Chapter 38

"Ah, Azami-san, in front, in front!"

Ignoring Kaede's warning, I forcefully pushed the zombie away and drove the car. Each time, Kaede let out a small scream, but I paid no attention.

"These aren't humans. Don't worry about it."

They're not even animals.

If a dog or cat appeared in front of me, I might accidentally hit the brakes.

At first glance, they look human, so if a real person were mixed in, it would be a tragedy. But in my case, I have a presence detection ability that can tell whether something is alive or dead, so such a situation won't happen.

"But... ah!"

Kaede started to say something, but when a newly run-over zombie landed on the hood and pressed its face against the windshield, her words turned into another small scream. I turned the steering wheel and shook the zombie off, which was opening and closing its mouth through the glass.

"At this rate, I'm worried about what will happen next."

"It's okay! I was just surprised!"

"I hope so."

Kaede said she had gotten somewhat used to the zombies, but it's hard to know how she would react if surrounded by multiple zombies at the shelter. As long as she can climb the ladder on her own, even if her hands and feet are shaking, I can handle the rest without drawing too much attention. Well, I can't say it would be completely fine.

The worst-case scenario is if she becomes unable to move. In that case, carrying her up the ladder would be too difficult, so we'd have to return to the car and try again.

This is a first-time attempt, but there's no other way. I can only hope Kaede will do her part.

After a few more "accidents," when Kaede's screams began to subside, the car approached the road I had previously driven on with my motorcycle. Just turn at that traffic light, and it's a straight shot to City Hall.

I infused my eyes with magic.

Turning the steering wheel, I could see people on the rooftop of City Hall in the distance. The presence detection reacted, indicating they had recognized our car.

As we approached, a kind-looking man descended from the awning in front of the City Hall lobby, just like before.

The flow was the same, and it seemed the zombie guidance was going well.

"Do we need to go over the procedure again?"

"Ah, no! I have it memorized!"

Kaede nodded clearly in response to my words.

I slowed the car, maneuvered through the haphazardly parked cars in front of the police station, and parked next to the motorcycle I had used, with Kaede's side facing the building. Of course, I also considered not blocking the way for food gathering.

There are a few more zombies around, but this is within the expected range.

The rope ladder had already been lowered from the second floor. There are no zombies nearby, so it looks like we can go.

"Let's go!"

"Okay!"

As I said those words and got out of the car, Kaede, who had already put on her backpack and was ready, opened the door and grabbed the ladder with enthusiasm.

I told Kaede not to look around because I would protect her from below, and to climb steadily and surely. I wanted her to trust me and not worry about me, just to climb.

Kaede followed my instructions, not looking back, and climbed the ladder steadily, as if confirming the feel of her hands and feet. I thought it might be a problem, but at that pace, she should be fine.

I swung the crowbar at the head of a groaning zombie approaching me, kicked its body as it fell, and pulled the deeply embedded crowbar out using the momentum.

I could easily pull it out without doing this, but I found it a bit amusing to act desperate, and I chuckled.

After repeating this a few times, I realized Kaede had safely reached the second floor.

"Mr. Yanagi, hurry up!"

"Azami-san!"

Oda-san and Kaede leaned out of the window and called to me. Kaede looked like she might fall out again.

I thrust the crowbar into the nearest zombie, dropped it, and immediately grabbed the rope ladder. Although the zombies were already getting close, I kicked their faces while holding onto the ladder and climbed higher.

Reaching the top of the ladder, I put my hands on the window frame and jumped over it.

Landing softly on the floor, Oda-san, the police officers, and Kaede greeted me with smiles.

Kaede welcomed me with a smile.