The Apocalyptic Evolution.

Just a few days ago, an upgraded zombie entered the cafeteria and tragically led to the death of seven individuals with unique abilities. It was from the corpse core of that zombie that I acquired my current powers.

"Bai Yi! Are you alright?" Xia He had never encountered an upgraded zombie before, but the fear that enveloped her upon seeing it for the first time was palpable.

During Bai Yi's previous encounter with the zombie, Xia He found herself paralyzed by fear and unable to respond. The heavy aura of the undead creature felt suffocating, preventing them from catching their breath. The zombie, exhibiting no hesitation, charged toward Bai Yi with a fierce roar, ignoring Xia He completely.

Instinctively, Bai Yi took a couple of steps back and was about to flee when suddenly, an arrow shot through the air and struck the female zombie in the neck.

The enraged zombie let out a furious roar as it was injured, but due to its anatomy, it could not effectively counter the attack from behind and continued its assault on Bai Yi.

Momentarily stunned by Xia He's successful shot, Bai Yi glanced at the arrow protruding from the zombie's neck and formulated a daring plan: "We can win!"

As the terrifying creature lunged at Bai Yi with sharp claws raised, Bai Yi shouted, "Skull-cutting knife!" A black Tang sword materialized in front of him. He grasped the sword with both hands, ready to defend himself.

As the sharp claws scraped against the sword, blood splattered, and Bai Yi felt the intensity of the encounter. Despite the pain, he felt a rush of excitement upon realizing he had actually harmed the zombie.

However, Bai Yi understood that he was still at a disadvantage. The relentless attacks from the zombie took a toll on his body, and even though he fought bravely, the pain he experienced suggested serious internal injuries. The zombie, having lost three fingers, was now angrier and more aggressive in its pursuit.

Bai Yi knew he had to keep moving, dodging the relentless swipes while ensuring he did not succumb to the zombie's virus. 

Xia He, trembling in fear, managed to draw another arrow and shoot it at the zombie, hoping to provide support.

The arrow struck the back of the zombie's head but only penetrated the skin lightly. Xia He could hardly comprehend why her shot had failed to do significant damage; it was unlike anything she had encountered.

Though Bai Yi felt a glimmer of hope, the heightened aggression of the upgraded zombie prompted him to stay vigilant. Calling out to Xia He, he advised her to aim for the knees instead of the head.

Following his instructions, Xia He instinctively released the arrow, successfully piercing the zombie's knee. The creature stumbled, but it soon retaliated, intensifying its focus on Bai Yi.

As Bai Yi resisted, the zombie managed to grab hold of his knife. With a desperate effort, Bai Yi attempted to pull it free, but the creature's grip was too strong. Realizing the dire situation, Bai Yi relinquished his hold on the weapon and evaded its attack.

Xia He, seeing an opportunity, fired another arrow, this time striking the zombie's other thigh. The cumulative injuries were taking their toll, but the creature still posed an imminent threat.

In a moment of panic, Xia He attempted to shoot an arrow, but Bai Yi cautioned her to focus while he pressed forward, straining against his injuries.

Seeing Xia He's predicament, Bai Yi's determination grew stronger. He shouted for her to escape, but she was momentarily paralyzed by disbelief at his plea to leave her behind.

"Don't leave me, Bai Yi!" she called out desperately, heartbroken and confused. Her emotions surged, and tears streamed down her face as she struggled to distance herself from the danger.

As the upgraded zombie closed the gap, Bai Yi urged her to run, but the peril was closing in fast.

Xia He, unable to gather her strength, felt the zombie's grip tighten around her ankle. She could only crawl away from the monster as it advanced toward her.

In a moment of dread, she yelled for help once more, but her cries echoed with despair.

At that critical juncture, Bai Yi, realizing the gravity of their situation, rushed back to save Xia He despite his injuries. 

"Focus, Xia He! We need to work together!" he shouted, determination fueling his actions. In a moment of clarity, he instructed her to retrieve a long arrow he had dislodged from the zombie.

Hesitant yet compelled by necessity, Xia He picked up the arrow. With renewed purpose, they prepared to confront the formidable zombie together, fully aware of the stakes involved.