Hero Hack: Reversing Heroes and Raising Harem-Chapter 252: The Wrong Sector

Zain stood still, scanning the strange landscape ahead.

He glanced over to Velra.

"Velra," he said, "from the computer back in the office... did you figure out where we are?"

Velra looked around once more, then gave a nod.

"Yes, Master. According to the files and maps, we’re currently in The Gloom Spire Sector."

Zain raised an eyebrow. "Is that part of the Beastkin Brood’s territory?"

She nodded again. "Exactly. One of their main sectors."

"This area is mostly used for research and mutations. Labs, test zones, and failed experiments."

Zain glanced at the ground, cracked and scorched in places, but oddly quiet.

"I see. But... I don’t see many mutants walking around."

Velra pointed toward the far horizon, where a thick fog hung over towering flesh-covered spires.

"This section’s on the outer edge. It’s more of a storage and support area."

"Not as active as the core of the sector. That’s why it’s so quiet."

Zain nodded. "Makes sense. Still..."

He started walking, his boots crunching over cracked tiles and dried remains.

"...Let’s check it out. We need to understand this place before we do anything else."

Velra followed beside him, her long legs moving with ease across the uneven terrain.

"You’re thinking of claiming a zone already?"

Zain gave a small smirk. "We’re in A-Zone now. The rules are different here."

"If we want a place for the Heavenly Demon Sect, we need information first. Allies, routes, and escape plans."

She smiled. "Then we’re scouting."

"Exactly," Zain said. "We just got here. Let’s find a way out of this sector first."

"We’ll see who lives near the edge, what kind of forces move around... and if there’s anything worth stealing."

Velra chuckled. "I like this plan."

They continued walking. Strange vines crept along the edges of the stone.

In the distance, they heard a soft mechanical whine—maybe a drone or a monitor node.

Broken lights flickered across the walls of a half-sunken building nearby.

Zain slowed his steps.

"Let’s check that one," he said.

They approached the structure, half metal, half bone.

One of the doors hung off its hinges. Inside was dark, but the glow of faint terminals showed signs of life.

Velra walked in first. "Ether’s still flowing. Systems are weak, but not dead."

Zain followed, scanning the walls.

"If someone still uses this place, maybe we can tap into their network."

Velra moved to a console, fingers already moving over the keys.

"Tracking nearby exits now."

Zain stood guard by the door, his eyes on the distant mist.

Then—movement.

Figures emerged from the fog.

Several mutants stumbled forward, twitching and snarling.

Their bodies were twisted, arms too long, faces half-covered in metal.

But what caught Zain’s attention wasn’t them.

Behind them walked a tall figure. Beast-like, but different.

Humanoid shape, standing straight. Furred arms, claws sharp—but calm, focused eyes.

He wore a black uniform with strange red markings, and a mask pulled halfway down his jaw.

He wasn’t mindless. He looked... aware.

Zain narrowed his eyes. "Looks like a patrol."

Velra glanced up from the terminal, fingers still moving fast.

"Master, wait a minute. I’m still cracking the system. Almost there."

Zain didn’t respond right away. He looked back toward the group.

The mutants were sniffing the air. One of them growled, pointing toward the building.

The beast-man in uniform raised a hand, signaling them to hold position.

Zain smirked.

"No need to rush, Velra," he said. "Let me test something."

He reached behind his back, grabbing the hilt of his sword.

The blade slid free with a sharp ring.

"I’ll handle this."

Velra blinked, then smiled. "Of course, Master."

Zain stepped out of the broken doorway, eyes locked on the group ahead.

His lips curled into a smirk.

"Let’s see what you’ve got," he muttered.

He moved fast—his feet pushed off the ground, closing the distance in seconds.

The beast-like patrol leader spotted him and stepped forward, one clawed hand raised.

"Stop right there! Who are you?"

Zain didn’t slow down. "Just someone passing through."

The patrol narrowed his eyes.

"This is Beastkin Brood territory. You’re not welcome here."

Zain tilted his head. "Did I ask for an invite?"

The patrol growled louder, stepping in front of the mutants.

"This is sacred ground for our kind. Outsiders are killed on sight."

Zain stopped a few feet away, resting the sword on his shoulder.

"Then maybe you should start swinging."

"You think this is funny?" the patrol snapped.

Zain smiled. "A little. You talk big, but your pets are shaking."

"How dare you—"

Zain stepped forward again. "I don’t care."

The patrol snarled. "Mutants! Tear him apart!"

The three mutants charged forward. Their movements were fast and jerky.

One of them let out a shriek as its body pulsed with energy.

[Rage Mutation Boost]

Its muscles grew in size, veins glowing red, claws sharpening.

It leapt toward Zain with a wide swing.

Zain ducked low and slashed upward.

[Heavenly Demon Fists]

Ether exploded from his blade. The mutant’s arm shattered on contact.

Its body spun midair and crashed into a nearby wall.

The second mutant raised both arms and slammed them into the ground.

[Shockwave Slam]

A burst of force rippled toward Zain. He grinned and jumped over it easily.

"You’re slower than a B-Zone rookie."

Zain spun midair, twisted his body, and hurled a wave of corrupted energy.

[Heavenly Demon Slash]

The arc of dark ether cut through the mutant’s chest, leaving a burning wound. It screamed, collapsing.

The third one tried to back away, but Zain landed in front of it and drove a punch straight into its gut.

[Heavenly Demon Breathing] activated mid-hit.

Energy from the mutant’s body flowed into Zain.

The creature convulsed, eyes wide, before falling limp.

Zain looked up at the patrol leader, still untouched.

"You gonna join in," Zain asked, "or just watch your pets die one by one?"

The beast-man growled, fists clenched, veins bulging with power.

"You arrogant freak... I’ll kill you myself!"

Zain’s grin didn’t fade.

"Then come try."

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