SS1 'New Rules'
※This story is a revised version of a short short originally included in a collected volume, adapted for web publication.
Since the dead began roaming the surface of the earth,
it didn’t take long for refugees to accept the harsh reality that—
'Rescue will not come.'
The world’s rules have been shattered at their very foundation.
That is precisely why we must adapt to a new set of rules.
—We understand that.
We know that, of course.
Sasaki Yajiro let out a deep sigh.
"...Hey, Oitchin, Oitchin!"
On the sports field, Mr. Suzuki's energetic calls echoed through the air.
"Next up, combat kick! One more set! One more set!"
At present, the Sakagakou community was implementing preventive measures against economy class syndrome. People of all ages were encouraged to stay active and move their bodies.
Especially teachers were required to participate fully—though, to look at their own plump, sprawling forms, it must have seemed utterly comical.
"Lower your hips further—Karate punch! Yeeaaah! Yeeaaah!"
Yakui wiped the sweat beading all over his body with a towel, desperately trying to keep up with the young people. As one of the community representatives, he couldn’t afford to look embarrassingly out of place and fall behind now. There was no way someone who couldn’t even manage morning exercises would be trusted with handling the "zombies."
"Alright, next up—jogging around the schoolyard! Let’s go—♪"
Incidentally, this young female teacher seems to be the type who believes in "a sound mind in a sound body." How absurd. That's exactly the kind of naive reasoning you'd expect from a brash sports-club type. If that were true, professional athletes wouldn't be involved in affairs, would they?
"Come on, everyone! Say hello to the zombies clinging to the fence!"
But right now, such naivety was necessary.
It was clear that the previously gloomy expressions of the refugees were gradually changing.
▼
"Uhh. Mr. Sasaki, I'm going ahead."
A male student dashed ahead of Yosuke.
The student, Kohei Hibiya, flashed a bright, distinctly wholesome smile, his white teeth gleaming as he moved briskly forward.
He was one of the students actively hunting "zombies."
The sight of someone as kind-hearted as him relentlessly striving gives courage to many refugees.
"Hey! Wait up, Kōsuke! Let's race!"
Chasing after Kōsuke, who was now running ahead, was Konno Rintarō.
Once someone who struggled to fit into group life, he now seems more energetic than ever since the apocalypse began.
He's made new friends, and that's the most important thing of all.
Yay, skip skip♪
This female student is Asuka Kimino.
She's—something like a voice actress candidate, I think.
Will humanity be able to revive civilization before it can once again perform such work?
It's a mind-boggling story, but... I realize now.
I just hope the day comes when she achieves her dream.
▼
「はあーい！ 今日はここまで！ ……それじゃあみんなでー……！ ヴィクトリイイイイイイイイイイイイ！」
The morning exercise ended on Mr. Suzuki's command.
Of course, it's only just begun today.
Then, each person will replenish fluids and take a break before heading to their assigned work area.
The faces of people passing by carry a variety of expressions, each reflecting their anticipation for a new life.
A carefree expression, as if saying "It'll work out somehow."
A face burdened by the uncertainty of life.
A greedy face, searching for meaning.
And then—somewhat hazy, dazed, like someone just waking up.
Sasaki Yōsuke singled out the girl with the most relaxed expression among them and called out.
"Hey."
"…Uh, hi."
"How you doing?"
"Not good at all. There are zombies everywhere, monsters are around, and dragons are flying around Tokyo—just heavy on the mind, you know?"
"Is that so."
"Is that all you wanted to ask?"
"Uh-huh."
"Then, I'll be going. I've got to kill plenty of 'zombies' today, after all."
"Uh-huh. Don't push yourself too hard."
"Uh-huh."
With that, she walked across the sports field, her katana in hand.
Occasionally, Sasaki Yōsuke felt an overwhelming sense of something watching her back.
So today, just like every other day, he said to her:
"Hey."
"...Still got something else?"
"I'm proud of you. Among all my years as a teacher, you're truly special."
"Really?"
Who knows when our final farewell might come in this uncertain world.
We must adapt to new rules.
Or perhaps these words will offer a small measure of comfort.
Then, she glanced back at him with just a hint of annoyance,
"Then... I'm off."
That was her reply.