Chapter 281: Problems in Roanapur"
(I admit honestly, the chapter was written with great difficulty. I am for the fact that I am not in the best condition now, I spent more than six hours on this chapter, and even then with difficulty. Most of the time I tried to come to my senses and collect my thoughts, and in those moments when I felt better, I tried to write at least a few words to finish this chapter. My advice to you, get treatment in a timely manner. Peace.)
When Alex and the others made it outside, they were immediately overwhelmed by a strange noise echoing from all directions. However, the most remarkable thing was the way the clouds began to gather over the city, and the sky took on a dark, ominous hue.
Alex frowned, noticing the unusual weather effect. There was definitely no Red Marker nearby that could influence the environment, not to mention the eerie hum coming from the distance.
If one listened closely, it sounded as if an entire army was moving toward them. This thought flashed through Alex's mind, conjuring the image of an endless horde of zombies rushing straight at them. Judging by the expressions on his companions' faces, they were thinking the same thing.
"I don't like that noise," Rei said quietly, listening to the hum.
"You're not the only one," Saya responded, lifting her head toward the sky. "This isn't just the wind and the sky… this doesn't seem like a natural phenomenon."
The discussion about the strange weather changes and the approaching noise quickly captured everyone's attention. Even the newcomers in the group tried to make sense of the situation, though they still understood very little.
Meanwhile, Alex ran through possible explanations in his mind, but none of them fit the current circumstances. Everything seemed too suspicious to be a simple coincidence.
"What do you think, my husband?" Beatrix asked, gently squeezing his hand.
"I don't know. But we need to find out what's causing that noise," he replied, shaking his head.
Everyone agreed. They had already started preparing drones for reconnaissance when Alex suddenly raised his hand, stopping them. Releasing Beatrix's fingers, he abruptly jumped up, pushed off the walls of a building a few times, and landed on the roof.
The newcomers stared at him in astonishment, unable to believe that a human could do something like that. They glanced at his team, expecting an explanation, but his companions simply watched silently as Alex tried to assess the situation.
From the rooftop, he had an excellent view of the surroundings, but at first, he saw nothing except a massive dust cloud in the distance. Squinting, he focused harder—and his eye twitched involuntarily at the sight.
A colossal horde of undead was rushing toward the city.
Hundreds, thousands of corpses flooded the streets, their numbers impossible to count. Among them, towering figures of Hell Barons and Hell Knights stood out—demonic creatures leading the charge forward.
"This can't be," the thought flashed through his mind. "This isn't just a coincidence."
The more he analyzed the situation, the more convinced he became that this horde hadn't come by chance. It had likely been sent here on purpose—either to destroy him and his group or to test their strength.
Someone was probing, evaluating his capabilities.
And the only reason this someone would take an interest in him was the destruction of the Red Marker in the underground laboratory in Hong Kong.
Alex smirked, shaking his head. "Looks like someone really didn't like that I destroyed their toy."
But the situation was far from amusing.
The horde of undead was moving in a way that would completely cut off their path to the port where the aircraft carrier was stationed. Even if they ran now, they wouldn't reach the ship before the enemies.
Alex pondered.
The only way to stop such a massive force was through heavy bombardment or a powerful strike. However, they were surrounded on three sides, making an airstrike difficult.
Of course, he could use the "Big Gun" and wipe out the entire horde in one go… but then neither the city nor the survivors would be left standing.
He cast another look at the approaching undead.
Something else lingered in the air.
The clouds, the strange light, the cold wind sweeping through the streets…
"Demons," Alex realized. "Their aura is affecting the weather."
Taking a deep breath, he looked down, where his group was waiting for him.
"Damn, this is gonna be fun."
Wasting no more time, Alex jumped down.
Alex glanced once more at the approaching horde of undead and realized that dealing with such a number of corpses using only a power axe would be inconvenient. Taking out his phone, he quickly sent a message to Brunhilde, asking her to send Hades' Spear while also warning her about the impending threat so that everyone on the aircraft carrier would be ready when the horde arrived. Receiving a reply, he put the phone back in his pocket, looked at the undead masses again, and decided to go down to inform the others about the situation.
Alex couldn't help but smirk—every time they ended up in some "quiet" city, shit inevitably happened, and they had to deal with it. Pushing aside his thoughts, he jumped down.
The moment Alex landed, all eyes immediately turned to him.
"What did you see from up there?" Saya asked, taking his hand.
"Well, first of all, we're screwed," he replied without any preamble.
Some looked at him in confusion, but those who had traveled with Alex long enough immediately understood that this was no exaggeration. The strange noise was becoming clearer, and the sky was rapidly filling with storm clouds.
Rebecca was the first to lose patience and kicked Alex in the leg.
"Maybe explain in more detail instead of cutting off mid-sentence?"
"Yeah, stop dragging it out and talk," Renka agreed.
"Three hordes are coming at us from three directions, and to put it bluntly, their numbers are overwhelming," Alex finally explained without sugarcoating the situation.
After those words, everyone's expressions turned serious. This meant that the undead were far more numerous than in previous encounters. Usually, their group faced hordes no larger than a thousand, and in most cases, a good portion of them could be wiped out by bombing. But this time, things were different—the aircraft carrier's weapons couldn't fire in three directions at once.
Rebecca narrowed her eyes, understanding perfectly well that Alex already had some kind of plan. The others realized the situation was dire and that they needed a solution fast.
"And what's your plan, kid?" Balalaika asked, noticing that everyone was looking at Alex, waiting for a decision.
"There aren't many options. The main goal is to reach the aircraft carrier. There, we can mount a proper defense. But the problem is that the horde is moving in a way that could cut off our escape route at any moment. We have about ten minutes to reach the ship without any major problems," Alex explained.
"Then what are we waiting for? Shouldn't we already be getting the hell out of here?" Revy asked, crossing her arms.
Alex glanced at her and raised an eyebrow.
Revy—a Chinese-American woman with tanned skin, appearing to be around twenty-five. She stood at 165 cm, with long burgundy hair tied in a messy low ponytail, with bangs and side strands framing her face. Amber-brown eyes, a tribal tattoo starting from her right forearm and extending to her neck, and a muscular physique that she made no effort to hide.
Alex knew that Revy wasn't one to hold back, especially in tense situations. He could even draw a parallel between her and Rebecca—while Rebecca was a fanatic for firearms and explosions, Revy was someone who never minced words and jumped into fights without hesitation.
Lost in thought for a moment, Alex once again found himself comparing Revy's team to Maine's crew.
"What are you staring at? Maybe say something instead of just gawking at me? Aren't these people waiting for your orders?" Revy asked with a frown.
Alex let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. Without saying a word, he glanced at the others, lit a cigarette, and stepped aside. Through his spiritual link with Brunhilde, he received a message—the package was already on its way. Now, he just had to catch it.
He stood in the middle of the road, gazing toward the port where the aircraft carrier was stationed. According to Brunhilde, relayed through their spiritual connection, GIR, MIMI, and Stitch had decided to launch Hades' Spear using a railgun, ensuring the weapon's delivery at lightning speed. This turn of events surprised not only Alex but even the other Valkyries in his spiritual space—no one had expected such a pun from their usually strict sister.
"Alex, what are you doing? You were the one who said we're short on time," Valmet frowned, not understanding his actions.
"Waiting for delivery," he smirked, exhaling a stream of smoke. "The axe is good, but it's not the most convenient choice against a massive horde."
"And how exactly are they delivering it? Drones? Dropping it from the sky?" Balalaika asked with curiosity.
"You'll see soon enough. In the meantime, step back so no one gets hurt. Oh, and don't forget to check your weapons and ammo. The way ahead won't be easy, so I suggest you prepare," Alex said, carefully inspecting his group.
The newcomers didn't immediately grasp what was happening and stood frozen until they were helped to move away. The others, however, were long accustomed to Alex's extravagant methods. Every time he planned something, it always led to something out of the ordinary, and this time was clearly no exception.
Some started speculating about how Alex would receive his weapon. Most of their theories were so absurd that the newcomers looked at the group as if they were a bunch of lunatics. However, only Rebecca came closest to the truth—she guessed that the weapon would be launched toward him from the aircraft carrier like a projectile.
Meanwhile, Balalaika discreetly observed Saya, trying to recall where she had seen the pink-haired girl before. Suddenly, it hit her—she had met Saya in Japan once, while visiting Yuriko. Back then, she was just a little girl. Now, she had changed significantly, which was surprising. Noticing the intense gaze, Saya tilted her head slightly and adjusted her glasses, to which Balalaika simply offered a friendly smile but chose not to say anything for now.
While the newcomers checked their ammo and gear, the more experienced fighters monitored the perimeter. But suddenly, the silence was shattered by a deafening roar.
Alex grinned widely and stepped aside just in time—within a second, a projectile shot past him at insane speed.
Everyone froze, stunned not only by what they had just witnessed but also by the destruction left in the shot's wake. The buildings in its path had been pierced clean through, now bearing perfectly round holes in their walls.
"I told you so!" Rebecca huffed, smugly crossing her arms.
"Only you and Alex could come up with the idea of using a railgun for weapon delivery!" Saya grumbled in frustration.
"Why are you complaining? We share the same man, and you were warned from the start that things would be like this," Rebecca rolled her eyes. "So instead of whining, you'd better get ready for departure."
"Wait… Are you telling me you're both dating the same guy?" Revy asked in disbelief, glancing between them.
"What do you mean, 'both'?" Rebecca raised an eyebrow.
Saya immediately understood what Revy was implying, and before Rebecca could get worked up, she explained the situation. After that, Rebecca smirked and began pointing at the girls, listing those who were in a relationship with Alex. In the end, the count reached seven, with a few more labeled as "potential." The ones named didn't bother confirming or denying it—each of them knew that denying the obvious would just be a lie.
Balalaika glanced at Saya again, unable to believe that the little girl she had seen in her childhood was now in a relationship with a man who had more than one partner. She had been about to discuss this with Yuriko, not realizing that Yuriko was also on that list.
Alex approached his spear, which had plunged deep into the ground, sending electric discharges along the length of the shaft. He grabbed it and threw the weapon over his shoulder, grinning to himself as he made his way back to the group.
The sound of the approaching horde grew louder. It was clear that it would soon overwhelm the city, and it was time to move out. Alex approached the others, quickly scanning them to ensure everyone was ready. There was no more time to waste—even if they had left immediately after his warning, they still wouldn't have reached the port before the horde caught up with them.
"Since everyone's ready, get in the vehicles quickly, and let's move out. Becca, you're driving the 'Fenrir,'" Alex commanded.
"And how are you getting there? Running alongside again?" Chun-Li asked as she sat on her motorcycle.
"Something like that," he smirked. "Now stop wasting time. I'll do everything I can to make your path easier."
Everyone quickly took their places, preparing for departure. The noise of the horde became so loud that the ground began to vibrate noticeably under the pounding of thousands of feet. But Alex paid no attention to it—what concerned him more were those directing the horde: the Barons and Knights of Hell. If they were eliminated, the monsters would lose their control, giving the group a chance to break through.
Closing his eyes, Alex spread his mana across the city. He immediately felt the horde split: one part was heading toward them, while the other was moving toward the aircraft carrier. Without wasting any time, he sent a message to Brunhilde through their spiritual connection.
"Start moving. We're taking the same route we came in on. Don't stop or turn off. If needed, I'll clear the way. Forward!"
As soon as he finished, the roar of engines filled the air, and the vehicles shot forward. Rebecca, driving past, winked at him before speeding ahead with Chun-Li and Shigure. Both girls nodded briefly, signaling for him to be careful.
Alex smiled, watching them go, then pushed off the ground, leaping onto the roof of a building. His target was the Baron of Hell, who was leading the nearest part of the horde.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the first metal object his fingers touched and gripped it tightly. Electric charges coursed through his arm, and in the next second, Alex launched the projectile at incredible speed, turning himself into a living railgun.
The Baron of Hell, sensing the threat, managed to shift his position just enough to avoid the direct trajectory of the shot, but he still lost his arm. He grabbed his bleeding stump and turned sharply toward the direction the projectile had come from.
"Oh? He was able to notice me even from that distance? Impressive. But, alas, he won't live long," Alex muttered, tossing a golden coin in his hand.
He grinned and, with a bit more force, launched the second coin. This time, the Baron of Hell didn't have time to react—the projectile tore through his body, reducing him to a bloody mess.
Satisfied that the enemy was dead, Alex turned and began chasing after his group, jumping from roof to roof.
As he got closer, he heard gunfire and loud swearing coming from the direction of the vehicles. With one more jump, he landed directly on the Cacodemon, smashing it into the asphalt.
At that moment, one of the vehicles sped past, and Alex, smirking, immediately followed. Through their spiritual connection, he contacted Brunhilde to check on the situation at the port. According to her, everything was calm there… but that was only temporary.
While running, Alex heard a loud noise behind him. He instinctively turned around, and not just him—many of his companions also looked back to assess the situation. As expected, a massive horde of undead was chasing after them, relentlessly closing in.
Alex abruptly skidded to a stop to buy some time for the group. He swung his spear, making the ground in front of him rise, then sent a huge wave of stone crashing into the advancing horde. But the moment he hesitated, one of the buildings collapsed, crushed by a powerful demon he recognized immediately.
"Mancubus," Alex muttered with a smirk, noticing that the demon's arms had been replaced with plasma guns.
Through the breach, another wave of undead flooded in, cutting him off from the group. Alex grimaced—now he would have to fight through this nightmare alone.
"It looks like we've been split up. Zhang Ya, care to lend a hand?" he asked, addressing the ghostly woman who hid in his shadow.
Zhang Ya, as always, didn't respond, but her presence was unmistakable. Alex's shadow twisted, taking on a feminine form, and long black hair, resembling tree roots, shot out. They immediately wrapped around demons and mutants, constricting them into cocoons. Those caught in the trap didn't even have time to comprehend what happened.
Zhang Ya didn't just eliminate enemies—she did it with terrifying cruelty. The Mancubus was among her victims: its mangled body was literally torn apart, then compressed into a shapeless mass of flesh and bone. Alex couldn't help but feel a little pity for those caught in her grasp. Unlike him, who simply killed, Zhang Ya seemed to take pleasure in the process.
Meanwhile, the convoy raced toward the port. The people inside did everything they could to fend off the pursuers. Rebecca switched with Chun-Li on the motorcycle to intercept the faster demons who were closing in on them. Soldiers leaned out of the vehicle windows, firing nonstop and swapping positions during reloads. The machine guns mounted on the "Humvee" kept firing, mowing down the undead.
"Where's Alex? Has anyone seen him?" Miu asked anxiously.
"He stopped to hold off the horde, but then another wave of undead cut him off," Valmet replied, reloading her rifle.
"I hope he's alright… there are too many of them this time," Miu said, frowning.
"Don't worry," Beatrix said calmly from behind the wheel. "We're almost there. We'll be at the port soon."
Despite their concern, the girls knew what Alex was capable of and believed he would manage. Their main task now was to reach the aircraft carrier, from where they could hold off the horde.
As the convoy stormed into the port, it became clear that there was little time left. Soon after them, the horde poured in, crushing everything in its path. Fortunately, the group had a small advantage—a few minutes to board the aircraft carrier.
The people aboard the carrier panicked as they saw the approaching avalanche of undead. Martial arts masters stood on the deck, their faces etched with concern. They understood that if they didn't buy enough time, the ship wouldn't be able to leave, and everyone aboard would perish.
Hayato, the greatest martial arts master, made a decision in that very moment. Without saying a word, he leaped down and stood right in front of the ramp where the vehicles were driving up.
His friends—Sasaki, Kensai, Akisame, and Apachai—closed their eyes with heavy hearts, understanding what he was planning…
Miu, sitting in one of the Humvees, noticed her grandfather, and a terrible premonition instantly grew in her heart. Hayato, catching her gaze, gave her one last warm smile.
"Grandfather! DON'T!" Miu screamed as the vehicle drove onto the carrier.
The ramp began to rise. Hayato glanced one last time at the closing passage and slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, there was no doubt or hesitation in them—only unyielding determination. He was ready to sacrifice himself to buy time for the others.
A powerful surge of energy erupted from his body, like flames soaring into the sky. Miu, knowing what her grandfather was about to do, rushed to the upper deck, crying out in desperation to stop him.
"Grandfather! Stop!" she cried, but Hayato, as if not hearing her words, was already raising his fists, preparing to strike.
But before he could attack, a spear suddenly fell from the sky, crackling with electrical discharges. It pierced the ground, scattering the nearest undead into clouds of ash.
"DON'T BE AFRAID! YOU KNOW WHY? BECAUSE I'M HERE!" a loud voice rang out, and in the next moment, Alex crashed down from the sky, landing right on the spear's handle.
Hayato, who had already resigned himself to his fate, froze in shock, staring at the young man standing confidently on the weapon, a wide, slightly cocky grin on his face. A stunned silence fell over the deck of the aircraft carrier as everyone watched Alex's unexpected arrival.
Miu, seeing that her grandfather no longer had to sacrifice himself, let out a relieved breath and wiped away her tears.
Alex jumped off the spear and walked over to Hayato, shaking his head slightly.
"You really were going to sacrifice yourself, old man?" he asked with a hint of reproach.
"We needed to buy time," Hayato replied calmly, putting his hands behind his back. "And who else, if not you and me, could hold off this horde?"
Alex sighed deeply. He couldn't call this act foolish, as everyone has their own choices and principles. Not everyone only thinks of themselves—there are people who would do anything for those they care about.
However, their conversation was interrupted by a new rumble from behind. Alex and Hayato simultaneously turned around and saw an even larger wave of undead rushing toward them.
Alex clenched his fist, a slight smile playing on his lips. He then glanced at Hayato and, smirking, said:
"Old man, a wise master once said: 'Be like water.'"
Alex's words puzzled everyone—people on the deck exchanged confused glances, not understanding what he meant. But Alex just grinned wider, turning toward the approaching horde.
"Guess I'm kind of a tsunami," he said, smiling.
The next second, a blinding golden aura erupted around Alex, and then there was a loud shout from Brunhilde:
"Hold onto everything you can!"
In an instant, Alex struck. For everyone watching, time seemed to slow down. And then… there was a deafening crack, a powerful shockwave scattering dust and debris in every direction.
When the dust veil cleared, the stunned onlookers saw a terrifying sight: the port had been completely wiped off the face of the earth. Where warehouses and docks once stood, there was nothing left but ruins. Even the houses beyond the port had been damaged by the destructive wave.
A dead silence reigned on the deck of the aircraft carrier. No one fully grasped the scale of what had just happened. Everything that had been in front of Alex had vanished, transformed into a chaotic mix of stones, rubble, and the torn bodies of undead and demons.
Alex glanced at Hayato and, smirking, said:
"That's how you hold off a horde, old man. Not by rushing to your death. Don't forget, you still have a family to take care of."
Hayato sighed deeply, then nodded.
"You're right, Alex… I just wanted Miu to be safe. That's why I made that decision. And I don't regret it."
Alex nodded silently, then raised his gaze and noticed that everyone on the deck was staring at him with stunned expressions. He grinned widely and, giving a thumbs-up, showed that it was all over.
Brunhilde, her arms crossed over her chest, stared intently at Alex. Her gaze conveyed one thing: after this, we're going to have a serious conversation.
Meanwhile, the newcomers continued to gape silently at him, then at the destruction he had caused with a single strike. But the one most shocked was the leader of the "Kosa Nostra" mafia, who had only recently threatened Alex.
Just as Alex and Hayato were about to board the carrier, applause suddenly erupted behind them.
They turned around at the same time.
Alex raised an eyebrow, wondering which clown had decided to show up now. But Hayato immediately recognized the person.
To be continued…
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