Apocalypse: King of Zombies Chapter 1227: To Kill or To Conquer?

In an office inside a compound nestled in a obscure small town within Golden Valley State, bordering Deepwater City’s domain, a robust woman bearing an unexpectedly charming face occupied her seat, immersed in contemplation.

At that moment, a knock echoed. A female entered stealthily and whispered, “Vivian, a representative from the Deepwater City compound has arrived.”

“Oh?” Vivian raised her gaze, showing real astonishment. “Let him enter.”

“Yes.”

The sudden appearance of someone from Deepwater City’s compound… A subtle smile tugged at Vivian’s lips. They’ve set their sights on my territory.

Shortly after, the woman came back, escorting a middle-aged man.

“Vivian, greetings!” the man declared upon entering, full of courtesy.

“Such politeness is unnecessary. May I know your name?”

“I’m Christopher Dawson, representing the Deepwater City compound.”

“Mr. Dawson.” Vivian maintained her composed, steady tone. “What occasion brings you to my modest compound?”

Dawson grinned. “You underestimate yourself. Your compound stands as the mightiest in the region surrounding Deepwater City—rivaled only by Deepwater City itself. ‘Little’ hardly describes it.”

He hesitated briefly, then pressed on fluidly, “However… Vivian, you must realize this. Your power is formidable, yet your forces remain limited. Should a massive zombie tide strike one day, defending would prove challenging. Have you thought about moving to Deepwater City for growth?”

“Deepwater City poses far greater risks than this isolated town,” Vivian replied, shaking her head. “A colossal zombie wave would crash upon Deepwater City first. I’ll decline.”

“You lack the complete view.” Dawson leaned forward a bit, tone assured. “Deepwater City compound now boasts almost two hundred thousand residents. Tier 6 Enhanced number over one hundred thousand. Unless it’s a million-strong zombie tide, we can defend successfully.”

“In that case,” Vivian responded, fixing her gaze on him steadily, “why seek us out?”

“Vivian—in this apocalypse, survival demands unity. Each added strength boosts our chances.” Dawson’s face grew sincere. “Your compound holds solid power. Merging with us would skyrocket our survival prospects.”

Vivian nodded deliberately, as if considering deeply. Then she stated, “Mr. Dawson speaks truth. Unity is essential in the apocalypse.”

Her finger drummed softly on the desk.

“Here’s my proposal,” she continued. “Tomorrow, I’ll lead a group to Deepwater City compound to discuss terms with the leadership.”

Joy flashed across Dawson’s features. “Excellent. I’ll return to report this. I won’t impose further, Vivian.”

“Mhm. Safe travels.”

Once the man departed, Vivian’s companion could no longer contain herself. “Vivian, are we truly merging with Deepwater City compound? All our past efforts—wouldn’t they be wasted? From our intel, their leader is a notorious lecher with dozens of women already. He’s likely after you!”

Vivian let out a soft laugh.

“A merger will occur,” she replied leisurely. “But post-merger leadership… that hinges on raw power, not sheer numbers.”

A smug smile graced her lips.

Confidence surged through her veins. Among the first to battle zombies post-apocalypse, she wielded Strength-type Awakened powers.

Upon hitting Tier 6 with her Strength-type ability, the multiplier soared from 1.5x to 2x. Plus, her new Tier 6 skill—[Energy Armor]—allowed battling beyond her level.

Yet the key revelation?

Just yesterday, she slew a Tier 10 zombie with few followers.

Thus, she had ascended to Tier 10 Awakened status.

Combined with her overpowered ability, no Tier 11 threat loomed without fear.

“Vivian…” the woman gulped nervously. “What do you mean?”

“Tomorrow,” Vivian declared icily, “we take Kate and the rest. We eliminate Deepwater City compound’s leaders and seize the entire compound.”

Her own compound’s expansion had stalled frustratingly.

The perfect opportunity had knocked unbidden.

Meanwhile, close to Stonebridge City, in a secluded town named Ashford… an epic clash unfolded.

One faction guarded the city; the other assaulted it relentlessly.

Defenders dwindled below fifty thousand. Attackers swelled to two hundred thousand.

Worse still, attackers deployed mortar batteries and heavy machine guns.

The compound walls lay in ruins. Defeat was inevitable; now it was desperate last stands.

Leading the fray, a lightning-shrouded warrior rampaged like a thunder deity, felling foes in droves—though endless waves swarmed to trap him.

Heavy machine-gun barrages pelted him from all sides. Single bullets barely scratched, but thousands wore him down.

Moreover, prolonged overexertion had drained him; only sheer will and tenacity kept him standing.

“Calvin, surrender,” a voice urged. “Aligning with the government is the righteous choice. Folks like you—lucky ordinary Awakened with potent powers—what makes you think you can defy the government?”

Calvin stayed silent, slaughtering fiercely without pause.

A sigh followed, the voice softening persuasively. “Why resist? This is futile death throes. Even if death holds no terror… what of the compound’s inhabitants? Many crave survival.”

Calvin flinched as if struck. He glanced toward the compound.

Inside, myriad eyes locked on him—begging, frantic, viewing him as their final lifeline.

His resolve wavered.

“Commander, ignore him!” a shout rang from behind. “We stand or fall with the compound!”

“Yeah! Live and die with the compound!”

Cheers and roars exploded from the compound.

Yet not all joined in.

Numerous stood mute, gazes quivering, faces ashen with dread.

Obvious to any observer: they yearned to live.

Victory had slipped away ages ago. Resistance spelled annihilation.

Within lurked elders. Children.

Conflict raged in Calvin’s eyes. He never foresaw downfall by fellow humans, not zombies.

Against a true government compound, resistance might have faltered.

But these imposters donned the government banner while committing vile atrocities.

Many in his compound were Stonebridge City refugees. Their tales exposed the “government compound” leadership’s depravity.

Elites reveled daily as commoners starved.

Their abuses of women and zombie “farming” with live captives ignited his rage.

With sufficient might, he’d have razed Stonebridge City compound long ago.

He hadn’t anticipated their preemptive strike on his haven.

Calvin grasped the reality. His compound was finished. Further battle served no purpose.

“Perhaps… most just seek survival,” he murmured, exhaling deeply.

Then he bellowed, “Alright! I accept joining you. Order the halt!”

“Wise decision.” The man’s tone brimmed with satisfaction. “We’re family now.”

His voice hardened abruptly.

“Yet your strength demands restraint.”

Calvin’s stare turned frigid. “How so?”

“Sever your right arm.”

“…!”

“Commander, no!” cries erupted behind. “We’ll fight to the last if needed!”

“Yes! Commander! Death holds no fear!”

Furious bellows thundered.

A youth among attackers sneered. “As if you decide.”

He eyed Calvin coldly, smile devoid of mirth. “Choose wisely. Refuse, and everyone inside perishes. We reject unstable elements.”

Agony contorted Calvin’s features. After endless seconds, he closed his eyes.

“…Fine,” he rasped hoarsely. “I’ll comply.”