Apocalypse: King of Zombies Chapter 1208: The Warning from General Cross

Ryan guided Ethan and his companions into a secluded conference chamber nestled amid those opulent structures.

General Maxwell Kane waited there already, holding a mug of coffee, clearly anticipating their arrival.

As soon as Ethan's group entered, Maxwell rose to his feet right away.

“Glad you made it. Have a seat—please.” He motioned invitingly toward the chairs opposite him.

Ethan and the rest felt a bit shocked spotting him—since they recognized exactly who he was.

Not on a personal level, of course. Rather… scarcely anyone in the whole Atlas Federation failed to know him.

Maxwell Kane served as the top military leader of the Atlas Federation—a marshal stacked with countless accomplishments for the nation. Prior to the apocalypse, his image flooded televisions and the web everywhere.

“General Maxwell Kane, it's truly an honor,” Ethan stated. Even his voice grew respectful before such a figure.

Maxwell let out a chuckle. “Skip the formalities. That's ancient history now. Just Maxwell will do.”

“Got it… Maxwell.” Ethan gave a nod.

Maxwell's casual demeanor instantly made him likable.

Once seated, Maxwell personally served them tea while chatting.

“You came into the compound today?”

“Yes. Just recently.”

“Riding those flying mounts?”

Ethan hesitated briefly before nodding. “That's right.”

“I've heard of you,” Maxwell said smiling. “Ethan, correct?”

“You know my name?” Ethan blinked, then realization struck. “Hold on… General Cross?”

“Yes. Cross served under me long ago.” Maxwell confirmed with a nod. “He casually mentioned a team of remarkably skilled youngsters in his base. That must be your group.”

“…Looks like General Cross can't hold back from talking either,” Ethan remarked, somewhat resigned.

“No misunderstanding here.” Maxwell dismissed it with a wave. “It came up in conversation. He shared hardly any details.”

Maxwell's look turned to one of respect.

“That guy's secretive. Even as his former superior pressing him, he wouldn't elaborate. Just your name—and a heads-up that if I crossed paths with you, I should avoid clashing at all costs.”

He exhaled, tone mixing humor and gravity.

“I figured he overstated it. But meeting you face-to-face, his caution proved spot on.”

“You're too kind.” Ethan rubbed his nose, embarrassed.

“Not at all.” Maxwell's gaze intensified, utterly earnest. “The second I laid eyes on you, I sensed that if you struck, I'd be done for. Nobody in the compound could protect me.”

He rapped the table softly, underscoring his words.

“My gut never fails. It's honed from brushing death's door countless times.”

Ryan's eyes bulged at that. He shifted his full attention to Ethan's crew, alert now.

Ethan adopted his most innocent face. “You're painting us as frightening. We don't assault folks without cause.”

“I trust that,” Maxwell agreed, nodding. “So—what draws you to Atlas City?”

Ethan cut straight to it. “Rumors of a unique spatial world here caught our interest. We came to check it out.”

“Understood.” Maxwell nodded, visible relief washing over him. No intent to stir chaos made it acceptable.

“We do possess one. It's currently locked down, but if you're keen, Ryan can escort you.”

“Appreciate the help.” Ethan's spirits soared. He hadn't foreseen such ease.

“No issue at all—minor favor.” Maxwell paused before adding frankly, “Upfront warning: we've combed that realm repeatedly. Don't expect treasures if that's your aim; most are gone.”

“No problem,” Ethan replied. “Pure curiosity. We want to witness a special spatial world firsthand.”

“Makes sense.” Maxwell's features sobered. “It's impressive enough. You'll likely encounter more ahead. Truth be told, I believe post-apocalypse, Earth sprouted numerous such realms. Unsure if that's blessing or curse.”

“What makes you think so?” Ethan probed. “Something living inside?”

“Nothing like that,” Maxwell denied. Yet his eyes tightened, peering beyond the walls distantly. “Still, I sense—certain realms might harbor life.”

“And should they, their power could overwhelm.”

His words dropped deliberately, heavy with import.

“We access those realms. Thus, inhabitants could emerge onto Earth too.”

“If so… I'm doubtful we could stand against them.”

Concern etched his visage.

Ethan eased back a touch. “Why fret over hypotheticals? Nothing's occurred yet. Focus on the present threats.”

Maxwell eyed him briefly, then chuckled lightly, as if reeled from dark thoughts.

“Spot on. Apocalypse already rages—what more to fear? Face issues as they arise. Premature worry changes zilch.”

His face relaxed once more.

Ethan wavered but yielded to intrigue. “Maxwell… what treasures did you extract from that spatial world?”

“Er…”

Maxwell visibly caught off guard by the bluntness, momentarily at a loss.

“If it's sensitive, no worries.” Ethan shook his head.

“Not forbidden to share.” Maxwell paused, then spoke truthfully. “Mainly weapons, manuals, tech blueprints, exotic materials—beyond our grasp now. Restricted to internal studies. Public release pending.”

“Ah.” Ethan's excitement surged. “Plenty of valuables then. Ryan, lead on. I'm eager to explore.”

Ryan glanced at Maxwell. With a subtle nod from him, Ryan stated, “Sure. This way.”

He ushered Ethan and the group from the chamber.

Once gone, Maxwell pondered silently a beat. Then he grabbed the phone, located General Cross's contact, and called.

Meanwhile…

Victoria raged homeward and discovered Alexander Hale lounging within.

“Grandpa, they picked on me!” Victoria clutched Alexander's hand, pouting spoiled-like.

“Is that so?” Alexander laughed fondly, stroking her hair. “Spill to Grandpa—who dares torment my darling Victoria?”

“That cocky jerk from Clearford City I mentioned. He's here in Atlas City. Bullied me again today!” Victoria fumed.

“Oh?”

Alexander's easygoing look evaporated. His eyebrows furrowed tightly.

“The same fellow from Clearford City… now in Atlas City?”

“Exactly! Him!”

Alexander's expression turned stormy.

His son Leonard fell in Goldcrest City. The grief lingered raw—a dagger in his soul. Reports from Goldcrest pinpointed one killer as Victoria's Clearford encounter.

Alexander had intended post-conference to head to Clearford himself, forcing General Cross to surrender the culprit.

He never imagined the fiend delivering himself to Atlas City.

“Hah. Bold indeed.” Alexander's tone iced with fury. “Slays my son yet struts into Atlas City? Clearly scorns the Hale family.”

He addressed the steward close by.

“Fetch Dominic here.”

“Right away, sir!”