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墨書 Inktalez
"Take Xie Yutong and go ahead. I'll draw them away," my voice was more resolute than I had imagined, the metallic substance on my arm glinting coldly in the moonlight.
"Wow! Are you crazy? One person against five armored zombies?" Zhong Dali's eyes widened in disbelief.
Xiao Yu furrowed her brows tightly. "Wei Na, don't be a hero. Let's think of a way together."
As we argued, Xie Yutong weakly spoke up, "Don't worry, they... won't chase for long." Her breathing was a bit rapid. "The blue serum will gradually eliminate the virus markers in Wei Na's body; they can only track for half an hour at most."
"Wow! That's great!" Zhong Dali exclaimed, but then frowned. "Wait, half an hour? Can Wei Na last that long?"
I rolled my eyes. Was this guy doing it on purpose?
"Find a safe place to hide," I said, scanning the area and pointing to a relatively intact building not far away. "That looks good. You all go there first; I'll draw them away and meet up later."
Xiao Yu hesitated for a moment but finally nodded. "Okay, be careful."
"Wow! Wei Na, don't die!" Zhong Dali shouted as he carried Xie Yutong towards the building.
Could this idiot be any louder? I grumbled inwardly while running in the opposite direction of the armored zombies, deliberately kicking over a trash can to create noise.
The five armored zombies turned their heads in unison, their red eyes locking onto me. This synchronized movement was eerier than the chaotic behavior of ordinary zombies, as if they shared a single consciousness.
"Come on, big guys!" I beckoned them with my fingers. "Let's see who runs faster!"
They let out a metallic screech and lumbered toward me with heavy steps. Although their speed wasn't particularly fast, their deliberate pace was chilling, like the slow but inevitable approach of death.
I turned and ran while trying to control the residual metallic substance within me. After the recent serum injection, I could barely manage it, but this ability was still unstable.
A crazy thought flashed through my mind—what if I could consume more armored zombies? Would that help me better control this ability?
I shook my head, pushing the dangerous notion out of my thoughts. The immediate priority was to survive and then regroup with everyone.
I weaved through the ruins, using obstacles to slow down the zombies chasing me. The ability I had gained from consuming the armored zombie was kicking in; my running speed and stamina had noticeably improved, far exceeding what I had been capable of before.
About half an hour later, just as Xie Yutong had said, the pursuit of the armored zombies slowed down. Eventually, they stopped, seemingly losing interest in me and wandering off in another direction.
"Great," I sighed in relief, patting my chest. It was then that I noticed the metallic substance had nearly completely faded away, leaving only a small patch of markings on my arm.
I made a wide detour to ensure no armored zombies were following me before cautiously approaching the building we had agreed upon.
The entrance on the ground floor had been deliberately blocked off, leaving only a narrow passageway, seemingly intended to prevent zombies from entering. I squeezed through the passage and followed the faint light until I found where my teammates were hiding—a front office.
"Wow! Wei Na! You made it back!" Zhong Dali exclaimed joyfully, bounding over like an excited dog wanting to hug me.
"Stop!" I raised my hand to halt him. "Keep your distance." Although most of the metallic substance had faded from my body, who knew if there were any lingering effects?
"Are you okay?" Xiao Yu handed me a bottle of water.
"I'm fine." I took the water and gulped down a few swigs. "I've shaken off those zombies; at least we're safe for now."
Xie Yutong leaned against the wall, looking like she had regained some strength. "That's great; the blue serum is working."
"Speaking of which," I put away the water bottle and adopted a serious expression, "we need to talk."
The atmosphere in the room instantly grew tense.
"Wow! Are we having another meeting?" Zhong Dali scratched his head, looking somewhat innocent.
Xiao Yu shot him a glare. "Be quiet."
I turned to Xie Yutong. "Let's start with the basics. Who exactly are you? How do you know so much about zombies and the serum?"
Xie Yutong took a deep breath, glancing around as if weighing how to begin.
"To put it simply, I am a member of the Green Tea Alliance, an organization that studies and attempts to control the Soul-Eating virus." She paused for a moment. "Or rather, I used to be."
"Wow! That sounds like a superhero organization!" Zhong Dali interjected excitedly.
"Shut up!" Xiao Yu and I said in unison.
"Please continue," I gestured for Xie Yutong to go on.
"The Green Tea Alliance was originally founded by Qin Baye with the goal of researching the virus and finding a cure." Xie Yutong's expression grew complicated. "But as the research progressed, Qin Baye discovered another side of the virus—it could transform humans and create super soldiers."
"So he started making those armored zombies?" Xiao Yu asked sharply.
Xie Yutong nodded. "Exactly. He betrayed the original purpose of the Alliance and began secretly developing biological weapons. By the time we uncovered the truth, it was too late. He had taken control of most resources and research outcomes, expelling those who opposed him."
"And then you became a fugitive?" I asked.
"Yes, I managed to escape with some research materials along with a few colleagues," Xie Yutong said with a bitter smile. "But most of the others were captured by Qin Baye; I was just lucky to get away."
"Wow! That's so thrilling! It's like a movie!" Zhong Dali interjected.
Xiao Yu shot him a glare. "This isn't a movie, you idiot!"
I pondered for a moment. "So, what brings you to me?"
Xie Yutong looked directly into my eyes. "Because of you, Wei Na. You are the only hope."
"Wow! Another 'only hope'!" Zhong Dali made an exaggerated expression. "They say that in every movie!"
"Shut up!" I snapped at him before turning back to Xie Yutong. "What do you mean?"
"Your ability, 'Soul Devouring Immunity Evolution,' is unique," Xie Yutong said seriously. "Ordinary people infected by the virus only turn into zombies. Even those with some immunity can't control the virus. But you're different; you can absorb the abilities of zombies and control them."
"So I'm in high demand now?" I scoffed. "Qin Baye wants to capture me, and you want to use me too?"
"No!" Xie Yutong said urgently. "I'm here to warn you, to protect you! If Qin Baye discovers your ability, he will stop at nothing to capture you and turn you into his experiment!"
I looked at Xiao Yu. "What do you think?"
Xiao Yu thought for a moment. "She has a point. Those armored zombies do exist, and they are much stronger than ordinary ones. If someone is really creating them..."
"Wow! Does that mean we're in great danger?" Zhong Dali said nervously.
I nodded slightly. "If what she said is true, we are indeed in a dangerous situation."
Xie Yutong bit her lip. "Weina, I know you don't trust me, and that's understandable. But please believe me, I mean no harm. I just want to stop Qin Baye's crazy plan."
I thought for a moment and suddenly realized something. "Wait, you said the Green Tea Alliance was founded by Qin Baye? Why is it called that? It doesn't sound scientific at all."
Xie Yutong's expression became complicated. "Well... it's a personal reason."
"Wow! There must be a secret!" Zhong Dali rubbed his hands together excitedly.
"If you want us to trust you," I looked directly into Xie Yutong's eyes, "you need to be more honest."
Xie Yutong sighed. "Alright. Qin Baye named the organization 'Green Tea Alliance' because..." She paused, seemingly hesitating to reveal more. "It's because a woman he liked enjoyed drinking green tea."
"Wow! That's so cheesy!" Zhong Dali exaggeratedly pretended to gag.
Xiaoyu rolled her eyes. "So a world-class mad scientist named his secret organization after the drink of his crush? That sounds a bit..."
"Absurd, I know," Xie Yutong said with a bitter smile. "But that's just who Qin Baye is—brilliant yet insane. He is incredibly rational and calm in science, but almost obsessive when it comes to emotions."
"Who is that woman?" I asked curiously.
Xie Yutong's gaze flickered for a moment. "That's not important."
I sensed that she was hiding something, but now wasn't the time to press further.
"Alright, back to the point," I gathered my thoughts. "What should we do if Qin Baye is really as dangerous as you say?"
Xiao Yu interjected, "We need more resources and allies. It's impossible for just the few of us to take on a madman with high-tech weaponry and an army of zombies."
"Wow! We could seek help from the survivor camps!" Zhong Dali suggested.
Xie Yutong shook his head. "No, most survivor camps have already been infiltrated by Qin Baye. He controls the most advanced technology and weapons, and many camp leaders rely on the resources he provides."
"So, are we left to fend for ourselves?" I frowned.
"Not entirely," Xie Yutong pondered. "There are still some forces resisting Qin Baye, like the Shield Knights."
"Wow! A knightly order! That sounds super cool!" Zhong Dali's eyes lit up.
"They're a group of special survivors made up of former military personnel and scientists," Xie Yutong explained. "They have been fighting against Qin Baye's expansion, but their strength is limited."
"So our option is to join them?" Xiao Yu asked.
Xie Yutong nodded. "That might be our best choice. They have resources, an intelligence network, and well-trained warriors."
"Why don't you just go find them directly?" I questioned. "Why come to me first?"
Xie Yutong looked me in the eye. "Because without you, even with the help of the Shield Knights, we wouldn't be able to stand against Qin Baye's zombie army. Only your abilities can counter those mutated zombies."
"Wow! Wei Na, you're really an important person!" Zhong Dali clapped me on the shoulder.
I shook off his hand and fell into deep thought. If Xie Yutong was telling the truth, my situation was indeed dangerous, but it also meant I had significant value. This might be an opportunity for a turnaround...
"I think..." I pondered, looking around at everyone, "we can establish a new survival pact."
"Wow! A pact? That sounds so formal!" Zhong Dali exclaimed.
Xiao Yu frowned, "What do you mean?"
"It means we clarify our cooperation and goals." I glanced at Xie Yutong. "You need my abilities to fight against Qin Baye, and I need your information and resources to survive. Xiao Yu and Zhong Dali are my partners; we will weather this together."
Xie Yutong nodded, "That sounds fair."
"Moreover," I continued, "I need you to teach me how to better control and utilize my abilities. Before confronting Qin Baye, I need to become stronger."
"Wow! It's like leveling up!" Zhong Dali said excitedly.
Xiao Yu seemed to contemplate this. "Indeed, if we act alone, our chances of survival are slim. It's safer to operate with organization and planning."
I turned to Zhong Dali. "What do you think?"
"Wow! As long as we can survive, I'm with you, Wei Na!" Zhong Dali said with a hearty smile.
I faced Xie Yutong and extended my hand. "So, is the pact established?"
Xie Yutong hesitated for a moment before shaking my hand. "The pact is established."
At that moment, Xiaoyu suddenly spoke up, "Wait, this is too hasty." Her gaze was sharp. "Why should we trust her? What if she is actually one of Qin Baye's people, sent to lure Wei Na into a trap?"
"Wow! Plot twist!" Zhong Dali exclaimed.
"Shut up!" Xiaoyu shot him a glare before turning to Xie Yutong. "What evidence do you have to prove you are not the enemy?"
Xie Yutong's expression darkened. "I understand your suspicion. But think about it: if I were one of Qin Baye's people, why would I risk approaching you alone? He has a large number of armored zombies and armed forces that could easily capture Wei Na directly."
"Maybe it's a trap?" Xiaoyu pressed on. "Maybe you're here to act as an undercover agent?"
"Wow! This is getting complicated!" Zhong Dali scratched his head.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew tense; I could feel the standoff between Xiaoyu and Xie Yutong.
"Perhaps you are right," Xie Yutong replied calmly. "You have no reason to trust me. But the fact is, I've had multiple opportunities to harm Wei Na and chose not to. On the contrary, I've saved you all several times."
"That doesn't prove anything," Xiaoyu scoffed. "In the long run, you might have a bigger scheme."
Xie Yutong took a deep breath. "Alright, I can provide proof." She took out an exquisite silver device from her pocket. "This is a key to Qin Baye's laboratory; it can open all his research facilities. If I were one of his people, I would never hand this over to you."
"Wow! That looks so high-tech!" Zhong Dali marveled.
Xiaoyu looked at the device suspiciously. "How does this prove it's real?"
"Because only this can unlock the control core of the armored zombies," Xie Yutong explained. "Each armored zombie has a control core located at the back of its neck. This device can disable their mobility."
"So why didn't you use it before?" I asked.
"Because it requires being very close to work, at least within a meter of the zombie," Xie Yutong replied with a wry smile. "I'm not as agile or brave as you all; I can't get close to zombies."
"Wow! So next time we encounter an armored zombie, we can just shut them down?" Zhong Dali asked excitedly.
"Theoretically, yes," Xie Yutong nodded.
Xiao Yu still seemed unconvinced. "That's not enough."
I thought for a moment. "Alright, I have a proposal." I looked at everyone. "Xie Yutong can join us, but we will closely monitor her actions. At the same time, she must teach me how to control my abilities and provide all information about Qin Baye."
"If she shows any suspicious behavior..." Xiao Yu said coldly.
"Wow! We'll take immediate action!" Zhong Dali added, putting on a fierce expression, which looked quite comical on his honest face.
Xie Yutong nodded. "I accept these conditions."
"And," I added, "we need to head to the Holy Shield Knights for help, but you must ensure our safety along the way."
"I will do my best," Xie Yutong said earnestly.
"Wow! So when do we leave?" Zhong Dali asked.
I glanced out the window; dawn was approaching. "Let's rest for a bit and set off after it gets light. We'll take turns keeping watch."
"I'll take the first watch," Xiao Yu volunteered, "I'm not tired at all."
"Wow! Then I'll take the second shift!" Zhong Dali raised his hand.
I nodded, "Alright, Xie Yutong and I will rest first to regain our strength."
Everyone found a spot to lie down and prepare for rest. I leaned against the wall, watching the sky outside gradually brighten, my mind swirling with thoughts.
The ability to devour mutated zombies, Qin Baye's zombie army, the mysterious Holy Shield Knights... everything was so sudden, yet it also revealed a possibility for survival in this apocalyptic world.
I looked down at my arm; the metallic substance had completely faded away, but I knew that power still lurked within me, waiting to be awakened.
"Xie Yutong," I called softly, ensuring she wasn't asleep yet, "tell me more about my abilities."
Xie Yutong turned her head, her expression complex. "Your ability is unique, Wei Na. You can not only absorb the powers of zombies but also control that power for your own use. This is something Qin Baye has been unable to achieve despite years of experimentation."
"What does that mean?" I pressed for more information.
Xie Yutong paused for a moment. "It means... you could be the key to resisting Qin Baye, or perhaps the ultimate specimen he seeks."
"I understand," I nodded. "So no matter what, I must become stronger."
"Yes," Xie Yutong said softly, "and I will help you."
"Why?" I looked into her eyes. "What is your true intention?"
Xie Yutong shifted her gaze. "What matters now is that we have a common enemy. The rest... we can discuss later."
I didn't press for more details, instead, I silently pondered. This woman harbored too many secrets, but right now I needed her help just as much as she needed mine.
The pact for survival had been established, and the next step was to head to the Holy Shield Knights to seek further assistance. Yet, I knew deep down that this path would not be smooth. Qin Baye would not let me off easily; the armored zombies were just the beginning, and more dangers awaited us ahead.
Moreover, who could say if Xie Yutong was truly trustworthy? What secrets lay hidden in her gaze? What unknown conspiracies did the Green Tea Alliance harbor?
I closed my eyes, attempting to rest, but images of those armored zombies kept surfacing in my mind, along with that indescribable sense of power I felt while devouring them...
"Wei Na..." a faint voice called out.
I opened my eyes to find Xie Yutong looking at me, her expression filled with an indescribable emotion.
"Be careful of your desires..." she whispered. "Don't let power blind you..."
"What do you mean?" I frowned.
Xie Yutong shook her head. "You'll understand..." With that, she closed her eyes, seemingly drifting into sleep.
I gazed at her profile, a strange feeling welling up inside me. This mysterious woman—was she friend or foe? How much of what she said was truth, and how much was deception?
Outside, the first rays of sunlight pierced through the gray sky, illuminating the scarred ruins of the city. A new day had begun, and our journey was only just starting...
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