My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 454

Duke gritted his teeth, his body radiating a chilling, deadly aura as his gaze fixed on the bodies of his warriors sprawled on the cold ground.

None of them were standing anymore; they lay scattered, surrounded by large puddles of their own blood.

Each one was audibly gasping for breath, their breaths shaky and ragged, as if they teetered on the brink of death.

Kaakaka...

Graaaah!!!

The agility-type evolved zombie seemed to taunt Duke with a menacing glare, its expression shifting to anger as it glanced at the mental-type evolved zombie, clearly frustrated by its defeat at Duke’s hands.

Fury surged within Duke; he was enraged that he hadn’t been able to reach any of his warriors to help them.

The sight of their fallen bodies served as a stark reminder of his own weakness.

He struggled to mask his emotions, determined not to betray his inner turmoil.

At this moment, he could only hope that some of his warriors still had the strength to reach for the vials of blue liquid stored in their backpacks.

With a haunting smile, he focused on the agility-type evolved zombie, poised to drive his spear into the vulnerable mental-type evolved zombie lying beneath his feet.

As far as Duke knew, based on what his wife, Kisha, had told him, evolved zombies were fiercely territorial creatures.

They wouldn’t share their territory with other evolved zombies of the same rank or weaker unless the latter surrendered or formed an allegiance.

Stronger evolved zombies, particularly those ranked as zombie kings, had the ability to command others, compelling them to follow without question.

However, it was clear that the two evolved zombies before him didn’t fit the typical hierarchy; neither was stronger nor a dictator while the other remained subservient.

Instead, they had formed an irregular alliance, each equally matched.

But Duke’s primary concern was for his warriors.

A tight knot formed in his chest as he struggled to regain his focus, suppressing his swirling emotions.

Just as Duke’s spear was about to strike the mental-type evolved zombie’s head, the agility-type evolved zombie lunged at him.

With its long right claws, it intercepted Duke’s attack while its left claws slashed toward him, aiming for a direct hit.

Unable to keep up with the agility-type evolved zombie’s rapid movements, Duke had no choice but to rely on his instincts.

Just before the zombie’s left claw could strike him, he instinctively backed away, adopting a defensive stance.

The agility-type zombie positioned itself protectively in front of the mental-type evolved zombie, assuming its own defensive posture while glaring at Duke with hostility.

The two remained motionless, locked in a tense stare, fully aware that they were engaged in a mental game of strategy.

Each tried to anticipate the other’s next move, a realization that startled Duke.

If the agility-type evolved zombie was capable of strategic thinking, it suggested a higher level of cognitive function than what he expected from evolved zombies of their kind.

This intelligence resembled that of the evolved zombie Kisha had fought in the base, one with a rainbow crystal core.

Duke’s expression shifted to one of steely determination; he refrained from making any hasty moves.

With both he and the agility-type evolved zombie locked in a standoff, the effects of the stun and slow debuffs on the mental-type evolved zombie had worn off.

It rose unsteadily from where Duke had struck it, and despite the large gaping hole in its chest spilling thick, black coagulated blood onto the ground, it showed no sign of pain or weakness.

Instead, it staggered slightly before spreading its arms wide once more, preparing to launch another attack on Duke.

Gagagrahhh!

With a piercing screech, the agility-type evolved zombie surged forward, launching a relentless assault on Duke.