Chapter 112: A Cold Decision
He watched as Lillian continued her assault, dismantling the fearless warriors with terrifying precision. Although Zack didn't know the exact nature of her abilities, he couldn't ignore the possibility that her blade might be able to cut through materials as durable as his nanosuit. "Ego, has the Avalon system rebooted yet?" Zack asked, his tone carrying a hint of urgency.
The Avalon, piloted by Ava, had been grounded earlier due to the electromagnetic pulse. Thankfully, it had landed smoothly in an open area not far from the mountain. Zack was ready to call for an airstrike to obliterate Lillian and the Black Hand's forces entirely. Before Ego could respond, its voice came through with a shocking revelation. "Sir... Lillian appears to be Ms. Sophia's mother."
Zack froze for a moment, stunned. "Sophia's mother? That's impossible," he said, shaking his head.
He vividly recalled the investigation he'd conducted after the outbreak. The report had concluded that Lillian was last seen in a crowded shopping mall and was presumed dead. "Sir, at the time, the survival rate was estimated at less than 4%. However, there was never definitive evidence of her death," Ego explained in its usual methodical tone.
"A 4% chance? That's still next to impossible," Zack muttered. His expression hardened, the cold edge of his personality taking over. "No matter what the odds are, after today, she'll be dead for sure," Zack said, his tone icy and full of murderous intent.
Even if Lillian was technically Sophia's mother—and by extension, his mother-in-law—Zack couldn't afford to show mercy. First, she was clearly try to kill him. Second, her strength posed a direct and serious threat to him, one that he cannot underestimate, a single mistake can cost him his life. Zack were no saint, if the choice is his or the other life he will always choose his first. "Activate stealth mode," Zack commanded.
The nanosuit shimmered for a moment before blending seamlessly into the environment. Using advanced optical camouflage, Zack became virtually invisible to the naked eye.
Ego hesitated before speaking again. "Sir, perhaps you could use Ms. Sophia to make Lillian stand down—or even convince her to join you," it suggested cautiously.
"There's no need," Zack replied coldly. "Your plan relies entirely on the assumption of an emotional connection between mother and daughter. That's far too uncertain. Emotions can be clouded by amnesia, manipulation, or even brainwashing. I don't take risks like that."