PART 1
Ethan heard the desperate cry and ran.
He saved a child and…
[+5 EXP]
Ended a mother’s suffering.
The first person he kills, so much EXP it’s a cruel joke.
But he doesn’t think about that, he doesn’t have time for nonsense.
Carrying the beautiful red-haired child, he runs to the street and finds Bianca in her truck, speeding and honking.
Ethan runs and upon reaching her, he jumps.
– “Speed up, get out of here!”
At her cry, Bianca does exactly that.
A crying child in her arms and Ethan discovered something, an icon called [Check-Up].
He hesitated, afraid of the result, but mentally selected it.
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[ Dina Starry – 6 Years ]
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Health: 97%
– Mild hematoma on the left shoulder.
Hunger: 19%
Thirst: 20%
Fatigue: 32%
Stress: 93%
Fear: 100%
Pain: 3%
Status Effects: [Panic(III)], [Terror(III)]…
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Ethan was scared, but seeing that the child was alright, healthy, and just terrified, he stroked her head.
– “It’s okay, you’ll be alright.” – Ethan calmed her as he leaned back, the child hugging him tightly while crying and asking for her mother.
Bianca looked back, seeing a fragile Ethan, the same jerk who sleeps with any woman he finds attractive, who has been trying to sleep with her for the past few years, always a confident policeman, just hiding it so well.
And now, she sees a gentle and fragile man, caring for an unknown child with extreme care.
What Bianca doesn’t know is that Ethan is practically sterile; the chances of him getting a woman pregnant are absurdly low, the reason his wife, who wanted children, cheated on him.
Ethan himself always wanted to be a father, but it would cost a lot, and he saved money for it.
But that happened, and his trust in women diminished greatly.
…
<> “Ethan, are you okay?
The shooting has stopped.
Please tell me you’re alright.”
“Yes, I’m fine, it’s just that something happened.” – Ethan picks up the radio.
– “You can stop all this, I think that’s enough.
Donna, are you listening?”
Some time passes, then.
<> “Yes, dear.”
“The police station is safe for now, but more people will come seeking refuge and more of these things will be attracted.
Sorry, but I’m not going to put my life at risk like that again.
Send people to their homes, get in their vehicles or gather together, but isolate yourselves in your homes, the military should arrive soon to help contain the situation.” – Ethan says and continues.
– “Clark, you decide for yourself, but I’m going home now.”
“Ok.”
“You know where my house is, right?” Ethan asks Bianca, who nods.
“Then let’s go, I have weapons and food there.”
…
Ethan makes a call.
“Kenny?” he asks.
<> “Kid, is that you?
What’s going on?”
“Are you alone?” Ethan asks.
<> “No…”
“I’m going home, did you call your wife and kids?”
<> “Shit!”
“That’s what I thought.
Kenny, I’ll leave the people I rescued at my house, then I’ll check on yours.
Clark should be back there, go with him.
The military should come and sort out this headache, but for now, focus on your family.”
He receives no reply.
…
Arriving at his house, Ethan opens the newly built gate.
“Ethan?
What’s happening?” – A neighbor asks, frightened.
“Cleide, go inside and lock yourself in, don’t open it for anything.
Tell your friends, neighbors, and family to lock themselves in too and be careful.
A disease is driving people crazy and killing them.” – Ethan says fiercely.
The woman is frightened and runs inside.
Ethan closes the gate and looks at Dina, who has fallen asleep in his arms from crying so much.
Bianca came out, trembling.
“Bianca, my house is sturdy and has walls, can you look after the child while I’m gone?”
“Are you going out?” – Bianca stares at him.
“I have to go.” – Ethan says.
– “I need to see how the sheriff’s family is doing, how the firefighters are doing, and a few other places.
I can’t worry about you two right now.
I’ll be back, okay?”
Bianca nods.
Ethan grabs the key and checks the fuel gauge; since it’s almost empty, he grabs a jerrycan from the garage, finds a pistol, and hands it to her.
– “You know how to use it, right?”
“Of course I do, I own a bar frequented by rednecks.” – Bianca laughs confidently.
“The head.” – Ethan places the pistol in her hand.
– “These things only die if they’re hit in the head.
Don’t get bitten or scratched, and don’t let the blood or saliva touch your wounds, much less your eyes, nose, or mouth.”
“Okay, don’t get infected directly, right?”
Ethan nods.
He then drives away from there, speeding towards Kenny’s house in the next town.
Less than an hour’s drive.
– “Kenny, I’m almost at your house, are you with Clark?”
<> “Yes.
We’re going there too.” – Kenny says
“No.
I alone am enough, I’ll be at your house in 5 minutes.
Clark will take you somewhere, you can insult me later, now I’m going to find your wife.” – Ethan says and hangs up.
With Kenny secured, he will gain more loyalty points with his people; by demonstrating such courage, he will earn even more points.
Ethan looks at his record.
It went from 41 to 88 zombies killed and… 1 person.
His EXP went from 3 to 102.
He analyzed his options, the skills he possessed, and decided to save the EXP for now.
Then, he arrived at Kenny’s house and prayed that his wife was alright.
As for the children?
They are all adults and live far away.
PART 2
Kenny Clerency’s house is a country house, with a small cow farm and some young people to take care of the place.
Ethan comes out and screams.
– “Ms.
Clerency?!”
He activates [Radar Sense] and detects, then hears a voice.
“Ethan?
Is that you?” – The front door opens and a woman in her 60s appears.
– “What’s going on?
Kenny called me just now.”
“Ma’am, we need to go.” – Ethan says.
“But young Gates is injured, the ambulance hasn’t arrived yet.” – Said the woman, her name is Mercy Clerency, a retired nurse.
“What happened to him?” – Ethan asks.
“The man trapped in the barn came and attacked us, young Gates confronted him and saved us, but he was bitten badly.” – Mercy says and Ethan frowns, moving forward.
…
Entering the house, he finds 4 men, one of whom has several bloodstained cloths on various parts of his body, he is pale.
Ethan kneels and uses [Check-up].
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[ Morrice Gates – 23 Years ]
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Health: 43%
– Severe laceration on the left side of the trapezius muscle.
(Bite)
– Severe laceration on the left side of the chest.
(Bite)
– …
– Infectado
Hunger: 31%
Thirst: 44%
Fatigue: 61%
Stress: 88%
Fear: 12%
Pain: 73%
Status Effects: [Bleeding(I)], [Anger(I)], [Worried(II)]…
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The young man is a whirlwind of emotions, but amidst it all, Ethan is surprised.
He has less than half his Health left, is hungry, thirsty, tired, and stressed, but is barely afraid, even with 73% pain.
Ethan had read that if pain reaches 80%, a person begins to have delusions and even faint; at 90%, a person can go into shock; 100%… is almost certain death.
‘Shit…’ – Ethan was angry and frustrated.
He’s a good young man, brave, and if he had been more careful, he would have survived and been one of the best survivors in the world to come.
It’s a shame to lose someone so young and brave.
And as a police officer, even though he’s not that old, he’s seen many young people go down the wrong path and tried to help.
To see a good young man die because of this…
“I’m sorry, but listen to what I have to say,” Ethan says calmly.
“You are beyond saving.”
“What are you talking about?” – Morrice frowns.
“Are you crazy, officer?” – An older man, 25 years old, growls.
Ethan notices a bite on his wrist.
“Do you know what the CDC is?” – Ethan asks.
– “It’s an organization that deals with diseases, and I have contacts there.
I was informed that the thing that did this to you is an infected person; it died, and the virus brought it back, but with reduced capabilities and a desire for destruction and death.”
Sighing, he stands up and faces them firmly.
– “People who are bitten, scratched, or have infected blood and saliva coming into direct contact with wounds automatically become infected.
You will suffer from a severe fever; no medication you ingest will help… sorry, kid, but I’m not going to lie to you.
Not to you either.” – He looks at the one with the bite on his wrist.
“Dude, it’s just a bite, it’s nothing serious.” – The young man nods, obviously scared.
“I’m sorry, but that’s how it is.
The cities are infected with this stuff and it looks like it’s only going to get worse… the hospitals will soon stop functioning, doctors and paramedics are being killed by this stuff.
I’m sorry, but nobody’s coming.” – Ethan says.
– “Go home, stay with your families and if you love them… don’t stay too long after saying goodbye.”
The place falls silent.
“Ma’am, let’s go.” – Ethan says.
– “I’ll take you to your husband.
Sheriff Kenny is being instructed to inform your children; if we have their location, we can go rescue them in the future, but for now, we need to go somewhere safer.”
“But I need to take care of Gates.” – Mercy says with tears in her eyes.
– “He was bitten trying to help me… he saved my life, I can’t…”
Ethan observes and says.
– “I’m sorry, but that’s how things are right now.” – He stares at the young farmers.
“Go home, eat and rest.
Maybe the military will come soon, but until then, it’s every man for himself.”
“You need to take something, I’ll help you carry it, but we need to go, quickly.” Mercy trembles.
“Mrs.
Clerency, go with him, I’ll be fine.” Morrice says smiling.
“I’m going to find my mother… can I use the car?”
Mercy cries and hands over the key.
The others look at each other and go along; they leave.
Ethan helps Mercy fill some suitcases with clothes and other belongings.
Taking advantage of the situation, he raids all the supplies in the pantry and refrigerator when Mercy isn’t looking.
Ethan also memorizes the medications; he plans to stop at a pharmacy to collect everything.
…
“Gates is a good boy.” Mercy says.
“I should have stayed to take care of him.” She’s bothered.
“I know you are.” Ethan nods.
“But… the situation is desperate, ma’am.
I know you care for these young people with affection, like a mother, but… you just don’t think about it much.”
Mercy observes him.
“You’re a good man too, Ethan, but your kindness is overshadowed by your focus and your pain.”
Ethan looks at her, but says nothing.
He calls and Kenny answers, leaving the couple to talk while he deals with his own internal conflicts.
PART 3
Night falls.
Ethan arrives home; some zombies are wandering the streets, drawn by the light and sound.
Entering, Ethan closes the gate.
– “Is Kenny here?”
“No.” – Ethan nods.
– “He’s 30 minutes from here, but it’s night, there are many cars coming and going, for an accident to happen during your transport… it’s not worth it.
This is my house, and there are other people here.”
Mercy nods and they enter.
Bianca is relieved to see them.
– “Mrs.
Clerency?” – She recognizes the old nurse.
“Oh, Bianca.
I didn’t know you two were together.” – Mercy smiles.
“We’re not… the situation just brought us together here.” – Bianca says, smiling slightly.
Mercy laughs and glances in one direction, a sob escaping her lips.
“I wanted to talk about her… she doesn’t speak and only cries.
She’s terrified and doesn’t understand what’s happening.” – Bianca says.
“What is this?” Mercy asks.
“A child, 6 years old,” Ethan says. This story is hosted at novelping.com.
“Her mother ran through the streets wounded to save the child.
I managed to get there in time to save the child, but the mother… half her body was already devoured when I arrived, and she was still alive…”
“My God…” Mercy covered her mouth and quickly ran to the room.
“I’m going to take a shower,” Ethan says.
“I’m sweaty and soaked in blood.
Tomorrow I’ll take you to a safer place.”
Bianca nods.
…
Ethan takes a shower and, hungry, grabs something to eat, only to discover that Bianca has made something for them to eat: delicious pasta with ground beef.
Thanking her, he eats and takes a plate to Dina.
Mercy is with her, watching and caring.
Dina looks at him, then looks away.
“I’m not good at this, but… will this work?” Ethan thought, then grunted and sat down next to Dina.
“I’m starving, it’s been a busy day, but look, some delicious pasta with meat.
Just smell it, delicious.” Ethan approached and gestured, smiling.
He ate.
“Wow, this is too good.” He pretended someone called him.
“I’m going now.
Can you keep an eye on her for me?
I’ll eat both plates when I get back.”
Ethan looked at Mercy, and they both left.
Seconds passed and Ethan saw her eating through [Radar Sense].
He smiled slightly and said, “That’s your cue.”
Mercy looked at him and nodded.
“You’ll get more from her than I can.
She needs a safe haven.”
Ethan sighed.
“Okay… it’s my job and responsibility.”
He went inside.
– “Oh, my food.
Okay, there’s more, you have this one and I’ll eat this one.” – Ethan sits down and laughs, eating his plate while the two women watch from the doorway as this large man, whom they thought was just another womanizing alcoholic, approaches a traumatized child.
“I’m Ethan, what’s your name?” – Ethan asks.
She remains quiet, but after a while speaks weakly.
– “Dina…”
“Dina?
What a beautiful name.” – Ethan smiles.
– “I think it’s better than my name.”
“Dina is a woman’s name…” – Dina says.
“Ah… it is.” – Ethan laughs.
– “Is the food tasty?
Do you want more?
How about some juice?” – Ethan reaches into his shirt and pulls out a small box of apple juice.
Where did it come from?
He doesn’t even know.
Dina accepts, and as she drinks, she says.
– “Mommy…” – Her tears stream down her face.
“I know, you miss me, right?
I miss my mother too.” – Ethan says, even though he’s lying, he never wants to see that woman again.
– “But I made a promise to your mother, that I would take care of you, and I will.”
Dina stares at him.
– “She… isn’t coming back?”
Ethan feels pain looking into those beautiful, pure eyes.
– “No, darling, Mom is in a better place now, and she’ll watch every step you take now.”
“But I want her here… with me.”
“She’s with you.” – Ethan strokes her head.
– “You can’t see her, but she’ll be protecting you all the time.
Just like she did when she asked me.”
Dina stares at him and, throwing her plate aside, she runs into his arms.
Ethan is startled, but he hugs her, listening to her sob.
PART 4
After Dina falls asleep and is left in Bianca and Mercy’s care, Ethan picks up an axe.
“Where are you going?” Bianca stares at him.
“More of them are gathering around here, I’m going to clear out as many as possible so they don’t get in the way when we leave in the morning,” Ethan says calmly.
“You… will you be okay?
I haven’t seen you stop all day and it’s obvious you’re tired,” Bianca says.
“Bianca… I’m tired, but I’m angry.
I saw a brave woman, a mother, fight with all her might to protect her daughter, even as she was being devoured alive, she didn’t scream in pain, but for help for her daughter, begging for strength to protect her…” Ethan clenches his fist.
– “I can’t stand still, I just can’t…”
Bianca stares at him and Ethan walks to the front door.
He’s angry, furious, tired, close to exhaustion, but activating [Radar Sense], the darkness that is everyone’s problem ceases to be a difficulty for him.
Walking, it’s at this moment that [Lightfooted] reaches Level 2, reducing the sound of his footsteps and movements, making him more like a thief.
His walk is more natural and fluid.
A zombie near the house next door, banging its head against a wooden wall.
Ethan raises the axe and plunges it into the back of its neck; the body falls and blood splatters.
Ethan has a cold look, stepping and pulling the axe.
Sensing his next target, he approaches, in the middle of the street, facing one of the dimly lit lampposts.
His axe pierces its face before it can raise its hands.
The axe gets stuck, but with effort, he pulls it out.
He walks to the next target, pulling out a machete and plunging it into the zombie’s eye socket, pulling the machete out and continuing.
On his 8th zombie, Ethan receives a notification: his [Axe] and [Long Weapon] skills have reached Level 1.
His axe grip became firmer and more fluid.
With one blow, he decapitates half of the 9th zombie’s head.
He reaches the 10th zombie, the 11th…
Ethan follows the noise, soon invading a house.
Three are inside, one at the entrance, having just entered.
Ethan followed closely behind and split its skull.
The zombie falls to its knees, stepping on its back.
He pulls out the axe and advances with a cold look in his eyes.
In the living room, a medium-sized dog lies on the floor, being devoured by a child and a woman.
Ethan whistles, attracting the attention of the pair, and the woman’s head receives a blow with the axe.
For the child, Ethan hesitates, but pulls out his machete and pierces its face, stopping its movements.
With a heavy heart, he walks and loots the place.
Using the [Loot] function, he doesn’t need to personally pick anything up, he just confirms and in seconds, everything is stored.
…
Ethan returns, his kills have gone from 88 to 112.
His EXP reached 150 and he received a notification as soon as he returned.
[1st Kill Milestone Reached – 100 Zombies Killed]
[Reward: +1 Extra Skill Level]
Ethan wondered if he should use it, maybe leave it for Level 10.
Somewhat useless, until… – ‘Is this serious?’
This isn’t +1 level, but an extra level, which doesn’t add to the current level and doesn’t affect your leveling.
In other words, Level 10 is the limit, this will allow you to reach Level 11 by force.
‘This is good, very good.’ “But I can’t replace…” – Ethan scratches his chin and puts a point on [Fitness], knowing that a point here will never let him down.
As a result, [Fitness] became Level 4+1, equivalent to Level 5, but requires Level 4 EXP to progress.
Ethan has another reason to continue this massacre.
But now, he’s tired, wants another shower and a night’s sleep, even if it’s only a few hours.