Chapter 4: The Final Day of Peace

The sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. Zhou Kai stood on the rooftop of his apartment building, his eyes fixed on the bustling city below. People hurried home from work, children played in the parks, and laughter echoed in the air. It was a scene of peace, of normalcy.

They don't know... They have no idea what's coming.

He felt a strange sense of detachment as he watched them, knowing their lives would be torn apart by the horror that awaited them. But there was no time for sympathy. He had his own battle to prepare for.

> [Ding! Daily Quest Available: Training Routine]

[Objective: Complete Evening Workout]

Push-ups: 0/100

Sit-ups: 0/100

Squats: 0/100

[Reward: 100 EXP, +1 Strength, +1 Endurance]

[Failure Penalty: None]

Zhou Kai smirked. The system was relentless. But he wasn't about to complain. Every bit of strength mattered. He dropped to the ground, his muscles screaming in protest from the morning's training, but he ignored the pain.

> [Push-ups: 50/100]

[Sit-ups: 100/100 – Complete!]

[Squats: 100/100 – Complete!]

[Push-ups: 100/100 – Complete!]

His body trembled as he finished the last rep, sweat pouring down his face. But he felt it—the increase in power, the steady growth.

> [Quest Complete!]

[Reward: 100 EXP, +1 Strength, +1 Endurance]

A warm sensation flowed through him, his muscles recovering faster, his body feeling lighter. This system... It really is a cheat.

His gaze turned back to the city, his eyes narrowing. Tomorrow... This view will be completely different. Chaos, death... And those two...

His fists clenched as Lin Mei's smile flashed through his mind, followed by Liu Chen's mocking eyes. The memory of their betrayal was a scar that refused to heal. But this time, he wouldn't be their victim.

> [Ding! New Quest: Information Gathering]

[Objective: Gather intelligence on Lin Mei and Liu Chen]

[Reward: 200 EXP, New Skill: Shadow Tracking]

[Failure Penalty: Missed Opportunity]

Zhou Kai's eyes gleamed. Perfect. The more I know about them, the easier it will be to crush them.

He moved swiftly, his body now accustomed to the newfound strength and agility. Staying in the shadows, he navigated the familiar streets until he reached Lin Mei's apartment complex. Memories of happier times tried to surface, but he pushed them away. That Lin Mei was just an illusion.

From his hidden vantage point, he watched as Liu Chen arrived, a cocky grin plastered on his face. Lin Mei welcomed him warmly, wrapping her arms around him without hesitation.

Zhou Kai's chest tightened, anger boiling within him. I was nothing but a pawn to her... A fool to be used and discarded.

Their voices drifted to him, faint but clear.

> Liu Chen: "Tomorrow, huh? Are you ready?"

Lin Mei: "Of course. With your plan, we'll be safe. And with Zhou Kai out of the picture, we won't have any loose ends."

Liu Chen: "He was always so gullible. Trusting you so completely... What an idiot."

They laughed, their voices echoing in the night. Zhou Kai's nails dug into his palms, blood trickling from his clenched fists. They were planning my death all along...

> [Ding! Quest Updated: Information Gathering Complete]

[Reward: 200 EXP, New Skill: Shadow Tracking]

A rush of power surged through him, his senses sharpening. The Shadow Tracking skill activated, allowing him to follow targets without being detected. This will be useful... I'll learn all their secrets. I'll know every step they take.

His eyes darkened, his anger cold and calculating. Laugh while you can. Tomorrow, the world will end... And so will your happiness.

He slipped away, his movements silent and swift. There was no hesitation in his heart, no lingering feelings. Lin Mei and Liu Chen had chosen their path. Now, he would choose his.

Returning to his apartment, Zhou Kai reviewed his supplies, his weapons, and his skills. He was ready. Everything was in place.

> [Ding! New Quest: Survive the First Wave]

[Objective: Survive the initial outbreak and reach a safe location]

[Reward: 1000 EXP, Skill Upgrade: Danger Sense]

[Failure Penalty: Death]

Zhou Kai's lips curled into a cold smile. "Bring it on."

The countdown had begun. By this time tomorrow, the world would be in ruins, the dead walking among the living. But he would not be a victim. He would be the hunter, and they would be his prey.

His eyes gleamed with determination. Lin Mei... Liu Chen... Tomorrow, we'll see who the real fool is.

As the sun disappeared below the horizon, the last day of peace came to an end. And Zhou Kai stood ready, his heart hardened, his resolve unbreakable.

This time, I will survive. And I will have my revenge.

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End of Chapter 4