100

Stay Alive

Chapter 100 – The Hand Is a Weapon

When Alan walked unarmed toward the survivors’ base, the leader came out with all his men in trucks, parking not far from where Alan stood.

There were at least fifty men, all of them armed and ready to start a war—a war they didn’t know they could never win, not now, not ever.

“Good afternoon. I see you’ve met my subordinate. The circumstances of that meeting weren’t ideal, and for that, I kindly offer you an apology.” The Governor of this place, known as Terry, was about to step closer when Alan raised his hand, forming a gun with his fingers.

The moment everyone saw it, they raised their weapons. Kenny and Tom grew tense, but neither made a move.

“Are you really that nervous just because of the way I’m holding my hand?” Alan’s mocking tone was clear. Pointing at the insignia on his vest, he added, “You should know where this comes from. Your men shot down one of my eagles, and for that, you’ll pay a very steep price.”

Terry frowned, locking eyes with Alan. “I don’t see how I can. You see, things have been complicated for us lately. We’re just trying to survive as long as we can.”

“Then, if I kill you now, I can justify it by saying I’m just surviving too. By your logic, I should kill all of you right now and bury you under the rubble of your homes.” Alan’s eyes revealed the cruelty he reserved for his enemies.

Kenny listened to the entire exchange and thought: This man is dangerous…

There are people who can frighten you with just a look. They say those who threaten with words are only hiding fear—but sometimes, the ones speaking truly have the power to act. Alan was one of them.

“Kill us? As far as I can see, you’re alone against more than fifty armed men. Enlighten me—how exactly will you kill us?” Terry tried to sound confident, though inside he was nervous. He knew trouble was bound to come once they shot down that helicopter, but he never expected it to find him so soon.

His eyes stayed on Alan, but his ears strained for the sound of helicopters overhead. He thought that must be the case, yet heard nothing. That silence emboldened him, and he looked at Alan with a touch more arrogance.

“I’ll give you one chance: we fight to the death with knives. If not, I’ll destroy your refuge and everyone inside it. I’m sure you have loved ones—so imagine the outcome: smoke, blood, and dust.” Alan’s fake smile was not an act. He truly meant to kill them all.

Saving people was difficult enough now. Even more complicated was the thought of having to kill their husbands, grandsons, and children. Alan wasn’t interested in wasting time. He would give the Governor a taste of his own medicine—right here, right now.

“Well then… die.” Alan lowered his hand and turned away, but Terry aimed a pistol at his back.

“You’re not leaving here alive.”

Alan smiled. He looked at Merle, who raised his rifle—but before he could fire, sharp, ripping sounds tore through the air.

It all happened too fast to process. White figures streaked visibly through the sky, and in an instant, the Governor’s men erupted in a curtain of flames.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

What followed was the total bombardment of the refuge. Everyone inside was annihilated in seconds. The powerful shockwaves threw both Terry and Alan through the air.

Kenny had no time to take cover either; the blast wave slammed him to the ground.

“No…” Terry, ears bleeding, tried to get back on his feet to kill Alan. But when he lifted his head, the barrel of a pistol was pressed against his forehead.

Alan, already recovered, held the gun steady and said, “You must have been a good man once.”

Bang! Bang! Bang!