Apocalypse: King of Zombies Chapter 1256: The Man Who Went First

Nova City...

The instant those crimson-skinned abominations surged into the urban sprawl, a full-scale massacre commenced. Everywhere their advance took them devolved into an inferno of despair.

The existing zombie populace within Nova City found themselves in a truly dire predicament, subjected to annihilation on a scale that was grim to behold.

As zombie flesh offered an unpalatable taste, the crimson invaders showed no interest in consumption. Their modus operandi was outright incineration, reducing all in their path to mere crystalline cores, leaving nothing else behind.

Certain high-tier zombie formations executed a swift strategic withdrawal, guiding their subordinates away from Nova City's confines. These creatures were not foolish; they recognized the overwhelming superiority of the crimson entities, a level of power far beyond their own capabilities.

Within the central compound of Nova City, a palpable sense of dread began to grip the populace.

With each successive update of gathered intelligence, the weight on everyone's hearts grew heavier.

The sheer might exhibited by these crimson-skinned fiends utterly obliterated their preconceived notions of power limitations.

And the most chilling revelation?

Their numbers exceeded six hundred individuals.

Such a formidable force was terrifying in itself; when combined with overwhelming numbers, it felt akin to a cosmic decree signaling their imminent demise.

Rowan had even entertained the desperate option of abandoning the Nova City compound and initiating a full-scale evacuation.

However, with a population of two million souls, such an exodus was a monumental undertaking, far from a simple endeavor.

Furthermore, any significant disturbance would undoubtedly draw the attention of the monstrous entities.

For the present moment, the crimson hordes remained at a considerable distance from the compound. The constant obstruction presented by the native zombies afforded the compound a brief window for deliberation.

Should a viable solution remain elusive...

Then, the agonizing choice of forsaking the compound and fleeing Nova City would become unavoidable.

“General,” a high-ranking official stated in a hushed tone, “the reconnaissance unit has already been dispatched to assess the situation.”

Rowan's gaze was steely, yet his voice resonated with a profound weariness. “Excellent. Ensure their families are well provided for.”

To ascertain the strength of the adversary, proximity was essential. Given the destructive capabilities of the crimson entities, approaching them was tantamount to a voluntary sacrifice.

This mission was, in essence, a death warrant.

Nevertheless, its execution was imperative. At the very least, they needed to determine the power tier of these beings to formulate an appropriate response strategy.

General Rowan Pierce had scoured the entirety of the compound before locating an individual possessing sensing abilities who was prepared to undertake the perilous task.

The man's sole stipulation was simple: in the event of his demise, the government and military were to assume responsibility for his family's welfare.

Rowan had readily assented to this condition without hesitation.

In a desolate stretch of ruins situated to the southeast of Nova City, a small contingent advanced with utmost circumspection.

This was the designated Recon Team.

Comprising eight individuals, all operating at Tier 9, their objective was to escort the crucial asset—a middle-aged man—to a point close enough to the crimson monstrosities to obtain a vital reading.

This middle-aged gentleman constituted the linchpin of the entire operation.

His name was Scott Bennett. Originally, he was merely a Tier 7 Enhanced individual. Prior to the mission's commencement, his strength had been augmented to Tier 9.

His Tier 6 ability was a specialized sensing-type skill, capable of detecting the power levels of enemies up to five tiers above his own.

Scott was fully cognizant of the mission's grim nature.

He understood it to be a journey from which there would be no return.

And yet, he had volunteered.

The driving force behind his decision was his six-year-old daughter, awaiting him within the compound.

His frequent excursions with teams to hunt zombies meant his daughter spent the majority of her time attending the compound's educational facility.

It was the governing body that had facilitated her continued education amidst the apocalyptic chaos. The school itself served as her guardian during his frequent absences.

Scott harbored a profound and unwavering gratitude towards Nova City's administration for this provision.

Now, with the compound facing imminent peril, he had stepped forward to offer whatever contribution he could.

He also harbored another critical understanding: should the Nova City compound fail to weather this cataclysm and be forced into abandoning the city entirely…

An Enhanced individual with sensing capabilities, responsible for a young child, would have scant prospects of survival in the ensuing wilderness. Not in this desolate world.

However, if this mission aided the authorities in devising a strategy to confront these formidable foes—if it granted the Nova City compound even a sliver of hope for survival…

Then, it would all be deemed worthwhile.

Furthermore, the administration had given their solemn promise to care for his daughter.

That assurance… was sufficient.

Regarding the integrity of General Rowan Pierce's character, Scott placed his complete trust in him.

He believed implicitly in the General's commitment to upholding his word.

Aside from Scott Bennett, the remaining seven members had joined with a similar resolute mindset.

None harbored any expectation of returning alive.

To guarantee the mission's success, Nova City would never permit Scott to venture forth unaccompanied. He was the pivotal element. The others were tasked with his escort—prepared, if necessary, to sacrifice their lives to secure a few precious extra seconds for him.

The surrounding atmosphere grew progressively more intense with heat.

A collective understanding dawned upon them: they were nearing their objective.

Scott abruptly halted his progression. Turning to face the soldiers accompanying him, he declared in a low voice, “You all remain here. I shall proceed the remainder of the distance alone.”

“Negative,” one of the soldiers interjected immediately, his jaw firmly set. “The orders are absolute. Our duty is to ensure you reach the monsters safely.”

Scott held up the satellite phone, its design resembling a sturdy, thick smartphone, and gave it a shake. "We're already past the point of encountering zombies. Your following me further in won't help; it'll only lead to your needless demise."

"This satellite phone is connected to a live line. The instant I get a reading on their power level, I'll announce it immediately."

"Still no," the soldier remained resolute. "If you're incinerated before you even get within range to perceive anything, the mission is a failure. If we are present, we can at least provide cover for you, buying you a crucial moment."

"With flames of that magnitude, blocking is impossible," Scott stated, his head shaking in disagreement. "Furthermore, the more individuals we involve, the simpler it becomes to expose our objective."

"…"

The soldiers exchanged uncertain glances.

Scott's reasoning was sound.

However, orders were orders.

"Listen to me," Scott pleaded, his voice filled with sincerity. "You're barely in your twenties and already Tier 9. Your futures are incredibly bright. Do not squander them on a futile sacrifice."

Then, his tone shifted, becoming steely. "If you refuse to listen, I will not undertake this mission at all."

"…"

The soldiers exchanged looks amongst themselves.

Ultimately, they could only nod in helpless resignation.

"Scott… be cautious."

A breathy laugh escaped Scott. "Cautious? We are all gathered here to meet our end. What is there to be careful about?"

With those words, he moved forward swiftly, leaving the group of seven with their complex expressions behind him.

Utilizing the surrounding rubble for concealment, Scott maneuvered from one dilapidated structure to the next until he arrived at the skeletal remains of a toppled skyscraper.

From this vantage point, the scene below became undeniably clear.

A cluster of red-skinned monstrosities were sprawled across an open expanse ahead, languidly basking in the sun as if enjoying a leisurely vacation.

Their countenances appeared almost serene, conveying a sense of profound contentment with their existence in this world.

Scott clenched his jaw and cautiously advanced, his movements light and deliberate, angling himself towards one of the abominations.

Yet, he had only taken a few steps—

That very red-skinned creature abruptly opened its eyes and fixed its gaze directly upon him.

A wave of dread washed over Scott.

"It's over for me now."

He had not yet achieved the proximity required for his sensing ability to function. If the creature chose to immolate him at this very moment, his demise would be utterly meaningless.

Scott gritted his teeth and erupted forward, his sprint a blur of motion like an arrow unleashed from a bow—heading directly for the creature.

The red-skinned horror's mouth contorted into a grotesque grin.

It did not retaliate with flames. Instead, it observed Scott's charge with an air of amusement, as if relishing the spectacle.

It had already discerned something unique about him.

This one was different from the lesser beings they had been consuming throughout the day.

This one was… palatable.

They had feasted on many of its kind on the far side of the ocean.

Witnessing the creature's inaction, Scott felt an overwhelming surge of relief, almost to the point of collapse.

He covered the remaining distance in an instant, reaching a point mere meters away, at which point he immediately activated his sensing skill.

The result struck him with the force of a physical blow.

Scott's face contorted, draining of color.

"Unable to sense it—definitely Tier 15 or higher!" he bellowed into the satellite phone with all his might.

He himself was cultivated to Tier 9. His sensing ability was capable of detecting threats up to Tier 14.

If he could not perceive its strength, only one conclusion was possible: Tier 15… or possibly even greater.

His heart plummeted into the depths of despair.

Creatures of that caliber…

Could the Nova City compound truly withstand their onslaught?

He would unfortunately never discover the answer.

The red-skinned beast extended a limb, grasped him as if he were weightless, and violently yanked him closer.

Its maw gaped open.

A single bite—

And Scott's awareness dissolved into the suffocating darkness.