Apocalypse: King of Zombies Chapter 1296: A Storm Is Coming

Atlas Federation...

Atlas City Emergency Operations Center...

"General Kane, still unable to contact Ethan and their group?" A gathering of Atlas Federation officials fixed their gazes on Maxwell, evident anxiety etched on their faces.

Maxwell responded with a shake of his head.

"Beneath the crater, there should be a Void Realm," he stated. "They are likely within it right now."

"That specific location is rumored to be the Infernals’ primary stronghold," one official interjected, their voice strained. "Ethan’s decision to enter like that... wouldn’t you agree it’s excessively perilous?"

A palpable sense of worry permeated the room.

In the past, when Ethan’s squad had dismantled the Hale family’s influence and forcibly reshaped Atlas City's hierarchy, many present had harbored resentment towards the Fallen Star Squad for their actions.

However, subsequent events had gradually altered their perspectives—whether willingly or not.

They occupied positions of leadership within the Federation, privy to a broader understanding of the situation.

And this larger context was quite straightforward: the Fallen Star Squad held immense significance. Their well-being was paramount to everyone in that room.

On Earth, threats were virtually non-existent. Given the prowess of the Fallen Star Squad, no individual or group on the planet could realistically pose a danger to them.

Yet, within the confines of a Void Realm?

Even those who held faith in the squad found themselves unable to shake a lingering sense of unease.

Maxwell’s voice remained level and composed. "Let us refrain from succumbing to panic. If they chose to enter, it was with a purpose—and a strategy. Do not allow Ryuji’s words to destabilize you and cause a loss of composure."

He surveyed the individuals seated around the table. "The Fallen Star Squad did not attain their current standing through mere chance. They ascended through arduous effort, one step at a time. Their capabilities... transcend the limits of our simple imagination."

A few individuals quickly offered affirmations.

"General Kane speaks the truth. We ought to place our trust in them."

"Indeed. They will emerge shortly, and then it will be the Yamato clan’s turn to face their demise."

"I observed Ryuji’s arrogant demeanor. Just wait—he’ll be the one reduced to tears."

"Mm."

Maxwell allowed the murmurs to subside before directing his attention to a middle-aged gentleman positioned to the side. "On a separate note—what is the current assessment of the Void Realms situated within Federation territories?"

The man stood straighter. Daniel Carter—the Atlas Federation's Director of Intelligence. Following the cataclysm, he had assumed the critical role of collating and verifying any fragments of truth they could uncover.

"Presently, in addition to the one located near Atlas City, we have confirmed the existence of three other Void Realms with a considerable degree of certainty," Daniel reported.

"One resides within the domain of Stonepeak City. That individual, Oliver Grant—his ascent was remarkably swift, capitalizing on an opportunity presented by a Void Realm. He assembled a contingent of several hundred, embarked on a campaign of expansion, and ultimately established the Stonepeak City settlement."

Daniel paused, allowing the significance of his statement to resonate. "It currently stands as the sole major non-governmental settlement within the Federation, apart from Fallen Star City."

"However, we have not precisely pinpointed the exact location of the Void Realm," he continued. "Oliver’s faction has never divulged this information to the rest of the settlement's inhabitants. The sole inference we can draw is that it likely bears similarities to the Atlas City Void Realm—and they have undoubtedly extracted substantial valuable resources from it."

Maxwell gave a single nod. "Oliver Grant... what kind of individual is he?"

"He is... commendable," Daniel replied cautiously. "At the very least, the survivors within the settlement are experiencing a relatively comfortable existence."

He then presented the unvarnished reality. "The senior leadership of Stonepeak City perished early in the apocalypse. The remaining personnel were incapable of organizing effective rescue or stabilization efforts. The resulting losses were devastating. Had Oliver and his group not established that settlement, Stonepeak City would have devolved into an inferno on Earth."

"Therefore, Oliver’s actions resulted in the preservation of numerous lives," Daniel concluded. "His reputation within Stonepeak is exceptionally robust."

Maxwell’s gaze shifted towards Charles and several other individuals present at the table.

They were the ones who had vehemently advocated for consolidating all settlements under a centralized federal authority—a proposal Maxwell had ultimately rejected.

The world beyond their immediate surroundings was already a harsh and unforgiving place. Imposing an additional layer of top-down control on survivors was the last thing they needed.

"It appears that permitting settlements to develop independently was indeed the correct decision," Maxwell remarked, his voice calm yet carrying a pointed undertone. "Attempting to 'manage' such locations directly would have invariably led to severe repercussions."

He lightly tapped the table’s surface. "What is Oliver’s disposition towards the government?"

"His stance is essentially: do not interfere with us, and we will not consider you adversaries," Daniel conveyed. "A policy of mutual coexistence."

Maxwell nodded in agreement. "Very well. As long as he adheres to established boundaries, we shall refrain from intervention."

He leaned back in his chair. "And what of the other two Void Realms?"

"One is situated near Clearford City," Daniel stated. "I personally verified this with General Cross. That particular Void Realm harbors living organisms. It has breached containment previously—unleashing multiple assaults upon Clearford City."

Daniel’s expression grew more somber. "They managed to survive solely because Ethan’s team happened to be present at the time of those incursions."

"Then can we go take a look at that Void Realm?" Charles and a few others instantly brightened, clearly intrigued by the prospect of a Void Realm still harboring life.

"No," Maxwell interjected without a second thought. "Adrian already informed me. Ethan issued a direct warning: the monsters within are unimaginably dangerous. Their escape would lead to utter devastation."

Charles’ enthusiasm visibly waned. "Even Ethan and his team can’t manage them?"

Maxwell gave a solemn nod. "Ethan’s grave seriousness when issuing that warning speaks volumes. He himself harbors apprehension regarding its inhabitants."

"...Understood," a voice murmured. "Then what about the final one?"

"The third confirmed Void Realm is situated in Riverton City," Daniel stated. "Those horrifyingly powerful, repulsive beings that assaulted the Silverlake City compound originated from there."

Maxwell’s expression turned grim. "Ethan provided directives for that one as well. No one is to approach it. Our role is solely observational."

Arthur’s brow furrowed. "Why is that?"

Maxwell offered no pleasantries. "Because it’s evident Ethan’s team lacks complete control over that situation either."

A palpable silence descended upon the room.

"So, those two Void Realms are essentially ticking time bombs," someone ventured, their voice hushed. "They could detonate at any moment."

Maxwell confirmed with a nod. "Indeed."

A collective, drawn-out exhale rippled around the table.

"I comprehend now," another official declared. "That explains why Ethan’s contingent is willing to brave the risks within the volcano Void Realm. They are aware of the external threats, thus they cannot afford to miss any opportunity for advancement."

"Precisely," Maxwell’s tone sharpened. "This necessitates our unwavering diligence. Expedite the zombie eradication efforts. Inform the Advanced Research Division that all personnel are to work overtime. Both the crystal core fusion technology and the decomposition technology must be accelerated. Once more."

"Yes, sir!"

Maxwell turned his gaze back to Daniel. "Is that the entirety of our intelligence? Only those Void Realms? No further information?"

Daniel paused before concurring. "We possess additional leads... though they remain unverified at present. Rumors suggest the region formerly known as Fallen Star City may have contained a Void Realm. Additionally, a small settlement near Starlight City reportedly had one in its vicinity."

"However, all individuals from those areas are now within Fallen Star City," Daniel elaborated. "Investigation is impossible."

He met Maxwell’s eyes. "You also instructed us not to establish surveillance within Fallen Star City—a measure to avoid potential disapproval from Ethan—so I recalled all personnel."

Maxwell offered a single, approving nod. "Your decision was correct. If Ethan’s associates have located those Void Realms, we refrain from encroaching upon their domain."

"Understood, sir."

"Very well," Maxwell stated. "You are dismissed. Continue to intensify the search for Void Realms."

He gestured for emphasis. "And should we discover any—do not enter prematurely. Await explicit orders."

"Yes!"

Following Daniel’s departure, the room’s atmosphere did not lighten; if anything, the tension intensified.

"General," Gabriel’s voice was strained, "I cannot explain why, but I am overcome with a premonition... as if a tempest is brewing. A significant event looms."

Maxwell exhibited signs of fatigue for the first time. "You are not alone in that sentiment. I share it as well. This is precisely why we must urge everyone to advance their Tier—immediately."

"Acknowledged."

Maxwell contemplated the wall map for a moment before abruptly inquiring, "How much time has elapsed since the apocalypse commenced?"

"Eleven months," someone replied. "One more month and it will be a full year."

"Nearly a year..." Maxwell exhaled slowly. "In just one year, the world has become utterly transformed."

"Yes," Another official’s voice faltered slightly. "The changes have been so rapid... Do you truly believe we can endure in such a world?"

Maxwell’s gaze rose, resolute and unyielding. "We can. We must."