My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 103

As another hour passed without incident, tension hung heavy in the air, constricting everyone’s throats. With each tick of the clock, the realization sunk deeper: their enemies were gradually unraveling their tactics. It was only a matter of time before the Winters’ sanctuary within the building would be discovered.

In the cramped confines of the apartment, the prospect of combat seemed daunting. With their own people filling the space, any altercation could quickly turn chaotic, leaving them vulnerable to a swift attack. Their only solace lay in the hope that their adversaries wouldn’t resort to explosives or other destructive means to eliminate them.

Vulture pondered why their adversaries hadn’t employed such a tactic yet. With the Coltons having already dispatched death warriors after them, it seemed logical that a single warrior armed with a detonator could swiftly eliminate them. Was their hesitation a deliberate strategy, designed to prolong the Winters’ struggle, akin to a cat playing with its prey before delivering the final blow?

If the Coltons’ young master was indeed orchestrating this sinister game, it spoke volumes about the twisted nature of his mind and the extent of his power in this apocalyptic landscape. With chaos reigning supreme, he could wield authority unchecked, crafting his own reality where he dictated the rules unchallenged.

In this lawless realm, power became the arbiter of morality, blurring the lines between right and wrong until they were indistinguishable. The very concept of ethics seemed to fade into obscurity amid the relentless pursuit of dominance.

Vulture drew in a slow, deliberate breath, hoping to sharpen his senses and extend his perception beyond the confines of the apartment walls. With each inhale, he sought to tap into an ability akin to Kisha’s, whose heightened senses surpassed those of ordinary humans. Yet, despite his efforts, he found himself unable to replicate her extraordinary sensitivity.

As the horizon began to brighten, casting a faint glow into the room, tension mounted among the group, who anxiously awaited the awakening of the couple.

Mrs. Winters broke the silence with a whisper, her gaze fixed on the intertwined figures on the bed. "Do you truly believe my son will awaken in half an hour?" she questioned softly. Duke held Kisha in a tender embrace, her form nestled against his, seemingly undisturbed by the turmoil surrounding them.

Meanwhile, the Duke himself slumbered with an air of tranquility, a serenity that had rarely graced his features before.

Previously, Duke struggled with sleep, often working himself to exhaustion, managing only 4 to 6 hours of rest each night. However, on this occasion, both Duke and Kisha had slumbered for over 8 hours, their rest extending into the early daylight hours. Mrs.

Winters couldn’t help but feel a growing concern for Duke; she knew the risks involved if the awakening process failed, potentially resulting in their transformation into zombies. Despite her worries, Vulture and Sparrow exuded confidence that the awakening would proceed smoothly for the pair.

’Even if Duke succeeded in awakening, what about the lady in his arms?’ Mrs. Winters thought. She knew that everyone’s pinning their hope on Duke awakening so that he could regain control of his people and he can direct them on what to do and how to tackle this issue and how they were going to retaliate against the Coltons.

The tranquility shattered as the sound of breaking glass echoed through the apartment, followed by a hail of bullets raining down from the balcony. It was clear: their enemies had located their hiding spots. Several assailants hung from the balcony, brandishing assault rifles, while continuously firing their guns to rain bullets on them.

Mr. Winters swiftly pulled his wife to the floor, shielding her with his body, while Tristan did the same for the Patriarch. Agonizing groans reverberated from outside their room, likely signaling that their comrades had been caught in the gunfire. Despite their urge to check on them, they couldn’t risk leaving their current position while the assault persisted.

Protecting the Winters remained their top priority.

Fortunately, Vulture had conjured a thick, concentrated earth wall to shield Duke and Kisha, who lay on the bed. However, the shattered glass flying around managed to reach them, adorning their bodies like glistening crystals. Tristan and the others held their breath, fearing the glass might harm them.

Yet, simultaneously, they couldn’t help but notice how the glass lent an oddly beautiful aesthetic to Duke and Kisha’s forms.

Following the gunfire, the assailants from the balcony breached inside. Several of the Winters’ guards lay wounded on the floor, with gunshots in their shoulders, stomachs, and other areas. However, those who found good hiding spots escaped unscathed, utilizing crevices and blind spots for cover. The injured, though fortunate to be alive, owe their survival to these strategic hiding places.

Without them, their fate would have been sealed in an instant.