Preface

In the mist-shrouded valley, an egg-shaped structure was surrounded by countless dark shadows. Their movements were wild, frenzied, yet not a single sound escaped them, as if they were utterly devoid of life.

"Survivors’ base has been critically damaged, beyond repair. Salvation Protocol initiated... Commencing teleportation..." Amid the anxious gazes of those within, a cold mechanical voice flowed steadily.

"Subject No. 1 transfer complete... Subject No. 2 transfer complete..." The mechanical voice continued its relentless updates as thunderous noises rumbled around the building. There were other, indescribable sounds as well—sounds that made one’s teeth ache just to hear them.

"Warning! Warning! Intelligent Core under attack! Intelligent Core under attack... Subject No. 147 teleportation malfunction... Ah! What’s happening? I—" The previously monotonous machine voice suddenly broke into a remarkably human-like tone, then vanished instantly.

Alarms blared incessantly. Explosions rocked the entire structure, painting the sky a blazing red as though set afire.

When the towering inferno was finally extinguished, the land seemed to sink into utter silence, not a trace of sound remaining. At that moment, throughout the entire star system, the light that once represented human civilization was utterly snuffed out, leaving only endless, boundless darkness.

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The scene spun, shifting to a bustling city street where countless figures were sprinting madly in the same direction. Their speed was astonishing, yet what was most remarkable was the utter absence of human voices—aside from the roar of explosions, not a word was spoken, only shadowy figures moving in ways both eerie and unnatural.

At the end of their charge, atop a tall building, a young woman clad in black leather fired a heavy machine gun, its muzzle belching flames. She shouted for a man to run, her eyes brimming with despair.

"No, I will never abandon you!" the man replied, his expression resolute as he wrapped the woman tightly in his arms. Watching the horde of zombies racing toward them, a bloodthirsty smile flickered across his face. "Let’s fight with everything we have—together!"