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Chapter 5 - UNDYING RAGE & PEACEFUL DREAMS

Adam confronts a group of 50 football-clad zombies, lined up like a football team, ready for action. The quarterback zombie spawns a football and signals the start of their "play." In response, Adam showcases his immense strength, pulsating veins, as he effortlessly grabs a house and hurls it towards the oncoming zombie line. The impact of the crashing house eliminates several football zombies.

Amidst evading zombie tackles, Adam notices that the zombies are connected by fleshy tubes leading deeper into the neighborhood. However, before he can locate the source, the zombies and tubes vanish abruptly. Adam's attention shifts to a colossal zombie formed by the combination of the remaining football zombies, relentlessly charging towards him. The quarterback zombie tosses the football to the giant zombie, granting it increased power and speed.

Adam engages in a head-on collision with the giant zombie but ultimately succumbs to its superior strength, crashing into a nearby house. The giant zombie proceeds to tackle Adam through the broken structure and onto the streets. Adam seizes an opportunity when he bites a chunk out of the giant zombie's arm. Spitting out the flesh, he musters his resolve and charges towards the weakened giant zombie. As they clash once more, Adam manages to evade the attack, whereas the giant zombie's strength diminishes.

Sensing a chance to track the source of the fleshy tubes, Adam runs along the tube connected to the giant zombie's back. However, his progress is interrupted when a zombie wearing baseball gear swings a human flesh baseball at him, narrowly missing its target. The relentless barrage of human flesh baseballs from the baseball zombie overwhelms Adam, piercing through his body. Falling to the ground, Adam finds himself at the mercy of the approaching giant zombie.

Dodging its stomp, he swiftly removes the giant zombie's helmet with a kick and decapitates it by snatching off his head. As more baseballs come hurtling his way, Adam employs the severed head as a shield to block the projectiles. Pushing through the onslaught, he discovers that the baseball zombie stands near the house from which the fleshy tubes emerge. Suddenly, a basketball hoop emerges from the ground, ensnaring Adam in its net. The hoop extends skyward, revealing a jumping zombie in basketball gear. The basketball zombie executes a forceful dunk with a human flesh basketball, colliding with Adam as they crashes into the cement.

Despite the pain, Adam remains resolute, declaring that it pales in comparison to what Sam did to him. He crushes the neck of the basketball zombie, causing its head to explode. Adam retrieves the basketball lodged in his chest and hurls it with precision at the oncoming baseball. The two projectiles collide in a powerful explosion, further intensifying the chaotic scene. resulting in a powerful explosion. Seizing the opportunity amidst the chaos, Adam leaps into the air, diving towards the baseball zombie. Dodging the swinging bat, he delivers a powerful punch to the zombie's chest, causing its upper body to explode.

Covered in blood, Adam kicks down the house door, revealing a stout, glowing-eyed zombie sitting on a sofa watching a human flesh tv with fleshy tubes connecting it onto his stomach. The overweight man, in a moment of realization, confesses to Adam that he had intentionally severed his cable line to sabotage his sports viewing. Their eyes meet, and a mysterious connection forms between them, stunning both individuals. Suddenly, Adam's consciousness transcends into a realm of magic, granting him a glimpse into the memories of the overweight man.

In these magical visions, Adam witnesses the overweight man engrossed in watching sports on his television. However, a sudden intrusion by a zombie shatters his peaceful moment as it breaks through his door and sinks its teeth into his flesh. Reacting in pain, the overweight man forcefully throws the zombie into the TV screen. Undeterred, the man continues staring at the broken television with the trapped zombie, while his eyes begin to emit a magical glow, slowly transforming him into a zombie himself.

From the overweight man's abdomen, a fleshy tube emerges, taking the form of a baseball zombie. Equipped with a human flesh bat, the baseball zombie smashes the TV, along with the trapped zombie, through the window. Another tube emerges from the man's stomach, materializing into a TV that broadcasts sports. Despite his gruesome transformation, the man finds solace in watching his beloved games. However, the cacophony of chaos outside starts to disturb him.

The baseball zombie, now outside the window, begins hitting baseballs at both humans and zombies, wreaking havoc. In response, the overweight man summons football zombies, who storm out of the house, aggressively tackling anyone and anything in their path, including passing cars. Adam comes back to reality and he seizes a nearby bat, prepared to face the impending confrontation.

The overweight man pleads for mercy, claiming he was merely enjoying his sports, but Adam, devoid of any emotions, swings the bat with tremendous force, obliterating the entire neighborhood on the mountainside. The crumbling remnants of the neighborhood cascade down the mountainside, symbolizing the immense destruction caused by Adam's powerful strike.

Kiren and the rest of the group quickly spot the collapsing terrains and hurriedly flee to safety, narrowly escaping being crushed by the falling debris. As the pieces of the neighborhood settle at the base of the mountain, they witness Adam emerging from the hills, bearing heavy injuries. With a metal bat casually resting on his shoulder, Adam declares aloud that this is the consequence of anyone who dares to harm his family.

Megan, filled with shock, gazes at the devastation caused by Adam's overwhelming power and remarks that he is not a mere zombie but a monstrous force. Descending from the ruins, Adam approaches Megan and inquires about the location of Sam's cabin. Megan responds, stating that they need to head north. Kiren suggests finding an alternative route to the road, but Adam determines that they should continue on foot to save time. Moments later, Adam leads the group northward, with Megan carrying Leona, Kiren carrying Duke on his back, and Frank following closely behind.

Despite Frank's complaints about the relentless pace, and Kiren's recommendation for a break, Adam ignores their pleas. Sensing the exhaustion of her son, Megan implores Adam to consider a rest. Catching sight of Leona looking at him, Adam's resolve softens, and he agrees to take a break. Later that night, Kiren, still clutching his hammer, sleeps soundly, while Frank adds more wood to the campfire. Megan settles Leona and Duke down on a blanket, ensuring their comfort.

Approaching Adam, who remains nearby, Megan suggests he get some sleep. Adam dismisses the idea, claiming he doesn't need rest and will keep watch over everyone. Concerned, Megan observes Adam's frail physical condition and questions whether he has slept or eaten since he appears on the verge of physical collapse. Adam gazes at his hands, reflecting on his inability to sleep ever since his awakening, vowing not to rest until his wrath is fulfilled.

Sensing the weight of Adam's silence, Megan grasps the situation and acknowledges that she knew Sam was having an affair but never suspected it involved Lia. Adam inquires why Megan stayed with Sam despite knowing the truth. Megan explains that Sam was her first love and her love for him surpasses his infidelity. Adam challenges her, questioning why she continues to endure suffering when Sam doesn't truly love her. Tearfully, Megan nods, acknowledging the truth, and admits that Sam no longer loves her, instead using her for financial security. However, she hoped to keep the family together for the sake of Duke, not wanting him to grow up with a single mother.

Adam then presses Megan, asking if she knows what will happen when they confront Sam. Catching a glimpse of Megan, he realizes she has fainted. Frank rushes to her side, recognizing her dehydration. Adam informs him of a nearby river, and Frank hands him an empty water bottle. Adam swiftly heads to the river, filling the bottle with clean, refreshing water.

As Megan begins to dream, she finds herself in a bed, experiencing the dream from a first-person perspective. The surroundings are constructed of stone, and a palpable sense of magic fills the air. Megan explores her surroundings until she reaches a window, revealing she is inside a vast church. A knock at the door interrupts her, and a man with a blurred face enters the room. Although unable to discern his identity, he asks if she is ready. Megan responds affirmatively, realizing she has no control over her actions within this dream realm.

Together, they leave the church and enter a colosseum, the man gripping her arm as if they were lovers. They proceed into a weapon room, where the man instructs her to select a mask and a weapon. Megan chooses a beautifully designed mask and opts for a small, deadly dagger she secures to her waist. The man then advises her to choose another weapon, guiding her to a section with magical guns. Megan selects a pistol, captivated by its exquisite craftsmanship. The man reveals that it is a magical gun capable of channeling her own magic. Taking up a shield, he encourages her to unleash her power but to hold back slightly.

Megan complies, aiming the gun at the shield and firing a blast of magic that engulfs the entire dream, causing her to awaken in the forest. Realizing morning has arrived, she finds Duke and Kiren looking worried. Adam approaches, asking if she is alright, to which she calmly nods. Frank reminds her to drink plenty of water and assures her that they are there to support her. Megan points in a direction, and the group continues their journey.

The group continues their journey through the forest path, their footsteps echoing in the quiet surroundings. As they make their way, they suddenly hear loud movements nearby, causing them to tense up. Frank, ever vigilant, spots a girl rolling down the hill through the bushes. Reacting quickly, he rushes over and catches her. However, the girl pushes him aside and brandishes her machete, causing Frank to raise his hands in surrender.

The girl's attention then falls upon Adam, whose eyes emit an eerie glow. She immediately identifies him as one of the super strong zombies. Megan, wanting to ease the tension, reassures the girl that Adam poses no danger to her. In a display of his incredible strength, Adam effortlessly breaks the machete into pieces, surprising the girl and prompting her to take a few steps back. Adam firmly tells her that she shouldn't point sharp objects towards his daughter, making it clear that he will protect his family.

The girl notices Megan holding onto Leona, and Duke, eager to defend his uncle Adam, asserts that Adam isn't a zombie but a good guy. This revelation calms the girl down slightly. With a touch of confidence, Kiren steps forward and introduces Adam as the Zombie hero who will protect them all, unintentionally delivering his introduction in an exaggerated and cringeworthy manner. Megan, trying to establish a connection, asks the girl for her name. The girl introduces herself as Ezzy(22).

Curiosity piqued, Frank asks Ezzy about her injuries, concerned for her well-being. Ezzy explains that she is in desperate need of help. Since the outbreak, a gang known as the Riders has taken control of her mansion, using it as their base. They have imprisoned her family and numerous innocent people in cages and that managed to barely escape their clutches. Kiren turns to Frank, seeking information about the Riders, but Frank gestures with his shoulder, indicating that he doesn't know who they are.

With determination, Kiren states that the Riders sound like bad people, and they should help Ezzy. Ezzy then reveals that they need a substantial amount of weapons to combat the Riders' army, which numbers over 200. Kiren becomes apprehensive upon hearing the daunting number. Frank asks Ezzy if she knows where they can find a large cache of weapons. Ezzy shares a rumor she heard among the Riders that there are plenty of weapons stored at a prison west of Old Berry town.

Realizing that Old Berry town is close by, Megan suggests that they can make their way there. Kiren gathers his courage and affirms that they will all help Ezzy, emphasizing that it is what heroes do. He turns to Adam, expecting him to join their cause, only to be surprised by Adam's rejection. Ezzy pleads with Adam, getting down on her knees and begging for his help. This tugs at Kiren's desire to help Ezzy even more.

Turning to Adam, Kiren raises an important question, emphasizing that heroes always come to the aid of those in need. Adam's expression turns serious as he reflects on the matter, confessing that the talk of heroes now annoys him. His perspective shifted drastically after witnessing the lifeless body of his daughter at his house. Perplexed, Kiren asserts that Adam's daughter is alive and well. Megan intervenes, revealing that after seeing what Adam can do, Adam must of somehow managed to bring his daughter back to life. The revelation astonishes both Kiren and Frank, leaving them amazed by the power of Adam's actions.

Comprehending the gravity of the situation at Adam's house, Kiren recalls feeling waves of magical energy surrounding him, instilling a deep sense of fear. It dawns on him that it must have been during the process of reviving Adam's daughter. Scratching his head in confusion, Kiren wonders why Adam's baby was even dead in the first place. Adam then discloses the heart-wrenching truth that Sam used his daughter as bait during their escape. Megan is devastated by this revelation, her emotions overflowing.

Despite Megan's anguish, Adam resolutely declares that he will reach the cabin no matter what. However, Megan insists that she won't allow Adam to kill Sam. Adam approaches her, emphasizing his determination to find Sam at any cost, vowing to keep heading north until he locates them.

Kiren confronts Adam, expressing his disappointment that Adam has turned from a hero into a vengeful villain seeking revenge. Determined to be a hero himself, Kiren declares that he will save Ezzy without relying on a hero-turned-villain like Adam. With a heroic pose, Kiren grips his hammer tightly. Duke interjects, asking Adam if he promises to come back. Adam looks into Duke's face, which bears a resemblance to Sam's, and then without a word, he turns and walks away towards the north.

Ezzy bows gratefully, relieved that they are willing to assist her. Frank approaches Megan, questioning whether Adam will be able to find the cabin without her guidance. Emotionally overwhelmed, Megan admits that Adam will probably find them, but she feels powerless to do anything about it. Frank offers comfort, pointing out that she must keep living for Duke's sake. Megan wipes away her tears, gathering her resolve, and the group sets off towards Old Berry town, ready to face the challenges ahead.