Untouched by the Outbreak

Ken gave a lopsided smile, raising his hands in a sign of surrender. "Don't worry, man. I promise not to touch your girls," he said earnestly. Ryo nodded, satisfied, though his eyes lingered on Ken for a moment longer. There was something about the way Ken moved, always keeping Akiko close, like he was afraid she'd disappear if he let go.

He really loves her, huh? Ryo thought, watching as Ken gently guided Akiko to his side, almost protectively. It was strange, the way Ken held onto this last piece of his past, like an anchor in a world where everything else had been ripped away. For Ryo, it was a reminder of his own past losses—Sakura and Aiko, lives he could never reclaim, only remember.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Ryo's expression softened briefly as he observed Ken's attachment, but he quickly hardened again, unwilling to let those memories resurface.

"Hey," Ryo called out to Ken, his voice low but carrying across the quiet street. "Don't die from starvation out here. You can take any food you find in the shops. There's plenty around."

Ken chuckled, glancing back. "Thanks, man, but I think I'll be alright." He shrugged, a hint of amusement crossing his face. "Actually… was thinking about moving closer to the stream. The apartment's decent, but it's far from the water. Wouldn't mind setting up somewhere nearby."

Ryo raised an eyebrow, giving a slight shake of his head. "Suit yourself. Just be careful." He gestured vaguely to the nearby shops. "There's a clothing store and some bedding shops close by. Should have whatever you need to make the place livable."

Ken nodded, looking a little brighter at the thought of setting up his own base near the stream. "Appreciate it. You really got this whole place organized, huh?" he said, half in admiration, half in disbelief.

Ryo only gave a small smirk. "Just don't waste the supplies. You'll need them more than you think." Then, with a final nod, he turned back, motioning for Sachiko, Yumi, and Sayako to follow him.

They climbed into the truck, the engine rumbling as it came to life. Just before they drove off, Ryo reached into his side compartment and pulled out a handgun, holding it out to Ken.

Ken blinked, surprised. "What's this for?"

Ryo's expression remained unreadable. "Defend yourself."

Ken let out a small laugh. "I got my harem to protect me. They're all I need."

Ryo's gaze hardened slightly. "Better ready than sorry." He held the gun out firmly until Ken took it, his fingers curling around the grip uncertainly.

"And one more thing," Ryo said, his tone turning grim. "If you see a mist rolling in… hide fast. Get inside, shut the door, and make sure your harem is with you. Don't take any chances."

Ken's face grew serious at the warning, nodding slowly. "Understood. I'll stay alert."

With a final nod, Ryo turned back to his truck, Sachiko, Yumi, and Sayako settled in as they prepared to leave Ken and his group behind. As the truck pulled away, Ken stood watching, the weight of the gun in his hand a reminder of the unpredictable dangers that lingered in the town Ryo had claimed.

As they drove along, Sachiko leaned forward from the passenger seat, casting a questioning glance at Ryo. "Why did you give him the gun?" she asked, her tone curious. "And… what's with the mist? You've never mentioned that before."

Ryo was silent for a moment, his eyes steady on the road. He then spoke quietly, as if recalling a memory. "The first time I saw the mist, it was just a warning—thin, barely noticeable. But when the thick mist rolled in…" He paused, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "That's when I realized something far worse lurked in it."

He glanced at her, his face serious. "Once that thick mist covers an area, a new kind of zombie appears, unlike anything we've faced. They move fast, brutal, tearing through anything alive in their path—humans, animals, anything that breathes. They ignore the other zombies, focusing only on the living."

Sachiko listened, her expression growing tense. "What do they look like?"

"Red eyes," Ryo said. "Sharp claws, like blades. And they're built—stronger, more muscular than any regular zombie. Faster too. They're relentless… nothing like the ones we're used to."

He exhaled, glancing at the road ahead, his jaw tight. "I got lucky that time. They didn't attack me, but I'm not sure why. Maybe my immunity, maybe something else. But I have no idea if they'd ignore anyone else."

Sachiko's face grew pensive, the weight of the new threat sinking in. "So that's why you told Ken to stay hidden if he sees the mist."

Ryo nodded, eyes narrowing as he recalled the encounter. "These aren't zombies you can fight or outrun. If that mist comes, the only safe move is to hide and pray they pass by."

Ryo's voice carried a rare intensity as he turned to Sachiko and Yumi. "And you two… the same goes for you. If you see even a hint of thin mist, don't waste a second. Get inside, lock every door, every window. Sayako will be with you, and I'll make sure the others keep a perimeter around the place."

He paused, his gaze shifting to Yumi. "And Yumi, have your prototype zombies surround the house, too. They might not be as strong as the others, but we can't take any chances."

Yumi nodded, her expression serious, absorbing the gravity of his words. Ryo's tone held a protectiveness she wasn't used to hearing from him, and it reminded her of just how dangerous this world was—even for someone with Ryo's power.

"I'll make sure they're ready," she replied. "They'll follow orders without fail."

Sachiko reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "We understand, Ryo. We'll be ready, and we'll do as you say."

He gave a firm nod, his focus back on the road, but a flicker of relief crossed his face. He couldn't afford to lose anyone close to him—especially not now, with so few people he truly trusted.

When they reached the house, Ryo signaled for Sachiko and Yumi to head inside. "Go on in. I'll join you after I check on the army."

As they disappeared into the house, Ryo began his inspection, moving methodically through the ranks of zombies that patrolled the perimeter. The sheer number was growing each day. Not only had more of the town's zombies gathered around his base, but all of them were visibly stronger and more resilient. Their wounds were fully healed, skin restored, and even their movements were smoother, more fluid—an unsettling blend of human-like agility and unyielding loyalty.

Satisfied, Ryo observed a newly arrived Strider at the edge of the horde, silently integrating itself into his ranks. Its once-raw wounds looked almost new, its posture fierce, every muscle in its frame taut with newfound energy. He smirked. It seemed his aura wasn't just making them obedient—it was restoring them, making them evolve.

"Perfect," he muttered, a trace of satisfaction in his voice. With each new addition and each healed body, his forces grew stronger, reinforcing the fortress he was building for himself and those he protected.

Experience tales with empire

Meanwhile, Ken was settling into the small house by the river, taking stock of his new setup. He tested the windows and doors, checking for any weaknesses, but everything seemed solid. It was a good spot—close to the stream, with enough space for him and his "harem" to stay without feeling cramped. Akiko, his ever-loyal girlfriend-turned-zombie, lingered close, her presence somehow grounding him amidst the surreal reality of the world now.

Outside, he positioned a small solar panel he'd scavenged earlier. It wasn't much, but he figured he could set up something bigger once he gathered supplies. Tomorrow, he planned to visit the hardware shop Ryo had mentioned to see if he could find a larger solar panel setup, along with maybe an electric stove and a small fridge. The thought of having a stable cooking setup, even a rice cooker, was a small luxury that felt almost within reach.

For now, he relied on a portable gas stove to prepare meals, but he was keenly aware of its limited fuel supply. If he was going to survive out here long-term, he'd need a more sustainable setup—and quickly. After all, if Ryo warned him about something, he took it seriously.

Ken was astounded as he explored the shops around the town, realizing just how well-stocked they were. Bags of rice lined the shelves, along with stacks of dried food, canned goods, and various essentials. It was as if a well-planned stockpile had been set up, each shop almost like a mini-warehouse filled with supplies carefully gathered and organized.

He could tell that Ryo had likely gone beyond the boundaries of this town, scavenging from other areas to build up these reserves. The effort and strategy behind it were clear—Ryo had practically turned the town into a stronghold, a self-sustaining base of survival. Ken felt a mix of respect and gratitude, knowing that these resources were within reach, thanks to Ryo's foresight.

He grabbed a few essentials and slung a bag over his shoulder, already planning his next visit to gather some of the bigger items.

Ken moved cautiously through the town, constantly aware of the thick presence of zombies roaming around him. Though he knew Ryo had commanded the zombies not to attack him, a sense of unease kept him on alert—it was always better to be prepared in a world like this.

He was fortunate, though; his harem of female zombies stayed close, forming a protective circle as they moved through the streets. They acted almost instinctively, warding off any regular zombies that drifted too close. Ken felt a strange mix of security and vulnerability in their presence, knowing they'd defend him yet still feeling the danger that lurked just beyond his reach.

As he walked, his gaze occasionally fell on Akiko, his former girlfriend turned loyal protector. Despite everything, she stayed by his side, her cold yet familiar presence comforting him. Moving from shop to shop, Ken began to map out what he'd need next—a larger solar panel, perhaps some extra tools from the hardware store to set up his little house by the stream more securely.