Chapter 27: Zombie Lord!
The plant was eerily silent, completely devoid of any human presence, yet the number of zombies here was staggering—almost like a densely populated city. Something was drawing them in. As Zack moved deeper into the plant, a shocking sight unfolded before him. He turned a corner into a dimly lit corridor, which opened into a large hall—likely the control room, given the consoles and monitors along the walls. But the machinery was nothing compared to the scene at the heart of the room.
Hundreds of zombies were packed into the hall, all facing the same direction, their empty eyes locked on something at the center. Among them were various mutated types: Hunters, Bloaters, and even a towering giant zombie over four meters tall. Its gray skin stretched tight over bulging muscles, making it look like an undead colossus.
"Lord," Zack muttered, his expression tightening at the sight of the massive zombie standing above the others. According to Ego's data, this monstrous creature was known as the Lord—a powerful mutation capable of destroying a fortified base single-handedly.
"What are they all gathered around?" Zack wondered aloud, taking in the odd scene. Surprisingly, none of the zombies had noticed him yet—not even the Hunters, who usually reacted instantly to movement.
Zack squinted, trying to make sense of it. He finally focused on the object that had all their attention. At the center of the room stood a grotesque mass, resembling a twisted tree trunk. It pulsed rhythmically, like a living heart, and long, root-like tendrils snaked out from its base, disappearing into the walls and floors, connecting to who knew where.
With every pulse, a flower-like bud on top opened briefly, releasing a dense cloud of murky gas that drifted through the air. As the gas spread, the zombies grew more agitated, shuffling forward and reaching toward it like worshippers at some kind of altar.
"What in the world...?" Zack muttered, eyes wide in disbelief. This was unlike anything he had ever seen. Even Ego's database didn't have any records of such a thing.
"Analyzing target," Ego's voice cut through Zack's stunned silence.
"Go ahead," Zack replied, his eyes never leaving the bizarre formation, staying on guard.