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Chapter 147 - New Dawn Chapter: 0147

It was hard to objectively say everyone was ready for an expedition, but their combined efforts would be tested sooner rather than later. Tysone and Kohta had worked tirelessly on the truck, reinforcing its frame with scavenged steel plates and adding a reinforced grille guard. They had bolted on a set of all-terrain tires they'd found in Tysone's basement.

"I call it... the 'Apocalypse Mule'!" Kohta declared proudly, gesturing to their heavily modified truck with a flourish. "It can handle anything we throw at it! Mud, zombies, even a small building if needed!"

"It's a truck, Kohta. Let's not get carried away." Tysone said, though he was impressed with the modifications. And this wasn't supposed to be the end of it, yet. He felt like he was in one of those games where you could customize your vehicle, and Kohta was the eccentric, over-enthusiastic mechanic. The kid had talent, he had to give him that.

Tysone was pretty good himself handling tools and car modifications, but Kohta was on another level. He was an artist in his own right. And he was also a bit of a mad scientist. The kind that would build a death ray out of a toaster and a couple of paperclips.

But for now, the 'Apocalypse Mule' would have to do.

The truck was loaded with supplies: ammunition, medical kits, food and water, and a few other essentials. The weapons were cleaned and ready.

The team for this expedition consisted of Tysone, Saeko, Takashi, Rei, and Kohta. A small, elite team of evolved.

The rest of the group would stay behind to guard the mansion. Saya, the only evolved, would be in charge of the defense. Shizuka would be on standby for medical emergencies. Mai, Miku, and the others would help with fortifications and keeping an eye on the perimeter.

Tysone gathered the team in the garage.

"Alright, listen up." He began, his gaze sweeping over the group. "We're heading to the industrial district. Last time we've been to the city, we nearly bit the dust. We're stronger now. Definitely a lot braver compared to weeks ago, when a mere evolved was enough to give us a run for our money. But that doesn't mean we should get cocky. We're dealing with unknowns. And unknowns are dangerous."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"We've got stronger, but so have those things. We know there are zombies with supernatural powers other than mere physical enhancement. We've encountered a few. But we haven't seen everything. So keep an eye out and don't let your guard down. Am I clear?"

"Loud and clear, my liege!" Kohta said, giving him a mock salute.

Saeko, Takashi and Rei nodded in unison. They were ready.

"Good." Tysone said, then turned to Saya. "Saya, you're in charge here. Keep the place secure. Keep the lights off. Noise to a minimum. We've been clearing the perimeter but better safe than sorry. Hopefully, we'll be back with good news."

Saya adjusted her glasses. "Don't worry. I've got everything under control. Just... try to come back in one piece."

"We'll try." Tysone smirked.

That was probably the moment where the main heroine kissed the hero off on his journey, but considering all the eyes watching, it was already too much that Saya gave him a quick hug.

Mai, on the other hand, simply gave him a look. A look that said, "If you die, I'll kill you."

He found that cute. There were many things still left unresolved between them. She was still getting around the idea of him sleeping around with other girls, even though it was something she initially agreed to. He'd give her as much time as she needed, as long as she didn't betray him.

Miku had a bitter but hopeful smile on her face as they made eye contact. She gave him a cheeky wave, to which he replied in kind.

She who, for a period of time, lived with him. She, who he rescued from her own toxic parents and even more toxic friends.

Tysone knew what kind of woman she'd have turned if he hadn't stepped in at the right time.

Marin wished to go with them as well, but Tysone had promptly shut her down by saying the fewer, the better. Marin would just be a target to be protected against the evolved; they couldn't afford to split their attention to keep her ass safe.

Yui was a girl Tysone had yet to fully understand, but she was slowly coming around, being mentored by Shizuka. If all went well, they'd have another doctor/nurse soon enough. That'd be a great asset.

As for the older woman herself, Shizuka, she had a dreamy smile on her face as her arms slithered around him for a tight hug, her large chest mashing against him. She then whispered something lewd into his ear. Something that made him almost delay the voyage for a quick intermission on the master bedroom with the teasing nurse. Shit.

"Well, we're going. Everyone take care." Tysone said.

"Take care!" Shizuka waved.

"Takashi, don't die!"

"Oi!" Takashi clicked his tongue.

"Kohta, be careful, okay?" Asami shouted.

Kohta laughed out loud, his glasses glinting over a psychotic grin. "Fret not, Asami-san! This King of Destruction shall reduce the undead to a mere memory! Hahahaha!"

Saya facepalmed.

"Please be safe, Rei-chan." Marin called out, waving enthusiastically.

"Will do!" Rei waved back, a look of determination on her face.

Saeko simply gave a silent nod to everyone.

Alice was the last one to wave, a bright smile on her face as Zeke barked and wagged his tail.

Tysone looked at everyone. This was something he wished to protect in this apocalypse. He'd take the risk and return stronger.

He turned around and climbed into the driver's seat of the 'Apocalypse Mule'. Saeko was in the passenger seat, her sword resting on her lap.

The 'Apocalypse Mule' rumbled down the driveway, its tires crunching on the gravel. They passed through the heavy iron gates, which were closed behind them by Shizuka and Mai. They had an automated system for it.

They were on their own now.

The drive was quiet, save for the rumble of the engine and the occasional moan of a stray zombie in the distance.

Tysone was the one driving since Shizuka wasn't there.

He had his eyes on the road, scanning for any signs of danger. Saeko was doing the same, her gaze sweeping the surroundings.

Takashi, Rei, and Kohta were in the back.

Kohta was fiddling with his rifle, a sniper rifle, for the most part. "The industrial district..." He mused, looking out the window.

Takashi's eyes were closed, but he wasn't asleep. He was meditating. The kid had grown a lot. Not just in body, but in mind too.

The whole fiasco with Shido had taught him a lesson, one he hoped stuck with him. Tysone was proud of the boy's progress, but he knew he still had a long way to go. He was still hot-headed, a little too idealistic, but he was learning.

He was a good kid. A bit too earnest for Tysone's liking, but a good kid nonetheless. It also helped that Tysone knew he was supposed to be the main character if it weren't for him, so the chances of Takashi betraying the whole group were slim to none. Sure, you never know what went through a person's head, and Takashi here wasn't a 2D character reading off a script, but a real person living in a real world, but Tysone had a gut feeling he could trust him.

The same thing went for everyone.

Tokonosu City loomed ahead. The city wasn't exactly a ghost town, but it was far from its former self. The streets were littered with abandoned cars and debris, and the occasional horde of zombies wandered aimlessly. The sky was a perpetual gray with the aurora borealis still as strong as ever.

The Apocalypse Mule knocked down and rolled over a groaning horde, its reinforced grille plowing through the decayed bodies.

Tysone turned on the windshield wipers as black blood and gore splattered all over the glass.

Kohta was watching them with a wide grin. "The king of destruction reigns supreme! Ahahahaha!"

Rei rolled her eyes at his antics. Takashi remained unfazed, while Tysone found it bothersome now that his visibility was reduced by the stains. Still, the normal zombies didn't pose a threat to their baby mule. 

It felt like an eternity since he last saw these familiar streets.

Author's Note:

If you're enjoying the story and want to read ahead or support my work, you can check out my P@treon at [email protected]/LordCampione. But don't worry—all chapters will eventually be public. Just being here and reading means the world to me. Thank you for your time and support.

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