Under the guidance of Hubert and Canis, Lancelot was led into Winston's sanctuary of study. Here, Winston had ensconced himself for five long days, with every meal brought to him by devoted servants. Upon Hubert's entrance, a visible delight illuminated Winston’s countenance. But, it faded quickly when Lancelot came into view, replaced by a shadow of displeasure. He inquired: "Why has he come here?" "He possesses uncontaminated seeds. I wish to collaborate on experiments on fertile soil and planting these seeds." Winston's furrowed brows followed Lancelot as he wandered the laboratory without another word but a mere nod of acknowledgment. Although they had worked together for three years, no moment of camaraderie had been shared. Fortunately, Winston’s regular duties kept him from too many encounters with Lancelot. Otherwise, they might have come to blows countless times. Only Theodore and Canis faced Lancelot daily, enduring his endless antics."This research chamber is truly magn
As the narrative continued, Lancelot resumed: "Master Tremblay began to display this dual persona about a month before the apocalypse. He once claimed the ability to prophesize, but now, hearing your tales, I surmise he was but a charlatan.""Is he not your master, Lancelot? To share so much, isn't that loyalty?" Canis quipped, sarcasm dripping from his words.But Lancelot's response was grave and unexpected: "I, too, wish for a world restored. I am compelled to act as zombies grow stronger, and Superhumans' progress stagnates. Had I known Master Tremblay to be the harbinger of the apocalypse, I would've resisted him. In truth, before arriving here, I already had my suspicions.""Was it about the seeds?""Yes, I found them in Master Tremblay's old residence. It's unlikely he'd know which crops would remain uncontaminated. And implanting an energy stone in me further aroused my suspicions.""Implanting an energy stone?" Hubert, well-versed in ancient Superpower scriptures, was confiden
Though two millennia old, these bullets had been meticulously stored in specialized vaults, hence were in impeccable condition. With his astute sense of choice, Lancelot picked the best rifle and ammunition. Slinging the gun over his back, he walked ahead, peering into the distance, and remarked: "Given their pace, those zombies will cover 500 meters in just a few minutes." As he spoke, he instructed Hubert: "Fetch me a gun rest. I need it for continuous firing, or my arm will get numb.""Alright."Hubert nodded, dashing a few meters away to fetch the requested item. He set up the gun rest within seconds, allowing Lancelot to aim."From this distance, how can you possibly hit them? That's easily a thousand meters away." Hubert exclaimed, skeptical. Even though the rifle was powerful, its range was limited to six hundred meters. To an average person, they could only see a dark swarm approaching. To discern what exactly was advancing required binoculars. The rifle did have a scope, b
Elsewhere, as more meteorites fell, Theodore seemed to lose his sanity. Though a sliver of consciousness remained, his predatory zombie instincts took over. The energy surging within him demanded an upgrade, exacerbating his internal torment.Such was the intricate tapestry of chaos, hope, pain, and sacrifice set against a world teetering on edge.He knew Hubert was in peril, the palpable pain the boy felt was almost tangible. Yet, he could do nothing but relentlessly hunt zombies to bolster his energy. Layer upon layer, his body was fortified in such a manner, alleviating some of the internal torment. This reprieve was not of his choosing. He knew an energy connection with Hubert would always lead to dire consequences. But he never regretted their bond, for at the very least, they could share in each other's suffering."Ahh! Ahhh!"Theodore's roar echoed, sending a horde of zombies scattering. Even Clunky Joshua, the second most formidable zombie in the area, dared not approach. He k
"My brother and I will go. This is, after all, a matter of our family, and we don't wish to inconvenience many. Phelan and Nathan will come along as they, too, seek a life-type Superhuman. I'll take half of the Edwards family's squad with us. We can use a small number. We're just headed to City B, and with Lancelot's aid, a small team will suffice." Hubert appealed in a torrent of words, then turned expectantly to Lancelot. With a narrowing gaze, Lancelot assured Hubert that he would unflinchingly come to his aid even without asking. With an unwavering voice, he proclaimed: "In City B, none shall dare harm him. On my turf, I reign supreme." His haughty demeanor might irk many, but none voiced their displeasure, knowing they soon tread on his domain. It was wise to stay in his good graces, to cajole and flatter him. "Prepare two seven-seater vehicles. Once all wounds are tended, we outline in half a day." Canis promptly ordered the preparation of essentials for their quest to fin
The vehicle sank slowly."Step outside." Lancelot instructed.Upon hearing Lancelot's directive, Hubert opened the front door while others mirrored the action at the rear. Canis broke the silence: "Check the ground below. If it's sinking too much, we'll need another way.""The ground is sinking, albeit not deeply. The real concern is not knowing the extent of the pit. If we rush out recklessly, we might end up trapped." came a voice of caution.Phelan tentatively stepped on the subsiding ground, testing its stability. Despite the sinking, the ground maintained some firmness, suggesting it was still safe for traversal. Nathan nodded in agreement but voiced his concerns: "Regardless, we must venture out. With the weight of this vehicle, we'll likely be trapped inside and meet our end within an hour."Nathan's words rang true. While sinking outside presented risks, being confined within the confines of the vehicle would seal their fate."I have got an idea." Hubert announced. Swiftly,
Hubert was utterly perplexed by Lancelot's sudden shift in tone and the audacity of addressing him with such familiarity. However, contemplation could wait, for the distant marsh seemed gripped by a rising fury. Its tumultuous surface became increasingly violent; water vortexes formed, and spouts spiraled skyward. Like guided missiles, pillars of water hurtled towards Hubert and the other metal Superhumans.Lancelot, while still clutching Hubert close, retreated several steps. His hold on Hubert was as effortless as cradling a small creature, evidently reaping the benefits of his imposing stature."We have no idea what the water from that marsh might unleash." Hubert warned: "we must be extremely cautious. If it's acidic, we're done for."He struggled to free himself from Lancelot's iron grasp, unwilling to be hauled around like a ragdoll. After several pointed jabs to Lancelot's ribs, the latter reluctantly released him, grumbling: "You're so aggressive!"But Hubert had no time for
Should Theodore currently reside within City B, would Hubert, upon arrival, cross paths with him? Hubert, consumed in thought, expressed his vexation at Clunky: "It's because of you that our arrival has been so delayed! Not to mention you 'devoured' three of our people.""Who told your folks to plunge into my territory recklessly?" Clunky countered with a smirk."Who in their right mind places a swamp in the middle of the road?" Hubert shot back."I just did." Clunky's laughter resonated, echoing his amusement.Hubert chose not to engage further, expressing: "The only reason we can still communicate like this is due to your current sanity. Should we meet again, the dynamics might differ, especially since you 'consumed' my people...""Alright, alright, here's your compensation." Interrupting him, Clunky tossed three level 3 energy stones toward Hubert: two metallic and one wooden element stone. These stones were the remnants of a devoured Station 3 Superhuman. If Clunky, at level 5, wa