Regressed with Omnipotent AI on Zombie Apocalypse

A few hours later, the steelworks had returned to a semblance of normalcy. Aside from a broken wall and the faint metallic scent of blood still lingering in the air, there were few signs of the violence that had taken place earlier. The bodies had been removed, and most of the bloodstains had been scrubbed away, though the memory of the event lingered in the minds of the survivors.

On the second floor of the steel plant’s office building, Zack looked down over the factory floor. The office, once converted by Jacob into a personal den full of food and luxuries, now stood empty, save for a few desks and his MV-01 armor, quietly charging in the corner. As the armor charged, Zack had ordered the area to be kept clear, ensuring no one could enter, keeping full control over the space.

“Ego, report,” Zack commanded, eyes still fixed on the workers below.

“Sir,” Ego replied in its mechanical tone, “there are now seventeen survivors, including family members. Six are steelworkers, though one has since died from excessive blood loss.”

Zack frowned, recalling the two workers who had been critically injured. “So, we’re down to five workers who can still operate the plant?”

“Yes, sir,” Ego confirmed. “One sustained a severe injury and is no longer able to work.”

“What about our steel reserves?” Zack asked, his mind already ticking through potential solutions.

“Materials are adequate for now,” Ego answered, “but power is expected to be cut off in six days.”

“Six days...” Zack’s brow furrowed. Power was essential for industrial production. He could manage with diesel generators at the Mansion, but they wouldn’t be enough here. He’d have to fast-track his plans for a new energy source, like the Zero Point Reactor he had been envisioning. But the materials for that were out of reach for now. His only other option was to work on a Cold Fusion Reactor, though it would take time.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Ego quickly identified the visitor. “Charles Grant, male, 76 years old. No weapons detected, no hostile intent.”

“Come in,” Zack called.

The door creaked open, and Charles stepped inside, looking a bit anxious. “Mr. Zack,” he began, offering a respectful nod. “I’ve gathered the information you requested.” He pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and began to read aloud.

“There are seventeen people alive here now. Five of us are experienced steelworkers, including myself. The others have some familiarity with steelworking, and with training, they should be able to help in production.” He hesitated, casting a brief, uncertain glance at Zack. “There’s… one more person. He’s disabled but was an experienced worker before his injury.”

Zack understood immediately. “I don’t have the resources to take care of someone who can’t contribute. He can stay if he helps teach others. If not, he’ll have to leave.”

Charles’s face fell, but he nodded. “Understood, sir. Thank you, Mr. Zack.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” Zack replied, his tone cool but direct. “Let’s make something clear. I saved you because you have value. If you lose that value, you’ll lose my protection. You’re here for your skills—nothing more.”

Charles listened carefully, his expression steady. Despite Zack’s blunt words, there was something reassuring about his honesty. “As long as we have the order, the furnace will be ready,” Charles said confidently.

“Good,” Zack replied, though his mind was already on another issue: the Night Stalkers. “For now, gather everyone. I have some instructions to share.”

Charles nodded and left to assemble the others. Zack watched him go, a flicker of respect growing in his mind. Despite his age and frailty, Charles had stood up to Zack earlier, unafraid to protect the girl, Annie. Zack respected courage, especially in situations like that.

As Zack prepared to meet the group, he suited up in his fully charged armor and headed downstairs. When he arrived, the workers and their families were gathered, their faces tired but filled with a sense of cautious hope.

“I spoke with Charles,” Zack began, his voice amplified through the armor’s speakers. “As I said before, if you make steel for me, I’ll protect you. Food, water, and safety—all of it will be provided as long as you contribute.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Some of the older workers voiced their gratitude aloud. “Thank you, Mr. Zack! We haven’t had a full meal in so long!”

“Charles will handle the specifics with you,” Zack continued, his tone shifting to something more serious. “But there’s something else we need to talk about.” He paused, his expression hardening. “Night Stalkers.”

The mention of the creatures sent a ripple of fear through the group.

“Night Stalkers? You mean… vampires?” someone whispered, their face paling. The eerie howls from the previous night resurfaced in their minds, filling them with dread.

“We were lucky last night,” a worker said anxiously. “The Night Stalkers didn’t find us, but after today’s battle and all the blood in the air, there’s no way they’ll miss us tonight!”

“Mr. Zack, shouldn’t we just leave?” another suggested, fear evident in his voice.

Zack nodded, understanding their concern. The Night Stalkers had probably already caught wind of the human survivors in the area. Today’s bloody conflict would only draw them in further. But Zack wasn’t about to run.

“Yes, the Night Stalkers are dangerous,” Zack said, his voice steady. “But I’m not planning on running.”

Charles stepped forward, his face resolute. “Mr. Zack, whatever you need from us, we’re ready to follow your orders.”

The other workers nodded in agreement. Zack’s strength had given them a rare sense of hope. If anyone could take on the Night Stalkers, it was him.

“These creatures only come out at night,” Zack continued. “So, we still have a few hours to prepare. We’re going to set up traps around the factory.”

“Are… are you planning to take them all down?” someone asked, awe in their voice.

“If we don’t, there’s no way we can safely operate the factory,” Zack replied, his determination clear.

He held up a sheet of paper and passed it to Charles. “We’ll split into two groups. One group will gather materials, and the other will set the traps based on these instructions. The details are here.”

Charles studied the plan, his eyes widening as he took in the intricately designed trap layouts. “These placements… This is genius!” he murmured, impressed by the effectiveness of Zack’s design.

“Get moving,” Zack ordered. The workers quickly split into two groups, hurrying to gather materials or start setting traps according to the diagram.

Meanwhile, Zack kept busy. He knew the MV-01 armor was powerful, but it had one major flaw—lack of flexibility. Speed alone wouldn’t be enough against the swift, unpredictable movements of the Night Stalkers. With that in mind, he decided to make some upgrades.

“Ego, scan the area for any materials I can use,” Zack instructed, moving into the factory.

Within minutes, he had gathered everything he needed. The industrial plant was a goldmine of supplies compared to the makeshift resources he had used at his Mansion. As he worked, he sensed someone watching him from the shadows. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw a small figure, her face dirty, her eyes swollen and red. Without turning fully, he spoke. “Come in. You’ll need to learn this eventually.”