Chapter 32: Calamity Bringer
Coop had a perfect view of the sunrise. He stood on the final landing and allowed himself a moment to enjoy it. Dawn broke on the 21st day since the apocalypse. He took a deep breath and gathered his resolve. He’d get this quest done and upgrade Ghost Reef. The settlement events were marching closer and he wanted to be ready for whatever new challenges they brought.
He finally had the sky above him, all of the previous floors had their outdoor areas covered in metal grates, pipes, and the walkways of upper floors. The outdoors were like a metal jungle, with light barely filtering down, and the interiors were a mix of unadorned living areas and industrial buildings. The limited space of the platform made everything feel confined, with narrow corridors and low ceilings. He was glad to be in the open air again.
The skyline wasn’t completely clear, as the abandoned cranes were taller still. They leaned over the edges above the open ocean like the framework of unfinished towers. There was an elevated platform that Coop predicted was a large helipad blocking one side of the top level as well. He approached the only structure on the floor, which was at the base of the helipad. A prefabricated office that would have been at home at any construction site he had ever seen. If anything was waiting on the top floor, it would be in the building or on the helipad.
As Coop slowly inched the door of the office open, unsure of what he would find inside, he was smashed in the chin by a heavy blow. He staggered backwards into the wide open area of the top floor before tripping onto the metal rooftops that created the ground of the final level.
Once he got his bearings he spat a mouthful of blood and inspected the zombie that used Coop’s chin like a golf ball. It was taking its time exiting the office.
[Elite Human Zombie (Level 40)]
[Calamity Bringer (Intelligence)]
[Zombie Captain of the Breathless]
[Abomination]
The monster had to crouch to fit through the doorway as it was over seven feet tall once it stood at its full height. It carried a solid black staff that had been used against Coop’s face when he was trying to peek inside. The zombie was wearing a dark red and black robe and stood with posture that made Coop conscious of his own.
The Zombie Captain surprised Coop by smiling at him. Then the creepy laughter began and Coop was wondering about just how intelligent this being was.
Coop dismissed his sword and summoned his spear while adding his shield for good measure. The spear and shield combination was the weapon set he was most comfortable with and provided him with the most mobility. The zombie circled Coop and positioned itself in the widest area of the floor.