Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Aside from its miasma, which was very familiar with Zombie Lords, they could also tell that this creature was a Zombie Lord because of its special attire.

It wasn't wearing a nobleman's attire like the Zombie Kings, but it was equipped with various mystical items protecting its body…

Well, according to what they were aware of, the Zombie Lords were guards of Sofia.

From the various information that Shane had gathered, Sofia was the only one who did not turn into a zombie after being injected with the Project Z's failed serum, which turned out later on to be the Zombie Virus.

Instead, she showed remarkable resistance to the infection and even developed some enhanced abilities, such as increased strength, speed, and healing.

She was dubbed "Patient Zero", the key to finding a cure for the zombie virus.

In any case, the guards of Sofia, for some reason, had mutated to such a level… They were the ones who had become Zombie Lords.

After observing closely, Shane could tell that its skin was pale but unrotted, unlike normal Zombies or even Zombie Lords he had seen before…

'Something off about that guy…' Shane thought as he felt as if this Zombie Lord should be at the very end of the Zombie Wave… It felt like it was too early for such a caliber of Zombie to appear here.

Its movements were smooth, nothing like any undead, it felt as if he was watching a human!

"Cloud, can you analyze its weapon?" Shane asked as he noticed that this Zombie Lord was also carrying a longsword like a warrior instead of a Zombie.

Unfortunately, the distance was too far, so even Cloud couldn't make a proper analysis aside from describing the sword's appearance.

However, as soon as it had gotten near, the suspected Zombie Lord spoke!

The Zombie's voice was clear, articulate, and it was carried across the battlefield…

"Humans…" it called, tilting its head.

"You've done well. But this? This is where your story ends."

Although the Zombie wasn't shouting, they heard it clearly… It sounded terrifying, and everyone couldn't help but feel a chill down their backs.

After all, a speaking zombie was definitely on another level!

Shane couldn't help but squint his eyes as he looked at the Zombie Lord, who seemed to be just a normal human with a hint of Dark Aura around it.

Then, a Hunter Zombie beside it snarled, and its saliva was already dripping from its jaws.

It felt as if it was being suppressed and wanted to quickly charge and siege the fortress…

However, the Zombie Lord didn't even glance at it. It just lifted a single finger, and the Hunter Zombie exploded in a burst of gore.

"Aahh…" Shane was shocked as he saw this all happen. He had never expected that Zombie Lords would do such a thing to a high-tier Zombie!

"Quiet," the Lord muttered… "The adults are talking."

Shane's grip tightened on his weapon.

"Who is your king? Identify yourself…" The Zombie Lord demanded.

This stunned Shane for a moment since this had never happened before.

Of course, there was no king here, but he knew what the Zombie Lord was trying to say.

"I am Shane, the ruler of this small fortress." Shane said atop the walls.

The Zombie Lord smiled. "Ahhh... So it's you."

This Zombie Lord observed Shane from afar before gently nodding.

"I am Prov, the 12th Guardian… Today, your shelter will be in ruins."

Around him, the Hunter Zombies tensed as they also felt that the clash against the fortress' defenders was getting near.

"I'll give you one chance," Prov said. "Open your gates. Die quickly. Or..." He gestured to the Hunters. "We do this the fun way."

***

At this time, Shane didn't bother responding.

He just activated the shelter-wide comms.

"All units—priority target is the Zombie Lord. Everything else is secondary… They will be handled by the Turrets and Flamethrowers if they get in range."

Just like that, the remaining 30 fully operational Warden Units moved into position as their barrier emitters got ready to defend themselves...

"Plasma blades to maximum output," Shane commanded. With the other Warden Units still needing some repairs, it would still take time to get more units, so they had to perform better than in the previous battle.

"That thing must die first."

Aside from that, fifty rifle scopes centered on Prov's skull.

Although it was still about 400 meters, most of the snipers had special skills, so the accuracy shouldn't be a huge problem…

"Fire!"

Just like that, a storm of high-caliber rounds rushed toward the Zombie Lord—

Everyone knew that the Zombie Lord wouldn't be defeated so easily, so they couldn't help but tense and wait for the result.

However, as they waited to see whether Prov, the Zombie Lord, would dodge, block with special skill, or use his Hunter Zombies as a meat shield, something unexpected happened.

The bullets suddenly stopped mid-air, hovering a few meters away from his face.

"Ahhh…"

"What's that? Invisible Barrier?"

"Telekinesis?"

"That's nasty… I hope it has a cooldown."

"We should just try again… There's no way he can do that repeatedly."

Then, Prov flicked his wrist. The bullets then clattered harmlessly to the ground.

"Really?" He sighed. "I expected better."

Shane's mouth twitched as he heard the Zombie Lord's mocking words.

He had never expected to be mocked by a Zombie at all!

Realizing this, Shane signaled for the siege weapons to release their explosive bolts directly at the Zombie Lord!

Whoosh~ Whoosh~

Ten explosive bolts were released in the air, but this time, Prove raised his sword.

Soon, the bolts shattered against an invisible barrier, and the explosions harmlessly dissipated.

No damage was done…

However, Shane at least realized that the Zombie Lord's method to stop projectiles differs in each weapon used.

"Enough." Prov said as he felt that the Fortress could no longer surprise him.

Just like that, Prov pointed his blade at the Fortress…

"Kill them all."

As soon as this command was given, the Hunter Zombies surged forward…

Of course, the movement was not in the clumsy, shambling gait of lesser zombies—these creatures were quick.

They were called Hunters for a reason. As a matter of fact, they even seemed to be faster than the Sprinter Zombies.

They closed the distance in seconds despite the snow and other obstacles in front of them…

However, Shane was still glad that these Zombies didn't attack during the night, when they should be stronger and faster.

Furthermore, Hunter Zombies do not normally attack in groups, and they hunt alone.

Because of that, Shane knew that these Hunter Zombies would have different targets in mind.

In any case, the first line of defense—spiked barricades and electrified trenches that they had just installed—meant nothing to them.

They easily leapt and ignored those things… Nonetheless, it was still a good method to stop their momentum. Since they had to dodge it or destroy it to proceed, their speed would certainly drop.

Thanks to that, the turrets, or even the Warden Units in front, wouldn't be clashing against a powerful momentum.

"Kill them!" Shane commanded as the Warden Units turned to intercept,.

They used their Plasma Greatsword and seared the Hunter Zombie's bodies!

Apparently, the Hunter Zombies were so confident in their armor or hides that they just lunged at the Warden Units without care, like they were some sort of lesser Zombies…

'Is it because they're controlled by a Zombie Lord? No, is it perhaps because of their number?' Shane mused as he knew that the Hunter Zombies were intelligent.

They were capable of assessing their opponents and even reacting to their attacks.

However, the ones he was seeing seemed to be mindless Hunter Zombies.

It seemed that the system wasn't really planning to screw them over. There was actually such a weakness that they could exploit.

Just like that, one of the Warden Units easily cleaved the first Hunter in half mid-air!

Nonetheless, three more took their place, so they were easily overwhelmed despite being able to cut them in half easily.

The Hunter Zombies may seem mindless creatures, but they swarmed the machines with their numbers…

Soon, Shane heard their claws screeching against the Warden Unit's barrier and armor…

One claw found a gap, but as it was about to rip apart the Warden Unit, the Turrets soon started helping the Warden Unit.

At first, these Turrets targeted the back line of the Hunter Zombies… After all, they might hit the Warden Units if they also fired at the front lines.

However, just a few moments ago, Shane gave instructions to Cloud.

"Cloud… Control the Mk.IV and help the Wardens." Although they still have a lot of defenders, Shane didn't want to rely on them just yet.

[ Affirmative. ]

Cloud replied, and soon, it controlled all of the Automated Turrets and started helping the Warden Units with its incredible shooting precision!

Thanks to that, the pressure on the Warden had been lifted!

It was time for counterattack!