Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse With My Military System

"Oh…it's your birthday?" Graves looked at Richard as if this was a revelation to him. 

"Yeah…in the system interface, my age is displayed, it's going to turn 23 in five days," Richard confirmed. "Though I don't think why is it relevant to tell everyone about this…Sara?" 

"Sorry," Sara giggled. "But they have the right to know because we are literally the ones closest to you." 

"Since it's five days from now, and seven days for the operation, that means we would have a day for us. We can drink and have fun all night!" Mark exclaimed enthusiastically, his eyes lighting up at the thought.

Richard chuckled at Mark's eagerness. "Sure, why not? I guess we can use a little break since we have been focusing so much on work. Speaking of that, I haven't literally had a chance to check around New Clark City."

"It's a beautiful community, sir," Mark assured. "Perhaps you can check it out with Sara and your little sister." 

"Thank you for the suggestion," Richard said. "Well…I guess that would be all for our meeting. I'll dismiss everyone now and yeah…go do whatever you have to do."

Graves and Mark filed out of the room, leaving Richard and Sara alone. 

Sara walked over towards him gracefully before poking his nose softly with her fingers. "So…since it's going to be your birthday five days from now, do you have a request from your girlfriend?" 

Richard hummed in thoughts. Moments later, he spoke. "Honestly, I couldn't think of one. Like I have everything that I want." 

"Well…do you mind if I suggest something? Don't worry, it's not going to be sexual. I have been learning how to bake from one of the pastry chefs here in New Clark City. They taught me how to bake cookies and luckily there are still ingredients available that were recently brought from the supermarket that our forces scavenge. Do you want me to bake cookies for you?" Sara asked.

Richard studied her for a moment, she appeared to be confident but there was underlying nervousness in her voice. 

"That sounds great, babe. I appreciate it," he replied genuinely. "I'm looking forward to tasting your cookies."

Sara beamed at his response. "I'll make sure they're special," she promised.

Richard nodded, then glanced at his watch. "I should probably get going. I have a few things to check before the day ends, like touring around New Clark City."

"Perfect…I am free for today, I can join you," Sara offered eagerly. "It will be a good opportunity for you to see the community up close."

"Sounds like a plan," Richard agreed with a smile. "Let's do it then, I'll invite Lisa to come with us as well." 

***

Three hours later, in the New Clark City Camp. Richard was riding an open-top jeepney through the bustling streets. Sara sat on the passenger seat while Lisa sat behind him. They were looking around the streets. Children playing traditional Filipino games such as "tumbang preso" and "patintero," and people chatting and laughing filled the streets, creating a lively atmosphere.

As they drove through the residential area, Lisa pointed out some of the hotspots of the town where adults gather to gamble and interact. Richard noticed familiar faces among the crowds as he had seen some of them in the Oriental Military Camp.

"It's good that the residents of the Oriental Camp and the New Clark City Camp are going along pretty well," Richard commented.

"It's peaceful here brother," Lisa said. "In fact, they have been planning on what to do on traditional holidays, such as Christmas and New Year." 

"Really?" Richard said, amused at the idea. Celebrating Christmas and New Year in the apocalypse seemed like a distant thought, and also an idea that hadn't occurred to him. "I'm looking forward to it." 

"I'm also looking forward to your birthday, brother. It's coming soon. What do you want for your birthday?" Lisa asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Richard smiled gently. "Honestly, anything that you can give me is more than enough."

Lisa beamed with happiness. "Well, I'll think of something special," she said.

Moments later in the tour, they came across a crowd congregating in one of the stores. This got their attention, and Richard promptly pulled the jeep to the side.

"What do you think is happening?" Sara asked. 

"I don't know…but we'll find out," Richard said, hopping out of the jeep and squeezing his way in through the crowd. As he approached, he could hear the heated exchange between a store clerk and a customer.

"You can't just take that without paying! There's a system in place now!" the store clerk exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.

"I don't care about your system! We never had to pay for food before the Blackwatch came," retorted the customer, a man in his mid-thirties, his voice laced with anger. "We used to help each other out, now everything's about money!"

Richard observed the situation, sensing the underlying tension. The introduction of a currency system by the Blackwatch had clearly upset the balance of the community, which had operated on a more communal basis before.

Sara and Lisa joined him, watching the argument unfold.

"Look, I understand your frustration, but this is how things work now. If you work, you earn. That's fair, isn't it?" the clerk tried to reason, but his words seemed to fall on deaf ears.

"I don't care…I'll report this to the council. You know my father! He is part of the council." 

"Uhm..excuse me," Richard stepped in. "There seems to be a problem here…" 

"Who the hell are you?" the man demanded. 

Ever since Blackwatch came to New Clark City, Richard has never made an official introduction to the New Clark City residents, so no one knows him.

"Look, I overheard you complaining about the system. Your council agreed with the terms and conditions suggested by the Blackwatch and was therefore implemented. If you don't have money please don't cause a scene and be on your way." 

"I'm asking who are you?!" The man snapped, grabbing Richard by the collar. But Richard twisted his wrist swiftly, expertly maneuvering the man's hand off his collar. "I'd advise against doing that again," Richard warned calmly. 

You could end up with a broken arm."

The man winced in pain and Richard released him quickly.

"I'll definitely tell this to my father!" 

As if on cue, his father arrived.

"Father! Perfect timing…this man over here—"

Without having to hear his explanation, the father immediately smacked him in the head. 

"What? Father…what are you doing?" 

As the son asked, his eyes widened when his father bowed his head to Richard.

"Forgive me, Sir Richard. My son doesn't know his place and has caused you trouble. Please accept my apologies," the father said earnestly, his tone respectful.

Richard raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the sudden change in the situation. "There's no need for that," he replied, gesturing for the man to stand up. "But I think it's important that your son understands the new system. It's in place for a reason, and everyone needs to respect it."

"I will…Sir Richard."

"Father, what are you doing? Why are you bowing your head to him?" 

"Because he is the commander-in-chief of the Blackwatch Private Military Company."

When his father revealed that, the son's eyes widened again in shock. "You mean that kid? I'm barely older than him!"

Not just his son but the surrounding crowds who were residents of New Clark City.

"I guess I'm making my appearance now…" Richard muttered under his breath.