The Test of Trust

15 minutes earlier — Ryn's Perspective

We had finally arrived at the place that would decide whether we'd find shelter in this apocalypse... or be left to wander forever. I took the lead, but I could feel Aki and Yuki slowing behind me, staying close like shadows.

Not that I was brave.

In fact—I'M SCARED OUT OF MY DAMN MIND!

...I just didn't show it.

I stepped up and knocked. Knock knock.

The door creaked open.

Without a word, I sprayed the shapeshifter-revealing solution—and bolted back.

A man stepped out. Mid-twenties, messy hair, tired eyes, an AK-47 casually in his hand like it was part of his outfit.

He stared at us blankly.

"Who the hell are you guys? When did shapeshifters start spraying anti-shapeshifter solution on normal people?"

Before I could answer, Yuki rushed forward and hugged him tight.

"Big brother Rei! Thank God you're safe!"

Rei blinked. Still covered in liquid, he rubbed his cheek against hers before hugging her back.

"Wow," Aki whispered, impressed. "He didn't believe she was real until he tested her. This guy's built different."

"I'm Rei," the man said at last. "Yuki's older brother."

"Ryn," I introduced myself.

"Aki," Aki added, raising a hand.

"Yuki," I said carefully, "I think it's safe. We should call everyone before they break the gate down."

"Right," Yuki nodded.

"Wait wait wait," Rei stopped us, smirking. "There are more people? And they were ready to break in to save you?"

"Yes," Aki replied, confused.

Rei grinned like a devil. "Our family won't accept strangers easily. So let's make it interesting: if your so-called 'friends' come to rescue you despite the risk… I'll convince our family to let them stay. But if they run away…"

He shrugged.

"The doors will still be open—for just you three."

Aki and Yuki looked hesitant. I wasn't. I believed in Jace.

As we moved toward the gate, I overheard Yuki whispering to her brother.

"Big brother… is Aunt Naomi here? There's a boy—his eye was slashed by a shapeshifter. He needs urgent help."

"We'll see if they even come," Rei replied. "But yeah, Naomi's here."

I didn't say anything out loud, but I prayed silently:

Please, God… don't let them leave us behind. I've lost enough. I don't want to live with strangers forever.

Present time — Jace's Perspective

"So… this was all just a test?" I asked, arms crossed.

"Yup," Ryn confirmed.

"Thanks for not abandoning us," Aki said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"These two were doubting you guys, but not me," Ryn added proudly.

I sighed. "So now our only working bus is totaled thanks to your stupid game."

"We've got two more buses," Rei said casually.

"Wait, what? We didn't see any," Ryn said, confused.

"That was a mansion," Aki pointed out again.

"Our family owns the entire forest," Rei explained. "Plenty of space. Plenty of buildings. Didn't Yuki tell you?"

We all turned to look at Yuki.

She was hiding her face behind Rei in embarrassment.

I didn't blame her. This was a lot.

We exited the damaged bus and began unloading supplies. I helped Ash walk—he was still weak—and most of the others looked mentally drained.

We needed rest.

When we arrived at the house, we were greeted by Yuki's entire family. A whole crowd of them. I couldn't believe it.

Yuki introduced each person one by one:

Her parents, followed by her older brother Rei

Her grandparents

Uncle Daigo and Aunt Keiko with their kids: Airi, Nami, and Riku

Uncle Sota and Aunt Mai with Hina, Sina, and Kyo

Lastly, Aunt Naomi and Uncle Kenji

It was like a family reunion inside a fortress.

"And this," Yuki continued, "is Jace and his little sister Lumi. Then there's Ryn, Kai, Theo, Bram, Ash, Tessa, Jun, Aki, and… uh…"

She turned to the bus driver.

We all paused.

None of us had ever asked his name.

"…Lan," the driver said, breaking the awkward silence. "My name's Lan."

Yuki's mom stepped forward, gently changing the subject. "Come. Let me show you where you can clean up and get some rest."

We had so many questions.

Like how there was electricity in this place… in the middle of nowhere.

Ash was taken into a separate room with Aunt Naomi—presumably the doctor—for treatment.

And just when I thought the surprises were over…

"Theo!" a voice called.

I turned, and my eyes widened.

It was Ash's childhood friend—and Theo's secret girlfriend.