Zombolution: Unleash the Undying Power

Chapter 207: Reporting Back to Tier 4 Ascendants

Fleeing from the horrors they had encountered in the Death Land, the group of Tier 3 Ascendants made their way urgently to Pyrohaven. Their faces were etched with terror and fatigue, a stark contrast to the usually composed and confident demeanor of Ascendants.

Upon their arrival, they immediately approached the guards at the entrance. "We need to see Alfred immediately," one of the Ascendants from Glacierfell demanded, his voice laced with urgency.

The guards, observing the distressed expressions and the disheveled state of the Ascendants, knew instantly that something grave had transpired. Without hesitation, one of the guards hurried off to convey the message to Alfred, recognizing the seriousness of the situation.

Alfred, known for his arrogance and self-assured nature, was in his office when he received the news. He was aware that these were the Ascendants sent by the collective of five Tier 4 Ascendants, including himself, to scout the Death Land.

A smirk crossed his face as he thought about the group returning so soon and in such a state. "Bring them to my office," he ordered the guard with a dismissive wave of his hand.

The group of Tier 3 Ascendants was quickly escorted to Alfred’s office, a grand room that radiated authority and power. The walls were adorned with symbols of strength and dominance, and the air was thick with a sense of unspoken might.

Alfred sat regally behind his large, ornate desk, his posture relaxed yet exuding a commanding presence. As the Ascendants stepped into the room, Alfred’s eyes swept over them, a mixture of curiosity and condescension evident in his gaze.

"So, you’ve returned from the Death Land," Alfred began, his voice rich with arrogance, each word dripping with a sense of superiority. "Tell me, what was so terrifying that you’ve come scurrying back here like frightened children?"

The Ascendants, still visibly shaken and trying to catch their breath, shared uneasy glances. The Stormhaven Ascendant, taking a deep breath to steady himself, stepped forward. He stood tall, though the weariness in his eyes betrayed the ordeal they had just endured.

"Sir Alfred," he began, his voice steady but tinged with the weight of their experience, "we encountered something... unnatural in the Death Land. Creatures that were once dead, including our fellow Ascendants, have turned into zombies."

Alfred raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued despite his usual air of disdain. "Zombies, you say?" He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk, interlocking his fingers. "Are you certain of this?" His tone was skeptical, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized their faces, searching for any hint of falsehood.

The Ascendants nodded in unison, their expressions somber. The weight of what they had witnessed was evident in their grave faces and the slight tremor in their hands. They were a group known for their composure and bravery, but what they had encountered had clearly shaken them to their core.

One of the Ascendants, a tall figure from Pyrohaven, stepped forward. He cleared his throat, trying to mask the quiver in his voice. "It’s true, Sir Alfred. We saw it with our own eyes. The dead... they were walking, attacking... turning others."

Alfred, with a contemplative look on his face, leaned back in his chair and fixed his gaze on the Tier 3 Ascendants. "I see," he said slowly, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "So, the zombies you encountered... they only thought about killing you, nothing else?" His tone was inquisitive, probing for more details.

The Tier 3 Ascendants nodded in unison, their expressions still reflecting the trauma of their recent encounter. "Yes, Sir Alfred," one of them replied. "They seemed to have no other purpose but to attack us. No strategy, no retreat – just relentless aggression."

Alfred stroked his chin thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing as he processed this new information. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest of his chair, betraying a rare moment of contemplation. "Interesting," he murmured, more to himself than to the Ascendants. "So, the enemies you encountered were entirely mindless..."

His gaze drifted away momentarily as he recalled his own experiences. "The ones I met previously," Alfred continued, speaking slowly as if piecing together a puzzle in his mind, "they were different. They had some semblance of intelligence, and they could heal themselves."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. The room was silent, with the Tier 3 Ascendants waiting anxiously for his next words. Alfred’s expression was one of deep thought, indicating that he was trying to connect the dots between these different encounters.

Breaking the silence, Alfred leaned forward, placing his elbows on the desk. "This raises several questions," he said, his tone shifting to one of resolve. "Are we dealing with different types of zombies, or has something caused them to evolve?"

The Ascendants exchanged glances, their expressions showing they hadn’t considered this possibility. Alfred stood up from his chair, beginning to pace slowly around the room. His movements were deliberate, each step punctuating his thoughts.

"It seems," Alfred declared, turning to face the group, "that we need a more comprehensive understanding of what we’re dealing with. This is a matter that requires the attention and discussion of all the Tier 4 Ascendants."

He stopped pacing and looked out the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The Ascendants watched him, recognizing the significance of his decision. It was clear that this new threat was unlike anything they had faced before, and it demanded a unified response from the highest echelons of their hierarchy.

Changing the subject, Alfred inquired about any resources they might have found in the Death Land. "What about the bones or metals? Did you manage to bring any back?"

The Ascendants exchanged worried glances before responding. "There were plenty, but it was impossible to retrieve them due to the overwhelming number of zombies. Moreover, the ease with which these zombies can infect others made it too risky," explained the Glacierfell Ascendant, his voice laced with frustration.

Alfred’s brow furrowed at this information. "Their ability to expand their numbers so easily..." he mused, his voice trailing off. After a moment, he asked, "Is the infection rate absolute? One hundred percent?"

The Stormhaven Ascendant stepped forward. "As long as the zombies are weaker than us, we can expel the virus from our bodies. But it’s a close call each time."

Alfred nodded slowly, processing the information. "I see. That’s at least somewhat reassuring. For now, you should rest. This matter needs to be addressed with the other Tier 4 Ascendants."

The Tier 3 Ascendants, relieved to have delivered their message but still burdened by their grim experience, exited Alfred’s office. Though Alfred’s arrogance was still palpable, it was clear that the severity of the situation had made an impact on him.

Alfred, left alone in his office, gazed out the window, lost in thought. The revelation of mindless zombies, the potential resources in the Death Land, and the threat they posed required careful planning and coordination among the Ascendants.

As he walked to the meeting room, his steps were measured and deliberate. The upcoming meeting with the other Tier 4 Ascendants would be crucial. They needed to assess the threat, devise a plan, and possibly mobilize their forces to counter this unprecedented danger.