Chapter 50: Can I Join?
Ego confirmed the order without hesitation. While Zack appreciated Antonny's assistance, their group's military strength made him cautious. The government might have collapsed, but the weapons they left behind—nuclear warheads, missiles, advanced tech—were still out there.
When Zack arrived at the steel plant, he saw the streets below littered with zombie corpses, some already being cleared by people working in small groups under Charles's supervision. Armed guards stood nearby, keeping watch for any threats.
'Good thing I left Charles in charge,' Zack thought, observing the organized efforts. He landed the helicopter smoothly, and as he stepped out, familiar voices rose in excitement.
"Sir Zack is back!"
"Sir Zack!"
Zack's old crew from the steel plant cheered, and Charles hurried over, his face lighting up despite the exhaustion etched on it.
"Sir Zack, we held the factory! It's safe!" Charles reported with pride.
Zack's expression softened in approval, but his eyes quickly narrowed when he noticed something. "Charles, what happened to your hand?"
Charles glanced at his heavily bandaged left arm, brushing it off casually. "Just a scratch. I figured it was safer to cut it off before it got worse."
Zack nodded, masking his concern. "Staying alive is what matters."
"How's the rest of the factory?" Zack asked, steering the conversation away.