On September 10, 2011, an unknown virus began spreading across European countries. At the start of the outbreak, around 10,000 people from various nations were infected. To find a cure, governments formed research teams to develop a vaccine against the virus.

  The virus caused symptoms such as body rashes, high fever, and swollen, bloodshot eyes. The infection gradually destroyed the nervous system, and those infected became aggressive and lost control over their emotions.

  By October 11, several governments had designated red zones and quarantined certain areas. Military forces were deployed to secure these zones in an attempt to slow the virus’s spread.

  On October 20, chaos erupted across various regions. People forcibly broke out of quarantine zones and tried to enter safe areas. Borders became tense and terrifying.

  Clashes broke out between civilians and security forces. People tried to enter evacuation shelters for survivors, but the military responded harshly and without hesitation to suppress the uprisings, creating even more widespread chaos.

  By November 5, those already infected began causing havoc through attacks in multiple locations, especially within quarantine zones.

  The infected attacked brutally, prompting governments to order security forces to shoot anyone infected who showed aggressive behavior.

  By December 1, casualties were rising rapidly, with the number of infected reaching 80,000. Those attacked often became infected themselves through contact, deepening the chaos as two factions—infected and uninfected—clashed violently.

  On December 20, researchers developed a vaccine to treat the infected. However, after several trials, the vaccine did not work as hoped.

  Further investigation revealed that the vaccine only served as a preventive measure for those who were still uninfected. For those already infected, it offered no cure. As a result, vaccine distribution was limited to uninfected individuals in protected shelters.

  On December 22, the United Kingdom built a barrier to separate the healthy from the infected. Safe zones were established on the southern Isle of Wight. Other countries gradually followed the UK’s example, building their own separation walls.

  By December 25, governments carried out strict evacuations to these walled safe zones and mobilized workers to accelerate construction.

  On January 3, 2012, governments declared a state of emergency as infections surpassed 3 million across the continent. Looting, violence, death, and riots escalated.

  Security departments in each country established blockades to separate the infected from the uninfected. UK officials who had evacuated to the Isle of Wight declared London a red zone.

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  By February 20, the death toll had reached around 10 million worldwide. Vaccine development for the infected continued but failed for the second time. The virus had grown stronger and spread faster, so researchers focused more on preventive vaccines than on cures.

  On February 22, someone witnessed a group of people attacking and eating others—acts of cannibalism believed to be caused by the virus.

  Panic and aggression surged everywhere. It became increasingly difficult to distinguish the infected from the uninfected. Similar cases occurred in multiple countries, where infected individuals attacked and consumed the uninfected.

  Some experts described their behavior as that of beasts who had lost all sense of humanity, while others claimed the zombie apocalypse had begun.

  By March 12, governments around the world collapsed, and the number of monstrous creatures increased despite efforts to eradicate them.

  On the same day, cities within red zones were bombed as a final attempt to stop the virus through the infected population.

  By April 5, the infected were named The Rotters by the survivors. The Rotters shared common traits: decomposing bodies and black blood streaming from their eyes.

  Survivors formed small groups to resist The Rotters. Incidents of violence increased as both the Rotters killed humans and humans killed Rotters.

  By April 17, these small survivor groups caused further chaos, looting, and violence, not only against the Rotters but also against other humans. This change in human behavior reflected the collapse of morals and law at the end of the world.

  Now, on May 10—three days after the city bombing—location: Winchester, England.

  A minibus drove along Domum Road, carrying a small family toward the Isle of Wight, their safe haven.

  The father drove at a moderate speed, while the mother sat beside him, consulting a small map to guide them to the Isle of Wight.

  In the back seat sat a nine-year-old girl. She asked her father where they were going.

  Her father replied that they were heading to a safe place far from the cannibalistic creatures in their city. The girl then asked, “What is a cannibal?”

  Her mother answered, “Jeanne, why don’t you play with your doll, Anna, for now? Your father and I are busy watching the road.”

  “She’s Chloe, Mom,” Jeanne corrected, holding her brown female teddy bear.

  “Sorry, sweetie. I forgot. Go ahead and play with Chloe,” her mother said, occasionally glancing at Jeanne.

  Along the way, the scenery was horrifying. People were fleeing from feral creatures, and the area showed burned buildings and destroyed streets.

  The father accelerated to avoid the roaming monsters. Hours passed, and the day grew late. They arrived at Southampton, taking the main road, and so far the journey had been safe.

  Jeanne had fallen asleep after playing with her doll, while her parents remained focused on the road and map.

  As evening fell, darkness spread across the city, filled with terror, screams, and gunfire.

  While passing Tebourba Way, a body suddenly slammed into the windshield, waking Jeanne with a loud thud.

  The father could barely see the road blocked by the body. It appeared the person was dead, but the car swerved uncontrollably. The mother urged Jeanne to close her eyes, trying to calm her, while the father zig-zagged to knock the body off the windshield.

  Moments later, the body fell away, but the car now headed straight for a building. Braakkk!!! A loud crash. All three were in pain from the impact, but they survived.

  The car wouldn’t start despite multiple attempts, leaving them no choice but to continue on foot.

  The mother lifted Jeanne from the passenger seat and checked her. The girl was terrified but unharmed.

  The father guided them as they continued their journey. Tonight would be a long, harrowing night for the three of them as they made their way to the safe haven.