Chapter 80
Frank
Connor's expression changed, and he shouted at Al, "Where did you get these zombies that infected them?"
A look of confusion crossed El's aged face as he replied, "No, we didn't let them get infected with the virus."
The number of walkers in Black Pine Valley is decreasing, especially in the three more powerful ranches, which are eradicating walkers completely. There are no walkers within several kilometers of the area.
The appearance of zombies is always accompanied by screams and bloodshed.
The first few who were grabbed and bitten by the zombies scattered quickly, screaming like a flock of birds.
More people witnessed the zombies feeding, and more and more residents began to panic and leave.
The zombies ate a few bites, then raised their heads and attacked the others.
The zombies chase, the humans flee.
Although there were many people, few residents had the courage to face the zombies directly and could only shout for help.
The louder they shouted, the more excited the walkers became.
Frank struggled to push through the crowd, and his view opened up as people darted past him.
He spotted a zombie, pounced on it, grabbed it and slammed it down, then stomped on it, crushing the zombie's brain, which was as mushy as tofu.
Not only Frank, but also several warriors in the crowd were killing the walkers face to face.
Chaos erupted in the crowd. Connor crossed his arms and ordered his men to aim their guns at Frank and his group, as well as any walking corpses that might rush at them.
He felt relieved, never expecting that the zombies' disturbance would instantly thwart the residents' coup attempt.
Connor had killed several walkers before, so he wasn't afraid of these mindless, crippled creatures until he had a certain number of them.
And so, Connor and his group stood by and watched as Frank and his crew wiped out the walkers.
The rebellion ended abruptly, with a promising start but a disappointing finish.
Connor originally intended to take advantage of the chaos to shoot and kill Frank and the others, including Al, who were part of the rebellion.
But before Connor could fire, he heard Al's weathered yet warning words.
"Connor, if I find any bullet holes in the bodies of the dead residents, I promise I'll risk my life to kill you all."
Connor hesitated for a long time before finally putting down his gun.
Al knows herbs and is the ranch's doctor. If you completely offend him, not only will you not be able to get treatment from him, but he might also put some volatile poison in your house.
Connor had considered killing Al directly, but Al was surrounded by several burly men protecting him, which would be quite difficult.
By the time all the zombies were dealt with, it was already dawn.
The cowboys guarding the warehouse were still on guard, and the residents began to clean up the walkers. Those with families sent their loved ones to wash the bodies and bury them cleanly.
Those without family members were simply buried hastily.
The two sides are even more divided than before.
Frank rode his horse and quietly left Horus Ranch, arriving at Caesar Ranch not long after.
He saw Caesar Ranch in the distance, and just as Frank was about to ride over to tell him his purpose, a bullet struck the horse's hooves.
Dust flew up.
A sniper rifle?!
Frank immediately raised his hands and shouted, "I meant no harm!"
Then Frank saw a person above the door raise their hand in a stop gesture.
Then, two more shots hit the ground in front of Frank.
Frank understood that it was a warning to himself not to move.
Frank didn't have to wait long before the heavy wooden door opened, and several men on horseback appeared.
They are not cowboys.
Judging from their clumsy horseback riding, Frank knew they weren't from the valley.
Moore rode his lead horse around Frank twice, then looked at Frank's face and said, "You look a lot like someone I know."
Frank remained expressionless and said coldly, "I'm here to deliver a message."
"I meant no harm!"
Frank proactively showed the sidearm at his waist and the items in his saddlebag; there weren't many dangerous items.
"Where are you from?" Moore rode up to Frank's side, looked in the direction he had come from, and asked with narrowed eyes.
"Horus Ranch"
Sure enough, a look of delight flashed in Moore's eyes.
Then, Moore handcuffed Frank, blindfolded him, gagged him, and took him to the ranch.
Actually, covering one's eyes is completely unnecessary; it's just one of Moore's little hobbies.
Moore would occasionally make Frank fall down, thoroughly enjoying watching Frank's struggle to utter a curse, displaying a truly wicked sense of humor.
When Caesar saw Frank, Frank was already covered in dust.
After being freed from his restraints, Frank angrily stood up, stared directly at Moore, and wanted to pounce on him and fight him.
Frank didn't make a move. He looked at Caesar and asked, "Is this how your ranch treats people?"
Caesar understood and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, my friend, Mor is a rather rough person and may not have considered your feelings. Please forgive him."
Caesar's apology did quell Frank's anger considerably.
Frank sized up Caesar a few times. He was a burly man with a steady gait and large, thick hands. He was a formidable figure.
"What's your name? What brings you to our ranch?"
Frank replied, "My name is Frank Castle, I come from Horus Ranch, and I am seeking your help."
Frank began to describe the situation at Horus Ranch.
Not only the previous situation at the ranch, but also the riot that occurred last night, and the fact that Connor is likely to retaliate against them.
They had very few guns, and they were likely unable to withstand Connor's attack.
Once their frontal assault is broken, their hope of escaping the ranch will become extremely slim.
As Caesar listened, he nodded and offered a few understanding words of agreement, which made Frank feel that Caesar was a very sincere person who listened attentively to what he was saying.
After Frank finished speaking, Caesar looked thoughtful and slowly said, "Frank, your situation is very critical right now, which is why El sent you here so urgently."
"I suspect that Connor is very likely to attack Al's residence during the day, since he already knows that Al is the one behind your plans."
"Moreover, El has a high reputation; once El is killed, you will quickly surrender."
Frank frowned and began to think quickly, realizing more and more that Caesar was right.
The reason Connor didn't take action last night was naturally because the situation was chaotic and could easily incite public anger. Today, the residents' emotions have calmed down a lot, coupled with the shock of the zombie attack.
Now is the best time to kill El. Then, by making an example of a few restless individuals, Connor might be able to secure his position as leader.
With that thought in mind, Frank lost interest in talking to Caesar and was focused on getting back, so he asked directly, "I need to go back to the ranch now."