Chapter 13: Securing the Hostel
Inside the female hostel, an eerie sound echoed through the hallway. A faint clink was followed by the shattering of glass.
Several students rushed to the window, weapons at the ready. Peering down, they spotted an arrow lying on the ground below the broken window. Outside, three figures were signaling to them.
Shangguan Binger, the leader of the female students, stepped forward, narrowing her eyes to make out the figures. Beside her, Beth Brimston—Max's girlfriend—hurriedly entered the room, clutching her phone.
"It's Max," Beth said, handing the phone to Shangguan.
Shangguan answered immediately. "Who is this?"
"Max. We're here to help with the mutant cat," Max responded. His voice was calm, but urgency laced his tone.
"What's the plan?" Shangguan asked without hesitation.
Max passed the phone to Sam, who quickly took over. "Listen carefully. We'll clear out as many zombies as possible while avoiding unnecessary fights. We'll rush through the mess hall and the first floor, then move to the second. The mutant cat is territorial—it'll come after us. While we distract it, you prepare your group and stay silent. When we confirm visual on the cat, you'll start clearing zombies from your end and move toward us. Keep your shields in front, and have the others support from behind."
Shangguan listened intently, nodding as she processed the plan. "Understood. The mutant cat has reduced the zombie numbers, but we can't underestimate the remaining ones."
"Exactly. Stay ready." Sam ended the call and signaled his group to move.
The battle inside the female hostel was far from over. Even with the mutant cat slain, Sam, Ian, and Max found themselves barricaded behind furniture as waves of zombies pressed against their defenses.
Sam had switched weapons—his bow was ineffective at close range. Instead, he wielded a sword( metal Slime in sword form), cutting down the undead with precise swings. Ian, with his legendary blade, held the line beside him, his strikes clean and decisive. Max, using both his shield and sword, bashed through any that got too close.
Their strategy was simple: control the choke point and eliminate the zombies one by one. But the sheer number of undead made the fight exhausting.
"Hold steady! They're almost here!" Max shouted, sweat dripping from his brow.
Moments later, the female students finally reached the second floor, joining the battle. The sounds of combat intensified as Shangguan's group coordinated their attacks.
Compared to male zombies, the female undead were slightly weaker, but their sharp nails made them more dangerous in close combat. Some students in the front received minor scratches on their shields, but they held firm.
Within minutes, the lobby fell silent.
Sam exhaled heavily, surveying the scene. Blood and decaying bodies littered the floor, but they had won.
With the immediate threat neutralized, the students wasted no time fortifying their position. Under Shangguan's direction, they blocked all entrances with furniture and other materials.
Sam leaned against a wall, catching his breath. "This place should hold for now."
Emmy approached him, clenching her fists as she saw him panting. She resolved to grow stronger so she could help him.
"Are you okay?" Emmy asked.
"I'm fine, just—"
Shangguan crossed her arms. "Thanks for the assist. We wouldn't have been able to take this building without you."
Max glanced toward Beth, relief evident in his expression. "Are you okay?"
Beth nodded, stepping closer. "We are now."
Ian gripped his sword. "We should help clear out other buildings."
Sam nodded. "Let's rest and plan our next moves first."
"I have a suggestion," Emmy spoke up from the side.
Sam signaled for her to continue.
"The female dormitories are close to each other. Why don't we travel across the terraces instead of going through zombie-infested areas? It would help us avoid unnecessary fights with zombies and mutant beasts."
After discussing the details, they climbed onto the terrace of the building to check if the plan was feasible.
The distance between terraces was surprisingly close. With his level 14 strength, Sam easily jumped to a nearby building. Working together, the group tied several curtains together, creating a makeshift rope bridge sturdy enough for one person to cross at a time.
With the increasing strength of the students, they managed to clear another building before the end of the day.