As the group slowly made their way up the winding slopes, the dim light from the minivan barely lit the road ahead. Inside the vehicle, silence reigned, broken only by the engine's hum and the restrained breathing of those still trembling from their recent escape.
"We're almost there," Osamu said calmly, though deep down, a slight chill ran down his spine.
Perhaps it was an attempt to calm the girls. Or maybe, to convince himself that everything would be alright. After all, they were in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, and no matter how brave one might be, fear was inevitable.
Their destination was a mansion. Not just any mansion, but the private residence of Rias Gremory. Nestled in a mountainous area on the outskirts of the city, the mansion didn't rely on the general power grid. It had always operated independently thanks to solar panels—a logical decision given its remote location.
About a hundred meters ahead, a large black gate came into view. Osamu recognized it immediately. He'd passed through it dozens of times before, invited by Rias herself. And though it was familiar, he couldn't help but feel a certain tension as they approached. This time, the situation was very different.
When the vehicle stopped in front of the gate, Osamu stepped out without a word. He walked toward the gate with firm steps. He knew the security code, so he wasn't expecting any issues.
However, after just a couple of steps, two tiny red lights appeared on his chest.
Snipers.
For a moment, his heart raced, but his mind quickly kicked in. He slowly raised both hands, making sure not to seem like a threat, even though his spear still hung on his back.
"Are you Kuroda Osamu?" asked a deep voice. A man emerged from the side of the gate, his face hardened with distrust. Clearly not someone who smiled often.
"Yes. I assume Rias told you I'd be coming," Osamu replied naturally.
"She did," the guard replied as he stepped closer, eyes fixed on him. "Yes, you match the photo. But… I must admit I'm surprised."
"Surprised by what?"
"That you made it all the way here without a scratch… and with six others," he said, glancing toward the vehicle. For a moment, he looked genuinely impressed. "I'm impressed."
"Thanks... I guess," Osamu replied, not with pride but with simplicity. He didn't feel like he'd done anything heroic—just what was necessary to survive.
The gate opened with a metallic buzz. The guards, still watchful, motioned for Shizuka to drive in. She gave a slight nod, gripped the wheel with both hands, and proceeded without question.
And so, at least for now, the group was safe.
...
The group entered the reception hall, a spacious foyer that exuded elegance and mystery. There was no electric light; instead, dozens of chandeliers and candles strategically placed filled the space with a warm, flickering glow. From the outside, the mansion looked completely dark, thanks to thick curtains covering every window, blocking all light from escaping.
"I have to say, this place is huge... and beautiful," Yotsuba commented, her eyes gleaming with awe.
"Beautiful? I'd call it elegant... and majestic," Nino added, crossing her arms with a faint smile.
Suddenly, the chatter stopped. Everyone's attention turned to the grand staircase in front of them. It was impossible not to notice. Descending from above was a stunning young woman, her long crimson hair swaying with every step.
No introduction was needed.
Rias Gremory.
Everyone knew her. Some as the strict class rep, others as the mysterious girl with the unshakable aura. But none expected the expression she wore at that moment.
Rias ran down the stairs, her eyes shining with a mix of emotion and relief. Without stopping, she practically threw herself onto Osamu, wrapping him in a tight embrace.
"Osamu! You're okay! You don't know how worried I was... I thought maybe... maybe you wouldn't make it..." she sobbed, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her cheeks.
The girls were speechless. They had never seen Rias act like this. At school, she was always calm, proper, even distant. But now, she was crumbling in front of everyone, showing just how much she cared for the boy she held so tightly.
Osamu smiled gently at the sight. His childhood friend, the one who always hid her true feelings behind a flawless façade, was now before him, completely sincere.
"Sorry for making you worry so much," he said softly, wrapping his arms around her.
"You're forgiven... if you promise you won't leave me again," Rias replied, lifting her face. Her big, bright eyes looked at him with an expression impossible to refuse—a mix of pleading, affection, and determination.
Osamu knew that look well. He'd seen it before. And he'd never been able to say no.
"I promise. I won't leave you again," he said firmly.
The smile that appeared on Rias' face was one of pure happiness. It was the look of someone who could finally breathe again.
"Good. Then..." she turned to the quintuplets and the nurse Shizuka, regaining some of her usual composure. "Let me welcome you all to my humble home."
Her voice was firm, yet warm.
"From now on, you are completely safe here."
...
After the emotional reunion, the atmosphere began to relax. The tension built up from the school chaos and the dangers on the road still lingered, but the warm, quiet interior of the mansion offered a temporary respite.
"I'll show you your rooms so you can drop off your things and get some rest," Rias said with a calm smile. "The house is big, so you won't need to share unless you want to."
They followed her down a wide hallway lined with old paintings and chandeliers that cast soft shadows on the walls. The candles, hidden from the outside by thick curtains, gently lit the elegant architecture of the place.
"Each room has its own bathroom," she added. "The hot water system still works thanks to the solar energy reserves, so feel free to shower. I think a bit of normalcy will do you good."
"That sounds... great," Ichika said with a soft sigh, stretching her arms.
"We really appreciate your hospitality, Rias-san," Shizuka said with a polite bow.
"There's no need for formalities. You're safe here," Rias replied.
Once everyone chose their rooms, Osamu approached Rias as the group began settling in.
"Is there any food in the pantry?" he asked. "I'd like to help make something."
"You? Cooking?" Rias asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Hey, it's not my first time," he chuckled softly. "We could prepare something simple—just enough so everyone can eat before bed. We don't know what tomorrow holds."
Rias nodded, understanding. It was no longer a time for aristocratic manners or social games. The world had changed, and they had to adapt.
"Alright, let's cook together. I want to thank them for bringing you back safely."
They both headed to the kitchen, while soft voices and the sound of running water echoed from the rooms. The quintuplets were taking turns showering, and for the first time since the chaos began, they could breathe without immediate fear.
Miku collapsed onto the bed without even changing, staring at the ceiling as her thoughts settled. Yotsuba explored the drawers, ever curious. Nino gazed through the closed window, deep in thought. Ichika and Itsuki whispered quietly about what they might do the next day.
The calm wasn't perfect, but it was enough.
That night, in the midst of a collapsing world, a group of survivors found temporary refuge, warm food... and the promise that hope was still worth clinging to.