Chapter 30: The Hunter Becomes the Hunted
Lucian barely slept. His body demanded rest, but his mind refused to settle. The System's warning, the mysterious survivor, the evolving undead—everything pointed to one conclusion.
The apocalypse was accelerating.
By the time dawn broke, he was already on the move.
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A Predator in the Ruins
Lucian stepped through the abandoned streets, his enhanced senses scanning his surroundings. The city was eerily silent, the usual moans of the undead gone.
Something was wrong.
Then he felt it.
A presence. Watching him.
Lucian smirked. So she's hunting me now?
He continued walking, pretending not to notice. His instincts screamed danger, but he wasn't afraid. If anything… he was excited.
A blur of motion. A knife flashed toward his throat.
Lucian twisted at the last second, barely dodging. He grabbed the attacker's wrist, but she spun, kicking off the wall, flipping over him—too fast.
He turned—only to find a gun aimed between his eyes.
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The Mysterious Woman
Up close, he could see her clearly now. Short black hair, piercing silver eyes, and a body built for combat.
She smirked. "You noticed me quicker than most."
Lucian met her gaze, unfazed. "And you're faster than most."
The woman tilted her head. "I'll cut to the chase. I know you're not normal."
Lucian chuckled. "And you are?"
She didn't answer, but the way she moved, the way she analyzed him—she wasn't just a survivor.
She was something else.
"Who are you?" Lucian asked.
She smiled. "Call me Vira."
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A Dangerous Offer
Vira lowered the gun. "I've been watching you, Lucian. You're different from the others. Stronger. Smarter."
Lucian smirked. "Flattery won't get you anywhere."
She leaned in slightly. "Then how about a deal?"
Lucian raised an eyebrow.
Vira's voice lowered. "The zombies aren't the only threat in this world. There are… others. People who've changed. People like us."
Lucian's eyes darkened. So it wasn't just him.
"What do you want?" he asked.
Vira grinned. "Simple. Join me."
Lucian laughed. "And if I say no?"
Vira's smile didn't fade. "Then we'll be enemies."
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To Be Continued…