Chapter 348: Words of Gratitude

We stood there for several minutes, staring in silence at the heroic figures of the three giants.

Before our eyes, a truly pitiful sight spread out—bodies of "zombies" crushed into the ground.

It was a blessing we couldn’t see them up close… But beneath the giants’ feet, the remains lay scattered like rats run over by cars—human-sized versions of that, spread across the road like a carpet.

It looked almost like some avant-garde art piece of a peculiar kind.

"...Is it about time, do you think?"

Nanami adjusted a portable speaker over her shoulder and murmured.

Though music wasn't absolutely necessary for using *Parade*, she said it helped her get into the right mood.

I pointed the video camera at Nanami, capturing her final pose.

"Make sure you deliver that camera."

"I know. It's going to be something sensational."

Just as she gave a cool thumbs-up, I paused the camera.

A sharp, whistling "pew" echoed through the pre-dawn "Land of Mirrors" — Nanami's finger whistle.

The shutter of the underground parking lot in the adjacent building slowly creaked open, and from within, Mayoi rode out on her moped.

Noticing this, a few of the "zombies" chased after her, but the giant swiftly kicked them all aside.

"Thanks! Ume-san! Your dick was the biggest of all!"

Nanami cheers enthusiastically, but Ume, with a completely expressionless face as if she'd lost all emotion, calmly repeats the task she's been asked to do.

Probably, she only looks like those three from the outside.

I'm now certain the moment has finally come,

"Then, I'm going...!"

"I know, please do it!"

Immediately, I undergo "Demonization." I hoist Nanami onto my back.

We plummeted toward the moped like we were jumping from a rooftop.

"Yaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Nanami, who had once been so against flying through the air, was now completely used to it.

Just before hitting the asphalt, I released my magic power, accelerating parallel to the ground.

For a fleeting moment, I locked eyes with Mayi, who was riding the moped, and she called out,

"Both of you—stay safe!"

"You too, thanks so much for everything! Let's have tea when we get back!"

Nanami on my back watched me as I bounced onto the back of the moped.

"Also, since this is the last chance to say it... about Ayaka-chan...—"

"Eh?"

"You're the one who—"

At that moment.

I realized a thunderous, resentful roar was approaching from behind us.

It was like the roar of a live concert crowd.

The collective voice of countless animals, united in one sound.

The Parade must have activated.

Amid the noise, I waved my hands frantically and fled the scene.

A horde of sprinting zombies was chasing after the moped.

I leapt onto the side of a building, watching the chaotic, rushing tide of corpses pass by.

"You wouldn't... I couldn't hear you after that, you know."

Honestly, you bunch of zombies.

Like a noisy soundtrack conveniently passing by during a confession scene.

That said, I can kind of guess what Mayi was trying to say.

Something like, "You'll surely make up on your own," or whatever.

That's probably it.

▼

Well then.

I've got my own thing to do—I need to catch up with the others.

The refugees are currently gathered on the ground floor of the building we're using as a relay point.

Now, the entrance area is completely quiet and deserted.

After confirming that the "zombies" in that area had completely disappeared, I land in front of them.

...It went better than I expected, didn't it?

And so, Dog Bite-kun.

I noticed that some of the refugees had tears in their eyes.

Is something wrong?

No way... I never thought those three would... protect us like this...

Ah

Mr. Satsu, Mr. Yoshitake, and Mr. Umei, correct?

I knew that it was nothing more than a physical manifestation of Nanami's trauma, but I didn't bother to deny it.

"…Well, I suppose that's just how things turned out. We mustn't let their legacy go to waste."

"I understand."

"Then, let's press on."

As I turned to lead them forward,

"Before we go, Miss Anonymous. Could you spare a moment to listen to us?"

Shibata called out.

"What is it?"

"Regardless of everything, I want to say thank you to you."

"Thank you... can wait until we return to the original world."

"No. This one thing, I absolutely must say right now. It's essential."

"…………?"

"For now, you've been doing the best job possible. I've heard you're still just a girl in your teens, you know? To be honest, I was quite surprised when I found out. I always thought children were more carefree creatures."

"Huh."

What are you getting at?

"Because... Even if someone were to die before we escape from here, we won't hold any grudges against you—we'll only be grateful. We're prepared for that possibility. Right, everyone?"

"Yeah!" came a deep, resonant voice.

"We may be a burden, but we take full responsibility for our own lives. Just remember that."

"…………………"

"I'm sure the three who died felt the same way, too."

...Hmm.

"You should definitely let Nanami Negu hear those words."

"Of course. Let's all make it back alive and reunite."

"I understand....Then, as planned, I'll lead the way. You follow behind, like a dog with a collar."

I tried not to speak further, moving forward with a cool detachment.

Still, I was grateful for their consideration.

I felt just a little lighter, as if a burden had been lifted.

About an hour left until we escape from here.

There was still no telling what might happen.