Chapter Fifteen: When the Fireworks Shine Bright

Bang! Bang!

Several times, the massive Skull-Crushing Hammer swept down through the air, but each time I barely managed to dodge it.

“It seems these reflexes are still of some use—at least against you, you slow-moving giant!”

I spat bloody saliva from my mouth; it was from an earlier blow when a stone flung by the hammer struck me. That fist-sized rock had smashed into my chest, nearly knocking the wind out of me.

“Roar! Roar!”

The gigantic corpse, frustrated by its repeated failures, threw back its head and let out a furious howl. I circled around it, searching for an opportunity to approach. Victory would be mine if I could get close enough to leap onto its body and reach its head!

This brute seemed to sense my intentions, swinging the Skull-Crushing Hammer in a wild 360-degree spin, nearly turning me into a pile of meat with one blow.

If that rapidly spinning hammer struck me, death would be instantaneous—all my bones would be shattered on the spot.

Damn it! What a troublesome beast! If I can’t get close, how am I supposed to kill it?

My mind whirled with possibilities—almost as fast as it had two days ago when hunted by the Nightmare Fiend, or during the last chase. The oil depot offered little to work with, and if I accidentally ignited the oil, I’d be blasted sky-high alongside it.

Lighting the oil was out of the question, but who said I couldn’t use it?

With that thought, my eyes brightened. I sprinted toward two oil drums.

The giant corpse swung its hammer behind me, smashing at the ground, but couldn’t even touch the hem of my clothes.

Its strength was unquestionable—I had no doubt it could demolish a house with a single blow, a veritable demolition expert. But its speed left much to be desired, far inferior to a third-level corpse.

Since when had corpses grown so clever, wielding weapons in their hands?

I reached the oil barrels, slashed one open, and watched as the oil spilled out, spreading across the depot’s floor until the whole surface was slick with gasoline.

Clang!

I flicked my Tang blade, pointing it at the corpse with a taunting gaze. “Come on, hit me! If you manage to catch me, I’ll take your name as my own!”

Enraged, the giant corpse lumbered toward me, hammer raised, ready to crush me into a pulp. But as it stepped onto the slick floor, it lost its balance and crashed flat on its back.

The heavy thud as it hit the ground was almost comical. It could no longer swing its hammer wildly—now that it had fallen into my hands, its head was destined to be severed.

Afraid of slipping myself, I approached cautiously. Watching the giant corpse struggle helplessly on the oily ground, I sneered and plunged my blade into its neck.

Clang…

The first blow didn’t pierce it! Such tough skin!

I struck several times in rapid succession until finally the blade went through. I twisted it, stirring within, until the entire head came off.

Black blood spurted from the severed neck, splattering everywhere and mingling with the oil, turning the liquid into foul black sludge.

I spat at it. “You’re the bloodiest corpse I’ve ever seen. Too bad—if you’d been a bit faster, maybe today I’d be the one lying here.”

“Host kill detected… kill detected… kill detected…”

…What’s that? Jammed?

I didn’t have time to worry about the broken voice in my mind, for the iron door was being forced open. Not just the door—the entire iron fence around it was bending under the pressure of countless corpses.

I grabbed two more oil drums, filled them with gasoline, and dashed outside, pouring oil as I went.

Back and forth, I made two or three trips, finally leaving a thin trail of oil. By then, my clothes were drenched with the stuff.

“Fourth Master, let’s go.”

I jumped back into the car, started the engine with a roar, and sped out the rear gate, driving for over a hundred meters before stopping.

Brats, get ready for your trip to the afterlife!

I lit a cigarette and leaned against the car, smoking. Moments later, I heard the iron door crash down from the direction of the oil depot, but the distance was too great to see; sound was my only clue.

After another few dozen seconds, a series of crashes echoed as the iron fences gave way. I smiled, flicked my cigarette butt onto the oil trail, and hurriedly jumped back into the car, flooring the accelerator.

In the darkness, a brilliant spark flared to life where the cigarette landed, racing along the oil trail until it erupted into roaring flames, forming a blazing path.

Boom!

Even though I’d already driven another few dozen meters, the explosion’s shockwave still battered the car, nearly flipping the fragile sedan.

A small mushroom cloud—its force dwarfed even the shipborne missile that once blasted me skyward.

Though that encounter was long ago, each time I recall it, it feels as vivid as yesterday. I can never forget.

No matter how much you trust someone, betrayal is always possible. Whether or not they have their reasons, the act remains.

Unforgivable.

After that incident, I became someone else. No more chains, no more obsessions, no more country or feelings—live as you must. In this era, nothing matters more than living comfortably.

The old me would never have cursed so freely. After all, I, the so-called Master Cao, was a man of considerable manners.

But times change, and people must adapt. In a world shrouded by darkness and fear, sometimes a crude word helps dispel dread, making things a bit easier.

“Host kill detected: [Synthetic Corpse]. Calculating gene value based on strength… +50.”

“Host kill detected: [Level One Corpse], gene value +1+1+1+1+1+1…”

“Host kill detected: [Level Two Corpse], gene value +2+2+2+2…”

“Calculating total gene value acquired… please wait…”

“Total gene value obtained: 3250 points. Enjoy your meal, host…”

Driving, I pondered what this [Synthetic Corpse] was, but the sudden ‘enjoy your meal’ almost made me spit out my drink.

“Enjoy your meal!? What nonsense is this?”

“Slip of the tongue. Please don’t mind… and please use your gene value wisely…”

I could feel the veins bulging on my forehead. This genetic eco-chain was mocking me, but in my good mood, I let it slide.

Still not enough. The corpses moved too slowly—many lagged behind or lost track, so only a few were blown up. Not a single third-level corpse among them. Clearly, those with intelligence and those without are two distinct breeds.

When I reached two streets away from the armored vehicle, I finally stopped. I couldn’t risk attracting more attention; it was time to be discreet. With the heartless Fourth Master in tow, I slipped out of the car and retraced my steps, silent and cautious.

The car’s headlights and engine remained on to draw attention, and sure enough, some staggering corpses began to approach.

Only upon reaching the vehicle and finding no scent of living flesh would they clumsily wander off.

Suddenly, strange noises came from behind. I glanced back to see the corpses beside the car… devouring each other!

Damn! Something’s gone wrong! I must leave this place at once!