Ever since the library incident, I have found myself becoming dangerously drawn to the sensation of killing. Most of the time, I can control this bloodlust, but it becomes extremely difficult when others try to take what is mine or threaten it. I understand that this is a serious weakness—one I must learn to master. When I lose myself in the pleasure of violence, I can no longer distinguish between friend and foe. That loss of control would be catastrophic.
I am afraid that if I ever fully let go, I will not be able to return to who I once was. When I look at the bodies left behind, I feel no remorse for most of them, except for the few innocent people who were killed in the conflict, deaths that were beyond my control.
"Clementine, you can let go of me. I'm okay."
She hesitated before releasing me. Her eyes locked onto my shoulder, already soaked in red, and I saw the panic she was trying to hide.
"We need to treat your gunshot wound before it gets worse," she said, her hands trembling as she tried to stop the bleeding.
"I'll be fine," I told her. "Just let me finish this."
The crowd watched nervously as I walked toward Robert and Daniel. Fear was unmistakable in their eyes as they wondered what I would do next. I wiped the blood from my sword and slid it back into its sheath.
"Sorry for the incident," I said evenly. "You may resume your leadership."
I turned to the crowd. Once, there had been dozens of communities within thirty miles. Winter, hunger, and desperation wiped most of them out. Only four survived. This was one of them, not because they were strong, but because I made sure their enemies didn't survive long enough to come back.
I didn't want this place destroyed. I carried significant influence here, along with a great deal of credit, and right now, this community was useful.
I turned to leave.
"Wait," Robert called. "Max Walker. It'll be hard for us to keep control after this."
I faced him again. He was smiling, the same practiced smile he always used when he thought he was winning. Daniel stood beside him, tense.
"We're critically short on manpower," Daniel said nervously. "Our personally selected guards have been reduced to a third of their original number. Maintaining this community will be extremely difficult." As he spoke, his eyes flicked toward Robert.
I understood what they were implying and it was true. I had killed more than half of their loyal guards, a loss that would be nearly impossible to replace in a short time. What might happen during that vulnerable period was anyone's guess.
"What are you suggesting?" I asked, turning back to Robert, who was still smiling.
"Become one of the leaders of this community."
I slowly shook my head in refusal. "I've told you many times—I don't have the time or the energy to deal with people."
Many nearby communities had offered me leadership after witnessing my prowess. I had refused every one of them. I had no interest in getting tangled in other people's problems.
"Of course, I know that, Max Walker," Robert said smoothly. "We only want you to act as a temporary leader until we regain manpower—so other communities don't see our weakness as an opportunity to attack. In other words, we want your name as protection."
"And what's in it for me?" I asked. I had no intention of agreeing without gaining something in return. This fat man was cunning. Moments ago, he'd been terrified for his life—now he was smiling like he was negotiating a major deal.
"Of course, we'll compensate you," Robert said, rubbing his hands together. "Everything we sell in the Common Ground—I'm willing to give you a twenty percent discount."
"Make it forty percent."
"Done," Robert replied instantly. "Welcome, Max Walker, as one of the community's leaders. We're fortunate to have you."
Daniel was smiling too. Did I just get tricked again? I wondered. Judging by his reaction, Robert probably would have agreed even if I'd asked for fifty percent.
Robert clapped his hands loudly and raised his voice to address the crowd.
"To everyone who has come from far away, I sincerely apologize for the disturbance. As we all know, killing has become a regular part of life now, so there's really nothing more to see. Still, to make up for the inconvenience and show our sincerity, we're offering a ten percent discount in our shops just for today. Anyone who suffered casualties will also be compensated with ten credits."
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in cheers. Most people were already accustomed to seeing death on a daily basis; a few bodies meant little anymore. What they weren't used to was getting something for free.
Satisfied and happy, the crowd returned to their business. The market quickly began to bustle again, as if nothing had happened. Guards carried the bodies away toward the trench, where the dead were buried.
"Okay, Max. I'll talk to you later after you get treated," Robert said. With that, he and Daniel walked away.
I looked back at Clementine and Molly.
"So, now you've become my boss, Max?" Molly said teasingly. "Are you going to force me to do something I don't want to do?"
Clementine puffed out her cheeks and grabbed my arm. "Molly, stop teasing Max. Don't forget—he's mine. Even you can't have him."
Molly stared at Clementine in surprise, then looked at me for confirmation.
"She knows," I said calmly. "I told her."
Molly took a long gulp from her drink and glanced back at Clementine. "Don't worry. I won't steal your Max from you. You're like my little sister." She smirked. "Come on—let's go to the medical shop."
We both agreed and followed her.
At the medical shop, I spotted Andrea sitting alone. A nurse hurried over and began treating my wound, eventually preparing to remove the bullet from my shoulder. Andrea glanced at me nervously before speaking.
"I wanted to talk to you earlier but...Are you the son of John Walker?"
The moment I heard that; my eyes widened in shock. Clementine and Molly reacted just as sharply.
"How do you know me?" I demanded. "And where is my father?"
Andrea fell silent for a moment before answering. "We met your father and uncle at the Greene family farm. They were looking for you. They showed me your photos."
I couldn't help but smile. "Where are they now?" I asked quickly.
Andrea glanced around nervously. Before I could press her further, she spoke in a quieter voice. "I don't know. While we were talking, the farm was overrun by a horde of walkers. I got separated from the group. But your father should be with Rick Grimes and the others."
I let out a long breath of relief. At least they were alive.
Before I could ask anything else, Michonne burst in, breathing hard. Her eyes widened when she saw me. She immediately grabbed Andrea by the arm.
"We're leaving. Now," Michonne said, yanking her toward the exit.
Before they could take another step, I blocked their path with my sword. The blade halted both of them in place.
"Neither of you is going anywhere," I said coldly, "until I say so."