@KINGwaldo
Well, the apocalypse would change a man. Then, add on a sudden rise to power. Most common men wouldnt be able to handle such a sudden shift, falling to its corrupting allure more easily.
And, honestly, the scum and filth are just more likely to survive. Not because of some cosmic joke, but because that's their personality. They're more inclined to abandon and think about only themselves. Plus it gives nice little stepping stones for the protagonist to step upon on their rise to the top.