Marcus awoke to another day in the quiet suburban life of King County, Georgia. It had been a week since he realized his new identity and inherited the memories of The Walking Dead. The system panel he wished for floated in his vision whenever summoned, translucent and full of potential. His first task: prepare for the apocalypse.
"Status," he thought.
A familiar interface appeared.
Name: Marcus Grimes
Age: 10
Strength: 1
Agility/Dexterity: 1
Endurance: 1
Intelligence: 2
Wisdom: 1
Luck: 10 (Locked)
Skills: None
Inventory: Empty
"Time to change that," Marcus resolved, clenching his fists. His small, untrained body felt foreign compared to his former Special Forces physique, but he would rebuild himself.
Starting the Grind
Jeffrey Grimes, his father, worked long shifts as a local mechanic, often leaving Marcus to entertain himself. With no modern distractions—cell phones weren't yet ubiquitous—Marcus had an excuse to spend his free time outdoors.
Under the guise of play, Marcus started a rigorous training routine. He sprinted across their backyard, timing himself with a makeshift stopwatch. Push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups became his daily regimen, though his scrawny arms struggled to keep up.
The system rewarded his efforts:
Strength: +1Agility/Dexterity: +1Endurance: +1
"Progress," Marcus thought with satisfaction.
Building Knowledge
Beyond physical training, Marcus knew that intelligence and skills would be his greatest assets in the Walker apocalypse. During a trip to the town library, he checked out books on survival, hunting, and first aid. He read voraciously each night, committing everything to memory.
When he finished a basic first aid manual, his system updated:
New Skill Learned: Basic First Aid (Novice)
Instant Mastery activated.
The knowledge solidified in his mind, the text forming a clear, comprehensive skillset. He tested himself by wrapping his arm in a makeshift bandage and identifying symptoms of common injuries. The system didn't lie; he felt like he'd been practicing for years.
Foreshadowing Danger
Marcus's heightened awareness of the show's timeline revealed subtle cracks in the illusion of normalcy. A news broadcast about civil unrest flashed across their old box TV, and local reports of flu outbreaks hinted at the impending chaos.
He debated warning his father or Uncle Rick, but he knew they'd dismiss him as a kid with an overactive imagination. Instead, Marcus focused on quiet preparation.
One evening, as Jeffrey worked late in the garage, Marcus approached him.
"Dad," Marcus said, his young voice steady. "Can you teach me how to fix things? Cars, tools, anything."
Jeffrey chuckled. "A little young for that, aren't you, sport?"
"I just… want to be helpful," Marcus insisted.
Jeffrey sighed but relented. "Alright, kiddo. Come over here and watch."
Mastering Skills
Under Jeffrey's guidance, Marcus learned the basics of mechanics. Over several days, he memorized tool functions, watched his father repair an engine, and practiced on a rusted bike.
New Skill Learned: Basic Mechanics (Novice)
Instant Mastery activated.
His knowledge expanded in an instant, and he impressed Jeffrey by diagnosing a fault in a small engine. Jeffrey laughed, patting his son on the shoulder. "You're a natural!"
Marcus didn't correct him.
Preparing the First Faction
By the end of the chapter, Marcus had laid the groundwork for the future. He had gained enough physical and mental resilience to survive the outbreak's early chaos, and his practical skills gave him an edge.
"The Grimes family won't just survive this time. We'll thrive."