Chapter 22

The day Yuuji returned, he introduced Miki to everyone. The group welcomed the newcomer warmly and held a small celebration in her honor. With spirits lifted, everyone returned to their routines at the school and began planning their next steps.

Later, Yuuji explained who he and Miki were—where they had come from—and warned everyone that they had been targeted by a mysterious organization. He strongly advised them not to follow him when he eventually left the city. If they stayed behind, they might be safe. But if they went with him, it would be dangerous.

After a tense silence, Sister Ci was the first to speak up. "Mr. Yuuji, even if there are other dangers, I believe you'll protect me."

Without hesitation, she hugged Yuuji tightly, her feelings clear.

"I won't leave you either, Mr. Yuuji," Yuri and Walnut added, each nodding and standing by his side.

Yuki latched onto Yuuji's arm without saying a word. He understood her answer perfectly.

"I owe you my life, Mr. Yuuji," Miki said firmly. "I'm staying with you too."

Yuuji looked at them, one by one, and gave a small smile.

"Alright then. Everyone, pack light. We're dropping our luggage tonight and leaving this place tomorrow."

Since the minivan had limited space, they prioritized essentials: medical supplies, food, and water. Everything else was left behind.

It was a busy day. By the time they finished packing, everyone was exhausted. They returned to the Life Department, where they quickly fell asleep.

Yuuji, however, stayed awake. He couldn't relax—there was always a chance the company would send more zombies. After all, he wasn't traveling alone anymore.

In the middle of the night, Yuki stirred and saw Yuuji standing by the window, watching over them. She quietly walked over and hugged him from behind.

"What's wrong? You should be sleeping, Yuki."

Though they hadn't known each other long, Yuuji had grown fond of the clingy, soft-hearted girl.

"I just felt uneasy… and got up. Brother, you're not sleeping either. Is it because of earlier today?"

Yuuji nodded. "Yeah… I'm sorry I dragged you into this, and the others too. I shouldn't have come back. You'd be safer staying here."

Yuki shook her head. "No, we followed you of our own will. You didn't force anyone."

Her unexpected words brought a strange sense of comfort to Yuuji. He gently pulled her into a hug.

"Thanks, Yuki. I really needed to hear that."

"Thank you too, brother," Yuki murmured, resting her head against his chest. She could feel how much he cared.

"Go to sleep now, Yuki."

"No. I want to sleep next to you."

"...Up to you."

That night, Yuuji sat on a chair, holding Yuki in his arms as she drifted off. He gazed quietly at the night sky.

"Even if you're not my real brother…" Yuki whispered as she fell asleep, words Yuuji didn't hear.

—

At dawn, Yuuji loaded everyone into the minivan. With the map spread out on the dashboard, he started driving, weaving their way out of Ryudoji City.

The roads were cluttered with abandoned cars and scattered zombies, which slowed them down. After an exhausting morning, they finally reached the highway that led out of the city.

Unfortunately, the exit was completely blocked by a pile-up of cars.

They had no choice but to turn back and find another way.

That's when Sister Ci, who was navigating, spotted a rural road nearby that wasn't marked on most maps. It had likely been under construction before the disaster. She suggested they try it.

Following her guidance, Yuuji steered the van through the countryside and away from the city.

—

Elsewhere on the planet, in a sleek conference room inside a familiar building, a meeting was in session.

"I can't believe that special forces guy escaped the tyrant. How the hell did he beat it last time?"

"No clue. It happened in an alley with no surveillance coverage."

"Damn it. If they get away, the whole experiment could be exposed. We'll be ruined when the media finds out."

"Relax. I've got a plan."

"Let's hear it."

"We pressure his family into silence. Give them some hush money. Then we send him to our next test site. Problem solved."

"Hmm. Sounds workable. Where's the next testing ground?"

"Even better—what if we recruit him into the BSAA? With his skill, he'll get picked up for sure. Once he's in, we can take care of him quietly."

"BSAA is our enemy. We don't have any insiders there."

"That won't matter. If someone with his talent shows up, they'll fight over him."

"Fine. So where's the next testing location?"

"I've already chosen a place to test the C-Virus. We just need him to cooperate."

"Alright, Simmons. It's on you."

"How are we ending this round?"

"Power station explosion. Missile strike. That's the final scene."

—

Meanwhile, Yuuji was still driving through the outskirts when the van's radio crackled to life.

He instantly recognized the voice. It was them—the organization trying to contact him.

"Mr. Yuuji, did you get our message?"

"We know you can hear us. Let's negotiate."

"The conditions are simple. As long as you and your companions stay silent about what happened, we won't pursue you or your families. In fact, we'll even compensate you—housing, resources, safety. All you have to do is not get in our way."

The women in the car remained silent, waiting for Yuuji's decision.

He knew they were relying on him to make the call. But deep down, he also knew that even if they stayed quiet, someone else would eventually speak up—and the company would strike again. Another tragedy. More death.

He couldn't let that happen.

"If you accept our offer, Mr. Yuuji," the voice continued, "just pull over. We'll take that as confirmation."

After a few seconds, Yuuji slowed the car and came to a stop.

"Glad to have your cooperation, Mr. Yuuji. Here's a tip—this area will be hit by a missile in ten minutes. You should probably leave."

Yuuji immediately floored the gas pedal.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly to the women. "I had to decide for you."

"It's okay, Mr. Yuuji," Sister Ci said gently. "You did it to protect us. We understand."

"Don't worry," he replied. "They won't get away with this. I promise."

Using the rural path that Sister Ci had spotted earlier, Yuuji guided the van safely out of Ryudoji City and toward the open highway beyond.

Moments later, a missile roared through the sky, flying over their heads and crashing into the heart of the city behind them. The explosion echoed across the horizon, followed by silence.

—

"What now, brother?" Yuki asked, sitting beside him, worry in her voice.

"We go to my hometown," Yuuji said at last. "It's not big... but at least I can take care of you all there."