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🕑 Added 2025-06-18 09:30:19 +0000 UTCA New Beginning From the End of the World
Chapter 174 – The Kingdom
The modified RV drove down the road at a moderate speed. Behind the lead vehicle, there were two Humvees with machine guns ready to fire at any moment and a cargo truck.
The designated route led directly to the community known as The Kingdom, not far from Alexandria and Jason’s first destination on this trip. Reinforcements would surely arrive later, so today promised to be a very busy day for everyone.
The four-vehicle convoy was in good condition, though the modified RV showed clear signs of battle. Despite its armored exterior, the RV still bore bullet marks, and the bulletproof glass had been replaced by George some time ago.
The military vehicles were in perfect shape. After a cleanup, a lot of military equipment had been recovered without much trouble, blending into the convoy and creating a striking image in a time when everything seemed lost.
Even if they encountered survivors, no one would dare stop them—unless they were eager to be greeted by hundreds of bullets within seconds.
Jason sat in an armchair inside the modified RV, silently contemplating. His upcoming plans required a lot of manpower in this part of the country, where he had little influence. That’s why he needed people outside his community to work for him.
To achieve that, he would briefly show everyone that they could be part of his group. But if they declined, he would offer food, medicine, or weapons in exchange for resources and labor to completely rebuild the base in Alexandria.
Everyone needed resources. What better way to trade than a deal where both sides gained something? Jason knew the best option for others was to join his community, but he wasn’t interested in saving those who didn’t want to be saved—and he wasn’t a tyrant who forced people to do things against their will.
He also understood that presenting himself as a soldier wasn’t wise anymore. Many people had suffered at the hands of the military when everything began. With no time or plans left, negotiation was the only path now—as if two countries meeting on dangerous ground had to find common language.
Soon, several vehicles arrived at the gates of The Kingdom. Jason had instructed his men in the Humvees to stay close but out of sight, so as not to alarm the people in the settlement.
Who wouldn’t be frightened at the sight of so many weapons from an uninvited guest?
The guards behind the walls panicked when two large trucks suddenly appeared at their gates. One of them immediately blew a whistle, triggering a cascade of blasts that echoed throughout the settlement.
All the survivors in The Kingdom raised their heads in alarm and looked toward the guards on the walls, who kept blowing their whistles. Everyone knew that sound was reserved for emergencies—and this was the first time it had ever gone off since their arrival.
Many survivors in the yard ran toward the safer structures, but as the crowd reached the gate for shelter, a man emerged, pushing through them all. His gray hair, tied into thick braids, gave him a distinctive appearance among the group. Wearing a combat suit and a long knife at his waist, he gazed at the gate with a serious expression.
A tiger with black and yellow fur followed closely behind him, its presence adding an extra layer of authority. The massive beast lifted its head occasionally, its cold eyes scanning the surroundings.
The man with the dreadlocks patted the tiger on the head and softly said, “Shiva, stay here for a moment.”
This commanding man was, of course, Ezekiel. Several people around him, also dressed in combat uniforms, followed closely. The group quickly moved toward the gate with weapons ready.
“Your Majesty! We don’t know who these people are. You mustn’t go out!”
Seeing that Ezekiel looked like he intended to open the gate, a guard beside him quickly stepped in to stop him and warn him of the danger outside.
Ezekiel gave Shiva a gentle pat and smiled confidently. “My loyal bodyguard, Richard, fear not. We fear no one in this sacred land!”
The guards ignored Ezekiel’s words but still positioned themselves in front of him. Richard turned to a strong man beside him carrying a massive axe and said, “Colton, go open the gate.”
With a creak, the gate slowly opened. Jason had already brought several people forward. Both sides observed each other briefly, and Ezekiel noticed that the people on the other side were wearing standard military uniforms and were well-equipped.
That made him uneasy. Their own weapons were clearly inferior. If the newcomers had hostile intentions, his people would suffer a devastating blow without much chance to fight back.
However, judging by their behavior after getting out of the vehicles, they didn’t seem like the kind of people unwilling to communicate peacefully. Seeing this, Ezekiel whispered something to Richard.
As a king, he naturally wouldn’t be the first to speak. After hearing his words, Richard nodded slightly, then turned to Jason and asked, “Are you from the military? You don’t look like you’re running from something. What are you doing at The Kingdom?”
Jason looked at the man and nodded. Though he didn’t want to admit it, his appearance didn’t help, so he said, “We’re no longer with the military. Our affiliation has changed—we belong to a special organization now. This is my first visit to this settlement, and I mean no harm. I just need to know whether you’re good or bad people before we can talk about anything else.”
“Another organization?”
Ezekiel suddenly grew interested, but the group’s identity still wasn’t clear, and he didn’t want to drop his guard. He took two cautious steps forward and asked, “How did you find us?”
Just as Jason was about to reply, Jerry, a tall and burly man beside Ezekiel, interrupted him. He raised his voice slightly and said, “You’re speaking to His Majesty the King of our realm—watch your tone!”
Pfft!
Michonne, behind Jason, couldn’t help but laugh. The rest exchanged odd glances at Jerry’s formal proclamation, and even Jason had to remain composed out of respect—he already knew these people.
In the original story, Ezekiel’s first appearance had a strong medieval tone, but Jason didn’t expect it to feel even more intense in person. Jerry was definitely quite the character.
Daryl muttered under his breath, “What’s wrong with these people? I thought nothing could surprise me anymore. We’re lucky Merle isn’t here with us this time.”
Jason shook his head slightly, signaling him to stay quiet, then looked seriously at Ezekiel, whose expression was now tinged with embarrassment. “Oh, my apologies. That was definitely a strong introduction. So, you’re the King here. I haven’t used formal manners much lately. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.”
After speaking, Jason gave Ezekiel a respectful bow, which eased the tension in the air.
A slightly awkward smile crossed Ezekiel’s face, and he forced out a reply: “Jerry, stop talking.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Jerry bowed slightly and stepped back. Ezekiel’s expression became more natural as he turned to Jason and said apologetically, “Forgive my subordinate’s rudeness. Now, can you answer my question? How did you find us?”
Hearing that, Jason replied with a hint of apology in his tone, “We’ve been scouting the area looking for survivors, and we came across your settlement by chance. We wanted to say hello but needed to make sure you weren’t dangerous.”
“Now that I see you’re good people, I took the liberty of approaching.”
Ezekiel stared into Jason’s eyes. He saw honesty—but that alone wasn’t enough. “May I see your goods?”
“Of course!”
Jason turned and nodded at Glenn, who immediately returned to the vehicle and opened the side door of the modified RV and the cargo truck.
Jason gestured invitingly toward Ezekiel. “Your Majesty, please follow me. There’s nothing to fear.”
Accompanied by Richard and the others, Ezekiel walked to the back of the RV and the cargo truck. Inside, they saw a large quantity of weapons and ammunition neatly stacked in crates.
And that wasn’t all. They saw Glenn jump down from the truck and head into the RV.
With a soft clunk, the side armor of the RV opened as well. In an instant, a wide range of goods appeared in front of Ezekiel and the others: canned food, medicine, and other scarce supplies filled the side of the large vehicle.
Ezekiel’s eyes landed on a few packages in the corner.
“How do you have all of this?”
Jason was dumbfounded to see Ezekiel and his men picking up rolls of toilet paper and reacting with joy. He glanced at the others around him, puzzled.
Daryl was also confused, but Carlos suddenly said, “Captain, it seems toilet paper is really scarce out there.”
Michonne, beside him, added emotionally, “You really didn’t know? This stuff is worth its weight in gold!”
Jason had never experienced a toilet paper shortage, but he now understood the frustration of not having it.
At that moment, Ezekiel finally recovered from the shock of finding toilet paper. Seeing his guards still holding onto it and laughing, he coughed a couple of times awkwardly.
He turned to Jason, the smile on his face now a bit warmer. He extended his hand toward Jason, and the two men shook.
Ezekiel smiled and said, “I believe you a bit more now. If you don’t mind, come with me and let’s talk properly.”
“Of course. I’d be delighted.”
