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
"Hubert!" Startled by Canis's sudden shout, Hubert turned: "Yes?" But before he could get another word in, he was pulled back by Canis, who glared at Lancelot and said: "Stop being so chummy with that lecherous rascal." The edges of Hubert's lips curled into a smirk, amused. If Canis found Lancelot lecherous, what did that make Hubert himself? Was this an instance of brotherly favoritism where one's faults are ignored? "We're just teasing each other." Hubert clarified."It doesn't matter. No means no." Canis replied, finding a justification to keep Hubert close by, leaving Lancelot to lead the way. Lancelot's playful mood was disrupted, and he grumbled: "Better a man of passion than a prude like you." "What did you just say?" Canis retorted, ready to pounce. Laughing provocatively, Lancelot dodged Canis's attack, leaving him to brood over the fact that Lancelot wouldn't even remember his first time. One day, Canis vowed silently he would give his first time to someone he truly
Only moments after Canis had spirited Lancelot away, adding Aidan to his charge, did Hubert finally find a semblance of relief. His gaze shifted to Theodore, who had been thrust back more than a dozen meters just moments ago. Now, Theodore's entire form was ensnared by an ominous black mist. The oppressive aura of a sixth-tier zombie seemed as if it intended to engulf Hubert whole. Earlier, due to his lapse in attention, Theodore had been thrown back, but now his dominating presence enveloped everything within several dozen meters. The oppressive force made Hubert feel as if he were trapped under a colossal mountain, rendering him immobile. All he could do was watch as Theodore ominously approached.Theodore now seemed even more imposing than their last encounter, as though every increase in power made him grow in stature. Hubert tried to form words, but they caught in his throat, his mouth refused to open. Theodore, however, continued his relentless approach, with an energy-charged
"Where are Aidan and Lancelot? And... where exactly am I?"It was only now that Hubert took in his surroundings. He found himself sprawled on a lavish, expansive bed in an opulent chamber. Canis replied: "This is the Anthony family's base.""So it is."No wonder it felt so luxurious. But Hubert bit his tongue, restraining any comments. Canis continued: "Aidan is in another room, while Lancelot... he's in the infirmary, awaiting his end.""End? Who's dying?"Disbelief gripped Hubert. The idea of Lancelot facing death was preposterous. Should Lancelot dare to perish, Hubert swore he'd drag him back from the abyss. Although once an adversary, Lancelot's essence was too valuable for Hubert to wish him gone."Take me to Lancelot. I can save him.""Truly?"Canis's eyes lit up with hope as he assisted the weakened Hubert. As Theodore's aftereffects lingered, Hubert felt as though every tendon and bone threatened to snap. The audacious Theodore had taken liberties, overpowering and "using" Hu