The sky was still painted with shades of early morning gray when Leo opened his eyes. A dull heaviness hung in the air, as if the world itself sensed something coming.
He rose from the thin bedding laid out on the floor of the community center and looked around. Most of the survivors were already awake and preparing for the day's journey. There was a quiet energy about them—nervous but determined.
Stacey walked over to Leo, her expression serious. "We're ready. Everyone's packed and waiting outside."
Leo nodded silently, throwing on his coat and adjusting the strap of his weapon.
The group began marching toward Zone 4. Unlike their past travels through chaotic wastelands, the path to Zone 4 was surprisingly short.
But as they neared, it became clear that something was very wrong.
From the distance, they could see smoke rising, screams echoing faintly through the air. As they crested a hill overlooking the fortified zone, the sight hit them like a punch to the chest.
The battlefield.
Countless mutants—twisted, snarling beasts of flesh and rage—were swarming the zone's outer walls. It looked like a full-scale attack. Not just random monsters. It was something organized. Something terrifying.
Stacey gasped, stepping back. "What... what is this? How are they attacking like this? It's like a stampede... a horde."
Leo narrowed his eyes. His gaze scanned the chaos, calm and calculating.
"A coordinated attack," he muttered to himself. "This must be the Zone's unique challenge. Some kind of event or monster behavior pattern."
He stepped forward, separating himself slightly from the group. He wanted a closer look.
The defenders on the walls were already fighting desperately. Archers launched arrows in rapid volleys, trying to slow the tide of incoming creatures. But it was clear they were being overwhelmed.
Below, the gates of the zone creaked open. Dozens of close-combat fighters stormed out, wielding everything from crude spears to energy-imbued swords.
The clash was immediate. Blood splattered across the cracked concrete. Screams filled the air.
Leo stood silently, watching the battle unfold. His sharp eyes observed each detail. The way the defenders moved. The rhythm of the monsters' assault. And then...
A blur dropped from the top of the wall.
It was a man.
Leo's gaze fixed on him immediately. The figure cut through the air with precision, landing amidst the chaos. He moved like lightning—fast, clean, precise. His blades danced as he slashed through waves of monsters.
"That must be their lord," Leo thought. "Zone lord... probably an Ascended Tier 7 or 8. Maybe higher."
The man didn't fight with reckless fury. He was smart. He placed traps—wires, explosive runes, environmental triggers.
One by one, the monsters were baited into them. Limbs flew. Bodies dropped. But even he couldn't stem the tide for long.
More mutants poured in, mid-tier and even a few peak-level beasts. The defenders were being pushed back. The wall wouldn't hold.
Leo closed his eyes for a moment.
"Guess it's time."
He stepped forward, slow and calm. His fingers opened slightly, as if reaching for something unseen.
The blood.
From the fallen—both humans and beasts—it began to move. Trickles turned to streams. Streams became rivers. The blood answered his call, drawn to him as if he were the moon tugging at the tide.
It floated around him, a mist of crimson.
Then, with a flick of his wrist, the mist expanded.
Like a silent wave, it rushed forward.
Monsters convulsed. Some dropped instantly, spasming violently before going still. Others writhed in confusion, their internal systems overwhelmed. It was like the blood inside them had turned against them.
The battlefield froze for a second.
No one understood what had just happened. Not even Leo, entirely. He didn't know the full limits of this ability, only that it was dangerous. And powerful.
When the dust settled, the pressure shifted. The defenders rallied. The horde had thinned.
Leo walked calmly across the bloodstained ground. Toward the man he had seen jump from the wall.
The man stood there, breathing hard, but still composed. He turned when he saw Leo approaching.
"Hey," he said. "Thank you... for that. We would've been finished without your help."
Leo nodded slightly. "You're welcome."
The man extended a hand. "I'm Baelor. Zone Lord of Zone 4. And you are...?"
Leo hesitated. Then, with a half-smile, said, "Leo. Just Leo."
It sounded cheesy in his own ears, like something out of a movie, but he let it stand.
Baelor chuckled. "Well, Leo, you've got good timing. And skills. You're strong. Where are you from?"
Before Leo could answer, Stacey stepped in.
"We came from the western region," she said quickly. "Through the wasteland. There were a lot of mutants, but we were... lucky."
Baelor frowned slightly. He glanced at Leo again. Lucky didn't seem like the right word.
Leo shook his head, cutting in. "We weren't lucky. I killed them. I've been traveling from the Middle East quadrant. Just trying to explore these lands."
Baelor's eyes widened just slightly. He gave a small nod.
"Crossing that wasteland alone would put you close to Transcendent Tier," Baelor thought to himself. "And from what I saw back there... he might be even stronger."
"Well," Baelor said aloud, "you're welcome here. All of you. Anyone who fights to protect this place is a friend of Zone 4. Come. Let's get you some rest."
They followed Baelor past the gates. Inside, the zone was bustling with activity. Medics rushed from one wounded soldier to the next. Supplies were being hauled. Children peeked from behind makeshift barricades.
Baelor led them to a large building that served as the command center.
Inside, several men and women were seated at a long table—generals, strategists, leaders of the zone. One of them, a broad-shouldered man with a scar across his eye, stood as they entered.
"This is Matthew," Baelor said. "My second-in-command. He'll get you anything you need."
"Would you care for food?" Baelor asked. "You must be tired."
Leo gave a slight nod. "We'd appreciate that. It's been a long road."
Baelor smiled. "Of course. Hospitality is the least I can offer my saviors."
But even as they sat and ate, Baelor watched Leo carefully.
He spoke politely, even softly, but the way he held himself—it was commanding. Natural. Like someone used to being in charge.
That night, a grand feast was held. The hall buzzed with conversation and music. Plates were filled, drinks were poured, and for a moment, the zone breathed again.
Baelor raised his glass. "To new friends, and to survival."
Cheers echoed through the hall.
Later, as the noise settled, Baelor leaned closer to Leo.
"What's next for you?"
Leo stared into his drink for a moment before answering.
"I'm not staying long. These survivors—" he nodded toward Stacey and the others, "they need shelter. But I have my own path. I need to go deeper into the Chinese lands. There are... things I need to find."
Baelor nodded. "Anything I can help with?"
"Information would be a good start. I'd like to know more about the other zone lords, the power structure here. Anything useful."
"I'll have my people prepare a report for you."
The conversation slowly shifted into lighter topics. They spoke of old times before the apocalypse, shared stories of the early days of the fall. For a while, it felt almost normal.
When the feast ended, Baelor clapped a hand on Matthew's shoulder.
"Show our guests to their rooms."
Matthew nodded, gesturing for the group to follow.
As Leo lay in his room later, staring up at the ceiling, he felt the weight of the coming day settle on him. Tomorrow, he would step deeper into the heart of this new world.
A new journey.
And it was only just beginning.