Hank and his group, the Fearless Warriors continued their brutal work, slicing apart zombies without hesitation, without concern.


    In the Truck... Griffin''s hands tightened around the wheel, his knuckles going white. Something was wrong. The truck was slowing down. No matter how hard he pressed the accelerator, the engine groaned in protest, refusing to pick up speed. Metal screeched, gears whined¡ªbut the vehicle was dying.


    "Shit! Hank! The engine''s giving out!" Despair clung to his voice. And then¡ªwith one final, agonized wheeze¡ª the truck stalled. Right in the middle of the zombie-infested street. Less than five meters from the roundabout.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Rotting hands pounded against the metal, smearing the windows with filth. And not far away... A three-meter-tall zombie turned its head toward them, its bloated, muscular frame moving with purpose. It was coming. Leo''s breath hitched. "This is it... We''re done for..."


    Hank gritted his teeth. "Screw this! If we''re gonna die, I''m going down fighting!" As a mutant, he had a chance. His hardened skin could resist gunfire, let alone a zombie''s bite. That''s why he dared to make a move.


    BOOM!


    Before he could even open the door, a black shadow came hurtling toward them. A massive force had launched it through the air¡ªCRASH! It slammed onto the hood of the truck, denting the reinforced steel. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 196: Remote Armor

    Chapter 196 - Remote ArmorHank''s eyes widened. It was dead. Or more accurately¡ªa headless corpse. It had been ripped apart.


    Griffin stared at the scene, mouth agape.


    "Holy shit... That looks like¡ªa machine?!" And then he saw them. The Fearless Warriors. Four-meter-tall figures standing in perfect formation, their power armor gleaming under the bloodied sky.


    Griffin laughed in disbelief. "We''re saved! Those are human-made weapons!" Hope flickered in his voice. But before he could even finish his words¡ª The chill arrived. Unseen. Unstoppable. It cut through the zombie horde, leaving behind a frozen path¡ªdirectly toward the truck.


    Like a phantom, it seeped inside. Through the walls, the metal¡ªthrough flesh itself. Leo, sitting in the back seat, stiffened. His skin blackened, looking burned¡ª His organs turned to ice. "Shit!" Hank didn''t think¡ªhe acted. Kicking the door open, activating his hardened skin, he jumped out.


    "Hank! Help¡ª" Griffin''s scream barely left his mouth before it froze¡ªhis face twisted in terror, locked in an eternal moment of agony. His body shattered like fragile glass.


    Back in the mansion. Zack sat in front of a massive screen, analyzing data when Ego''s voice cut through the quiet. "Sir, we''ve lost sixteen Fearless Warriors."


    Zack''s fingers froze over the keyboard. His eyes flickered with surprise. "What?"


    "I''m sorry, sir," Ego continued. "Just now, the power armor of sixteen warriors detected the loss of all vital signs." Zack''s expression darkened. "And the time interval between each signal loss was shockingly short." Ego''s tone remained steady, but the meaning behind the words was chilling. "It appears... They encountered something they couldn''t stop."


    Zack stiffened. Sixteen Fearless Warriors. Dead. That had never happened before. "...Where?" His voice was flat, but his mind was already racing.


    "The location is South Broadway and Main Street, Tarrytown."


    Without missing a beat, Zack snapped, "Pull up the satellite feed." The basement hummed as the holographic display came to life. The screen zoomed in from high-altitude satellite footage¡ªNYC, closing in on a small city nearby. And then, he saw it. A roundabout, surrounded by mountains of dismembered corpses. Blood. Limbs. Carnage. The aftermath of Fearless Warriors doing what they did best¡ªmass slaughter. But just beyond that...A crashed truck, smoke billowing from its hood.


    Zack frowned. "...Did the survivors attack them?"It was a possibility. Dragging the screen, he adjusted the feed, scanning behind the truck. Then¡ªhe saw them. The sixteen Fearless Warriors. Grouped together in perfect formation, all standing motionless, chain swords raised mid-swing¡ªas if frozen in time. And next to them... A young man. Also motionless.


    Zack''s frown deepened. "...Ego." His voice was calm, but tense. "Are you sure these warriors are dead?" From the footage, there were no visible wounds. No damaged armor. No signs of combat.


    Ego''s voice came without delay. "Sir. Based on the biometric feedback from their armor, there is no doubt¡ªThey are dead."


    "We''re still receiving data from the armor," Zack muttered, his brows furrowing deeper. That meant the power armor itself was fully functional. But if the armor was intact, then how had the Fearless Warriors inside died? Was there something out there that could bypass the armor entirely and kill the person inside without leaving a single mark on the suit? The thought made his skin crawl.


    He stared at the satellite image again. The warriors stood frozen in place, their chain swords raised mid-swing, as if time had stopped for them. Apart from their unnatural stillness, there was nothing visibly wrong with their armor. "Ego, check their internal status. Look for any anomalies inside the armor."


    "Connecting to the power armor now." The moment Zack finished speaking, Ego accessed the warriors'' suits remotely. Normally, when a Fearless Warrior died, their armor would automatically send a distress signal back to base. This time, however, Ego was conducting a full scan, diving deeper into the data. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sir, I''ve found something." Zack''s eyes narrowed. "The life support systems are still running, but they''re struggling¡ªthe interior temperature of the armor is currently at minus 157 degrees Celsius."


    Zack''s breath hitched. "Minus... 157?! And that''s after the heating system has been trying to compensate for the drop."


    Ego continued, "Additionally, there are severe burn-like injuries across the warriors'' bodies." A moment later, a holographic projection lit up, displaying an internal camera feed from inside one of the suits. Zack stiffened. The face of the dead warrior filled the screen. What was once a hardened, battle-scarred soldier was now barely recognizable. His face was grotesquely distorted¡ªcharred black, frostbitten beyond repair.


    "Frostbite..." Zack murmured, realization dawning in his eyes. But not normal frostbite. This was severe, the kind of damage one would suffer from direct exposure to liquid nitrogen. But that was impossible. Even if someone drenched a Fearless Warrior in liquid nitrogen, the armor''s thermal protection would have prevented this level of damage. And yet... They froze to death inside their suits.


    "This doesn''t make sense..." Zack muttered. "How the hell does someone freeze to death inside a fully sealed, heated power armor?"


    There was no rational explanation. But Zack knew one thing¡ªhe wasn''t going to figure it out sitting here. "Ego, prep my armor."


    "Sir, I strongly advise against going there in person," Ego interrupted immediately. "If there''s something that can completely bypass the armor and kill the warriors inside, then the risk of you going is¡ª"


    "Who said I was going personally?" Zack smirked. He stood up and walked toward a section of the basement wall. As he approached, the hidden compartment slid open, revealing an array of gadgets and experimental tech. Among them was a sleek headset¡ªa device that looked remarkably like a high-end VR setup. "See? Told you this thing would be useful." He grabbed the neural-link control system and placed it over his head.


    Minutes Later... A power armor soared through the sky, leaving a fiery trail in its wake. Zack''s remotely piloted armor¡ªwas en route.


    BOOM!


    With a deafening sonic boom, the suit broke through the sound barrier. "Hah! This actually feels real!" Zack''s voice rang through the suit''s comms, his excitement evident. Despite not physically being inside, Zack felt everything as if he was. The neural-link system transmitted sensations¡ªthe acceleration, the g-forces, the subtle vibrations of flight.


    Back in his mansion, the real Zack was lying on a luxurious recliner, legs spread out lazily, wearing the VR headset like a gamer lost in a simulation. "You can even feel the acceleration G-force! This is insane!" If anyone walked in right now, he''d look like a complete idiot.


    Luckily, all the girls were out¡ªso no one was around to see his glorious gaming session. "Sir," Ego interrupted his excitement, "Because of the neural-link system, you will also experience neurofeedback from the armor. That means¡ªif the suit gets hit, you''ll feel it...And if it gets damaged, you might feel pain."

 Chapter 197: Going Crazy

    Chapter 197 - Going CrazyZack waved him off. "It''s fine. I know it''s fake."


    Zack''s power armor descended over the ruined streets. Below, the Mechanical Legion had already begun its purge¡ª Fearless Warriors cutting down hordes of zombies while scouting for threats. "Ego, any reports of attacks elsewhere?"


    "Negative, Sir. Only sixteen warriors were lost."


    "Then let''s see what the hell happened." Zack angled downward¡ª And dived straight into the roundabout. BOOM! A massive shockwave blasted outward as it slammed into the street, leaving a crater where it landed. The force of the landing sent debris flying, shaking the ground.


    "ROAR¡ª!" The impact drew attention¡ªhundreds of zombies snapped their heads toward him, their bloodshot eyes locking onto their new target. Then, they charged. Like a wave of rotting flesh, they rushed forward¡ªhundreds of them, swarming toward the Apex Mk2 suit.


    "Palm cannons¡ªcontinuous fire mode.Mode switched."


    BZZZZT!


    Two brilliant golden beams erupted from Apex Mk2''s palms. WHOOSH! The beams sliced through the Immortal, burning straight through their bodies like a laser through paper. Dozens of zombies dropped instantly, their corpses splitting apart in a molten blaze. The beams swept sideways, mowing down rows of Immortal in an instant.


    BZZT! BZZT!


    Zombies fell in droves, their bodies disintegrating under the sheer heat and force of the energy blasts. Against normal zombies, Apex Mk2''s weapons were absolute overkill. Unlike the previous encounter with a high-tier mutant, where the palm cannon had struggled to burn through thick biological armor, this was pure slaughter. And Zack? He was loving every second of it.


    The air reeked of burnt flesh and scorched metal. The aftermath of the palm rays was eerily clean¡ªtoo clean. Every zombie caught in the blast had been charred instantly, their bodies sliced apart like brittle wood. No blood. No viscera. Just blackened corpses stacked atop one another in grotesque piles. The roundabout had become a graveyard of smoldering husks. Some of the bisected zombies, still half-alive, crawled weakly, their jaws snapping at nothing.


    Zack didn''t even spare them a glance. "Good... much cleaner than missiles."


    Satisfied, he deactivated the palm rays and stepped forward, maneuvering over the heaps of scorched limbs. His destination: the burning doomsday truck. By now, the truck was fully engulfed in flames. The black smoke had dissipated, replaced by roaring orange fire that devoured every inch of metal and fabric.


    Sixteen towering Fearless Warriors stood exactly as they had in the satellite images. Frozen in time. Each one had their chain sword raised, caught mid-swing, as if about to deliver a final strike. Zack approached cautiously, his fingers brushing against the armor of the nearest warrior. No dents. No slashes. No visible damage at all. And yet¡ªthey were all dead. Instantaneously.


    This wasn''t normal freezing. The kind of cold that had killed them wasn''t something even liquid nitrogen could achieve. Zack exhaled sharply. "Who the hell did this?" Then, his gaze fell on the only other body among them.


    A young man, dressed in scavenger gear, lying motionless beside the warriors. His skin was burnt and blackened, yet his flesh and organs were frozen solid. The same as the Fearless Warriors. "Ego, switch to thermal imaging. I need to see the temperature spread."


    "Understood, Sir." Instantly, Zack''s visor shifted to thermal mode, colors shifting into a spectrum of reds and blues. The bodies of the Fearless Warriors glowed in deep dark blue¡ªa stark indication that their internal temperature was still far below freezing. But what caught Zack''s attention wasn''t just the corpses. It was the trail.


    A faint, dark blue path ran between the warriors, weaving through their ranks before continuing forward and disappearing into a building''s exterior wall. Zack narrowed his eyes. "It''s moving."He followed the path, stepping forward until he reached the wall where the frozen trail ended.


    Lifting his armored hand, he placed his palm flat against it. Instantly, the chill seeped through. Even through the reinforced Apex Mk2, Zack felt it¡ªlike touching the void itself. A cold so deep it felt unnatural. And then¡ª A scream.


    "Someone''s still alive," Zack muttered. Without hesitation, he turned and entered the building. Inside, his thermal visor revealed the same blue trajectory, cutting straight through walls and floors¡ªas if whatever left it had phased through matter itself. "Sir, the temperature along the trail is dropping further," Ego warned. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack noticed it too. The deeper he went, the colder it became. Frost coated the walls. Ice crystals had formed on the windows and metal surfaces. Even the air itself felt thick, like breathing in shards of glass. This thing¡ªwhatever it was¡ªhad just passed through here.


    Then, another shout. "HELP!!" The voice came from the second floor. Zack moved fast, taking the stairs two at a time. As he ascended, his visor tracked the freezing trail¡ªit ran straight through the ceiling and out the opposite side of the building. It had already left. "Gone?" Zack muttered.


    Through the second-floor window, his thermal vision picked up the lingering trail¡ªfloating between buildings, before fading out of range. "Like a goddamn ghost..." he cursed. Shaking his head, he turned toward the end of the hallway. The source of the screams.


    At the end of the corridor, a bathroom door was slightly ajar. Inside, someone was hiding. Zack pushed the door open¡ªquietly. The room was empty... except for a single occupied stall in the far corner. From inside, he could hear shallow, panicked breathing. A muffled whimper.


    Whoever was in there was trying desperately not to make a sound. Zack knocked against the wall, his voice calm but firm. "Come out."


    BANG!


    The sound sent the person inside into hysteria.


    "AHHHH! GHOST!"


    "IT''S THE GHOST! IT''S COMING BACK!!"


    "DON''T KILL ME! PLEASE!!"


    The stall shook violently as the survivor slammed against the walls, screaming in sheer terror. Zack''s expression hardened. This wasn''t just fear. This was pure, primal horror. Whatever that thing was¡ªit had left this man broken. He exhaled, then calmly raised his right hand. Lowering the power output to the minimum, he fired a low-energy palm blast directly at the stall door.


    BOOM.


    The stall burst open. The force sent shattered pieces flying, revealing the terrified young man curled up in the corner of the grimy toilet. Hank. The only survivor from the hospital massacre. Back in the doomsday truck, there had been three people. Leo¡ªfrozen to death in an instant, his body turned into a lifeless statue. Griffin¡ªthe driver, managed to open the door, only to collapse and freeze solid beside the Fearless Warriors. Only Hank, a mutant, had managed to escape, using his hardened skin to plow through the zombie horde and disappear into the city. But now? He was broken.


    Curled into himself, muttering over and over, his voice trembling¡ª "Ghost... don''t kill me... don''t kill me..." His entire body shook, his eyes darting wildly as if the thing that had wiped out his companions was still watching him.


    Ego''s voice echoed through the armor''s comms.


    "Sir, subject''s neurological readings indicate severe distress¡ªhe''s lost touch with reality."

 Chapter 198: Bose-Ensten Condensate

    Chapter 198 - Bose-Ensten CondensateZack narrowed his eyes. It didn''t take a doctor to see that Hank was out of his mind. The answer to what happened lay with him. Zack shifted his gaze. His visor flickered, scanning Hank''s identity through old-world databases.


    A name flashed on the holographic display.


    ***


    Hank.


    Age: 18.


    Middle School Student.


    ***


    Zack exhaled through his nose. Still just a kid. "Hank." His voice was calm, but firm. "Tell me what you saw."


    The young man''s body tensed at the mention of his name. His eyes lifted slightly, his lips trembling. "...Ghost..." he whispered.


    Zack''s expression didn''t change. "Describe it. What does it look like?"


    Hank didn''t answer. Instead, he started shaking violently, his hands gripping Zack''s armor like a lifeline. "Take me away!" His voice cracked, pure desperation filling every word. "It''s coming! I don''t want to die! Please!" Tears streamed down his face, his entire body wracked with sobs.


    Zack''s patience thinned. "Explain. What the hell did you see?!" The chilling weight of Zack''s tone made Hank flinch¡ªthe armor itself simulated Zack''s presence, projecting an almost suffocating aura of dominance.


    Hank collapsed inward, pressing himself into the cold, filthy tiles. "I don''t know! I didn''t see anything!" His voice broke into a sob. "It was just... there...It was always there...following me from the hospital..." His fingers dug into his hair. His breathing grew shallow, erratic.


    Zack''s gaze darkened. And then¡ª A puddle formed beneath him. Even as a mutant, Hank was so petrified that he had lost control of his body. Zack scoffed. "Pathetic."


    Raising his right palm, he aimed it directly at Hank''s head. A soft hum filled the air as his palm cannon powered up. The moment the arc light flickered to life¡ª The temperature dropped.


    "Sir! Something''s approaching!" Ego''s voice rang out. The thermal imaging display inside Zack''s visor turned an immediate, overwhelming blue. there was no red, no orange¡ªnothing.


    Every heat signature¡ªincluding Hank himself¡ªvanished in an instant. The young man''s body froze solid where he sat. His tear-streaked face locked in terror, the drops of water at the corners of his eyes turning into frozen beads. His body¡ªburned on the outside, but frozen on the inside. A perfect replica of the Fearless Warriors.


    Then, Zack felt it. The biting cold tore through the Apex Mk2 armor. Even from across the city, lying on his recliner in NYC, Zack shuddered. The neural feedback system sent the sensation straight to his body¡ªit was like being dropped naked into an Arctic storm. "Shit¡ª!" His hands shot up, yanking the VR neural control glasses off his face.


    Back to reality. Zack exhaled sharply, feeling his breath mist in the air, even though the room was temperature controlled. Ego''s voice cut in. "Sir, the Apex Mk2 armor has been attacked."


    Zack scowled. "No shit." He threw the VR headset back on. The screen flickered back to life. The armor''s systems rebooted. The life support kicked in, heating the suit from the inside out.


    Even with all of its advanced tech, it took a moment to fight back against the freezing effect. Zack muttered under his breath. "...This thing can ignore armor completely."


    Now, it made sense how the sixteen Fearless Warriors had died. It didn''t break through their armor. It didn''t physically attack them. It phased through, spreading an impossibly low temperature, instantly killing the people inside. "Damn..." Zack exhaled. "Good thing I''m not actually in there." His eyes flicked back to Hank''s frozen corpse. Exactly the same as the others.


    "Sir, the unknown entity has left." Ego''s alert drew Zack''s attention back to the thermal imaging display.


    The deep blue trail was there¡ªcutting straight through the outer wall, then through the armor and Hank, and then out the other side of the building. Zack followed it with his gaze. Through his thermal visor, he saw it¡ª A winding, freezing path, floating between buildings... Before it faded out of sight. It was gone. For now. Zack clenched his fists. He had felt it. Experienced it. And in that moment, a name surfaced in his mind. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At first, the word "ghost" came to him. But his scientific mind quickly overrode it with something far more terrifying. He inhaled sharply. "...Ego. You know what I''m thinking."


    "Affirmative, Sir."


    In unison, Zack and Ego spoke the name together. "Bose-Einstein Condensate."


    In the natural world, matter is commonly understood to exist in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. But that''s only part of the truth. There are actually six known states of matter. Beyond the three conventional states, there exists a fourth state¡ªplasma¡ªand a sixth state¡ªfermionic condensate. And then, there''s the fifth state¡ªBose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)¡ªwhich is exactly what Zack had just identified.


    His eyes narrowed in thought. "If I''m right... That so-called ''ghost'' is actually an object in a BEC state." Bose-Einstein Condensates, or wave-condensed matter, are simple in concept¡ªmatter that has been cooled further and further... until it can''t get any colder.


    At such an extreme, when the temperature reaches absolute zero (-273.16¡ãC), something bizarre happens. All atoms in the substance collapse into a single quantum state. In essence, every atom becomes indistinguishable from the next. The result? A strange, fluid-like entity that exists in a unified, undetectable state. This is Bose-Einstein Condensate¡ªthe fifth state of matter.


    In the real world, the first observation of BEC was made in 1995 by three physicists, earning them a Nobel Prize in Physics. Now, Zack had encountered something even more extreme¡ªan entity made entirely of BEC matter, moving freely through the world. And suddenly, everything clicked. "The reason it''s invisible to the naked eye," Zack muttered, "is because of optical density differences."


    BECs can slow down or even completely stop light passing through them. Meaning¡ªlight doesn''t reflect off them. If light isn''t reflected... then there''s nothing for the human eye to perceive. It was the perfect cloaking mechanism¡ªnot through technology, but through fundamental physics.


    A creature made of BEC matter wouldn''t need to hide¡ªit simply wouldn''t exist visually. A shadow without form. A presence without an image. And suddenly, the terror of the unknown made perfect sense. Zack let out a slow breath. Now that he understood the science, the fear faded away. Fear, after all, thrives in ignorance. But once you know the truth, even the most horrifying things lose their edge.


    This wasn''t a ghost. It was just physics. But physics... could be exploited. And Zack? He was going to kill it. "To generate BEC matter, you''d need an immense amount of energy to cool something down to nearly absolute zero," Zack mused aloud. "...Which means...Our little ghost probably isn''t natural." A cold smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "Sir," Ego chimed in, "if the target is a BEC-based entity, then ceramic materials may be able to contain it."


    Zack shook his head. "No, Ego. I don''t want to trap it." His gaze flicked to the faint blue trail still visible through thermal imaging. "I want to destroy it." With that, he engaged the Apex Mk2''s thrusters, bursting through the window and shooting into the sky.

 Chapter 199: Nothing Special

    Chapter 199 - Nothing SpecialThrough thermal imaging, the entity''s movement was clear as day. At nearly absolute zero, wherever it moved, the water vapor in the air flash-froze, leaving behind a trailing signature. Unlike heat, which dissipates rapidly, extreme cold takes much longer to equalize with the surrounding temperature.


    Meaning¡ªit left a trail Zack could follow. And so he did. The chase was on. The Apex Mk2''s engines roared as Zack pursued the fading blue streak, tracing it all the way back to the hospital¡ªthe same place Hank and the others had originally entered.


    The trail led straight through the hospital''s outer wall... And vanished inside. Zack halted mid-air, hovering roughly 100 meters above the building. Instead of following immediately, he paused. Then¡ªhe removed the VR neural link. "Ego, take over."


    "Understood, Sir."


    "Keep the armor positioned above the hospital¡ªdon''t engage, just keep tracking. I''ll handle things from here."


    "Affirmative." With that, Zack pushed himself up from the recliner, stretching out his arms. Then, he grabbed a sketchbook, flipped it open, and started scribbling blueprints. Since he had obtained mechanical arms and started developing insect-like robotic constructs, this was the first time he had personally felt the urge to craft something himself. His voice was low. "...If ghosts can be explained...Then they can be destroyed."


    Zack rolled out several schematics across his worktable. "The BEC entity is physical. It cannot pass through ceramic. Ceramic bullets might disrupt its structure... but to kill it? The matter itself has to be fundamentally destabilized." One by one, he burned the excess schematics. Until only one remained. Then, without hesitation¡ªhe got to work.


    Back at the hospital, the Apex Mk2 remained airborne, monitoring everything through thermal imaging. And then¡ªsomething changed. "Sir," Ego''s voice crackled in the background. "Multiple entities detected."


    Zack froze. "...Define ''multiple.''" The holographic display flickered on. On the hospital''s thermal scan, several dark blue figures had appeared¡ªall humanoid. One was already chilling enough. But now there were many. And just like before¡ªwhen the thermal imaging was turned off... They completely vanished.


    Zack narrowed his eyes. It wasn''t just one ''ghost.'' There were more. A lot more. At the same time that Apex Mk2 sent back the latest thermal imaging data, Zack had just finished constructing his newest weapon.


    Although he had personally assembled it, the mechanical arms in his workshop had played a crucial role in the process. Now, resting before him was a massive, oddly shaped firearm.


    At first glance, it resembled a giant toy water gun¡ªbut that illusion shattered the moment one noticed the gleaming metallic finish, the thick power cables running along its body, and the violent pulses of electrical energy flickering inside. This wasn''t a toy. This was a weapon of pure destruction. Zack lifted it with both hands. Even with his enhanced strength¡ªfourteen times that of an average person¡ª he could feel the weight dragging at his arms.


    That alone spoke volumes about its power. "Plasma emitter." The name rolled off his tongue as he tested its grip. "If that ghost thing really is condensed matter, then this gun will let it experience what it means to be utterly obliterated."


    Plasma weapons. At their core, they were high-energy weapons that utilized superheated plasma to burn, disintegrate, or outright vaporize targets. What made this particularly interesting was the contrast in fundamental physics between the plasma weapon and the Bose-Einstein Condensate. BEC matter exists at temperatures close to absolute zero (-273.16¡ãC). Plasma exists at temperatures ranging from hundreds of thousands to even millions of degrees.


    One was the coldest state of matter. The other was the hottest. It was the ultimate contrast, the absolute battlefield of extremes. In theory, no material could withstand the full power of a plasma weapon, since no known structure could survive those temperatures.


    However, due to practical limitations, the weapon Zack had built wasn''t a planet-melting death ray¡ªit was more of a "youth edition" plasma weapon. Still, for something made of pure quantum-cooled matter, it was more than enough. "Sir, would you like to test the weapon?" Ego''s voice chimed in.


    "What''s there to test?" Zack scoffed. "You doubting my craftsmanship now, Ego?" To prove his point, he gestured toward a nearby unmanned power armor. "Bring me a spare suit. I''ll send the gun to Apex Mk2."


    "Understood, Sir." Moments later, a drone unit descended into the mansion. Zack tossed the plasma emitter to it, then leaned back onto his recliner. With one motion, he put on the VR neural control headset.


    The screen lit up. The moment the neurofeedback system activated, he was inside Apex Mk2, hovering over the hospital. "Alright, let''s see¡ª" He scanned the thermal imaging. His brow furrowed. "...Damn."


    Inside the hospital, dark blue humanoid shapes appeared across the imaging. There were at least seven or eight. "Making BEC matter takes insane amounts of energy... No way these things were created here. So why the hell are they gathering here?"


    He lowered Apex Mk2''s altitude, bringing it closer to the building. The moment he did¡ª The figures moved. They rushed toward the windows, clustering like predators sensing prey. "...Smart.They''re not just mindless blobs. They have instincts." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Apex Mk2 hovered at about twenty to thirty meters, two of the entities suddenly leaped off the rooftop, charging straight at him. Zack''s thermal visor tracked their movements. They were fast. Each step they took launched them meters into the air, their movements unnatural, almost weightless¡ªas if they were running on the surface of the moon.


    Ego''s analysis came in. "Sir, the density of the target appears extremely low¡ªcomparable to radon gas."


    Zack smirked. "Great. If I had known that, I''d have brought a damn electric fan." Raising his hand, he fired immediately.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Three high-energy particle beams burst from his palm cannon, streaking toward the incoming figures. Direct hit. In thermal imaging, Zack could clearly see the impact¡ª Three holes burned straight through their bodies. But... They kept moving.


    The particle beams pierced through them like a bullet through mist¡ªthey weren''t dense enough for the heat to cause significant damage. The creatures didn''t even flinch. Still flying toward him. Zack frowned. "Activate force field barrier." The energy shield engaged just as the entities reached him.


    Boom! Boom!


    Both figures slammed into the shield, repelled instantly. And for a fraction of a second¡ª They became visible. Their true forms were revealed. Translucent blue humanoid figures, shifting and unstable, their outlines flickering as they struggled to maintain shape. Their presence lasted only a moment before they became invisible again.


    Zack wasn''t surprised. Instead, he simply chuckled. "See? As long as you''re not an actual ghost... you''re nothing special." Because science had already torn away the mystery. It was just like a game. No matter how terrifying the monster... Once it has a health bar, it''s just EXP waiting to be farmed.

 Chapter 200: Mysterious Power Source

    Chapter 200 - Mysterious Power SourceAs the Apex Mk2 hovered over the battlefield, a Mark drone unit descended from above, carrying the plasma gun. It released the weapon mid-air, and the moment Zack caught it, the gun automatically locked into place on the armor''s forearm, integrating seamlessly with the system.


    The timing couldn''t have been better. The two BEC entities were already rushing at him again¡ªfaster than before. The thick concrete barely slowed them down as they phased through walls, closing in on him from opposite directions. Before they could strike, the plasma cannon on Apex Mk2''s arm whirred to life, internal components spinning rapidly as it drew in energy. "Ego, calculate their attack trajectory." Zack had only one shot.


    The plasma cannon required a three-second buffer between shots¡ªif he missed, he''d be vulnerable. "Trajectory calculated, sir! Predictive battle simulation is complete¡ªhigh probability of a successful hit!" The moment the targeting data appeared, Zack pulled back slightly¡ªthen fired.


    The high-energy plasma shot forward, flooding the space around the muzzle with heat¡ªthe temperature jumped nearly ten degrees instantly. A BEC entity emerged directly in front of him, phasing through a hospital wall. It didn''t even have time to react. The plasma blast swallowed it whole. What followed was an immediate, violent reaction. The sudden clash of extreme cold and intense heat triggered a violent thermal expansion and contraction effect. The air pressure fluctuated erratically, and in a split second¡ª Boom!


    An explosion shockwave erupted from the point of impact, spanning nearly ten meters in diameter. The sheer force ripped through the surrounding walls, floors, and ceiling, vaporizing everything in its radius. Even Zack himself was blown backward by the shockwave, only managing to stabilize his position by activating his thrusters at full power. "Damn..." Zack muttered, shaking off the recoil. "That packed way more punch than I expected."


    The second entity didn''t hesitate. After witnessing its companion''s destruction, it immediately turned and phased into the ground, vanishing from sight. "Oh no, you don''t." Zack pursued instantly, diving after it.


    Thermal imaging allowed him to track its movement underground, even as it moved with incredible speed¡ªweaving through the earth like a fish in water. "Sir, three-second cooldown has ended! You can fire again!"


    "Hold off." Zack ordered. "I want to see where it''s running to." These creatures weren''t natural phenomena. They were created by someone. And if they were returning to a specific location¡ª That meant there was a source.


    "Sir! Six additional entities detected!" Ego''s alert flashed on his HUD. Zack glanced around and saw them immediately. The remaining six BEC entities had moved in, surrounding him in a perfect encirclement. They weren''t acting like mindless beasts. They were coordinated.


    Zack quickly issued new orders."Ego, deploy a drone. Track the one I just injured." A small, high-speed drone ejected from Apex Mk2''s back, immediately locking onto the escaping entity.


    Meanwhile, Zack didn''t waste time. He kicked his thrusters into overdrive, shooting straight into the sky at max speed. The BEC entities pursued instantly, moving like phantoms, their near-zero mass allowing them to accelerate effortlessly through the air. Zack smirked. "Alright, let''s see if you can keep up."


    As he ascended, he gave a simple command. "Maximum power output to the plasma cannon."


    Instantly, the Apex Mk2''s chest reactor shifted, rerouting all excess energy into the weapon. The temperature skyrocketed. The plasma gun, previously operating at controlled levels, tripled its charge output. Ego immediately issued a warning. "Sir! Plasma cannon power at 32%! If you don''t fire soon, it may cause an overload backlash!"


    Zack remained calm. "Relax. I''ve got this." He continued rising. Then, just as he reached the peak of his ascent... He stopped suddenly. The BEC entities surged forward, too fast to react in time.


    Zack''s eyes gleamed. He flipped his body a full 360 degrees¡ª And fired. The fully charged plasma cannon erupted, unleashing a wave of destructive energy. The surrounding air distorted violently, bending under the sheer heat output. The BEC entities had no chance to dodge.


    In an instant, The impact generated a massive electromagnetic field storm. The ultra-cold BEC entities collided with the intense plasma blast, and exploded.


    Boom!


    The sky lit up in a massive shockwave, nearly 100 meters wide. At the center of the explosion, an immediate vacuum zone formed, the sheer force of the reaction sucking the surrounding air outward. Ego''s status update came through instantly. "Sir! Five entities eliminated! One has survived but is destabilized¡ªescaping the battlefield."


    Zack''s eyes locked onto the fleeing figure, still glowing in his thermal vision. "Follow it." Instead of chasing directly, he deployed another drone, letting it track the injured entity from a safe distance.


    The damaged BEC entity moved fast, but it wasn''t running aimlessly. It had a destination. The drone followed from 2,000 meters behind, remaining undetectable. Zack watched the feed closely. The entity reached a high-rise building, phasing through the concrete foundation and disappearing into the depths below. At the top of the skyscraper, a sign glowed faintly in the night sky. "Airui Technology Co., Ltd."


    Ego processed the data. "Tracking ended. Target has disappeared beneath the facility."


    Zack''s expression darkened. "Looks like we found our factory." Zack arrived at the location where the ghost had disappeared, scanning the area with thermal imaging. His sensors quickly picked up something underground, moving a hundred meters below the surface at an alarming speed. "Ego, scan the surroundings! Any signs of survivors?" Zack asked.


    "Sir! Scan complete!" Ego responded. "No human life detected, only zombies. However, there is an automatic power supply plant in the vicinity."


    Zack frowned. An automatic power supply plant? That was unexpected. The entire area was in ruins, and there hadn''t been any active electricity here since the start of the apocalypse. The power grid had long been disabled. Which means the power source is underground. That had to be the place Zack was looking for.


    Without hesitation, he blasted through the concrete beneath him and plummeted downward. The reinforced cement offered no resistance against his suit. Following the thermal trail, Zack fired his palm cannon, blasting open a path. After ten seconds, he landed in a brightly lit underground facility. His eyes widened slightly. The contrast between this place and the ruins above was jarring. Unlike the crumbling buildings on the surface, the underground structure was highly advanced. The smooth, curved walls gleamed with artificial lighting, and the entire space had a futuristic design. It was clear¡ªthis was the power plant supplying energy to something below. This is suspicious as hell. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A fully functional, high-tech facility buried a hundred meters underground, completely inaccessible to ordinary people. Without Apex Mk2 and thermal imaging, Zack would never have found it. He activated his scanners. "Deploy the drones."

 Chapter 201: Taking Over The Facility

    Chapter 201 - Taking Over The FacilityA compartment opened on Apex Mk2''s back, releasing a swarm of small drones that dispersed into the underground structure, scanning every corridor. "Ego, anything unusual?" Zack asked.


    "Sir! There''s heavy interference in this area. I can''t conduct a full scan." Zack cursed under his breath. So they don''t want anyone snooping around. With the drones compromised, he had no choice but to search manually.


    Following a dimly lit passage, he eventually reached a massive underground hall. And what he saw made his stomach churn. The hall was huge, nearly the size of a football field. Lined up in neat rows were over fifty crystal-like capsules. Zack approached one and peered inside. His expression darkened.


    Inside the capsules were brains. Only brains¡ªno bodies, no flesh. Just floating gray matter, connected to an intricate network of nerves, blood vessels, and what appeared to be artificial neural links. Zack clenched his jaw. ''What the hell kind of experiments were going on here?''


    These weren''t medical transplants or preservation units. The brains had been forcibly ripped from living people, their neural connections violently severed. And the ghosts¡ªthe ones he had been tracking¡ªthey had come from here. Whoever was running this facility had taken people, torn their brains out, and somehow turned them into spectral entities. This is madness. Before Zack could process further, a robotic voice echoed through the chamber. "Unauthorized entity detected. Intruder elimination protocol activated."


    A low hum resonated beneath him. Then¡ªmovement. The capsules opened. From inside, dozens of ghostly figures began rising. Thirty-two in total. Zack barely had time to react before the ceiling exploded. The ghosts rushed toward him at terrifying speed. "Ego! There has to be a main control system. Hack into it!" Zack barked.


    "Sir! The interference is strong! I need two minutes to break through!"


    Zack grimaced. ''Two minutes?!'' That was an eternity in a fight like this. Without wasting time, he rocketed toward the ceiling, dodging the incoming ghosts. They moved fast, phasing through walls and attacking in coordinated strikes. Zack relied on the suit''s agility, twisting and weaving through their attacks, never staying in one place for too long. He just had to hold out.


    "System override successful! Ghost activity ceasing!" Ego''s voice finally rang out. Instantly, the ghosts froze mid-air. They stood eerily still, like puppets with their strings cut.


    Zack exhaled, slowing his flight. "Good job, Ego." With the danger neutralized, he turned his focus back to the facility.


    "Extract all data. I want to know why there''s a production facility for condensed matter here. And why there''s no sign of any living personnel." This whole place reeked of something bigger. The fact that it was pristine¡ªfully powered and untouched¡ªmeant someone had gone to great lengths to keep it hidden.


    Ego responded swiftly. "Sir, data extraction complete. Would you like a detailed report?"


    "Just summarize it." As Ego processed the information, Zack turned his attention to the immobilized ghosts. Through his visor, he analyzed their composition. He pulled out a piece of titanium alloy and pressed it against one of them. The moment the metal touched the ghost''s body¡ªit froze solid. Ice spread rapidly across the surface, creeping along the metal like a living thing.


    Zack narrowed his eyes. ''Interesting.'' He immediately dropped the alloy, watching as it shattered upon hitting the ground. "Ego, whose facility is this?" Zack asked as he analyzed the data stream on his visor. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sir, this Condensed Matter manufacturing facility belongs to Airui Technology Company. Construction began in 2019, and it has been operating under self-regulation. The experiment was set to launch automatically last month. However, two months ago, the system''s directives were altered¡ªits new command is to eliminate all living creatures and remove obstacles."


    Zack''s expression darkened. ''Airui Technology Company?'' He had never heard of them before. More concerning was who had access to their technology and had the power to override the system''s controls. That meant the BEC creatures outside weren''t just wandering aimlessly. They were actively hunting down anything alive.


    That explained why Zack''s combat units had been wiped out earlier. There was definitely a bigger plot behind this. "Who changed the directives?" Zack asked. "Was it ASR?"


    "Unlikely," Ego replied. "If it was them, they would have taken the equipment instead of leaving it here. They wouldn''t waste something this powerful."


    Zack agreed. ASR wouldn''t just abandon tech like this. If they had control over BEC creature, they''d weaponize it to its fullest extent. Someone else had changed the system. "Ego, can you trace who issued the last command?"


    "Negative, sir. All fingerprints and security footage were deleted within an hour of the changes being made. I cannot recover the data."


    Zack let out a slow breath. Whoever was behind this had covered their tracks well. "Can we move the system?" he asked.


    "Yes, sir. Relocation is fully possible." Zack nodded. At least that was a win. Even if he didn''t know who was behind this, he was taking their prize for himself.


    The BEC creatures were stronger than his previous combat models. They were nearly undetectable, highly lethal, and functioned independently. Their only weakness was their low resistance to ceramics and extreme heat. Still, their combat capabilities were leagues beyond anything he had built before. And under the right conditions¡ªespecially in subzero temperatures¡ªthey were nearly unstoppable.


    Even high-tier zombies, the so-called Lord, would be frozen instantly upon contact. If Zack had been inside Apex Mk2 during the previous battle instead of remotely piloting it... he''d be dead. Frozen solid, with no chance of escape. Whoever had created the BEC Creature had access to insanely advanced technology.


    And it wasn''t in Ego''s database. That alone told him this was bigger than just another secret project.


    At the same time, Zack''s mechanical drones had finished securing the site. Under Ego''s guidance, they dismantled the entire facility and transported it to NYC. "How many ghosts can we create right now?" Zack asked.


    "Sir, at the current energy levels, we can only generate thirty-two," Ego replied. "Seven were destroyed in the earlier battle, and several others have disappeared for unknown reasons."


    "Thirty-two, huh? Not bad," Zack muttered. "Do we have full manufacturing data?"


    "Negative, sir," Ego said. "Whoever changed the system also deleted portions of the data, including the self-replication protocols."


    Zack''s jaw tightened. More missing pieces. That meant even though he had control over the BEC Creature, he couldn''t produce more of it. At least, not until Ego reverse-engineered the missing data. "Can we restore the full process?" Zack asked.


    "Recovery is impossible, but I can attempt a reconstruction. However, it will take an unknown amount of time," Ego responded.


    Zack nodded. Even if it took months, it would be worth it. He was about to give another order when Ego''s voice interrupted. "Sir, a group of survivors is approaching. Sixteen individuals. They are armed, but the threat level is low."


    Zack immediately turned his attention to the approaching group. Activating Apex Mk2''s scanners, he zoomed in on their position. In the distance, an armored vehicle rumbled down the broken highway, kicking up dust as it made its way toward the facility. The sixteen survivors inside were well-armed and clearly experienced. Probably scavengers. Zack''s thrusters flared to life as he launched toward them.

 Chapter 202: Lady Clara

    Chapter 202 - Lady ClaraInside the vehicle, the crew was on high alert. The moment they spotted a combat suit flying straight toward them, weapons were drawn. "The hell is that?!" one of them shouted.


    "Ready your weapons!" another barked. They aimed their rifles, fingers tightening on the triggers. But just as they were about to fire¡ªthe armored figure stopped mid-air.


    Then, in a controlled descent, it landed on the road in front of them. The driver hesitated, looking toward the woman sitting beside him. "Lady Clara... should we stop?" he asked.


    The leader of the group¡ªa woman with sun-kissed skin and short-cropped hair¡ªnarrowed her eyes, studying the figure in front of them. "...I''ve never seen anything like that before," she muttered. "Stop the truck."


    The vehicle came to a slow halt, dust settling around them. Her gaze remained locked on the armored figure standing in their path. She had no idea who he was. But something told her¡ªthis was not someone to take lightly.


    The driver slammed on the brakes the moment Clara gave the order. The armored vehicle''s tires screeched against the cracked pavement, kicking up thick clouds of dust and smoke. As the haze slowly settled, the armored figure standing in the middle of the road was revealed, completely unscathed.


    Inside the vehicle, everyone gripped their weapons, tense and uncertain. They had never seen anything like this before. Ego''s voice echoed in Zack''s helmet. "Sir, one elderly male, one female, the rest are young adults. Their weapons are minimal¡ªno immediate threat."


    Zack didn''t respond, eyes locked on the group. From the open skylight, the woman with short hair¡ªclearly their leader¡ªleaned out, her sharp gaze fixed on him. "What the hell are you?" she called out.


    Zack remained unfazed. His voice, calm and steady, came from the suit''s speakers.


    "Zack. Leader of NYC Base."


    A murmur rippled through the vehicle. "NYC Base?" someone muttered.


    "You mean... the one with the robot army?" It didn''t take long for the realization to sink in.


    NYC wasn''t far from here. News of Zack''s forces¡ªhis relentless mechanical army¡ªhad spread. Among the scattered survivor settlements, NYC Base was more than just a name. It was a symbol of hope. "Sir, the woman is a mutant," Ego reported.


    Zack barely reacted. "Noted." Mutants weren''t unusual in this world. Some gained enhanced strength, speed, or perception¡ªsurvival instincts sharpened by the apocalypse. She wasn''t an enemy. Not yet, anyway.


    Zack knew the path to unifying this wasteland wouldn''t be easy. Zombies were a problem, but so were the scattered survivor factions. If humanity had any chance of reclaiming the world, then someone need to unite them all. It was inevitable. Zack didn''t have the numbers yet to have his hold on Earth. Compared to the Vanguard Organization, he was still just a small force¡ªa fraction of what he needed to be. But that wouldn''t last long. His production lines were running nonstop. His fearless warriors and new-generation armored units were built for war. He wasn''t here to negotiate. He was here to take.


    "Ego, scan the city. How many zombies are left?" Drones immediately detached from Apex Mk2''s back, dispersing in every direction.


    Within seconds, Ego had an answer.


    "Sir, 563,000 zombies remain."


    Zack smirked. "Not bad." The number had dwindled significantly. Between the previous zombie hordes and the BEC Creature creatures wiping out anything in their way, the city was already half-cleared. Zack''s voice was cold and decisive. "Deploy the mechanical army. Accelerate the cleanup. This city is mine."


    "Confirmed. Orders issued." Zack turned his gaze back to the group in front of him. "Take me to your base," he said.


    The woman¡ªLady Clara¡ªdidn''t hesitate. She raised her gun. "Doesn''t matter if you''re from NYC," she said, her tone firm. "This is our base. We don''t let outsiders in." Her stance left no room for discussion. In the apocalypse, a woman leading a group of fighters wasn''t common. The fact that she had command here meant one thing¡ªshe was strong.


    Her defiance made Zack chuckle. "Suit yourself." His thrusters roared to life. In a flash, he shot into the air. "But whether you like it or not, this city belongs to me now," he called over his shoulder. "If you want to survive¡ªif you want to live without fearing zombies every damn day¡ªthen surrender."


    Then, without waiting for a reply, Zack accelerated, heading straight for the survivors'' base. Inside the armored vehicle, the group sat in stunned silence. They had barely blinked, and Zack was already gone. They weren''t stupid. They knew the weapons in their hands were useless against something like that. If they had fired, it would have been suicide. One of the younger men muttered, "A life... without zombies?"


    They had stopped dreaming about that a long time ago. Survival in this world meant waking up every day knowing they could die. It meant scavenging, fighting, and never feeling safe. It meant constantly running from things they couldn''t kill. Hope had died a long time ago. But Zack''s words... They made it flicker again. "If it was anyone else, I''d say they were crazy," another man murmured.


    "But... he''s different."


    "NYC Base... that place is real."


    Everyone had heard the rumors. The fortress-city, guarded by an impenetrable wall of firepower. The robot army that tore through zombies like paper.


    Inside NYC, people lived. Really lived. No running. No hiding. No fear. The survivors in the vehicle exchanged glances. "Should we... follow him?" one of them asked. "Lady Clara?"


    The leader hadn''t spoken since Zack left. She was still staring at the sky, her brows furrowed. She didn''t trust anyone. That''s how she had survived this long. But even she couldn''t deny it¡ªZack was dangerous, but he wasn''t lying. She took a slow breath. "Let''s check it out," she said. But as the vehicle rumbled forward, a thought kept echoing in her mind. ''Is he right? if he really can wipe out the zombies? What if we don''t have to live like this anymore?''


    Meanwhile, Zack had already reached his destination. Not far ahead, thousands of people had built a makeshift settlement using rubble and abandoned vehicles, forming a crude yet functional defensive perimeter. Heavy artillery and machine guns were positioned along their barricades, salvaged from who-knows-where. Though primitive, their stockpile of weapons and ammunition was enough to hold back an average zombie horde.


    Zack descended, touching down in front of the defense line. The moment he landed, the guards stationed at the perimeter spotted him.


    "What the hell is that?!"


    "Unknown mecha incoming!"


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    Without hesitation, they launched their attack. Heavy machine guns, RPGs, and makeshift anti-air missiles fired in unison, filling the air with gunfire and explosions. Zack let out a low chuckle, unfazed by the assault. "Huh. Interesting."

 Chapter 203: Surrender

    Chapter 203 - SurrenderRaising his hands, he unleashed a rapid-fire burst from his palm cannons, cutting through the incoming projectiles with pinpoint accuracy.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    The sky lit up with flames as multiple explosions erupted. The defensive line was shattered in an instant. The surviving fighters scrambled back to their second line of defense. Inside the compound, a younger man rushed up to his leader¡ªa muscular man covered in scars, casually smoking a cigarette. A woman sat beside him, and a group of fighters stood nearby, watching the scene unfold. "Boss, what do we do?" the younger man asked, his voice tense.


    The scarred man exhaled a cloud of smoke and smirked. "Heh. This kid thinks he''s tough." He flicked his cigarette away and leaned forward. "Tell the boys to use their heavy artillery and blast him to hell."


    The younger man hesitated, then nodded and ran off to relay the order. Moments later, two rusted, antique cannons were rolled into place. Zack raised an eyebrow at the sight. "Are they serious? These things belong in a museum." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The cannons fired. "Deploy the force field generator," Zack commanded. A faint energy pulse radiated from Apex Mk2, forming a protective barrier around him.


    BOOM!


    The cannonballs struck. Smoke and debris filled the air. "Did we get him?!" The younger man ran forward to check. But as the smoke cleared, Zack was still standing there, completely untouched. His armor gleamed under the dim light, not even scratched.


    The younger man froze in place. "Boss... that guy''s still alive," he whispered, his voice trembling.


    The scarred man pushed the woman off his lap and stood up, rolling his shoulders. "Just a punk hiding in a metal shell," he scoffed. "Watch me rip him out of it."


    Ego''s voice chimed in Zack''s helmet. "Sir, ten minutes until the mechanical army arrives."


    Zack smirked. "Then I''ll play with them for ten minutes." He wasn''t here to waste time¡ªhe was here to evaluate their worth. If there were any talents in this survivor camp, he''d take them. If not? They were expendable.


    "Sir, the leader appears to be a mutant," Ego reported. Zack glanced at the scarred man, who was already stepping out of the fortifications.


    The guy radiated arrogance. "Hey, kid!" the man barked. "Why don''t you step out of your fancy tin can and fight me like a real man?"


    Zack let out a dry laugh. This guy''s a clown. "Ego," he said casually, addressing Ego. "This guy''s an idiot."


    "Sir, that statement is accurate." Before Zack could respond, the scarred man''s body suddenly transformed. Metallic plates spread across his skin like living armor. He reached for a nearby wrecked vehicle, effortlessly lifting it over his head. With a grunt, he hurled the entire car straight at Zack.


    Zack caught it one-handed and pushed it right back. The mutant stumbled three steps back, but managed to stop it before it crushed him. With a smirk, he jumped onto the wreckage, eyes gleaming with greed. "You rely too much on that suit," the man sneered. "Hand it over, and maybe I''ll let you live. Hell, I might even make you my right-hand man."


    Zack''s expression turned ice-cold. ''This idiot really thinks he''s in charge?'' Without warning, the mutant lunged forward, his metallic fist swinging toward Zack''s helmet. The impact rang out like thunder, sending shockwaves through the ground.


    Zack took a single step back. He tilted his head. "Not bad." The fighters behind the mutant erupted in cheers.


    "Boss is a beast!"


    "Yeah! That guy''s scared now!"


    They thought Zack''s retreat meant he was losing. They couldn''t have been more wrong. Zack activated his thrusters, soaring into the air. From above, he gazed down at the mutant and his lackeys, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Alright," he muttered. "Let''s see how long you last."


    The scarred man smirked, his confidence only growing as he watched Zack hover above. His eyes burned with greed. He wanted that suit. Zack didn''t waste time. He raised his hand and fired.


    BOOM!


    A powerful blast from his palm cannon struck the man head-on. The watching lackeys tensed, eyes wide as smoke and dust filled the air. Then¡ªa shadow emerged. The man stepped out of the smoke, completely unharmed. "Ego, this guy''s interesting," Zack muttered.


    "Sir," Ego responded, "his body has metalized, allowing him to absorb most of the energy from the blast." Zack narrowed his eyes. So that''s his ability.


    The mutant let out a booming laugh and patted his metallic chest. "That all you got?" Zack didn''t answer. Instead, he fired again.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    Palm cannon blasts rained down in rapid succession, turning the area into a firestorm. Several unlucky bystanders were caught in the crossfire, their bodies obliterated. The ground cracked and caved in from the sheer force. The dust settled, revealing a devastated battlefield. Yet the mutant still stood tall. "Boy, if that''s all you''ve got, you''d better get on your knees now!" he roared. His lackeys erupted into cheers.


    "Boss is unstoppable!"


    "Yeah! Show him who''s in charge!"


    Zack remained calm, studying his opponent. His ability wasn''t just absorbing energy¡ªit was dispersing the impact. ''But what about extreme temperatures?'' Zack''s hands buzzed as a new energy charge built up. "Let''s see how long you last against this." Twin beams of searing-hot lasers burst from his palms, striking the mutant in a continuous stream.


    The temperature skyrocketed. The mutant''s arrogant grin disappeared. At first, his body held up, but then¡ªthe metal began to glow red-hot. His skin started to melt. Panic set in. He tried to move, but his joints liquefied, fusing together. His stomach buckled under the heat, and then¡ª "AAAAAAGGHHHH!!!" A horrific scream echoed through the battlefield.


    Then¡ªBOOM!


    His torso exploded, sending metallic chunks flying in all directions. Silence. The once-boisterous lackeys stood frozen, the words still stuck in their throats. Zack lowered his hands. His voice was cold, cutting through the stunned silence. "Who else wants to challenge me?" Not a single sound came from the crowd.


    Then¡ªthe rumbling of an approaching convoy broke the tension. Lady Clara''s vehicle pulled up, and she immediately stepped forward. "Sir, please have mercy!" She stood firm, placing herself between Zack and the remaining survivors. She wasn''t foolish¡ªshe had seen enough. The entire first line of defense was annihilated in mere moments.


    If they kept resisting, no one would be left alive. From behind the barricade, a tall, thin man stepped forward. He was in charge of the second line of defense. "Lady Clara, you know this guy?" he asked cautiously.


    She turned to him, her gaze unwavering. "This is the leader of NYC Base."


    Gasps rippled through the crowd. The thin man''s face paled. NYC Base. Everyone knew the name. If they had realized who they were up against, they never would have fired. The base wasn''t just a legend¡ªit was a fortress of steel and machines, a place where humans actually lived without fear of zombies. And the man in front of them He was the one who built it.


    The second-in-command hesitated, but the decision had already been made. "Sir," Lady Clara said, her voice clear and firm, "we surrender to you."

 Chapter 204: Creating BEC Creature

    Chapter 204 - Creating BEC CreatureThe others had no objections. With their leader dead and their strongest fighter reduced to a pile of melted metal, they knew resisting was pointless. Zack nodded and tossed a small chip from his suit. The chip landed on the back of Lady Clara''s neck. She felt a sharp sting, but she didn''t flinch. "That chip has a self-destruct system," Zack said coldly. "I assume you understand what that means."


    Lady Clara remained composed, though a chill ran down her spine. "Understood, sir," she said smoothly. She had already seen his power firsthand. There was no point in resisting now.


    "Good." At that moment, Zack''s mechanical army arrived. A wave of combat machines rolled in, their cold, metallic frames gleaming under the dim sunlight.


    The survivors shuddered as Zack made his final declaration. "From now on, this city is a territory of NYC." He left behind dozens of mechanical dogs as enforcers.


    Lady Clara, now the appointed overseer, bowed slightly. "As you command, my lord." She had no complaints. She had fought and clawed her way through the apocalypse, leading her people through hell. But Zack? He was on another level entirely.


    Zack turned to her. "How many people are here?"


    Clara thought for a moment before answering. "Sir, we have 4,300 people. Most are young adults. Only a handful of eldery and children remain."


    Zack wasn''t surprised. There were hardly any elderly left in this world. Survival was brutal, and without the old generation, human civilization itself was at risk. He spoke in a commanding tone. "Select 1,000 able-bodied adults and send them to the NYC steel plant. The mechanical dogs will ensure their safety."


    Lady Clara nodded. "Understood, sir. I will begin the selection immediately." Zack watched her go, satisfied. She was efficient. And efficiency was exactly what he needed.


    Soon after, 1,000 young adults were successfully relocated to NYC Base. Zack''s mechanical army remained stationed in the city, conducting repairs and securing the area. Damaged units were transported back to base for maintenance, while the ones still operational continued their mission¡ªeliminating the remaining zombies. Despite some losses, the fearless warriors held strong. The reorganization of the City had gone smoothly, aside from the earlier resistance.


    Back in NYC Base, Zack wasted no time. He immediately turned his focus to the BEC Creature production line. The facility had been successfully relocated, thanks to the coordinated efforts of his mechanical bugs. The thirty-two semi-finished energy entities were also transferred.


    Zack examined them closely. These creatures were incredible combatants. "Ego, how''s the system coming along?" Zack asked. If he had access to the full production system, he would have started mass production immediately.


    "SIR, I''ve been working on restoring the missing data," Ego responded. "However, some critical information is proving difficult to recover."


    Zack frowned, deep in thought. "Send me the data," he ordered. Within seconds, a flood of complex formulas and element comparisons filled his visor.


    Zack smirked. "Interesting... Let''s see just how advanced this tech really is." His expertise in mechanical engineering was already at a high level, so analyzing experimental data wasn''t new to him. However, this project required more than just calculations. It needed experimentation.


    Zack reviewed the formulas, making adjustments where needed. "This should work... Ego, input this new data set and run a simulation."


    Seconds later, Ego reported back. "Simulation failed, SIR. The calculations are still off."


    Zack''s expression darkened. The missing data was proving to be more troublesome than expected. Too many fluctuating variables¡ªit was like solving a puzzle with half the pieces missing. "I refuse to believe I can''t crack this," he muttered. He dove back into the complex equations, refining his calculations with every iteration. Hours passed as he tested theories, corrected errors, and built alternative formulas.


    Scattered across the floor were sheets of holographic data projections, filled with intricate calculations. He looked like a mad scientist, completely immersed in his work. "Ego, try this version."


    Ego ran the new data through the simulation. "SIR, it''s viable, but the risk factor remains at 50%."


    Too high. "Keep this set for now," Zack decided. He returned to his previous formulas, systematically cross-referencing them to pinpoint the discrepancies. Hours passed. After refining his calculations over and over, a fourth version of the data was completed. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack exhaled, his eyes gleaming with determination. "This one should be close."


    Ego processed the new input. "SIR, the calculations are stable."


    Zack''s lips curled into a smirk. "Let''s start the experiment." Data streams flooded his HUD, displaying the steps of the Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) creature''s creation process. Unlike traditional biological organisms, this entity was being constructed at the quantum level, relying on exotic matter manipulation rather than cellular mitosis. "Ego, break it down," Zack ordered, his eyes scanning the developing form within the containment field.


    "Affirmative, Sir. Initiating synthesis sequence." A supercooled chamber, pressurized to near absolute zero, served as the creature''s birthplace. Within the chamber, a specialized atomic lattice framework¡ªengineered from superconducting graphene nanofibers¡ªacted as a skeletal base.


    First, Bose-Einstein Condensate matter was introduced. The system injected rubidium atoms into the chamber, rapidly cooling them to a fraction above absolute zero using magneto-optical traps and evaporative cooling fields. As the atoms lost kinetic energy, they transitioned into a coherent quantum state, behaving as a unified wave function rather than individual particles.


    Zack watched as the floating mist of ultra-cold atoms began merging, forming the semi-ethereal base structure of the creature. Unlike standard biological tissues, this entity wasn''t held together by chemical bonds¡ªit was stabilized by quantum coherence. "Structural integrity at 27%," Ego reported. "Beginning neural lattice integration."


    Rather than relying on neurons and synapses, the creature''s cognitive framework was built using entangled particle streams. Airui''s technology had perfected the method of encoding neural patterns into superfluid condensates, allowing for a consciousness-like process without biological constraints. Inside the chamber, microscopic electromagnetic pulses mapped out the neural pathways, creating an artificial brain composed entirely of quantum vortices. Zack tapped his fingers against his wrist console. "Ego, does this neural design match the human brain''s cortical structure?"


    "Negative, Sir. This system operates on a higher-dimensional computational model¡ªakin to a distributed intelligence network. It does not require individual synapses; rather, its entire structure functions as a single processing unit."


    Zack smirked. "A hive mind in one body. No weak points." The data streams updated as neural stabilization reached 60%. With the cognitive structure secured, the next step was initializing a physical shell.


    This was where the process diverged from anything remotely biological. The creature needed a stable external form¡ªone that could interact with its environment while retaining its exotic matter properties. The system deployed a secondary condensate phase composed of ytterbium-doped metamaterials. These materials were engineered to remain quantum-entangled with the core, allowing the BEC creature to phase between physical states. The result? A semi-solid body capable of shifting between tangible and intangible forms at will.


    Zack''s eyes flickered with interest as the shimmering mist within the chamber condensed into a humanoid shape. Its structure pulsed like liquid metal, occasionally destabilizing into vapor before reforming. "Fascinating," Zack muttered.