Building the Alliance — When Leadership Prevails
After the chaos of the confrontation, the group remained silent for a few seconds.
The mutilated bodies of the zombies were still smoking under the cracked ground.
Daniel wiped his sword on an old cloth, his eyes analyzing each member of the group, mentally calculating their conditions and capabilities.
"Is everyone in one piece?" he asked directly.
Leon nodded, still attentive.
"Just my pride hurt," Claire replied, adjusting her jacket. "I'm not usually saved, but… thank you."
Jill remained silent, observing Daniel with the gaze of someone who has survived extreme situations and knows the weight of human masks. She assessed… and didn't like surprises very much.
"Who exactly are you?" Jill insisted. "You're equipped, you know how to fight… But you don't carry any insignia or badge. Umbrella? Military? Mercenary?
Daniel looked up, cold but firm:
— I'm someone who hates Umbrella as much as you do... Maybe more. I have old scores with them.
Leon took a step forward.
— And how do we know it's not a trap? We're surrounded by traitors.
Daniel looked around, assessing the environment. The dark alleys, the crumbling buildings, the smell of death in the air. Then, he faced the group:
— If it were a trap... you'd already be dead. I would have let the zombies finish the job. But I'm here. And I don't waste time with nonsense.
Silence.
L.J. gave a nervous smile, trying to lighten the mood:
— Boy... he has a point, you know?
Daniel pointed to the dark streets:
— Listen... in 10 minutes, other hordes will pass through here. I know where the safe routes are. I know where to get supplies, vehicles and shelter. Alone, you have a 20% chance of surviving until dawn. With me? The odds go up… considerably.
Claire frowned.
"And what do you gain from that?" she asked, suspicious.
"People alive… and fewer idiots running around getting in the way." Daniel answered bluntly.
Jill finally relaxed her posture. It was the response of someone who prioritizes efficiency over sentimentality. She knew the type.
"Okay, Mr. Tactician," Jill relented. "Lead the way. But be warned… at the first sign of betrayal, I'll take you down."
Daniel smirked, staring at Jill:
"I would count on that."
In a short time, the group organized itself.
Daniel took the lead, moving through the shadows with skill. His voice was calm, but his orders were firm:
"Leon, in the rear. Jill, side cover. Claire, you watch blind spots." L.J., with me.
Surprised but impressed, they obeyed.
At every turn, Daniel pointed out safe routes, hidden traps and observation points. He knew the city better than they imagined.
Slowly, the suspicious looks turned into respect.
Jill observed Daniel's instructions and tactics... they were precise. Combat experience, no doubt.
Leon, accustomed to leading, noticed something unusual: for the first time in a long time, he didn't need to be in charge. Daniel inspired confidence... and lethal efficiency.
Claire murmured:
"He's good... frighteningly good."
L.J., next to Daniel, chuckled softly:
"I told you... John Wick version of the apocalypse."
When the group finally found temporary shelter in an underground parking lot, they were more in sync than ever.
Daniel gathered everyone in a circle, pointing to a makeshift map on the floor:
"Umbrella has facilities nearby." We need vehicles, weapons, and access to evacuation routes. We won't get there alone. Together, we have a chance. I have a plan... But I need you to follow me without hesitation.
Leon crossed his arms, staring at Daniel for a few seconds.
Then he nodded:
"Show me the plan. I'm in."
Jill and Claire followed suit.
L.J. was already 100% convinced.
Daniel looked up, cold, but with something new... the embryo of an alliance. Not forced, but earned.
He didn't need to be liked.
All he needed was for them to follow him.
And that night, amidst the ruins of the city, the first spark of trust appeared. Umbrella had no idea what it was about to face.