When Lyon finished recounting his encounter with the child who stood before them, Nate sensed his mixed emotions. Should he feel elation that the game he expected to be a solitary experience as a unique talking zombie had unexpectedly unveiled another of his kind, one capable of coherent speech?
This notion provoked an unusual idea in Nate's mind – could this boy also be a player of the same game?
"Alright, I've got you. You seem well-versed in this game," Nate suddenly remarked, his words unsettling both Lyon and the boy.
"What game are you referring to?" the bewildered boy inquired, causing Nate to arch an eyebrow, struggling to conceal his unease.
"Never mind... How did you become a zombie, and how is it possible that you can communicate?" Nate asked, gripping the boy's clothing.
"You sound paradoxical. You bear my scent, implying our commonality," the young boy responded calmly.
Nate gritted his teeth as he conceded his irony, realizing that he was, in fact, a talking zombie. Hence, he concealed his surprise with a diversion.
"Alright, how are you?" Nate inquired again.
"I was scratched by a zombie and subsequently transformed into one," the boy explained. At this point, he appeared composed, having discerned that Nate was also a zombie and posed no threat.
"I never knew that a mere zombie scratch could result in transformation," Nate furrowed his brow in puzzlement.
"What about you? How did you become a zombie?" the boy asked Nate politely.
After a brief pause, Nate reluctantly responded, "I was transformed by natural forces." He released his hold on the boy and walked outside, only to collapse on the ground.
"Did I exert too much force, or have I become remarkably strong?" Nate wondered, his hand a subject of his bewildered gaze. Lyon clarified the situation, "I had to use force to subdue him, as he was resisting intensely and ended up with broken bones."
Nate nodded, a thought suddenly occurring to him. "Do you possess any inherent abilities that manifest upon completing tasks?" He leaned toward the boy curiously.
"Are you referring to a system? I've had my suspicions that someone might possess such abilities, someone who could potentially resolve this chaotic situation," the boy replied, catching on to Nate's line of questioning.
Initially, Nate thought the boy might have a system similar to his, but as the boy elaborated, it became evident that he might be indulging in fantasies rooted in his admiration for system-themed novels and games. Nevertheless, Nate remained suspicious, considering the boy's immediate response.
"How did you know I was referring to a system?" Nate inquired.
"I'm a fan of system novels and games, and in most of them, an apocalypse scenario features someone with a system who becomes the world's savior!" the boy exclaimed excitedly.
Nate thought to himself, "I hope there are others out there with systems, as I'm here to enjoy my game," avoiding the thought of being a hero. Nonetheless, he moved on from the question.
"Give him some flesh to aid his recovery," Nate instructed Lyon, who appeared surprised.
"Did you hear him? Fetch something for me to eat!" the boy yelled at Lyon, but his request was ignored.
"What should we do with him?" Lyon asked, uncertain about Nate's intentions.
"Just provide him with food; perhaps he might consider joining us on our journey," Nate replied as he stood by the doorway, stretching his body and arm.
"I can't join your group; I already belong to one," the boy clarified.
Nate froze in place, slowly turning back to face the boy. "What did you just say?"
"Help!" a voice cried out from the distance.
Nate spotted someone approaching from afar, running at remarkable speed. In no time, the figure became clear, and Nate could even discern the scent.
"Another zombie?" Nate wasn't particularly surprised, given what the boy had just revealed; he wasn't expecting anything else.
"Potter!" the boy shouted.
"Dike?" Potter nearly rushed past them into the workshop, paying little attention to his surroundings until he heard his name and a familiar voice calling out to him.
"What are you doing here, and who are these individuals?" Without needing to catch his breath after the long run, Potter began to admonish the boy called 'Dike.'
"Do you understand the trouble you've caused? Everyone's in jeopardy because of you. If we don't act swiftly, they'll all perish!" Potter berated the small boy, inching closer. However, a figure interposed itself before him.
"Surely you weren't planning to harm the boy?" Lyon spoke up. Potter aimed a kick at Lyon, hoping to push him aside, but Lyon raised his hand, easily blocking the attempt.
"That kick is feeble, even the boy's kick packs more force," Lyon taunted, thrusting his head forward and striking Potter's nose, causing it to bleed. Potter was taken aback by the power behind the blow.
Meanwhile, Nate was gazing in the direction from which Potter had emerged. "What's chasing after you?" Nate asked, unfazed by the ongoing confrontation.
"You heard him, answer!" Lyon demanded. Before Potter could reply, the approaching threat was already upon him.
"Is that it?" Lyon didn't hesitate and gave chase to the creature. As he neared the dog-like beast, Lyon's hand transformed, with fur extending down to his elbow.
Bang!
He slammed his hands onto the dog's head, not allowing it an opportunity to retaliate, and crushed its skull.
"It appears that both Peter and Lyon have grown stronger," Nate thought with satisfaction. His horde was indeed evolving.
Approaching the slain dog, Nate confirmed that it was the bloodthirsty canine once again. "It's a shame I didn't get to test my new ability on you," Nate muttered, turning his attention back to Dike.
"So, are these others you mentioned also zombies?" Nate asked, and Dike nodded.
"Lyon, prepare everyone; I'd like to meet this other group of zombies. For now, they're still alive."