Chapter 9 Dimming Chance

With a brutal display of strength, Go Lao Wei launches Han So Chul into the air, his body arcing through the dim light of the hotel hallway. Reacting instinctively, I activate my spatial storage, creating a temporary pocket dimension to catch him before he crashes to the ground. The impact is absorbed, and Han So Chul lands safely, albeit unconscious, within the confines of my storage.

I immediately activate my Stealth Mode, vanishing from Go Lao Wei's sight. He scans the area, his eyes narrowed, searching for me.

"What sneaky rat ability is that?" he sneers, his voice laced with disdain. "Are you a hybrid as well, Miss Tang?"

He pauses, his eyes gleaming with a predatory intensity. "Quit hiding, Miss Tang," he taunts, his voice echoing through the hallway. "I can smell all your fears. It is such an amazing delicacy."

His words are a chilling reminder of his power, his ability to perceive and exploit my weaknesses. He's trying to provoke me, to draw me out of hiding, to break my resolve. The air crackles with tension, the silence broken only by his mocking laughter.

The cramped ventilation shaft, my supposed escape route, suddenly vibrates with a jarring impact. A hand, an unnatural fusion of flesh and razor-sharp metal, bursts through the thin metal of the shaft wall, leaving a jagged, gaping hole. Go Lao Wei's voice, cold and laced with amusement, echoes through the confined space.

"Show yourself already, Miss Tang," he commands, his voice a low, menacing growl. "I can smell you."

My heart pounds against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the silence. He's found me. He's tracked me through the labyrinthine hotel, his senses honed to a terrifying degree. The ventilation shaft, my hope for a swift escape, has become a trap.

The metallic hand retracts, then strikes again, tearing another hole in the shaft wall, closer this time. The air fills with the metallic scent of torn metal and the dust kicked up by the impact. I scramble backward, trying to create some distance, but the shaft is too narrow.

"You can't hide from me, Miss Tang," he continues, his voice echoing through the shaft. "I know your fears. I know your weaknesses. And I know you're injured."

He's right. The pain in my side is a constant, gnawing reminder of my vulnerability. My strength is waning, my options dwindling. I'm trapped, cornered.

The hand strikes again, tearing through the shaft wall, the metal screeching in protest. The hole is large enough now for him to reach inside, to grab me.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are," he taunts, his voice dripping with sadistic glee. "I'm getting impatient."

The metallic hand, a grotesque parody of human anatomy, tears another gash in the ventilation shaft, the sound of rending metal echoing like a death knell. Go Lao Wei's voice, smooth and chillingly persuasive, cuts through the dust-laden air.

"Miss Tang," he purrs, his voice laced with a disturbing mix of menace and enticement. "I'm willing to make you my queen in this kingdom, if you are willing to submit to me."

The offer hangs in the air, a grotesque proposition in this suffocating space. His words paint a picture of a twisted dominion, a kingdom built on fear and subjugation. He sees me not as an equal, but as a prize, a trophy to adorn his throne.

"You possess a certain… resilience," he continues, his voice dripping with condescending admiration. "A spirit that intrigues me. Imagine, Miss Tang, the power we could wield together. This hotel, this city, the world itself… it could all be ours."

His words are a chilling display of his ambition, his megalomania. He sees the apocalypse not as a tragedy, but as an opportunity, a chance to seize control, to build his own empire.

"All you have to do is submit,You know Miss Tang you have a very alluring and tempting figure" he whispers, his voice a silken caress that sends a shiver down my spine. "Surrender your resistance, your defiance. Become my queen, and together, we will rule this world."

The offer is a trap, a gilded cage designed to ensnare me. He believes he can break me, that he can tempt me with power and control. He underestimates my resolve.

The metallic hand, still embedded in the ventilation shaft wall, twitches, a silent threat. Go Lao Wei's offer, a grotesque parody of courtship, hangs heavy in the dust-filled air. He believes he can seduce me with promises of power and control, that he can break my spirit and bend me to his will. He couldn't be more wrong.

I seize the opportunity, the brief moment of his distraction. I activate my Stealth Mode, vanishing into the shadows of the cramped shaft. He may have heightened senses, but he can't see what isn't there. I move silently, swiftly, closing the distance between us.

I emerge from the shadows, my short sword raised, and launch a surprise attack, aiming for his exposed neck. The blade slices through the air, a silent, deadly arc.

But Go Lao Wei is too fast. He anticipates my move, his reflexes honed to a razor-sharp edge. He deflects the blow with his metallic hand, the impact sending a jolt of shock through my arm. The blade glances off his hardened skin, leaving not even a scratch.

He smirks, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You are truly a brave and fascinating woman, Miss Tang," he says, his voice laced with a predatory purr. "I can't wait to own you."

His words are a chilling promise, a declaration of his intent. He sees me as a possession, a prize to be won. His gaze lingers on me, a mixture of admiration and possessiveness that sends a shiver down my spine. He's not just a powerful hybrid; he's a predator, and I'm his prey.

The realization hits me with the force of a physical blow: escape is the only option. Go Lao Wei is too powerful, too unpredictable. I need to create an opportunity, a moment of chaos, to slip away. My mind races, searching for a solution.

Just then, a barrage of ammunition erupts from the sky. The drones, alerted by the commotion, have arrived. Their bullets pepper Go Lao Wei, a relentless hail of lead. He reacts instantly, his body shimmering, transforming into a metallic form, deflecting the bullets like rain off a steel roof. The metallic sheen of his skin, now impervious to the drone's assault, gleams under the emergency lights.

The chaotic barrage creates the opening I need. While Go Lao Wei is focused on the drones, I seize my chance. I sprint towards the nearest window, the shattered glass a gaping maw in the hotel's facade. With a surge of adrenaline, I leap through the opening, the wind whipping past me as I plummet towards the ground.

As I fall, I activate my spatial storage, retrieving a spool of high-tensile wire and a grappling hook. With practiced precision, I launch the grappling hook, securing it to a sturdy ledge on the hotel's exterior. The wire line snaps taut, arresting my fall, and I swing towards the ground, my feet landing softly on the debris-strewn street.

Before Go Lao Wei can react, before the drones can refocus their fire, I activate my Stealth Mode. My body dissolves into the shadows, becoming one with the urban decay. I vanish, leaving no trace, a phantom in the ruined city.

I emerge from the shadows, my Stealth Mode deactivating as I reach the designated rendezvous point. My team, positioned two blocks away from the hotel, is waiting, their expressions a mixture of relief and concern. They had been on standby, monitoring the situation, and when they saw me in danger, they acted swiftly, launching the drone attack that created the vital distraction.

"Su Yan!" Han So Chul, though still recovering, rushes towards me, his eyes filled with worry. "Are you alright?"

"We saw what happened," another team member adds, their voice tense. "That guy... he's something else."

"We're retreating," I command, my voice firm and urgent. "We're not a match for him, not now. We need to get back to the base."

I explain the situation, the overwhelming power of Go Lao Wei, the need to regroup and strategize. They listen intently, their faces grim. They understand the gravity of the situation.

"The drones bought us some time," I continue, "but he won't be far behind. We need to move quickly."

"What about the hostages?" I asks, my voice filled with concern.

"I got them out," Shi Yan Deng replied. "They're safe."

"Good," I says, relief washing over my face. "Then let's get out of here."

We move swiftly, our team falling into formation, their movements precise and coordinated. We head towards the armored van, the engine idling, ready for a quick escape. Inside the vehicle are the people we have save I command my team to return to our fortress.

My eyelids grow heavy, and I succumb to the weariness, drifting into a restless slumber. The van's motion rocks me gently, a stark contrast to the violence I've just endured. Even in sleep, my mind races, replaying the confrontation with Go Lao Wei, analyzing his movements, his abilities, his chilling words.

We still need to find and recruit Freidrick Richards. The thought surfaces through the fog of my sleep. He's a vital asset, a powerful ally we can't afford to lose.

My dreams are fractured, filled with images of Go Lao Wei's metallic form, his cruel smile, his predatory gaze. I see the faces of the hostages, their eyes filled with fear and desperation. I see the charred remains of Viper, the shattered illusions of Whisper. The weight of responsibility presses down on me, a constant reminder of the lives that depend on me.

I drifted in and out of consciousness, the van's journey a blur of motion and sound. I know I need to wake up, to be alert, to be ready for anything. But the fatigue is overwhelming, a heavy blanket that smothers my senses. I cling to the brief moments of rest, hoping to gather enough strength to face the challenges ahead.

I awaken to the sterile scent of antiseptic and the familiar white walls of the base infirmary come into focus,Tu Mi Zhan, our dedicated nurse, stands beside my bed, her expression a mix of concern and gentle reprimand.

"Boss," she says, her voice soft but firm, "take a rest. Don't over exert yourself"

"You know, boss, many lives are relying on you. Everyone was so worried when you returned unconscious and injured. Our people are constantly asking us, the medical personnel, how your condition is."Her words are a gentle reminder of the responsibility I carry, the weight of leadership that rests on my shoulders. The concern in her eyes, the genuine worry of our people.

"How long was I out?" I ask, my voice raspy.

"A few hours," Tu Mi Zhan replies. "Enough to get some rest, but not enough to fully recover. You sustained significant injuries"

She checks my vitals, her movements efficient and practiced. "Your vitals are stable, but you're still weak. The healing serum, while effective, has a delayed side effect. The accelerated healing process puts a significant strain on your body, resulting in intense fatigue. You need to conserve your energy."

I gathered my strength and tried to stand up

"Boss, please, rest," Tu Mi Zhan pleads. "You can't go out there in your condition. The fatigue will only worsen if you exert yourself."

"I'll rest when I've completed the mission," I reply, my voice firm, despite the weariness that gnaws at my limbs. "We can't afford to waste time."

I gather my team in the command center the fatigue from the healing serum clings to me, a heavy weight on my limbs, but I push it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

"Status report," I command, my voice firm despite the lingering weakness.

Han So Chul steps forward, his expression serious. "Scouting team reports Freidrick Richards is located in a small settlement approximately two hours from here"

The settlement is heavily fortified, but appears to be under attack by a large group of Evolved."

"Evolved attack?" I ask, my brow furrowed. "How large?"

"Significant numbers, boss," another team member chimes in. "Scouts estimate at least a hundred, possibly more. They're overwhelming the settlement's defenses."

"Casualties?" I ask, my voice hardening.

"Heavy, boss," Han So Chul replies. "They're holding on, but they won't last much longer."

"Freidrick Richards' condition?" I ask, cutting to the chase.

A hundred Evolved is overwhelming numbers but not for my team I have raise all their stats and enhance their physiques from the enhancement supply reward I received from the system mission my strike team each one of the are now skilled enough to fight Evolved type infected.

"Scouts haven't been able to confirm his exact location within the settlement," Han So Chul says. "But they did see him engaged in combat. He's fighting, but he's surrounded."

"We need to move immediately," I say, my voice decisive. "We can't let him fall."

"Boss, you're still weak," Cha Hae Na protests, her voice laced with concern. She is one of female member of strike team.

"You shouldn't be going out there." She continued

"We don't have a choice," I reply, my gaze unwavering. "Freidrick Richards is a valuable asset. We can't afford to lose him. Prepare the armored van. We leave in ten minutes."

I turn to the team, my eyes scanning their faces. "We're going to rescue Freidrick Richards and secure the settlement. We'll face heavy resistance, so be prepared."

I access the command center's tactical display, pulling up a map of the settlement and the surrounding area.

"We'll approach from the west, using the dense forest as cover. We'll deploy the drones for aerial reconnaissance and provide supporting fire. Han So Chul, you'll lead the ground assault. We need to move quickly and decisively. Any questions?"

A wave of unease ripples through the command center as I lay out the mission. My team, their faces etched with concern, clearly aren't comfortable with my decision to lead the rescue operation. They know I'm still recovering, that the fatigue from the healing serum is a significant hindrance.

"Boss, with all due respect," Han So Chul begins, his voice laced with concern, "we think it's best if you stay here. You're not at full strength, and this mission sounds dangerous."

"We can handle it, boss," another team member adds, their voice firm. "We'll rescue Freidrick Richards and secure the settlement. You just focus on recovering."

I understand their concern, their desire to protect me. But I also know that time is of the essence. Freidrick Richards, known to many as "Tank," is in dire straits, and we can't afford to delay.

"Freidrick contacted me directly," I explain, my voice firm but calm. "He knows about the fortress, the military base I acquired at auction. I invited him to join us before, but he refused, preferring to lead his own group. Now, they're under attack, overwhelmed by Evolved. He's asking for our help."

I pause, letting my words sink in. "He's a valuable asset, a powerful ally. We can't afford to lose him. And we can't afford to ignore his plea for help."

"But boss," Tu Mi Zhan interjects, her voice laced with worry, "you're still weak. The fatigue from the serum..."

"I'm aware of the risks," I interrupt, my voice decisive. "But we have a responsibility to help those in need. We're not just a fortress, we're a sanctuary. And we don't abandon those who ask for our aid."

I look at each member of my team, my gaze unwavering. "We'll move quickly and decisively. We'll use our strengths to our advantage. And we'll bring Freidrick Richards and his people back to safety."

I can see the hesitation in their eyes, the lingering concern. But they also see the resolve in mine. They know I won't be swayed.

"Alright, boss," Han So Chul says, his voice resigned. "We're with you."