The train’s powerful engine roared at full strength, making everyone worry that it might break under the immense pressure.
Lucas and Reign watched through the monitor as the train plowed forward, its massive frame pushing against the hordes of corrupted that dared to block it.
Initial impact of their attacks had been devastating, but as the train continued its advance, it became apparent that their previous estimates had been grossly underestimated.
The horde turned out to be thicker and more aggressive than expected.
Metal wheels of the train screeched and scraped against the corpses, filling the air with a terrible grinding and tearing noise.
The train shook violently as the pile of twisted bodies grew larger in front of it. Each moment, the train’s progress slowed more because of the heavy weight of the corrupted corpses.
"Losing momentum!" the driver shouted over the noise, his voice filled with panic. He fought with the controls, pushing the engine to its limits.
But despite his efforts, the train struggled to move forward, held back by the ever-growing pile of corrupted bodies.
Lucas, his face full of worry, turned and walked to the passenger car, with Reign following closely behind.
"We’ve underestimated their numbers," he announced, his voice firm. "The train can’t continue like this. We need to clear the path ourselves."
A wave of unease swept through the cabin. Several passengers exchanged worried glances, their faces pale under the harsh lights.
One tall man, his face lined with stress, spoke up,. "Are you serious? Fighting them head on? We’ll be slaughtered! We’re safer inside the train."
Another passenger, a woman clutching her weapon tightly, nodded in agreement. "We don’t even know how many are out there. We’re just going to make things worse if we fight now."
As the conversation grew more frantic, the passengers turned their gaze toward Reign, who had been observing the scene with a detached air.
"What about him?" one of the passengers asked,. "He’s really powerful. Can’t he do something to help us?"
Reign turned his head toward the source, his face giving nothing away. A faint, almost mocking smile appeared on his lips.
"I’m powerful," he said, trying to sound modest, "but do you really think I can deal with all of this by myself?"
The first burst of gunfire shattered the air, hitting the corrupted outside. They were pushed back, but more kept coming.
The sound of weapons firing and the roaring flamethrowers filled the air, mixing with the screeching of the train wheels and the groans of the struggling engine.
Lucas scanned the room, his eyes sharp and focused. He saw several passengers who looked ready for action. "If you can fight, get ready to go outside!" he shouted over the noise. "We need to clear the front manually!"
With reluctance, a group of experienced fighters, their faces set with annoyance, headed for the train’s exits. Among them were five men and a woman, all strong and capable.
When the crew opened the emergency exits, they were immediately swarmed by corrupted creatures.
The fighters, ready and determined, began fighting back with all their might. They moved together seamlessly, their weapons blazing and slicing through the horde to keep the corrupted at bay. Their coordinated effort was important; if they faltered, they risked being overwhelmed.
The train’s flamethrowers continued to roar, burning the corrupted and creating temporary gaps which the fighters used to break and push forward, helping to clear a path and allowing the train to move a little.
Lucas, watching from the window, nodded in approval. "They’re doing great. Keep focusing on clearing the areas they’re working on. We need to make sure we don’t fall behind."
Inside the cabin, the other passengers and crew kept firing their weapons to support the fighters. The train’s engines struggled against the pile of bodies in front of it, but the combined efforts were making a difference.
However —
Even with their hard work, the horde seemed endless, constantly coming at them from every side.
The fighters, though skilled, were battling new waves that seemed to never stop. They fought with all their strength, pushing forward despite their exhaustion.
’I can’t believe I was assigned to guard someone so incompetent,’ Reign grumbled.
Seeing the tough situation, he finally decided to join the fight.
’Time for me to step in,’ he muttered while walking towards the exit.
Some of the passengers noticed him and, for a brief moment, began to wished that he might somehow perform a miracle and turn things around.
However, those who understood the situation better, like Nobu and Seki, were doubtful that he could save them all. They even considered abandoning the train and making a run for it.