With the sun setting and only a faint light remaining, Liu Bin surveyed his surroundings and identified a gap in the encircling horde of zombies.
Now clad in protective gear, his every step produced a distinct sound, making stealth impossible.
The zombies, hearing the noise, shifted their direction towards Liu Bin and advanced anew. Some of the zombies, exhibiting surprising agility, sprinted directly towards him.
In that moment, Liu Bin found himself at the center of attention.
Since stealth was not an option, he opted for a direct charge.
His destination was the high school section across the way.
Following the map he had seen earlier and his memory, Liu Bin realized he was approaching the auditorium, intending to shake off his pursuers there.
After that, he would head left towards the library.
His girlfriend, Li Wei, a library assistant, was likely there. Considering the chaos outside, the library was probably no safer.
Li Wei, I'm coming for you. No matter the dangers ahead, I will rescue you.
Driven by the thought of Li Wei, Liu Bin found extraordinary courage, his steps now more resolute.
"Damn it!"
Just as Liu Bin was about to reach the entrance of the auditorium, a powerful force from his right side sent him flying.
Tumbling several meters across the ground, Liu Bin quickly got up, facing the looming figure of a large student.
Make no mistake—this was no rescuer. Given the horrific appearance of the student's face, avoiding a fight was no longer an option.
Let's see what you've got!
After being thrown by the student, Liu Bin quickly recovered. Glancing at his opponent, Liu Bin noted with some awe the size difference. This must have been a sports student before the infection, evident by the enhanced speed and strength post-infection.
Facing such a formidable foe, Liu Bin knew he had to outsmart rather than outfight.
Though physically enhanced, the zombie's intelligence was clearly compromised.
The best tactic against zombies was to bait them and then strike lethally. The most vulnerable human area is the brainstem, located at the base of the skull. A precise strike there could down even the mightiest adversary.
Now face to face, Liu Bin defended first, positioning his shield forward with his left hand loosely holding his baton.
The next moment, as the zombie's weight impacted him, Liu Bin used the force to spin around, his left hand tightening on the baton and swinging it horizontally, striking the zombie precisely at the base of the skull.
"Thud!" The force of the blow was such that the large zombie collapsed, motionless.
One down, but more were approaching.
The brief skirmish had drawn more fast-moving zombies. They approached from various directions, effectively encircling him.
Liu Bin's left hand was numb from the impact, but it didn't hinder his strength.
Right hand firm, he lifted the plastic riot shield, now his primary barrier, and charged towards the oncoming zombies.
In these dire moments, Liu Bin's training came to the fore—he was no longer merely surviving; he was combating a tangible threat.
Inside the dark auditorium, after the tumult outside, Liu Bin paused to catch his breath and reassess his strategy, knowing that every corner could hide another horror.