[A/N: Hello everyone.
New volume and we're approaching 200,000 views.
A plot twist to celebrate.
Please comment and donate power stones.]
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First-person POV, at the entrance to the building.
"It's a good thing I managed to convince them. They didn't seem like the kind of people who could pull off a base like this", I thought as I watched the relief on the faces of the people in the building.
Wasting no time, we headed back toward the village. At first, those accompanying us seemed intimidated by the idea of leaving, but after advancing a few blocks with extreme caution, they began to calm down. We made a few detours when we encountered groups of zombies, and when the situation allowed, Anna and I took charge of eliminating the undead, while explaining the combat techniques they should employ.
Every movement, safe distances, and weak points became part of the lessons we tried to teach them so they could learn how to defend themselves. We also shared tips on proper clothing, basic exploration, and how to use obstacles to their advantage during encounters with zombies.
After about an hour of careful surveillance, we managed to return to the village. We inspected the entrance and the walls protecting it, and I pointed out some places where we could build sentry towers. I talked about how to improve our defenses and create effective obstacles. I also discussed a long-term plan that included using the green areas for vegetable gardens and reinforcing the walls.
People seemed satisfied with how secure everything looked, and they even began to offer their own opinions and suggestions, drawing on their skills. One of them happened to be a civil engineer, which meant he had the knowledge to make improvements to the village with solid materials.
Upon arriving at the base, I didn't want to waste any time. I offered them a brief training session on foraging supplies. I gave them two spares I had in the second-floor supply room, and we headed out to check the houses surrounding the area again.
I knew the area was clear, as it was unlikely a group of zombies would break into the village without any apparent incentive. However, not mentioning that was part of the learning process. Everyone performed very well in this simulation exercise, touring the houses and searching for supplies in different places. They learned how to make homemade bags from sheets and bedspreads. What surprised me most was that the woman in the group performed best at the task of inspecting a house.
We spent the rest of the afternoon teaching them how to use spears against the homemade mannequins we had in the base's backyard. Anna, for her part, offered valuable advice on weak points in the skull and limbs. We also showed them how to handle firearms, including proper stance and their characteristics. We also raised the idea of teaching them some other aspects of bladed weapon use before leaving the next day.
Afterward, we returned to the base house to set up some additional bedrooms. Anna was going to sleep with one of the women in the group so she wouldn't feel alone or scared, while the three men would share the other bedrooms.
Once everything was in order, we began dinner. Our guests were amazed at the food in front of them. The pasta with tomato sauce seemed like a true feast in their eyes, especially after eating the little they could, trying to save money to survive another day. This dinner would be the first they had enjoyed in many days, and the soda that accompanied it was like luxurious champagne that enhanced the occasion.
After dinner, we sat in the living room. I remember that when we first arrived, the place felt empty; everything changed when Anna arrived, but now, with so many people present, the atmosphere was completely different.
"It feels like a family reunion", I thought as I watched everyone chatting about the day's events. Then, I interrupted their conversation and asked, "What do you think of the villa? Do you think your fellow residents would like to live here?"
"It's incredible. I can't believe something like this was so close to where we were living", the woman replied, visibly moved.
"Yeah, it's amazing to think everyone could be so comfortable here", added one of the brothers who had been helping Anna. At that moment, I remembered how brave she had been, thanks to the support the brothers had given her, which allowed her to take down the group of zombies lurking nearby.
"I'm so glad you like it", I told them, feeling pleased. "However, you must remember that this peace isn't something you can take for granted; you must protect it and take care of your loved ones. That's why, as soon as we arrived, we showed you how to fight the zombies", I warned them in a serious tone.
"We know", they replied in unison.
"That's comforting to hear", I commented, noticing they were aware of the sacrifices they would have to make to keep this place safe. "Do you have any questions?", I asked.
"I do", said one of the men who had volunteered. "Anna mentioned that you know a lot about the groups in the city. Do you have information about any military-run groups?", he asked me with a spark of hope in his voice.
"Yes, I know many groups, both good and bad, large and small", I answered them all. "As for the military, they have a base on the outskirts of the city and another in a regiment just a few kilometers from here", I continued sharing information about the different groups.
"Really?", he exclaimed, surprised. "I need to find my brother. He was in the regiment you mentioned, but right when this all started, they ordered him to quarter himself in the city to control the unrest", he confided in a tone full of concern.
"I understand. I don't want to give you false hope, but from what I know, the soldiers from this group who are quartered in the city have suffered few casualties. Once they lost contact with 80 percent of their forces, they retreated to the temporary base they still maintain", I explained about the military's situation. "It's quite possible your brother is still alive", I added in an empathetic tone.
"I hope so", he replied, a little calmer. "I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me reach them. I am willing to offer you everything valuable I have in my apartment", he pleaded.
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[A/N: Will this be an impossible mission?]
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"You don't need to offer me anything", I replied, rejecting his proposals. "That wealth is meaningless these days. However, I must warn you about two things before we continue discussing the subject", I said in a serious tone, looking him in the eyes.
"I'm listening", he replied.
"First, the military has received orders to eliminate anyone who might be exposed to the virus that transforms humans into those beings. For them, everyone outside, including our group, could be considered a target", I explained, regretting the direction this military force was taking. "Therefore, it could be dangerous to approach. However, if we head toward their base, I have a way to contact a friend who might be able to let you in, but I can't guarantee that you'll be able to leave after that", I warned him as I observed the different expressions on his face. He went from being surprised and scared to showing a spark of hope and concern.
"I don't think my brother would do something like that. Even if ordered to, he'd rather evade the order or disobey it than comply", he said, trying to defend his brother. "But I understand your point... I'll accept your help to get to their base", he stated after a moment of reflection. It was an important decision, no doubt.
"I understand... There's only one thing I'm going to ask of you: don't tell anyone about our location, not even your brother. It's not that I distrust him, but sometimes the military uses very persuasive methods", I warned him with a hint of sarcasm. "Either way, if all goes well—or badly—and you decide to return, I'll tell you how to do it without endangering others once I get you to the base", I explained.
"I appreciate it very much, and I will follow your advice", he replied firmly.
"I'm glad to hear that", I said kindly, thanking him for his understanding. "The other thing I wanted to tell you is that, unfortunately, you'll have to wait until everyone is relocated. Therefore, we'll only be able to leave the day after tomorrow", I told him.
"Of course, we'll help the people in the building first and then plan the trip to the military base", he said, supporting my idea.
The day had been long. "It's time to sleep. We should all rest so we can help with the relocation of the people in the building tomorrow", I told everyone, raising my voice to get their attention. "Hopefully, tomorrow afternoon, in this village, a new group of survivors will form that will endure over time", I added with an enthusiasm that rarely characterized me.
"Yes!", everyone responded happily as they got up and went to rest. Everyone headed to their rooms, while I lay down on my bed without even changing my clothes. The day had been exhausting and fraught with danger, so it was understandable that I had slacked off somewhat.
"So, a new group", I mused as sleep began to envelop me.
Sunday, November 8, 2026, 7 days from day 0.
"No!", I cried, startled as I woke up. I had once again recalled the content of my dreams, which resembled a nightmare.
Quickly, I grabbed my notebook that was resting next to the bed and began to write down everything I could remember. I didn't want to waste time grieving like I had the day before; I had to record as much as possible while the memories were still fresh in my mind. However, as had happened the previous time, the memories this time also came back in a fragmented and random manner. After organizing them, I managed to piece together, in general terms, what happened that day in the future.
I went out with my companion to walk the nearby streets, where she displayed impressive skill in eliminating zombies. We soon came across people asking for help. I offered to lure the zombies away, which was what scared me awake. Afterward, we spoke with the residents, and eventually, some of them decided to join us at the base, though I wasn't sure why. We taught them some techniques on how to deal with zombies and how to use weapons.
"This time is worse than last time", I muttered sadly, realizing how little I could remember from my dreams. However, I didn't let myself be discouraged for long; I forced myself to take advantage of every free moment of the day to learn valuable skills that could be useful for our survival.
At night.
I spent the day learning a wide variety of things and making plans to obtain the materials listed in the steps; I only paused for lunch. This required more willpower than I imagined, and by now I felt completely exhausted.
Among the knowledge acquired were electricity and high-voltage components, handling of basic automotive mechanics tools and equipment, woodworking, alternative power generation equipment, first aid and anatomy, firearms user manuals, self-defense techniques, handling of knives, among other less relevant topics.
I had to review all this knowledge daily, because while I understood much of what I read or saw in videos, I didn't fully master it. However, there was one subject that was easy for me to learn: self-defense techniques. I don't know if it's because of everything I've experienced in these dreams, but it was very easy for me to imagine an opponent and use the movements to effectively take them down.
"Maybe I have innate talent or is it just my body assimilating the reactions my body used in dreams", I thought as I fell asleep.
Monday, November 9, 2026, 6 days until day 0.
"What the hell?!", I screamed as I sat horrified, staring at my room. Usually, when I woke up these days, I had the feeling I'd dreamed of something important, but this time, that wasn't the case.
"I don't remember!", I exclaimed with alarm, trying to recall anything I could, but I couldn't remember anything.
"I must stay calm... All hope of survival is not lost", I told myself as I looked at the calendar on the wall.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Thanks everyone for reading.
As you've noticed, the days in the present will be very short (narratively speaking).
We'll also no longer have dreams; they may return in the future, but who knows.
Read my other novel called Vinland Kingdom: Race Against Time.
You can find it on my profile.]