Chapter 29

"Drinks, anyone?" The old man offered, extending the cans. "Might as well make the best of this situation since we won't be able to move for a while."

Daniel, feeling defeated, glanced at the sign of the building behind him: "Big Deal Electronics Shop." A flicker of inspiration ignited within him. Ignoring the old man's bewildered shout, Daniel hurried into the shop.

"Hey, where are you going?" the old man called out, perplexed by Daniel's sudden action.

Daniel pressed on, his mind consumed by the idea taking shape. He combed through the store until he laid eyes on the parts and components necessary to construct an electricity net. A surge of determination surged through him as he realized he was on the brink of a breakthrough. However, one obstacle remained: securing a sizable vehicle capable of transporting both the equipment and the net itself.

Daniel burst out of the building, his voice echoing through the desolate streets. "Everyone, gather 'round! I've got an idea that just might get us out of this mess!"

The old man chuckled, his laughter cutting through the tension. "Oh, what is it this time? Another brilliant plan to lead us straight into trouble?"

Grinning, Daniel shook his head. "Not this time, old man. Trust me, it's different. But I need your help. Check the nearby stores, see if you can scrounge up any car batteries. We're gonna need a bunch."

Soldier 1 furrowed his brow in confusion. "Car batteries? What for?" he asked, his skepticism evident.

Ignoring the question for the moment, Daniel turned to the old man, anticipation sparking in his eyes.

"Please sir, we'll need a car with a lot of space to fit everyone and some extra stuff," Daniel urged the old man, his eyes scanning the vicinity, searching for any sign of danger.

"Helen, please come with me, I'll need your help," Daniel said, his tone grave, his gaze locked on Helen, conveying the urgency of the situation.

"Hey, are you crazy? Are you seriously considering driving out of here with zombies everywhere? Can't you see the roads are jam-packed with them? Trying to break out of here is practically suicide," the old man protested, his voice tinged with fear and frustration as he gestured towards the horde of undead outside.

"If the car gets swarmed by zombies and we get stuck, it'll just be a death sentence," he continued, his words punctuated by the distant moans of the approaching undead, their ominous presence looming ever closer.

"I think he's right," soldier 1 interjected, his expression grim as he surveyed their limited options for escape.

"I don't think I have the time to explain what I am planning right now," Daniel said, his gaze shifting towards the electronics store. "Making what I'm thinking right now is going to take more time than you think, but please believe me when I say we can escape if you just follow the instructions I gave."

"It's not that I don't believe you, but please tell us what you're making," the old man questioned.

"If it turns out to be worthless junk, I am really going to make you wish you were dead," the old man added, his voice tinged with skepticism.

Meanwhile, as the trio conversed, Helen strolled into the store. With a keen eye, she spotted the parts and components Daniel had recently examined. A smile spread across her face as she realized Daniel's plan.

"So that's what Daniel's plan is," she remarked with a smile.

Back at the discussion, Daniel began to explain, "I will be making--" but was interrupted as Helen emerged from the store. She wielded a racket in her hands, raising it up and turning it on. Electricity sparked from the net, and she turned to Daniel, saying, "This is your idea, right?"

"Yes, it is," Daniel confirmed.

"Oh, I see it now," Soldier 1 chimed in.

Confusion still lingered with the old man. He turned to Soldier 1, pleading, "What is it? What is he planning to make? I don't get it at all. Please, somebody tell me."

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Inside the electronics shop, Daniel was deeply engrossed in his task, sketching intricate diagrams for his latest idea.

"Hmm, Daniel, how did you come up with something like this?" Helen's curiosity bubbled up, intrigued by Daniel's unexpected passion for building.

"Well, you see, Helen, it's because being a doctor wasn't my true dream. Sure, I'm content with where I am, but deep down, I always wanted to be an electrical engineer. I love tinkering with things that involve currents and circuits. I've spent hours watching YouTube tutorials and conducting experiments at home. But, you know, my family has a long line of doctors, so I felt pressured into following that path," Daniel confessed, a tinge of sadness shadowing his expression.

"I had no idea," Helen responded, her tone softening with empathy.

"It's alright, Helen. Water under the bridge now," Daniel reassured her with a melancholic smile.

"Got it. So, what's your plan now?" Helen inquired, shifting the focus back to Daniel's current endeavor.

"Well, I'm sketching out the circuit diagram for the electric net we're going to use to trap the vehicle that the old man set out to find. Luckily, it seems like all the necessary parts are here. I'll just need to guide you on which ones to fetch," Daniel explained, his eyes gleaming with determination.

"Okay, take care, Daniel," Helen said, mustering a faint smile before leaving him to his work.