Chapter 9 – A Light Amidst the Apocalypse World
The morning sky looked murky, covered in thick clouds that never truly left since the world collapsed. The sun left only a faint trace of light, barely piercing through the gray mist. From behind the fortified window of the military base, I, Sofia, stood still. My once messy hair was now tied neatly back, and the special combat uniform issued by the base clung tightly to my body—a light white armor adorned with a golden wing insignia on the chest.
Outside, the undead wandered aimlessly—filling the ruined streets, dark alleys, and collapsed buildings that had become the city's grave.
Inside, humanity struggled to survive. Wounded, fragile, but still breathing.
"Today's target has been confirmed," said a muscular man with a long scar across his cheek—Captain Irvan, our expedition leader. His voice was rough, like stone worn down by time. "South Mall Zone. Plenty of Rank 0 zombies, but reports say there's strange movement. Everyone stay alert."
I gave a slow nod. My left hand trembled slightly—not out of fear, but because the light magic within me was reacting to the dark waves in the distance. It felt like a foul breath creeping into the lungs, even though nothing could be smelled. Since this power awakened—somehow—I could sense undead auras like a stench of death drifting in the air.
"Sofia..." came a soft voice beside me. Nina, a young girl on our team, looked pale, her eyes blinking nervously. "Are you sure you can lead this mission? We've heard... a lot of people died there."
I smiled. Gently, but with confidence.
"If we don't become the light... then who will?"
We moved swiftly. A small team, only five of us. I led the front. A faint white glow enveloped my hand—Holy Light, the name I spoke the first time this magic answered my call. The light was warm. Not burning, but purifying. As if this power wasn't just magic... but hope made manifest.