As the last rays of sunlight dissipated from the horizon, the skies slowly shifted into a purple hue as twilight soon encompassed the Yamanashi Strongholds. Kazuichi and the others decided to regroup in their tent, cautiously keeping up their guard just in case.

"How’s everybody doing?" Kazuichi greeted them when he entered the makeshift tent. Since everyone was already there, he thought that maybe they should go over the plans one more time.

Then again, it’s not like they needed to review anything. Implementing the plan was as easy as it could get... the only problem lies with reducing as much civilian involvement as possible.

"There’s a trapdoor to the far side of the Eastern Yamanashi Stronghold. A rancid stench is coming off of it. Either it’s a mass graveyard or a gathering of the infected." Kazuichi reported to the group as he sat down with everyone forming a circle.

"I didn’t sense any Hybrids in there, so I guess it shouldn’t pose a threat to us. Still, we have to be careful. That underground room might not be the only one in the area. The Yamanashi Prefecture is pretty big, after all." Kazuichi continued.

"Why are we putting off the plan? Shouldn’t we finish as soon as possible?" Tris concernedly asked. Of course, her question was on point though since everyone seemed to be putting it off.

"We can’t just move and let the plan unfold by itself. It’s too risky. Besides, we have to gather enough information from both strongholds, just to make sure that we’re not biting off more than we could chew." Ryota explained.

"Let’s get some rest, and then proceed with another observation day tomorrow. We’d need an approximate headcount of the Hybrids in both strongholds, as well as their positions most of the time. That way we can proceed with the plan and not get sandwiched by these guys." Jurou also inputted.

So far, the day went on with the usual observations and regrouping. It didn’t take long before the early morning sun rose on the opposite horizon, filling the skies with a nice red-orange hue, turning into a bluish-yellow tint.

A fresh breeze passed through the corner of the city, bringing along with it the lingering smell of death. Despite the threatening smell, the others continued to prepare for their night meal just before they made a move a couple of hours from now.

Quite frankly, they’ve been putting off the plan for quite some time now, just like the author who’d been putting off updating this novel for weeks on end. Then again, they didn’t want to fail on this, and in order to accomplish that, they had to approach it as carefully as possible.

Discussing the plan, the six of them decided to sneak into the main camp of the Eastern Yamanashi Stronghold, attacking someone over there and causing a scene. Since their group wouldn’t be identified, the blame would automatically fall on the Western Yamanashi Stronghold.

With their alliance hanging on a thin thread as it is, the two strongholds would be pitted against their will. However, that was the start of the plan, a prelude that would provide a necessary distraction.

After all, Kazuichi’s group aimed to defeat the two stronghold leaders at their weakest. With this, an opening would open up within the defenses of the two stronghold leaders. That’s when they’ll strike.

Thump. Thump.

Thump.

For quite some time now, Kazuichi and the others had been hearing a steady thump-thump sound that seemed to resonate from the strongholds themselves. Well, since the sound came from the general direction of the strongholds, they didn’t bring it up.

What they didn’t know was that the two strongholds had nothing to do with it. Despite their cautiousness, it didn’t even occur to them that the thumping sound might be something else.

The same mindset occurred amongst the residents of the strongholds. They assumed that there was some construction going on... or something along those lines. As for the stronghold leaders, they couldn’t be bothered by the residents since they were busy enough trying to hold onto their fickle alliance.

Had they spared a little bit of thought to the strange noise, they would’ve avoided a disaster... well, it’s not like they could avoid a walking calamity if they tried their hardest though.

As Kazuichi’s group commenced their plan to bring down the two Yamanashi Strongholds, shivers went up and down their spine as they froze on their feet. It’s as if they’ve been hit with a huge wave that woke them up to the present.

It was an ominous feeling, enough to make Kazuichi automatically activate his Blood Art. His body instinctually reacted to the threat, causing everyone to look behind them. Even Jurou, who had always been suppressing the virus within, suddenly felt like choking as his Blood Art activated.

Turning around, the group saw a familiar face, causing the colors to drain on their face. The Gigantic Omega Zombie was right there, straddling as it approached the Yamanashi Strongholds.

Not only was it faster than it previously was, but it was also more gargantuan in size. A huge core could be seen on its chest, glowing a bright red-orange color as a fragment of a meteor condensed on its chest.

"What is that thing doing here?" Kazuichi let out as the group ducked behind a nearby crate just in time.

"I don’t know, but we should probably get out of here," Jurou said with a stern voice. Of course, with the way the Gigantic Omega Zombie was moving, it was clear that no one was capable of taking it down.

Adding to that, a huge horde of zombies followed right behind it. The group consisted of every type of zombie imaginable, including mindless Hybrids which seemed to lead their individual packs.

It was an army of zombies through and through, with their commanding general, the Gigantic Omega Zombie, leading the charge.

"It’s time to call for a strategic retreat, right?" Jurou jerked his thumb as he pointed in the opposite direction of the Yamanashi Strongholds.