Chapter 12: Contribution

As Teddy stared at the Overseer, he felt someone tap his shoulder, making him quickly turn his head to find Tonny standing behind him. "Damn, what are you doing here? It's really dangerous here, go back to the bunker!" Teddy chuckled softly and replied, "Haha, you know your older brother isn't that weak, right? Besides, I'm already healthy, it's time for me to contribute to this place."

Tonny couldn't argue and just gave him a sharp look before sighing deeply. "Okay, okay, but you have to be careful. This is the real battlefield, you could die if you slip up for just a moment." Seeing his younger brother's concern, Teddy smiled slightly and felt warmth in his heart, glad that someone was looking out for him—not as a king or a god, but as a family member.

With a small smile, Teddy asked, "Don't you find the movement of these zombies strange? They're too organized and orderly, zombies shouldn't move like that." Tonny, seemingly agreeing, responded, "Yeah, you're right. The higher-ups are confused too, no one knows why this is happening. In the control room, everyone is panicking and trying to find a solution."

Seeing that his younger brother was intrigued, Teddy gave him the final push. "I think there's a mutated zombie that has developed enough intelligence to become the commander of these zombies." Hearing Teddy's explanation, Tonny's expression turned one of disbelief and shock. But before he could speak, Teddy said, "Just take a look."

He pointed toward the Overseer. "That zombie looks different from the others. It doesn't attack humans, it just stands there making weird noises as if it's giving commands. Not to mention, it's being guarded by four large zombies surrounding it." Tonny followed Teddy's finger and saw the suspicious figure, realizing this zombie was unlike any he had seen before—it seemed almost human.

In a low voice, Tonny replied, "I think you might be right, bro. That zombie is way too strange to be a regular zombie." Feeling that this was crucial information that could change the direction of the battle, Tonny wanted to report it to his superiors immediately, but he was still worried about his older brother. Sensing his younger brother's thoughts, Teddy said, "Don't worry, go ahead. I can protect myself. But if we look at the west wall, the other side of the wall is probably facing the same problem. Go, report this to your superiors."

Seeing Tonny still hesitating, Teddy picked up the rifle that had been lying on the ground and said to him, "Come on, bro, I'm not as weak as you think." Teddy immediately fired at the zombies, and to Tonny's shock, every shot he made was a headshot. Tonny froze for a moment, stunned, and then finally smiled faintly. "Take care, bro," he said before running toward the control room.

After ensuring his brother was gone, Teddy refocused. He began providing cover fire, supporting the soldiers fighting outside the wall. His eyes locked on the middle-aged Arkanist fighting alone against the wave of zombies.

The middle-aged man was panting, blood flowing from his temple, but his spirit still seemed to burn brightly.

Seeing the man's determination, Teddy smiled and then jumped down, running toward him. As he ran, Teddy didn't forget to shoot the zombies in his path. [You never change, huh, Ted], said Axcel, to which Teddy replied, "We need people with this kind of spirit, unafraid even when death is right in front of them. It would be a shame if he died."

Axcel didn't reply, as this kind of situation had become familiar, having occurred countless times in the 10,000 years spent with Teddy.

However, despite his fervor, the middle-aged man began showing signs of exhaustion. In a moment of weakness, three zombies sprinted toward him. Unfortunately, one of the zombies managed to knock his spear away.

The man almost gave up, his vision starting to blur. He felt disappointed, unable to protect any longer. But just as he was about to accept his grim fate, the heads of the three zombies exploded simultaneously and fell to the ground.

The middle-aged man looked up, his eyes still full of gratitude, despite his weakened body. Teddy appeared in front of him, a faint smile on his face.

"Are you okay, old man?" Teddy reached out his hand.

The man looked at Teddy's calm and confident face. He weakly grasped the hand, still panting. "Thank you... you came at the perfect time..." Teddy just smiled and gave a slight nod.