Untouched by the Outbreak

Ryo glanced around the untouched shops lining the streets of his town, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. Shelves brimming with supplies lay undisturbed—food, medicine, clothes, and countless necessities, all waiting for him. No other human had dared set foot here; they couldn't without an escort of zombies to protect them. Anyone reckless enough to try would face a relentless, swift end. His town was his sanctuary, surrounded and guarded by his relentless army, each one ready to shred any intruder.

Ken had his strange harem of female zombies, and Yumi had her weaker prototype zombies. Yet none of their undead followers could rival the might of his legion. Ryo's zombies were faster, stronger, and fully obedient, responding to his mere presence. They stood as an impenetrable wall, a deterrent against any outsiders. Even Ken and Yumi knew their followers were no match for Ryo's forces.

And now, Yumi herself belonged to him, bound not just by his claim but by the knowledge that her survival depended on him. Her weaker, early-stage zombies had been transferred to his base, an ever-present reminder of her place in his world. They were ready to be devoured by his Striders should she try to escape or defy him—a consequence she understood well. He had tamed her just as he had tamed his zombies, her loyalty now held firm by necessity as much as choice.

This town was his kingdom, every street, every corner, every shop. With his forces at his command, Ryo would ensure it stayed that way, locked down, secured, and ready for his rule alone.

Ryo surveyed the town with a deep sense of satisfaction. His zombie army continued to grow, an ever-expanding horde under his command. He couldn't quite explain why, but more zombies seemed drawn to this place, as if compelled by some unseen force. The influx was constant, and with each new arrival, his control strengthened.

Among the new additions were five more Striders. These ones had shown signs of decay when they first arrived—slower, weaker than the rest of his elite group. But as they spent time under his influence, even these Striders began to heal. Their decaying flesh gradually restored, their movements becoming faster and more fluid with each passing day. It was as though his very presence revitalized them, pushing them beyond their limits.

Ryo's power wasn't just in commanding them—it was in transforming them. The once-rotten Striders now stood taller, stronger, and more formidable, their renewed strength a testament to his growing influence. This town wasn't just a refuge for him; it was becoming a fortress, a bastion of power where his army thrived and evolved.

The sight of the ever-growing horde, now more numerous and potent than ever, filled Ryo with a sense of control and dominance. He was building something unstoppable, and nothing—no human, no government force—would dare challenge him here.

Ryo noticed the changes in his Brutes as well. Their already massive frames had grown even bulkier, their muscles swelling with newfound strength. He couldn't even begin to count how many of them now roamed the town, each one more imposing than the last. Unlike the sluggish Brutes he'd encountered in other places, his were quicker, their movements more coordinated and efficient. They weren't just brute force anymore; they were evolving into something far more dangerous.

A smile tugged at Ryo's lips as he observed the transformation. His army was becoming an unstoppable force. With each passing day, his control over them deepened, and their power multiplied.

Beside him, Sayako moved with her characteristic grace, her every step fluid and deliberate. Her pure white eyes never left him, a silent reminder of her unwavering loyalty. Ryo felt a deep satisfaction knowing that his experiments with her had yielded such extraordinary results. She was a testament to his unique ability to command and enhance these creatures, blending raw power with refined loyalty.

As he continued his patrol through the town, Sayako remained close, an ever-present shadow. Her presence was both comforting and exhilarating. Ryo couldn't help but feel pleased with the progress. His town was thriving under his control, and his army was becoming a force unlike any other. This was his domain, and in it, he was king.

Satisfied with the state of his growing empire, Ryo made his way back to the house. The air was thick with the presence of his zombie horde, a protective wall of flesh and instinct that ensured no intruder would dare approach. His Striders, swift and vigilant, patrolled the perimeter, their sharp senses attuned to any disturbance. Brutes loomed in the shadows, their massive forms ready to crush anything that posed a threat. Even the regular zombies, though slower, served as an additional layer of defense.

Ryo felt a sense of security knowing that Sachiko and Yumi were well-guarded. He had no doubt that his commands would be carried out without question. The Striders were relentless in their patrol, ensuring the safety of his house and, more importantly, the women within. They were his, and nothing would harm them under his watch.

Yumi's prototype zombies roamed the area as well, a subtle but constant reminder of her past and her new reality under his control. They moved with a different rhythm, less refined than his own creations, but effective nonetheless. Ryo knew that even if Yumi entertained the thought of escape, her zombies would stand no chance against his formidable army. She understood her place now, fully aware of the consequences of defiance.

As he approached the house, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. His fortress was impenetrable, his army unstoppable, and his women safe. Everything was as it should be.

As Ryo approached the house, he spotted Sachiko and Yumi outside. Yumi, still adjusting to her new reality of being claimed by him, stood near the doorway with an air of nervousness. Her eyes darted around, wary of the unfamiliar surroundings despite the protective presence of the zombie patrol. She was still learning to navigate her place in this strange, dangerous world, fully aware that her survival now hinged entirely on Ryo.

Sachiko, on the other hand, was a picture of calm confidence. She moved gracefully through a series of light exercises, her form relaxed and focused. Ryo couldn't help but smile as he watched her. It was almost surreal to see the transformation in her. Once a dedicated researcher, serious and driven, she was now fully devoted to him. She had become someone who not only depended on his strength but reveled in his attention.

She had grown accustomed to the life they now led, leaning into her role with ease. Sachiko craved his presence, always seeking his affection and care, indulging in the safety and comfort he provided. Her occasional spoiled demeanor, the way she clung to him and sought his pampering, was a stark contrast to her former self.

Ryo's smile deepened as he stepped closer, appreciating the shift in her. This was his world now, one where the women by his side were entirely his—devoted, dependent, and protected under his watchful eye.

Sachiko noticed Ryo approaching from a distance. A warm smile spread across her face, though she didn't pause her exercise. Her movements remained fluid and precise, each stretch and bend a testament to her calm demeanor. Despite the chaos of the world outside, Sachiko had found a strange sense of peace here, in Ryo's presence.

Her eyes followed him as he drew closer, the bond between them evident in the way her gaze softened. She felt safe, secure in the knowledge that Ryo's strength protected her, that she was his, and he would let nothing harm her. As she continued her routine, her thoughts lingered on the transformation she had undergone, from a researcher driven by logic and science to a woman who embraced her dependence on Ryo's power.

Still, even in her tranquility, there was a subtle undertone of anticipation. Sachiko knew that with Ryo, every day brought new challenges and decisions, but she was ready, comforted by the unshakable certainty that she belonged to him.

"Welcome home, Ryo," Sachiko greeted warmly as he approached.

Ryo gave a quiet, approving hum in response, his gaze intense as he looked her over. Sachiko recognized that familiar gleam in his eyes—a blend of lust and possessiveness that never failed to send a thrill through her. She loved this look, the way he viewed her as if she were his alone, irreplaceable.

Smiling softly, Sachiko paused her exercise and wrapped her arms around him as he came closer. She nestled into his embrace, feeling the reassuring strength in his grip, her heart beating a little faster. Over Ryo's shoulder, she noticed Sayako standing faithfully nearby, watching her with a blank yet observant stare. The zombie's presence was almost a fixture now, and Sachiko couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement whenever she saw her.

"You've brought Sayako with you again, I see," Sachiko remarked, casting a knowing glance between Ryo and the zombie.

"Of course," Ryo replied, his voice low and assured. "She's loyal, and I need her close."

Sachiko chuckled, running her fingers along his arm. "Well, it's reassuring to have her around. She'd never let anything harm us."

Sayako's unwavering gaze was almost eerie, yet Sachiko found herself oddly at ease with it. Ryo's influence had changed her, made her stronger, faster, utterly devoted. She was something more than a simple guardian—she was an extension of Ryo's will.