Once the others had left, Mia turned to Zach again, her tone more serious.

"When you take control of the Safe Zone, you need to start planning an evacuation from Starlight City as soon as possible. Ethan reminded me of something we were already worried about—he's right. The number of zombies here is insane. If a higher-tier zombie shows up and rallies them, we could be looking at hundreds of thousands swarming the city. There's no way we'd be able to hold it."

Zach nodded. "I've thought about that too. I'll start making arrangements."

Then he gave her a strange look. "From the way you're talking… you're not planning to come with us, are you?"

Mia smiled faintly. "Mayor Marks is dead. Uncle Reyes has been avenged. And now that Captain Ethan's here… it's time for me to return to the squad."

"You're really planning to join them?" Zach asked, clearly puzzled. "You think they're safer than the military?"

"I'm not chasing safety," Mia said, eyes shining with conviction. "I'm chasing strength. And I feel like I'll grow the fastest with them."

"Did he agree to take you in?"

"..."

"I'll figure something out," she said, a little embarrassed.

Zach sighed. "Alright. If that's your choice, I won't try to stop you. They're strong—if you can join their squad, it's not a bad thing."

"Colonel Reyes asked me to look after you, but honestly, you've been the one helping us all along. If there ever comes a day you don't want to stay with them anymore, you're always welcome back. This place will always be your home."

Mia nodded. "You guys be careful too. Don't end up like my dad or Uncle Reyes. It's the apocalypse—learn to adapt. Think about yourselves and your people more."

"We will."

...

Meanwhile, Ethan was lounging in the waiting room, enjoying the overly attentive service of the receptionist.

Maybe Mia had said something before she left, because this girl was going all out—making coffee, checking on him every few minutes, chatting about life in the compound. She was so enthusiastic, Ethan almost forgot he had two people still waiting outside.

Eventually, Mia walked in, carrying a large backpack.

"Mia," the receptionist greeted her quickly.

"You've done enough. Go ahead and get back to work," Mia said with a nod.

"Yes, ma'am."

As Mia approached, Ethan stood up.

"You brought the stuff?"

"Yeah, I've got it."

"Hand it over, then."

"No need. I'll carry it myself."

"…What's that supposed to mean?"

"Captain, I'm rejoining the squad."

Pfft— Ethan spat out his tea.

"When did I ever say you could rejoin?"

"I'm a reserve member of the Fallen Star Squad. Naturally, I should be with the squad. You said you were evaluating me, right? How are you supposed to evaluate me if I'm not with you?"

"…"

"Why are you still trying to follow us?" Ethan frowned. "Mayor Marks is dead. You don't need me to help you get revenge anymore. Once the military takes over the Safe Zone, they'll be the biggest power in Starlight City. Wouldn't it be better to stay with them—live comfortably, eat well?"

"It's not the same," Mia said, shaking her head.

"Soldiers are loyal to the nation. No matter how the world changes, that won't. If Washington sends someone to take over the Safe Zone, they'll cooperate without question. And I won't be able to stop it."

"But that's not the life I want. I want freedom. I want to chase strength without being shackled by rules."

"Life in the Fallen Star Squad—that's what I want. Do what you want, grow stronger, and if someone pisses you off, you deal with it. No red tape, no need for evidence. Everything's decided by power."

"You're only seven people, but you crushed the government's strongest faction. That says everything. If I want to grow stronger, there's no better place."

"Honestly, the first time I met you, I already wanted to join. I just didn't have the guts to ask. I thought you'd turn me down."

"So when you suddenly invited me last time, I didn't even hesitate." Mia's voice softened a little, her words tumbling out faster now, a bit shy.

Ethan finally took a good, serious look at the woman standing in front of him.

Twenty years old. Five-foot-six. Face that could put most A-list actresses to shame. Body? Equally top-tier.

And on top of all that, she was smart as hell.

That was pushing it.

People always said when God opens one door, He closes another. But with this woman? What, did God get drunk and just throw open every damn door?

"You really plan on sticking with us?" Ethan asked, his tone turning serious.

Mia nodded without hesitation. "Yes."

"You're not afraid I'll… do something to you?"

"I looked into your records," she said calmly. "Before the apocalypse, you were a college student. No criminal history. After the world went to hell, sure, you've been ruthless—but never abusive. Well… you've bullied men, but never women."

"…"

"Alright," Ethan said, rubbing his temple. "You can tag along for now. But you're still just a reserve. Whether you officially join the Fallen Star Squad depends on your performance."

It wasn't that he didn't want her in the squad. She was beautiful, smart, and Awakened—what's not to like?

But their team was all guys. Bringing in a woman changed the dynamic. Could be good, could be bad. He'd have to see how it played out.

If things went smoothly, he'd make it official later.

"Got it! Thanks, Captain!" Mia beamed, her whole face lighting up.

"Let's go."

Ethan turned and headed for the compound gates.

Inside, the place was buzzing—everyone was packing up, prepping for the move.

As they walked, plenty of people greeted Mia along the way. Clearly, she was well-liked here.

Up on the third floor of one of the taller buildings, Zach and two other Majors stood by a window, watching the two of them leave.

They didn't go down to see them off—didn't want to make a scene and risk making Ethan uncomfortable.

After all, if he could kill Mayor Marks in a Safe Zone with over a hundred thousand people, he could just as easily wipe them out here. No point playing games.

"Zach, you're really letting Mia go with them just like that?" one of the Majors asked. "What if something happens? How are you gonna explain that to Colonel Reyes in the afterlife?"

"What do you want me to do?" Zach said, arms crossed. "She doesn't want to stay. You think we can force her?"

"I just don't get it. The compound's safe. Why would she choose to run around with those guys, risking her life?"

"Who knows? Maybe that's just how young people think. Honestly, those guys are strong. Following them might not be such a bad thing."

"They're strong, sure," the older Major muttered. "But they're brutal. Word is, they wiped out the entire Harlan family—thousands of people."

"It's the apocalypse," Zach said flatly. "You think you can survive without being ruthless? If they weren't like that, they wouldn't have made it this far."

"Let's just hope we never end up on their bad side."

"As long as you're not an idiot, you won't."

...

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