sangyue

Xu Lian and Guo Chen wake up four months before the apocalypse, their memories intact from a life where they fought desperately to survive. In their past, Lian had died early, leaving Chen to struggle alone until the bitter end. But now, given a second chance, they refuse to let history repeat itself.

Determined to prepare before the world collapses, they focus on securing a stronghold, gathering supplies, and finding allies both old and new. As they race against time, they discover that they’ve awakened extraordinary abilities. Lian possesses a space ability that can store anything and accelerate food growth, while Chen gains an enhanced combat instinct that makes him a near-invincible fighter.

Despite Lian’s deep fear of bringing life into a world consumed by death, circumstances lead to an unexpected pregnancy. Her newfound role as a mother changes her approach to survival, while Chen, who once lost everything, becomes even more determined to build the family they never had.

As they navigate betrayal, shifting alliances, and the horrifying evolution of zombies ranging from slow, decaying corpses to fast, intelligent predators they uncover the deeper mystery behind the apocalypse. But their time is running out.

This time, they’re not just fighting to survive.

They’re fighting for a future worth living.

Four months to doomsday

Lian stood at the entrance, her flashlight casting long shadows against the reinforced walls. Dust swirled in the beam, disturbed by their footsteps. The stale air carried the faint scent of rust and decay, a reminder of just how long this place had been left untouched.

Yu Xian moved like a soldier—because he was one. His sharp gaze swept the narrow corridor, his gun raised, his body tense. His presence was reassuring, but it didn't erase the weight pressing down on her chest.

"This place has been abandoned for years," Lin Wei murmured, rubbing his arms as he glanced around. "It should be safe."

Chen scoffed. "There's no such thing as safe anymore."

Lian adjusted her grip on her knife. They all knew that.

The last time they had thought a place was safe, it had almost cost them their lives.

Yu Xian took point, leading them deeper. The corridors stretched out in sharp angles, leading into various rooms—storage areas, old barracks, and control stations covered in dust. The air was thick, heavy with age and neglect.

Jiao exhaled in relief as they checked another empty room. "At least it's not full of bodies."

Lian moved toward one of the supply crates, brushing away cobwebs. The label was barely legible, but she recognized it as old military rations.

Inside were sealed meal packs, water purification tablets, and emergency medical kits. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

Lin Wei whistled, leaning in to get a better look. "This might actually work."

Yu Xian was less impressed. He glanced at the supplies before sweeping his gaze over the rest of the bunker. "We'll need more than supplies. We need defenses."

Lian nodded. "Then let's get to work."

Hours passed as they secured the bunker. They reinforced the entrance, set up sleeping quarters, and rationed out supplies. The exhaustion was settling in, but for the first time in weeks, they had a real shelter.

But Lian couldn't shake the unease curling in her gut.

She glanced at Chen, who was cleaning his gun near the entrance. "You feel it too?"

He didn't look up. Just tightened his grip on the weapon. "Yeah."

Jiao frowned from where she sat cross-legged on the floor. "Feel what?"

Yu Xian, standing near the entrance, answered for them. His voice was calm, but his tone was sharp as a blade. "Something's coming."

Lin Wei gulped. "What do you mean? We didn't see anything follow us."

Lian's grip tightened on her knife. "Doesn't mean it's not out there."

A heavy silence settled over them.

A metallic clang echoed from the entrance.

Chen was the first to react, grabbing his weapon and moving swiftly toward the sound. Yu Xian followed, his movements fluid and precise.

Lian exchanged a quick glance with Jiao and Lin Wei. "Stay here."

They reached the entrance in seconds.

The heavy bunker door was still closed, the barricades undisturbed.

Yu Xian raised a fist, signaling them to stop. He pressed his ear against the metal, his body completely still.

Chen whispered, voice barely audible, "Tell me that's just a rat."

The Silence Before the Storm