Kaize unconsciously stood up. "You found a cure?!"
"Not a cure—but a vaccine," Sigmund corrected. "Once the virus has set, it unfortunately cannot be reversed.
"The zombie virus essentially just kills the host and animates the body—much like a parasite."
"Explain to us in detail, please," Khalifa asked, and Sigmund complied.
"We can treat the zombie virus as a parasite, and there are certain antibodies, proteins and enzymes in your fluids—blood or cum—that interfere with their growth. This is the first part of the vaccine."
"The crystals weren’t useful?" Kaize couldn’t help but intervene. This time the other men had the same worries and also looked at Sigmund for some answers.
"The crystals have remnants of the virus that have been stabilized so it couldn’t be used for direct consumption."
In the end, the liquefaction of crystals can only be to combine them, and shall never be eaten or drank directly. However, he made further studies to improve the ’big crystals’, which was still very useful.
So far, Sigmund had created a few batches of it, most of which were in Khalifa’s space. They didn’t plan on distributing them, lest the zombies get a hold of it and turn to super zombies directly.
"Does this mean Khalifa has to…"
Sigmund shook his head. "I have managed to culture the samples I have and mimic their structure to some degree, so I don’t have to take any more from you." Of course, there would be quality differences, but it was within the tolerance range.
This made the men heave a sigh of relief. There were still millions of people left in the world. What if they all demanded for Khalifa’s blood?
"The vaccine would theoretically work best with the ’special’ fruits and vegetables you sent me.
"They have a natural healing and regenerative properties that enhances the body’s healing process—that is to boost the immune system as well.
"It is not enough to prevent the onset of the virus after a direct bite, but it can slow it down. Together with the vaccine, it should have a synergy effect."
"Should?"
"It has not been tested yet as I just completed the synthesizing a few hours ago."
"..."
But… they shouldn’t be too worried, Sigmund wasn’t one who would claim to have discovered something only to have it actually not work.
Whatever happened, this was a big find, and it felt like a large weight on their backs was lifted.
***
Early the next day, they gathered the people battling the mobs. Basically, it was an open call and anyone could join in. They had to bring their own equipment and risk their lives, but the reward was rich.
Basically, due to the high demand of stocking, the prices for goods had increased. Not too much, but it gave the citizens a hint that life would be a bit of a challenge for everyone due to this ’war’.
That said, if they joined in, they’d be set for at least a few months of expenses, even considering the increase in prices.
Kaize and Cauis also led the politics and morale-building, so they did convince a lot of people to join in regardless of the rewards.
The leading party stood in front of the people, who were a little puzzled as to why they called a few hours earlier than the announcement the previous day.
The two of them stood in front, back straight, appearing very regal and handsome.
"Today is the day of our biggest battle yet," Cauis began, looking at the tens of thousands of people gathered outside the base.
They had already cleared the area long ago so the safe zone had been relatively safe even outside the walls of bases.
Though… not for long if they didn’t succeed on this mission.
"We all know this is a critical fight that we must take and I—on behalf of human beings, present and future—thank you for participating in this historic act."
"There is also another thing," Cauis added, "Our scientist may have discovered a vaccine, but we only managed to create 100."
This naturally caused an explosion of discussion with everyone ready to fight for the chance to use it.
"However, it has never been tested before and may have some unknown side effects.
"Those who wish to take a chance, please go to this side to get listed. We will choose the 100 people randomly."
After a few more words, they adjourned the meeting, allowing those who weren’t planning on risking their current health—and therefore survivability—to try an untested vaccine.
These people went ahead to finish up preparing the supplies, the weapons, the transportation, and the like.
Anyway, there were a total of 321 men who hoped to get vaccinated. By lots, they narrowed it down to 100.
One by one, the vaccine was injected into their bloodstreams. By the time they had done all 100, the rest were all prepared, with the cars ready to leave.
They also gave a small reward of fruits to those who got injected, causing a wave of envy when they got into their respective cars.
It was a mix of normal fruits and Khalifa’s though (not that the patients knew this) with Sigmund hoping to see what the variances would be.
"This isn’t the last meal, right?" a jealous person would mumble, making him receive a couple of bumps on the head.
Anyway, the cars started one by one, moving forward in batches…
…heading to what felt like the biggest battle of their lives.
***
While the other cars had gone, Hugo’s especially outfitted one wasn’t moving.
The car was a state-of-the-art truck similar in durability to a monster truck, but much more compact and comfortable. In theory, it could breeze through even dense mobs, and was strong enough to hold on its own for a while even if two super strength zombies kept on attacking it.
All the men except Sigmund—who was tasked to continuously make vaccines and condensed crystals—were here, joining the critical fight.
It wasn’t just them though.
At this time, it wasn’t moving because the atmosphere inside was fraught with tension and disagreement.
This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.
Why? Because a certain pregnant woman snuck in and was pushing to join in.
"I’m coming," she said, crossing her arms, though in the eyes of the men it just emphasized her big stomach instead.
"No," Kylo said, rejecting Khalifa for the first time. A strong arm wrapped around her shoulders, gently guiding her up.
"My love, let me take you home," Cauis said, and the others nodded in agreement.
She frowned, refusing him. "No, I’m coming with you," she said, repeating her words for the nth time.
Sigh.
Kylo looked sternly at her. "You’re pregnant, and you said your control is limited."
"I know my body well. I can help."
Khalifa looked really stubborn at this time, and the men wondered how to knock her out without hurting her.
But how could Khalifa not tell what was going on in their heads?
Determined, she looked at them one by one. "I’m going no matter what anyone says.
"But, Khalifa—"
This time, her voice rose and it surprised them all. "I can’t handle being at home when you’re all in here!"
This made all the men shut up and purse their lips, heart filled with both warmth and worry.
Seeing that they were finally ready to listen, her tense shoulders slumped in relief. "Besides, I put a lot of crystals, synthesized crystals, and weapons in my space. Don’t you think it will be a waste sitting on the island?"
Adding another nail in the coffin, she added: "I will come no matter what—even if it’s not in this car!"
At this, the men had no choice but to succumb.
Cauis sighed and held her hand. "Promise us you wouldn’t push yourself."
She nodded, promised, and even told them her game plan to keep herself safe.
The men could only look at each other in worry, still not reassured —they never would, to be honest—but they had no choice but to move forward with the love of their lives anyway.
The car traveled for about an hour or two before reaching the dedicated location.
Along with the others, they stopped at a height, dozens of kilometers away from the front of the mob.
In this location, there were many more people now from the other bases including Ryo, and they all stared at the sight in front of them.
Even so far away, they could see the large mobs, creepily walking towards their homes with the full intent on eating all of them.
Well, now or never.