My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 458

458 /813

But who would answer them? Duke was already…

"Vice City Lord!"

Gasps filled the air as Duke collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.

Shocked, everyone stared at his body lying motionless on the cold ground, horror etched on their faces.

Without a second thought, they all rushed to him, momentarily forgetting the danger that still loomed around them.

"What was that?!" one of the warriors exclaimed as a loud buzzing sound filled the air.

He looked around, unable to pinpoint the source, and with them stopping using their abilities, the whole place dimmed, shadows filled the darkened streets, obscuring their view.

They couldn’t make out what had just happened—only that something had exploded, and now Duke lay motionless on the ground while the cocoon still loomed tall in the center of the street.

Despite their best efforts to stay hopeful, dread crept into everyone’s mind as they considered the worst possible scenarios.

The warriors quickly formed a defensive circle, positioning those with remaining strength on the outer perimeter, while the more exhausted fighters took refuge within.

A few knelt beside Duke, anxiously assessing his condition.

Rose, stationed on the outer line, led the defense with a vigilant gaze, but kept one ear tuned to the hushed conversation of those tending to Duke.

Every warrior was tense, ready for any sudden threat, as they struggled to hold their ground amidst the dire situation.

"W-what’s this?" one of the warriors stammered as he reached out to adjust Duke’s body, trying to help him lie down properly on the pavement.

His hand touched a sticky, metallic-smelling liquid.

He froze, recognizing the scent instantly—rusted iron.

He didn’t need to look twice to know what it was.

"B-blood!" he choked out, the grim realization dawning on him and the others as they began to piece together what had happened.

"Dammit!" one of the warriors muttered, his voice thick with a mix of frustration, sorrow, and helpless rage.

Hearing the commotion behind her but still unsure of Duke’s condition, Rose stepped forward and barked an order, her voice firm.

"Help carry the Vice City Lord! We’re moving out to the next location before that zombie raid arrives."

Her jaw tightened as she finished.

The weight of the situation bore down on her—she had no idea how she’d explain this to Kisha back at the base.

With Duke incapacitated, she wasn’t sure if she could even get the rest of the group back safely.

Anxiety knotted in her stomach, thoughts spiraling with all the things that could go wrong from here.

"Yes ma’am!"

"Copy!" _{freewebnøvel.com}

Soon, everyone prepared to retreat.

They could no longer focus on the evolved zombie—they didn’t know what it might do next, but in their current state, facing it was out of the question.

With Duke down and his condition uncertain, continuing the fight was simply impossible.

Two warriors quickly fashioned a makeshift stretcher from a sturdy earth spike as the pole and a large towel, were carefully secured from the sides of each earth spike to support an adult’s weight.

Once Duke was loaded onto the stretcher, the group prepared to leave.