Chapter 1: The Unforeseen Apocalypse
It was just supposed to be an ordinary day, like any other in my small town near the mountains. Little did I know that within a single day, a nightmare would descend upon usâa calamity straight out of the apocalyptic movies. Zombies, the stuff of fiction, had inexplicably become a horrifying reality, feeding on the flesh of unsuspecting victims like cannibalistic monsters. I couldn't fathom how these walking corpses had found their way into our world.
As the chaos erupted around me, I fought tooth and nail to survive in this nightmarish realm. Survivors went unanswered, and it became clear that God had forsaken us in the face of this unimaginable horror. Every day was a battle for survival, each moment bringing new trials and tribulations. In this bleak world, simply staying alive felt like being trapped in a never-ending hell. Sometimes, the thought of death seemed like a more desirable option than enduring this ongoing disaster.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Souta, an ordinary high school senior whom you could find anywhere. Unlike my parents and sister, who lived in the city, I chose to stay in our small town to pursue my studies. However, I knew that once I finished high school, I would likely move to the city for college. As I prepared for another day at school, glancing absentmindedly at the TV in the background, a news report caught my attention.
"The virus is rapidly spreading worldwide. Exercise caution, and if you experience a high fever, seek immediate medical assistance," the newscaster warned.
Just then, my phone chimed, drawing my attention. I retrieved it from my pocket to find a meme circulating about the virus being the catalyst for a zombie apocalypse. I chuckled to myself, contemplating the possibility. You see, I was someone who tended to overthink things, and I prided myself on being prepared for any eventuality, even a hypothetical apocalypse.
A familiar voice broke through my thoughts as someone entered my house.
"Why are you laughing like that? It's creepy, you know. Hurry up, or we'll be late for school!" Amy, my energetic and caring childhood friend, exclaimed.
Steffanie, another close friend from our childhood, giggled alongside Amy. Unlike her warm and caring counterpart, Steff was known for her cold demeanor towards others. Yet, when it came to our group, she revealed her true selfâa smart and straightforward girl. Our shared childhood memories had bound us closely together.
After getting ready, the three of us set off for school. During our walk, I couldn't help but inquire about the virus that had been making headlines.
"So, what do you think about the virus everyone's been talking about? The one that might trigger an apocalypse?" I asked, seeking their perspectives.
Amy waved off my concerns, dismissing them with a carefree attitude. "Oh, come on! It's just a silly rumor. Don't worry about it; nothing like that could possibly happen."
Little did Amy know, that very day marked the beginning of our worst nightmaresâthe apocalypse itself. As we reached the school and several hours passed, the lunch break arrived. I found myself lost in thought, contemplating our imminent separation. In a few months, we would be heading off to college, each embarking on a different path. The weight of that knowledge burdened my heart.
Suddenly, Amy swung open the classroom door and called out to me, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "Hey, Souta! Let's have lunch together!"
I agreed, rising from my chair at the front of the class near the window. I made my way towards Amy and Steff, who were waiting for me. Steff, as
usual, remained silent, not one for excessive conversation with people she didn't know well.
As we headed towards the cafeteria through the hallway, a chilling scream pierced the air, jolting us from our conversations and routine. An urgent announcement rang through the school, demanding that everyone gather at the evacuation center. Panic ensued, and students rushed frantically towards the designated safe area.
[ Every student and stuff, evacuate immediately to the evacuation area! I repeat, this is not a drill. Everyone should evacuate immediately to the evacuation area... ]
Confused and unsure of what was happening, we found ourselves frozen in the chaos. It was then that we glanced out of the window, our eyes widening in horror. Students attacked one another, their actions reminiscent of the monsters from the movies we had once watched. Some screamed in agony, while others fought desperately, attempting to fend off the ravenous assailants.
Overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, we sought answers amidst the madness.
"What's going on?!" I cried out, desperately seeking clarity.
"I have no idea," Steff replied, equally bewildered.
"Souta! what do we do!? what do we do!?? are we going to die!??" Amy asked me, panicking for what's happening
A realization struck me, triggered by the memes I had recently encounteredâthe virus had indeed heralded the apocalypse. In that moment, I reached out and grasped the hands of Amy and Steff, determined to protect them.
"Do you trust me?" I asked, my voice tinged with urgency.
Confused and searching for answers themselves, they responded hesitantly, "Yes?"
Without wasting a moment, I led them towards the stairs, running against the tide of panicked students. The crowded staircase slowed our progress, but we persisted, fighting through the throng of bodies. Finally, we made it downstairs, but instead of heading to the evacuation center like the rest, I steered us in the opposite direction.
Amy, perplexed and concerned, questioned my actions. "What are you doing, Souta? The evacuation center is the other way!"
Steff, in her quiet demeanor, reassured Amy. "Don't worry, Amy. It's a Souta we're talking about. I trust that he knows what he's doing."
Rushing towards the emergency exit, I broke the seal and seized an axe, my grip tightening with determination.
"Now, we're ready. Let's get out of here," I proclaimed, my voice filled with a newfound resolve.
Without hesitation, Amy and Steff followed, placing their faith in me. We sprinted towards the school entrance, only to be met by locked gates. Unperturbed, I used the axe to break the padlock, swinging the gates open wide. With adrenaline coursing through our veins, we dashed towards the outside world, finding a brief respite from the chaos within the confines of the school.
Silence enveloped the surroundings as we paused, catching our breath and regaining composure. Seizing the opportunity, I spoke up.
"Wait for me here. I'll be quick," I said, my tone filled with a sense of urgency.
"Okay," Steff replied, their exhaustion evident from the tumultuous events that had unfolded.
"Where are you going, Souta!? don't leave ys behind!" With a desperate face she's having, Amy is not like this, but likely she's in panic, so I won't blame her
"I won't leave you guys alone, I promise you that," I said as I ran towards the gate
While they caught their breath, I sprinted towards the guard's room, my heart pounding in my chest. Cold sweat trickled down my spine as I braced myself for a potential encounter with a zombie lurking within. Upon reaching the guard's room, relief washed over me as I discovered it empty, the guards likely having already made their way to the evacuation center.
Surveying the room, I stumbled upon a small cabinet in the corner. To my surprise and delight, a pistol awaited me within its confinesâa glimmer of hope in this nightmarish reality. Fueled by excitement, I continued to search and uncovered a baseball bat, questioning its presence but dismissing the thought in light of our dire circumstances.
Armed with both the gun and the bat, I hurriedly made my way back to the girls, who awaited my return
at the gate.
"Where have you been?" Amy asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I've been to the guard's room and found a baseball bat," I replied, offering it to Steff.
"It's probably owned by some forgetful student," Steff remarked, accepting the bat.
"It doesn't matter. It'll come in handy. Just be prepared," I cautioned them, knowing that the infected were no longer human.
"If those things ever attack you, don't think twice and kill them immediately, this is not a crime, this is self-defense, I want you to remember that."
They looked at me and nodded in agreement.
With our makeshift weapons in hand, we embarked on our uncertain journey.
"Where are we going?" Amy inquired, her voice filled with apprehension.
"To the mountains," I declared, as our first chapter in this harrowing tale unfolded.