"Author pov"

The zombie's head snapped toward the crates where Lily was hiding, its hollow, soulless eyes locking onto her spot. Its movements were unnervingly deliberate, as if it were stalking rather than aimlessly wandering.

"Just my damn luck," Zade muttered under his breath, gripping his axe tightly. "Of course, it's a smart one."

His sharp gaze darted toward Lily, who peeked out from behind the crates, her face pale with fear. "Stay low," he barked, his tone rough but urgent. "Don't move unless I say."

Lily's wide eyes met his as she whispered, "Do I look like some experiment mouse? Do something!"

Zade's jaw tightened. He shot her a glare, his frustration barely contained. "You're not the mouse here," he snapped. "But it's sure as hell treating us like we're part of some twisted game."

The zombie suddenly lunged toward the crates, its grotesque form moving faster than Zade had anticipated. "Damn it," he growled, stepping forward. "Time to end this."

Swinging his axe, he shouted to draw the creature's attention. The zombie hesitated, turning toward him instead. Zade took his chance, charging forward with brutal force. The axe cleaved through the zombie's skull, splitting it cleanly. The creature dropped to the ground in a heap, unmoving.

Breathing heavily, Zade wiped the blade on his sleeve, his mind racing. "A smart zombie," he muttered, shaking his head. "What the hell is going on?"

********************************

Lily stepped out from behind the crates, crossing her arms as she fixed him with a glare. "I almost died because of your little experiment," she said, her voice trembling with anger.

Zade turned to her, his expression hard. "My experiment?" he echoed, scoffing. "You think I wanted this? I'm trying to figure out how to keep us alive, not get us killed."

Lily bit her lip, her anger fading into something softer. "Okay," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She fell into step behind him, her mind spinning. They were strangers, and yet he had saved her life twice now. Still, the fear that he might leave her behind gnawed at her.

********************************

Zade slowed his pace, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Ahead was a fortified house with barricaded windows and blinking security systems. He motioned for Lily to follow.

"This is a survivor base," he explained as they approached.

Safe. Lots of automated security. No risk of infection here now this world-at least not from bites because The vaccine took care of that we made vaccine that stopped from turning into zombie but it quite late 70% of population already turned into zombie.. only 30% left...so the real problem now is the ones already turned... zombie..we need to eliminate them..we need zombie killer army now...zade is zombie killer officer..they killed zombie and free city from zombie so people can back started their life...

Lily hesitated at the entrance, her gaze darting to the people inside. "Am I even allowed here?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I'm just... a runway civilian."

Zade glanced at her, his features softening slightly. "I'll vouch for you," he said gruffly. Then, with a faint smirk, he added, "Besides, they could use someone who thinks on their feet."

Lily narrowed her eyes at him. "Was that supposed to be funny?"

Zade chuckled, a rare sound that surprised even him. "Not funny. Just realistic. Now, come on. Let's get settled before someone starts asking questions."

********************************

Inside, the survivor base was a makeshift haven. There were bunk beds lining the walls, a stockpile of supplies in the corner, and a map pinned to the wall marked with resources and safe zones.

Zade pointed to an empty bunk. "You'll sleep here tonight," he said, setting down his pack.

Lily glanced at him, unsure. "Where are you sleeping?"

He nodded toward a bunk near the door. "Over there. Strategic. I'll have a clear view of the room and the entrance."

Lily considered his reasoning, then shrugged. "I'll do the same. Strategic decision."

Zade paused, studying her with a hint of surprise. "Good thinking," he said, his voice softer now. "Always better to be prepared."

Lily climbed onto her bunk, stealing a glance at him as he organized supplies. Despite his rough edges and the danger surrounding them, she couldn't shake the strange sense of safety she felt with him nearby.

For now, the base offered them a fragile sense of security, but Zade's ever-watchful eyes told a different story. He was already planning their next move, knowing that peace was fleeting in a world like this.