The scene shifted back to Tang Youyou.

Fresh from framing Duan Heng, she lay in bed clutching her phone, giggling uncontrollably as she fantasized about a life of luxury.

*All I need to do is keep Gai Yanlong hooked. With my looks, he’ll be wrapped around my finger.*

*Sure, he’s a bit old—but at least he’s strong. In this Zombie-ridden Apocalypse, that’s reliable enough.*

*As for Duan Heng? That disgusting creep can just die already!*

A vicious smirk spread across Tang Youyou’s face. Though Duan Heng’s sharp, handsome aura had captivated her at first sight, what she couldn’t have was better destroyed.

Just as she basked in this sweet daydream—

THUD—THUD—THUD—THUD—

The heavy pounding on her front door jolted her.

“W-who’s there?!” she stammered, shivering.

She tiptoed to the door in her slippers, calling out cautiously. The knocking intensified:

THUD—THUD—THUD—

“Tang Youyou! It’s your brother Long! Open up!”

“Huh?!”

Surprise flashed across her face. Since they were both in the same survivor squad, she lowered her guard and unlocked the door.

“Brother Long? Did you already— AHHH!!!”

A bloodcurdling scream tore from her throat.

The moment the door swung open, Gai Yanlong—face twisted, eyes bloodshot—lunged inside. He seized her throat, dragging her backward like a stray dog and slamming her against the bedroom wall.

A frail girl against a brutal man, an Esper with Tier-3 combat strength? Resistance was impossible. Escape? Not a trace of hope.

Clutching his arm, she stretched onto her tiptoes just to breathe, trembling as she met his glare with terrified eyes.

“B-brother Long… what are you—”

“Shut it! One more word and I’ll fucking kill you!”

His savage snarl drained all color from her face. Her body quaked like a leaf in a storm.

His free hand slid down to her thigh, kneading it like a toy. A cruel, lecherous grin spread across his face.

“You bitch! You nearly got me killed! My brothers are all dead because of Duan Heng! How do you plan to pay for this?”

“W-what?!”

Tears welled in her eyes. She didn’t dare resist his groping, only whimpering pitifully:

“But… there were five or six of you… how could—”

“He had a gun!” Gai Yanlong roared. His hand shifted from her neck to her chin, crushing her lips into a pout against the wall.

He glared down at her, voice dripping with venom.

“Admit it—you set me up! You’re in cahoots with that kid, aren’t you?!”

“N-no!”

Tang Youyou trembled violently. She pushed weakly at his arm, but his strength overwhelmed her. She was nothing but a plaything.

“What would I gain from framing you? I just wanted food… I’ve always respected you, Brother Long…”

Tears of fear streaked down her cheeks. Her thin nightgown had slipped open, revealing soft curves. Her bare toes curled against the floor, threatening to give way beneath her.

Seeing such a tempting prize, Gai Yanlong’s rage melted into lust. The near-death terror she’d caused him demanded release. He leered down at her.

“If you respect me so much… spending the night with me shouldn’t be a problem, right? Consider it compensation.”

“N-no… please…”

Her tearful plea only excited him more. His hand slid upward from her thigh—

Just as Gai Yanlong prepared to claim his prize…

His pupils contracted violently. His face drained of all color. Like a mouse spotting a cat, he recoiled from Tang Youyou and scrambled into the corner.

“You! When did you get in here?!” he shrieked.

At the doorway stood Duan Heng, face icy, a silenced pistol leveled at Gai Yanlong. He stepped slowly into the bedroom—eyes devoid of emotion, handsome features sharp as blades, the gun radiating absolute power.

The aura Duan Heng exuded was utterly inhuman. Tang Youyou nearly cried out in adoration.

Instead, she wisely darted behind him, clutching his arm as she trembled.

“Save me, Brother Duan!”

Duan Heng ignored her. His cold gaze locked onto Gai Yanlong.

“Your brothers are all dead. Still having fun?”

“N-none of your damn business!” Gai Yanlong snapped back, sweat pouring down his face.

He glared at the pistol, teeth bared.

“Coward! Hiding behind a gun? Drop it! Fight me one-on-one! I’ll fucking kill you!!”

“Oh?”

Duan Heng tilted his head, seemingly considering the challenge—confidence in his own strength flickering in his eyes.

Gai Yanlong’s lips curled into a triumphant smirk. *Too young. Fooled by a few words. Just wait till I finish you… then I’ll take your villa, your women—*

THUD—

“AAAAAGH!”

Gai Yanlong’s scream ripped through the room.

Duan Heng hadn’t fallen for the bait. He’d fired without hesitation—straight into Gai Yanlong’s leg. That dull *thud* was merely the silenced gunshot.

Even against weaker foes, Duan Heng never held back.

“You… you bastard! Die!”

Gai Yanlong collapsed, clutching his thigh. Tears of pain streamed down his face as he howled in agony. His bloodshot eyes burned with fury, his body trembling like a bomb about to detonate.

But when he looked up—

The pistol was already aimed at his forehead. His face turned ashen.

“N-no! Don’t kill me! Brother Duan—no! Master Duan! I—”

THUD—

Smoke curled from the silencer. Gai Yanlong’s plea died instantly.

THUD—THUD—THUD—THUD—

Not a flicker of hesitation.

After the first shot struck his forehead, Duan Heng methodically placed two more rounds into his chest and head—ensuring no revival. In his past life, some Espers could shift their vital points. Duan Heng’s expression remained utterly cold throughout the execution. He was long accustomed to this.

Only then did he speak to the corpse, voice glacial:

“Sorry. I don’t have time to waste.”