Zack had originally believed he had discovered a treasure. Instead, he had picked up a failed experiment. And he had no intention of keeping faulty tech. Without another word, he turned and walked away. He needed rest.

Meanwhile, the cleanup operation was nearly complete. For two days, Zack’s forces had systematically cleared the streets, wiping out the remaining 563,000 zombies. Other regions, however, were far from idle. Under the looming threat of space-based artillery, countless factions were secretly developing their own power. Some focused on advancing technology. Others sought more... unconventional methods. Regardless, one thing was clear, everyone wanted a sense of security in a world teetering on the edge of oblivion.

At Australia continent, A military aircraft roared across the sky, landing at a secured compound. Three figures stepped out. Two men. One woman. The woman, dressed in crimson, exuded an air of dangerous allure. "Robin," she said, crossing her arms. "We brought back new tech from the organization. Are you sure you can take down NYC?"

"Sometimes, we don’t have to get our hands dirty to kill people," Robin said, adjusting his hair as he walked. "Sometimes, the best move is to set things in motion and let them play out." A smirk curled on his lips. "In a little while, I’ll send a gift to that cunning old fox. That should shut his annoying mouth."

Aili, the woman in red, raised an eyebrow. "Wasn’t it just about capturing a few live specimens?"

Robin ignored her, focusing on the black box in his hand. "Let’s get these technologies deployed first." He boarded a helicopter, heading straight for the largest survivor base in the country.

The arrival was grand. The top leaders of the survivor base gathered in anticipation. As soon as Robin stepped off the aircraft, he was greeted with warm enthusiasm. "Welcome! We’ve been expecting you," Chas, the head of the base, said with a practiced smile. His sharp eyes gleamed behind thin-rimmed glasses, giving off a calculated intensity. "Let’s head inside and discuss things in detail."

Robin waved his hand dismissively. "No need for long talks. I’ve brought what you asked for. The real question is, have you prepared what I want?"

At those words, Chas’s expression subtly shifted. The memory of where these technologies had been acquired flickered through his mind. The price of progress had been… unpleasant. Still, he composed himself and nodded. "If you’ve brought what I need, then we have a deal. What I’ve prepared will not disappoint you."

Robin smirked. "That’s what I like to hear." With that, he handed over the black box. "As agreed, I’m giving you the technical data first. I’ll be waiting for my end of the deal."

Chas’s tension eased slightly as he accepted the box. "Of course. Do you not wish to stay for a few days? Rest a little?"

Robin shook his head. "I’ll be back when you’ve got my reward ready." With that, he boarded his helicopter and left.

Chas stood at the window, watching the aircraft disappear into the horizon. A sneer curled his lips. "A bunch of scheming fools. Soon, when I have true power, none of you will matter." Pushing up his glasses, his expression turned icy. "Get the technology organized immediately, at any cost." His subordinates moved swiftly, and soon, he had a full report in hand.

Super Soldiers, mass-produced warriors engineered for unparalleled combat efficiency, each one a living weapon. Electromagnetic Railguns, devastating long-range artillery capable of obliterating targets from thousands of miles away with pinpoint accuracy. Blackwater Rifles, high-temperature energy-based firearms designed to melt through armor with ease. Stealth Fighters, next-generation aerial combat units, virtually undetectable and equipped with advanced AI-driven maneuvering systems. And this was just the beginning. A slow, pleased grin spread across Chas’s face. "Notify all departments, I want these operational within a month." His voice was filled with absolute certainty. Every second is a battle. Every battle is survival.

Back in NYC, Zack was deep in research, improving Apex Mk2’s offensive systems. The last battle with creature 01 had taken too much effort. As soon as he returned, he had thrown himself into designing new attack methods. "Ego, anything worth noting from the outside world?" Zack asked while scanning through his blueprints.

"SIR, nothing unusual at the moment."
Zack let out a breath. "That’s good." Still, something nagged at him. "Any undead activity? He hadn’t forgotten about the Night Queen.
"SIR, no sightings."

The more silent she is, the more uneasyhe feel. Zack leaned back, arms crossed. ‘She’s out there. And next time we meet…’ A chilling gleam flickered in his eyes. ‘I’ll make sure she doesn’t escape.’

"SIR, the defense system upgrade is complete. Identification range and threat analysis have been improved."

Zack hummed. "I’ll update our weapons loadout soon. Speaking of which, Ego, recommend a more effective melee weapon."

"SIR, there is one option that stands out." A holographic display appeared before him. High-Frequency Blade. A cold weapon that uses high-frequency vibration particles to heat the blade, allowing it to slice through objects at the molecular level.

"That’s the one," Zack muttered, studying the specs.
"SIR, the required materials are high-grade minerals. NYC has enough for two units."
"Then arrange Avalon to retrieve them now."
"Understood, SIR." Zack’s eyes gleamed as he examined the blade’s design. Perfect for close combat.

As NYC continued to expand and improve, its streets returned to a sense of normalcy. Mechanical dogs patrolled the roads, ensuring order and security. The city thrived. But beyond its walls, the storm was brewing.

Somwhere Else. "Sir, this plan… it’s inhumane. I can’t do it!" Dr. Amina’s voice trembled as she stared at the project files.

The "Super Soldier Initiative." She wanted nothing to do with it. Chas, standing across from her, narrowed his eyes.

"This isn’t just about you," he said smoothly. "This is about our future."

Amina clenched her fists. She knew the implications of this project. She had already seen the first test subject. And she was horrified.

"You want to refuse?" Chas said coldly. "Fine. But can your son afford for you to refuse?" Amina’s breath caught. Her blood ran cold. Chas smirked and turned away. "You’ll see reason soon enough."

Back in his office, Chas found someone waiting for him. Robin. The man was leaning against the wall, arms crossed. "The super soldier prototype is done," Robin said casually. His sharp gaze locked onto Chas.

"Now, where’s my payment?"

"Sir, don’t be so impatient. I’ll have it ready for you by tomorrow," Chas said, his voice measured.

Robin let out a sharp laugh. "Tomorrow? How many ‘tomorrows’ do you think exist in this world? I need them now. Get it done."