Dark Apocalypse

Episode 2

The Endurer



More than twenty people were crowded into a space of less than thirty square meters. Judging by the surrounding decorations and furniture, this area was likely once a small restaurant.

However, all the tables and chairs had now been piled up, blocking the entrance and the windows. Additionally, the kitchen door leading to the back was also obstructed, with the windows obscured by curtains.

Without the lights on, the interior appeared somewhat dim. In this place, over twenty anxious souls were gathered.

Among them, the majority were men, with only five women present, one of whom was a middle-aged lady in her forties. Of the remaining four, one was a nondescript office worker in her thirties, wearing glasses. Another was a little girl, under ten, who was currently asleep in the arms of the bespectacled woman.

The other two women were strikingly beautiful. The older of the two appeared to be in her twenties but had an air of seductive maturity that suggested she could easily pass for thirty. Dressed in a fitted skirt suit, she showcased her perfect figure, her long legs and ample bosom captivating the attention of onlookers. Her enchanting face had the power to mesmerize men.

She was a siren! A woman capable of driving men wild! A vision of allure!

Beside her stood the younger woman, or rather, a girl who seemed slightly younger. She appeared to be just under twenty, exuding a youthful innocence.

She bore a striking resemblance to the alluring woman next to her but lacked the older woman's seductive charm, likely due to her youth. While her bust was not as prominent, it was still noticeably shaped.

Her legs, however, were long and well-formed, suggesting that, given a few years, she too would become a stunning beauty capable of driving many men to distraction. Even now, her shy demeanor could stir a protective and possessive instinct in those around her.

Such radiant beauty would undoubtedly attract attention, and the men nearby occasionally cast glances in their direction. Although their faces were grim, the allure of the two women was undeniable.

"Ma'am, Miss, rest assured, I will do everything in my power to help you escape if given the chance!"

After surveying the situation outside for a while, the armed man approached the two women, crouching down to soften his expression and address them.

"Is there truly hope?" The older woman maintained a calm demeanor, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty, reflecting her lack of faith in the future.

"Indeed! While the situation is dire, I believe opportunities will arise! Haven't we survived this far? As long as we cling to hope, we shall find a way!"

Gazing at the striking woman, the armed man's expression turned resolute, his eyes filled with conviction.

"Mom, as long as Brother Ao is here, we'll be fine." The younger girl, still a bit naïve, clutched the beautiful woman's arm, her gaze toward the armed man brimming with admiration and reverence.

Mother?!! Could that stunning woman truly be this girl's mother? It was almost unbelievable! Despite looking slightly older, she certainly did not appear to be over thirty. How could she have a daughter nearing twenty? Was it a testament to exceptional self-care?

"Yes, dear, I know." The beautiful woman lovingly patted the girl's head before turning to the armed man with a gaze filled with desperation. "Brother Ling Ao, we are counting on you!"

Ling Ao, the armed man, nodded affirmatively. His eyes gleamed with righteousness as he addressed the mother and daughter with unwavering confidence: "As long as I, Ling Ao, am alive, I will ensure your safety!"

Ling Ao exuded a military aura; although dressed in a simple black suit, his demeanor was unmistakably that of a soldier. It was clear he had a background in the military or at least had been a member of some form of law enforcement.

"Hmph, a toad wishing to eat swan meat..."

Suddenly, a quiet murmur echoed through the room. Ling Ao furrowed his brow, anger flickering in his eyes as he turned to discern the source. Yet, with so many men present, all bowing their heads in silence, it was impossible to identify the instigator of the comment.

"I, Ling Ao, stand tall and proud! I conduct myself with integrity, and I will not tolerate such disrespect!" He scoffed, casting a fierce glance at those around him.

The men he surveyed quickly averted their gazes, falling silent.

"Forget it, forget it." The beautiful woman had clearly heard the earlier remark; a fleeting expression crossed her face before she shook her head at Ling Ao.

"Brother Ao, don't pay them any mind; if they have the ability, they should find their own way out! Hmph!" The beautiful girl shot the men a disdainful glance, then looked at Ling Ao with adoration.

"Let's not speak like that; we are all fortunate to have survived. If we can help each other, we should," Ling Ao replied, offering the girl a reassuring smile, his tone embodying an admirable sense of righteousness.

"Yes, I trust Brother Ao," the girl said with a sweet smile.

The entire exchange did not escape the beautiful woman's notice; a glimmer of helplessness flashed in her eyes as she sighed inwardly. Yet, she remained silent, sitting quietly while casting a discreet glance at Ling Ao, her brow slightly furrowed.

Slowly, night fell, enveloping the already dim room in darkness. Aside from the faint sounds of breathing and quiet sobs, there was little else to hear.

Outside, the occasional roar rang out with startling clarity. At these moments, the breath and sobs within the room would abruptly cease, as if all were afraid of what lurked beyond.

The night was agonizing—cold, hungry, frightened, lost. Each person wondered if they would see another day.

Finally, daybreak arrived, offering a moment of respite. Yet, the challenges ahead remained daunting...

Their food supply was dwindling!

"We can last at most one more day..." Ling Ao's expression was grim. They had been trapped here for three days; at this rate, they would starve to death even before facing the monsters outside.

What troubled him most were the other threats...

"Ling Ao! Didn't you say you could lead us out? It's been days already! How long will we be cooped up here? Our food is nearly gone; are we meant to starve to death? Rather than that, I'd prefer to face those monsters outside; at least there might be a slim chance of survival!"

At last, someone could no longer contain their frustration, which was precisely what Ling Ao feared most...