PART 1
At the first casino, Ethan entered with $5,000.
Playing Blackjack and honing his skills with [Sense Radar], which reached Level 3, reducing the strain on his mind and giving him more detail, along with greater control and even the ability to suppress certain things to focus on what he wants.
Naturally, he made sure to lose quite a bit, but he stopped with $12,500 in chips.
He shrugged and said, “I feel lucky, I’ll bet 10,000!”
And he played seriously.
The cards were already shuffled, and he was 100% sure of winning.
The reason is simple: an Ace of Hearts and a King of Spades.
21 right off the bat, automatic win, and by the rules, he’ll win triple.
His $12,500 became $32,500.
Ethan burst into laughter and said, “I think that’s all for today, boys.” – Getting up and receiving his delicious chips, he made sure to leave his badge visible to certain people with excessive stares.
Ethan went to withdraw his money.
It took him less than 3 hours.
Leaving, with $47,500 in his inventory, Ethan headed to the next casino owned by another mafia.
He chose the most famous ones, with lots of people, because that’s where he’ll have the most credibility.
Someone who wins a lot is a problem.
But if you win in front of so many people and get robbed or killed, it will spread and damage the casino’s reputation.
Ethan visited 2 more casinos, taking $10,000 from each one.
He left with $41,900 from one and $38,300 from the other.
Ethan had $20,000 in the early morning and now has $107,700.
Arriving on time, he met Jerome at a police bar, encountering some familiar faces.
Even though they personally meant nothing to him, they were still in his memories.
Because he had money and it was something he rarely did.
He paid for two rounds for everyone, lightening the mood as they chatted.
Jerome asked about his girlfriend’s brother, saying he hadn’t found him yet.
Many offered to help; Ethan simply showed the map and told them to point out any unmarked casinos they knew of.
Having more places of interest, Ethan left shortly after.
…
“A cop took over $30,000 from me?” – Clovis frowned as he stared at the henchman.
“He went in with $10,000 and left with $41,900.
Blackjack and poker were the games he played.” – Said the henchman.
“And how did he cheat?” – Clovis grunted.
“He didn’t cheat.” – Said the henchman.
– “His hands were always on the table or holding a drink.
He lost many, but the ones he won, he bet high and always talked nonsense about instinct.”
Clovis grunts.
– “Who is the policeman, is he one of the ones we know?”
“I showed some photos to our people, or those who walk the streets and nothing.
Doesn’t seem to be a policeman from this district.” – Said the henchman.
“Hmm… keep an eye out.
If he comes back, let me know and send a photo so everyone remembers and can let me know.” – Says Clovis and the henchman nods.
…
Ethan arrives at his hotel room and, knowing he wasn’t followed, relaxes as midnight arrives, August 13th, Friday.
His 3rd official day in this world begins and his leveling starts.
Now, only on the 6th day will he reach Level 3.
His inventory increased from 72.98kg to 77.73kg.
Now with 3 attribute points, Ethan doesn’t hesitate to put all 3 into Intelligence.
The first result is 1.
Since his INT is 4, it means that 1, 2, 3, and 4 result in an increase.
Automatically, it becomes 5.
Ethan feels a cold wave in his head, spreading through his body; his mind throbs slightly and calms down.
Blinking, he nods slightly and then invests the rest.
The second result was 7, to his delight.
His INT went from 5 to 6.
In physical terms, 6 points is equivalent to Amateur Athletes; in intellectual terms, he has no idea, but he knows it’s something absurd, perhaps at the level of really good doctors in the field.
Ethan didn’t expect much from the 3rd result, but it dropped 10… he was speechless as his INT reached 7.
Which would be the level of a [Professional Athlete] in physical terms.
This should put him at the intellectual level of great geniuses in science or something like that.
“I’m really lucky today.” – Ethan laughs.
He multiplied his cash more than fivefold, became much smarter, and his memories became more precise.
When he activated [Sense Radar], his mind actually endured far more than usual.
The weight was reduced and the details more precise.
– “I wonder how good the next levels will be.”
PART 2
Early morning.
Ethan goes out to gamble, wanting to take more money from other casinos.
He avoided Clovis’s, as he’d been warned that Clovis is one of the new crime bosses in Atlanta, and provoking or bumping into him is trouble.
So taking $30,000 from him is enough.
By the end of the day, Ethan had raised his winnings to about $220,000.
That’s more than enough until the 24th.
“Curious, today is Friday the 13th.” – Ethan laughs as he checks his pulse and heads to the nearest police station, knowing there are cars following him.
It seems that being a police officer wasn’t much of a deterrent for someone who lost almost $40,000.
But when he arrives at the police station, meeting old acquaintances, Ethan knows they’ve drifted apart.
Then he left, another hotel, spent the night, and August 14th arrived, Saturday.
On the diner’s TV, they talk more about the flu outbreaks.
They even mentioned a woman who, after contracting the flu, had a kind of psychotic episode and is currently in a vegetative state.
People look at it, feel sorry for it, but also relieved that it didn’t happen to them.
Then they ignore it, because it’s just another piece of news of many worse things to come in the future.
It takes more than a flu and a woman with brain damage to move the masses or generate real concern.
Because saying it’s just a “flu outbreak” is to minimize it.
‘It’s certain that the authorities must already have some idea that this isn’t a common flu.
Of course, they won’t think it’s some kind of zombie virus on a global scale; they must think it’s some new bacteria attacking the most vulnerable.’ – Ethan eats his chicken pie while thinking about how governments around the world must be viewing this.
His mind races as he tries to remember more details of the series, but it’s something from many years ago, and honestly, The Walking Dead wasn’t such a significant series in his life.
Sure, the first and second seasons were excellent.
The prison and the Governor were great.
But remembering Alexandria, even if he doesn’t know the details, he researched it online earlier and knows it actually exists.
It’s in Virginia, near Washington, D.C.
Traveling by car, it should take about 10 hours.
But it’s not worth it.
He would have to understand the place, use his credentials there, and go through the headaches of explaining himself while storing weapons and food.
His inventory is small for all the money he has.
Since his house is less than 3 hours from Atlanta, Ethan already knows what to do.
…
Ethan managed to rent a warehouse on the outskirts of town, which will facilitate the commute to and from Linden County to Atlanta.
Ethan then went to a dealership.
He searched and found something beautiful, a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty (3500) Lamarie.
The top-of-the-line version, a beautiful, large, black vehicle.
“I’m 100% sure I’m going to buy this monster,” Ethan says mentally.
A handsome man approaches.
“I’ll take this beauty, I’ll pay the full price.” Ethan shows his card, and the seller doesn’t even open his mouth.
“Of course, sir.” He takes him to the office.
The price is $50,800, but they’ll give you an $800 discount if you pay everything now.
“I have over $100,000 in the bank,” Ethan says calmly.
“Let’s see if these bastards unlock it and accept the transfer; if not, I’ll take the money I have in my car.”
“You have $50,000 in the car, sir?” The seller winks.
“You don’t?” Ethan laughs.
“I got divorced three years ago, but I got good lawyers and my ex-wife, that bitch, barely got anything.
I’ve been saving money ever since, sold my house, etc., I have a lot of money and I don’t trust banks much.”
The seller didn’t think much, because he saw Ethan with a badge, enough to avoid asking too many questions.
Whether he’s a corrupt cop or not is his problem; he’ll just handle the transfer.
Ethan spoke to someone at his bank and released the money.
$50,000 transferred.
Ethan signed the papers and now, this incredible vehicle is entirely his.
…
Ethan listens to the engine, this enormous four-wheeled monster.
– ‘Now that’s the American dream.’ – He laughs and, still with over $200,000 in his inventory, Ethan heads to the gun shops.
…
[Niko’s Weaponry]
Ethan pulls in after parking.
– “That’s a great car you have there.” – Says the owner, probably Niko.
“I bought it today, I decided I’d need it.” – Ethan laughs.
– “And know that I’m going to use the police discount.”
“Police officer?!” – Niko was surprised.
– “You’re a police officer and you bought that monster?” – He raises an eyebrow.
“Divorced for 3 years, I got practically everything in the divorce, great lawyers.” – Ethan says smiling.
“Oh, give me your lawyer’s number later, maybe it’ll help me, my marriage is a mess.” – Niko laughs and Ethan nods.
– “But all that money?” – But even laughing, Niko still has suspicions.
“I used to live in the city, big house, sold it for over $300,000, then moved to Linden County and work as a deputy sheriff there.
A $150,000 little house, earning a decent salary and saving the rest.
But that’s the thing, money’s for spending, and when an emergency comes, there’s no point in saving.” – Ethan smiles and Niko nods, accepting this.
“Well, what do you plan to buy, Sheriff?” – Niko opens his arms to Ethan.
“Give me two AR-15s, two Ruger 10/22s, and I’ll also want a Remington 700 rifle.
For smaller weapons, I want four Glock 19s.” – Ethan says calmly.
“Wow, are you building an army?” – Niko was surprised.
“I wish I had the money for that, but I’m preparing an arsenal.
I’m even going to buy some silencers, vests, and modification parts; I see there are some really good ones around here.” – Ethan says calmly.
“Okay, kid, hold on a second.
I’m not one to ask, especially not to a cop, but why do you need so many weapons?
If you leave my store and get pulled over, I’ll be the one messing with the cops later.” – Niko frowns.
Ethan sighs, looks around and says, “I have some contacts in the army, back when my father was alive, he served in the army and achieved a high position.
How do you think I had a house valued at $300,000?” – Ethan laughs lightly and leans in; Niko understands it’s something important.
“I have an uncle who’s an army colonel.
He called me a few days ago, telling me to be careful with people with this new flu.
He sounded all mysterious, you know, like in a movie?
Then he told me to stock up on food and some weapons.” – Ethan says calmly.
“Seriously?” – Niko was surprised.
“Yes.” – Ethan nods.
“So, to be sure, I talked to Miguel, a friend of mine who works at the CDC.
I think they have a base and lab nearby.
You know, the CDC is a terrifying place; they literally store every kind of deadly disease that could wipe out the human race 100 times over.”
Niko is surprised.
“Talking to my friend, he seemed scared, and all he said was to stock up on food and prepare.
So, my friend, if a Colonel called me to warn me that this flu isn’t what it seems, and then a researcher told me the same thing, but in a more frightened tone, I’m going to prepare for a damn war or even a global pandemic.”
“It shouldn’t be that bad, right?” – Niko is obviously scared.
“I have no idea, but I’ve saved over $200,000 in the last few years.
I’m going to spend half of it preparing for whatever comes.
I recommend you do the same.” – Ethan smiles.
“Well, thank you…” – Niko looks and nods, then starts taking out the weapons.
Ethan asks about the ammunition, then requests 50,000 rounds for 5.56mm and 9mm caliber, 30,000 for .22LR and 10,000 for .308Win.
Niko nods, saying he has the sealed pallets of ammunition behind the store.
– “Move the truck to the garage, we’ll help you load it.”
“I have cash, you can’t trust the bank, not after that huge scare at the turn of the year 2000.” – Ethan says.
“Yes.” – Niko nods and laughs.
Ethan handed over $65,000 for everything.
Where Ethan took the opportunity to say… “Look, I don’t know if there’s going to be some kind of outbreak or how much worse it’s going to get, but the news is already saying that it’s growing steadily, and the internet shows that it’s on a global scale; the situation is only getting worse.
So I recommend, my friend, arm yourself, which isn’t a problem, and stock up on food.
But I don’t recommend staying in the city, because if it’s a quarantine, the military will block the city to prevent it from spreading.
So as soon as possible, try to go abroad, away from the most densely populated city.”
Niko nods.
“Thanks for the advice.
As soon as I sort some things out, I’ll talk to a friend who lives in King County; he has a farm there.”
“Great then.
If the situation worsens, smart and capable people like us need to get together and prepare for the worst.
I’ll be in Linden County, so if it gets worse, find me.”
“Sure.” – Niko laughs.
Ethan extended the invitation because Niko is a man in his fifties; even in his old age, he’s still vigorous and has sharp eyes, and seems to be able to hear well.
Owning a gun shop, it’s clear he knows how to shoot and must have skilled acquaintances in that area.
Since he wants to survive until he dies of old age in this world, Ethan will try to gather the most capable people he can.
“Now, I’m going to spend even more money at other gun shops around town.” – Ethan says.
“You’re going to buy even more?” – Niko is surprised.
“Of course.
Not wanting to insult you, but if I buy more than that and it registers, it’ll set off an alert for those damn suits.
So I’ll buy from other shops, I hope that won’t be a problem.”
“Of course not, it’s your money, my friend.” – Niko laughs loudly.
After a few more words, Ethan heads to his warehouse, storing the items inside before leaving and going to other stores.
He buys more weapons, silencers, spare parts or modifications, not to mention a lot of ammunition.
Ethan acquired a [Military Load-Bearing Vest], along with 3 large pouches.
This gave him 25kg for the vest and another 18kg for the 3 pouches.
Ethan got his hands on some Holsters, gaining another 13kg from them.
Last but not least, a [Military Combat Belt] which gave him another 12kg of weight.
After spending over $200,000, Ethan didn’t feel so tired, so he decided to make more money at the casinos.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, he called Jerome.
PART 3
It’s the middle of the night and Ethan withdrew another $30,000 from an illegal casino.
“What’s so important that you called me at this hour?
I was sleeping, man.” – Jerome grunts as he meets his friend.
“I have a friend at the CDC.” – Ethan says.
“CDC?
What the hell is that?
And what does it have to do with you calling me at 2 AM?” – Jerome stares at him.
“You know the flu that’s in the newspapers, the 300% increase and rising?
Certain people having psychotic episodes and cannibalizing others?” – Ethan says, and sleepy Jerome starts to get serious.
“I spoke to a friend at the CDC, he informed me that this isn’t normal, he didn’t go into details because it seems the calls are being monitored, but it’s certain that he was very scared… this thing is bigger than you imagine, my friend, and it seems it’s only going to get worse.”
“What do you mean by all this, Ethan?
Did you wake me up in the middle of the night to terrify me?”
Ethan sighs.
– “Jerome, we’re friends, right?” – He asks.
“Of course.” – Jerome nods.
“So, as a friend, I’m warning you to prepare yourself, because you, your family, and everyone here are in danger, whether you want to believe it or not.
Because we’re police officers, we’ll be in the middle of it if it becomes some kind of pandemic, or if this is some kind of airborne virus.
Now imagine you and your police partner in the middle of the city, then dozens or hundreds of infected people running towards you for help, or maybe just madness.
On the internet and on TV itself, these infected people are cannibalizing each other like animals.”
Jerome listens attentively.
“So, as a friend, I’m warning you.
I came to town not to solve some idiot’s problems—I used that as an excuse—but I came here to prepare and make sure of this.
I now know what’s happening and that it will only get worse.
So, as a friend, I say, take a vacation, lie, but protect your family.”
Jerome frowns, arms crossed.
– “Are you serious?”
Ethan leads him to his truck.
Jerome is astonished by this enormous monster, but when he looks at its rear… – “I can’t be more serious than this.” – Ethan says.
“This… are you crazy?” – Jerome is shocked by so many weapons.
“No.” – Ethan nods.
– “But man, does it matter?
If I’m right, I’ll survive what could be an apocalypse.
If I’m wrong, I’ll stop being a cop or be sent to some psychiatric clinic.”
“I’m telling you what I know; whether you accept it or ignore it is up to you.” – Ethan looks towards Jerome’s house, who also looks and finds his wife staring at them.
Ethan waves and smiles.
– “You have a wife and children; they are more important than your job.
You know where I live; my doors will always be open for you, so… when things get worse, you can come.”
Jerome stares at him and nods.
– “Okay.
I’ll think about it and investigate on my own and… hide this well, my friend.”
Ethan nods.
…
August 15th, Sunday.
The 5th day since he arrived in this world, tomorrow he will reach Level 3 and, being so lucky, he plans to invest more in his INT, as he feels it has helped enormously.
In any case, he currently has 150.49kg of inventory.
After his conversation with Jerome, Ethan began transporting things to his house, putting the firearms in his inventory and only transporting ammunition and miscellaneous items.
It would take two trips for all of this.
He had no difficulty, transporting for the rest of the night, meeting Clark at dawn.
“Oh-hoho!” – Clark laughs excitedly upon seeing Ethan’s new truck.
– “Man, I stopped you for the car, but I didn’t expect to find you in this spaceship.” – He whistles, impressed, admiring the vehicle.
Ethan smiles.
– “I have money, I have to spend it.”
“I’ve been telling you that for years.
But why now?
A midlife crisis?
You’re only 31, man.” – Clark laughs as his hand delicately slides over the car.
“Get in and I’ll tell you.” – Ethan says, and Clark nods without hesitation.
Clark laughs and shudders inside the car, the new car smell, soft seats, comfort, cutting-edge technology for 2010.
Ethan smiles, but soon becomes serious and tells the same story he told Niko, Jerome, and others.
“Wait, are you serious?” Clark is shocked as he stares at Ethan.
“I am.
I lied about this thing with my ex-wife; that’s what I thought to go to the city and meet my friend from the CDC.
I couldn’t talk to him face-to-face, but I investigated and found out from the neighbors that some time ago the military took his family.
Do you understand what that means?”
“The military?” Clark is surprised and frowns.
“Dude, if the military removed your friend’s family, it means it’s serious… what do we do?”
“As soon as I confirmed it was true, I’ve been moving non-stop, man.
I talked to several acquaintances in Atlanta, visited several gun stores, and I’m blowing my savings.
I bought a lot of guns and ammunition, I’m stockpiling it at my house.” – Ethan says fearlessly.
In the coming apocalypse, trusting such information to others is dangerous.
The apocalypse will bring out the worst in everyone.
But Clark Willcher is a 28-year-old man, young and decent, he cares about people, he’s married and has children.
Not to mention that, from the memories they share, the trust he has in Clark is no less than the trust he had in Willber.
Willber had been his partner for the last 3 years, since his former best friend did that.
Ethan was closed off from people, but his life hadn’t ended with that, and Willber was a great friend and partner.
Clark and Willber practically overlap in his mind, so he knows he’s someone he can trust.
“I want to know if you’re with me on this.” – Ethan stares at him.
“Of course I am, just say the word, man.” – Clark doesn’t hesitate.
“Great.
I plan to reinforce my house, doors and windows, I’ll even raise my fence.
I want to create a small fortress, you understand?”
“Yes, understandable.” – Clark nods.
“And we can do the same with your house.” – Ethan smiles.
– “But honestly, you know that abandoned clinic?”
“The old Berrys’ horse clinic?” – Clark asks.
“Yes.
I plan to clean the place up, it’s on a hill and if the situation worsens as I expect it to, we’ll have a safe and large base.” – Ethan says calmly.
Clark seems thoughtful.
– “But why reinforce our houses then?”
“It’s good to have a safe place in the city, not to mention that if I’m wrong, I’m the one who’s going to get burned.
I’ll take all the blame and spend my money.” – Ethan says.
“Man, I’m your partner and I’ll be with you through thick and thin.” “I know, but you have a family and you need to focus on their safety.
But look what I’m planning, since your family and your wife’s are small, we can hire some of your cousins or siblings to help with the cleanup.
We can also talk to the other police officers and even the sheriff.” – Ethan says calmly.
“Dude… how much do you think this is going to escalate?” – Clark started to get worried.
“Honestly?
These psychotic episodes are only getting worse.” – Ethan picked up 7 cases he found on the internet and showed them to Clark.
– “Those have already been deleted, but there’s the Dark Web, the authorities can’t delete this.”
Clark watches the videos.
Insane people simply attacking others, in hospitals or on the streets.
“Man, this is becoming a global thing and I’m honestly terrified.
Something that seems like it’s straight out of a horror movie.
I’d rather get burned while I prepare than be unprepared, the world end, and who knows how this disease spreads, but if it does spread and everyone turns into these things…” – Ethan falls silent and Clark nods, his fists clenched.
“Just… let’s wait a little while.” – Ethan says calmly.
– “I trust you believe me, but the sheriff and others might not be so open-minded.
Let’s wait a few more days, as things get worse.
For now, you’re patrolling alone, right?”
“Yeah, the sheriff is dealing with paperwork and you know he’s pretty lazy about these things.”
Ethan nods.
– “Keep going with the job and let your wife know, I know your brother works at a construction company, right?”
“Yes.”
“Great, tell him to come talk to me, I’ll hire him to reinforce my house, then I’ll give him some money and ask him to do the same with yours.” – Ethan says and Clark nods.
…
After that they part ways.
Ethan organizes things in his garage, knowing he’ll move them later.
Then he slept for about 4 hours, he started to get exhausted.
Waking up to his alarm clock, he stretches, takes a cold shower and calls Clark.
A few hours later he meets with his brother and tells him what he wants, asks for a quote and says to start tomorrow, even mentioning that he’ll bring two helpers if needed, he’ll cover it.
After that, he let him go and went to Walmart, headed to Atlanta and started filling his storage with canned food and plenty of water.
He did the transport himself, he doesn’t want to request the transport of large quantities, even if it could be cheaper, because he fears that if they survive or have records of the transaction and location, they might loot.
Ethan plans to have a few more places like this around town, where he’s decided to leave some ammunition.
And he plans to later buy generators to install at the old horse clinic.
The place is really big, it could easily hold 30 to 40 people, and after modifications, installing bunk beds, etc., reaching a capacity of 60 wouldn’t be a dream.
He’ll also need solar panels.
Ethan starts to get a headache.
– ‘Maybe having 7 INT isn’t so great.
I’m thinking about a lot of things and I get frustrated knowing how hard some of them will be to get.’
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