Chapter 144: Preparing for Winter

Ryo's mind wandered as he and Sachiko continued their walk through the area surrounding their base. The approaching winter lingered in his thoughts, bringing new concerns about survival—not just for him and Sachiko but for the army of zombies that now guarded their home.

He glanced at the Striders that followed him closely. Fast, agile, and dangerous, they were his most valuable asset in keeping their base secure. Though zombies didn't feel pain or cold the way humans did, Ryo didn't want to take any chances. **Could the extreme cold slow them down?** He remembered the previous winter and how the zombies had survived, but the idea of protecting them further intrigued him.

As the wind brushed past his face, he thought about how the Striders would fare once the bitter cold hit. They wouldn't die, of course. He knew that much. But losing their speed or agility, even temporarily, could leave gaps in his defenses, and he couldn't afford that.