Jobless Man’s Zombie Survival Life - Chapter 4: What Lies Ahead

Chapter 4: What Lies Ahead

Alright, I forced myself to snap out of it.

Now that I’ve decided to live, I gotta think about what’s next.

How am I gonna survive?

Let’s break down the situation.

Over these three days of hiding, I haven’t heard any screams like that ossan’s from the neighborhood.

No signs of anyone coming home either.

That means most of the neighbors probably got caught up in some trouble while out.

In this so-called “Zombie Outbreak,” dumb name or not.

Since that ossan was the real deal, the town center might be crawling with those things.

Three days ago was a weekday.

Everyone but the elderly or sick should’ve been at school or work.

Y’know, unless you’re a jobless bum like me.

Maybe that ossan ran into it at work, barely survived or got infected, and turned into a zombie right when he got home.

It adds up.

No way the entire town’s population turned into zombies.

Realistically, survivors are probably holed up in a shelter somewhere.

So, what’s my move?

It’s decided—I’m not joining any shelter for now.

Finding one’s a hassle, and honestly, I’m better off alone.

Less stuff to consume that way.

Zombie movie cliché: “Groups fall apart.”

A bunch of random people with different beliefs can’t stay united in a mess like this.

Quoting fiction might be iffy, but this reality’s half-fiction anyway, so whatever.

Not hurting anyone with this.

Anyway, I gotta go outside at least once.

To check if my guesses are right and to grab supplies.

I’ve eaten all the fresh food in the fridge.

Power might not last, so I went through it fast.

There’s some canned and preserved food left, but I wanna save that for emergencies.

Most importantly, cigarettes! Without them, I’ll go insane before I starve—100% confident!

Everyone’s got something they care about, right? Family, friends, lovers, pets.

For me, it’s cigarettes. No logic, just facts.

My family’s overseas, so worrying’s pointless—phones and apps are down.

Haven’t had a girlfriend in years, no pets either.

Not sad about it. Really.

I gotta prep carefully for going out.

It’s not confirmed, but if zombie infection spreads through saliva, I need to cover my skin as much as possible.

Can’t exactly test it, so better play it safe.

Airborne infection? If that was it, I’d already be a zombie, so no need to worry about that.

No point thinking about it.

And I need a weapon for zombie encounters.

I’m not itching to fight, but it’s better to have one.

The stick I used to crack that ossan’s skull is splintered and useless now.

I need something manageable, strong, and sturdy.

※

After tearing the house apart, I’m finally ready.

Here’s my gear:

• Scooter helmet (my sister forgot it when she moved; half-type with goggles)
• Long-sleeve shirt (fishing gear; made of material that’s hard for needles to pierce)
• Short-sleeve vest (fishing gear; tons of pockets, super handy)
• Tactical gloves (fishing gear; rubber grips inside)
• Long pants (fishing gear; same material as the shirt)
• Work boots (mine; sturdy with steel toes)
• Backpack (big one from my high school club days)

Mostly just repurposed Dad’s fishing stuff.

Aside from the helmet, I look like a regular angler. Fishing gear’s practicality is wild.

If the town’s surprisingly normal, this might even dodge police questioning. Probably.

For a weapon, I went with a bokken.

I was in kendo club from elementary to high school, so it’s the only weapon I can handle decently.

This one’s a big training model for swings.

Same handle thickness as a regular bokken, but the blade’s wider and thicker.

It’s built big and tough.

Downside is it’s heavy, but it should crush a zombie’s skull easily.

I dabbled in swordsmanship too and got a permit to buy a real Japanese sword as an adult, but I don’t wanna use it.

It’s a lower-grade one, but still cost about three next-gen consoles.

No idea if slashes work on zombies.

Chopping a neck clean off would be nice, but I doubt I can pull that off in a pinch.

I’ve only really practiced forms.

Plus, I’ve got spare bokkens, so no regrets if one breaks or gets lost.

※

I’ll use the second-floor balcony with a ladder to get in and out.

The first floor’s locked up tight, no entry, to stay safe while sleeping.

Judging by that ossan, zombies don’t seem too smart.

Can’t get cocky, though—I should board up the first floor eventually.

I checked my watch.

Perfect timing—11 a.m., just before noon.

Final gear check.

I mounted the bokken on my belt for easy access.

Hope I don’t have to use it.

※

Alright, let’s go—outside!!

※

Stepping boldly down from the second floor, I was greeted by that ossan, still dead in the garden.

“…Gotta clean that up.”

Talk about a buzzkill.