sangyue

Xu Lian and Guo Chen wake up four months before the apocalypse, their memories intact from a life where they fought desperately to survive. In their past, Lian had died early, leaving Chen to struggle alone until the bitter end. But now, given a second chance, they refuse to let history repeat itself.

Determined to prepare before the world collapses, they focus on securing a stronghold, gathering supplies, and finding allies both old and new. As they race against time, they discover that they’ve awakened extraordinary abilities. Lian possesses a space ability that can store anything and accelerate food growth, while Chen gains an enhanced combat instinct that makes him a near-invincible fighter.

Despite Lian’s deep fear of bringing life into a world consumed by death, circumstances lead to an unexpected pregnancy. Her newfound role as a mother changes her approach to survival, while Chen, who once lost everything, becomes even more determined to build the family they never had.

As they navigate betrayal, shifting alliances, and the horrifying evolution of zombies ranging from slow, decaying corpses to fast, intelligent predators they uncover the deeper mystery behind the apocalypse. But their time is running out.

This time, they’re not just fighting to survive.

They’re fighting for a future worth living.

Four months to doomsday

The factory was quiet at night, but Lian couldn't sleep. She sat on the edge of her cot, fingers absently tracing the handle of her knife. The air was thick with unease.

They had secured a deal with Shen Jiao and his men, but it was temporary at best. Sooner or later, the balance would shift, and she wasn't about to wait until they were at a disadvantage.

Chen stirred beside her. "You're thinking too loud."

She huffed a quiet laugh. "Hard not to."

He sat up, running a hand through his hair. "Jiao is watching us. We need to be careful."

"You're worried about your powers."

Lian tensed. He always saw right through her. "I used them too openly today."

Chen leaned in, lowering his voice. "Jiao suspects something. We need to control the narrative before he starts asking the wrong questions."

A knock on the door made them both go still.

"Trouble," Xian muttered from across the room.

Yan Rui opened the door, grinning. "Well, if it isn't our gracious host."

Shen Jiao stood there, arms crossed. "Time to prove your worth again."

"There's movement near the perimeter," Jiao said. "Could be survivors. Could be something worse."

Lian exchanged a glance with Chen. The apocalypse hadn't started yet, but the city was already shifting. Desperation made people dangerous.

Xian grabbed his rifle. "We're just doing all your dirty work now, huh?"

Jiao smirked. "Consider it an opportunity."

Yan Rui clapped his hands. "Oh, this should be fun."

Lian sighed. We need to get ahead of this before Jiao sees us as expendable.

They moved through the factory's perimeter in silence. The outer fences were rusted but sturdy, lined with barbed wire. Beyond them, the streets were dark.

Lian scanned the area, her senses sharper than before.

She motioned for the others to stop. "We're not alone."

She closed her eyes briefly, letting her power reach out. Faint life signatures pulsed ahead—scattered, but moving toward them.

Chen didn't question how she knew. He trusted her.

Yan Rui grinned. "Shall we say hello?"

The figures emerged from the darkness men, thin and ragged, their eyes hollow with hunger. They weren't infected, but they might as well have been.

One of them stepped forward, arms raised. "We don't want trouble."

Lian studied him carefully. He was young, barely in his twenties. Too thin. Desperate.

Shen Jiao stepped up beside her. "What do you want?"

The young man hesitated. "Food. Shelter. Anything."

Jiao's smirk was cold. "And what do you have to offer in return?"

Lian's stomach twisted. They have nothing.

Xian tightened his grip on his rifle. "We don't have room for dead weight."

The young man's hands trembled. "Please."

Lian exhaled. If they turned them away, they wouldn't last another night. But taking them in? That was another risk.

Shen Jiao watched her closely. "Well, what do you think?"

She met his gaze. He was testing her again.

"We take them in," she said. "On trial."

She didn't look away from Jiao. "We need manpower. They need protection. It's a fair trade."

Jiao chuckled. "Fair? Or sentimental?"

Lian's voice was firm. "Practical."

Jiao held her gaze for a moment longer, then shrugged. "Fine. But if they become a problem, they're yours to deal with."

Lian nodded. She had just bought these men a chance but it came with responsibility.

As the group was led inside, Chen stepped closer. "That was risky."

She sighed. "So is everything we do."

He touched her arm briefly. "Then let's make sure it was the right choice."

Lian exhaled. The fight for survival was only beginning.

Crack in the Alliance