Disaster

Zeke hadn't shown any signs of life for three days. Luis became increasingly concerned as he hadn't shown up for university, so he decided to call him, but Zeke didn't answer any of Luis's six calls.

"Did anything bad happened? And that's why he doesn't answer...?" After Luis said that, a robot voice answered the phone.

"Sorry, the person you try to call is not currently available. Please leave a message after the beep"

"Hey Zeke, how are you? Are you feeling alright? I haven't heard from you for a few days...and you didn't come to the university today either...You don't even answer the phone or text messages, so I started to worry...leave me a message to know that you're fine at least when you can..."

"Zeke...I really hope you are okay..."

Luis, on the other hand, knew far too little about Zeke's situation at the time. Zeke is out of town, at his old training facility, where he spent a lot of time with Yuki. He's training alone to improve his strength.

"996...997....998...999...and...1000!" Zeke collapsed to the ground, exhausted from the previous few days' training.

"It's perfect...I finally feel like I'm making progress. 1000 push-ups, squats, done, 1000, crunches, done, and now 1000, push-ups, done all that is left is the 50 km run, and I'm done today...I'm one step closer to bringing you back, Yuki..."

Zeke started running through the woods to complete his 50 km goal.

"I think I'm starting to understand why Yuki always wanted me to train more, even though I felt like I couldn't do it anymore.

These demonic powers strengthen my physical strength enormously, besides, fast regeneration is very useful, because it regenerates my muscle tissues that break during training, much faster than it would take them to regenerate normally, and that allows me to train a lot more than I normally could.

This is it, this is how I can finally become stronger!" he thought as he ran through the trees.

After finishing the training, Zeke got his things ready and headed home.

"I've discovered a way to get stronger; all I have to do now is stick to my training and practice it more frequently than before, and I'll be much stronger!

The issue is that...it's useless that my body grows stronger if my combat skills deteriorate, because I no longer have anyone to train with in that category...I need to come up with a solution...And I believe I know what I'll do...all I have to do now is..." Zeke was interrupted by the sound of his phone ringing.

"Hmph? What exactly is this? LUIS! SIX MISSED CALLS? I completely forgot to tell him I'm not coming to college today; I hope he's not upset. It's not right, it's not right..."

Zeke called Luis, and only a few seconds later Luis answered.

"Hey Luis, first and foremost, I apologize for not informing you that I will not be come today at the universi..."

"ZEKE! You have no idea how happy I'm to hear your voice. Are you all right? How do you feel?"

"I'm good, thank you for your concern, but I had something important to do, that's why I missed today"

"Something important? Does it have anything to do with Yuki?"

Zeke was silent for a few seconds. "Well...it's related to her too...But that's not that important now,

more important is how was the date with Amber?"

"Oh man, it was great, we're officially a couple now"

"Really? After just a date?"

"It's crazy, but we seem to resonate a lot with each other, and I truly believe we get along very well."

"I'm glad for you, Luis; now you won't have an excuse to stay at home all day playing video games."

Luis laughed and said, "I can't say you're wrong. We've already set the date for the next date"

"It looks like you're moving fast"

"Well, we do, but even though we've only known each other for almost a week, I feel like I've known Amber for a lifetime."

"I'm glad you found someone with whom you can resonate, Luis."

"Of course, none of this would have been possible without your assistance, Zeke."

"You don't have to give me a lot of credit; anything I did could have been done by any other friend."

Luis remained silent for a couple of seconds.

"Hmph? Luis? Are you still with me?"

"Zeke...you're too selfless; I'd like you to consider yourself once in a while."

"Huh? Why did you say this?"

"That's how I feel, you want to make everyone happy, but don't forget that in order to make everyone happy, you must first make yourself happy"

"I think you're exaggerating, Luis; you've been focusing on sentimentalism far too much lately."

"Mphm, if you say so; in any case, it doesn't matter now; I told you Amber and I had already planned our next date; wouldn't you like to take Yuki and come with us? On a double date?"

Zeke remained silent for a couple of seconds before answering "That...is not possible right now..."

"Why not?"

"Yuki...had to leave for a while..."

"Huh? Why?"

"Let's say....she has some important work to do"

"Oh, ok, I understand, and? When she will come back?"

"To be honest...I'm not sure if she'll return..."

Luis remained speechless. "Huh? What do you mean by 'she won't come back?'"

"I told you, she has some important things to work on, and that's why she had to leave..."

"Zeke...please be honest with me...does Yuki's departure have anything to do with your absence today?"

"A little, but the reason I was absent today was entirely different, as I previously stated, I had an important problem to solve."

"Zeke...you don't have to keep quiet; you can tell me anything; after all, I'm your friend...are you okay?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine; don't worry; I'm confident everything will turn out alright in the end"

"Zeke...you just confirmed to me that things aren't going so well right now...I'm not stupid; I can tell when people are lying and when they aren't feeling well."

Zeke initially hesitated to say anything, but eventually replied to Luis "I'm not lying to you Luis"

"Ok...if you say so"

"Anyway, I'm really sorry I didn't tell you I wasn't coming to college today"

"It's okay, will you come tomorrow?"

"I'm not sure I'll be able to come all week; I need to finish what I'm working on right now."

"Oh...ok I understand"

"Well, Luis, I'll talk to you later; I'll keep you updated on what's going on so you don't have to worry."

"Ok, thanks Zeke, talk to you later"

Luis was left thinking after they hung up the phone "You don't always have to refrain, Zeke...it's obvious that you're not feeling well and that Yuki's departure has affected you... I've got to do something! You helped me, so now it is my turn to help you."

In Paxton, the sunset heralds the start of the evening. Typically, at this time, people enter their homes and prepare to sleep in preparation for a new day of work, unless they work for the police and are assigned to patrol the city in the evening.

Two of these cops go to the abandoned factory where Zeke and Yuki fought.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" asked the first one.

"From what I can tell, this is the only abandoned location in the area, and many people reported hearing strange noises last night."

"What do you think these weird sounds were?"

"We'll see when we get there, but I'm guessing there were some people having fun with substances they shouldn't have."

When the two cops arrived, they prepared their guns and flashlights and went inside.

"What the hell is this? Do you see this, Brand?"

"I see Alex....I see...what the hell happened here? Hey, keep an eye on the entrance while I call the ward to let them know what's going on."

"Ok"

"Cop Brand here, I transmit from the old abandoned factory in district B, this place looks like it was through the war...more walls have holes in them, similar to those left by some cannonballs, and a support pillar was completely cut in half."

"Cop Brand, your message has been received; do you want us to send reinforcements?" someone from the ward replied.

"I don't think it's necessary, but this place makes me shiver; it wouldn't hurt to investigate it for a few days."

While the second cop talked to the cops at the ward, the first cop made sure that no one entered the building, and he did a good job; no one entered the building, but the problem was different...

While guarding the entrance, the first cop noticed some claw marks on the walls near the entrance and decided to announce the second cop.

"Mr. Brand, I found someth..."

"Aha...ok...I understand...ok...thanks...have a nice evening...guess what Alex, they said we can come back to the station, because it's seems dangerous here" said the second cop, but nobody responded.

"Alex? Where are you hiding again? Come on, come on out, you know I don't like these games"

Still no respond. When he heard something from behind him, he instinctively turned to see what it was. He couldn't see what it was, but he could see the figure of a man sitting in the dark, staring at him.

"Oh...there you were, Alex, we were told we could go back to the ward because this place isn't safe for some reason." he said, but the figure didn't react at all.

"Alex? Are you alright? Why are u so quiet?"

The cop turned on his flash to see better in the dark, but the figure turned out to be an old model, not the other cop. The policeman slowly began to lose his temper.

"Alex, it's no longer funny, where are you hiding?"

The room was left with a very sinister atmosphere. The police officer considered leaving the building and calling for reinforcements, but he was stopped by a strange sound coming from above.

Before he could use his flashlight to see what was there, a soccer ball-like object fell in front of him, and that was the moment when...

"AHHHHHHHH" What he saw in front of him was the head of his junior, Alex, who had been fine until a few minutes ago.

The head was lying on the ground, surrounded by a pool of blood. The eyes were still open, and it appeared to be staring at the other officer.

The cop began running as fast as his legs could carry him, but just as he was about to exit the building, something stopped him.

"Huh? What exactly is this? Why is my body so much hotter than it used to be? What...is...happening...? Why am I so tired...? "Were the cop's last words before he realized he'd been stabbed by something resembling a scorpion's tail of enormous proportions.

The hunt is over, and the hunter has captured his prey; all that is left is to enjoy a hearty feast.

*BRRRING* *BRRRING* the phone is ringing.

"Huh? It's Sunday...who's calling at this time in the morning...? Yes...?"

"Good morning Zeke! How're you?"

"I was sleeping...I haven't got any good sleep for months"

"Well don't worry, today is no exception either, what are you doing in the evening?"

"I have no plans"

"Great, now you have, I'm coming to pick you up at 5 o'clock and we'll go to the mall"

"Huh...? Why?"

"You've been far too gloomy these days to have fun, and it wouldn't hurt to take a break."

"Luis, thank you for worrying about me, but I told you... I'm fine..."

"I'm waiting for you to tell me that again tonight, don't forget, 5 o'clock okay?"

"Wait Luis, I still haven't confirmed that I'm com..." Luis already closed "...ing, "What the hell is wrong with everyone, not listening to everything other people have to say?"

"Do I understand that even on my day off I can't rest?" he said as he sigh "Brilliant...well...I do have 9 hours left, in which I can at least do what I want…these should be enough for a workout too...ok it's all set"

Zeke went to train after finishing his morning routine. He decided to start running this time for a good morning refreshment.

"It's been 9 days since Yuki left...but it feels like years...the more time passes, the more I think about the saying 'you don't know how to appreciate something until you lose it.'"

The more I think about it, the more I realize how much Yuki has done for me since our first meeting. She stayed with me to train with me...

She always wanted to know when I got home, to be sure that everything was fine...we went out together to unwind from all the stress that had accumulated lately...

But I think the most important thing was...her presence...the mere fact that she was here made my life better; without her, my life would have been much more 'normal' than it is now;

I would still be a loner with few friends, I would have led a normal and boring life...

So, Yuki, there's only one thing I want to tell you the next time we meet..."

Zeke began his daily training after finishing his run, 1000 push-ups, squats, and crunches.

"998...999...and...1000...GOOD, I'm done for today... I'm curious what time it is, and how much time I have left... WHAT? It's 3:56 already? I need to hurry back home and get ready, or I'll be late."

*Ring* *ring* *ring* the bell rings.

"What if he doesn't want to come with us? Do you think it would be better if we didn't come?"

"I can't leave Zeke like this, Amber, we need to do something to make him feel better"

"Yeah, I know, but..." she was interrupted by the door that just opened.

"I'm sorry, I know I'm late" Zeke said, breathing hard.

"Wow, Zeke, are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm ok, I just got home like fifteen minutes ago, and I hurried to be ready"

"Hi Zeke! " said Amber waving her hand.

"Oh Amber! We haven't seen each other in a while, how are you?"

"Ready to have some fun I could say, but you? How are you? Are you feeling good?"

"I'm fine, a bit tired, but in rest I'm ok"

"I'm truly sorry, Zeke; when Luis first told me, I didn't want to believe it was true; even though I didn't know her personally, I'm sure she was a wonderful girl"

"Huh...so it was all about this after all?"

"On the one hand yes, on the other hand no, I also wanted to go out together, so I said to take advantage of this opportunity and have fun"

"Look Luis...I appreciate you doing all this for me, but I'm really fine"

"I could say that you're not looking just fine, but great, if I watch closely"

"What do you mean?"

"You've changed a little, you look a lot more... muscular to put it mildly, did you work out or what did you do this week when we didn't see each other?"

"Oh...is that so noticeable?"

"Well, we've only seen each other once, and I can confirm that you look a little changed" said Amber.

"Well thank you, I'm glad to see that my work pays off"

"It's good that you're at least getting something good out of this whole thing" replied Luis.

"Let's say that's how it is, anyway, shouldn't we go?"

"Yes, let's have fun"

The three arrived at the mall and stopped in front of the entrance to organize.

"So? For the first time, what do we do?"

"Be patient and you'll see"

They went inside and made their way to Corridor C, which was full of video games and technology-themed stores, two of Zeke's favorite things.

"Did you really brought me here to buy me games? How old did you think I am?"

"So, Mr. Adult, why are you smiling then?"

"I'm not smiling" replied Zeke smiling.

"Stay calm, I know what I'm doing; let's go; our destination isn't here"

The three continued down the corridor to the end, where a new store had just opened.

"What is this?"

"It's a new game room that opened just last week; Amber and I went here on our first date, and it was fantastic; that's why I'm bringing you here; you have to try it."

"And do you think it'll actually work?"

"If I had a mirror, I'd show you your face and you'd be able to answer this question on your own"

Zeke chuckled. "Luis, you obviously know a lot about me"

After purchasing their tickets, the three went inside. The gaming area was quite large. There were several machines near the entrance where you could play much older games.

Following that was the main attraction of this newly constructed area, a virtual reality room in which several players could compete against each other.

"What is this?"

"A virtual reality camera, where you can play against other players and feel like you're really inside the game, is something you should try"

"Virtual reality? Have games based on this concept started to appear? I was under the impression that this type of games was still in the works"

"I thought the same thing until I came here and saw this room. Let's play against each other, it's going to be a lot more fun that way"

"Sure, what do you think we should play?"

"Well, that isn't something you're asking me, but Amber, she's the real gamer here"

"Huh? For real?"

"I started playing video games when I was about eight years old, and a portion of my salary is still dedicated to them today, so I can say I have some experience in this field."

"Wow...that's so awesome, in this case, I'll rely on you to pick the best game for us"

"Don't worry, I've already decided what we'll play"

Amber chose the game they would play and let the boys in first because it was a game in which two players fight with katanas against each other.

"May the best one come out on top Zeke"

"Well, I'll be sure to describe how it feels up there to you"

When the game began, Luis planned to use his trump card right away to defeat Zeke, but Zeke had already cut off his head, and the game was over before he could use that move.

"Hey! That's not fair" shouted Luis.

Amber started to laugh.

"You've played this game before, haven't you?"

"No, this is the first time I play, but I must say, I expected you to be a slightly more capable opponent, I'm a little disappointed now"

"That's not fair, you took me by surprise, I want a rematch"

"Ok, fine for me"

They began to confront each other once more. Zeke attacks Luis again in the head area, but this time Luis manages to block the shot.

"Oh? Nice block"

"I told you, you just caught me off guard before, the real confrontation now begins"

"I hope you're not mistaken"

The two began a dreaded confrontation, with attacks being exchanged, one attacking and the other blocking his attack.

Luis attacked, Zeke blocked, Luis attacked, Zeke blocked, Luis attacked, Zeke blocked, Luis attacked, Zeke blocked.

After a few minutes the time expired and the fight ended in a draw.

"Luis, you really know how to wield a sword"

"The same goes for you, I had no idea you were so skilled with weapons"

"I wouldn't say 'weapons', but only the sword; I've been practicing Kendo for many years, that is why I am good at it. But you? How come you're also good at this?"

"I'll tell you about it another time; it's a long and amusing story"

"Then I'm looking forward to it"

"Don't you think that we should go? Otherwise, we won't have time for the rest of the things that we set out to do" Amber said, interrupting the conversation.

"Right, we should go, come Zeke, we also have other places to visit"

After leaving the games room, the three of them went to a terrace inside the mall to eat something before watching the movie. The three of them sat down at the table, and Luis went to take their orders.

"How are you feeling, Zeke?"

"I feel great, thanks for everything Amber"

"You are not required to thank us, Zeke. Luis told me a lot about your relationship and how much you helped him in a variety of situations, not to mention how much we enjoyed the food show.

So it's up to Luis and me to thank you for everything you've done for us. Even though we haven't known each other for a long time, I still consider you a close friend, Zeke; after all, Luis feels the same way about you.

You are an important person to him, which is why we want to assist you during this difficult time."

"Amber...thank you, for real"

"And...The food is served!" said Luis, who came with the food.

"Wow, they really moved fast"

"No, I told them ahead of time that we were coming so they could prepare the food, but that doesn't matter now, come on, Zeke, taste the food and tell us what you think"

"Wait...is this somehow...rice with vegetables?"

"Yes, I know this is your favorite, so I made sure they had something prepared for you to cheer you up"

The rice bowl is stunning. The golden color of the soy sauce dripping from the vegetables on the rice, the satisfying smell that made your stomach rumble with anticipation, the way the vegetables were perfectly arranged over the rice...everything appears to be perfect.

"Luis, this looks great! Thank you so much! The last time when I ate rice with vegetables was with Yuk..." said Zeke as his mood changed slightly.

"Oh yeah, the last time when I ate this was with Yuki...now that I think about it, it's really funny" he continued laughing.

"Zeke...are you ok...?" asked Luis.

"Of course I am, why wouldn't I be?"

"Well...you just remembered her...and...laugh...are you okay?"

"Of course I am, I'm trying not to be too affected by Yuki's leaving since I know she left because of me, because I'm a loser"

"Zeke don't say that you're not a los..."

"But I'll do everything I can to bring her back" he continued.

"You...sounded serious just now"

"Because I am"

"Well Zeke...one word of advice: I don't want to get too involved in other people's personal lives, but if she chooses to go, I'm not sure it's fair to push her to return if she doesn't want to" said Amber "I don't know exactly what kind of relationship you two had, but if it wasn't to be, you shouldn't force it to be, you better leave it like that and get over it"

"I understand what you're saying, Amber, but trust me when I say that I know Yuki and that she wishes to return, but she can't. That's why I'll do everything I can to get her back" replied Zeke, after which he began to eat.

"Zeke I'm not really sure you understand what I me..."

"I trust you Zeke" Luis interrupted Amber "I know you can do it, Zeke, and I have no doubt that you will succeed"

"You too?!"

"Thanks Luis...It means a lot"

"Luis, I don't think you understand what I was trying to say either"

"No Amber...you're the one that doesn't understand. You didn't see it, but I did"

"See what"

"The twinkle in his eye...Zeke, your eyes told me everything I needed to know, I'm not sure what the context of the story is or why Yuki left, but if you say everything will be fine and you'll bring her back, I believe you"

"Thank you Luis"

"You're welcome"

"I swear...you two are impossible..." said Amber, sighing.

"You're not wrong though" replied Luis laughing. "Anyway, we should finish eating, the movie will start soon"

"You're right, we should hurry"

The three went to their reserved seats in the cinema after they finished eating. The movie they were watching was an action movie called 'The Fall of the Demon Lord'

"How do you feel, Zeke? Do you enjoy the movie?"

"Of course I do, I've been waiting to see this movie since it first came out"

"I'm glad you like it"

"Especially the effects are brilliant"

"Yeah, I'm sorry, though, that we couldn't get you a pair of 3D glasses"

"No problem, there aren't that many differences anyway"

In the movie they were watching, they were in the sequence in which the main character fights the demon lord for the throne, when suddenly a third character appears that disturbs the atmosphere.

It was a hideous creature that stood on two legs and had a humanoid shape, but it had some distinguishing features, such as sharp claws that looked like blades instead of nails. It had a scorpion-like tail with a long, sharp tail.

Its face was the most hideous of all the details; it had two mouths instead of eyes, and instead of its mouth, it had only one eye with which it looked around.

"Wow, that thing really looks awful" said Amber.

"You can say it one more time, it really does, you Zeke? What do you think?"

"It looks terrible, but I don't recall seeing it in the trailer or hearing about it on the forums"

The creature began to walk around the area, at one point appearing to be straight out of the movie.

"Wow, the producers even went above and beyond with the effects; it doesn't appear to be CGI, and it looks so real that you'd swear it's heading straight for us" said Amber

"Now I see why you were so eager to see this film, Zeke; it's a fantastic film"

"I'm glad you two like it two"

Those in the theatre continued to watch the movie, but little they know about what was going to happen...

The mysterious creature seemed to move farther away from the screen and towards the audience, and at that moment...Zeke realized.

"Wait...It's impossible...! I don't have glasses! So how come this creature looks so realistic?"

The entire room became enthralled by the film when the mysterious creature let out a roar, but Zeke knew the truth.

"Why here? Why now? How did you get here in the first place without being noticed? It's useless...I have to get everyone out of here!"

"Zeke, are you ok? You look a little weird"

"Luis! Please believe me! We need to get out of here as soon as possible!"

"Huh? Why? Only now has the film become more interesting"

"Luis trust me! This place is not safe anymore!" Zeke exclaimed as he heard screams of delight from the front rows.

"Wow! Look at this! it looks like it's in front of us" said someone in the foreground as he reached out, trying to touch the creature.

"WAIT! DON'T DO IT!" Zeke shouted all over the room.

The person in the first place got so close to touching the creature that...he did it.

"Huh...?" said that person, worried. "Why can I touch it?"

At that moment, the creature let out a roar that resounded throughout the room, but this time...the crowd froze in fear...finally understanding what was happening...

"Luis...what is that...? Isn't that part of the movie...?"

"I wish I could answer you Amber, but I don't know either..."

"Luis...Do you think we're safe here...? Asked Amber, trembling.

"Don't worry, everything will be fine" replied Luis holding her hand.

"Luis...I know you're just trying to look cool and calm me down...but the trembling exposes you..."

"How? Me? Na...h I'm go…od..." he said in a trembling voice. "Everything will be fine, Amber... look, Zeke thinks the same thing, don't you Zeke...? Huh...? ZEKE? WHERE DID YOU GO?"

Zeke began running down the stairs, taking the first step. He took the juice from a nearby person and threw it into the creature's eye, temporarily blinding it.

"Everyone! Run as far as you can! This place is no longer safe!" he shouted loudly.

In those moments of terror and confusion, several people began to run down the stairs and then out of the movie theatre, and everyone eventually escaped.

Meanwhile, the mysterious creature seemed dissatisfied, letting out a threatening roar that echoed throughout the room.

Zeke was also able to exit the room and close the door behind him, effectively obstructing the creature inside.

"Zeke! Are you ok?"

"I'm fine, but what about the rest? Is everyone out of the hall now?"

"Yes, you were a hero, thanks to you everyone came out of the room safely"

"It's good then, but the problem is far from solved, we need to evacuate the mall right no...!" said Zeke, who was interrupted by a loud noise from behind him.

The creature walked through the movie theater's door like it was made of paper.

"LUIS! AMBER! RUN!" he yelled.

The three of them began to run away from the enraged creature. As they fled the creature, alarms began to sound throughout the mall, and people began to be evacuated.

"Amber! Whatever you do, don't look back!" yelled Luis.

"Luis! You know I'm not very athletic, I'm already feeling tired" Amber shouted back with tears in her eyes.

"That's not good... it's completely unacceptable... I know it's a Hals, but I'm not sure what rank it has... in any case, we need to get everyone out of here before anything bad happens."

"But first, I have to protect Luis and Amber, so Hals, you better stay away from...us" Zeke swallowed his words as he turned around to see Hals had vanished.

"IMPOSSIBLE! Luis! Keep going and get out of the building as fast as you can!" he shouted.

"WHAT THE...?! ZEKE WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? YOU'RE CRAZY?"

"THERE ARE STILL PEOPLE IN THE MALL, I CAN'T LEAVE THEM HERE, WHATEVER YOU DO LUIS, BE SURE THAT AMBER COMES OUT OF THE BUILDING SAFE"

"ZEKE WAIT!" Luis shouted at Zeke, who was already gone.

Amber, who was scared and tired, had a face full of tears. "Luis, what are we going to do?"

Because of the adrenaline rush, Luis made a decision at that time, he took Amber on his back and started running faster than before

"Luis wait! If you do that, you'll get tired much faster"

"Don't worry, did you forget I'm a very good athlete? Just stay calm until we get out of here"

Luis and Amber headed for the exit as Zeke drifted deeper and deeper into the mall, searching for the Hals.

"Where are you hiding, creature? You better not touch innocent people!"

The mall's corridors were deserted, and the only person left in them was Zeke, who was looking for the Hals.

"It's fine; at the very least, I know everyone has left the building. If I'm going to fight Hals, though, there will be cameras everywhere, so I'd better turn off the power in the entire mall before the fight."

Zeke went to the power room in the hopes of covering up the whole thing, but when he arrived, the cables in the rooms had already been cut.

"Huh? What exactly happens here? Anyway, I don't have enough time to investigate what happened right now, so it's to my advantage if all of the security cameras have already been deactivated. I need to find Hals quickly."

Zeke kept running through the mall, following Hals' aura. "Its presence is getting stronger, it needs to be really close" he thought.

When Zeke arrived at the pet store, he sensed Hals' full presence. Only a wall stood between them.

"Okay, Zeke, you've got this. You've prepared for this moment, and you must succeed or Yuki will never return."

When Zeke got past the wall that stood between them, he noticed something he hadn't expected to see. Zeke... swallowed his thoughts, became speechless, and small sweats formed on his forehead.

"You've got to be kidding me..."

Zeke clenched his fist and gritted his teeth as a burning sensation began to form inside him. Even a vein on his forehead began to pulsate faster.

What Zeke witnessed at the time was...traumatizing... Zeke found the Hals in a pool of blood...or, more accurately, a mixture of the blood of the people in the store and the blood of the animals trapped in cages and unable to flee.

That wasn't all; limbs from people or animals could be seen in various corners of the room, including a human foot in one, a hand in another, and a large pile of corpses in the center.

"Why...?" Zeke wondered. "Why these people...? What did these innocent people do to deserve a death like this...?"

The Hals stopped eating people's bodies and turned to face Zeke, who was staring at the ground with his hair covering his eyes.

It let out a loud roar that echoed throughout the mall before charging towards Zeke, ready to attack him.

But something happened at that point; Zeke was so quick that he was able to avoid Hals' attacks, after which he delivered a powerful uppercut to the creature's eye with his fist.

Zeke then grabbed Hals' head and struck it in the stomach with his knee, temporarily immobilizing it on the floor. After that, he trampled Hals' head on his feet, looking menacing and angry.

"I asked you something, creature...WHAT DID THESE INNOCENT PEOPLE DO TO DESERVE THIS?"