Ch. 46 - Teamwork
“Captain, should we call for backup?” Yu Na’s voice was tense as she eyed the nine-star zombie on the rooftop. This thing’s too dangerous, Chen Liu thought, nodding. He could risk his own life, but not his team’s. “Do it,” he said. Yu Na stepped back, grabbed the walkie-talkie, and switched to the public channel. “Weixing Residential Area, Building 7, Unit 1 rooftop - nine-star zombie spotted! Requesting backup!” A man’s voice crackled back, “Copy that!” Help’s coming, but we can’t just wait, Chen Liu thought, gripping his axe.
Nearby, at Weixing Residential Area, a military squad led by Zhao Tinglong, a tall, muscular nine-star Awakened with a disproportionately strong left arm, received the call. A nine-star zombie? That’s my fight, he bragged, sprinting toward Building 7. Protocol demanded proximity-based response, and nine-star zombies required Awakened soldiers - firearms were too unreliable, risking heavy casualties in close quarters like a rooftop. No Awakened in the local cleanup crew, Zhao thought, recalling the Flame Queen’s viral video: a wall of flame incinerating zombies, elevating Awakened to near-mythic status. She’s not human anymore, he thought, awed. His squad watched him go, one muttering, “Captain’s a beast.” At nine stars, Zhao was a step from Evolver rank, a leap toward the Flame Queen’s league.
In Building 8, another adventurer team heard the distress call. “Captain, it’s next door,” a member said. Their cold-faced leader dismissed it. “Not our business. Focus.” A nine-star’s too much for us, he thought, prioritising survival over greed. An eight-star zombie might have tempted him, but this was beyond their level.
On the rooftop, Chen Liu barked, “Let’s move!” Waiting for death’s not an option, he thought, charging the evolving zombie. He wanted the Jinghu Battle Team to claim the kill, not rely on outsiders for it. Grraaaaahhh! The zombie, mid-evolution, dodged his axe with eerie agility; its bloodlust had increased. Whoosh - CRACK! Yu Na’s crossbow bolt snapped in its hand, drawing gasps. It’s too strong. Chen Liu’s heart sank. Yu Dachao circled warily, too scared to approach, while Zhang Chong flanked, harassing the zombie. As it completed its evolution, it surged at Chen Liu, with a blur of speed. BANG! He hit the ground, spitting blood. The impact felt like a tank. Too fast, he thought, scrambling up as claws whistled down, razor-sharp. Unable to dodge, he spun his axe into a defensive storm. Zhang Chong tackled the zombie’s legs, shouting, “Captain, now!” Chen Liu unleashed “Mountain Splitter,” the axe gleaming toward the zombie’s skull. This has to hit, he thought. But the zombie sneered, catching the axe between its hands, stopping it cold. Impossible, Chen Liu gasped, straining against its grip. It’s not steel - push harder! The standoff held, neither daring to falter.
Yu Na seized the moment, firing a bolt at the zombie’s head. Yu Dachao, finding his courage, swung his cleaver, gashing its arm. Perfect sync, Chen Liu thought, their teamwork flawless. The zombie’s eyes flashed with panic, dodging the bolt but taking the cleaver’s hit. ROAAAARRR!! It roared, sending Yu Dachao flying. Then it kicked Zhang Chong free, leaving him crumpled. Now! Chen Liu struck again, “Mountain Splitter”, burying the axe in the zombie’s skull. But the zombie stood its ground. It swung at his face. Chen Liu dropped the axe, dodging backwards. It charged with the axe still lodged in its head. Drawing a dagger, Chen Liu braced for another round. Both Zhang Chong and Yu Dachao were down. Yu Na’s bolts were his only support. We just need to hold on, he thought, desperate but defiant.
thINKer: Go, Yu Na!!!
Challenge Goals
Challenge 1 - Reach 15 votes on NU
Reward - 3 bonus chapters
Current progress - 7 (+2) / 15