helios300

Apocalypse, Survival, Crafting, Superpowers

Ethan Cross never expected to wake up in the middle of the apocalypse—let alone with a power straight out of a video game. Stranded in a ruined Nevada city overrun by undead and monstrous mutants, he quickly discovers his unique ability: Duplication. Any non-living object he touches can be copied, but with a catch—the duplicates degrade over time unless reinforced. Armed with this power and his Dimensional Storage, Ethan begins his fight for survival, crafting weapons, fortifying shelter, and outsmarting both the undead and desperate survivors.

But he’s not alone. His first and only companion is Ash, a small, sentient tree with the ability to detect danger, purify the air, and grow stronger by consuming organic matter. As Ethan scavenges, fights, and builds, Ash evolves, proving to be more than just a plant—it’s a powerful force against the horrors of the apocalypse.

From escaping a high-rise deathtrap to constructing a fortified haven, Ethan faces relentless threats: undead swarms, ruthless human factions, and grotesque mutated beasts. But the deeper he digs, the clearer the truth becomes—this plague wasn’t an accident. And the key to ending it lies within a hidden research facility, now a nest for nightmares.

With the world collapsing and an even greater force stirring in the shadows, Ethan must make a choice: continue as a lone wolf or forge a new civilization from the ruins. But survival isn’t just about weapons and walls—it’s about trust. And in a world where everything rots, even alliances can decay.

As the apocalypse enters its next stage, one thing is certain—Ethan will not be a pawn in someone else’s endgame.

Duplicator’s Apocalypse

Chapter 4 - First Steps Into the Wasteland

Ethan stood at the base of the high-rise, his boots crunching against broken glass and debris as he took his first real look at the city. The streets stretched endlessly before him, a graveyard of rusted cars and skeletal buildings. The air smelled stale, thick with the scent of decay, but Ash pulsed softly in his backpack, its presence a reassuring constant.

Survival was his top priority. He needed food, weapons, and most importantly, a safe place to regroup. His goal was simple—get out of the open and find shelter before nightfall.

He kept low, moving between abandoned vehicles, his knives ready. He had already duplicated a few more, tucking them into his belt for easy access. The duplication ability was proving invaluable, but he knew he needed to test its limits. Could he duplicate more than just weapons? What about resources?

Spotting an old vending machine outside a shattered convenience store, Ethan moved cautiously. The front glass was cracked, but most of the snacks inside remained untouched. He picked up a bottled water, concentrated, and felt the familiar tingling sensation. A perfect duplicate appeared in his free hand.

His lips curled into a smirk. "That's going to make things a lot easier."

He quickly loaded his backpack with supplies, duplicating as many protein bars and water bottles as he could fit. He didn't know how long he'd be on the move, and having extra rations would give him an edge.

As he stepped back outside, movement in the distance caught his eye. A lone figure shuffled across the street, its posture unnatural, its head jerking in odd directions. A zombie, but something about it was different. It moved faster, more alert than the ones in the stairwell.

Ethan gripped his knives, heart pounding. He needed to take it out before it noticed him.

He took a deep breath, crept forward, and hurled one of his knives at the creature's head. The blade embedded itself in its skull, but instead of dropping instantly, the zombie twitched violently before letting out an ear-piercing shriek.

Ethan's stomach dropped. That was not normal.

Almost immediately, answering shrieks echoed from the surrounding buildings. The air filled with the sound of scraping feet and rattling growls.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," he muttered, yanking his knife free as the first zombies appeared from the alleyways.

Ash rustled in his bag, sensing the danger. The tree's roots extended slightly, as if preparing for a fight.

"Yeah, buddy, we're in trouble. Time to move!"

Ethan turned and sprinted down the street, weaving between wrecked cars. The undead were fast, faster than he expected. He needed an escape route—somewhere he could barricade himself before they overwhelmed him.

His eyes locked onto a nearby department store, its glass doors already shattered. It would have to do.

He dove through the entrance, skidding across the tile floor, then spun around and grabbed the nearest shelf. With a grunt, he pushed it over, creating a makeshift barricade just as the first zombies reached the doorway. They slammed against the metal shelves, their snarling faces pushing through gaps, arms stretching wildly.

Ethan backed up, panting. He was trapped for now, but at least he had a moment to breathe.

Ash pulsed again, its roots extending slightly toward the creatures clawing at the barricade.

Ethan exhaled sharply. "Alright, Ash. Let's see what you can really do."

The tree's roots quivered in anticipation.

**Chapter 4 - First Steps Into the Wasteland**

Chapter 4 - First Steps Into the Wasteland