Apocalypse: King of Zombies

”Was that... a cat?” Pointed Nose frowned.

But how could there be a cat in the apocalypse?

Could it be a mutant beast?

Blaze thought for a moment and said, ”If it’s really just a cat, that’s easy to deal with. I’m just worried it’s something else.”

”Yeah.” Pointed Nose nodded.

”Meow~~~”

Just then, another cat’s cry echoed through the dim surroundings, sounding even clearer this time, as if it was getting closer.

Blaze and Pointed Nose both frowned deeper.

They figured it was necessary to check it out. If there was any real danger, it was better to deal with it early and eliminate the threat. And if it really was just a cat... well, wouldn’t that make for a nice meal?

Blaze glanced at a man and a woman nearby. ”Edward, Margaret, you two go check it out.”

Of course, he wasn’t about to risk his own neck for something this dangerous. Better to send a couple of expendables.

”Uh... this...” Edward and Margaret froze, exchanging nervous glances. They could see the worry in each other’s eyes. Neither of them had any real powers—just basic Neurocore Awakeners.

But Blaze had spoken, and they didn’t dare disobey.

”Alright,” they reluctantly agreed. Then, to hedge their bets, they picked a few male survivors to come along as cannon fodder.

The group of six cautiously opened the door, peeking outside.

Beyond the door was a long hallway with a staircase leading to the street above.

The exit had been sealed tightly, letting in no light. It was pitch black—so dark you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face.

Still, with their Awakened eyesight, they could just barely make out their surroundings.

”There’s nothing here. It’s probably outside,” Edward said, narrowing his eyes.

Before sealing the exit, they’d already checked the interior thoroughly. There shouldn’t be any other creatures inside.

Margaret swallowed hard, her dry lips trembling. She was visibly nervous. She’d only joined the Black Hand Legion by using her looks to get in—she’d never been in a situation like this before.

”So... should we head out?”

”Yeah.” Edward nodded, then turned to the four survivors.

”You guys go first.”

”What...?”

The four men, their faces caked with dirt, looked like they’d just swallowed a fly. But they didn’t dare argue. Gritting their teeth, they moved forward.

The hallway was so dark that they had to feel their way along the walls as they walked.

At one point, one of them accidentally kicked an old soda can, sending it clattering noisily across the floor.

”Ahhh! A ghost!”

The man was so on edge that he scared himself, stumbling back a few steps and landing on his butt.

”Jesus Christ, you useless idiot!” Edward snapped, furious. He kicked the guy hard.

”Get your ass moving, or I’ll kill you myself!”

”Y-yes, sir!” The young man nodded frantically, his face pale.

Thankfully, they made it through the hallway without incident. No danger appeared as they climbed the stairs and reached a large iron door.

”Edward, it’s quiet out there now. Maybe we should just head back and say there’s nothing out here...” Margaret suggested, already looking for an excuse to retreat.

Edward thought about it. It wasn’t a bad idea. In times like these, it was best to avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary.

”Meow~~~”

But just then, another cat’s cry rang out.

This time, it was so close it felt like it was coming from just beyond the door.

”Damn it!” Edward cursed under his breath, his whole body tensing as goosebumps rose on his skin.

It looked like they couldn’t turn back now.

But the thought of opening the door and coming face-to-face with something terrifying made his stomach churn.

What if whatever was out there was waiting to pounce the moment the door opened?

Margaret’s whole body trembled, and she instinctively took two steps back.

Edward took a deep breath, held it, and carefully unlocked the door. Slowly, he pushed it open.

Through the crack in the door, silver moonlight spilled in, and the cool night breeze swept over them, instantly sharpening their senses.

”Huh? There’s... nothing out there?” Edward peered through the gap, expecting something terrifying, but all he saw was emptiness. The street outside was completely still—no monsters, no zombies, nothing.

”Phew—”

He finally exhaled the breath he’d been holding and pushed the door open all the way.

The scene outside was eerily calm. The street was a mess, littered with debris, but bathed in soft moonlight. Not even a single zombie was in sight.

But as they scanned the area, their eyes landed on something unusual—a plump, orange figure sprawled lazily on top of a trash can. It was round and fat, like a furry little meatball.

A Siamese cat.

”It really is just a cat...” Edward muttered, finally letting his guard down. He couldn’t help but laugh at himself.

All that fear for nothing.

Margaret, however, frowned. ”Edward, don’t you think it’s weird? That cat’s way too fat. In the middle of the apocalypse, what’s it been eating to get that big?”

”Maybe... rats? There are plenty of them in the sewers,” Edward guessed.

Margaret nodded. That made sense. Her nerves eased a little. ”Should we catch it? I mean, it’s meat, right? We could finally have something decent to eat.”

”Of course.” Edward grinned.

He quickly ordered the four survivors to surround the Siamese cat, forming a loose circle to block its escape. Meanwhile, he crept forward, step by step, trying not to startle it.

”Here, kitty, kitty... don’t run. I’ve got something tasty for you...” he cooed softly.

The Siamese cat stared at him, unblinking. But as Edward got within about 20 feet, it suddenly let out a strange, sharp ”Meow!” and leapt off the trash can, bolting into the distance.

The survivors scrambled to block its path, but despite its chubby appearance, the cat was incredibly agile. It darted and weaved, slipping right under one man’s legs before anyone could react.

”FUCK! Useless idiots!” Edward cursed, his frustration boiling over.

”Chase it! Don’t let it get away!”

Without hesitation, they all took off after the cat. Edward and Margaret, being Neurocore Awakeners, didn’t have any special abilities, but their enhanced physical strength made them much faster than the average person.

In no time, the group disappeared into the darkness, chasing the elusive feline.

Back at the original spot, Ethan stood watching, his expression calm but his mind racing. He could already sense it—the presence of the one controlling the cat’s soul. Whoever was behind this was about to reveal themselves.

He couldn’t help but feel curious. What kind of creature could it be?

At the same time, two powerful auras were closing in. Both were zombie kings—high-level ones, at that.

In the Eastern Region of the River, there were two known zombie kings: Cat-Faced and Bone-Claw. But this third one... its identity was still a mystery.

One thing was certain, though: bloodshed was imminent.

Meanwhile, Edward and the others had chased the cat for over 500 feet. But no matter how fast they ran, they couldn’t keep up. The Siamese cat, despite its size, was far too quick. Eventually, they lost sight of it.

”Stop,” Edward ordered, raising a hand to halt the group.

The survivors, already weak from hunger, were gasping for air. They hadn’t even run far before they were completely out of breath.

”We can’t keep chasing it. There might be danger ahead,” Edward said, squinting into the distance. Under the moonlight, he could just barely make out shadowy figures moving in the far-off streets—zombies, wandering aimlessly.

”Yeah, yeah...”

The survivors nodded eagerly. They hadn’t wanted to chase the cat in the first place but had been forced to follow orders.

”Finally, we can head back...” one of them muttered, relieved.

But just as they were about to turn around, Margaret suddenly froze. Her body stiffened, and she began trembling violently, as if she’d just seen something horrifying.

”E... Edward,” she stammered, her voice shaking. ”Look... look at the rooftop of that building!”

...