Apocalypse: King of Zombies Chapter 1218: Move… Or Die

Within the Whitaker Family estate…

"Mr. Whitaker, we have trouble. That bunch isn't as innocent as they seem."

"What happened?" Charles placed the papers he held onto the desk and lifted his gaze.

"Moments ago, they clashed with another faction and slaughtered dozens right there."

"What?" Charles's eyebrows furrowed deeply. "Where were the Compound Security Force members?"

"The force arrived quickly, yet that group disregarded them completely. They even struck at Security Force soldiers."

Charles rose to his feet suddenly, fury crossing his features. "Unacceptable. They've gone too far."

"Alexander was correct," the report bearer stated darkly. "They pose a real threat to the compound's security."

"Reach out to the other family heads," Charles commanded, heading for the door. "We'll head to the location as one."

"Right away, sir!"

Over at the Hale Family home…

"Dad, that was perfect." Dominic Hale beamed with satisfaction. "Their arrogance led them to murder within the compound. I prepared several contingencies, but it seems we don't require any!"

"Mere impulsive youths relying on their minor power," Alexander remarked with a icy grin. "No matter their strength, such fools invite catastrophe."

Dominic's gaze sparkled. "Charles must be raging now. Once we convince him to join the action, victory is ours. With three families united, Maxwell's objections mean nothing."

Alexander laughed softly. "Given Charles's nature, witnessing such slaughter inside the compound will surely make him support their elimination."

His expression turned serious once more. "However, their Tier levels are high. Any assault demands thorough readiness."

"No concerns." Dominic's tone hardened. "The compound boasts seven Tier 10 Enhanced. Combined with our controlled thralls, Tier 9 Enhanced, and Tier 9 laser weapons… victory is assured."

Alexander nodded thoughtfully. "Excellent. If you're certain, proceed. Just ensure to disable them if needed—but keep them alive."

His grin reappeared, sly and cutting. "They hold greater worth breathing."

"Got it, Dad."

At the clash location…

"You're encircled!" Security Deputy Commander Daniel Carter bellowed, aiming his Tier 9 laser weapon at Ethan's crew. "Surrender your arms and give up! Resistance is futile!"

Big Mike narrowed his eyes. "That phrase rings a bell."

"Of course it does," a voice murmured. "Heard it constantly on television back then."

"…"

"Damn it." Big Mike's anger ignited. "So we're the bad guys now?"

He stared down the barricade of Compound Security Force encircling them.

"Want me to eradicate you all?" he growled. "One or two [Rain of Flames] and you're history!"

"Insolent!" Daniel snapped. "This is Atlas City—not your playground. Head to Security Command with us—immediately. Refuse, and we execute you here!"

"Bring it," Big Mike snarled, advancing a step. "Try executing someone. Let's see it."

Daniel's jaw clenched. He paused, debating a shot.

Suddenly, a Military Police runner dashed over and murmured into Daniel's ear.

Daniel's eyes bulged. He cast a cautious, evaluating glance at Ethan's team.

"Confirmed?" Daniel demanded.

"Absolutely," the officer affirmed. "Witnesses everywhere saw it."

Daniel scowled.

A member of that crew was likely Tier 10.

Complications arose.

Yet inside the compound, as a high-ranking Compound Security Force officer, backing down before all these watchers was impossible.

And his weapon… it could endanger even a Tier 10 Enhanced.

With resolve, Daniel faced Ethan's group once more and bellowed.

"I don't care about your identities or perceived power! You murdered within Atlas City's compound and assaulted the Compound Security Force. That's a grave breach of compound rules. Cease resistance and accompany us—or no matter your might, death awaits!"

"When did we assault the Security Force?" Ethan questioned, truly confused.

He glanced at Bennett. "Did we attack you?"

"You… you took my gun!" Bennett retorted, straining for authority, voice strained.

"That's not an attack." Ethan shook his head—then smoothly fired.

A laser beam erupted from the weapon in Ethan's grip, piercing Bennett's head in a precise, devastating blast.

Ethan angled the barrel and exhaled over it as if cooling it.

"Now," he stated calmly, "that qualifies as attacking."

Silence gripped the scene for an instant.

Bennett's eyes bulged in disbelief until his body crumpled. He never dreamed Ethan would fire amid all these Security Force personnel.

Both onlookers and Security Force recoiled in horror.

Slaying amid uniforms was mad enough.

A Security Captain? Unthinkable.

Daniel pointed a quivering finger at Ethan, face ashen. "Y-you…!"

His arm shook violently, words failing.

Ethan ignored him, eyeing the Security Force circle coldly.

"Step aside," he commanded flatly. "Or perish."

A wave of dread swept the ranks. Even boldest troops gulped and retreated slightly before catching themselves.

"Far too brazen!" a voice spat.

"Attack!" Daniel thundered, rage propelling him forward.

On command, Security Captains unleashed their weapons as the rest unleashed abilities.

A torrent of beams and powers hurtled toward Ethan's squad.

"Hmph." Garrick raised his arm.

Ground heaved. Soil walls erupted circularly, forming an instant bastion.

Assaults smashed into the dirt shields and fizzled.

"Seeking battle?" Big Mike's stare turned icy. "You'll get it."

He gestured sharply.

[Rain of Flames] descended like divine wrath.

"AAAH!"

"S-stop—!"

"Gah—!"

Cries echoed down the road.

Within the blaze zone, over a hundred Security Force vanished in flames—instantly charred beyond recognition.

The terror halted all movement. Assaults faltered. Gazes fixed on Big Mike as on a beast.

"A massive AoE assault…" Daniel's pupils contracted. "Tier 10 Awakened!"

Compound intel held that Tier 6 Enhanced typically wielded single-target skills. Countless such Enhanced operated that way.

Only Awakened might evolve to AoE post-Tier 6.

And this was a Tier 10 Awakened with AoE.

How to counter?

Worse—Daniel's thoughts whirled—more existed.

The earth-wall summoner was Tier 10 too. No lesser Tier repelled such barrage with mere soil.

Daniel's mind reeled.

When did street encounters include Tier 10 Awakened?

Tier 11 or beyond? Unthinkable. Tier 10 was mythic; the compound exhausted fortunes for a handful.

A "regular" hitting Tier 10 strained belief—higher? Impossible to fathom.

From below, Tier 10 and 11 appeared identical.

One skill ended you.

"Hold fire!" Daniel yelled abruptly.

He grasped it now—this foe outmatched them. Escalate to superiors.

The Security Force halted, relief washing over faces.

That Rain of Flames had seeded terror.

Yet halting didn't end Big Mike's onslaught.

He raised his hand anew—

Another [Rain of Flames] crashed, claiming a hundred more lives swiftly.

Without Ethan's restraint, Big Mike could erase them all in moments.

"Cease!" Daniel screamed raw. "Do you seek enmity with all of Atlas City's compound?!"

"If this is Atlas City's compound's level," Ethan replied icily, "what's the issue with enmity?"

"Bold claim!"

A rage-filled voice thundered from afar.