The plan was set but there was much to prepare and they used a full day to carefully make every preparations and when the morning rays of the new day awakened beyond the horizon they were finished, ready to go to their first destination.

While Jim and the others fought for their lives against the wolves, the situation by the church wasn’t different, as the people tried to survive, while more and more mutants of the third rank appeared around them.

On their hunts outside the church, they lost many good people and encountered more than one rank three. In total, they saw about a dozen mutants in the third rank and it seems to be common that mutants at this level start to form a territory of their own, instead of aimlessly roaming the streets.

With this information in mind, they learned over the course of the last few days about the location of some of these rank three mutants and the first Dave wanted to eliminate was the ruler over the zoo; a gorilla that killed many of their fighters in their first and only encounter.

This gorilla was not only responsible for the death of many from the church but was most likely also responsible for the death of Lukas' father and even if the family Mason was long dead, Jim wanted to avenge the people that were sacrificed against this foe.

They talked and planned a lot the day before about who they should send on this dangerous mission. Their group couldn’t be too huge, to be able to freely engage and retreat in battle. The idea was to form a group of elites whose only objective was to locate the rank three mutants, kill them, and escape safely, a simple strategy.

The problem with this plan was that most rank three mutants were never alone, always having a group of at about a dozen mutants surrounding them, acting as guards.

For this reason, they decided to take a dozen people themself, to be able to distract the guards, while Jim and the other rank three overwhelm their target. Jim alone would be in most cases enough to defeat a rank three and together with Max and Dave their victory was almost certain no matter what mutant they faced.

The moment their target was eliminated they would swiftly retreat and relocate to a safe location. This whole setup would of course only work if they were able to kill the target and even if they couldn't guarantee victory or survival they had to take a gamble.

After some arguing they came to an agreement and the final group consisted of Jim, Max, Emma, Evelin, Dennis, Oliver, Dave, and another four people from Dave’s own hunting party - the elite that survived countless battles.

A dozen people would participate in this very dangerous, one might even call reckless, mission. If they were just looking at forging experience Dave and his group would be the best choice, but even if the group of teenagers couldn’t match them in experience they were outclassing them in adaptly in the heat of battle.

If Jim’s group proved one thing over the past few days then that they were able to adapt to any situation and keep fighting no matter how hopeless the situation seemed. In the past, it would have been strange for a bunch of teenagers to go out and hunt mutated animals, but after a month of constant fighting, this scene wasn’t strange at all.

They didn’t lack any strength compared to the adults and some teenagers like Jim were even several times stronger than an adult even if they were of the same rank. In this new world, age wouldn’t determine the strength of someone, but how much stronger each transformation makes them.

The only person that was rather an expectation was Dennis. He was compared to others physically relatively weak, but his fierce, unrelenting, and calm demeanor - which he proved while hunting with Dave - earned him respect, and was allowed to accompany them, even if he was physically the weakest of them all.

While this group of elites was going to hunt, Solaire, Charlotte, and Jake will defend the church in their absence. Solaire was strangely still affected by the overuse of his ability in the fight with the wolves but he should recover over the next few days.

Jake stayed not only behind for his superb organization skill but also because he had to instruct the first batch of people on how to sense this new energy and would be very busy for the next few days. His fighting skill and strength were also lacking, even weaker than Dennis; it was better if he stayed behind.

It was risky but they had not much of a choice. The mutants in the city grew in strength, numbers, and ferocity every day. They had to act quickly if they wanted to prevent a swarm of mutants from crushing the walls and killing everyone in the church.

They thankfully had only two sides of the city to worry about. The south was still rather vacant of any mutants, because of the wolves, but life was slowly returning to this part of the city.

The west on the other hand was thanks to Mia’s poison a forbidden zone that most mutants avoided and they were sure not a single rank three would make its territory near this territory.

The north on the other hand was by far the most dangerous and savage side of the city. Dave and his group of elites only dared to venture once into this region, before learning the hard way that this side was off-limits and nothing but suicide.

They didn’t know why but the mutants were gathering at this side like mosquitos to the light. They were slaughtering each other left and right. The number of corpses and death in this part of the city was not comparable to any other.

The one time Dave ventured there he lost half of his group and saw multiple rank three mutants killing each other like they were in a frenzy.

For now, they were headed to the east. The perfect region to undertake their plan. One could say that the east was by far the most stable of the regions, as it was divided into different territories from different rank three mutants, and every newcomer first had to overcome the lords of the respective region to continue.

It was also in this part of the city where the small zoo of their city lay. The zoo didn’t have many animals and the main attraction were the apes and gorillas. Jim actually encountered the apes not long after this catastrophe started.

The apes ambushed them in the past when they returned from the supermarket and killed many of his classmates and his teacher; Miss Flora.

To reach the zoo they first had to cross the territory of another rank three mutant, thankfully the mutants in each region were not comparable to the wolf, and most often only about a dozen mutants were near the leader, acting as guards.

Arriving in the territory it didn't take long before they were noticed by the local ruler. This region was controlled by dogs and they soon found their leader, in company with another nine dogs, each one being of the second rank.

Fortunately, this wasn’t a force that could threaten them, not only had Jim and the others more numbers - with each member being at least of the second rank - they also had greater intelligence and equipment.

The dogs were quickly overwhelmed and the rank three dog who originally only had to fight Jim was soon surrounded by the others and swiftly killed. Jim, Max, and Dave were all of the third rank, which meant that the group of dogs didn’t stand a chance, to begin with.

With their leader killed the rest of the dogs quickly fled and after another short walk they soon arrived before the zoo which had an eerie silence and suppressive atmosphere surrounding it.

Carefully entering the zoo Jim quickly realized why he felt so uneasy. Casually hanging from a thick branch, holding himself with one arm was their target; the Gorilla. Jim could feel that it was not weaker than the alpha wolf if not stronger.

It stood tall at about two and a half meters and its muscles bulged under its thick black fur giving the impression that it could casually take a knife without being injured. Its deep brown eyes shone with a glint of yellow and it had the gaze of a predator, as it surveyed the intruders in its territory.

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Soon his face distorted into a vicious smile that mocked the very existence of every human that it saw. In its eyes Jim and the others were prey. Seeing this gorilla Jim could feel his emotions surging and before he knew it his complete demeanor changed.

He felt his blood rushing through his veins, as they bulged under his skin, while his heartbeat accelerated, causing his temperature to rise. Similar to the gorilla he gazed at it with killing intent.

The gorilla felt challenged and with a grunt threw himself down from the branch. Landing with a heavy thud it gave a scream that caused all of the surrounding apes that hung in the trees to quieten down.

Turning to Dave, Jim calmly stated, “It wants to challenge me to a duel.”

“I can see that, but do we agree? We don’t have to risk anything. Together we should be able to overpower them easily,” replied Dave with a stern face.

Shaking his head Jim said, “I want to test the limit of my current body. If I want to slaughter the other rank three I have to know how strong I am compared to them physically.”

“Wait a minute, you want to fight in a contest of strength?” Emma asked bewildered.

Without turning his eyes from the gorilla Jim gave a nod of confirmation. Emma was flabbergasted and wanted to say something but just gave up. “Just don't be reckless, we will intervene if necessary.”

“I’m counting on you.” Where the only words that Jim left behind before he walked to the gorilla.

By now many apes surrounded them, crawling from every little corner of the zoo quietly watching the scene of their leader and the human getting closer to each other. The others were surveying the apes carefully preparing in the case of an ambush.

The gorilla and Jim were only a few meters apart, when the gorilla flexed his chest muscles, strongly hitting his chest, producing a loud drumming sound.

As the drumming increased the gorilla slowly opened its mouth as a deep roar escaped its lips indicating the start of the battle, as the gorilla stormed in Jim’s direction. It quickly reached him, and pulling his right arm back, it used its whole body weight to throw a powerful punch.

The other apes were thrilled at this sight and screamed and growled excitedly at the battle. They were certain of their victory, but the very next moment everyone grew abruptly silent.

The gorilla's fist was about to collide with Jim’s face when he - without a change in expression - slightly ducked down to the left, tightened his left arm, and using the force of the gorilla's own momentum, Jim landed a strong hit at the stomach of the gorilla.

His fist drilled deeply into the muscles of the gorilla, which was so startled by the sudden pain that it stumbled a few steps back. The confusion was written all over its face.

Realizing that it was just hit by this tiny creature that was normally dead after one hit the gorilla was furious and stormed again, bending his knees and jumping high into the hair, clasping his hands together, raising them above his hand and with one powerful motion slammed them downwards.

Noticing the gorilla jumping up Jim calmly waited for the best opportunity and just as the gorilla started to fall he rolled in his direction causing the gorilla to land behind him and just before the hand landed on the ground Jim made a small jump.

The ground cracked and bent under the huge force of the ape, causing the whole zoo to rumble similar to a small earthquake. The dirt and dust were hurled into the air, forming a cloud that reduced the visibility on the battlefield.

Jim would have lost his balance if he stood on the ground but just before the impact, Jim was able to avoid it by catapulting himself with his arms upwards landing safely after the tremor ended.

Swiftly rushing behind the ape Jim prepared to hit with his right arm. Sensing the attack the gorilla suddenly spun around with his left arm outstretched. Being faster than the gorilla, Jim avoided the arm by barely ducking below it and used the moment to get closer.

The gorilla acted out of reflex and accidentally used more force than it needed causing its upper body to spin further. Using the distraction of the gorilla Jim grabbed its left leg abruptly standing up from his crouched position.

This move caused the balance of the gorilla to shift, resulting in it almost falling over. With only one leg the gorilla had problems holding its balance or reacting to any of the moves Jim was doing.

Jim put the left leg he was holding with both hands between his left armpit, holding it as tightly as he could. Trying to straighten the legs as much as possible Jim bent his right arm so that his elbow pointed down. Holding it up Jim pushed down with as much force as he could…

*CRACK*

A loud cracking sound reverted around the zoo, as the knee of the gorilla was completely shattered and a miserable cry resounded from the gorilla. It struggled strongly, waving its arms mindlessly around.

Jim calmly avoided each of the coming first and after seeing the right opportunity let go of the leg, retreating a few steps. Regaining its leg the gorilla stumbled a few steps backward, barely able to catch its balance. Its left leg dangled loosely from the knee downwards.

He could now only use its right leg, restricting not only its mobility but also the force it could put into each of its punches. It was forced to use one of its arms to balance itself and walk, meaning that Jim now only had to worry about the other.

Being at an advantage Jim didn’t waste any time and moved as soon as he saw an opportunity. Just as Jim was in the range of the gorilla it suddenly threw a handful of sand, causing a small cloud of dust to form, blinding Jim’s vision.

Using this window of time the gorilla escaped to the tree standing beside Jim and used his left arm to hold himself on the tree strongly, causing the bark to burst and break.

The veins and muscles of the gorilla bulged as it used its momentum to swing around the tree right back where Jim was standing.

Aiming with his right leg, the gorilla flew directly at Jim. Before the gorilla even hit him Jim was able to sense him but was not able to react in time, being only able to shift his chest to the right.

The leg hit Jim on his left chest, dislodging his shoulder and cracking his ribs, sending him flying until the hard ground stopped his fall.

The others were shocked at this scene and wanted to intervene, but Jim quickly stood up, with one smooth motion straightened his shoulder pushing the bones back where they belonged.

If he didn't let himself fall backward, which reduced the power of the kick by a lot Jim was sure he would have more injuries than just a few fractures and broken bones. Jim never expected the gorilla to use its legs this way, let alone be smart enough to use a tree as a catapult to gain momentum.

*Splaght*

Spitting the blood that gathered in his mouth out and wiping the remaining sand in his eyes away Jim grew serious. It seems like he couldn’t let this fight drag on. With this in mind, he bent his knees and shot off, directly at the gorilla.

The gorilla was startled by Jim's quick recovery. He couldn’t doge and used his left arm to block Jim's right fist. Feeling the force behind the punch the gorilla let out a pained grunt. Not giving him time to think Jim’s left fist quickly followed.

One punch after the other landed on the arms of the gorilla. Slowly it began to bleed more and more, while Jim got faster with each punch. The bones of the gorilla began to creak under the constant barrage of attacks and with only one leg he had problems using its complete weight to defend itself.

Over time it lost more and more strength, as it was pushed back along the sandy ground. Eventually, the gorilla let its defense slip and Jim was able to get a strong punch to the chest.

The air was punched out of its lungs, as the gorilla struggled to breathe. Not giving any chance for the gorilla to recover Jim followed with one punch after the other, until one could hear the ribcage of the gorilla breaking, as it began to spit blood from its mouth.

The chest of the gorilla was carved in and most of its ribs were broken. After each punch, the gorilla would desperately tighten his muscles in the hope to lessen the force of the punches while its back slowly curled into a semicircle. It was so focused on its chest that it eventually forgot to properly defend its head. That was the last mistake it made, as Jim put all his strength in a strong uppercut to the chin.

The gorilla didn’t expect that and fell immediately over; shortly losing consciousness. After it regained consciousness, everything was spinning and it was laying dazed on the ground.

After it finally grasped its surroundings it saw eyes blue like the sea gazing coldly at him, devoid of any emotions. Seeing the eyes it realized that a cold steel blade of a machete lay at its throat. Not able to do anything, the metal slashed deep into its throat. In its last moments, the gorilla looked fearfully at these blue eyes, which seemed to consume him like the depth of the ocean.

Witnessing this fight no mutant or human dared to move, they were too immersed in the fight, and the short time it lasted felt like hours to them. In the beginning, no one could tell who would win, but it quickly became apparent that Jim had the overhand as he landed one heavy hit after the other on the gorilla, like it was some punching bag.

It almost seemed like Jim was using the gorilla to let his accumulated frustration out. He only used his fists in the complete fight, even though he could have used his weapon. He said he wanted to test his limits, but seeing this scene they weren’t so sure if that was all.

After their leader was so overwhelming and brutally murdered the apes surrounding them didn’t dare to stay any longer and fled into every direction they could find. Dennis was the first to react, attacking the escaping apes. The others joined shortly after, letting them escape would be stupid.

After every mutant in the zoo was either dead or fled a grim atmosphere remained, as Jim towered over the corpse of the gorilla. He really let himself go this time, but he felt a lot better now.

Noticing that no threats were nearby Jim relaxed his muscles. He was really tired and knowing that he would be fine his eyelids grew heavy, as his vision blurred and his consciousness slipped away…