Chapter 6: Unleashing the Hunter
The city was engulfed in chaos. Screams echoed through the streets as the undead swarmed, tearing apart everything in their path. Cars crashed, buildings burned, and the once vibrant city became a nightmare.
Zhou Kai stood on the rooftop, watching the destruction unfold with cold, calculating eyes. His grip tightened on his knife, his newly acquired Shadow Step skill ready to be activated at a moment's notice.
> [Ding! Quest Update: Survive the First Wave]
[Objective: Reach a Safe Location]
[Reward: 1000 EXP, Skill Upgrade: Danger Sense]
[Failure Penalty: Death]
He needed to move. Staying here was a death sentence. But he had another objective in mind.
> [Ding! Hard Quest Activated: Mass Extermination]
[Quest: Kill 200 Zombies]
[Objective: Kill Zombies 0/200]
[Reward: System Apocalypse Shop – Skill | Potion | Item | Tools]
[Failure Penalty: None]
Zhou Kai's heart raced. The Apocalypse Shop? If it was what he imagined, this could be the ultimate cheat. He could buy skills, potions, and tools directly from the system. This is my chance... If I clear this quest, I'll have access to anything I need.
His eyes gleamed with excitement. 200 zombies... That's nothing.
With his new Appraisal skill, he could gauge the strength of each target, choosing his battles wisely. And with Shadow Step, he could move undetected, taking out enemies swiftly and silently.
Zhou Kai activated Shadow Step, his body fading into the shadows. His movements became faster, lighter, almost invisible. He leaped from the rooftop, landing in an alley below without making a sound.
His first targets were a group of zombies feasting on a fallen pedestrian. Their backs were turned, their senses dulled. Zhou Kai moved like a ghost, his knife flashing as he severed their heads with precision.
> [Zombie Defeated! 50 EXP Gained]
[Zombie Defeated! 50 EXP Gained]
[Zombie Defeated! 50 EXP Gained]
[3/200 Zombies Killed]
197 more to go.
He continued his hunt, moving through the alleyways, using Shadow Step to appear and disappear like a phantom. The zombies never saw him coming.
> [Zombie Defeated! 50 EXP Gained]
[Zombie Defeated! 50 EXP Gained]
[Zombie Defeated! 50 EXP Gained]
[6/200 Zombies Killed]
His movements were fluid, his attacks precise. He was like a hunter in his element, his body reacting instinctively, his mind calm and focused. The training and quests were paying off.
But then he heard it—a familiar voice, a cry for help. His body tensed. He recognized that voice.
Lin Mei...
His heart wavered for a moment, memories of their time together flashing through his mind. But then he remembered her laughter, the way she mocked him with Liu Chen, how they planned his death.
His eyes hardened. I owe her nothing. But... I can't let her die yet. Not before I get my revenge.
He moved swiftly, following the sound of her screams. Lin Mei was surrounded by a group of zombies, her back against a car as she swung a broken pipe desperately. Her pretty face was contorted in fear, tears streaming down her cheeks.
> [Ding! Optional Quest: Save Lin Mei]
[Objective: Rescue Lin Mei from the Zombies]
[Reward: 300 EXP, Relationship Update]
[Failure Penalty: None]
Zhou Kai hesitated, his fists clenching. Why should I save her? She betrayed me. She deserves this...
But then another notification appeared.
> [Ding! Hidden Quest Triggered: The Pawn's True Face]
[Objective: Save Lin Mei and Uncover the Truth]
[Reward: Truth Revelation, 1000 EXP, Skill Upgrade: Appraisal]
His eyes widened. Uncover the truth? Was there more to her betrayal? Was she just a pawn herself?
His jaw tightened. Fine. I'll save her. But only because I want answers.
He activated Shadow Step, moving through the shadows like a wraith. The zombies were focused on Lin Mei, their backs turned. They never noticed him. His blade flashed, slicing through their necks with ease.
> [Zombie Defeated! 50 EXP Gained]
[Zombie Defeated! 50 EXP Gained]
[Zombie Defeated! 50 EXP Gained]
[9/200 Zombies Killed]
The last zombie fell, its body crumpling to the ground. Lin Mei gasped, her eyes wide as she looked at him.
> Lin Mei: "Z-Zhou Kai...? You... saved me?"
Her voice trembled, her body shaking in fear. She looked vulnerable, so different from the cold, mocking woman he remembered. But Zhou Kai didn't let his guard down.
> Zhou Kai: "Don't get the wrong idea. I didn't save you because I care. I just have questions. And you're going to answer them."
Lin Mei's eyes widened, guilt and fear flashing across her face. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, a figure appeared behind her.
Liu Chen.
His face twisted with anger as he glared at Zhou Kai.
> Liu Chen: "You... Why are you still alive?!"
Zhou Kai's lips curled into a cold smile. You thought I'd die that easily? Fool.
> [Ding! New Quest: Confront Liu Chen]
[Objective: Defeat Liu Chen]
[Reward: 1000 EXP, Skill: Power Absorption]
[Failure Penalty: Death]
Zhou Kai's eyes gleamed. It's about time we settled this.
He activated Appraisal, his vision locking onto Liu Chen. Information flooded his mind, revealing Liu Chen's stats and abilities.
> [Target: Liu Chen]
Level: 7
Strength: 15
Agility: 12
Skills: Sword Mastery (Lv.2), Energy Manipulation (Lv.1)
Level 7... Stronger than me, but not unbeatable. Zhou Kai's grip tightened on his knife. He had the element of surprise, and with Shadow Step, he could outmaneuver Liu Chen.
> Zhou Kai: "You betrayed me. You planned my death with her... And now, you're going to pay."
Liu Chen's eyes narrowed, his hand reaching for his sword.
> Liu Chen: "Hmph. You should have stayed dead."
The tension thickened, the air crackling with anticipation. This was it—their first showdown. And Zhou Kai was ready.
Time to show you what real power looks like.
---
End of Chapter 6