The King Of The Apocalypse

The dread man's tale

"You are going out."

The command cut through the reception hall of Aurora Tower.

Nobody moved.

Derek Kane raised his eyes from his phone and fixed his attention on the man standing a few feet away.

"Did you not hear me, Marcus? I said you're going out to find food." He repeated.

Marcus Hays slowly lowered the plastic bottle in his hand. He had been trying to get the last drops of water from it but his throat was still dry. His stomach had been empty for almost two days and even standing for too long was becoming difficult.

Across from him, Derek sat comfortably in a leather chair with one leg crossed over the other and an expensive bottle of whiskey rested on the table beside him.

It was almost amusing how comfortable he looked while the world outside was falling apart.

Marcus glanced toward the reinforced glass doors. Beyond them, Neo City was no longer the city he remembered.

The streets that once bustled with vehicles and millions of people were now deserted. Abandoned cars blocked the roads, while broken windows and collapsed buildings stood as reminders of the destruction. Papers and debris covered the streets and dark stains marked places where people had once desperately fought for their lives and the zombies were everywhere.

Several zombies wandered aimlessly beyond the tower's entrance. Their clothes hung loosely from their bodies and their gray skin looked lifeless. Occasionally, one of them would stop and release a low growl before continuing its search for something alive.

Marcus looked away.

"Sir," he began carefully, "I went out yesterday and brought back everything I could find. The streets are getting worse. I think we should ration what we have until we figure out another way to get supplies."

Derek placed his phone on the table.

"Did I ask for your opinion?"

The reception hall fell silent.

More than forty survivors occupied Aurora Tower. Some had been hotel guests, others were employees, business executives, tourists and wealthy residents who had sought shelter when the outbreak began.

They had different backgrounds, but they now shared one problem.

Survival.

Unfortunately, none of them wanted to become the next target of Derek Kane's anger.

Before the outbreak, Derek had been one of the most influential businessmen in Neo City. He owned several companies, maintained connections with powerful politicians and had enough money to make almost any problem disappear.

The apocalypse had destroyed the value of his wealth, but it had not completely destroyed his influence.

Derek still controlled the tower's remaining food, security personnel and weapons recovered from the building's armory and abandoned police vehicles.

More importantly, he controlled who received them.

Marcus, on the other hand, had nothing.

He had been a security guard before the outbreak, an ordinary employee who had spent three years protecting the same people who now depended on him for survival.

"There is enough food for tomorrow," Derek continued. "And I have no intention of starving because someone like you is too frightened to do his job."

Marcus's fingers tightened around the empty bottle.

"I understand, sir. But sending one person outside is dangerous. We should organize a group. At least three or four people could cover more ground and watch each other's backs."

Derek stared at him for a moment before letting out a short laugh.

"A group?"

He leaned back in his chair.

"Who exactly do you think will follow you, Marcus?"

His gaze moved across the reception hall.

"Anyone interested in accompanying him?"

Nobody answered.

Some survivors lowered their heads while others suddenly became interested in whatever they were doing. Even the security guards standing behind Derek avoided Marcus's eyes.

Derek smiled.

"That is your answer."

Marcus felt something unpleasant settle in his chest.

He had expected as much, but it still hurt to see how easily everyone avoided him.

"Let's not forget something," Derek continued. "You are the security guard here. You were paid to protect this building and the people inside it. Since protecting us is no longer possible, the least you can do is bring back food."

Marcus lowered his gaze.

Three years. He had spent three years working at Aurora Tower, protecting guests, handling difficult situations and following orders. Before the outbreak, people had at least acknowledged his presence.

Now, he was only useful when someone needed to take a risk.

"Marcus."

The familiar voice made him turn.

Elena Voss was approaching from the other side of the reception hall. Her long dark hair fell over her shoulders and concern softened her features.

She stopped beside him and gently wrapped her fingers around his arm.

"Please don't be upset, sweetheart."

Marcus looked at her.

For three years, Elena had been the most important person in his life. She was the woman he had hoped to build a future with, the person he believed would stand beside him regardless of what happened.

Before the apocalypse, he had spent almost his entire salary making her happy.

Whenever she needed something, he tried to provide it. Sometimes, when his money wasn't enough, he borrowed from colleagues rather than disappoint her. Marcus had never considered those sacrifices a burden. To him, that was what love meant.

"Elena, I don't mind going," he said quietly. "I'm just worried about the situation outside. The zombies are becoming more aggressive and going alone isn't a good idea."

Elena's expression softened.

"I know you're worried, sweetheart."

She gave his arm a gentle squeeze before glancing toward Derek.

"Mr Kane has never experienced real hardship. He's always had people doing everything for him. He wouldn't last a day out there without his money and bodyguards."

Derek scoffed from his chair.

"At least your girlfriend understands your responsibilities."

Elena ignored him and turned her attention back to Marcus.

"But you're different. You're strong, Marcus. You've gone outside several times and always managed to return. I honestly believe your chances of surviving are much higher than his."

Marcus remained silent.

He wanted to believe her words. He wanted to believe that he was capable of handling the situation but the thought of walking through streets filled with zombies alone made his stomach tighten.

Elena moved closer.

"Please do this for everyone. Especially for me. I don't want anything bad to happen to us."

Her fingers tightened around his arm.

Marcus studied her face. There was concern in her eyes, and her voice carried the same softness he had grown accustomed to and he didn't want to disappoint her.

Perhaps Derek was right about one thing. If he was going to be useful to the people inside the tower, he needed to do something.

"Don't worry," Marcus finally said, forcing a smile. "I'll bring back enough food."

Elena's expression brightened.

She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

"I knew I could count on you."

For a moment, those words were enough to ease his worries.

Marcus gave her a small smile before heading toward the staff quarters to prepare.

……….

A few minutes later, he returned wearing a jacket over his security uniform.

A worn backpack hung from one shoulder, while a crossbow was strapped across his chest. He also attached a small flashlight to his belt and carried a metal baton.

He checked the straps on his backpack before approaching the entrance.

Derek was already waiting with two security guards.

"Before you leave, listen carefully."

Marcus stopped and turned toward him.

"You're not coming back empty-handed. There are over forty people in this building and I'm not interested in excuses. Bring enough food to last everyone at least three days."

Marcus frowned.

"Three days? Sir, that might take several trips."

"Then make several trips."

Derek stepped closer, lowering his voice.

"Let me remind you of something, Marcus. You're standing in a building I own, eating food I control and enjoying protection provided by my resources. Don't mistake my generosity for equality."

Marcus said nothing.

As far as Derek was concerned, everything belonged to him.

He turned toward the security guards.

"Lock the entrance after he leaves. Nobody opens it until I give permission."

Marcus looked at the two men.

"Even if I return?"

Derek's lips curved into a faint smile.

"Especially if you return without supplies."

Marcus glanced toward Elena.

She stood a short distance away, watching him. When their eyes met, she gave him a reassuring smile.

He nodded at her before turning back to the entrance and finally exit the building. 

Immediately he got out, he had barely taken a few steps when a strange sound of a low

growling came from somewhere between the abandoned vehicles.

Marcus stopped. His fingers tightened around the baton as he slowly turned his head, realizing that something was moving in the shadows.