Returning to the shopping mall, Zhang Yang's loyal subordinates, including Tyrant and Overlord Blade, remained steadfast in their positions, unwavering in their vigilance.
Even the zombies previously under Ghostface's command, who had been forcibly subdued, now knelt on the ground, bowing in submission.
As Zhang Yang returned, Overlord Blade and Tyrant stepped forward to congratulate him:
"Congratulations, Boss!"
Tyrant presented a crimson energy crystal, extracted from the Flame Zombie King, as an offering for Zhang Yang to consume.
Crunching on the crystal like a savory snack, Zhang Yang absorbed its potent energy. His energy level on the panel increased again, now reading (438/500)—mere steps away from ascending to Tier 5.
Yet, the spoils of this conquest extended beyond energy alone. The most tangible gain lay in the expansion of his territory.
Initially, Zhang Yang's dominion was limited to the Deep Lake Dragon View residential area. Though teeming with zombies, its size was modest.
Now, with the demise of the Flame Zombie King and Ghostface, their territories—the New World Shopping Mall and Prosperity Estate—had seamlessly fallen into Zhang Yang's hands. His undead forces swiftly occupied these areas, integrating them into his growing empire.
The result? His domain had more than doubled in size, elevating him to one of the largest zombie kings in the entire city.
With this territorial expansion came a corresponding increase in his horde. While the Flame Zombie King's forces had been nearly annihilated, many unaffiliated zombies in the mall's vicinity had survived the battle. These stragglers, initially reluctant to submit, were now compelled by Zhang Yang's overwhelming aura to kneel in reverence, growling hoarsely in surrender.
Counting Ghostface's subdued horde, Zhang Yang's zombie army had not only recovered but had nearly doubled in size, swelling from nearly ten thousand to over twenty thousand. It was now a force capable of unleashing a catastrophic tide of undead, leaving nothing in its wake.
Ecstatic over this victory, Zhang Yang prepared to reward his two subordinates for their efforts.
Just then, Overlord Blade, who had been lost in thought, spoke up:
"Boss, Ghostface didn't assist the Flame Zombie King out of pure goodwill. He was after something!"
He quickly recounted the conversation between Ghostface and Flame, mentioning a mysterious artifact rumored to contain immense energy.
"Something of such significance must be extraordinary," Zhang Yang mused, his interest piqued.
The pursuit of energy—to devour and grow stronger—was an instinctual drive for every mutant creature, etched deeply into their very genes.
"If it could compel a zombie king to risk everything, this artifact must hold unparalleled value," Zhang Yang concluded, his eyes gleaming with determination.
He turned to Overlord Blade. "If Flame discovered it, then it must be nearby. Overlord Blade, you're the sharpest of the group. I'm entrusting you with this mission. Find that artifact at all costs. Success will be richly rewarded."
Puffed with pride, Overlord Blade cast a smug glance at Tyrant before declaring, "Yes, Boss! I won't let you down!"
Satisfied, Zhang Yang nodded, leading his army back to the Deep Lake Dragon View estate. Meanwhile, the newly subjugated zombies remained in the recently claimed territories, silently strengthening their defenses.
Thus concluded Zhang Yang's first expansion campaign, though its ripple effects were far from over.
At the Official Refuge
The satellite broadcast of the battle had long since ended. The reason? The reconnaissance team responsible for filming had been paralyzed with fear. Witnessing Zhang Yang obliterate two zombie kings with effortless dominance had left them too terrified to continue. Fearing they'd be discovered and meet the same fate, the team had withdrawn in a panic.
Unbeknownst to them, Zhang Yang, with his psychic senses, had detected their presence from the very beginning. Yet, he chose to let them live—a calculated move to demonstrate his authority.
Now, within the refuge's conference room, the atmosphere was suffocating. The tension in the air was so thick it seemed almost tangible.
The refuge director, Commander Tang Jianming, and the returning reconnaissance team sat in silence, all fixated on the final image captured by the broadcast: a dark-clad figure descending like a god, crimson eyes glowing with regal menace, commanding an army of kneeling undead.
After a prolonged silence, the director sighed deeply, breaking the oppressive stillness.
Tang Jianming stood, his face grim, and addressed the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, after reviewing this footage, I'm sure you all realize the gravity of the situation."
"This zombie king, active near Deep Lake Dragon View, has demonstrated power far beyond our initial estimations. Subduing entire hordes and annihilating two zombie kings in mere moments—this is a level of strength we've never encountered before."
"A force of this magnitude is utterly beyond the capabilities of our refuge, even if we exhaust all our resources."
The stark truth sent a chill through the room. No one dared voice any overconfident rebuttal; the reality was undeniable.
The director turned to Tang Jianming. "Commander, what is your recommendation?"
Tang Jianming took a deep breath and proposed, "I suggest we classify this Dragon View Zombie King as an S-Class Threat. His active regions—Deep Lake Dragon View, New World Shopping Mall, and Prosperity Estate—should be designated as disaster zones. No one from the refuge is to enter these areas under any circumstances."
"Furthermore," he continued, "our phased reclamation plan should begin in the opposite direction of these disaster zones, progressing gradually."
Finally, Tang Jianming faced the director. "Our refuge alone is insufficient to confront a threat of this scale. I strongly urge you to request reinforcements from the higher authorities—send in stronger evolutionaries to aid us."