Chapter 5: The Mutated Threat
517 Words
It wasn’t long before the two of them encountered their first real obstacle on the road to the military bunker. The streets, once filled with the hustle and bustle of daily life, now echoed with the eerie sounds of zombie growls and the occasional howl of something much more sinister.
Lin Ye moved with purpose, his every step deliberate and cautious. Qin Xue Ning walked beside him, her hand hovering near the holster at her waist, ready to draw her weapon at a moment’s notice.
Their journey had been uneventful for the most part—until now.
As they turned a corner, Lin Ye’s eyes locked onto a new form emerging from the shadows. It was larger than the usual zombies they had encountered—twice the size of the average one. Its skin was mottled with grotesque, twisted veins, and its limbs were unnaturally long. Its eyes glowed a sickly yellow, and it bore a menacing snarl, revealing rows of sharp teeth.
“A mutated zombie,” Lin Ye said softly, analyzing the creature in front of him. “It’s stronger than the others.”
Qin Xue Ning quickly assessed the situation, her military instincts kicking in. She didn’t hesitate. “We need to take it down fast before it attracts more of its kind.”
Lin Ye’s eyes burned with focus. This was it—the kind of fight he had been waiting for.
He took a step forward, his machete held firmly in his grip. As the creature charged, he sidestepped with blinding speed, its claws narrowly missing him. He slashed his machete at the creature’s arm, but the impact only slowed it down. The creature roared in pain, lashing out with a series of vicious strikes.
Lin Ye dodged once more, his body moving like a blur. He could feel the power coursing through him, his reflexes honed by the system’s rewards. His blade connected with the creature’s throat, and with a swift, powerful strike, he severed its jugular.
But the creature wasn’t dead.
It stumbled backward, then let out a final bone-chilling screech, before charging again.
“Not again.” Lin Ye muttered under his breath.
He gritted his teeth and slashed again—this time, with more force. The blade cleaved deep into the creature’s chest, and with a sickening crunch, its ribcage gave way. The monster fell to the ground, lifeless.
Ding!
【You have killed a mutated zombie. Strength +3, Agility +2, Constitution +2.】
【Special Skill Upgraded: Combat Mastery (Novice) to Combat Mastery (Intermediate).】
Lin Ye felt the familiar surge of power as the system rewarded him. His muscles burned with new strength, and his senses sharpened further. His skill in combat had improved, and his body felt like it could take on even more powerful opponents.
Qin Xue Ning stepped forward, eyeing the fallen mutated zombie with a critical eye. “Impressive. You didn’t hesitate. I thought you were going to give up when it wasn’t going down so easily.”
Lin Ye sheathed his machete, his expression unreadable. “I don’t give up.”
- Writer
