I woke up to a lot of commotion outside. Glancing at the time, I realized it was 9:00 a.m., which meant the noise was likely passengers trying to disembark as we had reached our destination—New Delhi. I grabbed my laptop bag and stepped out of the sleeper cabin, taking in my surroundings. It was a bustling bus station in New Delhi.
I took out my smartphone to check how far I was from Sneha's office and saw that it was 17 kilometers away. I contemplated my next move. Last night, I had gathered some information about her through social media. I learned that she was an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer and an influential figure in society. Notably, she listened to public complaints in her office every day from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., working to resolve disputes and offer assistance. I also came across reports highlighting her recent success in tackling an e-state mafia case, which resulted in several arrests, along with other positive achievements in her career.
After reading those reports, I realized that Sneha had a strong sense of justice. I wondered how she would react if I revealed my plans for a zombie army and world domination. While her loyalty would undoubtedly be unwavering if she became my subordinate, I didn't want a mere follower. What I sought was a partner—someone loyal who would stand by me.
With this overpowered system, I wouldn't have to worry about anything; I could enjoy my immortal life alongside my partners. They, too, would become immortal, and together we would live forever.
Before, I was consumed by worry about finding a girlfriend or getting married. I knew that no one would accept me once they discovered the monster within—someone devoid of the positive traits of humanity like happiness, excitement, sympathy, or empathy, while fully embodying the darker sides: jealousy, greed, lust, and envy.
But now, I no longer needed to worry about any of that. I had become something beyond human.
Now, my goal was to meet her at the office and somehow transfer my DNA to her. Without wasting any time, I booked a taxi to her office. I arrived at the building and got out after paying the driver. Since it was only 10:00 a.m., I had to wait for her to arrive.
I realized I needed to buy some decent clothes; what I was wearing no longer fit well, especially since my body had changed after becoming the Zombie Emperor.
I searched for a nearby mall to buy some decent clothes. Once there, I found a store and tried on a sleek black outfit—pants, a shirt, and matching shoes. It looked perfect. As I stepped out of the changing room, I noticed the saleswoman and other employees watching me. I wasn't used to this level of attention, but I could sense a shift in my mindset along with my appearance.
After making the payment, I tossed my old clothes into a nearby trash bin. I then walked into a café to sit down and enjoy a coffee. After a short wait, my drink was delivered. As I took a sip, I realized I hadn't eaten anything for a long time, yet I didn't feel hungry or fatigued. It dawned on me that I could now survive without food and water since becoming the Zombie Emperor.
I could still eat and drink like a normal human, but I wouldn't need to use the restroom. As I savored the coffee, I noticed that it was converted directly into energy rather than going through digestion. To confirm this, I ordered a burger. After eating it, I found that it, too, was absorbed by my body and transformed into energy, albeit in such minute increments that it would be easy to overlook.
Putting those thoughts aside, I shifted my focus to how to approach Sneha in her office and how to transfer my DNA to her. The uncertainty of how long her transformation into a zombie would take after the injection was a concern.
Two low-risk ideas came to mind. The first method was to transfer my DNA during a handshake; I could discreetly prick her hand with a needle containing my blood. The second option was to contaminate her food or drink, ensuring that my DNA would enter her system that way.
I decided to go with the first method. If that didn't work, I could always explore other options later.
After finishing my meal, I stepped out of the mall and checked the time—it was 12:14 p.m. I headed straight to her office, mentally preparing an excuse for her team about why I wanted to meet her. I decided to say I was there to record an interview with her about the issue of online scammers targeting foreigners, particularly those who had their pensions and savings emptied by Indian scammers. I thought this excuse would be convincing enough, but if it didn't work, I'd have to come up with something else.
I made a quick stop at an internet café to print articles and reports about the scams happening in New Delhi. I also created a questionnaire with various questions I could ask her as an interviewer. To make it more official, I attached a photo of myself along with my name, Michael.
With everything ready, the only thing left to do was buy a syringe. I hurried to a nearby medical shop and asked for a tetanus injection, ensuring I included the syringe, since simply buying a syringe might raise suspicions.
After purchasing the needle, I slipped into the washroom of the medical shop. There, I carefully drew my blood by piercing the needle into my arm. Once I had enough, I stored it in the syringe and tucked it into my sleeve, ensuring it wouldn't be noticeable and would be convenient for me to use during a handshake with Sneha.
Now that everything was ready, I made my way to Sneha's office building. As I approached the government facility, I noticed the heavy security at the entrance. I asked the guards how to get to her office, and they directed me accordingly. They mentioned that everyone had to go through a security check, but I felt relieved to learn there wouldn't be a background check; the security consisted only of a metal detector. I wasn't worried about the injection being discovered.
After passing through the security check, I entered the building and headed toward her office.
As I arrived at her office, I noticed a crowd of people—likely there to file complaints. Scanning the entrance, I saw two bodyguards stationed outside Sneha's office, which meant she would likely be alone inside. This would make it easier for me to carry out my plan to transform her.
I decided it would be best to wait and meet her last, ensuring we wouldn't be disturbed by others during the transformation process.
I noticed a woman stepping out of Sneha's office, but she wasn't Sneha. She introduced herself as part of Sneha's team and explained that she would collect everyone's written requests and complaints to pass on to Sneha. As everyone began submitting their documents, I stood at the back of the group, so she didn't notice me.
However, as she approached me to collect my documents, her eyes lit up when she saw me, and there was a noticeable glow in her expression that caught my attention. Looking closer, I realized just how beautiful she was—she had striking black eyes, long black hair, and fair skin. Her stunning blue saree accentuated her elegance, and at 5'8", she carried herself with a poise that was hard to ignore.
"Hello, my name is Priya," she said, her gaze fixed on the man in front of her. She couldn't help but think she had never seen anyone as handsome as him in real life.
"Hello, beautiful lady. My name is Michael," I replied, introducing myself in Hindi with a warm smile.
"How can you speak Hindi so well?" Priya asked, astonished.
Her surprise was evident, and in that moment, I decided to spin a little story. "My mother is American and my dad is Indian," I explained. "He taught me Hindi."
"So, Michael, why are you here? Are you also here to meet Sneha?" Priya asked, a hint of jealousy creeping into her voice.
I couldn't help but chuckle internally at her tone; it was clear she felt a little possessive.
"I'm here for an interview with Sneha," I said, handing her the documents I had brought along. I noticed that she seemed a bit absent-minded; as I offered her the papers, she barely glanced at them, her eyes fixated instead on the questionnaire at the front that featured my photo.
"You can come with me; I'll take you to meet her," Priya said, her mind racing with ideas on how to spend more time with Michael.
She really ignored everyone and focused only on me as i thought.
Priya was staring at me, silently urging me to walk with her toward Sneha's office. I decided to hold back; now wasn't the time. With so many people around, I couldn't predict the exact impact during Sneha's transformation. It was better to wait for a more opportune moment.
"Hey, Priya, wait a second," I said, gesturing toward the documents she was holding. "I think it would be better for me to interview Sneha when she's free, rather than interrupting her right now while she's focused on these complaints."
After a moment of consideration, Priya agreed but suggested I come with her to Sneha's office to wait, since it would likely take a while for Sneha to finish reviewing the complaints.
"Thank you, Priya, for your help! Without you, I wouldn't know what to do," I quickly complimented her. I found myself liking her a bit more and resolved to take care of her in the future once I launched the zombie attacks in the city.
Maybe I would consider making her my subordinate in the future, but not just yet. I could only create ten such subordinates who would retain their individuality after becoming zombies, and I needed to be strategic about my choices.
Priya Started walking towards Sneha's office with me following behind her as she walked by the door she said " he is with me" telling the bodyguards to let me through.
As she walked through the door, I followed her inside. Just as I entered, I heard a voice say, "Priya, you're back."
When I turned to see the source of the sound, I was mesmerized by the sight before me.