Apocalypse: King of Zombies Chapter 1224: One Man Can Change a City

When Ethan and his team arrived at the Kane Family residence, Maxwell Kane had not returned yet.

It came as no shock. The entire compound was in utter turmoil today, keeping him completely occupied.

Ryan and his sister Aurora were there, though.

The moment Ryan spotted Ethan's group entering, sweat began beading on his palms. The composed soldier from the day before had vanished—replaced by a man desperately fighting panic right in his own home.

Aurora, however, rushed forward without delay.

“Ethan, you’re here!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up brightly. “Come on in—please!”

Her gaze brimmed with pure admiration.

Having been raised in a military household, Aurora had always revered power. Her father Maxwell had long been her ultimate hero… until she witnessed Ethan's team dominating the battlefield that day—utterly commanding, ruthlessly efficient. Suddenly, Maxwell no longer seemed invincible.

Maxwell was powerful, no doubt. Yet he bore too many burdens. Too many restrictions.

Ethan's group faced none of that.

They disregarded conventions, attacked without pause, and even crushed a elite clan like the Hales as if it were routine work. A massive hub like Atlas City could only stand by helplessly.

In Aurora's eyes, that defined real strength.

They took seats.

Aurora skipped any formalities like tea. “Ethan—are you looking for new members? What about me? I’ll do whatever it takes. Just let me in.”

“…..”

“Aurora!” Ryan glared at her, then faced Ethan, embarrassed. “Sorry about that, Ethan. That’s my sister, Aurora. She gets… impulsive sometimes.”

“No problem.” Ethan laughed lightly. “Your sister’s… kinda cute.”

Unlike Victoria, Aurora felt refreshing—no spoiled demeanor whatsoever.

Similar upbringing, yet worlds apart in personality. Upbringing clearly made the difference. Maxwell had obviously disciplined Ryan and Aurora strictly.

Aurora edged closer, her eyes sparkling. “Well? Any shot for me?”

“No.” Ethan shook his head. “We require at least Awakened level, and the ability must be exceptionally powerful.”

“…..”

Aurora’s enthusiasm visibly wilted.

Even Ryan appeared momentarily stunned. That threshold eliminated nearly everyone in the nation.

Aurora cleared her throat, attempting to regain some dignity. “Alright, but even without being Awakened, my Tier 6 ability is incredibly potent!”

Ethan triggered [True Sight] for a quick scan. To his slight astonishment, he nodded approvingly.

“Gravity Manipulation. Pretty impressive.”

Aurora’s eyes widened in shock. “How did you figure that out?!”

Big Mike swelled with pride, as if it were his achievement. “Our captain doesn’t just identify abilities—he can spot the color of your underwear too.”

“…!”

Ethan gave him a sharp glance. “Keep quiet, and no one will mistake you for dumb.”

Aurora barely noticed Big Mike’s remark. She kept fixating on Ethan as if he held all life’s secrets.

“Ethan, does that mean I’m totally out of luck?”

“Afraid so.” Ethan shook his head once more. “Non-Awakened can’t join the Fallen Star Squad.”

In truth, Ethan could bestow abilities. But he considered the squad complete, with no plans for growth at present.

Adding another meant dividing resources further. That would hinder the team’s progress.

Only an extraordinary Awakened would tempt him otherwise.

Aurora’s Tier 6 power was decent—yet Tier 6 abilities lacked the evolution potential of Innate Abilities. Their limits were fixed.

“Alright…” Aurora let out a sigh. True to her optimistic nature, she bounced back quickly, shifting to Mia and Emily for lively chatter as if nothing occurred.

Ryan exhaled softly, then told Ethan, “I’ve already sent word to my father. He’ll return shortly. Let’s wait.”

“Sounds good.” Ethan agreed.

They exchanged light conversation for a while. Soon enough, Maxwell rushed in.

“Ethan—sorry to keep you waiting. Things got overwhelming.”

“No issue, General Kane.” Ethan grinned. “You being idle today would’ve been stranger.”

Maxwell showed a wry expression, then pivoted. “Ryan—tell the chef to serve the food.”

“On it!”

Maxwell eyed Ethan again. “Care for a drink?”

He gestured to a cabinet. “Got some rare bourbon bottles. Hard to come by nowadays.”

“Yeah.” Ethan nodded. “I’ll take one.”

With major matters resolved, constant tension wasn’t necessary. A bit of downtime was fine.

Dishes soon covered the table. Maxwell uncorked his special reserves and filled glasses for all.

Chris and the rest lifted their cups.

Mia and Emily skipped alcohol.

They weren’t big drinkers anyway—but crucially, vigilance was key.

Emily’s [Cleanse] handled poisons and intoxication. Mia’s control skills could manage threats if trouble arose.

With them alert, the others could unwind safely.

After several toasts, the serious talk began.

“Ethan,” Maxwell stated gravely, “I investigated today’s events. Someone clearly set you up on purpose.”

“Figured as much,” Ethan replied evenly, savoring a morsel of foie gras crowned with caviar.

“The Hale Family posed a danger.”

“So I wiped them out.”

“…”

Maxwell breathed out, his tension visibly fading. “Relieved to hear that. I feared you might lash out at the whole compound.”

“Nah,” Ethan said. “Though Atlas City’s system definitely needs an overhaul.”

Maxwell’s gaze sharpened. “Explain.”

“Power split among Five Families stifles progress,” Ethan stated directly. “General Kane, you should seize control of the compound.”

Maxwell almost sputtered. “Ethan—don’t toss out ideas like that lightly.”

“I mean it.” Ethan remained straightforward. “Five families equal five conflicting goals. Five selfish priorities. True stability demands single command.”

Maxwell massaged his brow. “Unified rule would improve things, I admit. But the families won’t yield. Each believes they’re entitled to lead. It’s no simple task.”

Ethan met his eyes. “Do you want the top spot?”

Maxwell answered instantly. “Yes.”

“Done.” Ethan placed his glass down. “You lead. Objectors get a personal visit from me. They’ll comply.”

“…”

A move to transform Atlas City, treated as casually as menu choices.

Maxwell offered a wry, bittersweet grin. “I’ll… discuss it with them tomorrow.”

“Why negotiate?” Ethan countered. “Summon them to the conference room tomorrow. I’ll sort it.”

“…”

Maxwell studied him intently, then sighed deeply. “Fine. Let’s dine.”

Post-meal, Ethan’s group departed.

Maxwell had prepared a spacious mansion nearby, in the Kane zone. No returning to their prior spot.

Ethan accepted without fuss. Their former stay was fine—but no mansion.

Upon arrival, all approved instantly. It fell short of their tailored base in Fallen Star City, yet surpassed Clearford City’s residence in scale.

Such were the rewards of power.

Strength ensured top privileges anywhere.