Chapter 27: A Bloodied Discovery

As Ryo left his backpack behind, the girl rested, her breathing steady as she slumbered. Determined to make her more comfortable, he set out to find a blanket nearby. With each step, he pondered the daunting task of bringing her to his place, knowing hers was no longer safe.

As he scoured the area for a blanket, thoughts raced through his mind. How would he transport her without drawing attention? And what dangers lurked in the shadows, waiting to thwart his efforts?

Lost in contemplation, Ryo was startled as a zombie shuffled dangerously close. In his surprise, he stumbled back, his hand grazing the sharp edge of a metal rack. A thin trickle of blood oozed from the wound, staining his palm.

To his astonishment, the zombie recoiled at the sight of his blood, emitting a guttural scream before fleeing in terror. Ryo watched, bewildered, as the creature retreated, a realization dawning upon him. His blood was toxic to the undead.

A sense of both fear and empowerment washed over him. This newfound knowledge could be a formidable weapon against the encroaching hordes, but it also posed a dangerous threat if discovered by others.

Determined to test his theory, Ryo wiped his bloodied hand on the blanket he had found, observing as the fabric took on a dark hue. With cautious steps, he approached another nearby zombie, noting its immediate aversion to his presence.

A plan began to form in his mind as he carefully wrapped the tainted blanket around the sleeping girl. With each movement, he ensured that his blood stained the fabric, creating a barrier of protection around her.

Once she was securely wrapped, Ryo hoisted her onto his shoulder, her weight a reminder of the responsibility he now bore. Retrieving his backpack, he slung it over his other shoulder, his steps deliberate as he made his way back to his rooftop sanctuary.

The journey was fraught with tension as Ryo navigated the deserted streets, his senses on high alert for any signs of danger. But as he reached the safety of his home, a sense of relief washed over him.

Gently, he laid the girl down on his makeshift bed, tucking her in with the tainted blanket. Despite the risks, he knew he had made the right decision in bringing her here, where she would be safe from the horrors that lurked outside.

With a weary sigh, Ryo settled in beside her, his mind still reeling from the day's events. But as he drifted off to sleep, he found solace in the knowledge that he had taken a step towards building a brighter future amidst the darkness of the apocalypse.