Golden Zombie
My hobby is stalking other people.
That might sound a bit pervy, but really, it's just peeking at everyone else's secret posts. Huh, saying it out loud, yeah, that makes me a stalker, doesn't it?
'B-but it's unavoidable if you wanna survive, right?'
In this era where all of humanity communicates through a single Maelmang Gallery, it's not like we're all buddy-buddy sharing info. Quite the opposite, actually. Everyone hoards it like their life depends on it—and it does.
'I'd keep it locked up tight and use it all myself too.'
Really crucial intel gets traded only via so-called secret posts. But there's one thing they don't know.
This gallery has an admin who can see every single secret post.
I diligently spied on them, gathering info. Most of it was worthless to a veteran like me... but every now and then, something useful popped up.
[Why is this zombie yellow?]
My scrolling eyes snagged on that as I mindlessly flicked down.
Golden Zombie. It's a unique zombie that occasionally shows up if you play Last Day long enough. "Golden" is just what users call it. The real name is Tumor Zombie—its face is covered in yellow pus, making it look yellow or gold.
Disgusting zombie already, and with tumors to boot? Tons of players spotted it and ran the other way.
'Classic newbie mistake.'
But if that was all, why the "golden" nickname?
This thing is a goldmine mob that spits out massive points just for killing it. Hunting it is way tougher than regular zombies, but the payoff's worth it. For someone like me who knows the strats, it's no big deal.
'This one's mine!'
One hunt and I'd double my coins. Plus, once word spreads more, it'll get harder to solo. Better snag it now while attention's low. A post like this on the gallery means plenty have already seen it.
Time to hustle.
'Conveniently close too.'
I cross-checked the poster's coordinates and pic—figured out the spot in seconds. A forest path near the city. Golden Zombie's there.
I geared up with weapons and supplies, then headed out.
Hmm, feels like I'm venturing outside more than back in the day. Maybe I'm cut out for the apocalypse after all.
Didn't take long to reach the forest in question. But the real search started now.
Finding one zombie in this huge woods? Not easy.
'If it glowed or something, sure. But no such luck. Gotta pound pavement.'
Tracking people would be simpler. But zombies with zero brains don't follow human patterns. They don't stray far from their turf either. Unless someone's already hunted it, it's still here.
'First, find the pus trail.'
Golden Zombie constantly drips yellow pus from its face. Smells foul too, so if it's around, it'll be obvious.
I scanned trees and ground as I walked... then.
"......No point hiding. Come out."
I turned, handaxe gripped tight. Ready to chuck it if they lunged.
'Thought it was coincidence at first. But it's tailing me.'
Vibes said no attack intent. Any hint otherwise, I'd end it.
'Not many of 'em. Amateur stealth from the footsteps.'
Can't even mask their presence. Guns might change things, but ten of these scrubs? I'd mop the floor.
No response. I dropped my voice lower.
"Warning. If you're not all out by the count of three, you're enemies. Three..."
"W-wait! Don't be like that."
Before I hit two, a guy popped from behind a tree. A woman followed, peeking nervously. Expected more, but a chick? Surprise.
I squinted at them.
"What the hell is this?"
"C'mon, we're all survivors here. No need to be stingy. In this world, we gotta cooperate..."
"I said all of you. Come out."
"Huh? Why the sudden casual talk..."
"You in the bushes. Get out unless you want your head gone."
I locked eyes on the foliage, axe cocked to throw. Man and woman gulped.
After a tense stare-down, another emerged from the bushes. Another woman.
Guy forced an awkward grin, trying to smooth it.
"Haha... impressive. How'd you know? Sixth sense or something?"
"Why're you tailing me?"
"T-tail? Nah, just spotted someone and got cautious. No fight intended."
My gaze flicked to the baseball bat in his hand. He winced, lowering it.
"Oh, this? Self-defense. You get it, end of the world and all."
"Don't wanna die? Don't tail people. End of the world and all."
"Ahem!"
Did they think they wouldn't get caught? Guy and girls exchanged uneasy glances. I tightened my grip on the axe. One girl's hiding a weapon too.
'...Just kill 'em?'
Tempting for a sec, but I shook it off. I'm no thrill-killer. Don't murder just 'cause they annoy me. That way lies no end.
Long-range weapons would be different... but this gear? No real threat.
"Follow again, and you're dead."
Warning given, let 'em go. But these punks... persistent.
"Wait! What's your business here?"
"......"
"You're after the Golden Zombie too, right?"
I glared. Someone else already knew?
Makes sense—I lucked into it on the gallery. It's an early-game event. Anyone who's played knows.
"Yeah, spot on! Knew you had that vibe!"
Guy perked up at my reaction, rambling on.
"We're hunting it too. Team up? Easier together."
"Why trust strangers?"
"Haha... what, scared? You with the axe, of us?"
"Yeah."
"......Pardon?"
"Scared you'll backstab me. Can't roll with you 'til I kill you out of fear. So scram before I do."
I'm no honor-bound warrior. More like a hunter. Rule one: never underestimate prey.
I drew the line hard; guy shut up.
"Aww~ c'mon, oppa, don't be mean."
Side chick sidled up, voice all sultry. Shirt unbuttoned to flash cleavage on purpose.
"We just wanna hang with a cool guy like you. It's fate, so together..."
"Don't come closer."
"Eek!"
Axe to her throat. One twitch and it'd bite flesh. She froze solid.
"Last warning. Approach and you're done."
I barked cold, pulled back. She realized how close to death, face ashen as she crumpled.
How many death threats already? 'I've gone soft.'
On a battlefield, headshot on sight. I've warned plenty. Next time, for real.
They had brains enough to get it. No more words.
'Can't trust people.'
Teaming up would make finding it easier, sure. But I've got my own way. And sharing loot? Math don't add up.
"......"
Memorized their faces, moved on. Especially those eyes—greed and murder. All too familiar. Disgusting.
'Still, running into people this quick? Unexpected.'
I leaned against a rock for a breather mid-search. Truth is, avoiding humans is harder in this world. Society's frayed, but survivors linger. Any could turn raider anytime.
Naturally, I feared humans more than zombies. Zombies just swarm on noise and bite. Dodge or kill, done.
Humans? Can't. Can't slaughter on sight. Can't blindly trust either. Who knows what schemes hide behind that smile?
'...Me? I'm freer on that front.'
I smirked, pulling up Maelmang Gallery. Searched, found their secret chat easy. Admin perks.
They were deep in "talk"—more like plotting.
"......These fuckers."
Suspected as much. Just scheming to rob me blind.
I casually checked my gear. Golden Zombie's secondary now.
For my peaceful life... gotta clean out the trash.
Types who see someone loaded and think "kill"? They better prep to get diced into seven pieces.