Dawn had just broken when more than a hundred people gathered in the military base's wide courtyard. Beneath the pale sky and biting morning air, they stood in lines—some clad in full combat gear, others still adjusting weapons on their shoulders or armor on their arms.
Sofia stood with her team, her heart beating faster than usual. Around them, teams from various military units and specialized survivors stood in formation. Some faces she recognized, most she didn't. But there was one thing they all shared: eyes filled with determination... and tension.
The atmosphere abruptly silenced as General Reinhart climbed the podium made from stacked metal containers. The silver-haired old man wore his signature combat coat, with his rank and the national emblem displayed clearly on his chest. His voice rang out, amplified by the loudspeakers.
"Soldiers and Awakened," Reinhart began, looking at each of them one by one. "Today, we mark the beginning of the Rank 3 Hunt."
There was no applause. Only the morning wind and the creak of weapons being readied were heard. This was no celebration—to this battle.
"Eleven dangerous entities are out there," Reinhart continued. "Each one has the ability to destroy this base in minutes if they so choose. We cannot wait for them to strike first. So today... we hunt them."
He pointed to a large screen hanging beside the stage. A list appeared on the screen : Rank 3 Zombies – Tyrant, Tank, Witch, Hunter, Licker, and the Last.
"Queen," Reinhart said flatly. "The final subject... remains untraceable. After last week's attack, she vanished. We don't know if she's dead, hiding, or... watching us from afar. For now, she is excluded from the hunt."
Sofia bowed her head slightly, unease creeping into her chest. She knew who he meant. where are you now?
Reinhart continued, "For efficiency and higher survival chances, you have been divided into several large groups, each consisting of two teams Awakened and one from military soldier. Each group will be assigned one target, determined randomly. Locations have been pinpointed through drone surveillance and intelligence reports."
A map of the region around the base appeared on the screen. Red locations were marked with skull symbols—signifying possible Rank 3 sites.
"You'll receive the map, data, and assignments shortly. You have thirty minutes to prepare, then military vehicles will take you to your designated points."
Reinhart sighed. His voice softened a little but remained firm. "You are humanity's hope. You are the spearhead. Don't make us regret this decision."
Then he raised his right hand. "Good luck. And don't die."
Silence returned to the entire field as group names began to be called.
Sofia waited calmly, until finally:
"Group Zephyr : Team Sofia, Team Raijin and Captain Ivan from military– Target: Tyrant."
Her team's expressions tensed. Tyrant. One of the most infamous Rank 3s, known for his brutality. Even among commanders, his name was spoken in hushed tones. A massive, muscular creature with regeneration and overwhelming physical strength. Reports stated a single slap could crush an armored vehicle and knows tactics.
Sofia turned as a tall man approached. Short white hair and eyes sharp as a hawk. On his shoulder, a lightning-cross insignia.
"Captain Altair from Team Raijin," he said, offering a handshake. "You must be Sofia?"
Sofia shook his hand. "Yes. We're grouped together."
"A group with three captains. Interesting," Altair replied. His voice was calm, but his aura felt like a storm ready to erupt. Two metal batons—his signature electric weapons—hung on his back. "I'll focus on draining Tyrant's energy from a distance. You move in and finish the job."
Sofia nodded. "We'll adapt to the situation."
There wasn't much more to say. Time was too valuable.
Three military trucks pulled up in front of them. Group Zephyr boarded. Forty people, two teams and one group from military—on a mission that could be their last.
The vehicle shook as it drove over rocky terrain toward the coordinates shown on the map.
Viktor was busy reading Tyrant's biological data on his tablet. "This creature isn't just strong... it's emotionless. Like a killing machine. It can't be scared. It can't be intimidated."
Yuna gripped the dagger in her hand. "Then all we can do is stop it with brute force."
Sofia sat quietly, watching the blue sky gradually turn cloudy. She thought about this mission... and another figure who had yet to appear—a figure more dangerous than Tyrant.
if you're still alive, are you watching us from afar?
Up ahead, the ruins of a small town greeted them. Fallen trees and charred buildings gave the place a chilling silence.