Dead Man Walking: Living By Day, Dead By Night
Chapter 282: Hoplite's Defense

Balthasar was sitting in the ruins of Tokyo with a calm expression on his face. One would not be able to tell by the way he looked that he was thoroughly outraged. It had been a week since Zane had escaped through the wide net that he had cast to catch him.

Reports initially stated that he had headed east, to the rocky mountains after escaping from Gravestone. But nobody appeared to have seen him since. It was almost as if he had thoroughly disappeared from the face of the Earth.

But someone that powerful wouldn't just suddenly die now would he? Worse yet, there were recent reports from his siblings that the beasts of the land had begun to mutate into powerful creatures. Insects, reptiles, mammals, and even the avians. They had all of a suddenly turned into powerful monsters.

Many of which were capable of challenging the undead in those more rural areas where the Tier I Horde Kings made their domains. It was as if the Earth itself was reclaiming its territory from the Living and the Dead alike.

This was a troublesome thing for the Horde Kings. As in the past, they had been surprised when they humans suddenly evolved, gaining the strength to resist total annihilation. But now it appeared that other life forms were doing the same.

It was one thing after another that caused Balthasar to become thoroughly outraged at the ongoing state of the world. Heresy, rebellious livestock, and now the animals themselves. It would appear as if all beings are suddenly turning against me.

After saying this, Balthasar raised from his feet, and walked towards the one item that had actually been sculpted in the ruins of Tokyo by its new inhabitants. It was a statue that was multiple stories high. Who was this statue of? Well, it wasn't of Balthasar, that's for sure.

Rather, it was of Mother Death herself. Although her appearance was concealed by the black cloak that had been gifted to Zane. Which used to be the signature appearance of Death herself. There were still visible traces of her lower face.

Which Balthasar fell to his knees and bowed his head to the dusty floor. Praying to Death, as if she were the goddess of all creation.

"Mother… Are all of these things simply a test for your children? Must our predecessors in this world truly gain such strength for us to prove our worth to you? Please! Speak to me! I am but your humble servant, and whatever you will be I will do your bidding?"

But as always, Death was silent in response to his prayers. Despite this, Balthasar was convinced that death was real. He was, after all the only one of the Horde Kings who had ever met her in person. Other than Zane that is.

He remembered it as if it were yesterday? I mean why wouldn't he? It was less than a year ago when they had their first and only encounter. It was just a normal day in Tokyo, and Yet Isei, as he was known then, had severely angered the Yakuza Clan he was a part of.

He was prepared to take his own life to escape the torment that awaited him and his family. But in the moment he was about to jump off a tall building he heard an unnaturally alluring voice call out to him from behind.

"Are you really going to jump? Far be it from me to convince you otherwise… But if you do decide to take your own life, you're going to miss all the fun you know?"

Isei, in that moment looked back to see who was speaking to him. Though he could not see her entire face, those unnatural blood-red eyes pierced his soul. And in the moment, he fell backward from the ledge. His body suddenly transforming into something inhuman.

And it was as he felt his humanity vanish without a trace from his body. The mature woman leaned in close, and said something to him.

"Good boy… Now go forth and spread the gift I have given you…."

From that day forth he became known as Balthasar, why he had been given this name, or the meaning behind it, he did not know. Nor did he remember what immediately followed. But by the time he regained his sentience, the world was forever changed. The undead virus had spread far and wide, and humanity itself was on the brink of annihilation.

As for Balthasar, he had evolved into something greater than humanity. He was the first Horde King. And he had that woman to thank for his newfound strength.

He had no doubt that he had been transformed into something greater by the physical incarnation of death, and because of this he had spent a very second since enacting what he believed to be her will, despite having not heard from or seen her since.

---

Maya sat in the mess hall of Gravestone's bunker complex. She was sipping on her cup that was full of milk while looking at the various women who she was forced to look after. They had all grown quite a bit stronger. So much so that they had killed a Horde King on their own, without Zane to lead the efforts on their behalf.

It was impressive to be sure, but in all honesty it did not make Maya think any better of them. They had after all relied on Zane to gain such power in such a short period. And that made Maya bitter, as she genuinely believed had Zane been alone the entire time he would be able to contend with Tier II Horde Kings by now.

But Maya did not have long to be angry at Elena and the others. Because she heard that pesky voice of that little brat in the back of her head. This man would never stop praying to her. And it was truly irksome. Who did he think she was, some kind of goddess of creation?

There was no special meaning behind what she did. It was simply a means of drawing out her son and creating a way for them to be together. Meanwhile, this man had the nerve to call her mother and convince the other Horde Kings to do the same!

Still, Maya had to admit, some of these Horde Kings had the potential to be her future daughters-in-law. Like Gwen for example. Maya was trying her best behind the scenes to help Zane and Gwen get together. If Zane did replace someone else, someone more suited than these little harlots to keep him company. Then maybe, just maybe, he would forget about them.

That was her hope, at least. But Zane was being unusually resistant, despite her efforts to make Gwen appeal to him. Because of this, she could only sigh and shake her head. All the while Elena and the others debated on who would get the first golden blood crystal of their combined efforts.

"This is the first of many that we will get. But right now we should focus on giving these to whoever skills are most necessary for our survival! I'm honestly going to say that we should give this blood crystal to Maddie. Her skills as a tank are invaluable to our party's survival. Especially since we're missing a member now that Zane is gone.

There are plenty of skills that she can use that would be beneficial for the group. Especially when we take into account that the five of us have to battle thousands of undead on our own, and look out for the Horde King!"

As much as Madison wanted to protest this decision. She was cut off by Olivia and the others who were in agreement with Elena's proposal.

"I agree, giving Maddie another skill is the best bet for us a party. Is anybody in disagreement?"

Nobody shook their heads in opposition to the idea. And because of this, Elena handed the golden blood crystal to Madison. With a pleasant smile on her face.

"Go wash up, and rest. You have earned it. I look forward to seeing what new skill you unlock…"

Madison sighed and accepted the party's gesture. She would take a shower before climbing into bed. Pawing at the collar around her neck, which she continued to wear even with Zane's absence.

"Zane… When are you going to return?"

After a moment of silence, Maddie decided she needed more strength if Zane was going to return, and because of this she quickly consumed the blood crystal where she saw the familiar message appear in her vision.

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[The Blood Crystal of a Tier I Horde King has been consumed…]

[+1,000 XP]

[Generating New Skill]

[Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill Hoplite's Defense!]

[Divine Boon: Active: Buff]

[Tier I: Hoplite's Defense]

[Rare Skill]

[Cast Time: Instant]

[Duration: 5 seconds]

[Cooldown: 30 seconds]

[Description: You have 75% chance to block. Your attacker takes 5 damage whenever you block an attack this way.]

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