Chapter 79

7/12 First update.

"Um, how did you get this car?"

While driving, Takero, who was sitting in the back seat, asked me.

"I just took one that was around."

I doubt Takero meant it that way, but I had no intention of explaining the details, so I continued.

"Rather than that, were you guys really planning to go so far without a car?"

"…Yes, I'm sorry."

From Takero's response, I could hardly feel any hostility anymore. Momoe, as usual, remained silent, her eyes still wary.

I had gone out alone and brought back an SUV with a full tank of gas. In this world, where zombies roam and corpses litter the ground, a four-wheel drive is essential for proper driving.

Unlike the trip from the hardware store where Kaede was to the police station, this time we would be traveling a considerable distance. Ideally, we would have needed a more robust and higher-clearance vehicle like the one the Oda group used, but such a convenient find was unlikely. I didn't want to take too many risks, especially since I had been out during the day.

Now, we are in the car, on the move. The destination is a distance that would normally take a few hours, but of course, we can't go fast, and some roads will likely be impassable, so it's impossible to arrive today. We don't have much time before nightfall, so we'll have to spend the night somewhere along the way.

"Didn't you think about looking for a community where people gather?"

"…Yeah, I guess."

I looked at Takero and Momoe in the rearview mirror. When Takero asked for my help, he spoke clearly, but now his hesitant tone made me sigh.

When Takero and Momoe were whispering in the corner of the kitchen, I heard Takero say, "Can you trust me one more time?" I didn't know the specifics, but I could guess.

The reaction when I laid down the conditions, Takero's current response, and the lingering hostility from Momoe—it all suggested that it was probably some kind of "no good" situation.

Whether it happened at the shelter, after they fled, or with someone they met by chance like me, it's clear that they, especially Momoe, can no longer easily trust strangers.

In this changed world, I don't think that's a bad thing. Malice is likely everywhere, and self-defense is important. But that doesn't mean it's the best way to survive. It can also undermine well-intentioned efforts.

At first, I took responsibility for helping them by chance, but now I'm doing this despite their hostility because I feel sorry for them, especially since they've become so distrustful at such a young age. I'm not saying they should trust everyone, but I also think it's not good to distrust everyone.

"…There's food in the backpack. If you're hungry, open it and eat whatever you like."

I pointed to the bag on the passenger seat and spoke to them through the rearview mirror.

Takero thanked me and nudged Momoe, who also said a small thank you.

The car was silent for a long time during the journey. They didn't touch the food at all.

+++++

After leaving the urban area, the number of zombies had thinned out considerably. It was already evening, and the sun would soon set.

I parked the car in front of a house with a fence, standing alone on the outskirts of a desolate town.

Since entering the town, there had been no response from the line-of-sight detection.

I drove the car sideways to block the gap between the fences and entered the property from the front.

"Let's get out. We'll stay here for the night."

I said this and got out of the car. I considered checking the building for safety first, but I decided to get out together to avoid the risk of zombies catching up on the road we had just traveled.

"Stay close to me. Don't go ahead of me."

I strongly told Takero this and started walking slowly. As long as they stayed close to me, I could react to any sudden gunfire. It would be impossible for anyone to shoot at me without me noticing.

I forced open the shutter on the porch facing the garden and entered. The shutter, which I easily broke with a loud crack, surprised Takero, who widened his eyes.

Once inside, I used my skill to check for safety. I can detect presence within the range of my perception, regardless of whether it's visible or not. Of course, I had to pretend to check for safety.

There were two zombie old people on the first floor, but I took them down without any problems. Takero and Momoe were surprised but didn't show much fear, probably because they had seen me take down many zombies before.

"Mr. Yanagi, you're amazing…"

"Later. During the search, don't talk unnecessarily and focus on the sounds."

In response to Takero's comment, I said this without turning around. Well, you don't need to worry about that when I'm around, but it might come in handy later.

After Takero apologized softly behind me, I put my foot on the stairs leading to the second floor.

Since this is a bit of an abrupt ending, I'll update a second part today.