Final chapter

Ming and the others arrived before the final barrier, its transparent hemispherical surface encapsulating a peaceful small town like a crystal snow globe.

Ming was excited, the end nearing. He glanced left and right at the nearly 10,000 plus tens of thousands more in the zombie army - no issue facing whatever awaited inside.

"Let's go!" Waving them forward, the army rumbled towards the barrier. As vanguard, Ming charged in first, staff in hand.

But he halted after just a few steps, sensing something off. Looking back, only he had entered. Outside was a sandy expanse, not a soul in sight, as if the others had vanished.

"This is..." Ming stroked his nose contemplatively. Perhaps this barrier functioned akin to a maze?

They'd all entered, yet each was 'alone'?

Of course, another possibility was he truly entered alone.

Outside, Mike slashed his scorpion tail blade at the glass-like barrier to no effect.