Job Creation System: Apocalypse Workforce

The computer store door creaked softly as Adam pushed it open. The outside air was colder than he remembered, mixed with the stench of dried blood and the lingering scent of smoke.

The sky was still covered in ash and dark clouds, blocking most of the sunlight, leaving only a dim glow that made everything feel like an endless twilight.

He stepped outside and turned left, walking along the cracked and ruined sidewalk. Rubble from collapsed buildings littered the streets, some burned-out cars still emitted thin trails of smoke, and footprints mixed with dried blood stained the asphalt.

This was no longer the Jakarta he once knew.

The streets, once filled with honking cars and the chaotic hum of city life, now lay silent, accompanied only by the whispering wind sweeping dust and debris.

Adam moved cautiously, gripping his Sniper Viper firmly, while his large machete hung securely at his waist.

"I need to scout a one-kilometer radius before nightfall," he muttered in his mind, his eyes scanning each building he passed, ensuring no suspicious movements inside.

He walked for several minutes before spotting something unusual in the distance.

Three figures crouched in the middle of the street, their bodies hunched, heads twitching with unnatural movements.

Zombies? Adam narrowed his eyes, his instincts warning him that these were not ordinary humans.

He crept closer, confirming his suspicion.

As he neared them, the sickening sound of tearing flesh became clear.

Sure enough, the three zombies were feasting on the corpse of another undead, tearing apart its rotten flesh with mindless, mechanical movements.

Adam unshouldered his Sniper Viper and switched to his machete. The rifle remained strapped to his back with a specialized sling as his right hand firmly gripped the weapon's hilt.

For enemies like these, using a sniper is just a waste of bullets.

With steady steps, Adam approached.

One of the zombies, the largest of the three, lifted its head as if sensing his presence. Its mouth dripped with thick black blood, and its lifeless, gray eyes locked onto him.

Adam didn't give them a chance to react.

Srekk!

His machete sliced through the first zombie's neck in one clean motion. Black blood spurted as its body collapsed onto the pavement with a dull thud.

The remaining two zombies moved, but they were sluggish.

A second slash shattered the skull of the next, while the last one crawled toward him, jaws agape.

Adam plunged his blade into its temple. The creature went stiff before slumping lifelessly onto the ground.

Silence.

He took a short breath, scanning his surroundings to ensure no other threats lurked nearby.

With practiced efficiency, he crouched and tore open the chest of one of the fallen zombies. His hand delved into the foul, gelatinous cavity, retrieving a small red crystal that pulsed faintly.

"Not bad... a power crystal," he murmured, slipping it into his pocket, deciding to absorb it later.

Adam continued patrolling the streets, eliminating every zombie he encountered and harvesting the crystals from their corpses. Each battle ended swiftly, offering little resistance. He wasn't about to waste any opportunities to strengthen himself.

Thirty minutes passed in the blink of an eye, yet he hadn't found a single living person.

Now, he sat on an old bench in the city park, directly across from an abandoned ice cream shop. His eyes roamed his surroundings, searching for any signs of life.

"Where is everyone? Are they all in hiding?" he sighed, adjusting the weight of his Sniper Viper on his back. His thick jacket and the heavy rifle had begun to sap his energy.

In a city this large, there should still be survivors. It didn't make sense for everyone to have turned into zombies, right?

He thought back to the number of undead he had slain. It wasn't a small number.

"No... that can't be," he mused. "What about the military?"

This was Jakarta—the nation's capital. The headquarters of the national army should be here. So where were they?

The more he thought about it, the more unanswered questions piled up.

Thirsty...

Adam reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small water bottle. He twisted the cap open and took a few gulps. His dry throat found temporary relief, but he knew he had to ration his supply.

He stared at the bottle. Water is going to become a scarce resource... but with the system, that won't be an issue for me.

What he needed now was information. And manpower.

People I can recruit as employees.

Huft...

Adam exhaled deeply, preparing to continue his search.

Suddenly, a loud noise echoed in the distance.

A bright light cut through the dust and darkness of the ruined city.

"Someone's coming?" he thought, his senses instantly alert.

A voice boomed through loudspeakers, followed by the deep rumble of heavy machinery approaching fast.

The spotlight grew brighter, heading toward his location.

Adam immediately stood up and moved swiftly into the ice cream shop, hiding behind the counter.

He held his breath, peering through a small gap in the window.

He had no idea who was coming. And in a world that had already crumbled, it was always better to observe before acting.

[Indonesian National Army! General Takulani speaking...]

[We announce... anyone in this area who can hear my voice, please come out and join the main fortress.]

[You will be safe, protected, and reunited with other survivors.]

[I repeat...]

Adam watched as a convoy of military vehicles rolled into view. At the front was a tank, followed by a massive transport truck carrying several evacuated civilians.

Behind them, a smaller jeep carried armed soldiers, their eyes scanning every corner with disciplined focus.

Seeing them, Adam felt a flicker of surprise—and relief. Despite all the corruption he knew existed within the government, at least they were still making an effort to rescue people.

But...

Are they doing this because they have to? he thought skeptically. He wanted to believe in their intentions, but experience had taught him otherwise.

Whatever... at least they're saving people, he conceded, shifting his focus to something more pressing.

The "main fortress" they mentioned—where was it?

He had no plans to join them, but knowing its location would be a huge advantage. If things ever got out of hand, he could always head there as a last resort.

From inside the shop, Adam continued to observe. General Takulani's voice echoed once more from the truck's speakers, but no survivors emerged. It seemed like there truly wasn't anyone left alive in this area.

But... what if Serina and Amel stepped out?

His grip on the counter tightened. It was logical to assume the soldiers would continue patrolling the city's main roads, searching for survivors.

Adam frowned under his helmet. There was nothing he could do now but hope the two women felt indebted enough to stay put.

Just as he was lost in thought, General Takulani's next words shook him.

[Attention... Anyone who has successfully evolved will be granted the rank of captain in the military.]

[Those with an epic-tier evolution will immediately receive the rank of colonel.]

"Straight to colonel?" Adam muttered in disbelief.