"Where are the other survivors located?" Suzune asked.
"They're in the basement, but they might've come up to the supermarket floor," Riku said. "We cleared it. They're probably organizing supplies. Stay sharp. They might not be allies anymore."
"All right," the girls nodded.
They moved in a single file behind him—Miko, then Suzune with Hana tucked close, Ichika watching their rear. Riku advanced through the service corridor, heels soft, muzzle down but ready, every doorway checked with a quick slice of the beam before he passed it. He reached the swinging access door that opened onto the market floor, shoulder to the jamb, ear angled for sound.
Nothing but the faint hum of wind through broken glass.
He pushed the door.
The world split. A blur cut across his peripheral from the right—wood, tape around the grip, nails jutting from the far end. Baseball bat.
