Ch. 47 - Awakening: Eagle Eye
“Stay calm,” Yu Na whispered, trying to steady her breath amid the chaos. The nine-star zombie’s ferocity was terrifying, but she held her ground, crossbow ready. The captain can’t hold out forever, she worried, knowing her next shot had to count. As the battle raged, her mind sharpened, locking onto the zombie’s erratic movements. Don’t blink, she urged herself, eyes stinging but unyielding. A dormant power stirred within her, awakening. Her vision snapped into focus. The zombie’s speed was now trackable. Eagle Eye, she randomly thought, instinctively firing a bolt. Whoosh!
The zombie sensed the danger, dodging, but Chen Liu anticipated it, shifting to offence. He blocked its arm with his shield, slashing his dagger at its face. No escape, he thought. The dagger grazed its cheek as Yu Na’s bolt struck its skull. Aaargh—! The zombie staggered, dazed. Chen Liu seized the moment, driving his dagger into its eye socket for the killing blow. Huuh! He collapsed, drenched in sweat, exhausted but victorious. Perfect teamwork, he thought with pride. Yu Na’s critical shot had been pivotal. Suddenly, she crumpled. She’s awakening, Chen Liu noticed, rushing to her. No injury triggered this—she’s special. “Why’d she faint?” Zhang Chong panted, limping over. “She’s fine,” Chen Liu reassured him and Yu Dachao. “She’s awakening.”
Bang! The rooftop door burst open, revealing Zhao Tinglong, the nine-star Awakened soldier. He heard the roars, then silence—thought we were dead, Chen Liu thought, noting Zhao’s surprise at the felled zombie. “Chen Liu, Jinghu Squad,” he said, extending a hand. He came to help; respect is due. Zhao, likely an Evolver candidate, shook his hand, impressed. Taking down a nine-star without military resources? Zhao thought, respecting their feat. “You killed it yourselves, so the mission counts,” he said, turning to leave. He had his own task awaiting. Military efficiency, Chen Liu thought, was grateful to keep the reward.
The nine-star white crystal went to Chen Liu, cutting his path to nine-star Awakened status by a third. Worth the gamble, he thought. Zhang Chong, Yu Dachao, and Yu Na each received two seven-star crystals as compensation. Nine-star zombies were rare. Chen Liu knew their rooftop encounter was a fluke—such creatures usually led hordes. Zhao’s envious glance at the corpse confirmed their scarcity. “Heading back to rest?” Chen Liu asked. Zhang Chong, bloodied but grinning, said, “I’m good, Captain. Just need patching.” Yu Dachao, wincing, admitted, “I can’t fight this afternoon.” As an ordinary human, his recovery lagged. Chen Liu sensed the bitterness, especially with Yu Na’s awakening. “I’ll take you back with the supplies,” Chen Liu said, leaving Zhang Chong to guard Yu Na in the cleared building.
When Chen Liu returned, Yu Na was awake, absorbing a crystal. “What ability?” he asked Zhang Chong. “Eagle Eye,” Zhang Chong replied. Perfect for her, Chen Liu thought, smiling. The E-rank ability sharpened her vision, making her ideal for sniping with her crossbow. It elevated her to a core combat role. “Captain,” Zhang Chong said hesitantly, “it’s about Chaozi.” “Speak.” Zhang Chong suggested, “Maybe we get a gun for Chaozi to switch roles.” But firearms were restricted, and training was a hurdle. The army’s got the edge there, he thought. “Good idea, but we’ll take it step by step,” he said. “Your support’s enough,” Zhang Chong grinned. Yu Na opened her eyes, her awakening complete, ready to redefine the Jinghu Squad’s strength.
thINKer: Now, an eagle in the squad
Yuyu: Yay! Hurray for Yu Na!
Challenge Goals
Challenge 1 - Reach 15 votes on NU
Reward - 3 bonus chapters
Current progress - 7 (+2) / 15