Zeroy's eyes swept across the tablet in her hand, six names flashing faintly in the blue glow.
While all other survivors had been driven out of the base, the main group of girls were allowed to stay—for Zeroy had other plans for them.
Rei Miyamoto was helping her mother arrange the cot in their temporary quarters, a family photo placed on the bedside table.
Saya Takagi silently practiced her shooting. Not far away, Yuriko sighed softly as she continued mending her daughter's torn clothes.
Saeko Busujima honed her swordsmanship, while Shizuka Marikawa struggled to jot down the names of medicines on paper per Zeroy's orders, medicines that needed to be collected and brought along.
There were six in total, originally meant to be seven—but Kohta Hirano had chosen differently.
The chubby gun specialist now stood at the base gates, fingers interlocked with a black-haired girl.
Seven days ago, he had cowered before girls. Now, facing Zeroy's cold gaze, he had the courage to hold his lover's hand, his voice filled with newfound resolve.
"I won't abandon her!"
In these seven days, Kohta had fallen in love with a girl survivor. He couldn't abandon her to follow Zeroy's plan to leave for safer ground. Yet Zeroy would not allow the girl to remain—she simply didn't trust her.
Just as she had refused to take in those who fought alongside Yuriko, Zeroy's trust in this world was never given lightly.
"Have you decided?"
Her voice was icy, her emerald eyes sharp as blades fixed on Kohta.
A chill ran through him, sweat soaking his shirt, but he still held his lover's hand tight.
The girl trembled slightly, but did not let go.
"Yes! I've decided!"
Kohta straightened his chest, as if ready to face death itself.
"..."
Zeroy was silent, her gaze shifting to the girl beside him.
"Leave him, and I'll let you join my group."
"—!"
Kohta's heart jolted, his grip tightening unconsciously.
It was a deadly temptation… regaining her protection, a chance to escape zombies and despair. Even if it was just a test, countless would have leapt for it.
Kohta trusted his lover, but still his heart raced, throat dry.
She did not disappoint him.
Though trembling, she lifted her eyes to meet Zeroy's crushing gaze and, despite her fear, spoke clearly.
"I refuse…!"
"Is that so?"
Zeroy withdrew her gaze, the suffocating pressure ebbing away, her tone flat.
"Then go."
Relief crashed over them, their legs giving out as they slumped to the ground, nerves like bowstrings finally slackened.
It had felt like death hovered over them with each breath.
As Kohta turned to look at his lover—who had chosen to face the apocalypse with him—a key suddenly clattered onto the ground before him.
"Take the jeep in the base."
Zeroy's voice was as cold as ever.
"There's equipment inside."
"—!"
Kohta froze, then clutched the key tight, knuckles pale with excitement.
"Thank you, Lady Zeroy!"
"Don't die too easily."
She waved dismissively, turning back inside.
Kohta had chosen to leave with his lover. Before they departed, Zeroy provided them with supplies and firearms, hoping they could both survive.
She did appreciate him—and his survival would also net her five hundred Points.
So the final number left was six. Both Saya and Rei had lost their fathers.
Not many, but that suited Zeroy perfectly.
Without a capable successor to manage the survivor base, she had no choice but to dissolve it. With fewer numbers, lacking strong leadership wasn't a problem.
"Among you, who has experience piloting small boats or aircraft?"
Her gaze swept the group, stopping on Yuriko and Shizuka.
Yuriko frowned, thought for a moment, then stepped forward. "I have some basics, but I'd need to confirm in practice."
All eyes widened in surprise.
"M-me—me!"
Shizuka shot up her hand, voice cheerful, her chest bouncing like an eager schoolgirl answering a question.
Everyone stared in shock at the ditzy school nurse. For someone like her to know how to drive was already unexpected—let alone fly a plane or steer a boat.
Wasn't that far too absurd?
"Shizuka-sensei, are you sure?" Saya asked, unable to help herself.
"Of course~" Shizuka beamed, oblivious to their disbelief. "My friend once took me out to play. She still works at the airport, I think."
Only then did they realize—she meant her friend had the skills.
"…Fine."
Zeroy nodded.
Two pilots. That was enough.
"Next, I'll see if I can find a suitable uninhabited island. If I do, you'll move there."
"An uninhabited island…"
They thought it over. It was indeed the best option. With no people, there would likely be no infection source. Safer even than Zeroy's survivor base.
After all, the base had its risks—though no zombies, the virus threat never vanished. Only Zeroy's watch had prevented sabotage, since infected blood was easy to find.
"…But if we can find a hidden underground base, that would be even better."
...
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