The hum of the radio crackled to life in the Grimes household. Marcus sat at the kitchen table, flipping through a worn survival manual, while Jeffrey adjusted the dial, searching for a clear station. The news anchor's voice was strained, discussing an unusual uptick in violent incidents across several cities.
"People are losing their damn minds," Jeffrey muttered.
Marcus paused, his pulse quickening. He knew what these reports meant Phase One of the apocalypses had begun. This was the moment when a small ripple would turn into a tidal wave of chaos.
It's time to act, he thought.
The Warning
Later that evening, Marcus gathered his courage and approached his father, who was relaxing on the couch with a beer.
"Dad, we need to prepare," Marcus said, his voice steady.
Jeffrey raised an eyebrow. "Prepare for what? You've been talking like a doomsday prepper all week."
"For everything," Marcus replied. "Food shortages, riots… something big is coming. I can feel it."
Jeffrey frowned, setting his beer down. "You're too young to be worrying about stuff like that, son."
Marcus hesitated. He couldn't explain his foreknowledge without sounding crazy. "Just… can we stock up on supplies? You'll thank me later, I promise."
Jeffrey sighed but eventually nodded. "Fine. We'll make a trip to the store tomorrow. But after this, no more apocalypses talk, alright?"
Marcus forced a smile. Step one: secure the basics.
Stockpiling Begins
The next day, Marcus accompanied Jeffrey to the local grocery store. While his father grabbed essentials like canned goods and water, Marcus subtly guided him toward items often overlooked—batteries, first-aid kits, tools, and durable clothing.
As they loaded the cart, Marcus scanned the aisles, memorizing the layout for future raids. His system pinged as he mentally categorized survival essentials:
Skill Progression: Survivalist Knowledge
Skill Unlocked: Inventory Management (Novice)
When they returned home, Marcus organized their purchases, carefully stowing some in his system's inventory for safekeeping. His father teased him about his meticulousness, but Marcus didn't mind.
A Stranger in Trouble
That evening, Marcus ventured outside to train. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. As he practiced striking a tree with a sturdy stick, a distant scream pierced the air.
Marcus froze, his instincts flaring. A walker? Already?
Gripping his makeshift weapon, he followed the sound to a nearby alley. A young woman was cornered by a man, his movements jerky and unnatural. His grayish skin and guttural growl confirmed Marcus's fears—this was no man.
The first walker.
The woman screamed again as the walker lunged. Without hesitation, Marcus charged, adrenaline surging. He swung his stick with precision, the system activating mid-motion:
Skill Unlocked: Close-Combat: Walker Neutralization (Novice)
The stick struck the walker's head, but it didn't fall. Marcus gritted his teeth, aiming for the temple on his second swing. This time, the creature crumpled, its skull caving in.
"Are you okay?" Marcus asked, helping the woman to her feet.
She nodded shakily. "I… I don't know what that was."
"You need to get home and lock your doors," Marcus said firmly. "Stay inside. Don't trust anyone acting strange."
The woman nodded and ran, leaving Marcus alone with his thoughts.
The dominoes are falling faster than I expected.
The Aftermath
When Marcus returned home, Jeffrey noticed the dirt and scratches on his son's clothes.
"What happened to you?" Jeffrey asked.
"Just playing rough outside," Marcus lied, his mind racing.
He retreated to his room and summoned his system to assess the day's progress.
System Update
Strength: 2 (+1 from combat)
Agility/Dexterity: 2 (+1 from situational awareness)
Endurance: 2 (+1 from physical exertion)
Skills Unlocked:
Close-Combat: Walker Neutralization (Novice)
Inventory Management (Novice)
Marcus stared at the interface, his resolve hardening. The walkers were coming, and soon, King County would descend into chaos. He needed to grow stronger, faster, and smarter.
"The Grimes family isn't ready yet. But I will be."