Chapter 33 – The School as a Base
The first wave of chaos had already passed the school gates. Screams echoed through the halls as terrified students and teachers ran in every direction, many tripping over one another or falling into the grasp of the undead. From the dojo, Saeko gripped her bokken tightly, eyes scanning the entrance.
Then the lights flickered. A hum of power cut through the panic, followed by a sudden, intense presence. Saeko froze, her breath catching in her throat. Before her stood a figure she had only seen through the live feed, now real, and impossibly immense.
Gaius Maximor Thassor.
His Mk X Tacticus-pattern armor gleamed under the flickering fluorescent lights. The Laurel crown on his helm marked him as extraordinary, and the power sword and bolter at his side left no doubt: he was unlike anyone she had ever seen.
[Mindy sent you a Package - Blade Steel]
[Will Accept you accept it?]
[Yes] or [No]
Saeko mentally pressed yes.
Mindy's steel blade suddenly rested in her hand now, a gift that suddenly felt crucial.
Gaius removed his helm with calm precision, placing it on the rear backpack mount with a satisfying click. He regarded her, voice steady and deep: "Hello, Saeko. Let's get going."
Saeko's chest tightened with awe. "Truly… nice to meet you, Gaius Maximor Thassor," she whispered, bowing slightly.
Without waiting for further words, Gaius strode toward the school's main doors. The reinforced frame creaked and bent under his movement and size, but he ignored it; structural integrity would not matter for long. Outside, the chaos continued, students screaming, undead pressing forward, but his focus was absolute.
Gaius's bolter spat fire into the first wave of zombies, shots precise, careful, cutting through the attackers without touching any student. The undead fell with a crunch, and the way cleared quickly. Saeko moved among the frightened students, checking for injuries and reassuring them where she could.
A small group of students froze in awe. One girl, barely taller than half of Gaius's height in armor, pointed trembling fingers at him. Then, a thin boy with messy hair and glasses stepped forward, voice shaking but loud enough for others to hear:
"That… that's impossible. No one should move like that in armor that heavy… Is this even Earth technology?"
He paused, catching his breath, then continued, "Thank you for saving us."
Gaius inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the boy. He did not react to the disbelief or the awe; he was not offended.
Other students, seeing the example set by the boy, began to calm down and bow respectfully. They asked for help, and Gaius nodded. Population would be needed for the base, and he would not refuse. Saeko understood immediately; the lead was his and she accepted gladly.
The hallways filled with more students as Gaius and Saeko moved forward, systematically clearing zombies. Saeko checked the stragglers while Gaius used his power sword, unpowered, relying on sheer physical force and sharpness of the sword, to cut through the undead efficiently. No ammunition wasted.
Takashi and Rei were fighting a small group of zombies when Gaius appeared. He did not know them, nor did he pause for introductions. With precise shots, he eliminated the undead threatening them, never missing, never endangering Normal people. Takashi and Rei's eyes widened in shock as they saw the group of survivors lining up behind him. They immediately joined, bowing in recognition of the protection he provided.
By now, the group had grown to thirty people, including students, teachers, and staff. Gaius looked around, the hallways were clear, and survivors were beginning to catch their breath. Saeko turned to him, relief in her voice: "The school will be the base?"
Gaius nodded, scanning the room with calm precision. Then, a teacher, Koichi Shido one of the people he save on the way here, stepped forward. His expression was defiant, but his tone carried worry:
"Sir… you are not from our military, are you? I am the son of Ichirou Shido the Candidate Minister Cabinet. I need to know… where are you from?"
Gaius's black eyes met his, cold and unyielding. "I am from nowhere of this place."
Shido's brow furrowed. "Then… you have no authority here. These weapons, your armor, they should not be in Japan. We need people who belong here to take control, people like me."
The students and staff all turned to watch, tense. Shido raised his voice: "Drop your weapons and leave! We cannot allow outsiders to lead!"
Gaius tilted his head slightly, studying him. He said nothing at first, then Gaius's lips curled into a brief, chilling smile, a soft "heh" escaping his throat. In an instant, his expression turned serious. He stepped forward, closing the distance between himself and Shido. Gaius's towering height loomed over the teacher, casting a long shadow that engulfed Shido entirely. Despite being dwarfed by Gaius's imposing presence, Shido stood his ground, though a hint of fear flickered in his eyes.
Gaius extended his hand, his gloved fingers wrapping around Shido's skull with terrifying ease. Shido's eyes widened in realization, and he stammered, "S-sir, I think, I don't need it anymore sir, I think you're better fit to it."
But Gaius was unmoved. His grip tightened, and the pressure began to build. Shido's face contorted in agony as his skull creaked under the force. A high-pitched scream tore from his throat, a desperate plea for mercy that fell on deaf ears. His body dangled limply from Gaius's hand, legs kicking wildly as he fought against the inevitable.
With a sickening crunch, Shido's skull gave way. Blood spurted from his eyes, nose, and mouth, painting Gaius's armor in a macabre red. The screams grew more intense, a symphony of horror that filled the room. Shido's body dangled violently, then went still.
Gaius held the lifeless body in his hand, his black eyes fixed on the mangled remains. He turned his gaze towards the window, and with a powerful throw, sent Shido's body hurtling through the air. It crashed into the school wall with a thunderous bang, flattening against the surface before sliding down in a trail of blood.
The Screams of students erupted, some falling to their knees, others shielding their faces.. Saeko, however, remained calm. She moved among them, her voice steady as she tried to soothe their frayed nerves. "Quiet," she commanded, her tone firm. "Panicking will only make things worse."
Gaius's gaze swept the hall. He saw fear, yes, but also understanding. The danger outside was still real, and they can't leave by his side.
Saeko's voice was steady. "This school will be our base. Stay together, stay alert, and follow the plan. Gaius will lead us."
The students nodded, fear giving way to cautious resolve. The undead were still out there, but for now, they were safe inside. Gaius looked down at Saeko, acknowledging her, before turning to check the perimeter once more.
~~~
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