Episode 110 Let's go full speed

Walking through the monotonous underground space,

—So, what's your favorite food? I love ikura donburi.

"My... hmm, ramen, I guess. The kind with lots of bean sprouts. Um, favorite color?

—White!

"My favorite is black."

—Next... um, favorite animal. I'm definitely a cat person.

"Seriously? We don't match at all. I'm a dog person."

We were trying to spark conversation by asking each other about our favorite things.

Incidentally, this idea came from Koine.

It seems this guy is actually quite the chatterbox.

"Um... favorite movie, maybe?"

—Movie, huh?...Anime would be okay too, right?

"Sure."

—Then, how about 'Crayon Shin-chan'?

"By the way, which one?"

—The one called 'Robo-chan' is definitely my favorite! I actually cried during that one.

"Is it the recent one? I haven't seen that..."

——You're really missing out on life... By the way, what about you?

"'Crayon Shin-chan,' I think 'The Adult Empire's Counterattack' was the funniest."

——Yeah, that one's good too.

...And then.

——...Oh?

光音 made a strange sound.

I instinctively tensed up, reaching for "Shikanda."

"...Is it a 'Zombie'?"

——No, not quite like that. ……He's human, all right. Oh! Looks like he's collapsed on the roadside.

Looks like he's already getting to work.

Hurrying forward.

I suddenly came across an old man lying there, as if covered in gray dust from head to toe, filthy and grimy.

"Um..."

"Uhh... ugh..."

He seems to have a minor injury to his leg, but doesn't appear to be in any immediate danger.

"Water..."

Looks like what he needs most is that.

I lowered my backpack, took out a brand-new water bottle, and offered it to him.

The old man took the water, carefully bringing it to his lips as if not to waste a single drop.

That should be one more point toward "helping a person in need."

"Are you okay?"

"Y-yes... um..."

Then the old man looked at my face with a peculiar expression.

"...You're dressed in a strange way."

Well, I suppose it's not surprising he'd think that.

A helmet like that, full-body silver armor (with a crimson mantle blazing like fire on the back)—there's no way this isn't a cosplay outfit.

"Anyway, I'm grateful. Of all the water I've drunk in my life, this is the best."

"Going a bit overboard, aren't you?"

I let out a wry smile and sat down on the spot.

The old man looked just like a typical homeless person.

Not exactly rare these days, but this man was probably one of the old-timers who’d been around even before zombies appeared in this world.

He looked so worn and weathered that it was easy to believe he’d been around since the beginning.

"Going somewhere?"

"Yeah... Heard there’s a fairly large group ahead at Akasaka-meguro. Thought I’d try joining them... But from what I can see, quite a few 'zombies' are already clinging to the barricades."

"If there's a barricade, shouldn't we be able to safely deal with the 'zombies' from inside?"

"I thought the same thing and was watching the situation for a while... but unfortunately, my food supplies have run out."

"So that's why we're stuck, huh?"

"Uh-huh."

The old man's face was set in a grim, stubborn expression.

—Perfect timing, having someone in trouble right when we need help.

As for Hikone, who made such an inappropriate remark, let's set that aside.

"Then I'd better get going ahead of you."

"What? But there's still...?"

"That means it's the perfect chance to make a cool entrance."

Saying it with a sarcastic tone.

Of course, it was meant as a joke—but half of it was actually serious.

"Once you're feeling better, catch up with me. I'll go ahead and take care of the 'zombies' for you."

▼

She couldn’t afford to waste time chatting with Kagami after that.

Walking in silence through the dark subway tunnel, her strength barely holding on.

『Uwaaaaa… aaah…』

A single “zombie” stood motionless in the middle of the track.

—Just as the old man said.

“Yeah.”

She didn’t stop.

As she passed, she gripped “Shikanda” and severed its head in one swift motion.

Yeah, that’s great! Not something I’m used to.

Just as I was about to respond to Kōon’s praise,

“G, G, G, Gwaaah! S, somebody! If anyone’s there, please help me!!”

A desperate scream echoed, and I immediately sprinted forward.

As I approached the station, I realized the situation was looking pretty hopeless.

Zombies are fundamentally low in intelligence. As a result, they can't climb obstacles of even moderate height. To prevent them from reaching the platform, makeshift barricades made of scattered wood and other materials were erected—but it appears that part of the barrier is on the verge of collapsing.

It was clear that things couldn't continue like this.

"However, I'm in trouble..."

Make a bitter expression inside the mask.

Even if we were to deal with the "zombies," the ideal plan would have been to take our time from a safe distance, through the barricade...

If we keep going like this, we'll end up facing dozens of "zombies" head-on.

"What should we do?"

—Let's go full force!

Seriously?

—But "Shikanda" seems eager to rampage.

That's true.

The sword in its sheath trembled, shaking violently even though nothing was touching it. It seemed ready to leap out on its own if left alone.

"Be honest with me—do you think we can win against that many?"

Then 光音 responded, her voice filled with delight:

—That's why I've said it so many times already! Yoyu too!

She let out a soft sigh.

(Does someone my age really have any credibility when they cry over something as childish as *Crayon Shin-chan*?)

Meh, whatever.

I decided to take it easy.

Either way, there's no escape.

I swiftly drew the "Shikanda."

In the darkness, the blade gleamed silver.

"Then, let's go—though the plan is, 'life first and foremost.'"