The moment I slipped into the bushes, a shambling figure appeared at the intersection. Then another... and another. A dozen Zombies emerged, snarling as they circled the villa. Finally, they found the entrance and shuffled inside.
Watching them enter, I couldn’t pinpoint my emotions—only a twisted sense of satisfaction. The shouting and cursing from inside had abruptly stopped.
"Quiet is good..."
I muttered the words without thinking. Glancing around, I confirmed no Zombies lingered nearby. Only then did I relax, sheathing my Samurai Sword and drawing the military knife at my waist. I pressed close to the wall and moved forward.
As I advanced, I checked my watch.
"1:32 PM already?"
Dusk was closing in. I dreaded traveling at night. The dangers were too great—like that gecko monster last time. If I met it again in the dark... I’d likely die. Its speed was terrifying, and its camouflage made it nearly invisible after sunset. Just imagining an encounter... I’d be an instant kill.
"Hope it’s a male," I thought grimly. "At least it might give me a second to react."
Those monsters were driven by mating urges. A female would be far worse.
Lost in these thoughts, I followed the eastern wall. The compound had no gates on its east or west sides—only high perimeter walls. The north and south gates were the only exits. I’d entered through the south gate and had already passed Villa 13, meaning I was halfway to the garage. It sat west of the north gate. Just beyond that gate lay my goal.
A sudden question struck me: Why was the garage on the north side when everyone drove in from the south? Some rich-people logic, I guessed. As a poor guy, I’d never understand. Right now, I just needed to reach that car before dark.
...
Sticking to the shadows beneath the outer wall, I moved through the grass. Not a single Zombie crossed my path—likely drawn by the noise back at the villa. I reached the north gate’s pillar easily. No Zombies here either. I slipped past and stood before the underground parking entrance.
Darkness yawned within. My steps faltered. What lurked down there? Could I even see it?
"Maybe the guard shack has a flashlight."
I headed for the north gate’s shack. The door hung open. Inside, the layout mirrored the south gate’s post. And there—on the windowsill—sat a flashlight. Relief washed over me as I grabbed it. Then my hope died.
"Barely any charge left?"
Of course. Left untouched for a month, even good batteries leaked power. The display showed only a single bar. I frowned, weighing my options.
But I’d come this far. I needed transport. No turning back.
Gritting my teeth, I tightened my grip on the dying flashlight and stepped toward the garage ramp. Knife in one hand, flashlight in the other, I switched it on. The weak beam barely reached three meters ahead.
Silence pressed down as I entered. My senses screamed alert. The ceiling loomed five meters high—smooth concrete, like the floor. I pulled out the Maserati keys, hesitated, then hit the unlock button.
*Beep! Beep!*
Lights flashed. An engine roared to life—*VROOOOM!*—and a crimson supercar glided smoothly out of the shadows. Its sleek curves caught my flashlight’s glow.
"Whoa... self-driving system?"
"Damn, that’s slick."
I ran a hand over its flawless surface, reluctant to let go. But after a moment’s hesitation, I looked past it. More cars lined the lot.
"Where’s that Yamaha?"
The motorcycle was my real target. Better for rough terrain. Later, maybe a pickup truck—somewhere to sleep and escape.
I pressed the Yamaha key fob.
*Beep—*
The sound came from deep inside. I sprinted toward it—just as an eerie wail echoed through the garage.
*Woooo... woooo...*
*MONSTER?! ZOMBIES?!*
My muscles locked. I ducked behind a pillar, peering into the darkness...
Then I exhaled sharply.
"Just the wind..."
A metal door at the far end rattled in the draft, whistling through its gaps.
Heart still pounding, I moved deeper into the garage. The flashlight’s dim beam cut through the gloom—and revealed a row of motorcycles. And beside them... three human figures.
