FIVE YEARS LATER
"Hah." Thanos exhaled softly, gazing out through the wide glass windows of his Spanish villa as the orange sun melted into the horizon. Five years—five long, restless years filled with sleepless nights, endless experiments, and ruthless business decisions. From a man who once drifted through chaos and war, Thanos had become a symbol of power, wealth, and fear.
He now owned three major companies scattered across Spain, each serving a purpose only he truly understood.
The first, Nanobotics, was his most ambitious dream. No one believed in it but him. The goal was simple yet impossible—nanobots compatible with every genetic structure on Earth. Scientists told him it couldn't be done. But Thanos didn't care. Every failed prototype brought him closer to success. It wasn't profitable yet, but he knew that one day, when the world began to rot again, Nanobotics would be the key to survival.
The second was Paranormal Company, not founded but purchased by Thanos. It used to chase ghosts—literally—but in his memory, during the ghoul era, this company had been one of the last pillars of humanity. So he changed its core purpose, expanding its research into energy manipulation, supernatural frequencies, and dimension resonance. His ideas seemed like madness, but the results spoke otherwise. The company was growing fast—too fast, perhaps. But that was what he needed.
Then came his third company, and the only one bringing in real profit—Modern Weapon Company. The name was dull, but the impact was legendary. His first product was a gun so revolutionary it rewrote the definition of precision. It was light, perfectly balanced, and had this strange calming effect that steadied the shooter's hand. Combined with his custom bullets, the results were terrifying—a skilled marksman could eliminate two targets with a single shot.
Spain fell in love with it. The weapon spread like wildfire across the nation's elite and underground alike. He gave special discounts only to the royal family—mostly because of Yvonne and Sophia.
But then came his true breakthrough—his bombs. Thanos took the concept of destruction and gave it a new face. By compressing atoms beyond natural stability, he created explosives that could level entire countries. The world shook. Every nation wanted his blueprints. The pressure was intense, but the Spanish royal family protected him fiercely. No one dared to touch him.
That was when the world finally took notice.
TOP TEN RICHEST MAN IN THE WORLD
Within a year, Thanos' name appeared alongside the titans of industry and power. His wealth had become legendary. Media outlets called him The Iron Mind of Spain, a man whose ideas danced between genius and madness. He controlled enough assets to challenge small nations. Governments respected him. Enemies feared him. And those who once ignored him now bowed when he passed.
But for Thanos, the money didn't matter—it was just a tool. He wasn't building an empire for luxury; he was building it for survival. The zombie invasion was drawing closer. He could feel it in his bones like a whisper from the future.
Still, there was no harm in enjoying the present. The royal palace had become his new home, Sophia his closest companion, and Yvonne—soon to be his bride—an anchor tying him to this peaceful illusion.
Yet even surrounded by gold, laughter, and warmth, Thanos could sense it—the calm before the storm.
This time, when the dead rose again, he would be ready.
This time, he would not let history repeat itself.
Until then… he might as well enjoy the luxury of the palace.
After all, peace was only temporary.