"Hoh—This is interesting,"

Three of Lin Feng’s associates stood over the hill, overlooking Hong Kong. Warmachines such as tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, and aircraft such as attack helicopters, fighter jets, gunships, and close-in support aircraft were all visible in the distance, engaging in a fierce battle to reclaim the city from the clutches of Lin Feng’s undead army. The air was thick with the sound of gunfire, explosions, and the distant roar of engines.

Among the trio was Zayra, a figure shrouded in an aura of malevolence, her eyes glowing with a dark, unnatural light. She was known for her ability to manipulate corrupted plants, turning the earth’s flora into deadly weapons at her whim. Standing beside her were two other formidable associates of Lin Feng.

"Zayra, do not underestimate them. They have defeated our master’s powerful summons. We don’t want to repeat the mistake Seo-Jun, Crimson, and Violet did when confronting the Blackwatch. Let’s not be the addition to Lin Feng’s list of failures," Vega cautioned coldly.

She stood cloaked in shadows, the ends of it writhing as it touched the ground, ready to be wielded as a weapon against their foes.

Maiden was already surveying the battlefield for the most strategic points of engagement. "We should split up and kill all Blackwatch and the United States Forces subtly and covertly. We don’t want to attract the attention of their huge caliber weapons. I’ll take North."

"I’ll take the East," Vega said.

"And I’ll take the West," Zayra said.

With that, they split up, each heading in their designated direction with a specific plan to disrupt and dismantle the opposition’s efforts from within.

***

Somewhere within Hong Kong, an Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the M1128 Mobile Gun System was roaming down the streets along with ten infantry units. They cleared nearby storefronts and alleys, vigilant for any signs of the undead or Lin Feng’s minions. Their mission was to secure and hold a strategic junction that would allow for better movement of troops and resources throughout the city.

As the M1128 Mobile Gun System maneuvered through the ruined streets, its crew remained alert, the vehicle’s powerful 105mm cannon ready to engage any threat. The infantry units, equipped with standard issue rifles and supported by a couple of squad automatic weapons, moved in a tight formation, covering each other’s flanks.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the rustling sound of movement from a nearby alley. The soldiers immediately tightened their formation, weapons aimed toward the source of the noise. Out of the shadows emerged a horde of zombies.

Without hesitation, the gunner in the M1128 opened fire, the cannon’s explosive rounds decimating the front ranks of the horde, while the infantry engaged with rifle fire, cutting down the undead before they could get close.

"Clear!" shouted one of the infantries.

"Let’s keep moving."

The squad resumed their movement, heading to whatever led them. Moments later, one of the infantry noticed something.

"Do you see that?" he said.

"What?" His comrade asked.

"There, it looks like there is a woman over there," the soldier pointed.

"Help! I’m alone and I’m scared," said the woman in English, running up to them.

"Stop! Stay where you are!" said the lead soldier, prompting those behind him to aim their rifles at the girl.

"I’m not your enemy! I’m not an enemy!" shouted the woman, her voice trembling with fear as she continued to approach, her hands raised in what seemed like a gesture of surrender.

But just as the soldiers began to lower their guard, the woman’s expression twisted into a malevolent smirk, and with a swift motion, she raised her hands high into the air. Suddenly, from the ground beneath her feet, corrupted vines shot forth with alarming speed, snaking toward the soldiers with deadly intent.

Realizing the imminent danger, the soldiers reacted swiftly. The lead soldier shouted a warning, and the squad immediately opened fire, unleashing a hail of bullets toward the woman. The gunfire tore through her body with brutal force, causing her to stumble backward before collapsing to the ground in a heap.

However, their momentary relief was short-lived as the woman’s body began to disintegrate, revealing a mass of twisted, corrupted vines in her place. Before the soldiers could comprehend what was happening, more sharp vines erupted from all directions, piercing through their armor and flesh.

Panic ensued as the soldiers fought desperately to defend themselves, but it was futile against the relentless onslaught of the corrupted vines. One by one, they fell, their screams echoing through the desolate streets. However—inside the M1128 Mobile Gun System, the radio officer called for help.

"This is M1128 Mobile Gun System reporting from sector 7G in Hong Kong! We are under attack by one of Lin Feng’s associates! We’ve encountered a hostile entity capable of manipulating corrupted vines. Our squad is being overwhelmed, requesting immediate backup and air support! I repeat we need backup and air support!"

"This is Blackwatch, we’ve received your distress call. Hang tight, reinforcements are on the way. Hold your position and continue to engage the enemy. Air support is en route to provide assistance. Stay strong, help is on the way."

As the radio transmission crackled to life inside the M1128 Mobile Gun System, the crew’s hopes for assistance surged. However, their relief was short-lived as the situation escalated outside.

Zayra had stealthily closed in on the infantry unit. With a flick of her hand, she unleashed a wave of corrupted vines that entangled and ensnared the soldiers, rendering them helpless. Then, moments later, their life was cut short. Leaving only her and the M1128.

The crew of the M1128 knew it was up to them until help arrived.

"Okay, that’s some sneaky bastard. Let’s show her the power of the M1128 shall we boys?"

"Yes sir!"

The M1128 7.62 mm machine gun; and M240C coaxial machine gun began sputtering bullets towards Zayra.

Zayra seemed confident that she could block those calibers, so she raised a wall of vines, forming a protective barrier in front of her. However it didn’t go as planned, the 7.62mm was enough to pierce through that wall of vines like a cardboard box.

As the bullets tore through her defenses, Zayra staggered backward, her expression contorted in pain and anger. Before she could react, the main armament of the M1128 unleashed its devastating firepower.

With a deafening roar, the cannon fired, sending a high-velocity shell hurtling towards Zayra. The explosion upon impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, engulfing Zayra in a fiery blast. The force of the explosion lifted her off her feet, hurling her through the air before she crashed to the ground with a bone-jarring thud.

"Get that you son of a bitch!" the commander cursed.