SS11 'Final Weapon'

■List of Myths Regarding the "Zombie" Virus■

[The "zombie" virus is heat-sensitive, so people turned into zombies can return to normal by being doused in hot water]

This false claim spread rapidly on social media.

It is true that the "zombie" virus is sensitive to heat, but that does not mean lives lost due to the virus can be restored.

Due to this misinformation, cases of families sheltering relatives bitten by "zombies" at home have sharply increased, causing serious harm.

Once poisoned, there is no return. Though harsh, we must accept this reality.

["Zombie" toxin spreads through the air]

This false claim originated from an article published on the news site 'APress (Air Reading Press).'

Sensational headlines like "More infectious than influenza," "Information from the world's top medical journal," and "Extremely reliable" quickly spread through word of mouth.

However, this is a major misconception.

The "zombie" toxin itself has extremely low infectivity and does not spread through the air.

It is important to note that infection leading to "zombie" transformation occurs solely when one is bitten by the infected and directly absorbs their saliva, blood, or other bodily fluids.

["Zombies" are a biological weapon intentionally created by a certain country]

This conspiracy theory has been widely believed among many people since the first outbreak.

The author dismisses this as mere delusion because the "zombie" transformation phenomenon is far beyond human understanding.

After all, there are only so many things living beings can accomplish in this world.

It makes far more sense to believe that all culprits are either gods or aliens than to assume this situation was caused by some human-made factor.

["Zombie" toxin adheres to trees and old paper, meaning users of toilet paper produced in the future will become "zombies."]

Though it now sounds like a joke, this urban legend was strangely believed by many wealthy individuals. Thanks to that, celebrities' backsides reportedly smelled quite bad right after the outbreak.

For clarification, even if such a scenario were to occur, toilet paper is mechanically fibrillated using steam during manufacturing. The heat generated during this process is sufficient to completely eliminate the "zombie" toxin—so rest assured.

The "zombie" toxin has a latency period and can suddenly manifest at any time.

You're burning all the corpses of those turned into "zombies," aren't you? That's the problem. It's spreading the "zombie" toxin into the atmosphere. This is it. Honestly, everyone's actually infected—no one even realizes it. Everyone in this world, without exception. I've obtained extremely important evidence footage on this matter. Definitely check it out. Thanks.

The rumor spread after a doctor who is the director of a clinic in the prefecture uploaded an internet video discussing such content.

Moreover, the "evidence footage" he later posted was merely a manipulated scene from the drama *The Walking Dead*.

Only fans who recognized Andrew Lincoln's face—the lead actor in the series—were able to avoid falling for the hoax.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is developing a final weapon against "zombies"

Unfortunately, this is nothing more than a rumor.

It's quite a dreamy notion that humanity's crisis will be saved by a secret superweapon. However, our country no longer has the resources to create such a weapon.

Still, we must not lose hope.

We are constantly learning various things to fight against those zombies.

Just as humanity has overcome countless disasters throughout history, I believe there will inevitably come a day when humanity conquers this "zombie" phenomenon.

▼

...And so.

Having finished reading the article, I let out a deep sigh.

The newspaper in my hands is titled 'Central Government Daily.'

The date is a bit old—about a week's worth of news.

"I see. The 'Central Government' is in quite a tough situation, huh."

"Yeah, looks like it."

Rinne Okita slightly twists her elegant features with a hint of irony.

"Actually, I got this from the interviewer who visited Hakugai earlier. We're passing it around among everyone. You're probably the last one to read it."

"I see..."

Upon closer inspection, there are several careful creases from being folded multiple times.

"But everyone seems to be treating it quite carefully."

"That's for sure. There's still clear evidence of civilization over in the west, so it's kind of heartwarming to read it."

Indeed, just glancing at sections like sports news can be a little enjoyable.

"Like 'The Hanshin Tigers are on a hundred-game winning streak against a local softball team.'"

"Also, the fact that there are still networks over there is pretty good news, too."

Thanks to you, my dream of being immersed in online games... I might still be able to hold onto it after all.

"What should we do? Want me to just move over there myself?"

"Hmm... No, let's not. I still have plenty of things left to do here."

"I see. That's certainly admirable."

Rinne said it sarcastically, but a smile was playing at the corners of her mouth.

Moreover, the Central Office doesn't seem to be in great shape either. If we go there, we'll probably just end up being put to work without mercy.

"Yeah. It seems like the country's top officials are just barely managing to keep the riots under control."

Yes

It's common for rumors to spread during emergencies, but... I never thought it would get this chaotic.

Funny enough, our current location might actually be safer than we think. I wonder why?

Yeah, I mean... you get it, right?

Rinon smirks, raising one eyebrow dramatically.

After tilting my head slightly, I came to my own conclusion.

"Maybe being closer to the scene actually helps avoid getting swayed by strange information?"

Then, Rinne-san,

Mm. No... uh...

And he mumbles his words, avoiding clarity.

Hmm, was it a miss?

As I stared in disbelief, she went on.

"Because everyone's dream of a 'final weapon' is...right here beside us. See you later?"

What a mess.

Staring intently at my face—