The imposing terrace of the high school stretched out like an immense expanse of greenery. It was a veritable bastion of life in the wasteland of destruction that the city had become.
A lush field of green lawn stretched as far as the eye could see, bordered at regular intervals by tall ornamental trees planted in large stone planters.
It was the coveted sanctuary of the teachers, who escaped there for their essential breaks, and the more privileged students who had exclusive access to this school paradise. But now, that sanctuary had been desecrated by the presence of two unknown persons.
It was there, in the center of the terrace, that Dai Zen watched them with crimson eyes. His hands paused near the hilt of his sheathed sword as he stood on high alert, his senses on guard and alert for any hint of evil intentions these strangers might have.
The woman had the appearance of a frail young woman barely 18 years old, but her presence radiated an eerie sense of danger. Like waves of gold, her golden hair rippled and swirled with every breath of wind, trailing behind her slender figure. Deep golden eyes and a face as pale as milk, without mark or blemish, completed her dissonant vision of angelic purity.
Beside her, the young man spoke disdainfully: "The scream we heard earlier... I didn't think anyone was capable of defeating Kong Lei. With his Level 5 strength and monstrous skill, he was practically invincible."
The man's name was Fang Mu. Before the apocalypse, he was the student council vice president at high school. In addition to his angular brown-haired face, he had an athletic body, earning many female admirers throughout his time at the school.
"Although Kong Lei was an arrogant jerk who, ever since he gained strength, always tried to impose his absurd rules on the other survivors, at least he had the strength and ability to help us survive in this nightmare world." Said the woman in a soft voice that sounded like a soothing melody though her emotionless face showed no change: "His defeat certainly doesn't bode well."
"..."
"In any case, we cannot let our guard down." She said, addressing Fang Mu first before settling her gaze on Dai Zen: "That student is an unknown, and we do not know if he is a friend or foe. Until we discern his position in all this, we must remain vigilant."
"Don't worry, miss Wu Xiuying." Fang Mu replied with a charming smile: "I will not allow any enemy to approach you. With me here, no one will be able to harm you."
Although no one in particular noticed, a glint of distaste flashed in the depths of Wu Xiuying's eyes at Fang Mu's words.
"Don't try anything funny." She said coolly: "It would be useful to have someone with the ability to defeat Kong Lei on our side. His power could be a valuable asset if he is, in fact, an ally." As if she had made a quick decision, Wu Xiuying pointed at Kong Lei: "Take this man with the other survivors. Protect him closely and make sure he recovers. In the meantime, I'll handle the negotiations."
"But miss Wu Xiuying. I must stand by you to maintain your safety." Fang Mu protested.
"You must follow my orders." Her deep golden eyes settled on Fang Mu with an intense, piercing stare: "Leave now."
Recognizing the futility of arguing with her when she used that tone, Fang Mu sighed: "As you wish, miss Wu Xiuying. But please be careful."
He picked up Kong Lei's unconscious body and left, but not before shooting a not-so-friendly glance at Dai Zen.
The red-eyed young man didn't even blink at Fang Mu's murderous stare. His wary crimson gaze settled on Wu Xiuying's golden eyes.
As the Fairy had said, the world had changed profoundly since the apocalypse. Nothing was as it had been before, and it would not be strange if even the thoughts and nature of people changed accordingly. Before, it was impossible for Dai Zen to fully trust anyone, let alone in such a chaotic situation as now.
"Mortal... be careful with that woman." The Fairy whispered, twirling in front of his face: "Although her physical strength is clearly less than yours, I sense a deviant magical power from her body. It wouldn't be strange if she awakened a
Dai Zen's eyes narrowed, studying Wu Xiuying while she stopped mere feet from him. Her eyes glittered with secrets and unspecified emotions as she looked through him. Then, she held out her hand in a peaceful gesture, and her red lips parted to express herself.
"Wait, I have no intention of fighting." She said: "We can talk to come to an agreement... I imagine Kong Lei attacked you in the heat of his panic. I apologize in advance for him."
"¿... What does president Wu Xiuying want from me?" He asked, one eyebrow arched.
"Oh, you know me? I don't you, though."
She studied his eyes, wondering if he had acquired a
"It would be stranger if I didn't know you."
As asocial as he was, even Dai Zen knew Wu Xiuying, the model Student Council President who led the ranks of his High School.
"I see. Well, I'll get to the point then:" Wu Xiuying nodded as her slender fingers pointed to the city's ruins.
Smoke rose skyward, sometimes illuminated by the hungry flames that devoured some buildings. Exploding cars and the sound of gunfire shattered the howling wind, echoing among the broken structures.
"As you have seen, the world has changed. Chaos has spread across the land, with monsters prowling the streets and shadows alike. We ignore what is really happening, or why, so now more than ever, we humans must unite for one reason only: survival."
"I propose you join our group." She held her hand and continued: "We are only 79 people; 74 normal survivors and five Evolved like me with acquired Skills. With each strong member, our chances of enduring and prevailing grow."
"I'm sorry. I'm afraid I won't be able to join your group." Dai Zen shook his head without remorse in his crimson eyes: "I'm currently heading to Beijing University and don't want any delays."
There were several points on his mind. Perhaps the fantasy novels he read influenced him, or maybe it was the cynicism born of his previous experiences.
But one thing he was sure of was that desperate times brought out the best and the worst in human nature, often the latter, leaving a dead weight that would eventually drag down any group.
"I understand." Wu Xiuying nodded with her expressionless face intact, almost as if she had expected that answer: "You see since the Safe Zone is on the way and we survivors came to an unspoken agreement to mobilize there, I don't think that will be a problem for you."
Dai Zen considered her words. If it were only up to him, he would turn down her invitation without hesitation, but at that moment, the Fairy beside him opened her tiny mouth.
"Eventually, I would have told you to join a group, but this is a fortuitous opportunity." The Fairy hovered in front of his face, blocking his gaze that connected with Wu Xiuying.
She seemed to read his expression—which made his opposition clear— and quickly added: "Of course, I'm not saying you should care about others or be the knight in shining armor. But you must understand that survival alone is more difficult—if not impossible—at the onset of the apocalypse. You just have to stay alert around this group and use them as cannon fodder if necessary."
Although Dai Zen had only seen Badly Evolved so far, he could understand that thousands of species were prowling the world in search of new prey.
Not for a moment did he consider himself an arrogant fool. He knew how weak he was; the thought of defeating all the monsters alone did not cross his mind. Therefore, he took a brief moment to reconsider his next move.
'Xue'er...'
Her face appeared in his mind, a flowery memory. She would have urged him to take any path that led to survival, but without her warm hand in his, the path was cold and unwelcoming.
However, the Fairy was right. Alone, he would perish, and then his haste would be pointless. He could do nothing to help her if he died on the way.
'Wait for me, and please stay safe.'
Dai Zen brushed the Fairy away from his forehead as if slapping a mosquito. He looked at the beautiful woman again: "Fine, I agree. But I will part when the time comes."
"That's enough."
She thought she had hit the jackpot. With the strength of the five of them—excluding Kong Lei— it should be enough to defeat the monsters and survive another day through the apocalypse.
"Right. I still don't know how to call you..."
"Dai Zen."
"Well, come along with me. I'll introduce you to the survivors before we move to the Safe Zone, if possible, before nightfall."