Dai Zen's black threads emerged out of nowhere, enveloping the remaining monsters before they could react.
It was the perfect opportunity for Wu Xiuying and her golden flames. The girl glanced at her system panel. She still had Mana left to spend.
She launched spheres of fire at the black wings suspended in the sky. The now-expanded golden flames illuminated the darkness as a monster after the monster was mercilessly slain.
"Only two left."
Two that Dai Zen instantly seized within the shadow. He felt his
It was because of the golden flames that were still burning.
While Wu Xiuying's fire significantly weakened his Shadow Manipulation Skill, he managed to deprive the remaining two bats with more Mana used in the attack.
He held them so tightly that not even a wing could move. Thus, Wu Xiuying could hurl golden fireballs at them until nothing was left but ash from those black wings.
Dai Zen gave Wu Xiuying a glance in which he guessed her strength. Her powers had swept the field with such flames that no monster would dare approach if they had consciousness.
Even he would be at a significant disadvantage against her if he alone relied on his Mana and Magic Skill to deal with her.
Wu Xiuying's C-Cup chest heaved gently at the sound of her labored breathing. Her cheeks were paler than ever. She had used a lot of magic points to use her Skill, which had left her exhausted.
She looked around; the sound of battle was over, and only the sobs and screams of the survivors could be heard, along with the smell of blood permeating the air. Her eyes followed the unperturbed figure of Dai Zen approaching her.
And then she noticed Fang Mo wincing painfully from the wound on his shoulder. Lian was in no better situation, with a wound scarring from his torso to his chest.
Thanks to Hua Mei's Skill, the wounds seemed to be in an acceptable state where blood loss was scarce. But the healer girl was obviously in no better condition.
Although she hadn't fought the monsters and had no wound on her body, her face was paler than that of a frightened ghost, breathing raggedly with sweat dripping down her chin.
She had spent all her reserves of Mana to at least make both men's wounds manageable.
The golden-haired woman's finely delineated eyebrows furrowed as she contemplated the devastation unfolding before her eyes.
More than ten bodies of the ordinary survivors lay sprawled on the ground, as skinny and withered as mummies that had been sucked dry of life. They had perished under the terrifying onslaught of the 'vampires'.
"Listen to me well, everyone." She said, her firm voice commanding attention: "We can't stay here. Those of you who are scattered, come here. We must get away from this place and find a safe haven."
The survivors moved cautiously toward the middle of the terrace, their eyes still filled with fear and disbelief at what they had just witnessed.
"Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go?" Wu Xiuying asked, her golden eyes scanning the group of Evolved.
But they looked at each other; still, you could see the stunned look in their gazes.
The sudden turn of events had left them startled. A bat that would have been barely the size of an adult hand now stood six feet tall. All it took was for its fangs to break through their flesh, and their fates would be sealed.
At that moment, Dai Zen came to her side and spoke: "What do you think of the third floor of the Academy? On my way here, I have cleared out almost all of the Badly Evolved."
Although he didn't know if more of those monsters would lurk around the area, considering they could easily climb up the stairs. However, that enclosed place would be an excellent place to keep the fragile survivors safe than in a place as open as the terrace.
'Evolved bats... probably even insects have entered the evolutionary path.'
While Dai Zen had his thoughts, Wu Xiuying studied his expression. His facial features showed no signs of fear, almost as if he was pretty used to bloody battles and monsters.
"He defeated that monster on his way here?"
Nevertheless, Wu Xiuying shrugged her shoulders: "All right, everyone. Follow Dai Zen and stick together— leave no one behind!"
The group began to move, with Dai Zen leading the way and Wu Xiuying bringing up the rear, ensuring no one was left behind. They moved quickly across the academy terrace and opened the metal door.
The instant it opened, a frightening roar echoed through the dark corridors.
The students again froze in horror while Dai Zen, Wu Xiuying, Lian, and Fang Mo stepped forward.
The Badly Evolved emerged from the shadows, crawling toward them like zombies.
Dai Zen's glowing eyes sharpened as fast as his mind, watching the monster's movements.
'How much the human race has changed.'
Those who had once been the pinnacle of society were now transformed into hideous creatures corroded by the apocalypse.
"Stay behind us!"
The monster attacked first, its long claws lunging like knives.
Dai Zen unsheathed his sword with a shriek. Blood splattered his face while Wu Xiuying joined the attack, her golden aura illuminating the corridor.
Around her, the girl's fireballs came to life. With it, the monsters were turned to ash before they could even get close.
"Em? What is this?"
Dai Zen bent down to pick up a black skull stone he crushed under his boots. He watched it momentarily, intrigued, before stowing it in his backpack.
Perhaps they would be useful for something later.
Then he turned his attention back to the battle with a sigh. He hurled himself at the monsters with such speed that the normal humans could only groan and turn pale.
"H-how is this possible..."
"We're not in an anime, dammit!"
"I've seen it before, but this speed is absurd."
"At least let's be thankful we have someone like him to protect our asses."
"Look, even Lian and Fang Mo kill these monsters easier than before."
"I don't think anything needs to be said about the president. She's like a goddess with the golden aura surrounding her as she uses powers."
The door was closed, and the gate was clear. They had expunged the hallway of all abominations that had been left.
"Go ahead, gather everything you can find and use them to close the hallway ahead." Wu Xiuying said calmly as she stopped using her Skill.
Her golden hair fluttering behind her, fell down her back like a waterfall.
Her words were instantly answered. A group of survivors who didn't want to die quickly moved through the classrooms to pull out the tables and chairs.
They put it upfront, closing off the hallway in a barricade so the monsters would not pass toward them.
***
[Dai Zen - Hybrid - Badly Evolved]
Level: 9
Trait: Nullity [Unique]
Evolution: First Rank
Class: No Class
Title: Untitled
[Stats]
Strength: 29 (+30)
Vitality: 23
Resistance: 36
Agility: 26 (+25)
Magic Power: 23
Mana: 77
[Available Stats Points: 27]
[Skills]
—Darkness Manipulation | First Rank Skill | Level 7