Chapter 32 Death Is Also a Form of Release

I decided to head toward the Jiang Survivor Base to confront Jiang Yunjie, harboring a secret hope that he would uphold his golden promise. Perhaps I could also maintain my crumbling persona in front of Luo Yucheng; I could not bear to see even a hint of disappointment in her eyes.

My pace was resolute, and without a moment’s hesitation, I strode toward the city outskirts. Yet, I felt as though a pair of eyes were following me like a phantom, sending chills down my spine.

"Is anyone still alive?"

I whipped around, but there was nothing but zombies in every direction. I attempted to use my psychic powers to connect with the murky eyes of the surrounding undead, hoping to flush out the hidden observer, but it was all in vain—like casting a stone into the sea.

A shiver crept from the soles of my feet to the crown of my head. Instinctively, I gripped my pistol tightly, finding a sliver of comfort in the cold metal. Suddenly, a rustling sound erupted, and I spun around to see a swarm of zombie rats darting out.

"Oh, for heaven’s sake!" How could I run into zombie animals on this death march? I took off running, cursing under my breath.

In the sea of zombies ahead, several dark shadows swayed toward me.

"Damn it! Dogs!"

Rats were one thing, but how could my two legs outrun four-legged zombie dogs? I frantically raised my pistol and fired repeatedly. "Bang, bang, bang!" The magazine emptied in an instant, yet I hadn't hit a single dog; instead, I’d only put more holes into the mindless zombies surrounding me.

I muttered to myself, "Dammit! How am I supposed to aim while running like this?"

Behind me, the hoarse barking of the zombie dog pack rose and fell, making my heart tremble.

"Stop them!" I shouted while running, using my psychic energy to command the nearby zombies to intercept the dogs. But the lumbering undead were no match for the animals' agility; they danced around my pawns with ease.

"This is impossible! I can't even block them!" I yelled in frustration.

Just then, a raspy "Meow" echoed through the air. I looked toward the source and saw the rooftops teeming with zombie cats, their eyes gleaming with an eerie, unnatural light.

"Are you all finished yet?" I shouted, my face drained of color.

Before I could catch my breath, more figures joined the chase.

Buffalo? Goats? And ostriches? Was this a "National Geographic" nightmare?

"Why are you chasing me? I’m not some kind of energy drink!" I thought with a bitter smile.

I dared not hesitate, sprinting forward and weaving through the zombie horde, desperate for a way out. In the distance, atop a statue, a massive creature watched me in silence. The cold light in its eyes chilled me to the marrow.

"That’s the same feeling I had earlier when I was being watched."

As I drew closer, I realized it was a giant Siberian tiger.

"Ah!"

I let out a startled cry, my face contorting into an expression of pure terror. I veered off toward another path, but the zombie tiger let out a roar—"Awooo!"—and leaped down.

"They say a tiger's roar shakes the mountains and rivers. I never believed it before, but now... oh god, it's here!"

The zombie tiger charged at me with speed far greater than the other animals. It possessed such immense power that it sent nearby zombies flying upon impact. A massive force slammed into my back, sending me sprawling several meters away. The tiger landed behind me, pinning me down with its front paws.

I turned over, breaking into a cold sweat, my eyes locked onto it. Strangely, it didn't eat me immediately; it retreated to the side and sat down, as if waiting for the other zombie animals to arrive.

"Are you playing with me, you beast?"

I was furious, but the other creatures had already caught up, surrounding me in a tight circle.

"Dammit! I’m done running! If I’m going down, I’ll take you with me!"

I stood up, holstered my pistol, and raised my fists in the fighting stance I’d seen Xu Hanfeng use. However, that posture looked pitifully weak before the pack of beasts. They swarmed me. I lashed out with punches and kicks, but it was like trying to empty the ocean with a spoon.

Bites and scratches covered my body, and I felt the approach of death. Yet, I refused to stop fighting, even if it was all in vain.

"Even a Pekingese like you dares to toy with me?" I roared.

I kicked out with all my might, pouring every ounce of my rage and resentment into the strike. But my anger didn't scare them off; instead, they acted like sharks smelling blood, diving onto me in a frenzy.

I fought back, but I was overwhelmed. Soon, I collapsed under their assault. My body was torn to shreds, and the pain nearly caused me to lose consciousness. Lying on the ground, I felt a wave of despair. It seemed my time had come.

So be it!

"Perhaps death is a release," I whispered to myself.

I gave up the struggle and let them consume me. Just then, the zombie tiger roared again—a sound like rolling thunder that made the other beasts back away, displaying the true stature of a king.

The prey was subdued; it was time for the master to feast. The tiger walked slowly toward me, panting, its eyes filled with the scent of death. It stood over me like the Grim Reaper, ready to pronounce my final hour. I felt no fear, merely waiting for the end.

However, when the tiger’s jaws clamped onto my abdomen, the searing agony forced a scream from my lips.

"Ah—"

Blood spewed from my mouth, and my body began to convulse. I coughed, a final spark of defiance burning in my heart.

"No, even if I die, I’m taking you down with me, you beast!"

I gritted my teeth, enduring the waves of agony, and lunged forward, sinking my teeth deep into the tiger’s thick, muscular neck. The beast shrieked in pain and thrashed its head, its raw strength tossing me into the air like a ragdoll.

I hit the ground hard, the back of my head striking a jagged rock. The world went black, and I lost consciousness.

...

I slowly opened my eyes. The long coma had made me sensitive to light, so I squinted as the world shifted from blur to clarity. My mind was still foggy, but my awareness was returning.

I tried to move, but my limbs felt heavy and unresponsive. I propped myself up and surveyed my surroundings. They didn't seem unfamiliar.

"Where am I? And... there are zombies in hell? No, that can't be right. I should be heading to heaven!"