Zombie Domination

Julian simply stared at Glain. The man's words were so absurd that, for a moment, Julian didn't even know how to respond. Finally, he exhaled slowly and said, "You're asking me to trust an alliance that's barely even formed?"

Glain met his gaze and replied without hesitation, "Yes. I'll take full responsibility if Joe ever does something like that again."

Julian studied Glain's eyes, there was a silent plea there, a wordless push for him to agree. But in Julian's mind, the idea was nothing short of foolish. Why would anyone free a criminal who had already caused chaos in his city, just to have him fight alongside them? Perhaps Glain was too idealistic… maybe even as naïve as Kevin.

At last, Julian let out another quiet sigh. "Fine, fine… we can let the dragon join us."

Beside him, Leighton's eyes widened in shock. "Are you sure about this, Julian? Honestly… I'm still uneasy."

Julian glanced at him, and it wasn't hard to understand why. Leighton had once been attacked by his own student of course he'd be wary. "Don't worry," Julian said, his voice calm but firm. "The important thing is that we stay vigilant"

Glain looked around the room with a grateful expression, nodding firmly. "Good, then. We're all agreed to let Joe fight." His voice carried a sense of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

Leighton, who had been quietly contemplating something, spoke up with a polite, curious tone. "Should we consider building weapons?"

Kevin's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "That's a great idea! Let's do it."

Luke frowned slightly, raising a practical concern. "But… how big would those weapons need to be? We all know how massive the Sky Whale is."

Glain tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, that's true. But we can create weapons capable of reaching the Sky Whale."

Leighton then asked politely, "Do you have the people to make such weapons?"

Glain glanced at Leighton, pride and a hint of arrogance shining through his words. "Of course I do."

Leo, leaning back with a casual smirk and a touch of sarcasm, teased, "You're quite prosperous, Mr. Glain. I'm getting a little jealous, haha."

The room chuckled lightly, the tension easing as they continued their meeting, determined to prepare for the battle ahead.

Glain spoke in a calm, almost indifferent tone, "I really don't want to hear a word from you, the collector of talented people."

Leo merely curled his lips into a knowing smirk, unfazed by Glain's remark.

Julian leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing as he broke the silence. "If that's the case, then our formation is going to change significantly."

Leighton nodded thoughtfully, his fingers lightly tapping the table. "We can integrate those weapons into our overall strategy."

The room fell into a focused silence as the group returned to their meeting.

Meanwhile, far from the meeting room's light, Joe sat quietly in the shadows of his prison cell. The dim light cast long shadows across his face, reflecting his calm yet wary demeanor. Suddenly, he sensed a presence approaching, the faint sound of footsteps echoing in the corridor. His eyes flicked upward in mild surprise.

"Lately, I've been getting quite a few visitors," Joe muttered under his breath, voice low but steady.

A figure stepped into view, their gaze locking onto Joe with a mixture of curiosity and intent. "It looks like you're going to be involved in the assault on the Sky Whale."

Joe's lips curled into a dry, almost bitter smile. "Am I just going to be used as cannon fodder? A meat shield?"

The figure shrugged, voice flat yet chilling. "Maybe. Or maybe you'll be launched like a cannonball."

Joe chuckled softly, the sound echoing slightly in the cold cell. "Heh, honestly, that doesn't sound so bad."

The figure's expression hardened. "You won't have a choice. You caused enough trouble in the city. They'll force you to submit and fight the Sky Whale."

Joe's eyes gleamed with a mixture of defiance and exhaustion. "Let them try. I'm sick of being locked away in this cell anyway."

The figure's tone softened, tinged with a hint of surprise. "You used to want to protect your subordinates, but now you're willingly fighting the Sky Whale?"

Joe sighed deeply, his voice heavy with exhaustion and regret. "It's all because of me… If the old man orders me to make amends, then I'll do it."

The figure standing nearby regarded him silently for a moment before speaking. "Mr. Leo's offer is still on the table. Are you interested?"

Joe let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Hahaha, Leo's offer? So you're with him now, huh?"

The figure's eyes didn't waver as they met Joe's gaze, silent but firm.

Joe smirked defiantly. "What if I don't accept it? Am I going to die right here, right now?"

The figure's lips curled into a faint, almost sinister smile. "That depends on your answer."

Without hesitation, Joe grinned boldly. "No."

The figure chuckled softly, shaking their head. "You really are crazy, just like the rumors say."

Joe's expression turned calm, almost indifferent. "Once you're done here, you can leave. I won't reveal your identity, so don't worry."

The figure simply stared at him for a moment longer, then quietly slipped away into the shadows of the prison.

The scene slowly shifted to a quiet, softly lit room where Zoe was slumped over a wooden table, her head resting heavily on her folded arms. Her eyelids fluttered, struggling to stay open as she muttered in a low, weary voice, "So bored…"

Clarissa approached quietly, her footsteps soft on the floor. She crouched slightly to Zoe's level, a gentle smile softening her face as she asked in a soothing tone, "Do you want to go for a walk, Zoe? Maybe some fresh air will help."

Zoe barely lifted her head, her eyes half-closed, and with a tired shake of her head said simply, "No… I don't want to."

Emma, bursting with energy, bounced closer, her eyes bright and cheeks flushed with excitement. "Come on, Zoe! There are some delicious snacks outside. You have to try them!"

Zoe's body stiffened slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. "I said no…" Her voice was firm but still carried a trace of fatigue.

Undeterred, Emma reached out and gently grabbed Zoe's arm, giving a playful tug. "Please, Zoe! You said you're bored, so let's get out of here for a bit."

Zoe's face twisted into a frustrated scowl as she pulled her arm back, cheeks puffed and voice raised slightly in exasperation, "Nooo! I don't want to!"

Clarissa quickly stepped between them, her hands raised calmly in a peaceful gesture. "Emma, enough. Don't push her."

Just then, the soft click of the door opening broke the tension. Julian and Veronica entered, their presence immediately drawing everyone's attention.

Clarissa smiled warmly and greeted them with a respectful nod. "Welcome back."

Julian gave a brief, tired nod in return, his eyes scanning the room as if gauging everyone's mood.

Veronica, visibly exhausted, let out a long breath and collapsed onto the nearby bed without a second thought. Her body sagged into the mattress as she exhaled heavily. "I'm so tired…"

Emma couldn't help but tease lightly, pointing at Veronica's flushed cheeks, "Hey, you just got back and you're already heading for bed?"

Veronica shot a tired, almost glazed-over look at Emma, but didn't reply, too drained to argue.

Julian's voice cut through gently but firmly, "Let her rest. She's worn out."

Emma nodded obediently, her expression softening. "Alright."

Julian then turned his attention to Clarissa and asked, "Where are Aya and Celestia?"

Clarissa glanced toward the window as if picturing them out there, before answering softly, "Oh, they're out with Miss Beatrix."

Emma chimed in with a bright smile, "They seem to be working on something… maybe a weapon?"

Julian nodded thoughtfully, then reached into his inventory and pulled out a small package. He handed it gently to Zoe, who still looked listless.

"This is some food for you all," he said softly.

Zoe's eyes suddenly lit up, sparkling with interest. "Oh, food!"

Emma raised an eyebrow playfully. "Hey, didn't you say you didn't want to eat when I asked you to come outside earlier?"

Zoe glanced at Emma with a small smirk. "It's cold outside…"

Emma grinned and said confidently, "Well, I could warm you up with my pyrokinesis."

Zoe gave Emma a look as if she was dealing with someone stupid, she just turned away, focusing back on the food Julian had offered.

Emma frowned slightly, noticing Zoe's reaction. "Hey, Zoe…"

Zoe quickly softened her gaze and said quietly to Julian, "Thank you."

Julian smiled warmly and ruffled her hair affectionately.

Then Julian spoke to everyone, "I think I'll continue my talk once Aya and Celestia get back."

Clarissa looked up with curiosity and asked, "Are we going to discuss something?"

Julian nodded. "Yes, we'll be talking about the results from the recent meeting."

Emma chimed in cheerfully, "Hey, looks like it'll be a while before Aya and Celestia return. How about we eat first?"

Zoe nodded eagerly, her energy visibly lifting at the mention of food.

Clarissa then gently nudged Veronica awake and said softly, "Veronica, come on, let's eat first."

Veronica, still half-asleep and clearly exhausted, muttered, "Wait… just five more minutes…"