Free Web NovelChapter 91: Captured (1)
As the haunting howls of the approaching zombies grew louder, echoing through the night, the bandits’ panic surged like wildfire. Their eyes widened with fear, their hearts racing in their chests. The realisation of their impending doom sank in, spreading terror throughout the camp.
"For once, I’m happy to see you smelly bastards," Shion coldly mumbled as more and more zombies popped into his vision. "Time to brush up my acting skills."
While the Bandits had their eyes focused on the incoming horde, Shinon took out a second set of clothing from his inventory, one he had picked off from a bandit and quietly changed into it.
His plan was simple. The bandits would panic upon seeing the incoming horde and decide to flee. Shinon would use the panic and confusion to jump inside their vehicles, posing as a bandit, which should lead him to their base.
Once there, he would secretly wreak havoc there and rescue Selena. It wasn’t the brightest plan he had ever made, but it was better than anything those Phoenixes could devise... At least Shinon wanted to believe that was the case.
But amidst the chaos and panic, one figure stood apart. Stephen, their leader, maintained an eerie calmness, his expression betraying no surprise or fear. Instead, a knowing smile played at the corners of his lips as if he had anticipated this very moment.
Shinon, hidden in the shadows, observed Stephen’s composed demeanour with curiosity and suspicion. This unexpected reaction puzzled him.
The bandits, their faces etched with terror, began to scramble. Some turned and ran in a desperate bid to escape the encroaching undead. Others fumbled for weapons, their trembling hands struggling to find strength and coordination. The camp descended into a frenzied chaos of shouts, cries, and weapons clanging. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
The drastically different reactions perplexed Shinon. On one hand, their leader wasn’t panicking at all, while on the other, the bandits were scared shitless.
"Something’s off... maybe I underestimated them," Shinon mumbled, his gaze fixed on Stephen.
He pondered the possibilities, contemplating if Stephen had some secret plan, a strategy forged in the face of inevitable doom or some ability. Perhaps he had known that the camp would become a feeding ground for the undead and had prepared accordingly.
The latter part didn’t surprise Shinon. After all, their vehicles’ noise would have also attracted some zombies, so there was that.
As the first wave of zombies emerged from the darkness, their grotesque figures and insatiable hunger driving the bandits into a frenzied panic, Stephen’s voice rang out, cutting through the chaos.
"Stand your ground! We’ve prepared for this!"
The bandits, pale with terror, hesitated momentarily, their eyes flickering between the approaching zombies and their seemingly unfazed leader.
Slowly, a sense of determination replaced their initial panic. They rallied around Stephen, forming a defensive line, their weapons raised in unison.
Before Shinon knew it, the scaredy bandits stood tall and strong before the undead. It almost felt as if Stephen’s words had knocked some sense into them and awakened some dormant spartan gene within them.
Shinon’s eyes widened as he realised that Stephen had some sort of ability to make some cowering fucks turn into the bravest humans to have ever lived. Under his command, the bandits were prepared for the onslaught of the undead.
Stephen’s voice rose above the cacophony, instilling a newfound resolve within the bandits.
"We stand together! We fight for our survival! Remember, our strength lies in unity!"
The more words came out of Stephen’s mouth, the more fearless the bandits became. It almost felt like they no longer cared about dying if they could take a few undead for the ride.
The bandits, no longer scattered in fear, now fought as a cohesive unit, pushing back the encroaching zombies with a desperate fervour. They moved with incredible skill and determination; their fear transformed into a fierce resolve to protect their lives and camp.
Shinon, his initial plan of exploiting their panic now rendered ineffective, observed the bandits’ tenacity with a mix of admiration and caution. He realised they had become a force to be reckoned with under Stephen’s leadership.
As the battle raged on, Shinon pondered his next move. The unexpected turn of events had disrupted his carefully crafted plan, forcing him to reassess his strategies. Selena’s safety still hung in the balance, and he knew he needed to adapt swiftly to the changing circumstances.
"I need to think of something else now..." Shinon shook his head.
He knew he had to invade the camp where they were keeping Selena. But for that, he would have to make some terrible decisions, which he was apprehensive about as things could quickly go wrong.
While the bandits fought for their survival, unbeknownst to them, Shinon had silently stalked his way through the darkness, his steps masked by the sounds of the approaching undead.
Cloaked in the shadows, he observed Stephen’s commanding presence, his eyes narrowing with focused intensity. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the chance to confront their captain and put an end to them.
With a swift and calculated movement, Shinon emerged from behind Stephen, his figure blending seamlessly with the shifting darkness. In one fluid motion, he lunged forward, his sword aimed at Stephen’s back.
But Stephen, honed by years of survival in the lawless lands, possessed instincts as sharp as a hawk’s. With a keen sense of danger, he effortlessly sidestepped Shinon’s attack, evading the deadly blow with uncanny agility.
"I knew a rat like you would pull a stunt like that," Stephen taunted, his voice laced with arrogance and confidence.
The bandits threateningly stepped towards Shinon, but Stephen raised his hand, stopping them. "Focus on the undead. This bastard is mine to kill."
With a swift motion, Shinon launched himself at Stephen again, his sword slicing through the air with lethal precision.
But Stephen’s reflexes were sharp, his body moving with the grace of a seasoned warrior. He parried Shinon’s strike effortlessly, the clash of their weapons resonating through the night.
In desperation, Shinon acted erratically, giving Stephen the opportunity he sought. He disarmed Shinon before delivering a heavy blow to the back of his head, knocking him out.
For a moment, Stephen raised a gun, intending to kill Shinon... but he decided against it at the last moment. He had a better plan.
