To Control Your Emotions

Late into the night, the stronghold quieted down, with only the occasional murmur of guards exchanging shifts or the faint clink of tools as the last stragglers of the day finished their work. Kazuichi made his way through the winding alleys of the Hybrid Mountain Stronghold, his footsteps soft but purposeful.

The sack upon sacks of meteorite ore slung over his shoulder weighed heavily on him, not just physically but mentally. The weight of his haul had him thinking back to the countless zombies he had faced earlier.

He was lucky this time—the Aberrants and Omega Zombies he fought were at the lower end of the spectrum. But he knew better than to grow complacent. Next time, the enemies could be stronger, faster, and deadlier.

He approached the sturdy stone structure that housed Ryuunosuke Kazanari, the stronghold's leader, and gave the large oak door a firm knock.

KNOCK-KNOCK.