Chapter 023: Killing Night!

In a Tesla Robovan, the front and rear sections were separated, with a partition cutting off the front from the spacious back row.

For someone like Daphne, the luxury of a vehicle's brand wasn't the point. The real luxury lay in the roomy, private space in the back, which Novak found extremely satisfying.

Toying absentmindedly with a furry tail he'd just removed, Novak glanced at Daphne, who sat beside him, visibly tired and breathless. 

"Let's talk about something serious," Novak said, his tone more focused. Yet, the seriousness would have been more convincing if he wasn't still fiddling with the small tail in his hand.

"I know you have significant influence and resources in De M-anila," he continued. "So, can you gather those zombies that have begun transforming into corpses? Or at least the infected ones?"

Novak wasn't doubting her capabilities. After all, Daphne wouldn't have gone through such lengths—like that stunt back at the hotel—just to test him.

"Find a secluded place and bring all the turned zombies there. I assume you've already arranged for this?"

He never underestimated anyone, not even Daphne, who appeared to be obedient. In fact, Novak was certain that if she ever truly figured him out, she might turn on him in an instant.

Their relationship was one of mutual benefit, but even that wasn't as sincere as the nurse's unspoken loyalty to him. Power, Novak knew, was the only guarantee to maintain control.

Fortunately, his path to greater power was both simple and straightforward. And it didn't hurt to throw Daphne a bit of a bone now and then. Before the apocalypse fully hits, taking down zombies with her own hands would do wonders for her potential. Novak was sure of that.

Though it was impossible to predict exactly what abilities she might awaken, having him by her side meant Daphne's starting point in this life would far surpass her previous one. And knowing the undead horrors that lurked in the shadows of fiction, Novak was convinced that Daphne's people had been researching them for some time now.

And he wasn't disappointed.

Daphne nodded. "We can do it tonight. There's a basement under the Red Building where the infected are kept."

"Perfect. Then tonight it is."

…

Here's an improved version of your text:

**Song Mansion**

"Novak, have you finished eating?"

"Yeah, thanks for the meal, Aunt Song," Novak replied with a polite smile across the table.

Dane watched him, her emotions in turmoil. The Novak sitting there, relaxed and approachable, seemed worlds apart from the cold, intimidating figure she had seen the night before. Her mother, Daphne, was a strong and capable woman, but to Dane, she still appeared as a pampered young lady.

In truth, Daphne had always spoiled Dane. She never faced financial limits, and her mother even catered to some of her most unreasonable demands. Yet, there were always clear boundaries.

No dating before high school. Focus on your studies. And avoid the kind of reckless behavior typical of spoiled rich kids.

Daphne wasn't the type to impose harsh prohibitions, knowing that would only fuel rebelliousness. Instead, she cleverly guided Dane to understand and respect these boundaries herself.

When Dane entered university, her mother relaxed two key restrictions: dating and academics. 

With those limits gone, Dane threw herself headlong into her newfound freedom, desperate to experience romance. Naturally, she fell for Novak, the best-looking guy in her class. But for the first time in her life, Dane experienced the sting of rejection.

Still, she wasn't naive. Last night, she had glimpsed a side of Novak she hadn't seen before—a side that her mother seemed strangely familiar with. Daphne's faint smile across the dinner table spoke volumes, and the realization left Dane feeling more intrigued than ever. 

The sight made her press her legs together involuntarily. 

With a mischievous smile, she turned to her mother. "Mom, will Novak be coming back soon?"

Her casual question earned her a sharp glance from Daphne, though the older woman responded evenly, "After dinner, Novak and I have something to attend to. It's not certain if he'll be back or not. Why?"

Dane's smile widened. "Well, you did mention there's a biohazard situation. Those zombies are pretty terrifying... Novak is so strong, maybe he could stay and protect us?"

Novak cast a sidelong glance at Dane, recognizing the not-so-innocent look in her eyes. Did this girl have any idea what she was suggesting? It was like throwing a sheep into the tiger's den.

Daphne seemed to share that sentiment but refrained from making decisions on Novak's behalf. "We'll see when the time comes. It depends on Novak's plans," she said, deferring to him.

Both women turned their gazes toward him, and Novak met their stares with a 'shy' smile.

"I was planning to go home... But if Dane is worried, I can stay."

Outside, Nicole watched the scene unfold, her lips twitching in disbelief. The cold, ruthless young man from this morning now seemed like a harmless puppy in front of these two women. 

Yet, beneath it all, Nicole's curiosity burned. She wanted to see the true extent of Novak's strength. How did someone like him gain such power?

Meanwhile, inside, Dane shot Novak a playful look, still determined to uncover why this man remained so immune to her charms.

With dinner over and the night falling, Novak, Daphne, and Nicole boarded the car, heading toward the Red Building. This time, Novak kept his mind focused, suppressing any distractions.

He knew how to distinguish between work and play. Stress relief and idle amusement had their time and place, but right now, his priority was gaining strength.

Tonight marked a crucial moment, the closest point to the apocalypse since his return.

As darkness descended, Novak's eyes gleamed with cold intent. The killing night had begun—his most familiar and exhilarating domain.