As their emotions settled, Seijiro wiped his eyes, glancing around at each of his friends. "So... how did the virus even get into the school?"
The room fell silent as they exchanged uncertain looks.
Kenji cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "We… don't really know. Everything happened so fast. One moment, we were in class, and the next, people started acting strange, like they were sick."
Yuki nodded, her brow furrowed. "Some students tried to leave, but the infected blocked the exits. It was like they were being controlled—some just lunged at anyone they could reach."
Mei shivered, hugging herself. "It was very scary, it all happened so fast."
Ryouta leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. His expression darkening as he began to explain. "From what I pieced together, it all started at the front gate," he said, glancing at each of them. "One of the teachers saw a strange person trying to get onto the school grounds. The guy looked off, like he was sick or something, stumbling around, not saying anything."
Mei shuddered, clutching her arms. "So they let him in?"
Ryouta nodded. "Yeah, I think they thought he needed help. A couple of teachers went out to check on him. But the moment they got close enough, the guy just lunged at them, biting and scratching." He paused, a grim look on his face. "One teacher got infected right then and there. And, well, once it started, it spread like wildfire. I don't think they realized what was happening until it was way too late."
Kenji spoke up, his voice tense. "So you're saying... it just took one person to turn this whole school into a nightmare?"
"Yeah," Ryouta confirmed. "The infected teachers tried to go back inside for help, but it only made things worse. They attacked students, and anyone they bit or scratched turned almost immediately." He clenched his fists. "The school went from normal to a death trap within minutes. After that, everyone panicked. People were either running or hiding. And anyone left behind… well, you can guess what happened."
Yuki looked down, her voice barely a whisper. "It could've been any one of us out there..."
Seijiro shook his head, his eyes hardened. "But it wasn't. And now we're here. So what's our next move?"
Ryouta straightened up, his determination clear. "We stick together and find a way out. We don't let what happened out there happen to us in here."
Seijiro turned to Yuki. "So how did you all end up here? I thought you'd be in the classroom."
Yuki took a deep breath, exchanging a quick glance with Ryouta and the others before she began. "Well… after everything broke out, we first tried to barricade ourselves in our classroom, thinking it would blow over, or maybe someone would come to rescue us. But as the screams got closer, it became clear we couldn't stay there forever. I suggested we make a run for it—to at least try finding a safer spot."
Mei interjected, her voice shaking slightly. "I was against it at first. I thought leaving was too risky. I mean, I was scared, Seijiro. But Ryouta and Kenji both agreed with Yuki, and they convinced me that staying would only get us trapped."
Kenji nodded, adding, "We grabbed whatever we could find to protect ourselves—some broken chair legs, anything sturdy. Then we heard the zombies moving down the hallway toward us. That's when we made the choice to head for the science lab, where we could use the fire hose to try getting to the lower floor."
Yuki continued, "We managed to make it into the science lab and came up with this plan to use a fire hose as a ladder. It worked, but it didn't get us all the way down. We ended up here on the first floor, and that's when we found the drone. Ryouta suggested we could use it to scout for a safer route or maybe find others who survived." She offered a small, hopeful smile. "And that's when we spotted you."
Seijiro took a deep breath, looking at each of them with newfound admiration. "You all really went through a lot. I'm glad you made it." His gaze softened as he added, "And thanks for guiding me here with that drone. You saved my life."
Yuki shrugged with a small, modest smile. "We're a team, right?"
As the group settled into a more determined silence, Seijiro broke it with a question, "So, what's the game plan now? Are we still aiming for the school bus to get out of here?"
Yuki nodded, glancing at Kenji. "Yeah, that's the plan. I mean, I can't drive, but Kenji's has enough experience to get us out of here."
Kenji shrugged, a hint of confidence flashing in his eyes. "I've driven a few times, enough to get us somewhere safe."
Everyone exchanged a look, feeling a surge of unity as they prepared themselves mentally for the next day.
Seijiro hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. "I don't know if you all have a specific place you want to head to, but… I was thinking maybe we could make our way to Iwate."
The group looked at him, stunned, each face reflecting a mixture of surprise and confusion.
"I know it's far, but it's less populated," Seijiro continued. "Even if the virus spreads, it'll be easier to manage the zombies there. And…I have someone there. I have to make sure they're safe."
Yuki stepped closer, putting a comforting hand on Seijiro's shoulder. "I understand, Seijiro. I know you're worried about them. But we have family here, too. Let's focus on getting out of the school and making sure our loved ones are safe first. Then, once they're safe, we'll go to Iwate together." She smiled at him, a warm and reassuring expression.
Seijiro nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Thanks, Yuki. Alright then. We'll start the escape plan tomorrow at dawn. It'll be easier to see and avoid any zombies that might still be around."
As the night wore on, the group huddled together, sharing stories of better times, moments of laughter and friendship. In that small space, with the threat of danger just beyond the door, they found a moment of comfort and strength in each other's presence. Slowly, the exhaustion from the day's events overtook them, and one by one, they drifted into an uneasy but hopeful sleep.
While Seijiro and the others slept soundly, unaware of the danger lurking just beyond their sanctuary, the sound of the fire alarm they had set off earlier continued to echo through the empty halls of the school. Its shrill wail resonated like a beacon, attracting the attention of every zombie within earshot. Among them was a Zombie variant drawn to the noise with a primal instinct.
A massive figure with bulging muscles and a twisted visage, lumbered into the school, its presence sending a chill down the spines of any remaining survivors. With each thunderous step, the ground seemed to tremble beneath its weight. Its bloodshot eyes scanned the area, wild with hunger and fury, before locking onto the source of the sound.
It smashed its fists into the alarm, causing a shower of sparks and metal to fly as the device shattered under the force of the blow. The sudden silence that followed was deafening, filling the air with a tense stillness that signaled an ominous shift.
In the classroom, Seijiro stirred slightly in his sleep, a sense of unease prickling at his instincts. He turned over but remained blissfully unaware of the threat that loomed just outside. The zombies variant, now agitated by the absence of sound, began to thrash violently, its rage spilling into the hallway as it tore through anything in its path—desks, lockers, and doors—creating chaos as it searched for something, anything, to satisfy its insatiable hunger.
Back in the classroom, the atmosphere was peaceful, as the group unknowingly drifted closer to danger. With the variant wreaking havoc in the halls, they didn't know what was about to befall them the next morning.
The night deepened, and as the first rays of dawn began to filter through the windows, the real struggle for survival was only just beginning.
As the morning sun filtered through the shattered windows, Seijiro and his friends stirred from their restless sleep. The remnants of their previous night's ordeal lingered in the air, but they had a mission to accomplish. They quickly gathered their belongings, determination etched on their faces.
"Before we head out, let's scout the area," Ryouta suggested, pulling out the drone that had survived the chaos. With a few taps on his device, he launched it into the air, watching as it soared through the open doorway and into the hallway.
As Ryouta guided the drone through the school's corridors, the others stood watch, anxiety building with each passing second. Just as the drone was about to return, an ominous crash echoed through the hall, and the device was suddenly smashed mid-air. The group looked at each other, hearts racing, sensing that something dreadful was nearby.
"What the hell was that?" Kenji asked, eyes wide with fear.
"I don't know, but we need to get out of here," Seijiro urged. "Whatever destroyed the drone will find us next."
They quickly armed themselves, each grabbing a weapon from the classroom—bludgeons, makeshift spears, and whatever else they could find. Seijiro turned to Ryouta. "Do any of you know how to use a gun?"
"I do," Ryouta replied, nodding. "I learned a bit when I visited my uncle in the US. He taught me some basics."
Seijiro rummaged through their supplies and handed Ryouta a handgun. "Here, take this. Show us what you remember."
Ryouta took a deep breath and inspected the weapon. "First, always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction," he said, demonstrating as he pointed it towards the floor. "Next, make sure the safety is off." He flicked the safety switch off, his fingers steady. "Then, grip the gun firmly, but don't hold it too tightly. You want to be relaxed."
He then cocked the gun, the familiar sound sending a chill through the group. "Now, when you're ready to shoot, align the sights with your target. Remember to take a deep breath and squeeze the trigger slowly instead of pulling it. It helps maintain accuracy."
"Got it," Seijiro said, impressed. "Just make sure you aim for the head; that's the best way to take them down."
"Understood," Ryouta replied, feeling the weight of the weapon in his hands. "Let's do this."
With their plan set, the group huddled together for a moment, steeling themselves for the escape ahead. They exchanged determined glances, each of them knowing that they needed to stick together to survive.
"Stay quiet, and follow my lead," Seijiro instructed as they moved toward the door.
They stepped into the hallway, the eerie silence wrapping around them like a shroud. The remnants of their previous night's horror still echoed in their minds, but now, they were armed and resolute.
"Let's go," Seijiro whispered, leading the way, their hearts pounding in unison as they ventured into the unknown.
As Seijiro and his friends cautiously descended the stairs, they moved with precision and teamwork, dispatching zombies silently and efficiently. The sound of their makeshift weapons slicing through the undead was nearly drowned out by the pounding of their hearts.
"Remember, keep it quiet," Seijiro whispered to Ryouta, who was gripping the handgun tightly. "We don't want to attract more zombies."
Ryouta nodded, his eyes scanning the area. "I know," he replied. "The bullets are limited, so I'll only use it in dangerous situations."
Their strategy seemed to be working. They navigated through the hallways, clearing out pockets of zombies without drawing too much attention. Each successful takedown boosted their confidence, and the group felt a sense of camaraderie grow among them.
However, as they approached their final destination, the ground floor, a chilling roar echoed through the hallway. The sound sent shivers down their spines, and they halted, exchanging worried glances.
"What was that?" Kenji asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I don't know, but it sounds big," Yuki replied, her eyes wide with fear.
Seijiro's heart raced as he peered around the corner. His blood ran cold when he spotted it—a Zombie variant. The creature was massive, towering over the other zombies, its muscles rippling beneath its decaying skin. It was a grotesque sight, with blood and flesh hanging loosely, and its eyes were filled with a primal rage.
"Everyone, back up!" Seijiro urged, his voice tense as he signaled for the group to retreat. "Ryouta, shoot it now!" he shouted.
Ryouta panicked, gripping the gun tighter. "Shouldn't we kill it more quietly?" he protested, his voice trembling.
"No!" Seijiro insisted, his eyes never leaving the creature. "You guys shouldn't underestimate that thing. I can tell just by looking at it—if we don't give it our all, we'll all die here."
With no time to waste, Ryouta nodded, steeling himself for the task. He aimed the gun, feeling the weight of the moment settle on his shoulders. He aimed for the body and shot it, but the variant only grew more agitated. It charged at them, and as it ran closer, the ground trembled beneath its weight.
Seijiro lunged forward at the variant, knowing he couldn't block the attack head-on. He recalled something old man Shintaro had taught him about using a sword: if you can't block an opponent's strength, deflect it. With a precise motion, he successfully deflected the variant's swing and cut one of the tendons at the back of its leg.
Feeling a surge of confidence, Seijiro let his guard down and tried to attack the variant again. In an instant, the furious creature retaliated, slamming him against the wall. Seijiro bounced off the surface, coughing blood as he tried to catch his breath, but the zombie was already charging at him again.
Just as the variant was about to finish him off, Ryouta fired another shot. The bullet struck true, but instead of retreating, the monster became even more agitated and charged at them again, this time more slowly due to the damage Seijiro had inflicted on its leg.
"Keep firing, Ryouta!" Seijiro shouted, desperately trying to buy time for his friends.
Ryouta aimed for the creature's head, but the variant blocked the shot with its massive arms and continued to advance. Mei, Yuki, and Kenji attempted to intercept it, but they were helplessly swept away. The monster reached Ryouta and slammed him against a window, the glass shattering on impact.
Seeing his friends in peril, Seijiro rushed forward, stabbing the variant in its stomach. The creature writhed in pain and, in a fit of rage, threw Ryouta aside before swatting Seijiro away like a fly.
Seijiro struggled to his feet, but the variant stepped on his ankle, the sickening crack of bone breaking echoing in his ears. He screamed in agony but endured the pain, gripping his katana with determination. With a swift movement, he sliced at the creature's other leg, forcing it to stumble.
Agitated, the monster lifted Seijiro off the ground, attempting to crush his skull in its grip. In that moment, Seijiro's life flashed before his eyes, but then he remembered the dagger he had taken from the weapon shop.
With a surge of adrenaline, he drew the dagger and stabbed it under the Breaker's jaw. The blade pierced through its mouth and emerged on the other side of its head.
Seijiro fell to the ground, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief wash over him. Gasping for breath, he crawled toward Kenji, calling his name. Kenji woke up, his eyes widening in horror at the sight of Seijiro and Ryouta's conditions. He felt ashamed for having fainted during the fight.
"Wake the others!" Seijiro urged, his voice strained.
Kenji quickly roused Mei and Yuki. They gathered around Ryouta, who was barely breathing and clutching his stomach— a jagged shard of glass had pierced him during the earlier chaos.
"Don't worry about me," Ryouta gasped, his voice weak. "Just leave me. I'll die here anyway."
Tears filled their eyes as they heard him say that.
"But just grant me one wish," Ryouta continued, his voice cracking. "I don't want to be like them. Please don't let me become one of them. Lock me in a classroom with this gun; I want to do it myself."
Seijiro's heart ached with anger and sorrow as tears streamed down his face. "What are you saying? We'll escape and get a doctor so!"
Yuki shook her head, cutting him off. "Seijiro, we have to listen to him."
Seijiro clenched his fists, his body shaking with emotion. "No!"
Ryouta's tears flowed freely as he pleaded, "You guys should live on for my sake."
Reluctantly, they did as he asked and locked him in a classroom. They heard the shot echo through the school, and their tears flowed even more freely.
But their grief was cut short when a swarm of zombies approached, drawn by the sound of the gunshot. They came from everywhere, and the only escape was upstairs.
"Mei, support Seijiro!" Kenji shouted as he carried Yuki, who had a fractured rib from the earlier fight. "We need to move!"
As they ran up the stairs, they all tried to figure out what had caused the sudden influx of zombies. Then Seijiro said "It was the gunshot," he said, gritting his teeth against the pain.
"But why didn't they come earlier when we were fighting that variant?" Yuki asked, fear creeping into her voice.
Seijiro shook his head. "I don't know for sure, but I think they sensed that it was dead."
Yuki asked, "What are you talking about?"
Seijiro said, "I've fought a variant before and it was like that too."
All of their expressions turned to shock.
"Alone?" Yuki asked, incredulous.
"Yeah, and I think they have their own domain. Just like an apex predator, another predator can't just enter its territory. That's why we didn't see any other zombies around," Seijiro explained. "It's the same when I fought the other one. It's just my theory, don't take it too seriously"
"No, I think you're right," Yuki said, her eyes wide.
"Where are we going to run to?" Mei interrupted, her voice trembling. "They're coming from everywhere!"
"Let's go to the roof," Yuki suggested. "There shouldn't be any of them up there."