Ryan led them inside and the door closed behind him, shutting them in darkness. It took some time for her eyes to adjust and she could see a faint light coming from somewhere.
They walked through the corridor until they reached an area with a large open space. There was a table and chairs, and Ryan took a seat.
The place looked abandoned and smelled musty. She saw some shelves that were filled with goods, which were probably from the store. Upon seeing that, she narrowed her eyes and turned to Ryan.
"These are what our people gathered. By no means will the military confiscate them, no?" He smiled widely, showing his teeth. "So, sit, and let me tell you my proposal."
"... No they won't confiscate it. Let's hear your proposal without worrying about that." She said, not wanting to sit. Her hand was on the hilt of her hidden knife, ready to strike in case Ryan did anything.
Saeko also didn't move at all and stayed silent behind Rika, observing Ryan's every movement. Her gaze was sharp, and she was ready for any sudden action.
Ryan noticed this but his smile never left his face. He rested his elbow on the table and leaned forward, his chin on his palm.
"You know what the biggest enemy for the survivors of this apocalypse is?" He started, "No, it's not a zombie. It's humans."
Rika furrowed her brows and narrowed her eyes. She was getting more suspicious by the minute, especially since Ryan seemed to plan something. He had a smooth tongue, and he could use it to deceive others easily. That's what her intuition told her. Not to mention this man looked so slimy.
"Continue." She nodded her head, urging him to continue.
"Right now, what we need is unity. And for that to happen, we must get rid of those that threaten us." Ryan continued.
"We realized that the current situation in this evacuation zone is dire. The military is hoarding the supplies and the civilians are restless, so we're trying to solve that problem. And the first step of our solution is to eliminate all the zombies and bandits in this area."
"... So?" Rika asked him curiously. "What's your method? Demanding the military to share our weapons?"
"That's a part of our method. The military shouldn't keep weapons to themselves and we want to distribute it equally to all of the people. But that's not all."
"What's the other method?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Simple. We'll kill everyone that opposes us."
Rika blinked once, then twice, trying to register what he just said.
"What?" A soft question came out from Saeko behind her. Her expression was the same as Rika's.
"You heard me. We'll eliminate all threats to the peace and unity in this evacuation zone. That's why we need your help. If we're going to achieve our goal, you need to help us out."
Rika couldn't believe her ears.
This was crazy!
Talking to this man in the first place was a mistake.
"I think you're mad," She stated, her expression turning grim. Her voice became cold and harsh.
"Oh, please. I am suggesting a plausible and rational thinking that we can achieve together." Ryan chuckled, his eyes glinting with malice.
"Humans are social creatures. We also are the best at adapting according to the situation. Just look, everyone has adapted to the apocalypse already! I am sure we can reach our goal!"
Rika felt anger rising within her. How could this bastard suggest such a thing?! This man had no idea what he was saying.
And she couldn't let this man go wild and destroy everything. Not in this world. The balance was important, no matter how twisted the world had become.
"Alright, I've listened enough."
"Oooh! So you're going to accept my proposal? That's wonderful news!" Ryan's expression brightened up, and his grin widened.
"Ha! No!" Rika snorted, "Your suggestion is stupid and I don't like it at all."
"Ho... Is that so?" Ryan narrowed his eyes.
"You and your bandit group are a nuisance in our society. The only thing you do is cause chaos and I have confirmed that you're planning rebellion in this place. You even have the gut to ask us to cooperate! Haha! That's funny!"
"Oh my, is that so? Are you going to kill everyone that doesn't obey you?" Ryan's voice became colder, and he glared at her, his face turning red with anger. "The military has always been like this! They think they can rule us! You guys think you own everything, pretending that you protect people but in fact, you're the one who destroys our world!"
Rika narrowed her eyes and judged that talking with this guy would only anger her more, so she decided on a measure. She grabbed her gun with a skillful movement and pointed it at him.
"You are under arrest." She declared. "Any sudden move and you will die. Resist and we will have the reason to execute you. Now put both your hands on your head. Saeko, search his body for any weapon."
Rika ordered, her tone cold.
Saeko nodded, and approached the man cautiously. Her gaze was fixed on Ryan's every movement. The wooden sword in her hand was at the ready.
However, Ryan stayed calm. He even laughed out loud.
"Hahahaha!" His laugh rang through the room, and it echoed back at him.
"Saeko, restrain him!" Rika barked, but before the two of them could act, Ryan moved his hand into his coat. His movements were swift, almost blurring.
"Die, you fucking military dog!" He shouted and raised what seemed like a button.
Seeing that, Saeko immediately changed her direction. Stopping him would be too late as his finger was already on the trigger. This man wasn't sane! He deliberately put both of them in a dangerous situation. He wanted them dead and didn't care about his own life at all.
In that case, she would act to protect Rika first.
"Get down!" She pushed Rika aside, sending both of them flying.
And then there was a deafening bang. The explosion engulfed them, and the force sent them flying backwards.
Meanwhile, jut a few minutes before that...
"Strange." Daiki muttered while looking at the situation from above the roof of a nearby building. "Why is their leader outside the supermarket?"