"So, anyway. These javelins are great, but let's be real here. The Elite Zombie Boss is a whole different manner of beast. It's smarter, quicker, and way more dangerous than any of the other zombies we've ever come across."
I look at the others, their faces a mix of determination and uncertainty. My mind races, replaying our narrow escape from the Elite Zombie Boss. We barely made it out alive, and that was through sheer luck. If that monster had decided to chase them instead of me...
A chill runs down my spine. At their current levels, they're no match for its speed. If it shows up again, there'd be nothing I could do to stop it. These three are the first people who seem to believe in me. The thought of failing them, of being responsible for their deaths... It's unbearable.
Sure, I promised to help them level up, but right now? I don't have any confidence that I could actually help keep them alive if that thing appears again. The image of their broken bodies flashes through my mind, and I push it away, feeling sick. No. I can't let that happen. I won't have their deaths on my conscience. I just can’t. It's better if I go alone, at least for now.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I need to say. "Look, guys, I know I promised to help you level up, but... I can't take you with me right now. It's way too dangerous."
Sara's voice trembles as she speaks. "But Kei, you can't take it on alone. What if something bad happens?"
I get it. The thought of facing the Elite Zombie Boss alone sends a chill down my spine, but it's a risk I have to take. "Don’t worry. I won’t fight it straight away. I need to level up, get stronger. Then I'll scout out the school, and look for any weaknesses or advantages we can use. Once I'm feeling confident enough, I'll try to take it out."
Lily nods, her eyes sharp and focused. "What's your strategy for leveling up efficiently?"
I look over to her. "I'll use the javelins to attack from range, stick to the shadows, and avoid direct flights whenever I can."
Tim scoffs, his fingers drumming impatiently against his arm. "And what are we supposed to do while you're out there playing hero?"
I ignore the jab, keeping my voice level. "You guys should get ready as well. Beef up the barricades and gather any supplies you can find in the classroom. We gotta be prepared for anything."
"Fine. We'll handle things here," Tim says, his tone sharp. "Just make sure you win."
I nod, feeling a lot better.
With one last look at them - Sara's worried face, Lily's determined expression, and Tim's scowl - I sling the makeshift quiver of javelins over my shoulder and head for the door.
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The hallway outside is, as usual, eerily quiet, the silence pressing in from all sides. I take a deep breath, calming my nerves, and start moving. My footsteps are light, barely making a sound.
As I turn a corner, I spot my first target — a zombie shuffling aimlessly down the hall. Its tattered clothes hang in shreds, and its movements are jerky and uncoordinated. I grip a javelin tightly, feeling the smooth wood against my palm.
Time seems to slow as I take aim. The zombie remains oblivious, its back turned to me. With a quick, fluid motion, I send the javelin flying. It cuts through the air silently, covering the distance in a heartbeat. The point finds its mark, piercing the zombie's skull with a thud. The creature drops to the ground, motionless.
A rush of adrenaline courses through me as I retrieve the javelin. One down, but many more to go. I continue through the school, treating the hallways like an obstacle course. Each corner becomes a potential ambush point, and every shadow a potential hiding spot.
The fights vary in difficulty. Sometimes I encounter lone zombies, easy targets for my javelins. Other times, I face small groups, forcing me to get creative. I use classroom doors as cover, striking quickly before ducking back into safety. In open areas, I use the lockers as improvised barriers, always keeping distance between myself and the undead.
Time blurs as I fall into a rhythm. The zombie count rises steadily — 5, 10, 15, 20. With each successful takedown, I feel a rush of satisfaction, my movements becoming better and more precise.
Suddenly, a familiar sensation washes over me. A small notification appears in my vision.
Congratulations!
You've reached Level 14!
5 stat points awarded.
The temptation to immediately use the stat points is strong, but I resist it. There's a strategic advantage in holding off, in seeing what challenges lie ahead before committing. For now, I focus on continuing to level up and gathering intel on the zombie patterns.
With my new level at 14, I feel a surge of confidence. The school's maze-like hallways still pose a slight threat, but I navigate them with growing assurance. My silent ambushes evolve, each move executed with deadly precision.
As I progress through the school, despite my focus on stealth, direct confrontations are sometimes unavoidable. In one heart-pounding moment, I find myself cornered in the cafeteria by a group of five zombies. The room's open layout leaves me exposed, forcing me to improvise. I overturn tables for cover, using the javelins as both thrown weapons and makeshift spears for closer encounters.
The fight is intense, but I emerge victorious, my clothes splattered with dark, congealed blood.
As the night wears on, my tally of downed zombies continues to climb. The anticipation of reaching the next level builds from within me, filling me with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Leveling up means getting stronger, but it also means having to eventually face greater challenges, like a direct confrontation with the Elite Zombie Boss.
Finally, as I take out another small group of zombies in an empty science lab, the familiar sensation of leveling up washes over me.
Congratulations!
You've reached Level 15!
5 stat points awarded.
"I'm now as strong as the Elite Zombie Boss," I mutter to myself, as I wipe a few drops of sweat from my brow.
Well. At least level-wise.