Zombie Domination-Chapter 84- The Origin?

Julian stood beside Rayden, both of them facing the cold, quiet room beneath the facility, the place where Julian had once descended like a storm, leaving a trail of death behind.

The corpses of the scientists had long been cleared out, but the bloodstains remained, dark and stubborn on the floor and walls. The metallic scent lingered faintly in the air, even now.

In the center of the room, where once a grotesque, pulsating mass of flesh had rested, there was now only broken glass and scorch marks. Something had escaped, or been taken.

Rayden folded his arms and spoke in a casual tone, though his eyes remained sharp. "I managed to salvage the remaining data from the servers down here before they were completely fried. Some of it was encrypted, but I got through most of it."

Julian didn’t say anything. He simply waited, his eyes on the cracked center of the chamber.

Rayden continued, "I wanted to understand why this outbreak happened. Why everyone became infected so rapidly, why even skilled fighters couldn’t resist it. The deeper I looked, the more disturbing it got."

Julian shifted his gaze toward him.

"They called that thing... ’The Origin’," Rayden said, his tone turning grim. "Arrogant name, huh?"

Julian scoffed. "A little too fitting."

Rayden nodded. "Turns out, it wasn’t just a biological experiment. The Origin was a composite entity, created from data collected from multiple skill users. Basically, they extracted the structure of active skills and manipulated it at a parasitic level."

Julian frowned. "So it wasn’t just a virus..."

"No," Rayden said. "Think of it more like a parasitic hierarchy. At the top a dominant leader-parasite, what we encountered in Frederik. That thing had the most complete fusion with the Origin. He wasn’t just infected. He became the parasite’s main vessel."

Julian clenched his jaw.

"And the soldiers?" he asked.

"Subordinate parasites. They were built using pieces of the Origin’s main DNA thread. All of them could utilize partial abilities, mimicking or distorting real skills. The reason the squad, Celestia’s team, suffered so much was because they were used as direct test subjects."

Rayden brought up a datapad and tapped the screen. "The two main skills they fused into the parasite’s design were [Absolute Order], that general’s terrifying command ability, and Mr. Elien’s [Nerve Surge], which enhanced neural pathways and regeneration to absurd levels."

Julian’s expression darkened. "So they used power like ours to create monsters. Madman."

Rayden sighed. "Yeah. And the worst part is... it worked."

Julian stared at the shattered remnants in the center of the room, his thoughts swirling like a storm beneath his calm expression.

"Maybe it was The Origin that drew all those infected here," he said quietly, more to himself than to Rayden. "As if they were being summoned... trying to protect it... or complete something through it."

Rayden nodded thoughtfully. "That’s what I’m starting to believe, too. It’s a shame we lost track of it. If we could’ve contained it... maybe we’d understand why this zombie outbreak even started in the first place."

Julian’s gaze dropped to the blood-streaked floor. ’So that’s why my skill... my domination... had no effect on them’, he thought grimly. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

’They weren’t mindless. They were connected to something stronger... something above even my control, like [Absolute Order]’

He clenched his fists, but his voice remained steady. "If I ever find it... I’ll destroy it without hesitation. It’s because of The Origin that Squad Celestia ended up like that. I won’t forgive it."

Rayden gave a small nod of approval. "I agree. I’ll begin forming an expedition team soon. If that thing’s still out there... we need to find it before it triggers another wave."

Rayden let out a long, weary sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as if the weight of responsibility was physically pressing down on him.

"I’m tired of being in charge," he muttered with a drained tone. "I just want to sleep for three days straight. Why the hell did I end up as the leader anyway?"

Julian, arms crossed and leaning against the cold steel wall, gave him a knowing look. "Because you’re the most capable. Stop complaining."

Rayden chuckled dryly, though his eyes remained heavy. "Says the guy who threw himself into a meat grinder and still came out alive."

Julian gave a small smirk but said nothing.

Rayden continued, his tone shifting to something a little more guarded. "Oh, and by the way, Mayor Lucia showed up. With Mr. Elien."

Julian raised an eyebrow, not surprised.

Rayden sighed again. "Yeah... you’re not shocked? Guess you’ve seen enough weird crap to last a lifetime. Still... let’s just hope this doesn’t lead to something troublesome."

Julian gave a small nod, his expression turning more serious. "How’s the food supply holding up?"

Rayden stretched his arms with a tired groan before replying, "Much better now. Thanks to the tech Aya shared with the production team, we’ve managed to stabilize everything."

"Good," Julian murmured. "And don’t forget what you promised."

Rayden chuckled, waving a hand as if to reassure him. "Relax. Clint’s still keeping detailed records on all of it. As for the blueprints—weapon schematics, all that, it’s still in the works. The others are on it, so just give them a little more time."

Julian nodded, visibly satisfied. His eyes, however, held a distant look.

Rayden tilted his head. "So? When are you planning to continue your journey?"

Julian looked out the nearby window, the sky painted with hues of dusk. "Once I’ve finished preparing everything. I’ll move forward when the time’s right."

Rayden nodded with a relaxed smile. "Right. No need to rush things. Enjoy your time here while you can."

Julian gave a faint nod in return. "If there’s a chance... I’ll drop by again."

Rayden grinned, his voice filled with light-hearted confidence. "Feel free to. I’ll make sure this fortress turns into a place worth coming back to."

Rayden suddenly asked, "Oh right, how’s your injury?"

Julian replied calmly, "Already healed. It’s nothing to worry about."

Rayden blinked. "Damn, that fast? I’m still aching all over," he chuckled, rubbing his shoulder before his expression turned a bit more serious. "Sorry for leaving you behind back then."

Julian shook his head. "It’s fine. That was my decision too. Besides... did my girls give you a hard time?"

Rayden sighed dramatically. "Of course they did. They looked at me like I was some kind of trash when I told them I left you. Honestly, that kind of reaction was... well, fair."

Julian smirked slightly. "And I also heard you used that suicidal skill."

Rayden scratched the back of his neck, speaking casually, "Yeah, I figured it was my duty to protect my squad. Miraculously survived, though. Honestly, I just want to take a long nap now."

Julian narrowed his eyes. "Then I suggest you end that nap now. Time to get back to work."

Rayden laughed. "Yeah, yeah."

After parting ways with Rayden, Julian continued walking through the corridors of the base. It wasn’t long before he spotted Mr. Elien standing with Claus. The older man noticed Julian and offered a warm smile.

"Julian," Mr. Elien greeted, nodding politely.

Julian returned the nod. "Mr. Elien. Where’s Aya?"

The man chuckled. "Locked herself in her workshop. Said she’s working on something important and doesn’t want to be disturbed."

Julian raised an eyebrow. That sounded exactly like her.

Then Claus stepped forward, a bit shy but resolute. "Julian... thank you for helping me."

Julian shook his head gently. "I didn’t do anything. Aya was the one who brought you back."

Claus looked him in the eyes and said firmly, "But you were the one who fought the boss. Because of you, we’re all still alive. So thank you...."

Julian paused for a moment, then gave him a small smile. "Glad you’re okay."

Julian reached out and gently ruffled Claus’s hair, a rare softness in his gesture.

"Have you learned to control your skill yet?" he asked.

Claus nodded confidently. "I’m working on it. Father’s been helping me every day."

Julian gave a small approving nod. "Good job. Keep it up."

Claus smiled, a bit brighter this time, clearly proud of himself.

Claus looked up at him with determination burning in his eyes.

"One day, I’ll be able to fully control my skill... and I’ll become strong like you."

Julian couldn’t help but smile at the boy’s resolve. "I’ll be looking forward to that. Keep pushing forward."

Claus nodded enthusiastically, then his expression grew a bit more serious.

"Also... please take care of my sister. She can be a little awkward and has trouble talking to people sometimes. So, please look after her."

Julian’s expression softened. He rested a hand on Claus’s shoulder and gave a solemn nod.

"I promise. I’ll always protect her."

Claus shifted nervously, fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve before finally speaking up.

"Umm... If I manage to control my skill completely... can I come with you someday?"

Julian glanced at him for a moment, then gave a firm nod.

"I’ll be waiting for that day. When you’re ready, I’ll welcome you."

Claus beamed with joy, then turned to his father with a cheeky grin.

"See? I told you! Big bro Julian isn’t only taking girls along!"

Julian narrowed his eyes and looked toward Mr. Elien, his gaze cold and unreadable.

Elien scratched the back of his head with a nervous smile.

"W-Whoa there... don’t look at me like that, Julian..."

Elien chuckled and said, "Well, you can’t blame people for thinking that, not when you’re always surrounded by your lovely companions."

Julian sighed and crossed his arms.

"That doesn’t mean I only take girls with me. That’s such a ridiculous assumption."

Elien raised his hands in a gesture of peace.

"Alright, alright, no need to take it so seriously. Come on, let’s head back together."

Claus, clearly excited, chimed in, "Yeah! Ms. Lucia’s cooking today, I can’t wait!"

Julian could only sigh again, shaking his head lightly as he followed behind the two of them.