Yuqi anxiously dialed 110 once again.
"The number you have dialed is currently busy. Please try again later."
She had been trying for hours, only to meet the same message. It wasn't just her. Hundreds, maybe thousands of survivors were desperately seeking help. Frustrated, she logged onto Weibo, posting a plea for rescue, hoping someone, anyone, would see it.
Three hours ago, Yuqi had tried to escape. With her female assistant and two bodyguards, they'd braved the streets, hoping to drive out of the city. But the underground garage became a death trap. Zombies ambushed them, and in a horrifying moment of chaos, her companions were torn apart. She had watched, paralyzed, as they turned into the very creatures they were running from. Shaken to her core, she fled back to the 25th floor, locking herself inside her office—alone, afraid, and uncertain of her next move.
At 2 p.m., a shadow fell over the capital.
Yuto Saito gazed out from the edge of the floating island. Below them, the sprawling chaos of the city unfolded, but he had a mission. Turning to Orange, he spoke calmly. "Call your parents. We need to confirm their location."
"Got it," she nodded, pulling out her phone for a video call. The screen flickered, and soon the familiar face of her mother appeared. Relief surged through her as she saw her mother safe.
"Mom, where are you and Dad? I'm in the capital now. I'll come to you," Orange asked, urgency in her voice.
Her mother's face clouded with worry. "Why on earth did you come to this place? It's dangerous here!"
"Don't worry, Mom. I've got powerful teammates with me. We're all awakened, and we can handle the zombies," Orange reassured her.
Her mother's eyes widened with relief. "An awakened? Oh, my dear child, thank heavens! I always knew you were special. Our family has been blessed!"
"Where are you now, Mom?" Orange pressed.
Her mother's tone softened. "Your father and I are safe, sweetheart. The military took us in not long ago. We're being evacuated by boat."
Tears welled up in Orange's eyes as the weight of her worries lifted. "Thank you, Mom. I'm so glad you're safe."
Her mother smiled through her tears. "You've always been such a caring child."
"I have you and Dad to thank for everything. I'll leave the capital soon, I promise."
The call ended, and Orange sighed in relief. Turning to Yuto, she gave a small nod. "My parents are safe. The military has them."
Yuto smiled. "That's good to hear. Now that we've arrived, let's make sure we don't leave empty-handed. Today's goal: a hundred spars."
The girls snapped to attention, ready to contribute. The floating island descended gracefully, coming to rest above Songjiang District. As it lowered to a height of seventy meters, it didn't go unnoticed.
Yuqi, staring out of the office window, was utterly speechless.
"What the…? An island? With villas and grass? Floating… in the sky?" Her mind raced, unable to comprehend what she was seeing. As if things couldn't get stranger, five elevators dropped from the hovering island. The entire scene was surreal, like something from a sci-fi film.
As Yuto Saito descended with his team, his eyes met Yuqi's. Standing in the tall building across from them, she could see him clearly. Her heart raced. Who were these people? Was this a rescue or something far more sinister?
On the street below, zombies had gathered, drawn by the movement of the descending elevators. Yuto, flanked by his team, stepped forward. Yun Yun raised her hand, and in an instant, a massive six-by-six meter ice block formed, freezing the horde of undead in place. The creatures shattered instantly.
[Ding! Kill ordinary zombies. Gained 10 experience points.]
[Ding! Kill ordinary zombies. Gained 10 experience points.]
Eight notifications chimed in quick succession.
Ruoruo cheered, "Sister Yun, you're amazing!"
Orange, bow in hand, nocked an arrow and released it into the crowd of zombies, each shot hitting its mark. Her elegant form as she drew the bow caught Yuto's approving gaze.
Ni Shuang, armed with a massive axe, wasn't far behind, charging forward and cleaving zombies in half with brutal efficiency. Natto swung her giant hammer, clearing swathes of undead with each strike. Mina, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, used her charm ability to control a zombie, turning it against its own kind.
Yuto watched his team, a proud smile playing on his lips. They didn't need him to step in. Still, he took to the air, his invisible wings carrying him effortlessly above the chaos. Nine flying knives shot out from him, each blade slicing through the heads of the zombies below.
[Ding! Kill ordinary zombies. Gained 10 experience points.]
Yuqi watched the scene in shock. From her vantage point in the building, she saw Yuto hovering in the air like some kind of god, effortlessly slaying the undead. Who were these people? Were they really from Earth?
As the last of the zombies fell, Yuto and his team began collecting spars from their fallen foes. Yuqi's heart raced. Could this be her chance? Could they save her?
A hopeful smile crept across her face as she whispered to herself, "Maybe… just maybe… I'm finally saved."