"Miki, some things are difficult to explain. But I can promise that until I find new companions for you, I will stay by your side." Seeing Miki's expression, Takeru sighed softly.
Hearing his words, Miki trembled but couldn't speak. Though they had only spent a short afternoon together, the mature and reliable Takeru had entered her heart like a savior.
Miki couldn't distinguish if it was gratitude or dependence, but Takeru had already left an indelible mark on her.
"Alright, it's getting late. Tomorrow, we need to clear more zombies and search for survivors. Get some rest early." Takeru ruffled Miki's hair, feeling a touch of pity for this girl.
Although this world seemed like a creation of the Reincarnation Space, after truly interacting with it, Takeru knew it was very real, including the people and things within it.
After speaking, he removed his weighted gear, washed up in the bathroom, and lay down on a lower bed.
Rikka and Miki lay nearby. Even though the zombies were cleared, they seemed driven by a strange compulsion to wander specific areas, so new ones could appear at the shopping center anytime.
Besides that, both girls felt immense unease in this world and had begged Takeru to stay with them.
Since Takeru had nothing to lose, he naturally agreed.
…
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the window, Takeru awoke.
Feeling weight on him, he looked down to find Rikka and Miki leaning against him. Gently moving them aside, he stood up.
He casually opened a door and looked downstairs. New zombies had already gathered, though far fewer than yesterday, and none seemed to be on the second floor or above.
Watching the wandering zombies, Takeru focused. The fruit knives in the room flew telekinetically and swiftly decapitated the zombies below.
After this, Takeru returned to the room without a second glance.
He spent about twenty minutes freshening up in the bathroom. Upon returning, he saw the two girls still asleep. Sighing lightly, he went to the kitchen and began preparing breakfast.
Since neither girl was skilled at cooking, Takeru had prepared the meals yesterday as well. They could only manage simple instant food.
Once breakfast was ready, he placed it on the table. The sleeping girls twitched their noses at the smell and soon woke up.
"Good morning. Breakfast is ready. Wash up and come eat," Takeru said calmly.
"Mm!"
"Sorry, Takeru..." Seeing that Takeru had to protect them and also cook, Miki said apologetically.
"It's fine. Get up now. Today we need to continue searching for survivors and clearing zombies," Takeru shook his head gently.
"I understand!" Hearing this, both girls quickly got up.
Not wanting to keep Takeru waiting, they washed up quickly and came to enjoy the breakfast.
With abundant supplies gathered, Takeru wasn't stingy. Even breakfast was plentiful. Miki, who had been eating dry rations, eagerly enjoyed the meal.
After packing up, they headed outside. Leaving the shopping center, Miki looked back with mixed feelings. If not for meeting Takeru and being in the shopping center, she might have perished in this catastrophe long ago.
'Even if it's a bit late... I'm moving forward now, Kei.' Silently bidding her final farewell to her friend, Miki followed the others.
They first went outside the shopping center. Takeru looked at the bloodstained car, then motioned for everyone to get in. Following the map, he found a gas station, refueled, and drove towards Megurigaoka High School.
"Takeru, where are we going?" Rikka asked curiously, seeing him check the map constantly.
"To Megurigaoka High School," Takeru replied calmly.
"Why?"
"Because schools have a high population density. If any students survived the initial outbreak, their chances of survival might be higher there," Takeru explained.
"I see," Rikka said, no longer questioning.
...
Megurigaoka High School wasn't too far, but it wasn't very close either. With zombies hindering their path, it was almost 9:30 a.m. when Takeru finally saw the school buildings.
"That's Megurigaoka High School over there!" Miki soon pointed to a distant building.
"It looks pretty run-down too," Rikka remarked, frowning.
"Let's assess the situation first," Takeru said calmly.
"I hope someone there is okay," Miki said worriedly, looking towards the school.