99

Stay Alive

Chapter 99: The Worst Enemy

Alan drove toward the base of the man who ruled this area with tyranny, making sure to bring Kenny’s brother, Tom, along to guide him to the exact location. After an hour on the road, they finally arrived.

“I don’t get it. Why the hell is a leader like you in this place?” Tom asked after a long silence.

Kenny wanted the answer too. There were many things that didn’t add up with what Alan had said before, and he was just as eager to find out the truth.

“I’ve sacrificed a lot since the world ended—like all of us. My brother died doing what he believed was right as a soldier, and I’m just carrying out his hopes.” Alan’s words were honest. He had no problem expressing his pain, because in a way, speaking about it made him feel a little lighter.

“Damn it…”

“All this time, the military has been wiping out infected and uninfected people alike as if it were some twisted game. Their plan was to bomb the entire city of Los Angeles, but we stopped them when we rebelled against their orders and set up a resistance across Texas.”

Alan wanted them to know how the end of the world had truly come about. “This happened in every state across the country. High command ordered the army to exterminate everyone, and those who refused turned their guns on the military, sparking a bloody civil war that destroyed any hope of lasting resistance.”

“I was the first to launch a coup in Texas. I killed my superior and became the new leader. I freed the prisoners, and they gladly joined me.”

Alan’s voice grew colder with each word, his tone stripped of emotion. His eyes shifted to the rearview mirror, fixing on Kenny, who was smoking. “I need strong leaders. Not long ago, I believe some in my inner circle tried to kill me. That’s why I need you to become high-ranking officers—follow my orders as a way of repaying me for pulling you out of this hell.”

Tom was about to say something when Alan handed him a knife to cut his restraints. Smiling, Alan added, “Your decision is crucial—it will greatly affect the fate of the world. If you help me, we’ll change everything.”

These people, more than anyone else, were essential to moving forward. No one else had the same ability to lead as they did.

“Will you really accept my brother after he tried to kill you?” Kenny asked, not believing Alan was the type to let grudges go.

“If he’s useful and disciplined, I can accept him. I’ll need new ground leaders once I expand my territory further.” Alan stopped about a hundred meters from the governor’s base and honked the truck’s horn twice.

After that, he stepped out of the truck and walked toward the survivors’ base, putting on a helmet to keep from getting shot in the head.

“That son of a bitch is exceptional—he’s got massive guts,” Tom muttered, watching Alan’s fearless advance before stepping out of the truck himself. Kenny shook his head but followed, scanning the area for walkers. Spotting a few, he started taking them down.

“Zzz! Drones in position and ready to strike.”

Alan lowered the volume on his radio and said, “On my signal, wipe everyone out in that shelter. I want a full strike.”