The battle axe, a weapon of raw power and weight, had long been defined by core techniques of cleaving, hacking, chopping, sweeping, smashing, hooking, and intercepting. In history, warriors like Xu Huang and Cheng Yaojin had wielded great axes, while figures like Black Whirlwind Li Kui favored dual short-handled axes, their ferocity legendary. Yet, the axe had never been a mainstay of warfare, overshadowed by swords and spears. In the early days of the apocalypse, however, its brutal efficiency made it ideal for dispatching the undead. The Three Forms of the Axe Manual awakened within Chen Liu’s bloodline transcended these basics, distilling axe combat into three profound techniques: Cleave the Mountain, Sever the Sea, and Break the Void. Cleave the Mountain embodied overwhelming force, a single strike capable of splitting a mountain. Sever the Sea explored the interplay of strength and softness, drawing on the paradox of water—adaptable yet unyielding, as in the adage, “Draw a blade to sever water, and the water flows still.” Mastering this form required understanding the equilibrium between hardness and softness. Break the Void, the ultimate technique, demanded strength beyond the speed of sound, shattering the intangible air itself through absolute mastery of force. Chen Liu was awed by their depth. Even the first form, with its eighty-one variations and intricate footwork, would take a year to master. Yet, the manual’s foundational insights into force control had already elevated his combat prowess, promising a fifty percent increase in strength once fully honed. This is a treasure beyond anything I found online, he reflected, satisfied with his newfound potential.
After extracting the crystals from the three mutated beasts, Chen Liu dragged the massive wild boar’s carcass down the mountain, its over 500-jin weight a testament to its power. The forest’s outskirts proved perilous, and he dared not venture deeper. Who knows what horrors lurk in the heart of Mount Jing? he thought, opting for caution. His return to the cafeteria building sparked awe among the survivors, the boar’s bulk promising sustenance for days.
Over lunch, Chen Liu turned to team leaders Li Dong and Zhang Chong. “How did the female fighters do this morning?” Their simultaneous frowns told him all he needed to know. Zhang Chong spoke bluntly, “Captain, those girls aren’t cut out for the battlefield. Except for Yu Na, they screamed at the sight of a zombie.” Li Dong nodded grimly. “Same on my end.” The women’s delicate sensibilities crumbled in combat. They’re not ready, but we don’t have time to coddle them, Chen Liu thought. He said decisively, “I’m giving you elimination quotas. Five days. Anyone who can’t adapt or meet the standard—cut them from the squad immediately.” In the unforgiving apocalypse, charity was a luxury he could not afford. Li Dong pressed, “What are the criteria?” Chen Liu’s response was clear: “They must independently kill three zombies.” It was a low bar, one he surpassed effortlessly on the first day of the outbreak.
That afternoon, the squad elimination system was formally announced, sparking immediate protest. “Why should we be eliminated?” one woman demanded angrily. Reserve fighters enjoyed better treatment—superior equipment and rations—compared to regular survivors. Being cut meant returning to meagre provisions and diminished status, a step back to vulnerability. Most critically, it would sever their chance at survival unless they miraculously awakened an ability. They know what’s at stake, Chen Liu thought as he observed their reactions. The women had volunteered with dreams of heroism, but reality had proven brutal. The previous day’s cleanup in the cafeteria had left some vomiting, and others contemplating retreat. Women, often more sensitive to gore, struggled with the blood and filth of zombie combat, though exceptions like Yu Na stood out. She hesitated initially, her hands trembling as she stabbed her first zombie, but by evening, she overcame her fear, claiming nearly half the kills with calm precision. She’s a natural leader, Chen Liu noted, impressed by her rapid growth at barely twenty years old. Her example earned her respect, positioning her as a big sister among the recruits.
The first real combat that morning was a harsh awakening. Facing zombies head-on ignited fear, a natural response to the battlefield’s grim reality. Zhang Chong and Li Dong, frustrated after playing babysitter with little progress, grew impatient. When protests arose, Zhang Chong laughed coldly. “Why? If you can’t handle the weakest zombies, what right do you have to call yourselves warriors? Out there, you’d be dead in seconds. Cutting you now is mercy.” His words silenced the group. Zhang Chong pressed further, “The captain made it clear—if you can’t keep up or don’t want to fight, leave now. The squad doesn’t need the weak.” No one was willing to step down. Noting their resolve, Zhang Chong continued, “This afternoon, each of you faces a zombie alone. If you’re injured, I may not reach you in time.” Silence followed, the women grappling with the stakes. With a final “Move out!” Zhang Chong led them back into the fray, the clatter of their gear echoing their determination and masked fears.
Chen Liu did not join the main team. With only half the sanatorium’s zombies cleared, countless undead still roamed the grounds, any of which could evolve into a Seven-Star threat. With Li Dong and Zhang Chong focused on training, the task of clearing the horde fell to him. As a Seven-Star Awakened, advancing further would require immense energy, equivalent to 224 Six-Star white crystals for Eight-Star status. I might need to wipe out the entire sanatorium horde, he thought, calculating the challenge. His solo mission had another purpose: the forest ambush exposed a lapse in his vigilance, dulled by teamwork. I was sharper when I fought alone, he realized. By throwing himself into danger, he could hone his instincts and practice the Three Forms of the Axe Manual. Let’s see how powerful this can become. He was eager to test his new techniques against the undead.
thINKer: Wound their pride and they will face their fears.
Yuyu: Kill or be killed. Your choice, girls.