1: Cataclysm

This is the author's first novel. Some parts at the beginning might be a bit naive or illogical, so I hope you readers will be patient. The protagonist develops very quickly, and soon there will be the "Iron Torrent" crushing zombies that everyone wants to see. I also hope everyone can offer suggestions so I can improve. If you have any good ideas, I can add them to the book. The main focus is one word—Satisfaction.

Without further ado, grab your brains, the story begins.

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July in Huaxia, the scorching sun was like molten iron, ruthlessly pouring down and baking the concrete ground until it sizzled. The air twisted and steamed, making the whole world feel like it was trapped inside a giant steamer. Amidst this suffocating heat, countless high school graduates had just escaped the cage of the examination halls, immersed in a complex mix of liberation and anxiety.

Inside an air-conditioned room, Jiang Xin and Zhang Lei lay on the sofa. The cold air from the AC whirred as their fingers danced frantically across their phone screens. The sounds of battle from the Rift drifted faintly through their headphones.

"Brother Jiang, go! Crowd control him! CC him! I can follow up with damage and burst him down!" Zhang Lei's eyes gleamed as he leaned forward excitedly, his fingers moving so fast they left afterimages on the screen, controlling his hero like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey.

However, the light effects of Jiang Xin's skill just grazed the enemy's hem and flew past. "Holy crap! You missed! How could you miss that? Damn, you're such a deadweight! I'm seriously not playing with you next round!" Zhang Lei slapped his thigh in frustration, his voice rising, but his hands didn't stop for a second. He continued to kite and deal damage at the limit, the light and shadows from the screen flickering across his face.

"Don't shout! Shut up! He's low, we can kill him! Chase, chase, chase!" Jiang Xin's entire mind was immersed in the life-and-death struggle within that small space on the screen. He was deaf to Zhang Lei's complaints, his fingers pressing so hard they almost seemed embedded in the screen.

In the heat of the battle, Zhang Lei suddenly asked, his eyes never leaving the screen, "By the way, Brother Jiang, what schools are you thinking of applying to? Any ideas?"

Jiang Xin's fingers faltered imperceptibly, and his hero on the screen stalled for a moment, nearly getting counter-killed. "Phew... we'll see," he narrowly dodged a fatal blow and let out a breath, his tone a bit lost. "I'll wait until the results are out. Thinking about it now is useless." His gaze remained locked on the phone screen as if that were the only world he needed to care about... After a few more intense matches, the two of them, parched, finally put down their burning phones and walked into the kitchen. Zhang Lei took a watermelon out of the fridge and set it on the cutting board with a "thud." Jiang Xin picked up a sharp watermelon knife, and with a swift stroke, there was a crisp "crack" as the watermelon split in two, revealing its bright red, succulent interior.

Each of them took a half and began to eat in large gulps. The ice-cold juice flowed freely down the corners of their mouths and chins, instantly dispelling the heat in their throats. They didn't even care when the bright red juice dripped onto their T-shirts, creating small wet stains.

Having had their fill, the two of them dragged their satisfied yet weary bodies back to the living room sofa. Jiang Xin picked up the remote, and with a "beep," the TV screen lit up, just in time for the national news.

The dignified female anchor looked solemn as the background changed to deep space and fast-moving points of light: "...The latest news from this station: Yesterday, astronomical observatories around the world successively detected multiple giant meteorites of unknown origin hurtling toward Blue Star's orbit at extremely high speeds. Experts warn that a direct impact would be powerful enough to trigger a global ecological disaster and could even lead to a mass extinction event..."

The scene switched to the UN emergency meeting and a simulation animation. "...At the critical moment, the UN Security Council authorized multiple countries to urgently launch several strategic nuclear missiles for space interception..."

In the simulation, the nuclear missiles trailed long plumes of fire, accurately hitting their targets in the dark sky! Giant fireballs expanded silently, blowing the meteorites into countless burning fragments, like a tragic firework show in the universe. "...The interception was successful, avoiding the worst-case scenario. However..."

The anchor's voice suddenly became even heavier. The scene cut back to the studio, her brow furrowed: "...Shortly after the meteorite fragments scattered across major urban areas worldwide, an unprecedented 'epidemic' suddenly broke out in many places!"

Shaky surveillance footage and mobile phone recordings appeared on the screen: On the streets, pedestrians' eyes turned red without warning, and they let out inhuman roars, frantically lunging at the people around them to bite them! Blood splattered, crowds screamed and fled, and order collapsed in an instant!

"...The infected exhibit extreme aggressive behavior, abnormal increases in strength, and the transmission route is unknown but extremely fast! Currently, governments of many countries have activated the highest level of emergency plans, implementing mandatory isolation for the infected, and calling on the public to remain calm, stay at home, and wait for further notice..."

The heavy atmosphere of the news felt like a cold stone pressing down on the hearts of the two who had just been immersed in games and watermelon. The relaxed expressions on Jiang Xin and Zhang Lei's faces vanished completely, replaced by shock and a trace of imperceptible panic. They subconsciously sat up straight, staring at the screen, even their breathing becoming shallow.

Just then—

"Argh—!!!"

A shrill scream that didn't sound human, like a rusty iron sheet scraping against glass, suddenly pierced through the door and stabbed into their eardrums!

Jiang Xin and Zhang Lei jerked, as if electrocuted, and instantly bounced off the sofa! Their hearts hammered wildly in their chests, and their blood seemed to freeze. They looked at each other in terror, and in unison, held their breath and tiptoed toward the front door where the sound had come from.

Jiang Xin suppressed his heartbeat, which was almost jumping out of his throat, and tremblingly pressed his eye to the cold peephole.

The scene outside the door made his blood freeze instantly!

In the dim hallway, the fat uncle from upstairs, who was usually always smiling, was currently being pinned against the wall by his wife! That usually gentle aunt now had a distorted face, her eyes blood-red and bulging, her mouth opened to an incredible angle, revealing white teeth as she frantically gnawed at her husband's throat! Hot blood sprayed onto the pale walls and floor like a burst water pipe, making a "hissing" sound. The thick smell of blood seemed to seep through the cracks in the door!

Jiang Xin's stomach churned. His legs went weak, and he collapsed onto the floor with a "thud." His teeth chattered uncontrollably, and he shook like a leaf in the wind. Only one frantic thought spun in his mind: "Zom... Zombies?! Like in the movies...?!"

"Brother... Brother Lei! Quick... come look!!" Jiang Xin's voice was hoarse and distorted, filled with extreme terror.

Zhang Lei's face was pale. He rushed over in one stride, shoved Jiang Xin aside, and pressed his eye to the peephole.

With just one look, he gasped as if bitten by a venomous snake. He recoiled, his back slamming hard against the wall! "Holy crap! It... it really is zombies! What the hell!" His voice trembled with disbelief, and his forehead was instantly covered in cold sweat.

Slumped on the floor, Jiang Xin's mind was a mess. An absurd and desperate thought escaped his lips: "What do we do? What do we do? It's the end of the world?! I... I haven't even found a girlfriend yet!" His voice carried a sob, as if this were harder to accept than turning into a zombie.

Zhang Lei was both shocked and angry. He grabbed Jiang Xin's collar and hauled him up slightly, growling in a low voice, "Damn it! What kind of time is this to be thinking about a girlfriend?! We might both end up dying here today and feeding those two outside!"

Before he could finish!

"Roar—!!!"

A deeper roar, filled with inhuman hunger, came from outside the door! Immediately after, "Thud! Thud! Thud!" heavy and frantic pounding sounds, like the knocking of the Grim Reaper, slammed against the fragile security door! Dust fell from around the door frame, and the entire door vibrated violently, letting out an overburdened groan! It was the fat uncle who had been bitten to death—he had "come back" too! The two zombies were slamming against the door together!

Jiang Xin was scared out of his wits, his face as pale as paper. He gripped Zhang Lei's arm tightly, his nails almost sinking into the flesh, his voice shaking uncontrollably: "Brother... Brother Lei! Think of something! If we don't, this door won't hold! We... we're going to die!"

Zhang Lei was also unnerved by the violent pounding. He forced himself to calm down, his gaze sweeping across the familiar living room like lightning, his brain working at high speed. "Weapons... weapons... I've got it!" He suddenly remembered, "Brother Jiang! Don't you have a baseball bat in your room? The iron one! The hollow one! And the kitchen! That thick-backed bone cleaver in the kitchen! Quick! Get them!" He spoke as fast as a machine gun, "Find a sturdy long pole too, a broom handle will work! Tie the bone cleaver to it! Make a long-handled blade! Damn it, we have to try anything!"

Under the tireless and frantic assault of the two zombies, the thin security door let out a tooth-aching creak. The lock was already slightly deformed! Time was life!

The two of them were like cats whose tails had been stepped on, instantly springing up and rushing to the bedroom and kitchen. The sounds of rummaging, clattering knives, tearing tape, and hurried binding sounded exceptionally rushed and desperate against the terrifying backdrop of the pounding door. Sweat poured down their temples, mixed with the scent of fear.

Finally, two crude "weapons" carrying all their hopes were formed: In Jiang Xin's hand was a "Green Dragon Crescent Blade" made of a bone cleaver and a clothes drying pole bound tightly with wide tape—the blade was the heavy bone cleaver, and the handle was a metal pole nearly a meter long. Zhang Lei tightly gripped the cold, hollow metal baseball bat, his palms slick with cold sweat.

Jiang Xin gripped the extended handle tightly, his knuckles white from the effort. The heavy blade made his arms tremble slightly. He swallowed nervously, his Adam's apple bobbing, and looked at Zhang Lei, his voice hoarse: "Brother... Brother Lei, I... I'm ready. You... open the door."

Zhang Lei took a deep breath, one that seemed to go deep into his lungs, carrying a metallic scent of blood and determination. His eyes sharpened, and he gripped the baseball bat with both hands, saying solemnly, "Alright! I'm opening the door! Once it's open, don't worry about anything else. Aim for the head of the one in front and chop down with all your might! You must hit the head! I'll take care of the one behind, I'll hold it back! Remember: fast, accurate, and ruthless!"

Before his voice even faded, a fierce glint flashed in Zhang Lei's eyes. He slammed down the door handle and, at the same time, kicked hard below the lock with all his strength!

"Bang—!!!"

A deafening boom echoed! The fragile door lock, along with part of the door frame, burst apart! Wood chips and metal fragments flew in all directions as the entrance was blown wide open!

An indescribable stench—a mixture of thick blood, rotting organs, and the foul smell of excrement—slammed into their faces like a physical fist! The smell was so overpowering they nearly suffocated!

The first thing they saw was the face of a female zombie, inches away and completely decomposed! The flesh on her face looked as if it had been corroded by strong acid, falling away in large patches to reveal the dark red muscle and pale white cheekbones beneath. One eyeball hung out of its socket, while the other, cloudy and yellow, stared fixedly at the living people inside. Her mouth was wide open, revealing sharp fangs stained with black-red blood, a low growl of 'he-he' coming from her throat. Saliva thick with the stench of death dripped from the corners of her mouth as a withered, claw-like hand lunged straight for Zhang Lei, who was closest to the door!

“Now! Strike!” Zhang Lei’s roar was like a clap of thunder!

Standing on the flank, Jiang Xin’s adrenaline instantly peaked! Fear was overridden by the instinct to survive! He let out a roar that didn't sound human, his arm muscles bulging. Using every ounce of strength he possessed, he swung the heavy, oversized machete in a wide arc. With a whistling sound, the blade hacked down fiercely toward the female zombie's neck!

“Puchi—Crack!”

The sound of the blade tearing through flesh and severing neck bone was enough to set one's teeth on edge! The cleaver embedded itself deep into the female zombie's neck, nearly severing it! Thick, black-red blood sprayed out like a fountain, drenching Jiang Xin’s head and face! The female zombie's movements stopped abruptly. Her tilted, dangling head pulled her mangled body down with it, hitting the floor with a heavy thud!

“Nice!” Zhang Lei was about to cheer when things took a sudden turn!

“Ho-ah—!” The male zombie following behind—a former middle-aged fat man—had now transformed into a tall, burly, rotting monster. With an even more violent roar, it ignored its fallen companion. Its massive, rotting palm, carrying a foul wind, lunged fiercely at Jiang Xin, who was leaning forward from the force of his swing, his blade still stuck in the female zombie's neck!

Zhang Lei’s pupils constricted! “Watch out!” he roared, his baseball bat thrusting out like a venomous dragon emerging from its hole, slamming into the male zombie's chest in an attempt to push it back!

“Bang!” A dull impact! The baseball bat hit its mark, but the male zombie's terrifying strength was far beyond imagination! It only swayed slightly. Its thick arm, covered in cadaveric spots, continued its momentum, and its sharp nails slashed across Jiang Xin’s hastily raised left arm!

“Srrrrip!” Jiang Xin’s sleeve was instantly torn, and three bloody gashes, deep enough to see bone and with flesh curling back, appeared on his arm! The flesh around the wounds turned black and purple at a speed visible to the naked eye!

Sharp pain and a cold premonition of death instantly seized Jiang Xin! He let out a scream and instinctively tried to pull his blade back, but the knife was embedded too deep and wouldn't budge!

“I’ll fuck your mother!!” Seeing his brother injured, Zhang Lei’s eyes instantly turned bloodshot, and a surge of violent rage rushed to his head! Fear was completely ignited into a killing flame! He stopped blocking and instead gripped the end of the baseball bat with both hands, pouring all his strength and weight into it. Like swinging a war hammer, he used every bit of his life's strength to deliver a violent upward swing that slammed hard into the male zombie's jaw!

“Bang—Pffft!”

A dull thud that made one's scalp tingle! The male zombie's jaw and a small portion of its face instantly collapsed and deformed! But it wasn't over! Like a crazed tiger, Zhang Lei gave the opponent no chance to react. Using the counterforce, the baseball bat carved a semi-circle through the air. With an even more violent wind and the full rotational force of his body, he slammed it squarely and solidly against the male zombie's temple!

“Crack!!!”

The sound of a watermelon bursting rang out! The male zombie's massive head exploded like a rotten tomato hit by a heavy hammer! Red, white, and black filth sprayed out in a radial pattern, covering the walls and ceiling, and drenching Zhang Lei’s head and face! The headless corpse fell backward heavily, kicking up a cloud of dust.

The world seemed to stand still at that moment. Nothing remained but the heavy, bellows-like breathing of the two men, the stench in the air so thick it wouldn't dissipate, and the two hideous corpses on the ground.

A massive sense of exhaustion and the collapse following a narrow escape hit them. The two leaned against the blood-stained wall, their legs giving way as they slowly slid down to sit on the cold floor, a mess of sweat, blood, and filth.

After a brief, dead silence, Jiang Xin tremblingly lifted his injured left arm. Those three claw marks had already become black and swollen, and the blood vessels at the edges were showing an ominous purple-black color, spreading outward like a spiderweb. Waves of cold numbness and strange burning sensations took turns washing over him.

A cold despair instantly submerged Jiang Xin, even more intense than when he faced the zombies. He looked up, his face ashen and his eyes hollow as he looked at the equally disheveled Zhang Lei. His voice was as dry as sandpaper: “Lei... Brother Lei... I was scratched... You... you should tie me up...” He forced a smile that looked worse than crying, “While I’m still... still me... I’m afraid... afraid I’ll turn into one of those things outside...”

Having watched too many zombie movies, he knew exactly what this meant. Perhaps his life, which had just begun and hadn't had time to bloom, would be forever frozen in this bloody and foul-smelling afternoon, frozen in this living room that used to be filled with the laughter of games and the sweet scent of watermelon.

Zhang Lei looked at the shocking wound on Jiang Xin’s arm and listened to his desperate words. His heart felt as if it were being squeezed hard by a cold hand, the pain so great he could barely breathe. He opened his mouth to say some words of comfort but found his throat too constricted. In the end, he only nodded heavily, his eyes filled with pain and helplessness. He stood up silently, his steps a bit staggered, and went into the room to find a bundle of sturdy nylon rope.

He walked over to Jiang Xin, avoiding his desperate gaze, and began to work without a word. His movements were a bit clumsy but exceptionally firm. He looped the rope around the thick solid wood leg of the dining table, round and round, tying down the good brother he had grown up with, skipped class with, played games with, and bragged with, binding him there like a prisoner awaiting final judgment.

Once the binding was finished, Zhang Lei slumped down onto the floor next to Jiang Xin, leaning against the same cold table leg. Despair and sadness threatened to swallow him whole.

Just then, his vacant gaze accidentally brushed past the remains of the male zombie's exploded head.

Amidst that pool of mixed red and white, nauseating filth, a faint, almost pure white light caught his attention.

The light wasn't dazzling, but it was exceptionally persistent, like a pearl in the mud.

“Hmm?” Zhang Lei’s pupils shrank suddenly, all sadness and despair instantly replaced by massive shock and suspicion. Suppressing his nausea, he crawled over on all fours and used the baseball bat to carefully push aside the slimy tissue and shattered skull.

A crystal about the size of a fingernail, irregular in shape, entirely translucent white, and looking like the purest crystal, lay there quietly, emitting a faint but steady soft white light.

“This... what is this?” Zhang Lei’s voice was full of unbelievable shock. He carefully used a chopstick to pick out the crystal and washed it. The crystal was cold to the touch, smooth and hard. This eerie yet beautiful thing was so similar to the energy crystal cores described in the countless apocalyptic novels he had read!

A crazy thought struck his mind like lightning!

He turned his head sharply to look at the female zombie's head, which was nearly severed and lolling to the side. Without hesitation, and enduring a strong urge to vomit, he used the baseball bat to smash that relatively intact head. Sure enough! In the same foul brain tissue, he found another almost identical white crystal!

Hope! Like a candle flame lit in endless darkness, it began to burn wildly in Zhang Lei’s heart! He hurriedly picked out the two crystals and rushed to the kitchen sink, rinsing them repeatedly under tap water until the translucent white luster was free of any grime.

Holding the two cleaned crystals like life-saving holy relics, he rushed back to the tied-up Jiang Xin. Jiang Xin’s face had become even more ashen, his eyes were beginning to wander, and the black veins on his arm were spreading faster.

“Brother Jiang!” Zhang Lei’s voice carried a desperate tremble and urgency, “Look at this! I found them in their heads! They're clean! In novels... novels always say... this might be... might be the antidote! Or... the source of superpowers!” He held one of the crystals to Jiang Xin’s lips, his eyes full of hope and entreaty, “Eat it! Take a gamble! Treat a dead horse as if it were alive! What if... what if there’s a miracle?!”

Jiang Xin’s wandering gaze struggled to focus on the crystal emitting the soft white light in front of him. The instinct to survive overrode everything. He pulled at the corners of his mouth, revealing an extremely weak and miserable smile: “Heh... I guess... this is the only way...” He opened his mouth, his dry lips touching the cold crystal.

Zhang Lei carefully placed the white crystal into Jiang Xin’s mouth.

The crystal dissolved as soon as it entered his mouth. It had no taste, but an indescribable coldness instantly spread out, as if a clear spring had poured into a parched, burning desert. Immediately after, this coldness rapidly transformed into a violent heat wave, like racing lava, instantly sweeping through Jiang Xin’s entire body! His body stiffened, his eyes rolled back, and a suppressed groan escaped his throat. Then his head lolled to the side as he completely lost consciousness, falling into a deep coma.

A second before his consciousness sank completely into the dark abyss, a cold, emotionless, yet seemingly redemptive mechanical electronic voice sounded, as if from the heavens, yet also echoing directly in the depths of his soul:

[High-compatibility lifeform detected...]

[Host detected to be under deep erosion by XXX-type genetic virus (Zombie Virus)...]

[Initiating purification program...]

[Virus clearing... 10%... 50%... 100%...]

[Purification complete!]

[Host mental threshold detected to meet binding standards...]

[red alert system binding in progress...]

[Binding successful! Welcome, Commander!]