Chapter 32: Seal

"Captain Lin..."

"You're not dead..."

Lin Yi glanced at Zhang Tie with resignation, unwilling to speak, but a warmth flowed through him. He recalled the image of Zhang Tie charging in at all costs to save him. In their short acquaintance of less than two days, even if Zhang Tie had saved his life, it showed a sense of loyalty and camaraderie.

Moreover, the system had just sent a notification: "Ding! Member Zhang Tie's loyalty increased to 90. (He is unlikely to betray you, regardless of life or death.)" By sheer accident, Zhang Tie's loyalty had skyrocketed. It seemed that the person he saved might indeed become his ally in the future.

However, Lin Yi did not engage in further conversation; his mind was entirely focused on the "Soul Devouring Hand."

"Get me out of here, carry me back," he instructed.

Upon hearing Lin Yi's words, Zhang Tie hurriedly hoisted him onto his shoulder. As they passed the bandaged girl and the stockpile of medicines, he slung the "shoulder pole" across his chest and wielded the corpse snake spine to charge forward.

With the effects of the bear transformation and the unfinished potion, his speed was astonishing.

The two moved in silence, only the growls of zombies echoed around them. The corpse snake spine cracked like a whip, accurately striking a zombie that blocked their path.

Both were lost in their thoughts. Zhang Tie felt immense joy at seeing Lin Yi alive, but couldn't shake the unease from his mind. Captain Lin was alive, yet he was likely infected. During their escape from the zombie encirclement, Zhang Tie had witnessed many fall victim to the infection.

Since the apocalypse began, the zombie virus had mutated rapidly. As the endgame progressed, the potency of the virus increased. 

Currently, ordinary humans could turn into zombies within just ten minutes from even a minor scratch. Those gravely injured would become flesh-eating monsters in an instant.

Although Lin Yi appeared fine, Zhang Tie assumed he was merely enduring longer due to his enhanced physique as an awakened one.

What should he do? 

Should he bring Captain Lin back? The hotel was still filled with ordinary people, including his own sister. If Lin Yi turned into a zombie, his current physical strength would make him far more dangerous than an ordinary zombie, even if he didn't mutate. Bringing Lin Yi back was akin to carrying a ticking time bomb.

Zhang Tie was in turmoil, unsure of what to do, but he never considered abandoning Lin Yi. He had resolved that even if Lin Yi became a zombie, he would fight to protect him until the very end!

In contrast to Zhang Tie's worries, Lin Yi repeatedly checked the "Soul Devouring Hand" on his wrist, feeling a bitter taste in his heart.

"Orange Equipment (Epic): [Soul Devouring Gloves] Broken Seal Status"

"Equipment Attributes: Strength +5 (Equipment is broken; other attributes will restore upon recharging.)"

"Attack Speed +20%, Spirit Amplification +20%, Spirit Recovery Speed +50% (Seal status; effects cannot activate.)"

"Attack Effect 1: Each attack carries a mental shock, causing a brief stun effect, with additional boosts based on the wielder's willpower (Seal status; effects cannot activate.)"

"Attack Effect 2: Soul Absorption. Killing an enemy allows you to extract their soul to replenish spirit (Seal status; effects cannot activate.)"

"Equipment Skill: Soul Scream (B-grade) instantly generates a ring-shaped mental shockwave that indiscriminately harms all creatures in its range. 

Daily usage: 1/1; after use, it enters recharge, restoring the next day (Seal status; effects cannot activate.)"

"In a broken state, the gloves cannot automatically draw spiritual energy from the outside, relying solely on the wielder's spirit."

"Note: The power contained within this equipment has been completely consumed. Perhaps you can find another obsidian shard to restore its original strength."

The blood-red veins on the gloves were marred by the shattered obsidian fragment, now dull and lifeless.

Searching for another obsidian shard to complete the equipment was infuriating.

Lin Yi couldn't help but feel exasperated at the repetitive cycle of frustrating circumstances.

After all, he had obtained equipment stronger than the "Skull Crusher's Hand" and also acquired an S-grade Abyss Black Dragon! 

Completing the equipment was no big deal, but it was troublesome to figure out where to find another obsidian shard.

He couldn't help but ponder the origin of these gloves.

Somehow, Lin Yi felt that there was a secret hidden within the gloves that was worth exploring further when his strength increased.

As for why the equipment was sealed, looking at the stone-carved black dragon on his wrist, he had an inkling of how it had happened.

Most likely, the power within the gloves had been completely devoured by this creature, and the spiritual energy he had absorbed earlier was likely overflow that the black dragon couldn't consume!

I had such an epic piece of equipment!

Lin Yi felt like crying without tears.

Although the "Soul Devouring Hand" was back in his possession, its attributes were only marginally better than those of the blue equipment "Skull Crusher's Hand."

Strictly speaking, it might not even be as good as two pieces of blue equipment.

With all attributes sealed, it had only a +5 strength bonus left.

The incredible effects of mental shock with attacks were sealed, and the skill that charged automatically couldn't be used either.

Even the unknown effect of soul absorption was caught in the seal.

It was devastating.

Throughout the journey, Lin Yi could only keep comforting himself that at least the most crucial skill was still intact.

The B-grade Soul Scream, as a wide-area attack skill, could greatly compensate for his shortcomings.

The only question was how much spirit it would cost to activate.

Now, despite his severe injuries, his spirit was still relatively abundant.

Thanks to his talent skill not consuming much energy and his high willpower attribute.

Charging the gloves shouldn't consume too much, right?

At most half?

Once recharged, he could use Soul Scream to eliminate the zombies blocking their path and test its effectiveness.

After all, relying solely on Zhang Tie without his combat strength made returning safely to the hotel a daunting challenge.

Lin Yi sensed that Zhang Tie was already at his limit.

Let's try!

No longer hesitating, a glimmer of anticipation flashed in Lin Yi's eyes.

With a thought, he connected to the "Epic" equipment in his mind.

"Begin Charging!"

"Buzz!"

A powerful suction force emanated from the gloves, greedily drawing away his internal spirit like a whale swallowing water.

The dark gloves glowed with red veins, pulsating as Lin Yi's spirit flowed into them.

It was too fast!

The intensity of the suction far exceeded Lin Yi's expectations; he didn't even have time to cut off his spirit supply.

Damn it!

In an instant, Lin Yi felt as if his strength had been completely drained, and everything went black as he fainted.

"Captain Lin!"

As Lin Yi lost consciousness, Zhang Tie's heart sank.

Bitterness and despair filled him.

He felt Lin Yi's previously weak but steady breathing vanish in an instant, replaced by a faint aura of death and decay.

Captain Lin probably couldn't hold on any longer.

To Zhang Tie, it seemed Lin Yi had lost the strength to suppress the zombie virus.

If not for the faint breath from Lin Yi's back, he would have believed Lin Yi was dead.

What should I do?

What can I do!?

Zhang Tie's eyes reddened, his teeth clenched, while the bandaged girl and the bags of medicine behind him swayed.

Suddenly, he seemed to recall something.

The scene of the bandaged girl fainting flashed before his eyes.

Next to a dim medicine cabinet, a pile of various used medicines lay scattered around the girl.

The girl might have also been infected but remained conscious until she fainted...

Medicine?

He quickly glanced at the bags of medicine in front of him.

Perhaps Captain Lin could hold on like her by taking medicine and not turn into a zombie?!

Then...

Hurry, faster!

Maybe if he took Captain Lin back to treat him, there was still a chance to save him!?

...

**Hospital Entrance.**

The speed of Zhang Tie's swings with the corpse snake spine slowed dramatically, and his steps became heavy.

The bear transformation had ended, and forcing the skill had completely exhausted his spirit, leaving him with an overwhelming sense of weakness.

The potion's effects had also worn off, and after relentless fighting, his stamina had reached its limit.

Even though he was strong, he was still merely a low-level awakened one.

At his core, he remained human.

Zhang Tie's wrist trembled as he waved the bone whip like he was swatting flies.

With his strength greatly diminished, he could only barely hold back the zombies from closing in on him.

He was soaked through.

The once light Lin Yi and the bandaged girl now felt heavy as lead as his strength waned.

Zhang Tie gritted his teeth and pressed on toward the hotel.

Once inside, they would be safe.

The first floor of the hotel was blocked off; zombies couldn't get in.

"Old Huang!"

"Uncle Er!"

"Throw down the rope!"

He shouted hoarsely towards the damaged windows on the second floor, signaling the people inside to drop a rope for him and his companions.

What once seemed easy to jump up to the second floor was now impossible.

"Brother Zhang!"

"Captain Lin seems injured!"

"He brought something wrapped in bandages; it looks like a person!"

"There's so much blood! Brother Lin seems severely hurt!"

"Stop shouting! Help me drop the rope to get them up!"

Beside the collapsed window, a middle-aged man named Er Shu looked anxious. He was a relative of Zhang Tie.

His age showed, with deep wrinkles etched on his face and trembling hands gripping a piece of hemp rope.

He couldn't possibly lift the weight of three people on his own.

"Hurry! Lend a hand!" he urged the young people on the second floor, his voice rising in urgency.

Not far away, Zhang Tie was surrounded by a dense mass of zombies, like a small boat in a vast sea, ready to be swallowed at any moment.

Suddenly, the crowd fell into an eerie silence.

After a long pause, a middle-aged man in glasses spoke up softly, "I see their clothes are torn and they're covered in blood."

"Zhang Ge and Lin Ge, they might be infected."

His gaze flickered, his expression unsettled.

"Indeed, I've noticed that too," Wang Jun, the leader on the ninth floor, chimed in, clearing his throat as if he were addressing a crowd.

"Everyone here has likely heard or seen what happens to infected individuals when they turn into zombies."

"Right now," he continued, "these two—or rather, all three of them—look injured. Who can guarantee they haven't been infected?"

"With so many of us here, what if they turn into zombies as soon as they enter? Who will take responsibility?"

"Let's not risk a disaster by inviting wolves into our midst!"

Wang Jun maintained a calm demeanor. Over the past two days, he had asserted his authority to the survivors. As the highest-ranking individual present, many of the remaining white-collar workers and students followed his lead.

As people realized someone had voiced their unspoken fears, a wave of agreement rippled through the crowd.

Selfishness surfaced, revealing the darker side of human nature.

Wang Jun glanced at Lin Yi, who lay unconscious behind Zhang Tie, and a twisted sense of satisfaction arose within him.

Ha, fool.

Do you really think strength makes you invincible? One outing and you end up a zombie.

If you'd just kept him safe, waiting for military rescue would have been a better option!

Young people simply don't understand their own limitations.

"Who the hell are you calling a wolf?" shouted a man from Zhang Tie's group, anger flashing in his eyes.

"Zhang Tie and Lin Yi are fine!"

"Don't forget who saved you!"

After being insulted, Wang Jun's eyes turned cold, but he refrained from retaliating. Engaging in petty insults was for the weak-minded.

Having navigated the political arena for years, he knew what truly mattered.

The second floor was now divided into three factions: one led by him, consisting of white-collar workers and students; another led by Zhang Tie; and a third group straddling the fence.

He had considered this carefully throughout the day.

The hotel was safe for now; all zombies had been cleared out by Lin Yi.

There was water, food, and he was sure the military would come to their rescue.

To survive, all they needed to do was stay put!

In contrast, the very person he had initially sought to recruit—Lin Yi—was the real unstable element.

A capable killer who couldn't be controlled was far too dangerous.

Moreover, Lin Yi was likely infected. He couldn't allow Lin Yi back into the hotel, regardless of the outcome.

Lin Yi had to die, and Zhang Tie should meet the same fate!

With Zhang Tie on the verge of losing his strength and Lin Yi unconscious, this was an opportunity he couldn't waste.

Wang Jun feigned sadness, appearing as if he truly cared.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's not that we don't want to let them in."

"It's just—can you guarantee they won't turn into zombies once they do?"

"If something goes wrong, who will be responsible? You? Or you?"

Wang Jun pointed accusingly at Zhang Tie's group, his gaze resolute.

"I'm only looking out for everyone. It's not like I don't want to save Lin Yi; my life was saved by him too!"

With a heavy sigh, Wang Jun couldn't help but smirk internally.

Positioning himself as the voice of reason was far more effective than hurling insults.

Seeing Er Shu's face redden in frustration, unable to counter, Wang Jun felt a rush of pleasure.

With such naive people, playing them was too easy.

The crowd was torn.

Self-interest prevailed; they didn't want Lin Yi to enter.

Yet, considering that Lin Yi had saved many of them, speaking up would make them seem heartless.

In the wake of an apocalypse, most still found it difficult to ignore the judgment of others.

Moreover, if Lin Yi and Zhang Tie were indeed unharmed, they would likely need their protection later.

Zombies were terrifying, and no one present had the courage to face them alone.

Arguments erupted, pushing and shoving ensued.

Everyone had their own thoughts.

"Just save them! I'm begging you!" cried an elderly man named Lao Huang, coughing as he sank to his knees, desperation evident in his eyes as he looked back at Zhang Tie's group.

"If they don't help, won't you help either?"

The faces of Zhang Tie's group flushed, and they hurriedly attempted to lower the rope along with Er Shu.

"Absolutely not!" 

A woman beside Wang Jun suddenly screamed, snatching the rope away at his signal.

"Are you trying to get us killed?"

"Saved?!" 

"Use your brain! Even if Lin Yi isn't worth saving, Zhang Tie has to be!" 

A middle-aged man named Gao Peng, resembling an office worker, stood up from the fence-sitters, raising his voice in protest against the woman.

"Zhang Ge is definitely not infected! He can still kill zombies!" 

Gao Peng was one of those who had provided Lin Yi with maps earlier that day.

Having witnessed the horrors of the zombie outbreak firsthand, he had thought deeply about the situation.

Lin Yi could be left behind if needed.

But Zhang Tie, with his strength, was the kind of person who must be saved—he was their protector.

With someone like him at the forefront, they had managed to survive until now.

Staying in the hotel meant food would eventually run out, and they would have to venture out.

Without Zhang Tie leading them, these useless people wouldn't last long.

Moreover…

Even if Zhang Tie couldn't enter, he might not die!

In a life-or-death situation, if Zhang Tie chose to abandon Lin Yi, his strength would allow him to hide nearby and have a significant chance of survival.

At that point, would a vengeful Zhang Tie, recovering outside, spare those who had wished for his demise?

Certainly not!

Putting himself in Zhang Tie's shoes, Gao Peng realized that whether out of guilt or self-interest, he had to show that he wanted to save Zhang Tie.