Volume 1, Chapter 18: Siege of the Undead

Lin Xue nodded slightly, tightening the strap of her backpack. “Hopefully the survivors here are better than those from the Alliance.”

After the small boat docked, the three were stopped by guards.

The guards wore rudimentary armor and carried homemade weapons, their eyes sharp and fierce.

“Who are you?” the lead guard asked coldly.

“Passing survivors, hoping to trade and seek shelter,” Gao Yang replied calmly.

The guard gave them a cold once-over before waving them along. “Follow me. The island lord will decide your fate.”

They were led into a refuge on the island.

The island had been transformed into a small self-sufficient city, with plantations, crude workshops, and dwellings scattered about.

The residents wore tattered clothes, their faces numb as they busied themselves with bowed heads.

“They look like... slaves,” Lin Xue whispered, her eyes full of doubt.

Gao Yang said nothing, his gaze fixed ahead.

Soon, they arrived at a large building.

It was the most luxurious structure on the island, clearly reserved for the island lord.

The guard knocked on the door and ushered the three inside.

Inside, the decor starkly contrasted with the outside’s roughness.

The floor gleamed spotless, paintings adorned the walls, and even a running generator hummed quietly.

A middle-aged man sat in a chair, flanked by several burly men.

He wore clean clothes and held a glass of red wine, leisurely watching Gao Yang and the others.

“Welcome. I am Duan Wei, the lord of this island,” he said with a smile tinged with arrogance.

Gao Yang remained unfazed by his demeanor and stated directly, “We are passing survivors hoping to trade supplies for provisions and to learn about the Sky Dome Project.”

Duan Wei raised an eyebrow, setting down his wine glass. “The Sky Dome Project? That’s not a term for ordinary folk to know.”

“What do you know about it?” Gao Yang asked coldly.

Duan Wei chuckled, standing and walking to the window to gaze outside. “Here, information is as valuable as supplies. If you want answers, you’ll need to bring enough bargaining chips.”

“We have a cipher box and a decoder,” Zhou Cheng spoke up, his tone edged with impatience.

Duan Wei turned, a spark of excitement in his eyes. “A cipher box? Interesting. That thing is worth something.”

Lin Xue sensed something amiss and whispered to Gao Yang, “He doesn’t seem trustworthy.”

Gao Yang nodded slightly, expression unchanged. “What we need are intelligence and supplies. What can you offer?”

Duan Wei’s smile deepened. “Supplies are easy. As for intelligence, perhaps we can talk, but first, you’ll need to prove your worth by completing a task.”

“Another trial?” Lin Xue blurted out, anger creeping into her voice.

Duan Wei ignored her and looked to Gao Yang. “Have you heard of sea beasts?”

“Sea beasts?” Gao Yang frowned.

“Yes,” Duan Wei replied slowly. “Recently, our fishermen discovered a massive sea beast. It destroyed our nets and even attacked several small boats. If you can kill it, I’ll give you what you want.”

“That’s your problem, why should we risk ourselves?” Lin Xue retorted.

Duan Wei shrugged and smiled. “You can choose not to go, but then we have no reason to help you, do we?”

Gao Yang pondered for a moment before nodding. “Tell us its location.”

Duan Wei nodded in satisfaction, handing Gao Yang a hand-drawn map. “Good luck.”

At dawn the next day, the three set out with simple weapons, following the map to a flooded ruin.

This area was once part of a city, now submerged by seawater, forming a natural shallow pool.

“This place looks ominous,” Lin Xue whispered, clutching her dagger tightly.

Zhou Cheng checked his gun coldly. “Stay alert. It could appear anytime.”

As they watched warily, a massive splash erupted from the sea.

A gigantic sea beast leapt from the water, letting out a deafening roar.

“Here it comes!” Gao Yang shouted, lightning quickly gathering on his baseball bat.

The sea beast was enormous, its skin as tough as rock, with sharp claws and a massive tail that looked deadly.

It fixed its gaze on the three, clearly viewing them as intruders.

“Lin Xue, find cover! Zhou Cheng, cover me!” Gao Yang commanded swiftly.

Lin Xue darted behind a piece of rubble, while Zhou Cheng fired his gun to draw the beast’s attention.

Gao Yang took a deep breath as electricity surged wildly in his palms.

He charged the beast, swinging his bat hard at its head.

Boom!

Lightning exploded, but the beast’s skin was incredibly tough; the lightning left only a shallow mark on its head.

“Its defense is too strong!” Lin Xue cried out.

“Keep attacking! It must have a weak spot!” Gao Yang gritted his teeth, swinging the bat again.

The battle grew fierce. The beast’s attacks were brutal; its tail smashed a chunk of rubble to pieces.

Gao Yang narrowly dodged several attacks, while Lin Xue and Zhou Cheng scouted for openings from a distance.

“Its eyes!” Zhou Cheng shouted. “Its eyes are the weak points!”

Gao Yang quickly shifted tactics. Aiming at the beast’s eye, he unleashed a powerful bolt of lightning.

Sizzle!

The lightning struck the beast’s left eye precisely. The beast howled in pain, thrashing wildly to shake off the assault.

“Now’s our chance!” Gao Yang yelled.

Lin Xue and Zhou Cheng acted simultaneously, joining Gao Yang in a final coordinated strike.

Together, they brought the sea beast down into the water, blood staining the surrounding waves.

Catching their breath on the shore, the three exchanged tired but relieved smiles.

“It’s finally over,” Lin Xue murmured.

Gao Yang nodded, gazing toward the solitary island with a thoughtful look.

“Let’s go back and see what other tricks Duan Wei has,” he said, calm but resolute.

At the island’s far side, a cold gleam flickered in Duan Wei’s eyes, as if he had long anticipated their return…

Gao Yang, Lin Xue, and Zhou Cheng returned to the island with the sea beast’s carcass.

As they stepped onto the dock, Duan Wei was already waiting with several guards.

Seeing the beast’s body, a satisfied smile spread across his face.

“Well done,” Duan Wei applauded. Turning to his men, he said, “Dispose of the carcass properly. Tonight, we’ll give our distinguished guests a proper welcome.”

Lin Xue frowned, instinctively sensing something off in Duan Wei’s attitude. “We’ve completed the task. Can we now receive the supplies and intelligence?”