Chapter 148: Scott
Panic and anger rippled through the crowd as they stumbled out onto the battlefield. Many feared the worst, believing that being forced outside the walls meant certain death. Though reluctance spread like wildfire, few dared to resist. The ones who had the courage to fight back had already perished on the battlefield, leaving behind those who were mediocre or cowardly. Under the ominous threat of machine guns, the crowd hesitantly obeyed, stepping into the open wasteland beyond the walls. But as their eyes fell on the battlefield, their anger turned to horror.
Severed limbs and dismembered corpses stretched as far as the eye could see. Zombie bodies were piled into grotesque mountains, while dozens of mechanical spiders skittered across the field, methodically finishing off any remaining undead—and even infected humans. The air was thick with the putrid stench of decay, blood, and a sickening slurry of flesh churned into mud.
"Vomit!"
"I can't take it! I need to go back!"
Terrified, the front of the group tried to retreat, but more survivors, driven forward by the mechanical dogs, forced them back into the chaos. Amid the confusion, Zack's amplified voice boomed like thunder, silencing the crowd. "Anyone who takes a single step back—dies."
The survivors froze, their eyes snapping toward the six-meter-tall steel giant standing amidst the carnage. Its raised palm glowed ominously, a charged pulse cannon ready to fire. Some whispered among themselves, certain Zack wouldn't follow through. "Why should we listen to him?"
A man stepped forward, his tone arrogant. He was one of the soldiers who had fled the battlefield earlier, accustomed to flaunting authority under Kane's rule. "You're not from our base—"
BOOM! Before he could finish, a searing particle beam erupted from Zack's palm, obliterating the man where he stood. Bone fragments and charred flesh rained down on those nearest to him. A chilling silence fell over the crowd as the reality of Zack's resolve settled in. Those who had spoken up earlier now cowered, their defiance extinguished.
Zack's gaze swept over the crowd, his voice cold and unyielding. "Now, does anyone else have questions?" The survivors trembled under his glare, the weight of his brutal aura pressing down on them. They understood now—this was no idle threat. Disobedience would lead to certain death.