Shirewilt Estates

After listening to Jason's explanation, everyone gradually gained a general idea of the upcoming plans. At that moment, an idea sparked in Jason's mind: he thought of Noah's community. There was still plenty of time before people would discover that the Shirewilt Estates community had been destroyed. By the time they reached Richmond, there was a chance the residents could still be alive.

Could he possibly witness how they died and prevent it, securing a foothold in that refuge? Jason longed for that moment to come.

Currently, their group was too small, but he knew that long-distance travels weren't suitable for large numbers of people. So, naturally, along the journey far from their own territory, they could take in those they encountered and settle them in Shirewilt Estates, thereby increasing their numbers in Virginia.

Otherwise, Jason was certain they would struggle being so few. Even though their group included four soldiers and capable survivors like the Dixon brothers and the strong Tyreese, they were still no more than fifteen people.

"My community is on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia. That's where my family should be—I'm sure of it," Noah said nervously. It had been about half a year since he left his family with his father to search for his uncle, so he really had no idea what might have happened since then.

"It's okay, Noah, I understand! George, set the route to Richmond."

"Let's head to Richmond!"

Many in the group, who enjoyed having fun on the road, raised their hands and shouted. Of course, Carlos was the ringleader of these antics.

"Can't even get some sleep..." Daryl muttered, the corner of his mouth slightly lifted in amusement.

Everyone in the group supported Jason's idea—seeking information and, if possible, saving survivors along the way.

Three days later, on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia.

A convoy of four vehicles came to a slow stop at the edge of a forest, and the group exited the cars. Since the beginning of the trip, Jason's group had stopped at several places and even encountered an old man named Harry and his grandson. The two had been traveling in search of a safe place before being welcomed into the group.

During this time, the journey was nearly nonstop. After all, Jason didn't want to waste too much time on this trip; he didn't have much time for his plans.

Upon seeing the area, Jason held his M4 and stepped out of the modified RV. He turned around and said, "Everyone, grab your weapons. Now's not the time for cold steel or for dozing off. Sasha and Carlos, stay behind and guard our vehicles!"

"Let's go, Noah. Lead the way."

Before long, a group of people passed through the forest and then through the outer circle of barbed-wire fencing around the shelter, wrapped in logs, until they reached the forest's edge.

"Noah, from what you remember, are there any watchtowers or outposts around this place?" Jason looked toward the walls not too far away. If there were people guarding the perimeter, it would be safer not to approach directly.

Hearing this, Noah thought carefully. Looking ahead, he spotted a tower that wasn't very tall, and he nodded: "There's only one tower, and it's near the front gate."

Glenn, holding a weapon, looked forward and confirmed that there was indeed a not-so-tall tower. He then turned to Jason to verify Noah's words.

"It's safest to go through the main gate. They won't attack if they recognize Noah." This time, Daryl held an assault rifle. If they encountered anything now, it wouldn't be walkers.

Following his suggestion, about a dozen armed people took a path toward the entrance of the Shirewilt Estates community. Vegetation could be seen around the area, and some structures were visible inside the walls. Jason had wanted to scout the perimeter first but ultimately decided to go straight to the gate.

The walls were made of metal and enclosed the entire area. Noah was the first to run toward the gate. Seeing the familiar entrance, he couldn't help but cry, a joyful smile spreading across his face.

He had finally made it home!

Merle walked up and looked at the red brick walls covered in sheets of metal in front of him. Glancing at the emotional Noah, he said, "Hey, buddy! Is this piece-of-crap wall—the one I could knock over with my amazing strength—the 'great wall' you mentioned?"

Glenn and the others also approached, smiling at Merle's mockery. They had imagined a wall like the one at the central base in the prison, while Noah, now standing in front of it, looked embarrassed. He had spent days bragging about how impressive his refuge's wall was, and now Merle's sarcasm left him feeling awkward.

"For God's sake, how many .50 caliber rounds can this metal sheeting take?"

Ignoring Merle's words, Noah walked up to the gate, about to knock when loud footsteps echoed from inside the courtyard, and a voice called out from behind the door: "Who's there?"

Noah shouted excitedly, "It's me! Noah! I'm back!"

"Noah?" the voice asked in disbelief, and then the door cracked open.

A large man stepped out holding a shotgun. When he saw Noah, he instantly recognized him and smiled broadly.

"Noah! Is it really you? Thank God—it's a miracle!"

The man rushed out and hugged Noah tightly. His words were full of genuine shock and joy. After a while, he calmed down and looked at Noah. "Tell me—where's your father? Did you find your uncle? And who are all these people?"

"This is one big Black family, my friend. T-Dog, maybe you'll find your long-lost grandma in this place?" Merle turned to T-Dog and grinned.

"Oh, come on. I told you I don't have any family. And besides, not all Black people are related! But... I get what you mean." T-Dog was confused by the comment.

"Ha, what nonsense."

Just then, the man hugging Noah squinted at Jason's group, his eyes finally settling on Merle, who stared back and stuck out his tongue.

Worried the man might offend someone, Noah quickly made introductions. "This is Ravi Kapoor. He stayed behind to guard our shelter when my father and I left to find my uncle."

"Mr. Ravi, these are some soldiers who rescued me in Atlanta and helped me get here safely."

Noah then introduced Jason and the others one by one to Ravi. When Ravi heard they were military and that Jason was the leader, he looked surprised.

"Oh my God, it's such a surprise to have soldiers here. On behalf of Shirewilt Estates, I welcome you."

After a brief greeting, the group entered the settlement. Jason discreetly observed the place. He noticed the area was large, but there weren't many survivors, and only one person guarded the settlement from a simple watchtower by the gate—just as Noah had said.

Some survivors recognized Noah, but the presence of Jason's heavily armed group made many nervous, and people began to gather.

Jason thought about Ravi's panicked tone before opening the gate and concluded this place would likely fall soon, just like in the original story. Ravi clearly knew something, so Jason approached him to confirm a suspicion. "Sir, may I ask you something?"

Ravi Kapoor, who had been chatting with Noah, looked surprised but then smiled, nodded, and said, "Of course, Mr. Jason! And please, just call me Ravi."

"All right, Ravi. Right before you opened the gate, you seemed a little nervous. Did something happen before we arrived?"

Ravi didn't respond immediately, but his expression turned unreadable. He pointed to a nearby house and said, "Let's talk in there."

Looking at the house, Jason couldn't help but glance at Tyreese behind him. That was the house where this great man had been bitten in the original timeline. At that moment, Tyreese had been on the brink of death—it was one of the most epic deaths from that time. A kind, strong man with natural leadership and a thoughtful heart.

Tyreese didn't notice Jason's look; he was chatting with Bob, smiling, seemingly in a good mood.

"Merle, head back to the convoy with Tyreese. Looks like there are crows in the woods," Jason said, nodding slightly.

"Damn luck... I wanted to see this grand city of our friend Noah!" Merle grumbled, then looked at Bob and Tyreese, who quickly followed him back to the vehicles outside the settlement.

Jason smiled. He had felt uneasy—and it seemed they had arrived before the refuge's destruction. Realizing this, he understood it had been a mistake to leave Sasha and Carlos alone with just a child and an old man. That's why he sent reinforcements.

Daryl looked at Jason, and then everyone entered the house to talk. Jon and George didn't go in; they stayed outside, watching the survivors and handing out candy to the children.

As soon as the rest of the group entered the house, they saw a woman about Ravi Kapoor's age packing some things. She looked surprised.

Then Noah introduced Jason's group once more and said he needed to go look for his siblings…