Apocalypse: King of Zombies-Chapter 542: What? You don’t want to go?

"This is... the Black Hand Legion?" Chris looked stunned. They knew that symbol all too well.

"But why would a letter from the Black Hand Legion show up here?" Ethan was studying the emblem too. The ink looked like it was made from some kind of special blood—impossible to replicate. It wasn’t just a seal; it was a mark of authority.

Oliver couldn’t wait any longer. He tore the envelope open. Inside was what looked like a formal notice. As he read through it, his brow furrowed.

"It’s from the Crimson Count. Says he’s recently ’adopted’ a daughter—goes by the codename ’Scarlet Moon.’ From now on, all vampire factions are to follow her lead..."

"What the fuck?" Chris cursed under his breath. Vampires were seriously messed up.

First Monroe was out there calling everyone his mom, now the Crimson Count was claiming he had a daughter? Was there a vampire rulebook that said you had to make up family ties to be taken seriously?

"Wait, but why would the Crimson Count use the Black Hand Legion’s seal to issue orders? Does that mean he’s part of the Legion too?"

"This goes way beyond just being a member," Ethan said, eyes narrowing as if a puzzle piece had just clicked into place. "I think we’re finally seeing the truth behind the Black Hand Legion."

"You’re saying... the Crimson Count is the supreme leader of the Black Hand Legion?" Chris and the others were floored.

They’d all heard the rumors. The Black Hand Legion had a supreme leader—some shadowy figure no one had ever seen. People even thought he might be a myth.

But now, with Ethan’s theory, it all started to make sense.

The Crimson Count’s rise had been meteoric—his influence spreading like wildfire across the globe. Just like the Black Hand Legion. Same tactics, same expansion pattern.

They’d lure humans in under the Legion’s name, then wait for the right moment to infect them—turning them into vampire-mutant hybrids.

"Joining the Black Hand Legion really is a one-way ticket to hell," Brandon muttered, shaking his head. "It’s all been one massive con from the start."

"Of course it is. No one in the Black Hand Legion is a good guy," Griffin added bitterly.

He had personal reasons—his balls had been crushed by someone from that very organization.

"Maybe Monroe was part of the Legion all along," Oliver speculated, flipping through more files, hunting for proof.

Sure enough, it didn’t take long. He found some early records.

Monroe had been one of the top leaders in the Black Hand Legion—kind of like Vanessa in Blackhand City. Then the Crimson Count showed up in person and turned them all into vampires—mutant zombies, really.

That was the turning point Lil’ D had mentioned—the moment the Crimson Count single-handedly changed the entire island’s power structure.

Everything was starting to line up...

And honestly, with Monroe’s twisted personality, it made perfect sense he’d be part of the Black Hand Legion.

The scary part? If Blackhand City in the U.S. kept growing unchecked, the Crimson Count would probably show up there too—turning everyone into vampires just like he did here.

At that point, America would just be a bigger version of this island.

Whether you were a purebred zombie or a human, you’d be living under his rule.

"This whole plan is terrifying," Brandon said, his voice low.

Chris nodded grimly. "If we let him keep expanding, no one’s gonna make it out. We’re running out of time."

As the apocalypse dragged on, their situation was getting more and more dangerous. The shelter might seem safe on the surface, but underneath, it was a powder keg—one wrong move and they’d all be screwed.

Ethan, though, didn’t care about all that. Vampires, Black Hand Legion—whatever. In the end, there was gonna be a final showdown. That much was inevitable.

Right now, their mission was clear: find the Radiant Crystal.

After going through all the documents, they’d uncovered a ton of secrets and useful intel. They decided to rest up before heading into the most dangerous part of the island—the Radiation Zone.

By noon, the castle’s dining hall was packed with food. It was a feast—time to refuel and celebrate their recent victory.

This was Sean’s favorite part. He was scarfing down food like a starving wolf, grease dripping down his chin.

Aiden and the others were in good spirits too. They even dug up a few bottles of red wine and started toasting each other.

But their attitude toward Ethan had changed. There was a new level of respect—almost reverence. They knew now who really held the power. The only reason they were still breathing was because Ethan had let them live.

"Boss, thank you for sparing my life. Let me toast to that." Aiden raised his glass with both hands, his tone respectful and deferential. He hadn’t become the leader of The Ember Ring by luck—he knew how to read the room and play his cards right.

"No need to thank me," Ethan replied coolly, eyeing him with a calculating gaze. He hadn’t spared Aiden out of mercy—he had his uses. "You know this island pretty well, don’t you?"

"Know it? Boss, I was a travel junkie before the world went to shit. Not just this island—I’ve been to every damn city in Australia. I’m basically a walking travel guide!" Aiden grinned wide, laying it on thick. He was doing everything he could to prove his worth.

Because in this world, value meant survival.

Ethan gave a small nod. "Good. I’m looking for something. You’re coming with me."

"Through fire and hell, Boss. Wherever you go, I’ll lead the way!"

"Great. We’re heading into the Radiation Zone," Ethan said flatly.

The moment the words left his mouth, Aiden’s smile froze.

The Radiation Zone?

Even Monroe had avoided that place like the plague. Rumor had it the area was crawling with creatures twisted by radiation—mutated again and again into grotesque, nightmarish forms that defied logic and biology. Things no human mind was meant to comprehend.

Ethan glanced sideways at him. "What? You don’t want to go?"

"N-no! Of course I do! I’m in!" Aiden stammered, forcing a grin as he nodded like a bobblehead. He was scared shitless, but he wasn’t about to say no to Ethan.

...

After the meal, they decided to rest for the night—get a solid sleep before heading out at dawn.

Ethan stood atop the castle, gazing out toward the Radiation Zone.

He could still see faint traces of where Gunner and his army of a hundred thousand vampires had passed through. Ethan had assumed they’d come back quickly after failing to find any humans.

The whole thing had been a decoy maneuver—just a way to buy some time.

But Gunner’s persistence had surprised him. It had been a while now, and there was still no sign of them returning.

"Impressive..." Ethan muttered to himself.

Of course, it was also possible they’d run into something out there—something bad enough to stop even them. But a force of a hundred thousand vampire-mutants wasn’t easy to take down. Whatever was keeping them occupied had to be terrifying.

Ethan planned to find out exactly what that was tomorrow.

The night passed quietly, and the first light of dawn crept over the horizon.

Sunlight spilled across the newly rebuilt Saint Gaia City, casting long golden rays over the stone walls and towers.

Mia and the others had already packed up, weapons strapped to their backs, ready to move out.

There was one new addition to the group—Aiden, their reluctant guide. He was scared out of his mind, but he kept his mouth shut and his face straight.

"Let’s move," Ethan said once everyone had gathered.

And with that, the group turned and began their march toward the Radiation Zone...