Chapter 50: A New Journey

"So, I'm setting off on a journey."

Early morning in Class 2-3.

Surrounded by the older members, I made this declaration.

"……………………………………………………hm"

Kosuda Gōzō let out a deep hum.

I had already finished discussing everything that needed to be said.

There should be no room for rebuttal.

"Voices in my head... I can't quite believe it, but..."

"Same here."

"Still... hm."

Asada directed her gaze toward the nearby Sakurai-sensei and Norio.

"I'm thinking... if you wish, you could stay here."

"But..."

"Consider it one of the options. What we've had so far was special. We relied on you—on a high school girl—far too much. Even if you were to lose your strength, we'd still accept you as we always have."

"Hmm."

Pretending to ponder lightly, I cross my arms.

Well, I've already made up my mind about it.

Then, Norio raises his hand.

"Even if a gentle opinion like that has been raised, this is my own thought. If you're being tested in some way, I believe you should face it head-on. Up until now, I never even considered the possibility that a 'god'-like being exists in this world. … Isn't there some meaning in following that will?"

"Wait a moment. We haven't confirmed yet that a 'god' actually exists."

Kio shrugged his shoulders, interrupting Mr. Sasaki's statement.

"Alternatively, maybe it's 'aliens.' Doesn't matter what it is. Let's just assume there's someone out there who has the power to freely manipulate this world. Whoever they are, it's probably best to follow their instructions for now... for now."

There was a hint of something unspoken in his tone.

No one could miss the hatred simmering beneath those words—toward the mysterious force deliberately shaping the current circumstances.

...This isn’t going to end with us facing off against God, is it?

I really don’t want that.

All I want is to live quietly.

Sigh.

“Anyway, the choice is yours.”

Mr. Sasaki concluded.

Then, if that’s the case...

"Then, I'll depart immediately."

"Right now? That's sudden."

Now that supplies are all secured, there's no reason to stay here.

"I don't know what counts as failing a quest, and besides, I'm no longer afraid of zombies."

"Is that so... Should we throw a farewell party?"

I quickly shook my head.

"No need for that."

I'm sorry, but events that might get overly sentimental are a hard no.

Then, with a clatter, all the adults standing there stood up at once.

First, Masada Gōzō came up to me and tightly gripped my hand.

Nothing was said in particular.

It was just one by one, everyone taking turns to shake my hand.

Like an idol's handshake event?

Finally, Ms. Suzuki Asaka gave me a tight hug.

"I can't put it into words... but don't lose, okay?"

"Got it."

"Also, in case we ever have to leave this place, let me give you our contact information."

As Masada suggested, Hiyagi Norio and Professor Suzuki Asaka handed me a note with their address and a simple map.

"Norio here has a family home in Shiga Prefecture. There, self-sustaining living wouldn't be impossible, and the location should make it difficult for the undead to invade."

Norio said.

"My family's home is in downtown Osaka. It's a pretty big mansion, and it has a shelter underground. Supposedly sturdy enough to survive a nuclear war. You can always count on it, so don't hesitate to come."

— Ms. Asaka.

I nodded and stood up.

I'd already packed everything I needed into my backpack.

"Then, I'm off."

▼

Stepping into the hallway, I unexpectedly ran into Momoka Kuruno.

"Heya, senior."

"Um, even though we're the same age, you're still a senior..."

"A senior is a senior."

The phrase had almost become a routine greeting by now.

Asahina smiled warmly.

"Going somewhere?"

"Oh, you heard about it too?"

"Of course. I eavesdropped on everything."

She said it without the slightest hint of shame.

Sigh.

I'd arranged the meeting early in the morning to avoid getting caught up in this kind of trouble.

"Then, please explain it to everyone in a good way."

"Ugh. This is a huge responsibility. I feel like Ritsuko might choke me."

As we chat like this, we head toward the main gate.

"Oh, right. There's 'Tetsutsurugi' in my room. Feel free to use it."

"Whoa. The heir to the legendary sword!"

"It's not that big a deal. It's just a regular sword. Be careful—it's double-edged."

"No way! I didn't expect such a gift. Early to rise really pays off!"

Well, those gifts over there, I did leave notes for each of them, you know.

"…And the steel gauntlets go to Ko Suke, the grill set to Rintaro, and… there's also something that looks like ninja clothing, so you can give that to Ritoko."

"Got it!"

At the same time,

Congratulations! Your level has increased!

Oh.

This is lucky.

I wasn't sure it would work, but apparently this was also a helpful action check.

Without anything further to say, I realized I had reached the main gate.

"When do you think you'll be back?"

"I don't know. But I'd really like to get home as soon as possible."

As I was about to step over the main gate,

"Wait just a moment!"

"...Yes?"

"Since we're at it, how about a little farewell speech, just for the occasion~"

I tilted my head slightly.

"…Well, I'm not sure what you're getting at."

Asana seemed to be searching for the right words, her eyes darting around slightly.

After waiting for about ten or fifteen seconds,

"Please don't die."

The words that finally came out were simpler than I expected.

"Of course I know that. I have no intention of dying."

Responding with a proud stance, Asuka shakes her head.

"No. You don't understand. When I say 'don't die,' I mean 'prioritize your own life over someone else's.'"

"Someone else's life?"

"If you have to, kill someone to stay alive."

Still smiling, the girl continues.

I'm sure the people here are still among the more sane survivors in this town. Probably out there, there are some who've gone completely mad. If you ever find yourselves attacked by someone like that, don't think—just kill them. I'll forgive you.

"Allowing..."

I let out a forced smile.

"Probably... definitely... we've always been like this. Even if tens of thousands die on the other side of the world, the death of someone close to us still feels far more tragic....Without realizing it, we've constantly been weighing lives against one another. The only thing that matters is the life of a comrade. As for any other life, it doesn't matter how many are lost—we simply don't care."

Asami seemed to be voicing thoughts that had formed gradually, as if speaking from deep reflection.

"Which is why..."

Her eyes seemed utterly sincere, stretching endlessly.

"Remember this: there's someone who'd rather see you alive than a million other lives that don't matter. That's all."

Having finished speaking, the girl let out a small sigh.

"…That was, um, a desperate improvisation I came up with on the spot as a farewell. But I'm sure everyone else feels the same way."

Then, the girl winked and gave a firm thumbs-up.

"Take care!"

I nodded and leapt over the main gate in one bound.

"Then, I'm off."

With the casual ease of saying, "I'm just heading to the convenience store."

"Oh! I forgot the farewell kiss!"

Leaving those words behind, I departed from "Sakagakou High School."