The preparations will be expensive (ZN)

[A/N: Dear readers, I didn't postpone the publication of the chapters because it seemed a bit selfish of me. So, I'll subtly ask at the beginning of the chapters if you can help me with some requests, but if you don't comply, nothing will happen. However, I will change the publication schedule.

Could you please click the heart button on my webnovel profile?]

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In the village.

About an hour had passed since I left the garden. The return journey was very peaceful, and as I approached the village, I began riding through the streets near the back gate, alerting the possible presence of zombies or people lurking.

Not sensing any danger, I decided to return to the village and head for the base house. I got off my bike and rode it to a safe place, placing it between some traps before storing it in a nearby shed, along with the patches and glue I'd left in my backpack.

I cautiously opened the door, as usual, and left the spear at the entrance. Glancing into the living room, I saw Anna deep in the middle of some books.

"How are you? Did you have any problems along the way?", she asked when she noticed my arrival.

"Everything's fine, no problems at all", I replied. However, I remembered that on my way back, the zombies that had been devouring someone that morning had been there. In a moment of impulsive anger, I had eliminated them all. "Yeah, actually, there weren't any problems", I thought to myself.

"That's great. And what happened with that group? Did they have any incidents?", she asked as I sat next to her.

"Nothing serious happened, just some issues with other groups", I commented.

I spent about an hour telling her about the dynamics of the garden group, how they worked together, the problems they'd encountered with larger groups, and the improvements they wanted to make to their base.

Anna was excited to hear how harmonious the group was, but she was annoyed to learn about the problems caused by large groups.

Afterward, I explained the place David had discovered and how it could become an excellent base for large groups of people. I also told her about the settlement organization and the county-style plans David had mentioned.

To my surprise, she quickly grasped the situation and even provided some useful ideas regarding medical supplies, highlighting the importance of having a medical team on a base the size David was planning. I took note of her suggestions and promised to find a suitable time to talk to David about it, which made her very happy.

"I'm going to take a shower", I said, ending the conversation.

"Yes, you should wash your face", she replied with a serious tone and a questioning look.

"I guess there's blood on my face. I didn't know it bothered you", I thought, trying to interpret her expression.

I went up to my room to find some clean clothes. Then, mildly curious about the state of my face and Anna's earlier reaction, I headed to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror.

"Now I understand the reason for her look", I thought, noticing a subtle lipstick mark on my cheek and a more obvious one on my lips, but a different color.

I showered slowly, watching the water fall over my body. I couldn't tell if she was washing away the dirt that covered me or if I was simply showering to relax and clear my mind of negative thoughts.

After a while, I left the bathroom with renewed spirits. I went down to the first floor and saw Anna waiting for me. She stared at me and, noticing that there were no more lipstick marks on my face, seemed to relax immediately.

"How's your foot?", I asked her suddenly.

"It's in perfect condition; I can even run. Thanks for asking", she replied gratefully.

"Then it's time to teach you a few things", I said seriously as I led her outside, armed with my spear and a weapon.

"No problem. I'll do my best to learn quickly", she assured me, following me, expectantly waiting for what was going to happen next.

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[A/N: Have you ever used a gun? I haven't.]

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"That's good. First, you need to know how to deal with a zombie. I don't know if you've done this before, but I'll repeat it anyway. You should always keep them as far away from you as possible and only attack when you're sure you've got a clear shot. If you have any doubts about finishing them off, back off and prepare again. Do you understand?", I explained it in a neutral tone.

"I understand. Safety first", he replied.

"If you're in a pinch or need to save someone, aim for their head and stab with all you might. And if you have a gun, knowing it's safe to use it, you can shoot to protect yourself or save someone else. Nothing is faster than a bullet, and when there's someone who can be saved, every second counts", I told him, convinced of the importance of my words.

"Okay. Guns only in emergencies and under optimal conditions", he nodded, following what I'd said to the letter.

"The best thing you can do to fight zombies is prepare in advance. If you wear bite-resistant clothing, you'll avoid becoming one of them through accidental bites. With proper preparation, you can even kill them without weapons", I explained.

"I see. It's like the suit you wore yesterday", he commented, reflecting on my words.

Exactly. It's also important to consider the efficient use of energy. You don't need to run unless absolutely necessary; just attack if you're sure you'll hit, and above all, use your mind to confront them. Use obstacles to your advantage, take advantage of height differences and even their lack of mobility as tools in your fight. If you stay calm, prepare properly, and think strategically, you can take out a group of zombies even with the simplest weapons, like the spear I'm holding.

"I understand. I never considered facing them would be so simple, at least not in that way", she told me, showing confidence in her ability to confront a zombie face to face.

"You shouldn't get too confident. Now we'll start practicing exercises and simulated one-on-one battles", I replied as I prepared to teach her some zombie combat techniques.

"Okay, I'm ready", she replied, with a determined look.

I began by showing her the weak points of the body, areas she knew even better than I did, since she was a nurse. I taught her the most effective ways to use the spear and how to take advantage of those vulnerable points to confront zombies.

Afterward, we practiced stances and movements with the spear. Occasionally, I would pretend to be a zombie while she defended herself with a spear-like stick. At first, she was reluctant to strike, so I had to use the guards I found at the bike shop to encourage her to strike with all her might.

Finally, we addressed the topic of firearms. We reviewed the parts of a gun, its maintenance, and the correct way to handle them. We finished with shooting and aiming positions, but for safety reasons, we didn't actually shoot; I simply pointed out the points she should aim at based on her stance.

We spent much of the afternoon repeating each movement tirelessly. As the sun began to set, we went back inside to prepare dinner. Anna helped me, which made everything go much faster than usual.

We sat down to dinner in silence, as we had the past few days, enjoying the food.

"I have to go out again tomorrow", I told her as we sat on the sofa.

"Again? Will you be back early?", she asked, a little resigned.

"I'll be back a little later than today, since the place I'm going to is farther away than the one I visited today", I replied, staring at her.

"I see", she said, showing a hint of sadness.

"Tomorrow, review what I taught you today, both the movements and the preparations you should make to fight a zombie. The next day we'll go out together to see if you're ready", I told her seriously.

"I hope I'm ready", she replied with a melancholic tone.

After our brief conversation, we each headed to our rooms.

"Perhaps you'd benefit from settling in some of the places I know from my future. Anna doesn't seem to like me going out to explore different places", I thought, remembering how sad she had become again after my announcement.

As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as usual, my mind began to review everything I had seen and heard during the day. The situation is complicated for many; most people lack essential resources and skills to survive. Furthermore, those I should be able to trust—in this case, the state forces—seem to plan their lives as if they were simply numbers on a spreadsheet.

The most alarming news I received today was the approximate date it all began. It wasn't simply the date itself or how close it is, but the reality that is becoming more and more palpable. At first, they were just extremely vivid dreams that made me question my sanity. However, every day, those small dreams seem to become a reality that is inexorably approaching.

"I suppose it all started publicly on November 21st of this year", I reflected, remembering the calendar. "Although I mentioned to Anna that it all started much earlier. I must prepare for any eventuality", I thought, recalling some conversations I had had with my base mate.

After a long time staring at the ceiling, I closed my eyes and fell into darkness.

Friday, November 6, 2026, morning.

"No!", I exclaimed aloud upon waking.

I seemed to have been hit by an avalanche of crucial memories, although this time in the form of nightmares; at least some of them were. I realized that what I had dreamed had great relevance.

Wasting no time, I took my notebook from the bedside table and began to write down everything I remembered.

First, I wrote about the scene I witnessed on my way to the base from which I had radioed for help. Endless cars stranded on the road, along with decomposing bodies decorating the road in various ways. I even remember watching a group of zombies eating breakfast, a wretched soul who had breathed his last there.

Then, I wrote down what I saw in the base. I described the type of organization they had, some personality traits of the people I interacted with the most, and how tasks were distributed. However, the names and faces of those individuals remained hidden in my memory. I also wrote down everything related to the conversation I had with the base manager about the characteristics of the settlements, the expansion plans of an acquaintance of ours, and the improvements that could be made at his facility.

Finally, I wrote down in capital letters the date I had circled on the calendar. A date that, just remembering it, sent a deep chill through me.

"So, it all starts on November 21st", I murmured in a shaky voice, my eyes fixed on the date I had written in my notebook. Then, feeling panic rising, I corrected myself: "Actually, the approximate date would be November 15th." With a trembling voice, I scratched out the initial date and wrote the new one in its place.

"It's getting closer", I said in panic, staring at my phone screen: "Friday, November 6, 2026."

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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED

Basic weapons training.

Exact date for when it all starts.

We could include a countdown.

I've created a Discord server for you all to join and discuss the novel and related topics. I'll answer questions, talk about some novels I'm planning to add, and more.

https://discord.gg/pu7qMuV5 ]