Apocalypse Of The Living Dead

Chapter 1: The Void Outbreak

The unknown disease, commonly referred to as void sickness, continues to spread like wildfire across the city and the entire world.

  

The government advises everyone to remain in the locations assigned a few months ago. The Awakeners are also exerting their utmost efforts to eradicate the void creatures, but even their endeavors seem futile as the creatures proliferate relentlessly.

  

A female reporter's voice resonates throughout the small, confined room, where a boy with rough brown hair and a frail body can be seen sitting on a wooden chair, his eyes fixed on the television, a remote held firmly in his right hand. 

  

"Same news day in and day out," Draken scoffs, pressing a button on the remote, and the television promptly powers off. 

  

"I wonder when all this will finally come to an end," Draken laments, leaning his back against the chair and shifting his gaze to the broken ceiling, through which the sky is visible. 

  

"I've been in this room for close to one month now, and I've already run out of food and water," he muses, yawning as a sign of hunger. "But nowhere in the city is safe; if I were to leave this room, I might run into those bastards." 

  

Draken discovered the abandoned house a month ago when he fled like a headless chicken as the disease broke out. He has no clue about the whereabouts of his two sisters and even his mother, or if they are still alive, as everyone scattered in different directions to save their lives. 

  

The disease originated from an unknown source, transforming those infected into vicious creatures known as Void creatures. They feed on the human heart and attack anything they come into contact with. 

  

The void creatures resemble zombies, but unlike the zombies in movies and TV shows, these creatures are faster and stronger. 

  

However, certain individuals who became infected entered a profound slumber, and upon awakening, they manifested peculiar abilities. These individuals are known as the Awakeners.  

  

They claimed to have engaged in battles with monsters and beasts in another realm while asleep, and those who perished during these encounters failed to awaken an ability, ultimately transforming into void creatures. 

  

"It's not like I have much of a choice. If I stay here, I'll just end up dying of hunger and thirst," Draken mutters, rising from the wooden chair and heading towards a specific area of the room. 

  

A small box is placed beside the corner of the room, with a black leather jacket hanging on a hanger. Draken picks up the leather jacket, wearing it over his white singlet, before bending down to unlock the wooden box. 

  

Inside the box lies a short blade, slightly longer than a kitchen knife but with the width of a sword. He picks up the knife, reflecting on the day he received this gift on his 17th birthday from a friend who claimed it would ensure good luck never ceases to find him. 

  

"I wonder if she's okay," Draken intones, securing the small blade around his waist and making his way towards the exit door. 

  

"Here we go," Draken utters softly, pushing the wooden door, and it opens slowly. The rays of the afternoon sun shine brightly into Draken's eyes, prompting him to shield them with his arm. 

  

"It's been a while since I've been hit by direct sunlight," he observes, taking a step out of the room and scanning the surroundings to ensure it's clear. The area is mostly filled with tall trees and weeds, accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds. 

  

"At least this area seems clear," Draken says quietly, moving through the thick forest while vigilantly checking for any signs of those creatures. He traverses the forest, navigating fallen tree branches and making an effort not to create any noise, as even the slightest sound attracts the Void creatures. 

  

"Man, I've been running for quite a while now," Draken halts his steps, bending down and resting on his knees, panting heavily to catch his breath. 

  

"How do I get out of here? I keep running in circles," Draken questions, wiping the sweat off his forehead while examining the surroundings. 

  

"I've definitely seen this tree four times now," Draken remarks, moving towards a specific tree that he recalls passing four times. 

  

"I'm definitely running in circles," Draken exclaims, grabbing his rough brown hair in frustration. A month ago, in fear and panic when the disease broke out, he ran into the forest, failing to remember the route he took. 

  

'Huh?' Draken swiftly turns around after hearing a giant growling sound from behind. 

  

Cold sweat trickles down his face, and his legs tremble in fear; even the knife in his hand trembles as he glances around the area.  

  

The leaves begin to rustle, and low footsteps can be heard until the creature is fully in view. It has the same features as a human, except there is no single eye or nose on the head, just a mouth filled with razor-sharp fangs. The body is covered with black scales, and a long blade-like tail trails behind it. 

  

'Dammit, it's a void creature,' Draken gulps after catching a glimpse of the creature. He remains in the same spot, trying his best not to make any sound, as these creatures are blind and only follow sounds. The void creature moves its head around the area before advancing slowly, searching for prey. 

  

'Please don't notice my presence,' Draken intones, attempting to stay silent as the creature moves closer to him. The creature is now directly in front of him, and its head is an inch away from Draken's face. He shuts his eyes, unable to bear the sight of the creature. 

  

'Phew,' Draken exhales calmly as the creature passes beside him without detecting his presence. After ensuring the creature has moved a few meters away, he takes a single step forward. 

  

SNAP!  

  

The moment his leg lands on the ground, he steps on a dry twig, which breaks instantly, producing a loud snapping sound that makes the creature turn around instantly and charge towards him. 

  

'Oh, crap!' Draken screams internally as the creature moves towards him at incredible speed.