Tell me what y'all think of this chapter after you've red it. I've decided to speed things up and end this boring as arc.
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This was news to both Kibito and Kurusu.
"Really? I've never heard of such arrangements," Kurusu raised an eyebrow.
"I decided to do this," Kaelis said casually. "Since I'm not going to stay in this world long, I might as well take the time to train you and the rest of the soldiers. I'd hate to waste my time guiding you guys only for you to get one-tapped by zombies later on."
"One… tapped…?" Kurusu echoed.
"It means getting killed in one hit," Kaelis explained matter-of-factly.
"Well—uh, we, um… you're gonna leave? When exactly?" Kurusu asked, holding back his thoughts as he raised an eyebrow.
"Was planning to leave a few days ago—before I got nominated as the leader," Kaelis replied. "But I decided to stick around until you guys get to safety."
Since there wasn't anything particularly special in this world worth staying for, he had originally planned to depart earlier for the next.
Though he decided to stick around for a bit, he wouldn't leave immediately after they were out of plausible danger.
Kurusu nodded in understanding before asking eagerly, "And when will this training begin?"
"As soon as we reach a stable location."
"STATION SIGHTED!"
An announcement rang out, indicating that the train was soon approaching their destination.
"Hm? I guess we've arrived, huh. Let's go take a look."
They packed up the equipment neatly and headed for the train's side area.
"Kami-sama! We've reached Shitori!" one excited individual exclaimed, pointing eagerly toward the distant station up ahead.
Kaelis let out a soft chuckle at their bright, expectant faces.
The air was filled with the buzz of excitement as civilians leaned over the rails, their chatter rising.
Children pointed while the adults smiled with weary relief, their faces lighting up.
"Be careful not to fall over!" Kaelis reminded them, his tone firm but calm.
The adults gave small nods of acknowledgment—though the children, too caught up in their excitement, paid no mind.
"Huff! They aren't even listening," he muttered, shrugging lightly.
"That's Shitori Station. I wonder what's waiting for us up ahead," Takumi said under his breath.
WOOO—WOO!
The train's whistle blared, signaling the station ahead. Moments later, a reply came through.
…
~Shitori station~
After receiving permission to enter through the station's outer wall, the group immediately disembarked from the train.
"We've received a reply from the one in charge of this station," Kaelis informed the crew, his tone calm yet steady. "He wishes to meet with us."
He swept his gaze over the small group assembled before him, silently gauging their readiness.
"You sure you want to stay behind and watch over the Koutetsujou? Why not come with us, Akouji?"
The group standing before him were the six chiefs who advised the governor of Aragane Station.
"Yes. Leave it to us," Akouji replied sincerely. "Until you return, it is our sole duty to take care of it."
During his time on the train, he had experienced a great deal and undergone a change of heart. Now, he and his crew were renewed.
"Well then, I'll leave its care in your hands."
Kaelis dismissed them and turned to his companions.
"Is there anything the train might need? We're scheduled to leave by tomorrow evening, so we have to get everything in order by then. Lay it all out."
"We need supplies to repair the Koutetsujou," a boy named Sukari said.
"That's right," Yukina added in agreement.
"I, uh, need clothes and medicine for the passengers," Kajika said.
"Sure. Is that all?" Kaelis asked.
Suzuki, who had been thinking for a while, finally spoke up. "We'll need more Daita iron for now."
"Noted. Procure as much as you need," he said with a nod. "What do you guys have planned for the rest of the evening?"
"Today's Tanabata," Yukina reminded the group.
"I don't think we have the funds for Tanabata," Ikoma spoke up.
Kaelis, puzzled, wondered what this Tanabata was, but Mumei was quicker in asking about it.
"What's Tanabata?" Kaelis asked.
"You write a wish on a strip of paper, then hang it on bamboo," Kajika explained, doing hand gestures.
Oh. I think I've heard about that before. I think that's something the Japanese did. Wait, I forget these people are Japanese as well.
Kaelis thought before he said, "As ikoma said, we don't have the extra funds for that do we?"
"We can use this." Ayame quickly pulled a small orange box from her sleeve.
Seeing the box, Kurusu opened his mouth to say something, but Ayame held up a hand, stopping him before he could speak.
…
Time passed quickly.
Kaelis, Ayame, Kurusu, and Kibito made their way to the lord's mansion to meet the person in charge, as requested.
However, it turned out that the supposed "meeting" was nothing more than a formality—the lord had no intention of showing up and chose to avoid them entirely.
Since Kaelis had no real desire to meet the man anyway, he decided not to waste his time.
With a short word to the others, he slipped away from the area.
Before leaving, he told Ayame and the others to make good use of their time.
Ayame and Kurusu decided to stay behind, having something of their own planned.
Night fell quickly, and though hidden schemes stirred in the shadows, Kaelis paid them no mind.
It was time for everyone to voice their wishes. One by one, the survivors gathered, each holding a strip of paper they had written on earlier.
There was quite a variety among them—but reading through those wishes could easily make anyone's heart sink.
Unlike the usual hopes for wealth, romance, or success, most of these were simple, humble pleas—wishing only to live to see another day.
It was kinda depressing to think about, really.
But then again, what else could you expect from an apocalyptic world?
Still, for this one night, everyone allowed themselves a moment of peace. Laughter mixed with the faint crackle of fire as colorful bursts painted the sky above Shitori.
For a brief while, it felt like the world wasn't ending.
And just like that, the night passed as quickly as it came…
"Oi! Wake up!"
"Ngh… one more minute," Ikoma groaned, half-buried under his blanket.
Kaelis let out a long sigh. "You guys got way too carried away last night." Then, taking a deep breath, he shouted, "WAKE UP!"
His voice thundered through the train car like a cannon blast.
Ikoma and the others shot up instantly, eyes wide in panic.
"W–W–What's going on!?"
"Is it an attack!?"
"Are we dead yet!?"
"No, you're not," Kaelis reassured them flatly.
"Oh…" They all exhaled in collective relief.
SCREEEECH!!
A loud metallic screech echoed through the station as another train pulled in.
Everyone flinched before quickly fixing their clothes and heading outside to see what was going on.
Outside, a crowd had already gathered, cheering loudly as a group of armed men stepped off the new arrival.
"Who are those people?" Kaelis asked, watching their confident stride.
"They're the Karikatashu," Kibito explained. "An independent force created specifically to defeat the Kabane."
Sukari then spoke up, "I heard they've never lost a fight against the Kabane. They say any territory they pass through becomes Kabane-free and returns to the people."
"Oh?" Kaelis murmured, observing the cheering crowd.
Though the group was large, one figure immediately drew attention: a man with long pink hair and an imposing presence.
Mumei, usually composed and reserved, seemed to lose her restraint. She dashed forward toward him.
"Brother!" she cried out.
Chapter 26 end