The afternoon classes progressed as usual.
The only oddity was Yukino's behavior, which remained a bit off.
Still, with time, she'd surely adjust.
Tatsuki, on the other hand, had no issues.
After school, he returned home, sank into the sofa, and opened the chat group.
A heated discussion was underway.
March 7th: "Saeko, how are things on your end?"
Saeko Busujima: "The school is chaotic. A few classmates and I are working together, and we're safe for now."
Exusiai: "I think you should stay far away from the school. Too many people there."
Saeko Busujima: "I agree. We're planning to leave soon and look for my friends' parents on the way."
"???"
Tatsuki frowned in confusion. From the sound of it, something serious was happening in Saeko's world.
"Could it be a zombie outbreak?"
Tatsuki: "@Saeko Busujima, what's going on?"
Saeko Busujima: "Tatsuki-kun, just as you said, a virus similar to a zombie outbreak has occurred. Humans are turning into corpses. Thanks to your warning, I was able to prepare somewhat."
Tatsuki: "…"
So it was true after all.
Exusiai: "Tatsuki, can you predict the future?"
Tatsuki: "Sorry to disappoint you, but no, I'm not a fortune teller or clairvoyant. I just happen to know a bit about certain things."
Tatsuki: "Anyway, let's not focus on that. Saeko, if there's anything you need help with, just let me know. I'll help if I can."
March 7th: "Yes, exactly! I can ask Asta for another gun if needed!"
Tatsuki: "Little March, thanks for the gun—it's been incredibly useful."
March 7th: "Hehe, glad you liked it."
Just as Tatsuki was about to inquire further, the chat system chimed in.
[The Apocalypse Chat Group has detected a future apocalypse outbreak in Saeko Busujima's world. Initiating Apocalypse Companions!]
[Apocalypse Companions]: Three-person team.
[Companion Duration]: 5 days.
[Participants]: Saeko Busujima, Tatsuki, Exusiai.
[Companion Mission]: Attempt to clear the corpses.
[Upon initiation, participants will be transported to Saeko Busujima's world. Time in their respective worlds will pause.]
Saeko Busujima: "This is…"
Exusiai: "Does this mean I can go to Saeko's world and help?"
March 7th: "What an incredible feature—crossing worlds! It's even more impressive than the Astral Express traveling across galaxies!"
Aqua: "Huh? Why not let me go? This goddess is best at dealing with undead creatures!"
Tatsuki: "…"
[Do you wish to cross worlds now?]
To be honest, Tatsuki hadn't expected the Apocalypse Chat Group to have such a function.
This wasn't just a communication platform anymore—it was a mutual aid system.
Tatsuki: "I'm ready to go."
Exusiai: "Ohhh! I need to stock up on more etched bullets!"
Tatsuki selected the option to cross worlds.
In front of him, a swirling black vortex appeared.
"A portal? A gateway between worlds?"
Stepping into it, he felt a dizzying sensation as the world spun around him.
When the light returned, he opened his eyes to find himself no longer at home.
He looked around—it was a rooftop.
Suddenly, another black vortex appeared.
From it emerged a red-haired girl in a short, asymmetrical skirt.
She held what resembled a Victor-style firearm—more of a hand cannon than a gun.
What stood out most was the glowing halo atop her head, paired with fragment-like radiant wings on her back.
"Hello! Are you the boss?"
Exusiai smiled brightly and waved at Tatsuki.
"Boss?"
"Haha, sorry, I'm just used to calling clients that," she said, scratching her head.
"Just call me Tatsuki," he replied, extending his hand.
Exusiai took it lightly and introduced herself. "Exusiai."
She curiously sized him up, scanning him from head to toe.
"You don't have any distinguishing features. Are you an Aegir?"
Tatsuki chuckled. "I'm not an Aegir. Humans from other worlds tend to differ from the ones in your world."
"In fact, many people in your world might seem alien to humans from other worlds."
"Take you, for example. You look just like an angel."
"Ah, what a strange setting," Exusiai said, scratching the back of her head again.
Though it felt odd, she accepted it.
Looking down from the rooftop toward the campus below, her expression changed.
"Wow, it's complete chaos."
The school was in ruins.
Everywhere, feral corpses roamed.
Blood and flesh were scattered across the grounds, painting a horrific scene.
Despite the chaos below, Exusiai showed no fear—in fact, she seemed excited.
"Tatsuki-kun, should we ask where Saeko is?"
"No need. Follow me," Tatsuki replied.
To Exusiai's astonishment, Tatsuki took to the air.
He simply manipulated the wind using his lv4 Vector Manipulation. With the added advantage of his Gemstone ability, controlling vectors felt as effortless as breathing.
Just as he was about to fly off, Exusiai called out urgently.
"Wait, wait, wait!"
"Hm?" Tatsuki turned back, confused.
Exusiai pointed at herself. "I can't fly!"
"Huh?"
Looking at the small radiant wings on her back, Tatsuki suddenly remembered—Exusiai wasn't an actual angel; she couldn't fly!
"Ahem, should I… carry you?" Tatsuki asked awkwardly.
"Yes, yes, yes! Do it!" Exusiai's eyes lit up as she nodded enthusiastically like a pecking chick.
Tatsuki landed, scooped her up into a princess carry, and prepared to take off again.
Exusiai was surprisingly light, even more so than he had expected. Judging by her figure, it wasn't surprising—she was well-proportioned.
Exusiai casually wrapped her arms around his neck, grinning with excitement.
"Let's go."
Taking off with Exusiai in his arms, they soared into the sky.
"Oh wow! So this is what flying feels like? This is amazing! I love this! Let me take a picture!"
Exusiai's thrilled shouts echoed as she admired the view.
Tatsuki shook his head with a smile.
She really was a carefree optimist.