***
February 14, 2029
Savoring the warmth of his morning coffee, Lucas leaned against the university wall, gazing out of the window. Through the transparent barrier force field, he could witness the safety it offered. Gone were the days of sleeping in fear, of having to keep a watchful eye while others rested. This barrier ensured that only those he permitted could enter.
The rest of the world was still slumbering, and in these rare moments, a semblance of peace settled over his existence. He yearned for everyday life to be this tranquil. His circumstances had shifted dramatically, though some might resent the changes he'd ushered in. The loss had become the bitter companion of those around him—family, friends, companions—all vanished. And here he stood, a former fisherman and construction worker.
"Tweet-Tweet."
Lucas observed as a mutated bird careened into his barrier, its attempts to breach the shield proving futile. Just like birds' perplexity with glass windows, these creatures repeatedly crashed against the barrier.
Unperturbed by their antics, Lucas retrieved a fresh set of clothes and headed to the bathroom for a shower. Every aspect of his life now defied the budget constraints of his past, leaving him with a deep sigh.
***
"Lucas, come outside, you have to see this."
Lucy's call prompted Lucas to step out of the university at her behest.
"What's going on?" Lucas inquired; his demeanor nonchalant. For these days, relaxation remained elusive.
"Look at the number of birds outside the barrier," Lucy pointed, directing his gaze beyond the protective wall.
Following her gesture, Lucas observed the multitude of birds in the sky and on the ground—there were a substantial number, congregating especially around their fallen counterparts.
"Magpies? I saw them this morning," Lucas mumbled.
"You recognize them?" Lucy appeared perplexed by his knowledge.
"They're magpies. They aren't commonly found around here; their migratory path doesn't intersect this area. I suppose our barrier has inadvertently blocked their route. But they don't seem to care, as they can't distinguish it."
"Do we need to do something about it?"
"If you'd like to. They'll likely keep coming. Birds reproduce at an impressive rate—well, that's what animals do. Tell Meri to practice her archery skills on these birds. It's our only long-ranged weapon, and this could be an opportunity for her to earn some extra coin. Just advise her to shoot within the barrier."
Having shared his insight, Lucas retreated indoors, tending to the garden as he went about his tasks. Today, he yearned for relaxation. It wasn't that he was becoming overly confident, thinking he could handle zombies single-handedly. However, despite the assurance that he could now manage zombies on his own, he was still nursing an injury, lacking the stamina to seek out trouble.
Normally, the idea of shooting birds out of the sky wouldn't even occur to them. But these mutated creatures were swift and elusive. Moreover, birds were an uncommon sight within the city; it had never been a particularly hospitable habitat for them.
Following the rhythm of the day's routine, Lucas meticulously tended to the plants in the garden. Amid the turmoil of the outside world, the act of nurturing life brought a serenity that washed over his thoughts.
His mind meandered back to the days preceding the apocalypse when his worries revolved around the simple matters of making a living and catching enough fish to sustain his modest existence.
His reminiscing was momentarily disrupted as Lucy entered the garden; her footsteps were delicate but her expression was grave.
"Lucas, I discussed your suggestion with Meri," Lucy began, her tone focused. "She seemed intrigued by the idea of practicing her archery skills on the birds."
Lucas acknowledged her update with a nod, appreciating Lucy's proactive approach. "I'm glad she's open to it. It could prove to be a valuable opportunity for her growth. It's important for all of us to keep sharpening our abilities."
Lucy's gaze seemed to drift into the distance for a brief moment. "It's strange how quickly we've adjusted to this new reality. Battling zombies, strategizing for survival—it's as if it's become ingrained in our nature."
Meeting Lucy's thoughtful look, Lucas responded with a contemplative expression. "Adaptation is a testament to human resilience. We find ways to endure, to survive, even in the harshest circumstances."
In Lucy's eyes, a myriad of emotions swirled—weariness, determination, and a hint of trepidation. "Sometimes I question whether our actions are truly meaningful. Constructing this modest haven, defending it... Are we genuinely effecting change, or merely delaying the inevitable?"
Lucas placed a reassuring hand on Lucy's shoulder. "Doubts are only natural, particularly in times like these. But keep in mind that each life we safeguard, every moment of tranquility we find, is a triumph."
Exhaling a deep breath, Lucy seemed to release the weight of her uncertainties. "You're right, Lucas. Thank you."
As their conversation drew to a close, Meri approached them, her bow resting over her shoulder. Her expression radiated determination, ready to take on the task Lucas had proposed.
"I'm prepared to begin practicing, sir," Meri declared.
Lucas offered her a nod of approval. "I'm glad to hear that, Meri. Just remember, that progress comes with practice and patience. Take your time and focus on your aim."
Meri responded with a resolute nod. "Thank you for this opportunity, sir. I'll give it my all."
'Being addressed as 'Sir' rather than 'Lucas' by Meri still feels a bit strange. I am four years younger than her, after all. It's quite an adjustment,' he mused inwardly.
***
"Ah..."
Exhausted, Meri let out a heavy sigh, her initial determination faltering. Over time, she had witnessed a troubling shift in the situation with the mutated magpies. Their numbers were multiplying at an alarming rate, and their behavior had transformed into one of aggression. No longer content with merely colliding with the barrier, they now viciously clawed at its surface, leaving deep marks etched onto the translucent shield.
A doubt crept into her mind. "Is it because I keep eliminating their companions?"
Meri watched with growing apprehension as the magpies' assault intensified. While the barrier withstood their barrage, the strain on it was becoming increasingly evident.
'Should I call for Sir's help?' Meri pondered. However, she quickly dismissed the thought. 'No, he entrusted this task to me. If I can't even handle this, what will he think of me?' She shook her head resolutely as she notched another arrow, preparing to strike. Sir had only given the task to her this morning, and seeking help so soon would only disappoint him.
Sir was currently tending to his injuries, while Miss was diligently practicing her sword skills in the garden. Meri felt a strong sense of responsibility to contribute, and to be useful in some way. Perhaps it was the protective barrier that shielded them, making them complacent. After all, who would willingly leave a safe haven without the threat of zombies? Meri seemed to be the only one acknowledging the avian onslaught brought about by the magpies.
A flight of birds approached the barrier, seemingly arriving to aid their besieged companions.
"I must give my all, otherwise I don't deserve their kindness. I've grown too comfortable," she chided herself. She refused to disappoint them, to embody such a defeatist mentality.
The first wave of magpies reached the barrier, their talons scraping against the force field. With unwavering determination and a deep breath, Meri released her arrow. It soared through the air, unerringly finding its target. A magpie plummeted to the ground; its life extinguished.
The assault persisted, however. More magpies swooped in, undeterred by their fallen counterparts. Meri's movements were swift and precise, each arrow meeting its mark. Yet, for every magpie she felled, it seemed two more took its place.
Her quiver was limited to a hundred energy arrows a day, prompting each shot to count. Despite the constant stream of notifications ringing in her ears, she remained steadfast, refusing to ask for help when she couldn't handle a group of birds.
"Fwoosh."
Amid her fatigue and escalating desperation, Meri's determination remained unyielding. She blocked out the chaos surrounding her, allowing instinct to guide her shots.
Still, the magpies continued their relentless onslaught, their numbers seemingly limitless. Fatigue set in; her quiver nearly depleted. Nevertheless, as the magpies prepared for a final assault, she shot her last arrow, her actions driven by muscle memory alone. With a determined exhale, she released the arrow.
"Please, let it hit," she murmured softly under her breath.
The arrow sailed through the air, finding its mark in a mid-dive magpie's chest. The bird emitted a strangled squawk before plummeting earthward, its wings flapping weakly.
Lowering her bow, Meri's hands trembled from a combination of exhaustion and adrenaline. She sank to the university floor, her breathing ragged, only to notice Lucy stepping out during her break.
Lucy wore a genuine smile as she observed the situation. "Oh, it appears the birds have disappeared. You're doing wonderfully, Meri."
Meri looked up from her bow, a mixture of fatigue and pride etched across her face. "Thank you, Miss. It's been quite challenging, but I believe I'm starting to get the hang of it."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting elongated shadows over the scene, Meri surveyed the aftermath of her efforts. The once-large congregation of mutated magpies had significantly diminished, the remaining birds seemingly having learned to avoid the university's protective barrier.
'I did it.' A surge of accomplishment overwhelmed her as she contemplated how she had single-handedly cleared a horde of birds without assistance.
Meri's gaze shifted to her bow, her hands trembling slightly from the ordeal. "Who would have thought I'd be hunting birds in an apocalypse?"
A genuine smile adorned her face as she reflected on her accomplishments. Even if no one else was aware of her endeavor, she felt a deep sense of pride within herself.