The sharp sting of shrapnel was the last thing he remembered before darkness consumed him. Sergeant Marcus Black, a decorated Special Forces operative, had died in action, sacrificing himself to save his unit. Yet, death was not the end.
When Marcus opened his eyes, he stood in a void of endless white light. A figure, cloaked in an otherworldly aura, emerged—a Random Omnipotent Being (R.O.B.).
"Welcome, Marcus," the figure greeted, its voice reverberating like a symphony. "You've earned my attention. I'm granting you another chance at life."
Marcus, ever the soldier, narrowed his eyes. "What's the catch?"
"No catch. Only an opportunity. You'll be reincarnated in a world of survival and terror, one you may recognize. And, to aid you, I'll grant you three wishes."
Marcus's mind raced. Reincarnation? A world of terror? "What world?"
The figure smirked. "The one you know as The Walking Dead."
Despite the absurdity, Marcus's instincts kicked in. If this was real, he needed to be prepared. "Three wishes, huh? Then here's my first: I want a system panel to track my stats, skills, inventory, and progress."
The figure nodded. "Granted. A system designed for growth and survival will be at your disposal."
"For my second wish," Marcus continued, "I want Instant Mastery of any skill I attempt, within reason. Knowledge should become proficiency."
The figure chuckled. "Ambitious but granted."
"And finally," Marcus said, his voice firm, "I want perfect recall of The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead series. Every detail, every character, every twist."
The figure tilted its head. "A strategist to the core. Granted. Use your knowledge wisely."
The void began to shimmer and pulse. "Good luck, Marcus Black. Or should I say… Marcus Grimes."
Marcus gasped as the void vanished, replaced by warm sunlight filtering through trees. He found himself in the body of a young boy, no older than ten. His hands were small, but his mind felt sharp, alive with knowledge of the Grimes family, Rick's leadership, and the horrors that lay ahead.
"Marcus, come inside!" a voice called. It was Jeffrey Grimes—his father. His new father.
The apocalypse wasn't here yet, but the clock was ticking. Marcus clenched his fists. This time, he would be ready.
Survive. Adapt. Protect. That's the mission.