Untouched by the Outbreak

Ryo leaned back in his chair, his fingers idly tapping on the side of his MP5. The quiet in the house was comforting but monotonous. Sachiko sat curled up on the couch, her laptop resting on her knees, engrossed in whatever she was reading. Beside her, Yumi flipped through the pages of her book, a soft hum of contentment escaping her lips.

The peaceful scene was too quiet for Ryo's restless mind. Deciding he needed a change of pace, he stood abruptly and walked over to the nearby table, picking up two handguns. Turning toward Sachiko and Yumi, he held them out.

"What's this for?" Sachiko asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked up from her laptop.

"Just for protection," Ryo replied curtly. "I'm heading out now."

Both women looked up at him, concern flashing across their faces. "Where are you going?" they asked in unison.

Ryo shrugged as he slipped his MP5 across his shoulder. "Just going to check out the town. You don't need to worry about zombies outside—they protect this house and both of you. They won't dare attack you. And Yumi, your prototype zombie group is patrolling the perimeter along with the Striders and Brutes."

Sachiko and Yumi exchanged a glance before Sachiko spoke. "Oh, okay. Be careful, Ryo."

Ryo smirked faintly, his confidence unwavering. "Hmm? No need to worry about me. I've got Sayako, Striders, and Brutes following me."

"Okay..." Yumi said softly, her voice laced with hesitation.

Ryo turned toward the door and called out, "Sayako!"

The female zombie, who had been standing silently nearby, immediately stepped forward. Her movements were fluid, almost human-like, as she followed him toward the door.

Before stepping outside, Ryo turned back to the two women. His gaze was steady, his tone firm. "Use the guns if necessary. Don't hesitate. If the government troops come... well, not like they can do much, but still, don't take any chances."

Sachiko nodded, gripping the gun in her hands with a newfound determination. Yumi, though hesitant, followed suit, her hands trembling slightly as she held the weapon.

Ryo gave them one last look, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Stay inside and stay safe."

With that, he pushed open the door, stepping out into the open air. Sayako followed close behind, her presence a silent reminder of the power Ryo commanded.

The world outside was quiet but not dead. Zombies roamed in the distance, patrolling the area like soldiers guarding their general's fortress. Ryo felt a surge of pride as he surveyed his surroundings. This was his domain, and nothing—not even the government—would take it from him.

As Ryo stepped out of the house, the sight before him brought a smirk to his face. The Striders and Brutes stood scattered around the base like silent sentinels, their imposing figures ensuring no living being dared approach without his approval. The air was still, yet the sheer presence of the hordes was suffocating for anyone uninvited.

Ryo walked forward, his boots crunching against the gravel path, and glanced at the Strider horde. Their sleek, muscular forms moved in sync, each step fluid but tense with latent power. "You," he said, pointing at two of the Striders, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "And you. You're with me. The rest of you, stay here and guard the perimeter."

The selected Striders stepped forward immediately, their movements precise and obedient. The rest remained in place, their blackened eyes fixed on Ryo, awaiting any further command.

Ryo shifted his gaze to the Brutes, their towering, hulking frames a stark contrast to the Striders' speed and agility. "You two," Ryo said, pointing at the two nearest Brutes. Their heavy footsteps echoed as they lumbered forward, their sheer size exuding raw strength. "You're with me. The others, stay put and crush anything that dares get close."

The regular zombies around the area began to move, parting like a sea to make way for their master. They didn't need words or gestures to know what was expected of them; Ryo's mere presence commanded their loyalty.

Walking slowly through the path cleared by the zombies, Ryo's smirk widened. The silence of the town was broken only by the shuffle of feet as the undead made way for him, bowing metaphorically to their leader. Behind him, Sayako followed closely, her soft, flawless presence starkly contrasting with the grotesque nature of the horde. She remained a constant shadow at Ryo's side, loyal and unyielding.

The Striders and Brutes fell into formation behind Ryo, their steps heavy yet synchronized, a sign of their unrelenting discipline under his command. He didn't glance back as he walked; he didn't need to. This was his domain, and every creature around him knew it.

Ryo's town was no longer just a town—it was his kingdom, guarded by the very monsters that others feared. As he approached the heart of the town, the faintest whisper of a chuckle escaped his lips. This world was his, and nothing could stop him.

Ryo strolled toward the farm he had carefully cultivated near his second base. The crops were growing steadily, untouched by the wandering zombies that roamed the area. The undead, though scattered around the field, never stepped out of line. Not a single plant had been trampled or damaged, a testament to the invisible boundary they dared not cross under Ryo's control.

He stopped for a moment, resting his hand on a nearby fencepost, and surveyed the scene. The gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze contrasted with the still, silent forms of the zombies. "Hmm," Ryo murmured, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Maybe I should feed you all with fish later. There's plenty in the river."

The thought of fishing to sustain his growing horde made him chuckle, but his expression remained stern. Even when content, Ryo carried an air of seriousness—out here, in the open, there was no room for weakness.
Your journey continues with empire

He glanced back toward his house, barely visible in the distance. The sight of it surrounded by loyal Striders and Brutes gave him a rare sense of satisfaction. Everything was under control. No government forces could even dream of penetrating his stronghold now.

After lingering a moment longer, Ryo turned and continued his walk. The town wasn't far, and as he approached, the atmosphere shifted. The streets were teeming with zombies—regular ones as well as Striders from other areas. Their black eyes glinted in the dim light as they moved aimlessly, a sea of grey skin and silent menace.

But as soon as Ryo stepped into the town, the change was instant. The wandering zombies froze, their heads turning to him as though drawn by a magnetic force. The Striders, lean and muscular, paused in their patrols, observing him with something akin to deference.

None dared to approach him, let alone attack. His presence was overwhelming, an aura of authority so potent that even the feral instincts of the zombies bowed to it.

Ryo scanned the area, taking in the desolation of the streets. Despite the chaos of the world around him, this town felt eerily calm—his aura and influence turning what should have been a deadly place into his personal kingdom.

"This is mine," Ryo muttered under his breath, the words laced with quiet pride. He smirked again, his gaze sweeping across the obedient horde that lined the streets. They were his army, his protectors, his insurance against anything—or anyone—that dared to challenge him.

With Sayako close at his side and the selected Striders and Brutes following silently behind, Ryo continued deeper into the town. He didn't need to look back to know that everything was exactly as he had orchestrated. The town, like the farm and the house, was a testament to his power—a power no one could take from him.

Ryo walked casually through the quiet streets of his town, his mind wandering as he considered the people and creatures that now populated his domain. With Sayako close by his side and his loyal Striders and Brutes flanking him, he felt untouchable.

Then his thoughts shifted. Hmm... I wonder what that 'zombie fucker' Ken is up to.

Turning the corner, Ryo spotted him. Ken, as usual, was strutting confidently down the street, escorted by his "female zombie harem." Among them was his former girlfriend, who had tragically turned into a zombie when the outbreak began. Now, she followed him with the same blank but oddly devoted expression as the others.

Ken noticed Ryo approaching and waved enthusiastically. "Yo, Ryo!"

Ryo grimaced inwardly but kept his expression neutral. He didn't hate Ken, but he didn't particularly like him either. Tolerate him, Ryo reminded himself. "What?" he asked flatly.

"Nothing, mate," Ken replied with a grin. "Just wanted to say thanks again for letting me grab supplies from the shops around here. You're a real lifesaver."

Ryo sighed, pulling out a fresh cigarette from his pocket. He lit it, took a puff, then handed another one to Ken. "Yeah, yeah," Ryo muttered as Ken gratefully accepted the cigarette, lighting it with a small spark from his lighter.

Ken exhaled a cloud of smoke, leaning on a nearby lamppost. "So, mate, when's our next supply run to the other town?"

Ryo took a deep drag, his eyes scanning the street. "Hmm... I don't know," he replied. "Looking at all the stores here, where we stashed the stuff from the last run, it's too much for now."

Ken laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "You're not wrong! Five stores packed full of rice bags alone. And that's not even counting the dried food and canned goods. Plus, the river's got fish for days. I hardly even need much rice myself." He grinned. "Thanks for helping me set up my little base, by the way. The solar panels are working perfectly. Got enough power for my rice cooker, fridge, and even a small fan."

Ryo shrugged. "No need to thank me. You're useful enough... for now." His eyes flicked to Ken's growing entourage of female zombies. "Seems like your harem's gotten bigger, huh?"

Ken chuckled, scratching his chin. "Yeah! The female zombies around here are in great shape, mate. Thanks for keeping things... well, under control."

Ryo rolled his eyes but smirked faintly. "Yeah, yeah." He turned away, taking another drag of his cigarette. "Just don't cause any trouble. And keep your... hobbies out of my sight."

Ken laughed nervously. "You got it, mate. No trouble from me, promise."

As Ryo started to walk away, he stopped abruptly and turned back toward Ken. "Ken!" he called out, his voice firm.

Ken, startled, turned around. "Yes, mate?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

Ryo narrowed his eyes, taking another drag of his cigarette before flicking the ash onto the ground. "Keep your gun ready at all times," he said sharply. "We don't know when those bastards will show up."

Ken tilted his head, frowning slightly. "Bastards? You mean the government?"

"Yeah," Ryo confirmed with a grim expression. "And the mist. If you ever see it rolling in, you'd better be ready to run."

Ken shifted uncomfortably, glancing at his female zombie harem, who stood silently behind him. "And if the mist comes?"

Ryo's tone grew colder. "Make sure your harem is ready to protect you. They're your best chance of surviving if something goes wrong." He stepped closer, his intense gaze locking on Ken's. "And if you see anything unusual, anything that doesn't look like a regular zombie or mutant, don't try to fight it. Run. Got it?"

Ken swallowed hard, nodding quickly. "Okay, mate. I got it. Gun ready, harem ready, and if there's mist... I run."

Ryo leaned back, taking another drag of his cigarette before dropping it to the ground and crushing it underfoot. "Good." He turned away, motioning to Sayako. "Let's go."

As Ryo walked off with Sayako close behind, Ken stood in silence for a moment, his grip tightening on his weapon. He glanced back at his harem of female zombies, their lifeless eyes staring back at him.

"Guess it's time to make sure everything's ready," Ken muttered to himself, exhaling a long sigh. "Man, this world keeps getting crazier."

With that, he adjusted the strap on his rifle and headed back to his base, his thoughts lingering on Ryo's warning and the ever-present threat of the mist.