The Elite Zombie barreled across the courtyard like a raging beast.
Each step shattered the concrete beneath its feet.
Hunter narrowed his crimson eyes.
"Predator Dash."
His body vanished in a blur.
Whoosh!
The monster's massive claw slammed into the ground where he had been standing.
BOOM!
The impact created a crater nearly two meters wide as chunks of concrete flew through the air.
The three survivors were knocked backward by the shockwave.
"What kind of monster is that?" one of the girls whispered in terror.
Hunter reappeared behind the Elite Zombie and swung the Tyrant Blade with all his strength.
Clang!
Instead of cutting flesh, the blade bounced off hardened skin.
A shallow cut was all it managed to leave.
Critical Warning
Target possesses Hardened Skin.
Physical damage reduced by 60%.
Locate weak points.
Hunter clicked his tongue.
"So brute force won't work."
The Elite Zombie turned around far faster than its size suggested.
Its claw swept sideways.
Hunter barely ducked beneath the attack.
The claw sliced through a concrete pillar as though it were paper.
The building behind them trembled violently.
Hunter's expression turned serious.
"One direct hit..."
"I'll die."
The Elite Zombie roared before charging again.
This time Hunter didn't retreat.
He activated Blood Sense.
Immediately, crimson lines appeared throughout the monster's enormous body.
Most were dim.
But one spot...
A glowing red core pulsed inside the creature's chest.
"So that's your weakness."
The zombie suddenly jumped.
Its massive body cast a shadow over Hunter.
Heavy Smash!
Hunter rolled to the side just as the monster landed.
BOOOOM!
The entire courtyard shook violently.
The impact sent cracks spreading across the ground.
Several abandoned cars nearby flipped onto their sides.
Hunter wiped blood from the corner of his mouth.
Even avoiding the attack wasn't enough.
The shockwave alone had injured him.
Health: 81/100
"So this is an E-Rank monster..."
It was far stronger than anything he had faced.
The Elite Zombie roared again.
Its muscles expanded.
Dark red veins bulged across its body.
Elite Zombie has activated Berserk!
Strength Increased.
Speed Increased.
Pain Immunity Granted.
Hunter frowned.
"It can power up too?"
Without warning, the monster disappeared.
Its enormous body moved with unbelievable speed.
Hunter barely reacted.
The claw struck his chest.
BANG!
Hunter was launched through three parked cars before crashing into the university fountain.
Metal twisted like paper.
Glass exploded everywhere.
The survivors stared in horror.
"He's dead..."
Hunter slowly climbed out of the rubble.
Blood dripped from his lips.
Several ribs ached.
Health: 42/100
The Elite Zombie laughed.
It actually laughed.
Hunter's expression grew cold.
"So you're intelligent..."
"Good."
"It'll make killing you even more satisfying."
He reached into his Storage Space.
A crimson bottle appeared in his hand.
Basic Healing Potion.
Hunter drank it without hesitation.
Warm energy spread throughout his body.
Health Restored
42 → 92
The monster charged once more.
Hunter smiled.
"Let's end this."
He gripped the Tyrant Blade with both hands.
Then...
A new notification appeared.
Hidden Condition Fulfilled
The Host has challenged an enemy four levels above himself.
Unique Skill Evolution Triggered.
Monster Mode is evolving...
Hunter froze.
Crimson lightning erupted around his body.
His blood boiled.
The Tyrant Bloodline inside him awakened further.
Black scales spread across his forearms.
His fingernails sharpened into claws.
His crimson eyes became brighter.
A dark aura erupted from his body.
The system's voice echoed like thunder.
Congratulations.
Monster Mode has evolved into...
TYRANT MODE
Effects
• All Attributes +300%
• Regeneration Increased by 500%
• Fear Immunity
• Killing Intent Aura
• Blood Frenzy
• Physical Defense Greatly Increased
Duration: 20 Minutes.
Power unlike anything Hunter had ever felt surged through every part of his body.
He clenched his fist.
The surrounding air distorted.
The Elite Zombie stopped charging.
For the first time...
Fear appeared in its crimson eyes.
Hunter slowly raised his head.
His expression had become emotionless.
His voice carried overwhelming authority.
"You..."
"...will kneel."
The Elite Zombie roared desperately and charged.
Hunter disappeared.
The survivors couldn't even follow his movement.
He appeared directly in front of the monster.
One punch.
BOOOOOOM!!
The Elite Zombie's massive body flew over fifty meters before crashing through the university library.
The entire building shook.
Hunter didn't give it time to recover.
Predator Dash!
He appeared above the monster.
The Tyrant Blade glowed with crimson energy.
Hunter aimed directly at the glowing core inside its chest.
"Die."
CRIMSON TYRANT SLASH!
The blade pierced through the Elite Zombie's hardened skin.
Straight through its heart.
The glowing core shattered.
The monster froze.
Cracks spread across its enormous body.
Then...
BOOM!
The Elite Zombie exploded into countless fragments of black flesh.
Silence fell over the battlefield.
Elite Zombie Eliminated!
+2,000 EXP
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Current Level: 7
Golden light surrounded Hunter as his injuries vanished.
The system chimed repeatedly.
First Elite Monster Killed
Rewards Granted:
Elite Blood Crystal ×1
500 System Points
Random Epic Skill Chest ×1
Hunter stared at the glowing chest floating before him.
An Epic reward...
His lips curled into a smile.
The apocalypse had only just begun.
Yet the path of the Tyrant was already opening before him.