Chapter 13 - Shadow
Julian’s footsteps echoed faintly through the darkened hallway as he made his way toward the teachers’ office. Beside him, Clarissa and Emma followed in silence, the only light coming from the faint glow of emergency lamps overhead.
Kael’s info had been clear.
Leo Rippin.
The user of [Shadow].
A direct subordinate of Erwin.
Eliminating him now would destabilize the enemy’s inner circle before any full-scale war began. More importantly, Julian was curious, he wanted to see what it was like to fight another skill user in earnest. He didn’t hate Leo. But in this world... kindness didn’t matter. Only strength.
Survival of the fittest.
Behind him, Emma finally broke the silence.
"Hey, Julian... I’ve been meaning to ask. Why don’t you just dominate all the zombies around us and wipe out Erwin’s group completely?"
Julian slowed his steps slightly, glancing over his shoulder. "Because I could. But it would burn through my mind like fire." He paused. "Keeping control of even five zombies already puts strain on my brain. If I try more... I might pass out. Or worse. My mind could fry."
Emma nodded thoughtfully. "So that’s the weakness. Mental overload, huh?"