As we moved through the cracked asphalt streets, the three women stayed close behind me, their eyes darting at every shadow like cats that just realized the vacuum cleaner is alive. The silence of the world was broken only by the distant groans of the dead and the occasional rustle of wind through abandoned cars—like Mother Nature whispering, "Yeah, good luck with that."
Taylor's voice broke the silence first.
"Is… your place the safe zone we heard on the radio?"
Her tone was cautious but hopeful, like someone asking if the Wi-Fi is back.
I didn't answer right away. I kept walking, scanning the area, my sword hanging loosely in my grip. After a moment, I glanced over my shoulder.
"No," I said simply.
The reaction was instant. All three of them froze mid-step, exchanging wide-eyed looks. Taylor frowned.
"Wait… what do you mean, no? Then where are you taking us?"
"I'm taking you to my community," I replied calmly. "The safe zone you heard about? That's the government scrambling to keep control. Mine… is different."
Shenna, the brunette agent, narrowed her eyes.
"Different how? You some kind of militia?"
I smirked faintly. "Not exactly. The place I built—what I call The Federation—isn't just a shelter. It's a future. A self-sustaining city in the making."
Alexia, the athletic one, gave a nervous laugh.
"You… built a city? In a week? That sounds insane."
"Insane?" I gave a short laugh and turned to face them fully, letting them see the confidence in my eyes. "Maybe. But that's why we'll survive when everyone else is dead."
Taylor tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering through the fear on her face.
"So… you're the leader?"
"That's right," I said, resuming my walk. "I founded The Federation along with two co-founder. Every wall, every tower, every plan—it's mine."
For a moment, the three of them were silent, just processing what I said. Then Taylor spoke again, her voice softer this time.
"If you're the leader… then why were you out here? Shouldn't you be… inside, leading?"
I didn't turn back to look at her when I answered.
"I've got work to do." My tone made it clear that was all they were getting.
The silence stretched again for a few moments as the weight of my words sank in. Then, trying to break the tension, I added:
"You'll see it soon. The Federation isn't like anything you've seen since this started. High walls. Watchtowers. Armed security. Food. Water. Schools for the kids. Order. And, most importantly… working toilets. Because trust me—nothing builds morale like proper plumbing."
Alexia blinked. "Working… toilets?"
"Yeah," I said with a grin. "You think civilization fell because of zombies? Nope. It was because nobody wanted to dig a hole every morning."
Taylor's lips twitched like she was fighting a smile. Finally, she said, almost in disbelief, "You really did all that…?"
I glanced back at her and gave a small grin. "You'll see for yourself. And hey—if you behave, I might even let you flush."
After a few more minutes of walking through the tree-lined road, the massive silhouette of The Federation came into view. The towering walls rose high, their reinforced steel and concrete glinting faintly under the afternoon sun. Watchtowers dotted the perimeter, armed sentries keeping a sharp eye on the outside world. The gates—heavy, fortified, and wide enough for military trucks—stood like an unbreakable barrier between life and death.
I slowed my pace and gestured toward the sight before us.
"Amazing, isn't it?" I said with a hint of pride in my voice.
The three women stopped dead in their tracks, their jaws slightly open.
Taylor let out a soft gasp. Alexia took a few steps forward, staring up at the towering walls.
"Wait… isn't this the Quan Resort?" Alexia asked, her tone full of disbelief.
I smirked. "It is."
Shenna turned sharply toward me, eyes narrowing in surprise.
"Hold on. Are you… the owner of this place?"
"Yes," I replied casually, as if it were nothing. "Even before the world fell apart."
They exchanged stunned looks. Shenna's mouth opened slightly before the words tumbled out.
"Wait—are you that guy? The… the millionaire kid?"
I met her gaze and smiled faintly. "Yes, I am, dear."
Taylor blinked rapidly, as if trying to piece everything together.
Their stunned silence followed me as I walked toward the gate. The sound of gears and chains echoed as the heavy doors began to slide open, revealing the bustling heart of The Federation inside—people working, soldiers training, children laughing near the gardens.
The three women stared like they'd stepped into another world.
Sir!!"
The voice cut through the hum of activity inside the walls. I turned just as Max came sprinting toward me, his face pale and eyes wide like a man who'd been holding his breath for hours.
He grabbed my shoulders the moment he reached me, his hands gripping tight as if to confirm I was real.
"I'm glad you're safe," he said, his voice laced with relief and anger all at once. Then his eyes swept over me, checking for wounds, scanning every inch like a doctor.
I sighed and brushed his hands away. "Stop it, Max."
But his next words froze me.
"Sir… Jessy and Ray already know what you've done."
Shit. Damn it. My jaw tightened. My thoughts raced. Who told them?!
I followed his gaze—and saw it. That quick, guilty flick of his eyes, darting away like a criminal avoiding a spotlight.
My eyes narrowed. I took a step closer.
"It's you, huh?!!" I said, my voice low but sharp enough to cut steel.
Max winced but said nothing, only swallowing hard. The tension between us hung like a storm about to break—until I noticed the three women standing awkwardly behind me, their wide eyes darting between us like they'd walked into a mafia movie scene.
Taylor, dressed in a dusty, torn jacket and jeans, clutched her bag like a lifeline. Shenna crossed her arms, trying to mask her nervousness with forced confidence, while Alexia looked around, her face glowing with awe at the bustling community beyond the gates.
I exhaled slowly and forced my tone calm.
"Max… arrange these three people. Make sure they're comfortable."
Max nodded stiffly, his posture still rigid from my earlier glare. "Yes, sir."
Then I stepped closer, dropping my voice so only he could hear.
"After you're done, find me in my quarters."
He nodded again, this time slower, like a man walking toward his own execution.
I turned back to the three women and forced a faint smile.
"Alright, girls. Make yourselves at home. Max will take care of you."
Taylor's blue eyes softened, a small, almost disbelieving smile tugging at her lips.
"This place… it's incredible," she whispered, still scanning the towering walls and rows of armed soldiers patrolling with discipline that felt almost military.
Shenna, ever the cautious one, raised an eyebrow and muttered under her breath.
"Feels more like a fortress than a resort."
Alexia didn't even hear her. She was already looking at the gardens, the neat rows of tents, and the shimmering surface of the pool that now served as a water reserve.
"I can't believe this exists…" she said in awe.
Max gestured politely. "Please, follow me."
As the three trailed after him, I caught one last glance from Taylor—a mixture of gratitude, curiosity, and something else I couldn't quite read.
Great. I thought, watching them disappear into the heart of The Federation. Just what I needed… more complications.
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