Episode 15: Let's Train

"Woohoo... Ooooh! Vooooo...!"

Before me stretched a horde of "zombies."

Their appearance was just like fans cheering passionately for an idol singer from the front row.

I picked out a random one from the crowd and swiftly drove my sword into its forehead.

The nameless "zombie" collapsed, as if its batteries had run out.

"Are you sure that's safe, Senpai?"

"No problem at all~"

Saying that, I slashed again.

The approaching "zombie's" hand barely missed me—this had already been tested.

Though it looks relaxed, this method is actually the easiest way to take down a "zombie."

Thinking how nice it'd be if my level increased faster, I slashed once more.

In fact, I've already gained a level using this method.

The skill I obtained during that level-up was,

――"Super Maintenance" automatically repairs equipment degradation by up to 80% over time, and also increases the repair speed over time.

This one.

The reason being, I'd had enough of my sword's edge growing dull.

Honestly, the lower-tier skill "Auto Maintenance" was practically useless. Eventually, the blade became so dull that even dispatching a single zombie proved difficult, leaving me with almost no choice but to take this skill next.

"Can you watch my practice today?"

Turning around, I saw Kokura Kosuke in his school-issued navy-blue track suit.

Behind them were other boys and girls dressed in the same track suits.

"I don't mind, but..."

I sighed deeply, responding.

"But there's nothing more I can teach you at this point."

"No way, you can't do that~"

A girl in the same red jersey chimed in with an exaggerated anime-style voice.

"If the senpai isn't here, everyone loses motivation!"

Is that really how it is?

I casually jumped down from the fence, several meters high.

Two in blue jerseys.

One person in a green jersey.

One person in a red jersey.

Where are the others?

Kousuke shakes his head side to side.

"Shall we call them, no matter what?"

I'm not forcing anything. That was the agreement from the beginning, wasn't it?

After the five of us, including me, moved to our designated positions, we began our warm-up exercises.

Exactly one week had passed since Mizutani's head had flown into the air.

▼

Since the day I dealt with Mr. Mizutani Ichirō and Mr. Mizutani Sachinobu, the way people in this community have treated me has broadly fallen into two categories.

Avoidance—or adoration.

In short, whether they see me as a terrifying executioner, or as a hero who slays evil (laughs).

Personally, I'd rather you not judge me either way.

Well, after putting on such a flashy performance, I suppose that’s just how it is.

The next morning after burying Mr. Mizutani’s body, about twenty students from Sagakyo High gathered in front of my makeshift bed in Room 3-3.

“Please… teach us how to fight.”

The one speaking on their behalf was Kōsuke Hibiya.

There were no adults in sight.

They must have decided on their own.

At first, I refused their request.

After all, it would have been far too troublesome.

"Such matters should be discussed with proper adult approval first."

Though they seemed to back down at first, ….

That night,

Mr. Masada Gōzō, the community's leader himself, came to me and bowed deeply.

I don't know what kind of persuasive argument they used to convince Mr. Asada, but perhaps there was someone among them who was particularly eloquent.

In the end, I couldn't ignore Aida's earnest appeal.

Unfortunately,

Only those who wish it

Under those conditions, they end up becoming a teacher of zombie slaying.

I didn’t really want to think about it, but I couldn’t help feeling that if I were to suddenly drop dead, the people left behind here wouldn’t stand a chance of surviving.

The next day.

I gave a test to the group of about twenty juniors who had gathered (including a few classmates).

"Kill a zombie."

The task itself shouldn’t have been difficult.

First, I'll demonstrate by plunging the multi-purpose knife I brought straight into the forehead of the "zombie" clinging to the fence right in front of their eyes.

The key is to aim for the eyes. Here, you can stop their movement without even breaking the bone.

The unpleasant sensation of crushing the eyeball and tearing the skin.

The elasticity of soft flesh nestled within the rugged bones.

The feeling of having shattered the brain.

I thought I needed to get used to everything.

I needed to engrave the fact that I possessed the power to kill someone into my body.

"Then, please, go ahead."

More than half had already dropped out by the first day.

One day passed, then another.

Today, exactly one week has passed.

The only ones remaining are these four, standing before me right now.

Since there are so few, let me introduce them one by one.

First, Ko Sasaki (first-year student).

Despite being a first-year student, he is a courageous young man who acts as a de facto leader among his peers. What remains in him is likely a sense of duty to protect his beloved Ricchan.

(Note: Overall, he has a protagonist-like aura. He seems likely to survive until the end. Might be popular with others.)

Next is Imano Ryutarou (first-year).

A boy who's always grinning and seems a bit off-kilter. Apparently, he's been masturbating every single day since he started school—(I didn't ask, but he forced the details on me).

(Note: The clownish type. Likely to nearly die protecting a friend around the story's midpoint.)

And then, Tada Ritsuko (second-year).

A healthy, sun-kissed girl who used to be on the track team. So far, she's shown the most agility. Quiet. Cool.

(Note) Her sunburn marks are extremely sexy. Really, extremely sexy. In terms of actual ability, she's number one.

Lastly, Kumano Asuka (third-year)

A girl with an anime-style voice who calls me "senpai" despite being the same age. She smiles while sticking a knife into the eye of a zombie, showing great potential for future growth.

(Note) For some reason, she always smells nice. I feel like her otaku interests overlap too much with my own personality, so she might end up dying unfairly for no reason at all.

Well, that's pretty much it.

If, in some way, I ever leave this community, they'll surely take my place.

...Though I sincerely hope such a day never comes.