"Yes… they're only sixteen, just like me. We all studied dance together! Please… please, you must help save them. They're still so young!"
Minako Lee clutched at Ethan Cole's sleeve, pressing her body just a little too close, brushing deliberately against his leg.
"Sixteen? And dancers?"
The words instantly lit up the eyes of the other male survivors. The thought of having girls at their camp—young, beautiful girls—sent waves of excitement through them. In a world stripped bare of comforts, what could be more alluring than the promise of female companionship?
They already had a relatively safe shelter. With this supermarket under their control, food and water were no longer an immediate concern. Now, only one thing was missing.
If women joined their camp, life in the apocalypse might not feel so terrifying after all.
Several men turned their eager eyes to Ethan Cole. Some of the younger ones were already itching to rush into the alley to play heroes.
"How many zombies are in the alley?" Ethan asked cautiously. Recruiting new members—especially women—was tempting. But no matter what, he couldn't risk his men's lives needlessly.
Minako's voice trembled. "Other than the two chasing me, there must be more inside."
"Zombies? Easy prey, boss!" one youth boasted.
"Yeah, three of us could clear them out in no time!" another added, puffing his chest.
"That's right. Let a few stay here to tally supplies, while we go save them. By the time we're back, the inventory will be done, and we'll all return together. Two birds with one stone!"
The younger survivors pleaded with him, their teenage hormones clouding their judgment.
Ethan frowned, weighing the risk. His instincts warned caution, but the pressure of so many eager eyes was hard to ignore. "Alright. Victor Grant, Gavin Doyle—you're with me. The rest stay here and keep counting supplies. And stay sharp—not just against zombies, but against other survivor groups that might try to plunder what we've taken."
"Relax, boss," one of the younger men chuckled. "Every survivor we've run into so far has begged to join us. And we've got the numbers—who would dare rob us?"
Ethan's expression hardened. "Never let your guard down. This is the apocalypse. Hungry men will do anything to survive. Remember that."
The youths nodded, though some still grinned with misplaced confidence. Ethan gave a final warning before leading Victor and Gavin after Minako, who guided them toward the alley.
They never suspected that what awaited them inside wasn't a pack of zombies, but armed Neon survivors—men wielding gleaming steel blades, lying in ambush.
From his vantage point above, Lucas Kane saw everything. He didn't particularly care for Ethan Cole, but the sight of Neon survivors laying traps stirred something deep within him—an instinctive loathing. Their cruelty, their deceit… it gave him every reason to draw his blade.
Without a sound, Lucas vaulted from the rooftop, landing softly, then sprinted toward the alley like a shadow cutting through the night.
…
On the other side, Minako still clung tightly to Ethan's arm, eyes wide and trembling, the perfect image of a frightened girl. She was petite, but her figure left little to be desired—curves moving in subtle rhythm as she walked. Behind them, Victor and Gavin exchanged glances, temptation gnawing at them despite their caution.
"They're close," Minako whispered urgently. "Just around that corner—please, big brother, save my sisters!"
Ethan nodded, his eyes scanning every shadow, every corner. Something about the silence felt wrong—unnatural. The alley was far too quiet.
"Thank you, big brother. I… I like you." Minako suddenly cupped Ethan's face in her hands and kissed him deeply, catching him completely off guard.
Ethan froze, stunned. He had never experienced a girl so bold, so forward. Behind him, Victor and Gavin seethed with envy, wishing they had been in his place.
But their fantasies shattered when, in the next instant, seven Neon survivors burst from the shadows, blades flashing under the dim light. Three from the front, four from behind—trapping them completely.
"Ma dai! Korosu!" one of the Neon men barked, raising his katana.
"What—?" Ethan barely managed to react before the cold edge of a dagger pressed against his throat.
"Drop your weapons," Minako hissed, her voice suddenly sharp, dripping with triumph. A blade gleamed in her hand as she revealed her true face.
Victor and Gavin froze, minds blank. Their bows were raised, but hesitation locked their arms. Outnumbered, their leader held hostage, they were paralyzed with fear.
"Who are you? What do you want?" Ethan demanded, his voice low and furious.
"I am Minako, and these are Neon survivors. Just like you, we formed a camp. But not a pitiful survivor camp like yours…" Her lips curled into a cruel smile. "…we are the Hunter's Camp. In Dragon Republic there's a saying: wolves travel a thousand miles to eat meat, dogs travel a thousand miles to eat dung. We are wolves. You? You're the meat."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "If it's food and water you want, I can give it. Let us go, and I swear you'll have what you need."
Minako laughed softly. "A promise? From you? Do you take me for a fool? Release prey back into the wild? No… instead, here's what will happen. One of your boys will come with us. You and the other stay here as hostages. If he disobeys, I slit your throat."
"Don't listen!" Ethan barked at the younger survivor. "If you lead them back, the others will be slaughtered. Better the three of us die here than doom everyone else!"
But Minako only tilted her head mockingly. "So noble. But it won't matter. We can kill you here, then lure the rest in anyway. We're eight strong—you've only four left outside. Numbers alone will bury them."
Her voice grew soft, almost seductive, then suddenly cruel again. "But if you obey me… I can promise you a little pleasure before death. A sweet release, instead of the agony of watching zombies devour you alive."
The chill in her words cut deeper than any blade, raising gooseflesh along their arms.
And from the shadows, Lucas Kane drew closer, ready to strike.