NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14 – Ultimate Temptation
June 21st, 2022
Early morning.
After ensuring everything was in order and I didn't leave anything on that could burn the house, I nodded.
"Alright, everything is ready." - I said.
I was already wearing my new adventure gear and was holding my semi-auto shotgun in my hands. I equipped it with a 5+1 mag(Shell in the chamber) and a bayonet. Although having a 40-round drum has massive firepower, it is also cumbersome. I need mobility, or I am dead.
Last time, I traveled from the basement just as the monsters broke inside. For all I know, it has a boss or two inside. Even if over three days have passed, they might still be waiting. I could theoretically wait longer, but I was impatient.
As for vision, I didn't worry about that. I found out I have night vision. Figures, being a Stalker and all.
I checked my remaining energy.
Basic Energy: 679 -> 29
Evolution Energy A: 173.5 -> 108.5
Enhancement Energy A: 4
Except for Evolution Energy, I am broke.
"Oh, well. I will recharge there." - I muttered.
[Iver, are you ready?] - Arly asked.
"Yes, but you will stay inside the Storage until everything is safe, alright?" - I said.
[Okay. Be careful. Entering Sleep Mode.] - She said and was shut down.
I then put her inside the Storage.
As a recreational tool, Arly wouldn't be helpful in a fight. She might even distract me. I will let her out once the coast is clear.
"Ssss... Hah... Okay, let's do this. Trod!"
{Yes?}
"Reality Travel to The other world— Okay, you know what? Call it Zombie World."
That world is filled with zombie-like monsters, so yeah.
{Acknowledged. Changing name.}
Anchored Realities:
- Home. Travel time: None(Currently inside). Energy cost: None(Currently inside). Cooldown: None(Currently inside).
- Zombie World. Travel time: 15 seconds. Energy cost: 3 Basic Energy. Cooldown: 19 hours 12 minutes.
"Better. Travel to Zombie World." - I ordered.
{Affirmative.}
And then my vision tunneled.
Inside the basement beneath the gun shop.
Two bored Stalkers were having a chat.
"Hey, why do you think the leader keeps us here? We searched the whole place and found nothing. The Human probably already run away." - The first Stalker growled, scratching circles on the concrete floor with its claw.
"You know as well as I do how tempting human flesh is. It is like a miracle tonic for us. We usually need to consume many crystals and others of our rank to evolve or risk it all and hunt a leader, but a single human can skip the process. Even to our leader, it is a tempting feast." - The second Stalker explained.
"Yeah, I know that! But why stay here?! This is a waste of time!" - The first Stalker hissed angrily.
"How should I know? Maybe he is just paranoid, or the temptation is that great. He has a few dozen of us under him, so leaving us two here doesn't change much." - The second Stalker replied impatiently.
"Hah... Hey, I have an idea." - The first Stalker suddenly said.
"Yeah?" - The second Stalker asked.
"If the human shows up here, how about we split 50/50 and eat it?" - The first Stalker suggested greedily.
"Do you wanna die? The leader will surely find out!" - The second Stalker reprimanded.
"But what if we evolve? Won't we become an asset to the Lord then?" - The first Stalker tempted.
"... You made a point. Fine. We can split it 50/50 if we find it. Hopefully, we can evolve before he kills us." - The second Stalker agreed after some thought.
"I knew you'll agree!" - The first Stalker yapped jubilantly.
Just as the two reached an agreement...
They saw soundless black flames conjuring in the corner of the room
In the blink of an eye, the black fire formed a tall human male holding a shotgun equipped with a bayonet.
The room entered an awkward silence.
The two stalkers warily stared at the intruder, and he evaluated them in turn.
The two Stalkers felt it. The intruder in front of them is not a regular Human. It is an evolved human. Not the standard kind, but a Stalker variant like them, and not a newly-evolved one. And it was also equipped with a bayoneted gun.
This wasn't prey. This was a dangerous adversary. This Human-Stalker can kill at least one of them, if not both.
Typically, they would run away without asking questions and call for backup.
However... That smell.
That alluring scent... they have never smelled it before. It was different than other evolved humans.
They felt it. If they eat this Human-Stalker, they can not only evolve into a Leader. They can directly Evolve into a Lord! Even if not, their future road to evolution will be smooth.
Despite their cowardly nature as creatures preferring stealth and assassination, the temptation was simply too much.
The two Stalkers didn't even need to look at each other. The crystals at the back of their heads can send primitive thoughts. This allows them to cooperate and synergize better than wolves.
"Retreat or Attack?" - The first Stalker asked.
"Attack!" - The second Stalker replied.
"Directly, or pincer?" - The first Stalker asked.
"Pincer!" - The second Stalker replied.
And that was the brief 0.05 seconds of diplomatic talk between the two.
Even if only one survived this, it was worth it. The survivor can Evolve into a Lord. It is a worthy gambit.
There was no room to hesitate. If they hesitate, they die.
There was no room for deceit. If they backstab each other, they die.
It was part of their pack mentality, prioritizing the whole group rather than the individual.
It is this quality that gave them an edge over the deceitful humans and mutated beasts.
Therefore.
The moment they decided, they attacked.
It was that simple.
The first Stalker took the left, and the second took the right.
The Human also took action and fired at the first Stalker.
Bang* Bang*
With two consecutive shots, the first Stalker was hit in the shoulder and staggered.
Taking advantage of the Human's distraction, the second Stalker crouched mid-running and swiped a fallen metal tool at its head.
The Human seemed to have sensed the incoming danger and leaned backward, dodging the projectile. However, that bought it time and saved its companion, now ducked behind a fallen metal table, from a third shot.
The Human switched its target to the second Stalker and fired. However, by this time, it also ducked under another fallen table, the shot grazing the leg.
The second Stalker ignored the burning sensation on its leg and communicated with the first Stalker.
"Status?" - It asked.
"Can't use the right hand." - The second Stalker replied heavily.
"Form distraction. I finish." - The first said with a hint of sadness.
"Yes." - The second replied solemnly.
This time, they took 0.2 seconds to communicate, showing the heaviness of the talk.
In that split second, they decided to sacrifice the first Stalker. It was the selfless and rational spirit of these pack creatures.
With its remaining functional arm, the first Stalker picked a metal plate from the floor and raised it.
Bang* Tang*
The Human shot the plate while the two Stalkers jumped simultaneously from their cover.
Because it was focused on the first Stalker's side, the Human opened fire at it first.
Bang* Splat*
The second shot hit the first Stalker squarely in the face, shattering its skull into yellowish gore.
Using its companion's noble sacrifice, the second Stalker lunged at the Human, who had yet to turn its gun in his direction. The claw was inches away from severing its relatively fragile neck.
"Die!" - It thought.
But then, something unexpected happened.
Without a sound, the Human... vanished, his claw missing the mark.
"What...?" - The second Stalker's mind was boggled.
Before it could even comprehend what happened...
Bang* Thump*
A bang sounded, and the feeling akin to a sledgehammer slammed against its side.
"Graaa!" - It gasped, smashing against the wall.
Clack* Tick*
The second Stalker turned his head to the Human.
While he was writhing in pain, the Human switched magazines.
The second Stalker felt indignant. He knew he was about to die, but this was unfair. That hit was supposed to land, but it didn't!
The Human didn't dodge, parry, or block. No, it used sorcery! This detestable Human teleported!
His companion's sacrifice was in vain. His hopes to evolve were in vain.
His life was about to end, ended by this cheater.
Rage filled his eyes as he stared at the muzzle pointed at it, promising certain death.
With the last of his energy, it roared one last time.
"THE HUMAN IS HE—"
Bang* Splat*
"ROAAAA—"
Bang* Splat*
I stared at the splattered head of the Cowardly Boss, stunned.
No, it shouldn't be called a Cowardly Boss but a Brave Boss.
Both of the Stalkers were brave, showing inhuman coordination and cooperation. One of the stalkers even selflessly sacrificed himself.
They also showed human tactics. They used a pincer attack to divide my attention. They hurled an object at my head to distract me. They took cover behind tables. They used a metal plate to waste a bullet and make me focus on the injured Stalker.
It was unnerving.
From my observations, these creatures possessed intellect close to a human and should have an ego. For such an intelligent creature to be willing to sacrifice itself... Few humans would do that, and even then, not so decisively.
However, my contemplation stopped as I heard noise from outside.
"ROAAAR!!!"
"GRAAA!!!"
"Shit! They heard it!" - I woke up from my daze.
Not wasting any more time, I quickly offered their crystals and scrammed.
Basic Energy: 35.7
Evolution Energy A: 111.1
Enhancement Energy A: 6.6
Exiting the basement, I took a glance at the front entrance.
It was still intact but also flooded with mobs from outside. I couldn't use it as an exit.
With that in mind, I dashed to the second floor.
Luckily, it was empty, but I noticed the broken window in the bedroom.
"They entered through there." - I figured.
Although I knew that, I still rushed there.
The time from the fight until now was less than half a minute. Even if Stalkers rush over, it will take them a minute or two.
And my gamble was right.
Entering the empty bedroom, I rushed to the window and looked at a nearby roof.
"Teleport."
I vanished from my spot, reappearing on the other roof.
Finally, on the roof, I had a clearer picture of my surroundings.
The street was packed with around 200 mobs led by a Soldier.
Of course, such a number is nothing to me now. Unless I play suicide man and jump down, they can't do jack shit to me.
But the problem was...
"ROAAAARRR!!!"
"GRAAAAA!!!"
The monsters kept roaring like sirens. Alarm bells rang in my mind.
"They are calling for help!!!" - I realized, feeling a chill down my spine.
If they are calling for help, then there are more Soldiers and Stalkers around. Or worse.
"I must get Conceal Presence, or I am dead!"
That nightmare of mine, the one about me being surrounded and killed.
If I don't take action right now, it will happen. They will surround me, and I will die.
My eyes turned murderous as I stared at the Soldier roaring behind the hoard.
"Okay, you first!"
I put away my shotgun and pulled out my sniper rifle, loaded with armor penetrators.
Bang*
Aiming with practiced precision, I hit the mark. Its brain became mashed potatoes as the bullet ricocheted inside its thick skull.
Before it even had time to collapse, I sprinted and jumped like an Olympic Champion from the roof.
"Teleport!"
The next moment, I flashed on its shoulders, my feet slamming against it as I grabbed the crystal behind its head.
"Dark Offering."
The crystal turned into black fire and entered my chest.
Basic Energy: 39
Evolution Energy A: 112.4
Enhancement Energy A: 7.9
At the same time, my momentum dragged the dead Soldier to fall on its back.
Before it fell, I jumped off and ran to the right side of the street, ignoring the 200 huddling mobs.
Why? Because I saw two Stalkers charging over from that direction.
"Just the right amount." - I muttered.
I then switched to a Desert Eagle in my right hand, loaded with 7 .50 cal rounds, aimed, and fired two shots.
Bang* Bang* Thud*
Firing a hand cannon like this would be stressful even to a Peak Body Human, and I would need to use both hands to fire accurately. But now, I could fire it with one hand. The recoil was nothing to laugh at, but I can handle it now.
The first shot grazed the head, but the second squarely hit the chest of the Stalker, making it collapse and roll over.
The second one was not deterred, swiping its claw against the ground and sending a stone flying toward me like an arrow. It moved slowly in my eyes.
Not stopping my charge, I took an axe from my Storage and dismissively swiped at it.
Dang*
It was effortlessly deflected.
And fired another two shots.
Bang* Bang* Splat*
The first shot was also dodged, but the second struck the thigh, causing it to fall.
Before it could recover, I closed the distance and chopped down with my ax.
THUD* Pshh*
I decapitated it with a one-handed swing from my left hand, and blood sprayed. Unlike when I decapitated the mobs, the Stalker's head didn't move. However, I still didn't get my points, perhaps because the brain cells were still active.
Without wasting time, I splattered its head with a bullet before charging at the collapsed first Stalker.
"CREEE!!!" - The first Stalker shrieked at this moment as if informing its comrades of my location.
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!" - I yelled and hacked with a downward swing.
CRACK*
Its skull was split down the middle, stuck in its jaw. I was too lazy to pull the ax out, so I left it there.
After quickly offering their crystals, I checked my energy.
Basic Energy: 49
Evolution Energy A: 115
Enhancement Energy A: 10.5
"Just enough. Trod, Conceal Presence 1. NOW!"
{Enhancement complete.}
Enhancement Energy A: 10.5 -> 0.5
The moment it was done, I felt a switch being added to my mind. If I choose to, I can activate a passive field around me, like a magnetic field, that draws my aura inside, keeping it in my body. This field also has the effect of reducing sound and smell.
It isn't much, but it is my ticket to survival now.
Without hesitating, I activated it, retracting my aura and reducing my scent and sound.
Tap* Tap* Tap* Tap*
At this moment, my ears twitched, hearing the sound of many footsteps from afar. Alarm bells rang in my mind.
"They're almost here!"
My time was almost up, and I had to find shelter or die.
Taking a quick look around, my eyes landed on a dilapidated car next to a mixed-use clothing shop.
Like the gun store, the front entrance was closed shut, and the windows were closed tightly. However, one of the veils was open.
"Okay, I choose you!"
With that decided, I sprinted at the car at a world-record-breaking speed, using it as a ramp, and jumped ten feet off the ground. I had a clear vision of the bedroom behind the window.
"Teleport!"
And with that, I vanished, reappearing inside the room.
Without wasting time, I closed the Veil and prayed they wouldn't find me.
Around 15 seconds later...
The first of the Stalkers jumped on a roof, followed by two, three, five, ten...
From both sides of the street, a hoard of mobs huddled over, shepherded by dozens of Soldiers.
And, on one of the rooftops, emerged the leader, overlooking the street and sniffing the air.
"Sniff* Human Stalker. Annoying." - The leader muttered dissatisfiedly.
Human Stalkers are annoying, especially in urban areas. Using chemical compounds, they eliminate their scent, making them almost impossible to track. Using their agility and flexibility for stealth, they engage in guerrilla tactics.
Setting up traps, assassinating its subordinates, switching locations, running away...
They are, for lack of a better word, annoying.
However, while it was annoyed, it suddenly smelled something else.
"Hah? What is that delicious smell?!" - He widened his beady eyes and jumped down from the 20ft tall roof.
Not caring for his safety from any potential sniper fire, he rushed to the two downed Stalkers.
"Sniff* Sniff* This smell... This delicious smell...!!!" - Astonishment filled its eyes.
This wasn't just the smell of a Human Stalker. He knew their smell because he once fought one. Something else was in the mix. Something incredibly delicious.
His instincts told him that if he devours this Human, he will immediately evolve into a Lord, and his road to becoming a Ruler would open.
A Ruler. Few Kin have reached this level. He never saw one before. His Lord only mentioned it in passing.
A Leader like him controls a radius of 5 miles, the small town only being a part of it. The minions are slaves and food sources, and Soldiers and Stalkers are his warriors and henchmen.
A Lord usually controls a 50-mile radius, with numerous leaders like him under his leadership.
And a Ruler... A Ruler controls a radius of 500 miles. To a Ruler, Lords are henchmen, and Leaders like him are qualified cannon fodder... or snack.
And now, a once-in-a-lifetime chance presented itself. He can become a Lord, with a road paved to become a Ruler!
This... This is the Ultimate Temptation!
However, he also realized two problems.
One, the scent ended there. The Human must have used chemicals to hide its scent. It was likely hiding somewhere in the town, likely not far away.
And two, he wasn't the only one who smelled it.
His eyes turned cold as he stared at the surroundings.
His subordinates, Stalkers and Soldiers, were enraptured by the scent, their thoughts obvious.
Subordinates eating a Human and not submitting it to their leader is commonplace. Heck, he did it himself!
"All of you! Find the Human, and bring me every last part of it! If you dare eat a single bite, I will tear your stomach open and take it out myself!" - He growled at them, emanating his suppressive aura to the maximum.
The dozens of Stalkers and Soldiers shook, dread filling their minds. Whatever thought of eating the Human was temporarily cowed by him.
"Search every house, every nook, and cranny! Don't leave any stone unturned! GO!" - He ordered, his mind clouded by greed.
Such a brute-force method was wasteful and could result in many casualties.
But now, he didn't care.
"I am willing to sacrifice a dozen, two dozen, all of my subordinates. I am willing to do it for this grand prize. I will evolve! I will become a Lord! I will become... A Ruler." - The leader's eyes flashed with visions of grandeur.