Chapter 29: The Zenith Laboratory
As the spaceship glided through the vast expanse of space, Hikaru and his team marveled at the breathtaking sight of black holes, distant planets, and celestial wonders. The sheer scale of the universe left them in awe.
Leon, their reptilian ally, focused on the controls. "We're about to enter Planet Z. Get ready to land," he instructed.
The team looked out the windows, witnessing a world vastly different from Earth. Towering skyscrapers, futuristic structures, and an advanced civilization stretched across the horizon. Everything was sleek, metallic, and glowing with neon lights.
"This place is incredible," Muscle muttered, his eyes scanning the technological marvels. "It's at least ten times more advanced than our world."
As they descended, they noticed small, floating surveillance drones patrolling the skies. These scanning machines locked onto their ship, detecting foreign lifeforms.
Before they could react, Aoi stepped forward. "I've got this." With a crackling surge of power, he clapped his hands together, releasing a devastating Thunder Clap. The shockwave disrupted the drones, causing them to malfunction and crash.
"Nice work, Aoi," Hikaru praised.
Leon guided the spaceship toward No-Cell Land, a secluded, unmonitored area on Planet Z. It was a barren stretch of land devoid of life—perfect for setting up a temporary base. The group disembarked and converted their spaceship into a makeshift headquarters.
A Night of Reflection
That night, Hikaru sat near a dimly lit console with Leon. The reptilian warrior gazed at the stars, lost in thought.
"Leon," Hikaru asked, "why are you helping us? You're not human, yet you're willing to fight for our survival."
Leon sighed, his reptilian eyes reflecting sorrow. "Because I understand what it's like to suffer. I've lived among humans, and I know pain. Despite everything, I still believe in peace. That's why I chose to stand with you all."
Hikaru nodded. "Then we'll fight together."
Mission: Infiltrate Zenith Laboratory
At dawn, the team divided into two groups. Hikaru, Carlos, and Leon stayed behind to gather intel, while Muscle, Akito, Aoi, and Fyodor were tasked with infiltrating Zenith Laboratory, a highly secured research facility where the aliens were developing the zombie virus.
Leon piloted a small hovercraft, dropping them a short distance from the lab. The facility loomed ahead—a towering structure surrounded by energy barriers and patrolling guards.
Akito activated his Invisibility Spell, covering the entire team. Moving like shadows, they slipped past the guards. However, advanced drones scanned the area, capable of detecting even invisible lifeforms.
Aoi, sensing the danger, whispered, "Stand back." He gathered electricity in his palms and unleashed a Thunder Clap. The shockwave disrupted the drones, frying their circuits.
"Works every time," Aoi smirked.
The group moved swiftly, ascending to the 10th floor through a maintenance shaft. They meticulously searched each room, gathering any intel they could find.
By the time they reached the 17th floor, they discovered a room filled with alien scientists working on their experiments.
"Let's finish them quickly," Akito said, drawing his weapons.
In a blur of motion, Akito struck first, his Silent Blade slicing through the air. The scientists barely had time to react before they fell. Muscle followed up with a devastating Zero Knuckle, knocking out the remaining enemies.
Just as they secured the room, alarms blared throughout the facility.
"Shit," Fyodor cursed. "We've been found."
The doors burst open as an elite security force stormed in, led by a powerful alien warrior.
Encounter with Vexar
At the very top of the lab, on the 26th floor, a menacing alien stood, his armor pulsing with energy. He was Vexar, one of the high-ranking enforcers of the alien race.
His glowing eyes scanned the intruders. "Who dares infiltrate the Zenith Laboratory?"
Fyodor, gripping his weapon tightly, didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, summoning a Thunder Strike and slamming it down at Vexar. The alien barely flinched, absorbing the attack with his armor.
"You'll have to do better than that," Vexar sneered. He retaliated with a Magnetic Punch, sending an electric pulse through Fyodor's body, stunning him.
Aoi wasted no time. He gathered sonic energy and unleashed a Sonic Strike, sending shockwaves rippling through the room. Vexar staggered, his minions screaming in pain from the vibrations.
Muscle followed up, charging forward with Zero Knuckle, his enhanced fist smashing through one of Vexar's elite soldiers. The enemy crumpled to the ground, defeated.
Vexar, now enraged, roared and activated his Gravity Field, pulling everyone toward him.
"This guy is dangerous," Akito muttered, gripping his blade tightly.
The battle had only begun.