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

Ethan clenched his knives, heart pounding as the barricade trembled under the weight of the relentless horde. The groaning metal shelves wouldn't hold forever. He needed a plan—and fast.

Ash pulsed again, its small frame vibrating within Ethan's backpack. He had seen its roots move before, stretching ever so slightly, reacting to danger. But could it fight? Could it really defend them both?

Gripping the straps of his bag, Ethan slung it around to his front, unzipping the main compartment. Carefully, he pulled Ash free and set it on the ground before him. Its tiny branches quivered, and its roots extended slightly, tasting the air.

"Come on, Ash," Ethan urged, backing away. "I need you to fight."

As if understanding his words, Ash's roots snaked forward, creeping toward the gaps in the barricade. The first zombie shoved its rotting arm through a gap, clawing wildly. Without hesitation, Ash's roots lashed out, wrapping around the limb like a constricting vine. The undead let out a strangled growl as the roots tightened, then yanked it violently forward. The creature's head struck the metal shelving with a sickening crunch, silencing it instantly.

Ethan's eyes widened. "Holy shit."

But there was no time to marvel. More zombies pressed against the barricade, their snarls growing louder. Ash moved faster now, sensing the urgency. Its roots coiled like living whips, darting through gaps, wrapping around throats, limbs, and torsos. It slammed one zombie against the floor repeatedly until it stopped moving. Another was pulled in, its head twisted at an unnatural angle as the roots squeezed.

Ethan didn't waste the opening. He leaped forward, plunging his knives into the skulls of the zombies that remained standing. Every time he lost a weapon, he simply duplicated another, ensuring he was never unarmed. The combination of his skills and Ash's assistance turned what could have been a death trap into a manageable skirmish.

When the last creature twitched and went still, Ethan let out a long breath, wiping sweat from his forehead. He turned to Ash, whose roots slowly retracted, coiling back beneath its small frame. The little tree pulsed softly, almost like a satisfied heartbeat.

Ethan crouched down, staring at his strange companion in awe. "You're a damn monster, you know that?"

Ash quivered, and Ethan could have sworn it was pleased with itself.

He ran a hand through his hair, standing. "Alright. We're not safe here. That horde was too big. There'll be more soon. We need to keep moving."

Looking around, Ethan spotted a stairwell leading to the department store's upper floors. He had no idea what he'd find up there, but it had to be better than the blood-soaked ground floor. He scooped Ash up, cradling it carefully before sprinting up the stairs.

As he climbed, his mind raced. Ash had potential. If it could grow stronger, evolve even… it could be the key to surviving this apocalypse. But for now, they needed rest, supplies, and a way out of the city.

Because something told him the horrors they had just faced were only the beginning.

**Chapter 5 - Ash’s First Battle**

Chapter 5 - Ash’s First Battle