Return to the Apocalypse World

— — — — — — 

Veyron wanted to recommend a world to World-∞—specifically, the Highschool of the Dead world.

Even though, thanks to some chaotic meddling by the will of the world, Earth in that timeline had gone from billions of people down to just nine survivors…

…it was still, undeniably, a full-fledged world. Its "weight" as a complete world was something you couldn't ignore.

After explaining the situation over there to World-∞'s world will, Veyron received an unexpected answer.

Apparently, because of the gold and other materials Fujiwara Chika had brought back from that world, World-0's will had already gotten in touch with the Highschool of the Dead world's will. Back then, they had even planned to invite it to join as the fourth world during the first fusion process.

Unfortunately, the will of that apocalypse-ridden world had clearly been traumatized—once bitten, twice shy.

World-0, World-1, World-2… all took turns trying to reach out. Every time, they got the same answer: "The number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later."

Veyron raised an eyebrow. "Wait, so just having an item from a world lets you guys lock onto it in the Void?"

「No.」

「That world's an exception.」

「Time, space, distance… none of those concepts really mean anything in the chaos of the Void. The only reason we were able to locate that world at all is because, by pure chance, it happened to be 'near' us.」

「Since you've been to that world before, would you be willing to go talk to it again?」

Veyron arched a brow. "You do remember how badly it freaked out last time, right? You sure me going back will help?"

After all, according to the group mission rules, the host world's will had to want to merge with World-∞ before anyone could go in and build bonds with its destiny holders.

「If you're willing to use 'you yourself are part of World-∞' as a bargaining chip, we're ready to try again. If it works, you'll get the bonus credit of two additional world slots. Even if it fails, we'll still count it as one world's worth of progress.」

"…Go ahead and give it a shot, then," Veyron said with a shrug.

He didn't really have high hopes for the plan—but even if it failed, he'd still get 10,000 chat group points just for trying.

No downside. No reason to say no.

Thirty seconds later—

「It agreed.」

Veyron: "Huh?".

— — —

Highschool of the Dead World – Antarctica – Amundsen-Scott Station

Three years had passed since the global zombie apocalypse hit.

Thanks to the timely arrival of seven mysterious figures who showed up not long after the outbreak—along with an absurd amount of supplies—nine survivors had made their way to the Antarctic continent. Over the past three years, not one of them had died.

But still… living year after year in this endless frozen wasteland, surrounded by nothing but ice and snow?

Even with their super server loaded with novels, games, movies, and other entertainment, plus the research station's original facilities designed to help scientists stay sane, three years was a long time.

Inevitably, the survivors had started developing psychological issues.

The worst off was Rei Miyamoto, who had always been emotionally sensitive.

Thankfully, among the survivors was Dr. Shizuka Marikawa—who had some training in psychology.

And more importantly, Rei's mother, Kiriko Miyamoto, had also survived the outbreak three years ago and had stayed by her daughter's side ever since.

That support was likely the only reason Rei hadn't completely broken down.

But after an incident where Rei, overwhelmed by stress, nearly ran off alone into the frozen wilderness, Yuriko Takagi suggested reorganizing the group.

They split into three teams:

Group One: Yuriko Takagi, Saeko Busujima, and Alice Maresato.

Group Two: Rika Minami, Rei Miyamoto, and Shizuka Marikawa.

Group Three: Asami Nakaoka, Kiriko Miyamoto, and Saya Takagi.

Each team had one person skilled with firearms, one trained in melee combat or marksmanship, and one assigned for support.

While they still ate and lived together day-to-day, anyone who wanted to leave the safety of the base—even just to step outside—had to be accompanied by their team. No exceptions.

The setup wasn't just about preventing another scare like Rei's; it was also to help everyone get used to working in teams—because like it or not, they couldn't stay in Antarctica forever. One day, they'd have to head back into the outside world.

And when that time came, having well-organized, functioning teams would be critical.

At the moment, six of the survivors—the members of Groups Two and Three—were gathered on the rooftop of the Amundsen-Scott Station, enjoying one of the rare moments of actual sunshine.

"…Is that someone out there?"

Rei, who'd been leaning gloomily against the railing while scanning the horizon through a pair of binoculars, suddenly pointed into the distance.

"Rei, are you sure you—?"

Kiriko turned toward her daughter with concern and shot a questioning glance at Shizuka.

Shizuka simply shook her head, silently reassuring her that Rei had been stable for over a year now.

"I swear there's someone there!"

Rika Minami immediately raised the sniper rifle she always carried, peering through the scope in the direction Rei had pointed. A moment later, she spotted it too—a human silhouette moving across the icy terrain.

"Hey, hey—pointing a loaded gun at someone's kinda rude, don't you think?"

Before anyone could react, a voice spoke up behind them. A figure had suddenly appeared on the rooftop, moving with a speed that might as well have been teleportation to the stunned group. Veyron casually raised one hand and placed a finger against the barrel of Rika's gun.

"Mr. Veyron?!"

Shizuka's face lit up in surprise. The other five all showed visible signs of joy as well—smiles breaking through their usual tension.

"Where's Chika? Is she with you?"

Saya Takagi—who'd gotten along well with Chika Fujiwara during those hectic days three years ago—dug a compact monocular from her tactical pouch and tried to scan the area Rei had pointed to.

"No need," Veyron said calmly. "It's just me this time. Chika didn't come."

"Then… if it's not too bold of us—may we ask what brings you here today?"

It was Kiriko who spoke. As the oldest and most grounded among them, she naturally took the lead in serious moments like this.

"There are two reasons I came," Veyron replied. "First—remember the friend I mentioned who was doing research in pharmacology? Well, he's finally made progress on the zombie virus and a potential serum. If all goes well, after today, you won't need to worry about getting infected anymore."

As he finished, the six women all exchanged stunned, hopeful looks.

Veyron smiled and continued, "As for the second reason… I think I'll wait until everyone's here. It's something that deserves your full attention."

.

.

.