Jessy's Perspective
It was 7:00 a.m. Jessy had already cleaned the master bedroom and was meticulously wiping the kitchen counter. Her body ached, but the discomfort was manageable. Last night's meal—the glorious, tender chicken and the thick, rich broth—still sat comfortably in her stomach. It was the energy of survival, the justification for her new life.
She quietly pulled out her cellphone and opened the Link network chat window. The photo she had taken the night before of her abundant plate of chicken soup was still there. She reread the last message she had received two days ago from Zoe, the girl she had known since high school, the one who always had to be the prettiest, the most popular, and now, the most smug survivor.
Zoe's message was a cruel reminder of Jessy's former poverty: "At least I have someone to give me tuna cans, Jessy. What do they give you?"
Jessy inhaled sharply, the anger giving her the strength she needed. She pasted the photo of the steaming chicken and wrote the message she had composed in her head, every word distilling a delicious spite.
To: Zoe
Just so you know. My supplier doesn't give me cans. This is what he gives me. Enjoy your tuna.
She pressed Send. The message was delivered immediately. Jessy threw the phone onto the counter, her heart pounding. The revenge was sweet, but the fear of Dan discovering the vanity of the message brought her back to the harsh reality.
She immediately began cleaning the refrigerator. It was part of her new responsibility. The fridge was unnaturally full of produce that looked freshly found and gathered; they were proof of the illusion of abundance Dan maintained. He said he would keep filling it with things he found. He trusts me to manage it. The responsibility felt heavy, yet empowering.
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Meanwhile, twenty blocks away, in the dark, cramped, and humid basement of an old office building, Zoe sat on a pile of broken cardboard, sharing half a cold can of tuna with two middle-aged men who protected her in exchange for sexual services and her good looks. The smell of nearby decay mixed with the stench of canned tuna.
Zoe was pretty, but her beauty was withering with the grime and lack of comfort. She had maintained her superiority over other girls by regularly obtaining canned food, a rare currency.
One of the men, Raúl, with three days' beard and tired eyes, snatched the fork from her hand.
—That's enough for you. Give some to Miguel.
—But... —Zoe protested. She was hungry.
—Shut up! Don't make me wait. If you don't eat the crap I give you, another will. —Raúl spat on the floor.
Zoe swallowed her pride and handed over the can. She took out her phone, just to check for any news on the network, or perhaps, to revel in someone else's misery.
The screen lit up with Jessy's chat. Zoe smiled disdainfully. Surely the poor girl is asking me for a favor now...
She opened the message. And the cold air of the basement felt even colder.
The image hit her like a punch to the stomach: a steaming plate, a thick soup with real chicken pieces and fresh noodles. Not stale noodles; new noodles.
Her eyes clouded with toxic envy, a silent fury that was more dangerous than any zombie. Her empty stomach screamed for the luxury she was seeing.
—Liar!— she thought, feeling her hands tremble. —It's an old photo. It can't be real. I'm the best, I look better, I got the best supplier...
But the background of the photo was too crisp, the light too bright, the dishware too clean. It looked too much like normal life.
Raúl leaned over her.
—What are you looking at, little whore?
Zoe quickly hid the photo and locked the phone.
—Nothing, boss. Just... a silly woman showing off.
—I don't like secrets. Show me. —Raúl, more out of boredom than interest, snatched the cellphone.
Raúl saw the photo and the message. His face turned red with anger, not out of jealousy, but out of disgust for weakness.
—Damn it! Real food? Chicken! And you're here eating this garbage. You think you're better than them, but you're a loser, just like the other one!
—No, no, Raúl, it's a lie, it's just an old photo...
—Shut up! If she has access to that, why aren't we? You're useless! You don't even know how to get good deals! —Raúl threw Zoe's cellphone to the floor, where it broke. —Now get up! You've ruined my appetite. It's time for you to fulfill your morning service.
Zoe's tears fell down her face, not for the broken cellphone, but for the shame and hunger. Jessy, the "loser," had won the war of pride.
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Day 5
It was 8:30 a.m. Dan was on the sofa, reading the world news on his cell. The world outside was hell, but he was at peace. Jessy was in the kitchen, making soft noises as she prepared breakfast with the fresh eggs from the fridge.
Dan finished his breakfast and turned to his cell. It was time to contact Irene.
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Dan sent a direct message to Irene, the woman with the network of contacts.
Irene. Productive day yesterday. I have significantly improved my supplies.
Aside from the chicken you facilitated (the frozen one is an achievement), I found a good level Bulletproof Vest and a Taser Gun. My security resources are solid, and I am in expansion mode.
The question is: Can you get me people?
I need a team, no more than two or three, who are not nuisances. People who desperately need food and water, enough to risk a cleanup.
My building has some infected on the lower levels and at the service entrance. I want a team to eliminate them, clear the area, and guarantee me an expanded safe zone. In exchange, I will pay them in daily rations of food and bottles of water. I can provide them with steel bats or steel pipes for the task. I don't want nuisances, just people who can help.
Tell me if it's possible to get a team for this afternoon.
Irene replied in less than a minute.
Mr. Olsen. The vest and the taser are excellent news. Your security foresight is admirable. The offer of steel bats or pipes as work weapons is very attractive; people value the durability of melee weapons.
People who desperately need a cleanup job... there are many. But efficient people are rare. I can inquire among my most reliable contacts.
The price will be what you proposed: daily rations of food and water. The bats are simple to duplicate and expendable for you, so they will be a great incentive. Give me two hours. I will get you a list of potential candidates and their demands. I can schedule a presentation meeting in my area for this afternoon, around 3:00 p.m., if that works for you.
Dan smiled. Irene's efficiency was invaluable. The afternoon hour gave him time for his morning mission.
(8:45 a.m.) Dan put on the Light Bulletproof Vest (infinite) under a linen shirt.
—Jessy —he called her.
She approached immediately.
—Today I will go on a simple scavenging mission. I need basic medicines and to check something farther from here.
Dan stared at her. Domination was exerted with word and gaze.
—Your task today is the following: I want this apartment impeccably clean and tidy when I return. This includes every corner. Furthermore, your job is passive security. Under no circumstances should you open the bolts. If you hear unusual noises, or anything that alarms you, go immediately to the bathroom and lock yourself in until I return. Understood?
—Yes, Dan. I understand. I will focus on cleaning and remain calm —Jessy said, nodding. It was a reasonable task, a test of her obedience and her aptitude for a housekeeper and watchman job.
Dan took his bat and checked the Taser's ammunition.
—I'll be back near noon. Don't do anything stupid.
—Yes, Dan. Be careful —Jessy said, with genuine concern. If Dan died, her life of luxury ended and she would return to the basement.
Dan smiled, with quiet satisfaction. The domination was complete.
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He left the fortress at 9:00 a.m., closing the three safety bolts. His destination was a small pharmacy just three blocks away. It was a low-risk, high-reward mission. He needed aspirins, antibiotics, and bandages.
He moved through the side streets, maintaining the stealth he had perfected. His target was the pharmacy on the corner of Street B. There were no visible vehicles or infected, but Dan never trusted the calm.
He reached the pharmacy. The glass door was broken. He entered, gently hitting the door with his bat to alert any danger. Silence.
He proceeded methodically, making sure no one saw him as he performed the storage action.
—Store Aspirins (Pack x100). —BEEP. —Store First Aid Kit (Large). —BEEP. —Store Generic Antibiotics (Bottle x50). —BEEP.
He took his time. He found something else: a package of baby wipes. A luxury in this world.
—Store Baby Wipes (Pack x3). —BEEP.
Upon leaving, the street was still clear. The mission was a complete success.
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Dan entered the apartment at 10:15 a.m., taking off the Light Bulletproof Vest right after closing the three safety bolts. Jessy emerged from the kitchen.
—Welcome back, Dan. —She sounded relieved.
Dan assessed the room with a quick glance. The apartment was immaculate, cushions aligned, dust non-existent.
—Good job, Jessy. The place is impeccable. Any news, or noise that alarmed you?
—No, Dan. I heard the usual street sounds, but nothing in the building or that made me go to the bathroom. Everything is calm.
Dan nodded, with quiet satisfaction. Obedience and competence in the mundane were more valuable than any statistic.
He sat on the sofa and checked his cell. Two hours had passed.
Irene: Mr. Olsen. I have found a team. A couple is available. They need to secure rations for their daughter, which makes them highly motivated people. They ask for a daily ration of food and a bottle of water per person, a steel bat for each that they can keep, and an extra two-day bonus ration if they clean the area. I confirm the presentation meeting at 3:00 p.m. at the usual meeting point. Let me know if you accept.
Dan did not hesitate.
Irene. The terms are accepted. The incentive is logical. I will be there at 3:00 p.m. I will pay them for the first day of service and the bats after the job is completed. Ensure their discretion and punctuality.
The deal was closed. Dan now had a "cleanup" team for the afternoon.
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Dan prepared for the meeting. He left the fortress again at 2:45 p.m. with his bat and the Taser.
He arrived at Irene's meeting point at 3:00 p.m. Exactly on time, Irene was there with a couple who looked exhausted, but determined: Martín, a stocky man in his thirties with torn work clothes, and Laura, smaller and cautious.
Dan observed Irene. He thought: Irene looked better than last time. Her skin was less strained, her gaze more alive. My payments in premium rations were suiting her well. Her loyalty was cheap, but invaluable. The more I feed her, the stronger her network of contacts will be for me.
Irene stepped aside. —Mr. Olsen. They are Martín and Laura.
Martín got straight to the point. —We know what you offer and what you require. My wife can keep us stealthy, and I can hit hard. Our daughter, Elena, has a medical condition that makes her very weak. We need constant food and security for her. We will do whatever it takes to guarantee her rations.
Dan assessed them. He saw pure desperation. They were perfect.
—Payment is daily: rations and water. The bonus is for the total cleanup of the lower levels and entrances of building 12B. The service entrance is your main concern. It's dirty work.
—Understood —Laura said, in a calm voice.
Dan nodded. —The extra payment for steel bats is upfront. It's your work equipment.
Dan took the backpack he had taken from the inventory to camouflage his extractions. He simulated searching and pulled out the bats.
—Take out Steel Bat. —BEEP.
—Take out Steel Bat. —BEEP.
Two identical, new, and heavy bats appeared in his hands. He handed them to Martín and Laura.
—They are paid for. The rest is paid tomorrow after the job. I want the building ready by dawn.
—We will do it. Thank you, Mr. Olsen —Martín said.
Dan and Irene said goodbye. The cleanup team immediately began their task.
The cleanup mission began at 3:15 p.m. The smell was concentrated putrefaction.
Dan took the lead. Seeing the first zombie, the fear was real.
The steel bat connected with a wet crunch against the zombie's skull. It was a visceral smash. Dan felt the wave of nausea.
DING
[The Kill Reward System has been Activated!]
Kill Reward: Common Zombie: +1 Shotgun Shell (Caliber 12) (Appears in Reward Inventory)
The second zombie lunged. Dan could not afford the luxury of nausea. He struck with cold fury. CRACK!
Kill Reward: Common Zombie: +1 9mm Bullet (Pistol) (Appears in Reward Inventory)
Martín moved well for a construction worker. He wasn't a trained fighter, but he struck with effective desperation, making the zombies fall to their knees. Laura, visibly terrified, used her bat to maintain distance, giving contained screams of panic.
On the seventh zombie (which Dan killed), he felt the strong shock of power.
DING
A notification shone with blinding intensity:
[CRITICAL REWARD HIT!]
Kill Reward: Common Zombie: Handgun with Silencer (9mm)! (Appears in Reward Inventory)
Kill Reward: Common Zombie: +1 Bottle of Alcohol (Disinfectant) (Appears in Reward Inventory)
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The massacre ended in the service hallway. Dan was exhausted by the mental drain. Martín, delivering the final blow to a straggler, wiped the sweat from his brow. Laura, trembling, leaned against the wall.
Dan approached Martín.
—Not bad, Martín. You have guts.
Martín nodded. —Desperation is a good trainer, Mr. Olsen.
Dan observed him.
—Look, Martín. I'm consolidating here. At some point, I'll need more than just a cleanup. I'll need someone inside, someone to cover my back. If I keep prospering, I'll have to form a small team. Would you sign up for something like that?
Martín hesitated for a second, then looked at his wife.
—Absolutely, Mr. Olsen. Believe me, in this end of the world, you realize what kind of people the majority are. I've seen scumbags. Just a few weeks ago, a group of crazy people tried to take Laura. We had to flee, and luckily there were several of us, but I realized that if we are alone, we won't survive. My daughter, Elena... luckily she wasn't with us that day, but she suffers from a condition that makes her sickly, and without the right supplies...
Dan felt a pang of something akin to responsibility. Elena was the anchor of Martín's loyalty.
—I understand. Well, if you're going to work for me long-term, I need to know more about you. What did you do before all this?
—I was a construction worker, sir. I know about maintenance and structures. And Laura was a nursing assistant. —Martín pointed to his wife.
Dan nodded. He thought: A nursing assistant is invaluable. Good news. He had to secure their loyalty, without making it easy.
—Today is a first payment. Tomorrow I will pay you for the full day, but this is a bonus for your family's motivation.
Dan reached into the backpack and discreetly pulled out a bottle of Generic Antibiotics.
—I found this this morning. For Elena. Maybe it will help her.
Martín looked at the bottle of antibiotics with genuine surprise. His expression changed from desperation to deep gratitude.
—Mr. Olsen... I... I will be eternally grateful. I will do anything.
—It doesn't matter. Just do your job well. —Dan turned his back to them.
As they left, Dan watched them from the end of the hallway. He thought: I wish there were more people like that. Maybe surrounding myself with trustworthy people isn't so bad either.
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Dan returned to the apartment at 5:30 p.m. After closing the bolts, Jessy appeared.
—Dan, you're back. Are you okay? The street smelled awful after you left. —Jessy said, with genuine concern.
—The building is safe. The job was done well. You don't have to worry about the basement anymore —Dan replied. He felt dirty from the blood and the nausea still pulsed in his throat, but the exhaustion was a good buffer.
—I'm glad you're well. Do you need anything before dinner? —Jessy asked, offering him a clean towel.
—Just a moment alone. I need to shower and check my things. Don't disturb me.
Dan locked himself in the bathroom.
He summoned the Handgun with Silencer onto his mental panel from the Reward Inventory.
Dan mentally tried to move the item from the Reward Inventory directly to the Main Inventory, the method he used to duplicate common items before they appeared in his hand. Nothing happened. The image of the pistol remained motionless in the Rewards panel.
He thought: Damn it. Is it a unique item? Can't such a rare weapon be duplicated? He felt a wave of cold frustration, fearing he had failed. It's not a low-level resource... there has to be a way.
He forced himself to remain calm. He had to follow the logic: the system required everything.
He then chose to take the handgun out of the Reward Inventory.
—Take out Handgun with Silencer. —BEEP.
The pistol, black and shiny, appeared in his hand.
Now, the pistol was in the physical world, and Dan attempted the "Storage" to the Main Inventory: —Store Handgun with Silencer. —BEEP.
DING. The Main System responds: "Item stored. Now infinite."
Dan felt an overwhelming, electric euphoria. His heart pounded with a force he hadn't known. He had cracked the code: duplication only occurred by 'storing' an item that had been 'taken out' of the other system. He had managed to make the most valuable weapon on the continent infinite.
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Dan left the bathroom. Jessy was in the kitchen.
—Jessy. I want a victory dinner.
Dan activated the system. He approached Jessy and reached into his back pocket, simulating pulling something out. The Handgun with Silencer appeared in his hand. He placed it on the counter.
—I got this today. It's my insurance. If someone tries to take this fortress, you won't hear them coming. —Dan picked up the pistol and casually holstered it, storing it back with a movement from his pocket.
Jessy was stunned. Her supplier was a man of resources who defied reality.
—Go to that fridge full of food and prepare the most abundant dinner you can imagine.
Jessy nodded fervently. While she prepared dinner, Dan watched her. The tension of the day needed to be released.
He got up from his seat and approached her. Jessy felt his presence and turned. Dan gently took her by the chin, and she accepted the touch. The need was mutual: Dan's need to exert his dominance in the only safe space, and Jessy's need to reaffirm her privileged position.
Later, dinner was served. Jessy's cheeks were slightly flushed as she served the plates, avoiding Dan's gaze with a shy smile. But in the end, they ate their meal, normalizing the new reality.
Dan ate with appetite, while his mind raced. He took out his cell.
News Feed (7:30 p.m.): Breaking News: Authorities confirm that the mountain area evacuation has failed. The government urges citizens to remain in safe shelters.
Dan focused on the network. He saw what other survivors were posting: videos of groups of men threatening others, other videos showing group abuse of tied-up women, and a gruesome clip where they killed zombies and, worse still, other humans, just to hang the trophy online, exhibiting the fear of their victims. The apocalypse had unmasked the worst face of humanity.
He thought: Having infinite resources makes me a target. And if they find me alone, no matter how good my pistol is, a group will overwhelm me. My infinite pistol is useless if I'm dead.
He looked at Jessy. Then he thought of Martín and Laura.
He thought: I need trustworthy people. And most importantly: I need to show that I am the most dangerous person in this neighborhood. I've already noticed people watching me from their windows when I go scavenging; they are either very scared or are looking for the perfect moment to rob me.
He decided that Day 6 would begin with a patrol to establish his visual dominance. Tomorrow, he would stand guard.
Finishing dinner, Dan took Jessy to bed. Day 5 has ended.