章 11: Join the team

Undeads emerging into existence wasn't the sole revelation for humanity. Faced with the imminent threat of losing their battle against the Undeads on Earth, humans discovered a shocking truth. Contrary to initial assumptions, the Undeads were intelligent beings, especially those at higher levels. These creatures boasted their own society and governance, organized by categories and races.

Each race had a leader responsible for commanding their forces, turning the Undeads into formidable opponents. With Earth becoming an increasingly inhospitable battlefield, humans were left with no option but to abandon their planet. The exodus led them to explore new worlds, desperately seeking a strategy to turn the tide in their war against the Undeads.

However, the transition to another planet was far from what they had anticipated. The new realms were home to bizarre creatures, and upon defeating one such beast, a startling discovery was made. These creatures harbored peculiar crystals embedded in the middle of their chests.

As Jack grappled with Leo's revelations, he couldn't help but reflect on the drastic changes that had occurred during his supposed unconsciousness in the lab. 'So the world changed this much, and I was oblivious in that lab for who knows how long,' Jack pondered, realizing the gravity of the situation. Adapting to this transformed reality became his only choice.

"I think I have some clues about how it started," Jack mused, recalling the video he had watched in the lab. 'But there are still many unanswered questions. How did it all begin? If they were created in the lab, does that mean they possess more intelligence than the zombies I encountered?'

Despite the lingering uncertainties, Jack's immediate concern was reaching the shelter they were heading towards. This shelter, resembling a vast city, brimmed with people and houses within protective walls, a fortress guarding against both beast and Undead attacks.

As Jack entered the city, he marveled at the bustling activity—civilians and individuals engaged in risky pursuits to procure beast crystals. These crystals, crucial for potential wars with the Undeads, contained potent energy. Humans had harnessed this energy, crafting powerful weapons to defend against their formidable adversaries.

Leo's voice interrupted Jack's thoughts, "I guess this is where we depart."

"I suppose so," Jack said, realizing the need to navigate this unfamiliar world and survive its challenges.

"Why don't you come stay with us?" Leo extended a generous offer, recognizing Jack's unfamiliarity with the surroundings. "At least until you've familiarized yourself with this place."

Considering the proposition, Jack acknowledged the potential benefits of having a place to stay, even if Hewitt and Bin, his companions, voiced their dissent.

"Why are you trying to make him come with us?" Hewitt, the outspoken one, questioned. "Haven't we helped him enough by bringing him here?"

"He might not even be strong," Bin, who prioritized strength, chimed in.

Leo interjected, "That doesn't matter," giving Hewitt and Bin a stern look.

Despite the dissenting opinions, Jack accepted Leo's offer, recognizing the need for guidance in this new reality and the questions he needed to ask.

With Leo leading the way, the group headed towards a prominent building, passing through a walkway where people bustled about. Inside, they were met with a sizable room, and Leo approached the receptionist to secure their accommodations, leaving Jack with Hewitt and Bin.

In the midst of uncertainty, Jack's journey in this altered world was just beginning.

As Jack waited with Hewitt and Bin in the reception area, the air was thick with unspoken tension. Hewitt's skepticism and Bin's emphasis on strength underscored the diverse perspectives within the group. Jack, though new to this post-apocalyptic reality, bore the weight of his own unanswered questions, questions that lingered from his time in the mysterious lab.

The reception area itself was a curious mix of functionality and weariness. A few weary survivors huddled together, their faces etched with both determination and exhaustion. The air, tainted by the scent of dampness and uncertainty, seemed to resonate with the collective struggle of those who sought refuge within the walls of the shelter.

Jack observed the intricate details of the room—a cracked wall adorned with makeshift decorations, a flickering overhead light struggling to illuminate the worn-out tiles beneath. These subtle cues hinted at a shared history, a timeline marked by resilience and adaptation.

Leo returned, clutching a set of key cards, each representing a refuge from the harsh reality outside. As he distributed the keys, a sense of camaraderie momentarily softened the hard edges of their interactions. Yet, underlying tensions persisted, awaiting the right trigger to resurface.

Their footsteps echoed through the narrow corridors as they approached their designated rooms. The doors creaked open, revealing spaces that mirrored both the resilience and vulnerability of the shelter's inhabitants. Faded wallpaper peeling at the edges, dim lighting casting long shadows—it was a stark contrast to the bustling cityscape just beyond the protective walls.

Jack's room, though modest, felt like a sanctuary. A worn-out bed with a threadbare quilt, a small window offering a glimpse of the shelter's heart, and a solitary chair in the corner—these meager belongings encapsulated the essence of survival. It was a place to rest, recharge, and brace for the challenges that awaited beyond the confines of the room.

As Jack settled in, Leo broke the lingering silence. "Look, I know things are different now, and we're all trying to make sense of it. But we're in this together, and sticking together increases our chances of survival."

Hewitt, unyielding in his skepticism, retorted, "Survival is about strength, not sentiment. We can't afford to carry dead weight."

Bin, echoing Hewitt's sentiments, added, "And we don't even know this guy. How do we trust him?"

Leo, however, maintained a steadfast belief in unity. "We've all seen what's out there. It's not just about strength; it's about adaptability and understanding our enemies. Jack might have insights that can help us navigate this new world."

The dialogue hung in the air, a metaphorical battleground where differing philosophies clashed. Jack, caught in the crossfire, reflected on his own journey—from the confines of the lab to the unforgiving reality outside. His acceptance of Leo's offer wasn't just a quest for shelter; it was a step toward unraveling the mysteries that bound this world.

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