Chapter 114: Chapter 114: The Protective Circle

As night enveloped the new base, the eerie quiet was punctuated only by the low, continuous growling of zombies. Outside, a new type of zombie had appeared, observing the house with an unsettling stillness. This newcomer, unlike the rotting undead commonly seen, seemed to be in perfect health, its skin a stark contrast to the grey and decayed forms of the usual zombies.The Creepers stationed around the base were on high alert, their senses keenly tuned to any disturbances. Though typically unpredictable, they were instinctively ready to defend their territory and their master's domain.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. A group of Strider zombies emerged from the darkness, moving with a swift, almost graceful precision. The Striders took up strategic positions around the new type of zombie, forming a defensive perimeter. Their presence was unmistakably a protective gesture—prepared to intervene should the newcomer pose a threat.

Despite the tense arrival of the Striders, the new type of zombie remained motionless, its presence commanding a strange calm. It did not display any overt hostility but seemed to survey its surroundings with a detached curiosity.

The protective circle formed by the zombies around Ryo's base was an intricate arrangement of vigilance and readiness. The Striders, with their unparalleled speed, complemented the Creepers' watchfulness, creating a robust barrier. This formidable assembly of zombies, all in remarkably good condition, stood ready to defend against any perceived threat.

Inside the house, Ryo and Sachiko remained unaware of the unfolding scenario outside. The base was surrounded by a living shield of well-maintained zombies, each element of the protective circle functioning in silent coordination. The night was marked by a tense stillness, the balance of power maintained by the undying forces loyal to their master.

The ground shook with a deep, resonant roar that echoed through the night, reverberating against the walls of Ryo's base. The disturbance was so intense it jolted Ryo awake from his sleep. He rose calmly, his movements deliberate and measured, as he reached for his MP5 and grabbed a can of beer from the refrigerator.

He opened it with a practiced twist and took a slow, deliberate sip, savoring the cold beverage as he walked towards the source of the commotion.

Outside, the chaos had escalated. The Brute zombies—massive, hulking figures with muscles bulging beneath their skin—had arrived near Ryo's base. Each Brute was nearly double the size of a typical human, their sheer presence intimidating and commanding. They moved with a slow, deliberate grace that belied their enormous strength.

Ryo stepped outside, taking in the scene with a detached curiosity. He saw the Brutes approaching the new type of zombie, their imposing forms casting long shadows in the moonlight. With a casual wave, Ryo greeted them, his voice cutting through the noise of the night. "Hello there, Brutes. What's the commotion?"

The Brutes responded with guttural growls, their attention divided between the new type of zombie and the surrounding area. Ryo's gaze shifted to the Creepers nearby, their bodies tense and poised for action. They seemed ready to pounce at a moment's notice, their instincts honed for combat.

Not far from the Creepers, the Striders were positioned in a tight formation, their eyes locked on an unseen threat. The situation was fraught with tension as if a confrontation was imminent. The Striders' readiness to engage was palpable, their bodies coiled like springs, ready to explode into action.

Ryo's grip tightened on his MP5 as he assessed the scene. He signaled to the Brutes, a subtle gesture that conveyed his desire for them to stay alert and ready to protect him. The Brutes responded by positioning themselves in a protective stance around Ryo, their enormous forms creating a formidable barrier.

The zombies that were normally stationed around the house began to stir, moving closer to Ryo as if to form a defensive perimeter. Their presence was a reassuring reminder of the control Ryo wielded over them. The protective circle of zombies, including the Creepers and Striders, stood ready to respond to any threat, their loyalty to Ryo unwavering.

As the night unfolded with its chaotic symphony of growls and roars, Ryo remained calm and collected. He took another sip of his beer, his demeanor relaxed despite the escalating tension. His command over the zombies, both the decayed and the healthy, was evident in the way they responded to his presence.

The scene outside was a testament to the delicate balance of power and control that defined Ryo's existence in this dangerous world.

Ryo called one of the Striders over, signaling him to be prepared for any potential conflict. The Strider approached with its characteristic, eerie grace, positioning itself beside Ryo with a readiness that spoke volumes of their unspoken understanding. The Brutes, massive and imposing, formed a formidable front line, while the Striders flanked Ryo on either side, their eyes alert and vigilant.

The other zombies roamed the perimeter, maintaining a constant watchful presence, and the Creepers, ever on edge, tensed and prepared to leap into action at a moment's notice.

Ryo approached the new type of zombie cautiously but with a commanding presence. The new zombie stood out among the others, its appearance and demeanor marking it as different, possibly belonging to another master or force. Despite Ryo's usual control over the undead, he could sense that this particular zombie operated on a different set of rules.

With a steady gaze, Ryo addressed the new zombie. "What is your business here? Did someone send you?"

He knew full well that the zombie wouldn't be able to respond verbally. The silence that followed his question only underscored the tension in the air. Ryo's eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of the strange zombie, trying to gauge any hint of its purpose or allegiance.

Ryo's voice grew colder, carrying an edge of warning. "You know you can't match the strength of the Brutes here, let alone the agility of the Creepers. If you have a master, tell them: don't mess with me."

His warning hung in the air, the unspoken threat clear. The Striders and Brutes stood ready, their presence a clear demonstration of Ryo's formidable control over the zombies. The Creepers remained poised, their readiness to spring into action a constant reminder of the potential violence that could erupt at any moment.

The new zombie, seemingly unfazed by Ryo's presence and warnings, remained silent and motionless. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, the silence punctuated only by the occasional distant growl of the undead. As the confrontation simmered, Ryo's calm demeanor remained unshaken, a stark contrast to the growing tension around him.

Ryo's sharp eyes assessed the new zombie with growing suspicion. It was unlike any he had encountered before, suggesting that it had been modified or created through means beyond the ordinary. The zombie's unnatural demeanor and appearance were a clear indication that it was not a typical member of the undead horde.

Ryo's patience wore thin. His voice carried a cold, commanding tone as he issued another warning. "Go away now, or this one will be your fight." He pointed to one of his Strider zombies, its posture ready and menacing.

The new zombie remained unmoved, its expressionless face betraying no hint of fear or response. This defiance sparked a flash of anger in Ryo. He didn't like being ignored, especially not when it came to matters of control and dominance.

Without hesitation, Ryo's voice cut through the tension. "Give this new zombie a taste of your wrath."

The Strider he had indicated sprang into action with a burst of speed, its movements almost a blur as it closed the distance between itself and the new zombie. The impact was immediate and forceful, the Strider's attack causing the new zombie to stumble and falter. Sёarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Reacting swiftly, the new zombie tried to escape, its movements frantic but lacking the agility of the Strider. As it fled, Ryo gave a signal for the Strider to halt its pursuit, ensuring the new zombie would be given only a taste of the power it had provoked.

Ryo watched with a mix of amusement and satisfaction as the new zombie retreated, its clumsy flight a stark contrast to the swift efficiency of the Strider. Laughter bubbled up from within him, a genuine, mocking sound that echoed through the night.

"How do you like the taste?" Ryo called out, his voice carrying a blend of derision and amusement.

The Strider returned to Ryo's side, its task complete. The Brutes and other zombies remained in their positions, their readiness to protect Ryo evident. The new zombie, having fled, left behind an air of defeated silence as it vanished into the night.

Ryo's laughter gradually subsided, replaced by a satisfied smirk. He took a moment to savor the control and dominance he wielded over his undead minions, knowing that any challengers would think twice before crossing him again.

Ryo's voice, both commanding and reassuring, cut through the night air. "Good job, my dear friends," he said to his assembled army of zombies—the Striders, Brutes, and Creepers alike. His tone was one of satisfaction, acknowledging the loyalty and effectiveness of his undead minions.

He continued with a final instruction, his voice firm and decisive. "I'm going to sleep now. Brutes, shake the ground if something like this happens again, okay?"

The Brutes responded with a low, rumbling growl that reverberated through the ground, a clear sign of their understanding and readiness to act. Their massive forms shifted slightly, preparing to follow Ryo's command if needed.

With that, Ryo turned and headed back inside, the night once again falling into a tense but manageable quiet. The Striders and Creepers maintained their positions, their watchful eyes keeping a vigilant lookout for any further disturbances.

Ryo settled back into bed, the comfort of his previous rest returning as he prepared to drift back to sleep, secure in the knowledge that his defenses were strong and his command unchallenged.

As Ryo dealt with the intruding new zombie, Sachiko watched from the safety of a window inside the house. Her heart raced as she observed the scene unfolding outside. The sight of the unknown zombies, especially the new and formidable type, was both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

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She could hardly believe how Ryo, with such calm confidence, orchestrated the zombies with an ease that seemed almost casual.

Sachiko's heart raced as she observed the scene. The new zombies, with their unfamiliar and unsettling appearance, only added to her anxiety. Ryo's mastery over them, coupled with his ability to maintain such control in a dangerous situation, was awe-inspiring.

The sight of the Brutes, Striders, and Creepers—each a formidable force in their own right—responding to his commands with perfect synchronization, left her in a state of profound unease.

As the confrontation came to an end and Ryo returned to the house, Sachiko was left alone with her thoughts. The realization of Ryo's true extent of power was overwhelming. She had never fully grasped the magnitude of his influence over the zombies and his ability to bend them to his will so effortlessly.

Determined not to reveal her fear or astonishment,Her mind raced with questions and concerns, but she kept her distance, not wanting to reveal her presence or disrupt Ryo's commanding presence. After Ryo returned inside, she quietly slipped back to bed, her mind still spinning with the revelations of the night.

She chose to remain silent about witnessing his true power, understanding that some things were better left unspoken, especially given the fear and respect she now held for Ryo's formidable control over his undead army.

The reality of Ryo's dominance and the terrifying power he wielded over his undead army weighed heavily on her. Despite her desire to remain hidden, the encounter had left an indelible mark on her, shaping her perception of Ryo and the dark world they inhabited.