Chapter Eighteen: Shadows of Pursuit

In the midst of Raizel's triumphant moment, the air in the treehouse heavy with the resonance of his innovation, a shadow of uncertainty crept into his thoughts. As he admired the device he had crafted, the dichotomy of his skills—Mechanical Design Engineer and Medical Laboratory Scientist—played out in his mind.

"Am I an engineer, a scientist, or something entirely different?" Raizel pondered, his gaze lingering on the intricate details of the device. The blend of disciplines reflected the fluidity required in the face of an undead apocalypse.

However, the quiet introspection was abruptly shattered as an eerie sensation crawled up Raizel's spine. His heterochromia eyes narrowed with suspicion, and he activated his Eagle Eye ability—an innate magical skill that extended his vision beyond the ordinary.

A revelation struck him—the serene surroundings that had once offered solace now concealed an approaching threat. A group of men, their movements deliberate and stealthy, were advancing toward his haven. The realization sparked a surge of urgency within Raizel.

Swiftly, he packed the important documents and the device into a secure case, his mind racing with the gravity of the situation. Leaving the treehouse, his sanctuary of innovation, became a necessity.

As Raizel prepared to make his departure, the tranquility of the moment shattered. A supernatural assailant materialized from the shadows, launching a fiery ball of magic at him. Raizel's reflexes kicked in, and he deployed his Nullification Magic—a shield against the arcane attack.

The clash of magical forces illuminated the once peaceful surroundings. Raizel, now on high alert, evaded the subsequent onslaught of bullets with an agility that blurred the lines between science and magic. His thoughts raced, each step calculated in the dance of survival.

Amidst the chaos, Major General Azzrael from the 9th Infantry Division, stationed in Brgy Tinangis, heard the distant echoes of gunfire. The familiarity of the sound triggered a visceral reaction—an instinct to protect, fueled by an unspoken connection with Raizel.

"Raizel," Azzrael muttered, his mind momentarily veering away from the military base's responsibilities. The unexpected bond formed in the wake of the undead apocalypse now compelled him to investigate the source of the disturbance.

As Raizel dodged the relentless pursuit, a mysterious dance of magic and gunfire, the fate of the two individuals—linked by circumstance and the struggle for survival—hung in the balance. The undead, though a constant threat, had become a known enemy.