Chapter 42: The Stronghold Under Snow Storms (4)

Red Zones were typically established in areas that needed to contain and prevent the spread of something. In a way, they were the same as forbidden zones.

It could be a perilous dungeon or a unique type of monster. In red zone #21, it was the cold beasts or monsters. They loved the coldest weather and became stronger and more active once a snowstorm hit.

The reason they were troublesome and dangerous was the infection they inflicted, causing the part bitten by them to be frozen. Without the antidote, it would spread until they became frozen alive, then die.

“During the snowstorm, the combat ability of the espers also took a hit. They’re still human, after all, and the cold will affect them.”

Nolan ended his speech, gasping for breath.

“You know, you can pause and breathe while talking.” Lucian could not help but point it out.

“I know that.” Nolan sighed. “But I forgot.”

“How can you forget that?”

Ayen felt the situation becoming too familiar and had to interrupt before the topic went off course.

“When will it end?”

“The snowstorm?” Nolan turned to Ayen. “It’ll last for two days or longer. Sometimes only a day. Who knows?”

So, another problem could be concluded: the endurance and stamina of the espers and guides were also at risk.

Lucian cursed. “I can’t believe we’re already in this shit as soon as we arrived.”

“Just get used to it,” Nolan leisurely answered, and the initial tension seemed like an illusion.

Then he suddenly realized something and stood up. “I’ll wash up first.”

Lucian also realized this point, but did not argue as expected. He let Nolan be the first.

As they were getting ready for a sleepless night, the whole stronghold was also preparing. The gate of the stronghold had long been shut, and the espers that were specifically assigned to operate the mana guns around the wall were also dispatched one after another.

The snowfall and blizzard had started to intensify. Just looking at it, this snowstorm might last more than a night. The blaring of alarms continued, and the soldiers began to patrol and escort any civilians who were still on the streets.

The staff of the three main organizations and those from private companies worked together to check each of the pieces of equipment and support the espers.

The light at the tallest building, the institute branch, flared and illuminated the whole place. The mana core it used might be of a higher rank, but as always, the institute spared no expense when it came to critical situations.

The device not only gave light but also warmth, which would help the front lines more than one could imagine. Another thing, as the espers and soldiers looked up, their worries lessened slightly.

Even more, it was a great way to boost morale.

The top of the wall was almost crowded by the spectating espers, ready to engage once the cold beasts and other monsters arrived.

“Is our stock of antidote enough?”

“Thankfully, we got new supplies just three days ago.”

“Make sure the guide amplifiers are ready and functioning. Check them all.”

“Seriously. Snowstorms are such a pain in the ass. It might last longer by the looks of it.”

Curses could be heard here and there, but the staff were still organized and doing their share. Usually, the main organizations and the private companies were not too united as they were competitors.

However, only one such critical event when everyone would work together to survive. Snowstorms were such an event in this red zone. One thing rarely seen in a green or yellow zone.

“To think we’ll get caught in a snowstorm.” A calm tone resounded. Looking closely, it was the man who escorted Ayen and the others.

He was not smoking this time and also had to refrain from drinking. Since he was already there, fighting with the stronghold even as a mercenary was also a must.

If this stronghold were to fall, they would die too.

“Will that person help?” His partner suddenly asks, hugging himself.

The man did not answer. If their guess was right and they were an S-class esper, the chances would drastically increase. Only if they were right and such a person was here.

“Who knows? We can only see.” He licked his lips and looked at the horizon.

S-class espers… were truly a pinnacle of the current humanity. About the two SS-class espers, they were beyond them and need not be mentioned.

An hour later, a dreadful scream resonated through the whole stronghold; it even overwhelmed the loud horn blaring alarms. Ayen snapped his head to the side and looked at the distance. He was standing at a closed window and looking outside, although nothing could really be seen because of the storm.

“What the hell? Is that the cold beast’s sound?” Lucian shivered, feeling goosebumps all over his body.

Not just him; everyone had the same reaction. Even those who had already heard it a lot of times could not help but feel their skin crawl from hearing those sounds again.

It was truly horrifying; it was like something was howling or crying at the same time.

Nolan gulped, crossing his arms on his chest, but also shuddered. He then looked at Ayen, someone who was not having the same reaction as they were.

“Are you not scared, Ayen?”

Lucian looked back at Ayen and also noticed that Ayen did not look scared or anything.

“How is this possible? Those sounds are very disturbing!”

Ayen sighed at them. How could he explain that he heard many more disturbing monster sounds than that? The first time that he also heard a sound that was almost like it came from the deepest of hell, Ayen almost fainted.

He could not sleep for a day after that.

The monsters in the forbidden zones were on another level.

“I’m also scared,” Ayen could only say that. After all, not feeling scared as an ordinary person was strange in itself.

“You don’t look scared to me,” Nolan teased, narrowing his eyes.

“But I’m scared.” And it did not help that his tone was also indifferent.

Nolan chuckled, and Lucian looked at him with suspicion. But neither pressed on the matter. At least, they were not annoying.

Thinking more about it, Ayen spoke again. “I heard a more terrifying sound before.”

“Really?” Nolan looked surprised and looked at Ayen.

“Heh. Don’t bluff. That’s a red zone monster. Unless this is not your first time in a red zone.” Unconvinced, Lucian rolled his eyes in disdain.

Ayen simply nodded. “You’re right. It’s my second time in a red zone.”

At this answer, Nolan and Lucian paused for a moment and processed what he said. Then, as if on cue, reacted at the same time.

“Huh?”

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