Chapter 4

I take a deep breath. My plan isn't exactly foolproof, but it's all I've got right now. Lure the zombies to the restroom door, then bash their brains in with this trash can. The invisible barrier should keep me safe... at least that's what I'm counting on.

Leaning out the doorway, I let out a low whistle. My hands are steady on the metal handle, but my heart's definitely beating faster than usual. Almost immediately, one of the zombies in the hall turns its decaying head toward me. It stumbles a few steps before breaking into an unnervingly fast run, arms outstretched.

I wait until the last second, then swing with all my might. WHAM! The trash can connects with the zombie's head. The impact jolts through my arms, but it's satisfying to see the thing fly back and crumple to the ground, dead.

You attacked an opponent's weak spot. 100% critical chance was applied.

Base damage: 40

40*2 = 80 damage.

Congratulations! You have defeated a level 6 zombie.

Experience has been distributed.

I shake my head, pushing the text box aside. There's no time for that now - I can hear more of them coming. 

Two more zombies stagger into view. I tighten my grip on the trash can, determination setting in. Here we go again.

The first one reaches the doorway, grasping at me with putrid fingers. I swing hard, nailing it right in the face. The sound of crunching bones makes me wince, but it drops quickly. The second one's moving quicker, which catches me off guard for a split second. But I recover quickly, adjusting my swing to smash its head just before it reaches me. Another one down.

Congratulations! 

You've reached Level 11! 

5 stat points awarded.

Great, I guess? The trash can looks a bit worse for wear but still usable. I'm breathing harder now, wiping sweat from my forehead. There are now no more zombies in sight, so I think about stepping out in the hallways to draw a bigger crowd. 

Cautiously, I edge out into the hall. There! Five zombies milling around further down. I take a deep breath and let out a sharp whistle. They all turn at once and start shuffling over. I retreat into the restroom, my pulse quickening.

As they reach the doorway, I take them out one by one. "This is getting a lot easier," I mutter, wiping zombie gunk off my face. Maybe I'm actually getting the hang of this.

And then I hear it.

A low, blood-curdling growl that sends chills down my spine. It's nothing like the weak groans of the other zombies. This is something else entirely. Something bigger. Stronger. Meaner.

I freeze, my knuckles white. My breathing becomes shallow as I stare down the hallway. A massive shape moves in the shadows, and as it steps into the light, my stomach drops.

This thing is enormous, towering over all the other zombies. Its eyes glow red, and it moves with a predatory purpose. Each step it takes seems to shake the floor. My mouth goes dry, and I can feel real panic starting to set in.

A message pops up: 

"Caution: Elite Zombie Boss Approaching. Level 15."

"Elite?" I whisper, my voice trembling. What does that even mean? All I know is this is no ordinary zombie. This monster looks like it could tear me apart without breaking a sweat.

I stumble back, suddenly questioning everything - my plan, my abilities, and even the invisible barrier I've been relying on. The creature reaches the doorway and pauses, as if sizing me up. My heart is pounding so hard I can hear it in my ears, and I'm finding it hard to breathe.

Then, in a blur of motion that I can barely track, it lunges forward, razor-sharp claws slashing straight at my chest. I flinch back, screwing my eyes shut and bracing for the pain, and for the end...

But it never comes.