Chapter 25

Finally, Pierce contacted Alice's family by phone and told them to go home, stay inside, and not come out under any circumstances. Once he had made arrangements for Alice, he began explaining the entire situation to Saya.

"So let me get this straight," Saya said, still trying to digest the information. "You came here to investigate those zombie-like things from earlier… and there's some unethical corporation behind it all, using humans as test subjects. You're here looking for that information?"

Pierce nodded. He now needed to get to the car he had prepared, drop Alice off at her home to make sure her family was safe, and then take everyone to Saya's residence.

From what Pierce had learned about Saya's family over the past weeks, they were capable and resourceful. If anyone could set up a secure base in this chaos, it would be them.

Glancing at Saya, who was still lost in thought, Pierce didn't give her time to process everything. He grabbed her hand and, with Alice in tow, they all got in the car and sped toward Alice's house.

On the way, Pierce noticed Saya trying hard to remain composed. Sensing her tension, he decided to reassure her.

"Saya, the world outside is still safe—for now. If your family stays hidden and smart, you can all start a new life somewhere else. Just stay calm."

"But if they've caused a disaster like this once, they'll definitely do it again. Sooner or later, the whole world could be pulled into this mess. What do we do then?" Saya's voice cracked slightly. She was right, and Pierce knew it.

"Then you find someone strong enough to protect you, so you won't have to think about it too much," he replied without turning his gaze from the road, swerving around wrecked vehicles and clusters of the infected.

Saya looked at Pierce behind the wheel, her mind wrestling with memories of someone else—someone who hadn't protected her like this. Pierce's image slowly began to override that past.

Alice, on the other hand, was simply happy. All she cared about was seeing her family again.

Finally, they reached Alice's home. Thankfully, her family had listened to Pierce's instructions. They were all safe, and the reunion was heartfelt and full of tears.

Pierce gave them no time to dwell on emotions. He quickly ushered everyone back into the car and drove toward Saya's home.

As they approached, Pierce immediately noticed the fences and barricades set up along the road. Saya confirmed that her family had fortified the area and were safe inside.

Just then, Pierce's walkie-talkie crackled.

"Mr. Pierce," the voice said, "we've located the data. It's still inside Fujimi Garden, in the hands of Koichi Wisteria. We need you to retrieve it immediately."

Pierce's face darkened. He knew there was no way out of this.

He turned to Saya. "I've taken you as far as I can. You're safe here. I have to go back."

"Don't!" Saya reached for him. "It's too dangerous. If you leave now, I might never see you again."

"Take care of yourself," Pierce said simply.

"Brother Pierce, be careful out there," Alice said with concern, clutching his hand.

"I'll be fine, Alice. I promise," he replied with a soft smile before driving away.

Back at the academy, Pierce opened the gates and found several survivors, including Komuro and his group. Koichi Wisteria was there as well.

But before anyone could react further, a shadow leapt from the upper floors of the school and crashed directly onto the school bus. Metal crumpled like paper, but the bus held—for now.

"What the hell is that?!" someone shouted, staring at the figure standing atop the vehicle.

Pierce's blood ran cold. "The Nemesis."

The creature was tall, grotesque, and held a Gatling gun—an enhanced version of a zombie. And worse, it wasn't acting on instinct—it was controlled.

"Mr. Pierce," the voice on the walkie-talkie said again. "Retrieve the intel and avoid destruction. Good luck."

"Everyone, drop your weapons!" Pierce ordered. Without waiting, he pulled out his handgun and opened fire, trying to lure the creature's attention.

Komuro and the others complied immediately. But Wisteria's thugs hesitated—and paid the price. The Nemesis opened fire, killing them instantly and even hitting bystanders.

Pierce kept firing to draw its focus. Finally, the Nemesis turned its rage fully on him.

Pierce ducked under the bus, narrowly avoiding a deadly barrage. But he knew he couldn't hold out for long. The Nemesis was slow, but overwhelming in strength.

As it approached, Pierce jumped out and jammed its gun barrel with a blade, disabling it. But even unarmed, it was dangerously powerful.

With one crushing punch, it sent Pierce flying. He couldn't reveal his true power, but he hardened his body using a technique he called "Iron Block" to absorb some of the blow. Even so, the damage was immense.

To make matters worse, the company had total control over the Nemesis—no signs of instability or error. It was a nearly perfect weapon.

"This thing's a nightmare," Pierce muttered, stumbling back to his feet.

He led the Nemesis on a wild chase, away from the others. Komuro and the rest finally realized what Pierce had done for them, but they had no way to help. They boarded a vehicle and fled.

No one noticed the long-haired woman who silently disappeared from the group.

Pierce, still engaged in hit-and-run attacks, ducked through alleys and buildings. The Nemesis crashed through walls to follow him, relentless.

Running out of options, Pierce spotted a bridge. He had an idea.

He sprinted across the bridge, the Nemesis lumbering after him. As they passed a parked car, Pierce popped open its gas tank.

Then, timing it perfectly, he fired.

The explosion engulfed the Nemesis and blew it into the river. It wouldn't stay down forever, but it bought him time.

Now Pierce had one goal left—find Koichi Wisteria and get the data.

Soon after, he spotted the school bus on a nearby road. He boarded it and found that Komuro and the others had already left. Only Wisteria remained.

"Well, well, Mr. Doorman," Wisteria smirked. "I didn't expect you to come back. I'm touched. Welcome to my team."

Pierce didn't answer. He raised his gun and shot Wisteria in the head.

Rummaging through the corpse, he found a USB flash drive and tucked it away. Ignoring the stunned students nearby, he left without a word.

As he turned into an alley, he sensed someone following.

"You can come out now, Keiko," he called.

Tsuneko Poison Island—Keiko—emerged, a wooden practice sword in hand.

Pierce knew it was time to settle this.

He summoned a wooden sword of his own, materializing it from thin air. Keiko's eyes lit up, recognizing real power.

She attacked. But even as a national kendo champion, she was no match for Pierce, who had refined his skills in countless battles across worlds.

In just a few moves, Keiko was disarmed.

As she lay there, stunned, she realized the truth—this was why she had followed him. Strength. Real strength.

Pierce looked down at her, his voice calm. "Follow me. I'll make you stronger."

He turned and walked away.

Moments later, he glanced over his shoulder and smiled slightly. Keiko was following him.