From initially ducking to dodge incoming arrows to falling from a height unharmed and running at superhuman speeds.
Xia Leng could only attribute the headman's abilities to being a "Baptized" individual!
And not just any Baptized, but a "Hunter-type" one!
Five years ago, the sudden and globally pervasive Black Rain transformed 97% of humanity into bloodthirsty, zombie-like creatures. The remaining 3% of the lucky survivors not only retained their will but also experienced gene mutations that enhanced their abilities!
These survivors who underwent the Black Rain baptism and gained enhancements are known as "Baptized."
Xia Leng, on the other hand, is among those who didn't get rained on, didn't become zombies, and didn't receive any enhancements, thus being categorized as lowly and worthless vagrants.
In this apocalypse, everything—technology, culture, and more—was destroyed by the rain, leaving only pure strength to control everything. Hence, this world is ruled by the Baptized!
The abilities gained by mutated humans vary widely, even branching into thousands of subcategories, but they are generally summarized into five major types.
The first major type, the most common among the Baptized, is known as the Apocalypse Warrior. They possess unmatched superhuman strength and indestructible bones.
The second type is the Apocalypse Hunter, who possesses exceptional sensory abilities, abnormally fast reaction times, graceful agility, and bewildering attack methods.
The third type is the rare Brain Mutant Baptized, known as "Sages."
These "Sages" lack superhuman strength and incredible speed, and are similar to ordinary people in those respects. The only difference is their high intelligence, which allows them to devise intricate schemes that are difficult to crack. They usually hold leadership roles in high-level fortresses, mercenary companies, and other organizations.
The fourth type is the rarest and most formidable—those with uncontrollable powers beyond scientific explanation, such as manipulating elements or controlling thoughts, known as Controllers.
Among Controllers, some are so powerful that they can create natural disasters!
Legend has it that during a territorial dispute between two rival mercenary companies, one side hired a high-level Controller for a fortune. This Controller conjured a massive live volcano at the enemy's base, and the erupting magma instantly submerged the entire base, leaving no survivors...
Finally, the most controversial and enigmatic ability, which some consider a useless gimmick while others find useful, is the Mystics. Many people don't even know they belong to this type. Mystics may have slightly better luck compared to ordinary people, foresee upcoming dangers, or even allegedly reverse time.
Overall, it's a legendary ability, yet no one has ever witnessed it firsthand.
Apart from the various mutant abilities, each type's proficiency is ranked into different tiers by certain testing institutions.
For example, a first-tier Apocalypse Warrior can easily lift 100 kg with one hand, while a second-tier can lift nearly 300 kg. The higher the tier, the more exponentially the power increases, with a total of nine tiers.
It is said there are even more powerful stages beyond the ninth tier, but no one has ever surpassed them.
The method to advance tiers involves a rumored potion extracted from crystals, with the refining technique held by high-level mercenary companies and shelters, making it a top-tier commodity in the wilderness.
In duels among the Baptized, having a higher tier does not necessarily guarantee victory.
For instance, a fourth-tier warrior might deliver a devastating blow, but might not catch a second-tier agile hunter. Likewise, a second-tier hunter may not be able to penetrate a fifth-tier warrior's defenses. Thus, Baptized individuals have a subtle counterbalancing relationship.
The headman chasing Xia Leng is inferred to be a first-tier agile Hunter based on his speed.
Though only a first-tier, in this desolate city, he is considered a noble compared to ordinary people.
The reason this "noble" is willing to compete with ordinary vagrants for survival is that a first-tier Hunter in medium to large towns, fortresses, or shelters only holds a slightly higher status than a vagrant. However, in the wilderness, they enjoy a king-like treatment from hundreds of ordinary vagrants.
The principle of "better to be a head rooster than a tail phoenix" is universally understood.
At this point, the prestige of abilities is also distinguished. A rare first-tier Controller can enjoy knight-level treatment in organizations.
...
Xia Leng, seeing the Apocalypse Hunter closing in, realizes he can't escape this calamity.
He doesn't believe he's a hidden Mystic, otherwise, why would he face a series of misfortunes today...
The little stamina he regained from consuming the giant beetle's brain fluid has been mostly depleted by the recent series of battles, forcing him to slow his running speed to conserve energy for the upcoming fight.
Hearing the pursuit and curses closing in from behind, Xia Leng calculates that he will be caught by the "noble" in less than ten seconds!
"Is today my day to die? Perhaps..."
He reaches for the bone dagger at his waist, still smeared with the venom of the Ghost-faced Spider. If he can inflict even a slight wound, he might turn the tide!
Though he knows this chance is slim, as his opponent is a Baptized.
Over the past five years, he has survived through confrontations with the Rampage Clan, attacks by man-eating birds, and betrayals from teammates.
His survival skills have undoubtedly improved significantly.
However, in the apocalypse, "bloodline" represents everything.
Even if you were a veteran hunter living in the deep mountains before the apocalypse, your shooting skills would not match those of a first-tier apocalypse hunter with enhanced vision.
Reality has always been unfair, even more so in the apocalypse.
"Kid, run as fast as you can. This is your last chance to escape, because soon, I'll be pulling your tendons out!"
The snarling headman continues to chase Xia Leng, laughing menacingly and adding psychological pressure to his prey.
"Five seconds left."
Xia Leng ignores the threats from behind, calculating the time left before the headman is within his attack range.
In fact, he has already glimpsed that the headman has a crossbow at his waist, which could be used to shoot him directly, but he hasn't.
Because Apocalypse Hunters have a sadistic tendency to toy with prey they deem destined to be caught.
Xia Leng plans to use the headman's contempt to launch a surprise counterattack!
One second!!
A distance of about 13 meters!
For a first-tier speed-type Hunter, it's a blink of an eye!
Xia Leng strikes, suddenly turning around and swiftly swinging the dagger tipped with venom through the air!
At the same time, the headman, as Xia Leng anticipated, closes in behind him within this second, raising his steel knife with a gust of wind to strike Xia Leng's neck!
However, Xia Leng's preemptive strike catches him off guard. No matter how fast he is, facing an anticipated attack only results in running into the blade!!
The headman's eyes widen in disbelief as he sees the green-glowing blade in Xia Leng's hand. It's too late to pull back now—this is a drawback of speed...
Swish~
The venom-coated dagger slices across the headman's knuckles...