How Zombies Survive in the Apocalypse

Aiden and Taylor navigated through the military base’s interior in search of the designated warehouses.

Perhaps due to its hasty construction, or an intentional dispersal of the storage facilities, over ten separate ‘equipment warehouses’ were scattered haphazardly across the premises instead of being concentrated in a single location.

Among those warehouses, situated in front of a road cluttered with disorganized military vehicles…

“This is it. Number 7.”

Taylor indicated a brown brick building.

Vastly different in size and appearance compared to the bunker-like Warehouse #2 Aiden had initially encountered.

With an unassuming exterior that could have belonged to any residential backyard shed.

However, the number ‘7’ was indeed clearly painted on its entrance door, prompting Aiden to cautiously inspect the interior.

“…Seems secure.”

No ominous shadows lurked within that wide-open doorway.

Due to its modest dimensions, Aiden could visually confirm the warehouse’s safety at a glance before proceeding inside.

“So this is supposed to be the fuel storage, you mentioned?”

Aiden remarked as he surveyed the area.

“That’s right.”

While Taylor had affirmed it, the only items present were fuel pumps and empty plastic containers typically used for siphoning gasoline – but no actual fuel reserves could be seen anywhere.

“Has it already been scavenged?”

“No, just wait a moment.”

In response to Aiden’s murmured speculation, Taylor activated his flashlight and began inspecting the floor.

“Found it. See this?”

What Taylor had discovered was a small hatch embedded into the ground.

Just large enough for a single person to pass through, at most.

Upon witnessing it, Aiden immediately recognized its purpose.

“An underground fuel tank.”

Bearing a distinct resemblance to those found at abandoned gas stations.

The sole difference being that at regular fuel stations, such tank entrances would be located outdoors for convenient access when refilling or siphoning their contents.

Which prompted Aiden’s next query:

“But why bury it inside a building?”

“This base was expanded after the zombie outbreak began. Likely to deter potential looting.”

Hmm– Aiden gave a nod of acknowledgment.

He then proceeded to utilize the warehouse’s fuel pump to assess the gasoline’s condition.

“…The quality seems better than expected.”

Aiden muttered those words with a hint of pleasant surprise.

Even in a cool, sunlight-deprived warehouse, gasoline’s effective shelf life was typically limited to around six months at most.

However, the fuel stored here showed no signs of discoloration, appearing to be in pristine condition.

When Aiden expressed his puzzlement, Taylor simply shrugged nonchalantly.

“This is military-grade stuff. Of course, it would have preservative additives mixed in. Just a small amount can exponentially extend the storage duration.”

As he spoke, Taylor promptly began siphoning his share of the fuel reserves.

Aiden followed suit, filling the available containers with the necessary quantities before exiting the warehouse.

“Next is… Number 4, then.”

Taylor gestured towards another area of the base.

Warehouse #4, listed as containing food rations and drinking water, was a large-scale facility like Warehouse #2 they had previously encountered.

However, its location was at the easternmost corner – the opposite end from where the western Warehouse #2 had been situated.

“Let’s prepare ourselves thoroughly.”

Taylor’s words implied an expectation that, being a sizable warehouse, they might encounter a substantial zombie presence similar to their previous experience.

Not to mention the potential threat of any lingering cannibals or mutants that could be occupying the area.

With that in mind, the two steeled their resolve as they approached Warehouse #4.

In the warehouse district where three separate buildings were clustered together… an unexpected sight awaited them.

“This is…”

Aiden muttered those words as he surveyed the devastated road, still bearing the visceral aftermath of some cataclysmic battle.

The asphalt had been torn asunder, ripped apart like shredded cheese. Mangled military vehicles lay crumpled like discarded cans, while shattered concrete pillars protruded grotesquely from the wreckage.

Their intended destination, Warehouse #4, had its entrance caved in – one of its walls violently blown outwards from the inside.

“…”

The sight caused Taylor’s expression to harden noticeably.

These weren’t recent traces.

At the very least, they had been left several months ago, if not over a year prior.

Even so, the sheer scale of that devastation was enough to instill a profound sense of unease within them.

For those claw-like gouges couldn’t have been inflicted by any conventional modern weaponry.

“Undoubtedly… the work of a mutant.”

“A mutant? Capable of this level of destruction?”

Taylor muttered those words with a dazed expression.

Aiden shared his apprehension regarding the implications.

The traces left behind here suggested a bestial might far surpassing even the most formidable mutants they had previously encountered.

In particular, the sheer force required to breach that bunker-like warehouse’s reinforced walls from the interior… likely exceeded the capabilities of even the fearsome Brutal, the strongest mutant Aiden had ever witnessed.

“…”

Beneath his helmet, Aiden’s eyes narrowed contemplatively.

Establishing a secure territory and inhabiting it was a remarkably intelligent behavior pattern.

Did that mean the entity that had once resided here possessed not only overwhelming physical prowess but a substantial degree of intelligence as well?

It was an unsettling prospect, to consider the existence of such a cerebrally evolved being possessing strength beyond even the Brutal’s caliber.

“Perhaps the only consolation is that this entity has already departed from this place.”

Among the scattered bones blanketing the area, virtually none still retained any remnants of flesh or viscera clinging to them.

Indicating that whatever monster had once claimed this warehouse as its lair had abandoned it long ago.

Aiden thoroughly scrutinized the remaining traces, but could discern no further insights regarding that enigmatic presence.

If that was the case, then their investigation had reached its limits here.

Refocusing his thoughts on their original objective, Aiden made a pragmatic decision.

“There’s no point in further observation here. Let’s search for the food supplies instead.”

“…In there?”

Taylor expressed his incredulity at that seemingly nonsensical suggestion.

However, Aiden calmly affirmed it.

“The building opposite the entrance seems intact. There might still be provisions inside.”

And true to Aiden’s words, beyond that bone-littered area, deeper within the intact section of the warehouse, they discovered undamaged military rations and drinking water supplies.

“This should suffice.”

Aiden proceeded to gather as much as they could feasibly transport.

A substantial haul to supplement the fuel they had already acquired.

“Aren’t you going to take any?”

Aiden suddenly turned his attention towards Taylor.

With a troubled expression, Taylor had been silently observing Aiden’s actions from afar. Likely finding the notion of scavenging food supplies from what amounted to a mass grave site and former mutant’s lair to be distastefully disconcerting.

However, that aversion didn’t persist for long.

“Huh… no, I suppose we can’t afford to be so squeamish.”

After an extended internal deliberation, Taylor soon joined Aiden’s side.

Ultimately, the pragmatic necessity outweighed any qualms about the unsavory location – they couldn’t realistically forego such vital provisions.

With their required supplies gathered, the two exited while carrying their respective loads.

“Let’s head back, then.”

They promptly returned to their vehicle, loaded the acquired goods, and set off once more towards Santa Rosa.

The day was already drawing to a close, dusk rapidly approaching.

* * *

The next morning.

Aiden’s group was making preparations to depart from Santa Rosa, situated near their temporary shelter.

“You’re really leaving?”

The ones bidding them farewell were Taylor and his daughter, Luna.

Over the past few days, the young girl had grown quite attached to Sadie, her newfound friend – shedding tears at the prospect of their imminent separation.

“Yes.”

In contrast to Luna’s emotional state, Sadie responded with a solemn demeanor.

A maturity far exceeding her tender years.

However, even Sadie couldn’t entirely conceal her own melancholic sentiments, evident in her slightly trembling lips and downcast gaze.

“Can’t we come together? You’re going to leave anyway, right?”

Luna posed that question, addressing not Sadie but her own father, Taylor.

Yet Taylor shook his head in rejection.

Traveling together with Aiden’s group had indeed been an option he had contemplated.

Not only would it undoubtedly benefit his daughter… but the previous day’s events had conclusively proven Aiden to be a formidable and knowledgeable individual worthy of reliance.

However, the one who had adamantly refused that proposal was Aiden’s group itself.

When Taylor had suggested it, Aiden had firmly drawn a line, insisting it wouldn’t be possible – albeit with an apologetic demeanor, as if embarrassed by that stance.

The precise reasoning eluded Taylor, preventing him from pressing the matter further.

“Why?”

Meanwhile, Luna furrowed her brow at her father’s response, unable to comprehend the rejection.

Lacking any suitable explanation, Taylor could only offer his daughter an awkward, troubled expression in the face of her innocent inquiry.

It was into that tense atmosphere that Sadie interjected herself.

“Luna.”

Sadie called out the young girl’s name.

Slowly, Luna’s gaze turned towards her.

“It’s alright. We’ll be able to meet again.”

Despite Sadie’s reassuring words, Luna’s dejected eyes remained downcast.

“You’re going to LA, aren’t you?”

“…Yeah.”

“Then I’ll go to LA too. So… I’ll just go there first and wait for you.”

At those words, tears finally spilled forth from Luna’s eyes.

Like the child she was, Luna broke down into audible sobs – prompting Sadie to embrace her consolingly.

“…”

Aiden regarded the two children with a measured gaze, while Taylor’s expression conveyed a sense of apologetic helplessness.

Arian, too, seemed to empathize with their shared sorrow, her countenance tinged with melancholy.

“Then… I suppose we’ll meet again another time.”

From inside their vehicle, Aiden bid his farewell to Taylor and Luna.

“Yes. Let’s all strive to survive until then.”

With Taylor’s parting words, their vehicle departed.

The aging sedan rumbled down the road, its muffled exhaust fumes trailing behind.

Through the rearview mirror, Luna’s waving figure gradually receded into the distance.

In an uncharacteristic display, Sadie remained fully turned around in her seat for an extended period, silently watching as Santa Rosa and her friend slowly vanished from sight.

* * *

Several days later.

Aiden’s group was heading towards their next destination: Albuquerque.

A major city that had once been home to over 500,000 residents, situated approximately 1,300 kilometers from LA.

However, even before reaching Albuquerque, Aiden’s group encountered a significant obstacle.

“Aiden.”

From within their moving vehicle, Arian addressed Aiden in a hushed voice.

Aiden promptly brought the car to a halt, turning his attention towards her.

“…Again?”

“Yes, there are people ahead.”

At her ominous response, Aiden let out a contemplative hum.

It meant there were individuals lying in ambush along the road ahead of them.

Yet at their current location, Aiden’s group was traversing a mountainous region.

The very mountain range that extended across Albuquerque’s eastern outskirts, with no visible man-made structures in the vicinity.

Hardly a location where ordinary wanderers would be expected to linger.

Which could only indicate one plausible identity for those obstructing their path – cannibals.

Furthermore, this was merely the latest in a series of ambushes they had encountered today – the fifth since entering these mountains.

To hope their suspicions were unfounded would likely be an exercise in futility at this point.

“Even so… I’ll check it out first. If it turns out to be a false alarm, there’s no need for you to reveal yourself. Their numbers seem limited to around four, so I should be able to handle it within my own boundaries.”

“…Understood. Be careful.”

With a slightly exasperated expression, Arian exited the vehicle first.

Aiden briefly glanced towards the rear seat, where Sadie had taken shelter beneath a bulletproof helmet.

“Perhaps I should have heeded Taylor’s advice.”

Aiden let out a brief sigh as he muttered those words under his breath.

When he had mentioned their intention to travel to Albuquerque, Taylor had suggested taking a wide detour around these mountains if possible. Precisely because the roads cutting through them were so severely limited, making them prime targets for cannibal ambushes.

Of course, Aiden had been well aware of that potential risk himself.

Yet he had still chosen to proceed through this mountain route, confident in their ability to withstand any attacks from those cannibals.

In hindsight, Aiden’s judgment had proven accurate – as long as Arian was present, the cannibals’ ambushes posed little genuine threat.

The only aspect he had underestimated was the sheer frequency of their attacks across this region.

Bang!

The sound of gunfire suddenly rang out at that moment.

It signified that Arian had made contact with the cannibals, who had refused to engage in dialogue and immediately opened fire instead.

In response, Aiden fidgeted with his rifle while surveying their surroundings vigilantly. Prepared to engage any stragglers that might attempt to flee towards their location.

“…It’s over.”

Arian’s return came merely minutes later, her demeanor appearing almost bored – hardly suggesting she had been embroiled in combat.

“Sorry for constantly leaving you to handle everything alone.”

Aiden spoke those words as he observed her approach.

In response, Arian let out an amused chuckle before replying.

“You usually take care of it all anyway. No need to be so concerned over this much. Truthfully, my physical condition is better than it has been in weeks, thanks to an ample blood supply.”

Arian gave a nonchalant shrug.

She wasn’t lacking in that vital sustenance.

The singular advantage this mountainous region had provided, as Aiden himself had acknowledged.

“Then let’s depart once more.”

Aiden’s group resumed their journey.

They were now less than 5 kilometers away from Albuquerque’s outskirts.

While they had endured a troublesome series of incidents, the arduous mountain passage was finally nearing its conclusion.

The road had gradually transitioned from an incline into a descent, with the outskirts of Albuquerque becoming visible in the distance.

It was just as Aiden’s group could sense the imminent end of their mountain trek that disaster ultimately struck.

Crunch!

Something heavy was crushed underfoot, violently jolting their vehicle and forcing it to an abrupt halt.