Chapter 45: Crack the Anvil and Burn the Marrow! (I)
Ash drifted on the wind like falling snow, coating the cracked pavement and shattered glass in a muted grey. My boots crunched against the ruin of the old main road, Yin’s soft paws making no sound beside me.
The world felt still... too still.
No horde noises, no screams, no gunshots or engines.
Just the sound of my breathing and the occasional mechanical flicker from the corner of my eye.
I stepped into the chaos with purpose.
"Yin," I whispered.
The silver cat leapt down from the railing above, his soft paws landing without a sound. Blue eyes glowed faintly in the sunlight. His fur bristled, not from fear but expectation.
[Query accepted: Nearest Stage 2 targets located—400 meters northeast. Estimated horde: 370 infected. Four Stage 2s. Warning: Cluster contains fast-types.]
"Perfect."
I slid my spear from its holster and placed it across my shoulder. The weight felt comforting now—not like a weapon, but a pledge to myself. The Titan’s Marrow Sutra stirred in my veins, faintly vibrating beneath my skin.
"Living Anvil, huh? Let’s see just how formidable you are."