Chapter 27: Kill Streak (IV)
A bright light flooded the room, catching Simon off guard for a moment. He instinctively raised his hand, and a swirling sphere of crimson energy formed around his palm, glowing intensely.
The air around him vibrated as the sphere spun faster, its power pulsating with each rotation. The room seemed to hum with energy, as if the very walls were resonating with the force contained within the orb.
Suddenly, the sphere shattered with a crack that echoed through the space, and within the fragments of energy, a sword appeared, its blade gleaming with a supernatural light.
The sword shimmered brightly, almost as if it had been forged by the very forces of the Apocalypse.
It was a stunning weapon, the craftsmanship impeccable. Simon's eyes narrowed in curiosity and a flicker of satisfaction.
The blue screen flashed in front of him, a message illuminating the air with its metallic glow:
[Congratulations, You have received Undead Slayer.]
Simon couldn't help but smirk at the name. Undead Slayer, a weapon designed specifically for the horrors of the world he now found himself in. It was perfect.
He reached out and gripped the hilt of the sword. The alloy felt smooth to the touch, cool but sturdy, molded to fit his hand perfectly.
It was comfortable, as though it had always belonged there. The sword emitted an unusual energy, a pulse that sent a chill creeping up Simon's spine.
There was something undeniably powerful about it, something that told him it would be his most valuable asset in the days to come.
Simon examined the blade briefly.
The Apocalypse had brought forth countless dangers — especially the undead. Zombies. Normal weapons wouldn't even kill them.
But this sword? This sword would make all the difference. Its design wasn't just aesthetic; it was forged for a purpose, to bring down the very creatures that plagued the Earth.
"Perfect," he muttered to himself, testing the weight of the sword. It felt light in his hands, well-balanced, ready for action.
He nodded to himself, satisfied.
The sword was still in its sheath, resting at his side, but Simon knew that he would soon find the right time to use it.
He turned his attention back to the surroundings, taking in the aftermath of his latest skirmish.
The shopping mall had once been a bustling place. Now it was nothing more than a hollow shell.
Broken glass littered the floor, and discarded bottles of alcohol were scattered about, a silent testament to the chaos that had unfolded. The faint smell of stale beer hung in the air, mixing with the dust and decay.
Simon's lips curled into a slight frown as he surveyed the area.
These college students — if they could even be called that — had been more focused on getting drunk than preparing for what was clearly an apocalyptic world.
The shelves were mostly bare, with only a few remnants of what once filled the space. There were no supplies, no weapons, no food.
"Dumbasses," Simon muttered under his breath. He wasn't surprised, but that didn't stop the irritation from bubbling to the surface.
"No one has anything worth taking anymore."
His eyes scanned the area one more time, hoping that there might be something — anything — that could help him in his next battle, Survival. But there was nothing. Just remnants of old lives and empty spaces.
It was clear. These people had been more concerned with surviving the moment, living day by day without any real plan for the future.
They didn't even bother to hide their resources from prying eyes, if they even had any in the first place.
All the alcohol on the floor was proof enough — just a bunch of wasted potential. The Apocalypse had changed everything, and yet some people still clung to the vices of the past.
With a sigh, Simon turned away from the wreckage and walked toward the exit of the mall.
He pulled open the door, the hinges creaking in protest. Stepping out into the cold air, he felt the familiar chill wash over him. He relished in it.
Being a vampire had its perks, and the freezing temperatures of the world's new climate suited him perfectly.
He glanced up at the darkened sky, where thick clouds hung low, blocking out what little sunlight had once remained.
The air had a heavy, oppressive quality to it, the kind of atmosphere that made it feel like the world itself was holding its breath, waiting for something.
Simon didn't share in the world's anticipation. He knew exactly what he needed to do next: get back to the mansion.
The mansion had become his sanctuary. His base of operations. It was no longer just a place to sleep; it was a stronghold in a chaotic world.
There was no time to waste on petty distractions, no time to go chasing after random encounters. He had a goal now. A mission. He was climbing the World Rankings, and it was only a matter of time before he reached the Top 10.
That was his focus. That was his goal… other than surviving the Apocalypse of course.
As Simon walked toward his car, he felt the weight of the sword at his side, the blade's energy hum with a promise of what it could accomplish.
Sliding into his car, Simon started the engine, the familiar rumble filling the air.
The sleek black vehicle felt like an extension of himself — efficient, precise, and deadly.
The ride to the mansion was uneventful, the streets eerily quiet, the occasional flicker of dim streetlights casting long shadows along the empty roads.
As he pulled into the driveway of the mansion, Simon couldn't help but glance around.
This place was his now. A fortress in a broken world.
He stepped out of the car and headed for the front door, his hand resting on the hilt of the Undead Slayer. He didn't need to think twice.
There would be time for rest later. But for now, the zombies and survivors were still out there.