Apocalypse: King of Zombies Chapter 1313: Out of Our League

With the eyes of all fixed upon them, the Void Realm invaders spent about half the day rampaging through Riverton City. They decimated hundreds of thousands of zombies with casual ease, ultimately abducting a high-Tier Zombie King.

While their method of communication remains unknown, that particular Zombie King began to direct the invaders towards Fallen Star City.

Upon witnessing this, Ethan's expression darkened considerably. This turn of events was entirely unexpected.

"Damn it," Big Mike cursed, his voice laced with fury. "That traitor just led them straight to our doorstep. If I ever get my hands on it, I'll crush its skull."

"What's coming will come," Ethan stated with a weary sigh. "Even without that Zombie King's guidance, they would have found other means to track us."

"So, what's our next move, Captain?" a subordinate inquired, their voice strained. "At their current pace, they should reach Fallen Star City in… perhaps half an hour?"

Anxiety rippled through the assembled group.

Having observed the enemy for the entire day, they were quite certain the invaders' strength was at least four or five Tiers above their own. This wasn't merely 'dangerous'; it was a situation where resistance seemed utterly futile.

Ethan didn't falter. "What do you think? We unleash Dopey. It's clear we cannot confront them directly. This is precisely the reason we keep a trump card."

"Ah, true." Someone exhaled in relief. "We still have Dopey. What is there to be afraid of? There's no way they're stronger than him."

The mere mention of Dopey visibly eased the tension in the air. Regardless of what transpired, they placed their absolute trust in Dopey.

"Let's move out," Ethan commanded, already turning. "We'll intercept them en route. We cannot allow them to reach Fallen Star City before we engage, or the city itself might be devastated."

"Agreed."

They mounted their Flamebirds and launched themselves from Fallen Star City, setting a course to confront the approaching threat.

However, their journey was cut short when a multitude of Flamebirds appeared ahead—each bearing a rider.

Ethan's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"Commander," Guard Captain Harris called out, his voice resolute. "Take us with you. We are no longer liabilities. We can contribute."

"Indeed!" echoed the voices of other Fallen Star Guard members. "There are more than twenty of those Void Realm beings. Bring us along. We may not match your level, but we can still assist—at the very least, help hold some of them back!"

Ethan narrowed his gaze upon them. "Do you truly comprehend the nature of the adversaries we are about to face?"

"We do not," the crowd responded in unison, "but it matters not! If we can lend you our aid, Commander, we harbor no fear!"

"This expedition," Ethan stated plainly, "may result in a significant number of you not returning."

"We are not afraid!"

Twenty thousand Fallen Star Guards roared in unison, their eyes blazing with unwavering resolve.

Ethan regarded them for a prolonged moment, a subtle warmth of satisfaction spreading through his chest. At least, the considerable effort he had invested in their training had not been in vain.

Yet, he still resolved not to bring them along.

This was not a battle to be won by sheer numbers. There was a distinct possibility the enemy had attained Stage A strength. Even Ethan's most trusted core team might offer limited assistance—let alone the regular Guard contingent.

Furthermore, a larger presence inevitably created more vulnerabilities for the enemy to exploit. Should Dopey fail to secure a swift victory, a single retaliatory strike from one of those monstrous beings against the Guards could lead to catastrophic casualties.

Ethan raised his voice, his command cutting through the air. "Enough! I understand your sentiment. However, this confrontation is not for you. All of you—return to the city."

"But Commander—those Void Realm entities are incredibly powerful. We are concerned for your safety—"

"What is there to be concerned about?" Ethan interrupted sharply, his tone like a honed blade. "I am the stronger one. Now, get out of here. When your participation is required, I will summon you."

He waved them away dismissively, as if dispersing a flock of birds.

Recognizing the unyielding nature of his decision, the Fallen Star Guard had no recourse but to withdraw, their faces etched with a mixture of frustration and apprehension.

A short while later, under the watchful and anxious eyes of many, Ethan and his elite team departed Fallen Star City.

Atlas City — within the compound...

"The Fallen Star Squad is advancing directly toward the Void Realm creatures," Maxwell reported, his voice hushed.

"Do you believe they are confident in their ability to handle the situation?" someone questioned, worry clouding the faces of many.

They had been monitoring the unfolding events via live feed for the better part of the day. Their understanding of the Void Realm beings' capabilities had consequently deepened.

And the more they understood, the more daunting the prospect became.

Possessing such formidable strength… did Earth have any individuals capable of confronting them?

Even those who harbored the greatest faith in the Fallen Star Squad found their confidence beginning to waver after witnessing the enemy's might.

"Ethan is not one for recklessness," Gabriel stated, striving to inject calm into his voice. "If he is initiating this engagement, he must possess a contingency plan."

"Yes." Maxwell's jaw clenched. "I too place my faith in them. At this juncture, faith is all we truly have. Apart from them… it's unlikely there's another soul on this entire planet equipped to handle this particular threat."

"Then we can only hope they emerge victorious," a voice murmured.

On a desolate highway...

A Stage C zombie, accompanied by over twenty colossal figures, was proceeding swiftly along the asphalt. This Zombie King, once commanding millions of subordinates within Riverton City and exuding an aura of absolute dominance, now found itself a captive. It had encountered beings far more fearsome than itself, subjugating it and placing it under their control.

It had anticipated its demise. Instead, it was posed a single, crucial question: were there any humans in the vicinity? Their inquiry, imbued with a subtle mental energy, was instantly comprehended. By the time a zombie achieved Stage C, its intellect was comparable to that of a human. Upon grasping their objective to locate humans, it readily volunteered to lead them, seeing an opportunity.

This, it reasoned, must be their intention to seek conflict. Therefore, it would escort them directly to its most persistent adversary. The humans residing in the nearby compound were formidable, frequently launching sorties to decimate zombie hordes. This forced the Zombie King to retreat with its underlings progressively further away merely to ensure their survival. Now, these newcomers desired to find humans—an ideal scenario. Let them annihilate each other; at best, both factions would be severely weakened, allowing it to return with its forces and claim the spoils.

The Zombie King congratulated itself internally as it advanced, a smug grin spreading across its features.

Smack!

A formidable palm strike landed on the back of its head, jolting it forward. "What’s with that grin?" a Stoneborn powerhouse demanded icily. "You’re repulsive. Keep moving. If I don’t see any humans within thirty minutes, your head is coming off."

"Grr—!" The Zombie King nodded vigorously, its grin vanishing instantly. It abandoned any pretense of defiance and accelerated, urging the Stoneborn onward.

Not long thereafter, it detected faint red forms streaking across the distant sky, heading their way. "Grr! Grr!" it pointed and bellowed.

Smack—another stinging blow. "I see them. Cease your noise!"

The Stoneborn, however, observed the approaching crimson silhouettes with discernible pleasure. "So, it truly is our own kind. But why are they mounted on Flamebirds?"

"Likely a result of beast-taming skills. While humans possess physical frailties, their innate talents are astounding—they can master abilities of any element."

"Precisely the reason the other races of Eldoria united to eradicate humanity," the speaker remarked with a hint of reminiscence. "I had not anticipated humans would still persist here."

"It matters not. They are mere insects," a different Stoneborn scoffed. "Sooner or later, they will all be our slaves."

"Hah. Indeed." Someone cracked their knuckles. "Come, let us ascertain the capabilities of this world’s humans." The Stoneborn increased their pace, converging on the impending encounter.

In the sky—aboard the Flamebirds...

Ethan's contingent also noticed their approach. Ethan instantly activated True Sight, his gaze sweeping over the approaching figures. His heart sank.

"Ethan," someone inquired urgently, "what are we facing?"

"Minimum… Stage A," Ethan stated, his voice hardening. "And the strongest among them…" He swallowed hard, then forced the words out. "Tier 28."

"!!!"