I had just reached the villa's stairs when a piercing siren screamed through the morning calm. The metallic screech from the watchtower froze everything in place. The women washing clothes, repairing weapons—even the children playing—all looked up, stiff and silent. Then Celes's voice echoed through the handmade speaker system that reached every corner of the base.
"All units, prepare for combat! Zombie horde detected from the northwest! Combat personnel, take your positions!"
Within seconds, the peaceful refuge turned into a hive of military activity. Ordinary women suddenly transformed into soldiers. Weapons were raised, arrows prepared, traps activated, and everyone rushed toward the eight-meter-high wall surrounding the base.
I didn't stay idle.
My steps were light but quick as I headed toward the growing commotion. From the western watchtower, I saw them—and instantly understood why Celes had sounded a full alert.
