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The women, gripping machetes and hammers, all turned in unison to stare at Shiro.
He flinched instantly.
Killing intent.
Heavy, suffocating killing intent.
"Relax, he's not with them," Julian quickly explained. "He's the one who called me to come save you."
If he didn't speak up now, Shiro might actually get torn apart by these women.
Julian's authority among the female residents was sky-high at this point. The moment he spoke, they lowered their weapons, and the hostility toward Shiro faded just as quickly.
Shiro wiped the sweat off his forehead and hurried over to Julian's side.
Finally, he felt a bit safe.
Today had easily been the most intense day of his life. Even the time he followed Julian to kill zombies didn't feel this crazy.
"Bro, there are still a few colleagues locked in the duty room," Shiro said. "They refused to take part in this whole thing. Should I let them out first?"
"Yeah, do it," Julian nodded.
Anyone who didn't go along with the rebellion and got locked up instead probably had decent character. They were worth keeping.
Not long after, Shiro returned with five property staff and security guards.
Among them was the old guard who had once accepted Julian's banana.
They all looked at Julian with deep gratitude.
They knew very well—once those guys followed the vice captain and took over the villa district, there was no way they'd spare people like them.
Julian had basically saved their lives.
At that moment, Asuka also dragged her still-dripping Bloodhowl into the courtyard.
Now everyone was here.
Everyone knew what had happened tonight. The atmosphere grew heavy and quiet.
"So many people died tonight…"
"Can we even keep living in this villa district after this?"
"Yeah… we might not even have enough people to guard the gates anymore…"
"My child is still so young… what am I supposed to do…"
"Who's going to protect us now?!"
Once the shock wore off, the women began voicing their worries.
Only six guards and staff remained. Even working nonstop without shifts, they probably couldn't hold both gates.
Gradually, all eyes turned to Julian.
He had crushed the security guards' rebellion the moment he arrived. In everyone's mind, his authority had shot through the roof.
Right now, he was their only hope.
"Well then… I do have a suggestion," Julian said, clearing his throat. He was finally about to roll out the plan he'd been thinking about for a while.
"I can take responsibility for this villa district. I'll make sure you're safe."
"But I have a few conditions."
"First, all gold must be handed over."
"Second, all food will be centrally managed and distributed."
"Third, everyone must work. Distribution will be based on labor."
"If you agree, I'll station people here to protect you."
"Don't worry. I won't force you to do anything immoral like those guards did."
"But if you choose to let me take over, then you follow my rules."
"If anyone changes their mind halfway…" he added calmly, "I'll throw you out."
"You can think it over."
After speaking, Julian leaned against the truck, giving them time to decide.
Of course, whether they agreed or not, he was taking this place.
Letting them "choose" just made it easier for them to accept.
The women gathered together and began discussing.
"What do you all think?"
"He seems like a decent guy. He helped us get revenge too. I think we can trust him."
"Yeah, I agree. Could it really get worse than before? I was completely desperate back then. Did you see the way those guards looked at us?"
"In times like this… our men are gone. Without protection, how are we supposed to survive?"
"If he can provide food and safety… then working is fine. We'll just treat it as exercise."
"I don't have any objections. As long as we can stay alive."
"Well… he's actually not bad-looking either. If he has ideas about me, I wouldn't mind…"
"Hey! Be serious! This is important!"
…
Before long, an older woman stepped forward.
"Sir, we've discussed it," she said. "We're willing to accept your management."
"We're also willing to work. As long as you can guarantee our safety and keep us fed, that's enough."
She spoke on behalf of everyone.
Julian nodded.
Just like that, he had successfully taken over the place.
Looks like when reality hits hard enough, even the pampered ones are willing to adapt.
"It's getting late," Julian said. "Go back, clean up, and get some rest."
"Shiro, arrange a few patrol vehicles and move all the bodies outside the villa area."
"Once that's done, don't rest yet. Tonight, you six guard one gate. I'll take the other."
"Tomorrow, I'll bring in some reliable people. Your workload will ease up."
Everyone followed his orders and dispersed.
Seeing no one around, Asuka walked over to Julian.
She was still in her pajamas, her hair tied in a side ponytail, holding an axe. The contrast was… pretty striking.
"Hey, uncle… you've had your eye on this place for a while, haven't you?" she said, narrowing her big eyes. "You showed up awfully fast."
She had a feeling this was all part of his plan.
Still, even if it was, Julian taking over was far better than those guards.
At least for now, he seemed trustworthy.
"Me?" Julian smirked. "I just don't like sticking my nose into other people's business."
He tapped her lightly on the head.
"Ow…" Asuka rubbed her forehead.
She'd originally planned to have a big showdown with the guards and play the hero.
But by the time she arrived, everything was already over.
What a letdown…
"Don't forget to bring your gold bars tomorrow," Julian said. "I'm going to guard the gate now."
He called Mafuyu over, and the two of them drove the truck toward the main entrance.
"Hey, I'm coming too!"
Asuka thought for a moment, then ran back home.
Not long after, she showed up at the front gate carrying a PS4 on her back and hugging a large monitor.
The moment she stepped into the guard booth, she saw Mafuyu crawl out from under the desk like she was performing a magic trick.
Clueless as ever, Asuka didn't think much of it.
"Someone died in my house. I don't dare sleep there tonight," she said. "I brought games. Let's pull an all-nighter!"
She set the monitor down.
Julian thought about it. Not a bad way to pass the time.
So the two of them started playing Overcooked together.
Meanwhile, Mafuyu looked utterly miserable.
Originally, she could just sit in the booth and snack all she wanted with no one bothering her.
Now that Asuka was here…
She couldn't make a move at all!
Hmph. Annoying.
With no other choice, the frustrated Mafuyu went outside the booth to vent her anger on wandering zombies.
Chop off hands. Chop off feet. Rip off heads…
Before long, the area around the gate was spotless. Not a single zombie could be seen within a kilometer.
"....."