Untouched by the Outbreak

The Specimen Zombies, faster and stronger than the regular undead, were an invaluable asset to the government stronghold. Under the glaring light of day, they moved with precision and ease, their enhanced capabilities allowing them to patrol the perimeters, secure resources, and keep the ever-present hordes of regular zombies at bay.

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These Specimens were designed to function optimally in daylight, where visibility was higher, and the Creepers—those savage nocturnal mutants—were nowhere to be seen. The soldiers in charge of the Specimen units had become accustomed to relying on them during the day, trusting their strength and speed to handle threats efficiently.

The enhanced zombies were not mindless. They could follow basic commands and even execute rudimentary strategies, making them far superior to the slow, aimless wanderers that plagued the world. They moved in squads, scanning the area for any signs of danger.

During the day, they dominated the terrain. Whether it was guarding the farmland where the survivors toiled or patrolling the outer boundaries of the stronghold, the Specimens ensured that no regular zombie dared to come too close. Their intimidating presence kept the undead at bay, and any that wandered too near were swiftly dispatched with brutal efficiency.

However, their dominance had its limits.

As the sun began to set, the Specimens received a single order: retreat.

The soldiers overseeing them had learned the hard way that nightfall brought with it a far greater danger—the Creepers. These nocturnal mutants were faster, more agile, and far deadlier than any of the regular zombies or even the Specimens themselves. It was a lesson seared into their minds after the massacre of the first batch of Specimens.

Now, as the sky darkened and the first stars began to appear, the Specimens moved back toward the stronghold with military precision. They entered the dome-like structure through reinforced gates, their movements silent and deliberate. Soldiers stood guard, ensuring that the perimeter was secure and that no Creepers had followed them back.

Once inside, the gates were locked, and the Specimens were ushered into their holding areas, where they would remain until the first light of dawn. The survivors working outside had already been herded back into the safety of the stronghold, their exhausted faces betraying their fear of the night.

The soldier leader lit another cigarette as he watched the gates close behind the last Specimen squad. "Another day survived," he muttered, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "But who knows about tomorrow?"

He knew the Specimens were an invaluable tool, but they were far from invincible. The Creepers were still out there, lurking in the darkness, waiting for their chance to strike. The soldier leader could only hope that the government's experiments would yield stronger results in the future because every night brought them closer to the inevitable truth: the balance of power in this world was shifting, and the living were no longer at the top.

Dr. Hayashi leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening as he reviewed the latest reports on the Specimen Zombies. Their strength and speed were impressive, but they were no match for the truly elite among the undead—the Striders. These creatures were faster, more agile, and more intelligent than any Specimen or regular zombie. A single Strider could outmaneuver and overpower multiple Specimens, making it the perfect candidate for further experimentation.

He had analyzed countless encounters between Specimens and Striders, concluding that it would take at least four Specimens to subdue one Strider. Even then, the odds were slim. Striders were rarely seen alone, and their pack-like behavior made capturing one nearly impossible.

But Dr. Hayashi thrived on impossible challenges.

"If I could just get my hands on one," he muttered, tapping his pen against the table. "One Strider, modified with the enhancements we've perfected on the Specimens... The possibilities are endless."

His mind raced with visions of a new type of Specimen—a hybrid that combined the raw power and speed of a Strider with the obedience and strategic capabilities of the current Specimens. Such a creation would tip the balance of power in the stronghold's favor, making them invincible against the hordes of regular zombies and even Creepers.

Dr. Hayashi rose from his chair and approached the large, reinforced glass window overlooking the holding area. Below him, the 53 Specimens stood motionless, awaiting their next command. Each one was a marvel of bioengineering, but they were still far from his ultimate vision.

"If only I had one," he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor turned to his assistant, a young scientist nervously clutching a clipboard. "Begin preparations for a capture operation. I want a team of all 53 Specimens ready to deploy at a moment's notice."

The assistant's eyes widened. "All 53? But, Dr. Hayashi, Striders never travel alone. If we encounter a pack—"

"I know the risks," Hayashi interrupted sharply. "But we can't wait for the perfect opportunity. The next time one of our patrols spots a lone Strider, we strike. Use the Specimens as bait if necessary. Just bring me one, alive."

The assistant hesitated but eventually nodded. "Understood, sir."

As the assistant left to relay the orders, Dr. Hayashi returned to his desk, his smirk returning. He knew the risks of sending all 53 Specimens into the field at once. If the operation failed, the stronghold would be left vulnerable. But the potential rewards outweighed the risks.

A lone Strider could change everything.

And if his calculations were correct, it was only a matter of time before an opportunity presented itself. The Striders might be elusive, but they weren't invincible. All it would take was one mistake—one moment of isolation—and the stronghold's forces would strike.

Dr. Hayashi's smirk deepened as he leaned back in his chair. "Soon," he whispered to himself. "Very soon."

Ken sat on the small porch of his house near the stream, the sound of running water soothing his nerves. The air was crisp, the faint rustling of leaves mixing with the occasional groans of distant zombies. It had been several days since Ryo had helped him set up his new home, and life was finally starting to feel manageable, if not peaceful.

The house was modest but sturdy, reinforced with metal grilles over the windows and iron plates over the doors. The small solar panel system Ken had installed, with Ryo's assistance, powered his lights, a mini fridge, a rice cooker, and even an electric stove. It was more than enough to keep him and his "harem" comfortable.

Inside, Akiko, his first and most cherished companion, was tidying up the living area with her slow, mechanical movements. She was always near him, never straying far. The other members of his harem—three more female zombies he had "claimed"—moved quietly around the house, fulfilling the tasks Ken assigned them.

Ken leaned back, letting out a satisfied sigh.

"This isn't so bad," he muttered, taking a sip of water from a bottle. "I've got food, power, and my girls. What more could I ask for?"

Despite the eerie nature of his companions, Ken had grown used to their presence. Akiko, in particular, was his favorite. She wasn't just another zombie; she was his girlfriend—at least, that's how he saw her. He reached out and gently touched her hand as she passed by, earning a blank yet oddly comforting stare in return.

"You're my rock, Akiko," Ken said softly, pulling her close to sit beside him. "Couldn't have done this without you."

She didn't respond, of course, but her presence was enough.

Ken's thoughts drifted to Ryo, the man who had made all of this possible. Ryo had been a strange but invaluable ally, never judging Ken's unconventional choices. He even went out of his way to help Ken find and "claim" the perfect additions to his harem. The female zombies Ryo had selected were loyal and protective, forming a barrier between Ken and any potential threats.

"That guy's something else," Ken said, chuckling. "Sayako, his zombie, though... she's on a whole different level. Fast, deadly, and completely loyal to him. Makes me wonder what's his secret."

Ken's gaze shifted to the stream, its gentle flow reflecting the moonlight. He thought about his future. Ryo had given him the tools to survive, but the responsibility of maintaining this life was now on his shoulders.

"I'll need to scavenge more tomorrow," Ken decided, glancing back at his house. "A bigger solar panel, maybe more supplies. Can't just rely on Ryo for everything."

As the night deepened, Ken stood and stretched, calling his harem inside. He locked the door securely, a habit ingrained in him since the outbreak began.

Lying on the bed, with Akiko beside him as his makeshift pillow and the others surrounding him protectively, Ken allowed himself a rare moment of contentment.

"This might not be the life I imagined," he thought as he drifted off to sleep. "But it's mine, and I'll make the most of it."

The soft hum of the solar-powered lights filled the room, blending with the quiet murmurs of the zombies outside. Ken closed his eyes, feeling, for once, that he was truly safe.