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 9 - The Road to Uncertainty**

Ethan walked at the rear of the group, his senses sharp despite the early morning haze. The city had grown quieter overnight, an unnatural stillness settling over the ruined streets. He didn't like it. The undead were rarely this passive.

Ash stirred in his arms, its leaves twitching as it sensed the world around them. It had been growing stronger—subtle changes in its roots and branches hinting at its slow evolution. Ethan didn't know how powerful it could become, but he intended to find out.

Kayla led the group through a winding path of abandoned cars and crumbling infrastructure. The other survivors were wary of Ethan, keeping their distance. He didn't mind. Trust wasn't something given freely in this world, and he wasn't looking for friends.

"So, Ethan," Kayla said after a while, breaking the silence. "What's your story?"

He shrugged. "Not much to tell. Surviving. Moving."

Ethan glanced at Ash, then back at her. "More or less."

The burly man from before—Brent, Ethan had learned—grunted. "Yeah, well, lone wolves don't last long."

Ethan smirked. "Guess I must be lucky."

The group pushed on, navigating through ruined alleyways and broken streets. Every few minutes, Ethan's eyes flicked to the rooftops, checking for movement. The undead weren't the only threats out here—raiders, scavengers, and worse lurked in the ruins.

After an hour, Kayla held up a fist, signaling a stop. Ahead, a collapsed overpass blocked their path, forcing them to find another route.

"We'll have to go through the subway tunnels," she said, frowning.

Ethan didn't like that. Underground meant confined spaces, limited escape routes, and worse—things could be lurking in the dark.

"You sure that's a good idea?" he asked.

Kayla gave him a hard look. "You got a better one?"

The entrance to the subway was half-buried in rubble, the old stairs leading down into pitch-black tunnels. A stale, metallic scent lingered in the air, mixed with something fouler—decay.

Kayla motioned forward. "Stay close and keep quiet."

Ethan adjusted his grip on Ash and followed the group down into the depths.

The tunnels were worse than he expected. Water dripped from unseen cracks, the distant sound of something skittering against stone setting his nerves on edge. The group moved carefully, flashlights cutting through the thick darkness.

Ethan's muscles tensed. Something wasn't right. Ash trembled slightly in his arms, sensing it too.

Then he heard it—a low, guttural growl from deep within the tunnel.