Before the terrorist attack at Windbreak City’s train station, local authorities had received intelligence indicating that a large number of “terrorists” had infiltrated the area. After notifying the train station to evacuate civilians, they mobilized all available armed forces to the station in an attempt to eliminate the “terrorists.”
Since the Windbreak City Public Security Bureau was relatively close to the train station, the police—armed with firearms—became the first armed unit to arrive on the scene.
However, by the time they arrived, the “terrorists” who had infiltrated the station had already launched their attack.
As soon as the officers stepped out of their vehicles, they were met with a horrifying sight: hundreds of charred corpses littering the station square, and flame demons slaughtering people in a frenzied, instinct-driven rampage.
They had no idea where these black-flame-wreathed monsters had come from. But seeing them massacre civilians, the police—who bore the duty of protecting the people—didn’t hesitate. They raised their guns and opened fire on the demons.
Bullets struck the flame demons but inflicted no damage. Distracted from their fleeing prey, the demons turned their attention to the officers and attacked.
Unprepared for monsters that were not only bulletproof but also possessed terrifying strength and the ability to ignite human bodies from a distance, the police quickly suffered heavy casualties.
Just as they thought they were about to be wiped out, the flame demons—having just crushed several cars in their frenzy—suddenly froze, as if sensing something. Then, they stopped their assault and retreated to the station square.
Watching the demons herd the surviving civilians into the station’s waiting room, the police realized why they had abruptly withdrawn.
Knowing they were no longer combat-effective—and that facing even one more demon would mean certain death—the surviving officers, led by their chief, decided to fall back and wait for reinforcements.
Most of the remaining police agreed—except for Yan Zhenyi, whose wife and daughter were trapped inside the station. Their fate was unknown.
Outvoted, Yan Zhenyi had no choice but to retreat with the others. They regrouped at a safe distance, monitoring the situation inside the waiting room while awaiting backup.
About five or six minutes later, additional armed forces arrived at the station.
Having not yet engaged the demons, these units were unaware of the threat they faced. It wasn’t until they debriefed with the police that they understood the true nature of their enemy.
Realizing that the “terrorists” were far more dangerous than expected—and that they had forced nearly a thousand civilians into the waiting room—the newly arrived forces proceeded with caution.
Instead of rushing in, they quickly established a heavily fortified perimeter around the station, sealing it off before reporting the situation to higher authorities.
Upon receiving the update, officials promptly dispatched experienced negotiators to communicate with the “terrorists” and ascertain their demands.
Soon, the demands became clear:
Release the Grand Bishop of the Flame Demon Cult, Kang En—currently serving a life sentence in Dragon City Prison.
Unable to make a decision on their own, Windbreak City officials relayed the demand to higher authorities, opting to wait for instructions before taking further action.
“Lao Yan, are you holding up?”
Sun Tao—covered in dust and bandages from the earlier battle—watched as Yan Zhenyi paced anxiously around the makeshift medical tent. His voice was laced with concern.
“Do I look like I’m holding up?”
Yan Zhenyi didn’t even glance at his colleague. His voice was low, strained.
Sun Tao knew why. Yan Zhenyi’s wife and daughter had been caught in the attack, and their current condition was unknown.
“Lao Yan, your wife was top of her class at the police academy, and Xia Qi’s a genius—already accepted into Imperial University on early admission. They’ll be fine.”
Yan Zhenyi suddenly stopped pacing and whirled around, shouting:
“How can you be so sure?! After the call got cut off during the attack, I haven’t heard a word from them! Facing monsters like that… they might already be—”
Sun Tao didn’t take offense at the outburst. He understood the fear, the helplessness.
“Don’t think like that. Maybe they just had their phones confiscated. They could be hostages in the waiting room.”
Just as he finished speaking, a familiar voice called from outside the tent.
“Xiao Yan, are you in there?”
The police chief—less bandaged than the others—stepped inside, accompanied by a young woman.
“Chief, what do you need Lao Yan for?” Sun Tao asked quickly.
Ignoring Sun Tao, the chief looked straight at Yan Zhenyi.
“Still worried about your family?”
“What kind of man wouldn’t be?” Yan Zhenyi replied, struggling to keep his voice steady.
The chief nodded. “Then I’ve got good news for you. Your wife and daughter are alive. They’re inside the waiting room—being held hostage by those damned followers of the Flame Demon Lord.”