"This..." Ignoring his System's error, he looked at the crossbow that had a futuristic design, with smooth, angular lines and a compact frame. It was a marvel of modern technology, and its appearance left everyone in the room astounded.
Beside the crossbow was a leather quiver, elegantly adorned with patterns and capable of holding around 50 bolts. The bolts themselves were finely crafted, with sharp tips designed for precision and accuracy.
"This is really good..." Haru muttered in amazement as he inspected the weapon. He held it in his arms, feeling its slight but reassuring weight.
It wasn't just Haru who was taken aback by the unexpected transformation; the others in the room were particularly more shocked, their eyes widening as saw this particular transformation for the first time.
"As I expected, the system is truly made for our survival... This is a valuable weapon for our current situation. Unlike a gun, it won't create a loud commotion and draw in more Zombies from afar," Orimura commented in a hushed tone, her eyes still fixed on the crossbow in admiration.
"But there's still a limit to how many shots we have." Aki nodded in agreement, gesturing toward the leather quiver containing the neatly arranged bolts.
Haru, who had been experimenting with the crossbow's aim, interjected thoughtfully, "You're both right. Its effectiveness relies on how well we make use of it."
As he continued to test its flexibility, Haru's aim suddenly fixated on Yoshida, catching him off guard.
"Oi... what's the meaning of this?"
"I don't know, maybe just aiming at you?" Haru couldn't suppress a playful smirk as he retorted, causing Yoshida's annoyance to intensify.
"You...!" Yoshida's voice trailed off and his annoyance was evident.
"Good to see you alive too, Kuga..." Haru lowered his weapon and then continued with a strained smile, "But I guess, you still hate me, huh?"
"Shut up... I have nothing to speak to you."
"Same as ever, huh?" As Haru expected, Kuga Yoshida turned his back and ignored him, not wanting to engage in a conversation with him.
"H-Haru" As his mind was occupied by Yoshida's usual behavior toward him, Aki called out to him in panic.
"What's wrong?" Sensing urgency in her voice he asked.
"I-I think I heard something strange..."
"!!" Immediately alert, Haru shielded Aki behind him and scanned the room.
"Who!?" Yoshida also joined him as he too looked around in panic after hearing Aki's words.
"W-What's wrong?" the other six surviving students asked, sensing the tension.
'Is it another infected?! Then again, how long does it even take to become a Zombie!?' Haru thought as he looked at each one of them, but strangely he did not find anyone with symptoms.
"Aki... are you sure you heard it right?" He couldn't help but ask in confusion.
"I heard it! B-But it's gone now..."
"Um..." As the tension rang on their faces, Orimura raised her hand and said, "I-I think... it was my stomach..."
"..."
"I guess I am just too hungry..."
"..."
Silence occurred in the lab as they heard her, and then Yoshida lashed out, "You Stupid-Sensei!!"
"What!? I haven't eaten anything since morning!!!"
****
Hours passed by as they remained trapped in the Chemistry lab, clinging to hope for some form of rescue that seemed increasingly unlikely.
Initially, they also heard gunshots in the distance, but it gradually diminished as time went on and also saw military helicopters and jets zooming past through the windows, but none made a stop at their school.
Instead, they headed straight toward the Shibuya City, now engulfed in flames and destruction.
As the city continued to burn, their minds filled with desolation, longing for the comfort of their families. But all they could do was just stare it in helplessness because they also weren't in any position to go elsewhere.
The Zombies outside the lab didn't dwindle as they wished, but at least to their reliefs their numbers didn't grew in size and the barricade still remained intact holding them outside. Yet, they couldn't shake the sense of impending doom, knowing that encountering a Level 4 Zombie was just the beginning, and that more of these formidable threats would soon emerge.
After a long and tiring day, their fatigue and hunger began to take a toll, further dampening their spirits. Despite their dire circumstances, some still clung to a glimmer of hope of being rescued.
As Haru relayed the information he had gathered during his short journey, he also learned more about the peculiar features of the 'System' that had provided them for survival. While his own System continued to download for some reasons, the others shared their insights, revealing some unique aspects of the System's capabilities.
One of the most remarkable features they discussed was the Status Window, a tool similar to that of a game interface. This window provided them with vital information about their individual strengths, speeds, and other relevant metrics, helping them understand their capabilities in the current chaotic environment. Most importantly, it was capable of increasing their powers as they leveled up.
After sharing the much needed information and resting enough for few hours, Haru brought Aki toward an open window.
"Haru... are you sure I can do it?" Aki asked as she nervously held the crossbow and aimed through that open window at the Zombie that was roaming aimlessly on the ground below.
"Trust yourself, Aki." Haru replied.
Ever since Haru found out that killing these monsters would give them EXP to level up, making them stronger, he insisted that Aki should kill the Zombies outside to get stronger with the crossbow.
Haru, despite accumulating a substantial amount of experience points from killing the relentless amounts of zombies, his system remained inexplicably dormant, failing to grant him the expected enhancements. So he at least wanted to make Aki strong enough to protect herself.
Additionally, since Aki was part of the Archery club, she had some knowledge about the usage of a crossbow that no one else had.
He knew it was tough to kill because those Zombies were once their schoolmates, and he was also sorry for their cruel fate. However, in their chaotic situation, they didn't have any other choice.
Observing her hands trembling slightly, he positioned himself behind her and gently steadied her grip.
"Calm down, Aki," he reassured her, his voice firm yet comforting. "I know it's tough, but we have to do this to survive."
Aki's body quivered involuntarily as she felt his presence behind her and his reassuring hand over hers. Despite the sudden rush of emotions, she understood the gravity of their situation and composed herself by biting her lips, focusing on the task at hand.
"Good," Haru remarked, noticing her composure.
"Shoot!"
Swoosh!
The string resounded faintly as Aki released the bolt, sending it flying toward the zombie.
"Growl.." A guttural growl emanated from the creature as the bolt found its mark, embedding itself in the zombie's abdomen rather than its intended destination, the head.
"Haru…" Aki's voice trembled with frustration and uncertainty.
Encouraging her once more, Haru stepped back and urged her to try again. "You've got this, Aki! Remember your training from the Archery Club and trust in yourself."
Motivated to succeed and encouraged by Haru's unwavering support, Aki reloaded the crossbow and took aim once more. Her heart was pounding, but she knew what she had to do.
'Fuu... I can do this!' she whispered to herself before letting the bolt fly.
Swoosh!
But this time, the zombie didn't even have a chance to emit a growl before an arrow struck its head, sending it crashing to the ground.
"I did it!!" Aki exclaimed triumphantly as a white orb from the dead Zombie flew into her body and the notification from her System confirmed her success.
"Good, just a few more and you'll level up."
But right after Haru said that, excitement quickly turned to concern as Aki's expression shifted, and she asked, "Wait... do you hear something strange?"
"..." Instead of replying Haru turned his head towards his Sensei, Orimura.
"What?" Orimura shook her head in denial as she said, "It's not me this time!!!"
"Not that kind of sound, just focus," Aki urged the others.
Confusion clouded the room as they strained to identify the source of the peculiar sound.
"What-?" but it was then, a strange sound entered their ears as well.