Level Up Arcana

Tough Battle

Kade stepped forward, positioning himself with a clear line of sight to the supply shed. His hands were already beginning to glow with orange light as he gathered mana into his palms.

The shed was about forty meters away. He could get a clean shot from this distance because it was well within his range, and also not close enough to accidentally draw the zombies directly to them. At least, that was the plan.

"Everyone get ready," Raiden whispered, his grip tightening on the Silvermoon Sword. "The second those zombies start moving toward the fire, we go fast and quiet."

Mira nodded, positioning herself at the front with Raiden. Jace stood slightly behind them with the metal rod gripped so tightly in his hands that his knuckles had even turned white. The eleven survivors clustered together at the back, trying to make themselves as small as possible.

Kade took a deep breath, focusing his energy. His eyes locked onto the shed.

"Flame Lance!"

A spear of concentrated fire erupted from his palms, shooting forward like a mini missile. It tore through the air with a high-pitched whistle, leaving a trail of orange light in its wake.

The lance slammed into the shed's wooden wall and exploded on impact.

BOOM!

Hungry and wild flames erupted across the structure instantly. The dry wood caught fire like it had been soaked in oil. Within seconds, the entire shed was engulfed in a roaring inferno. Thick and choking black smoke billowed upward.

The noise was incredibly loud, filled with sounds of crackling wood, popping nails, and the roar of flames consuming everything in their path.

And just as Raiden predicted, the zombies reacted.

Their heads snapped toward the sound in unison, like puppets controlled by the same string. Dozens of vacant, glassy eyes fixed on the burning shed. Then they began to move towards the source of the sound.

Unfortunately, not all of them were lured, but most — at least twenty zombies broke away from the horde and shambled toward the fire with jerky, uncoordinated steps. They groaned and hissed, drawn by the movement and noise like moths to a flame.

"It's working," Mira breathed.

Raiden watched carefully, counting. Twenty zombies had left. That meant roughly ten to fifteen remained near the gate. The number was still a lot, but manageable if they were smart about it.

"Now," Raiden hissed. "Move!"

The group surged forward, staying low and moving as quietly as fifteen people could manage. They stuck to the shadows along the edge of the courtyard, using pillars and overturned carts as cover.

Raiden led the way, his eyes constantly scanning for threats. The Silvermoon Sword felt light in his hand as he held it tightly. His heart pounded in his chest, but his mind was clear.

They were halfway to the gate when one of the remaining zombies noticed them.

It was a former guard of the training complex. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and still wearing pieces of armor that had been torn and bloodied. Its head swiveled toward their group, dead eyes locking onto Raiden.

It opened its mouth and let out a low, rattling growl.

"s**t," Kade muttered.

The zombie lurched toward them, and two others nearby turned at the sound.

"Keep moving!" Raiden ordered the survivors. "Get to the gate! We'll handle these!"

The eleven survivors didn't need to be told twice. They broke into a run, staying together as they made a desperate dash for the training complex entrance.

Raiden, Mira, Kade, and Jace formed a defensive line between the zombies and the fleeing group.

The guard zombie was the first to reach them, moving faster than the others despite its bulky frame. It swung a massive arm at Raiden's head, its claws extended.

Raiden ducked under the swing and pivoted, bringing the Silvermoon Sword up in a sharp diagonal s***h. The blade bit deep into the zombie's side, cutting through its rotted flesh and cracked ribs.

Black blood sprayed out, but the creature didn't even flinch. As if it couldn't register the feeling of pain.

It backhanded Raiden with its other arm.

Raiden sidestepped to dodge the blow, but his opponent's attack was faster. The impact sent him stumbling backward and stars exploded across his vision. Pain flared in his shoulder where the blow had landed. If that thing had been alive and at full strength, the hit would've shattered his shoulder bones.

"Raiden!" Jace shouted, rushing forward.

The zombie advanced, reaching for Raiden with both hands. Its mouth hung open, teeth ready to tear into his flesh.

Raiden rolled to the side, barely avoiding the grab. He came up on one knee and swung the sword again, this time aiming for the legs.

The blade cut clean through the zombie's knee joint.

The creature collapsed forward with a wet thud, unable to stand. But like a cockroach, it wasn't immobilized as it immediately started crawling toward him while dragging its useless legs behind.

Raiden didn't hesitate attack while it was vulnerable. He brought the sword down on the back of its skull with both hands, driving the blade through bone and brain.

The zombie went still instantly.