Chapter 82

"Alright, we've arrived... just wait a moment."

I got out of the car alone and smashed the head of a nearby zombie with an axe. I looked up the stairs and thought.

I had already sensed the hostile gazes from the living above before we arrived. Those gazes contained not just caution but also a hint of murderous intent. However, since there was no reaction from my danger sense, I didn't think they were about to attack immediately. Still, I wondered if it was safe to bring Takeru and Momo along.

But our presence was undoubtedly recognized by the survivors in town. Leaving the two of them somewhere would also be dangerous. Even if we left the town, it would be the same.

If it comes to it, I might have to show my strength, but bringing them along would be the safest option. What they think of me after this doesn't matter.

"Alright, let's go. Don't stray too far."

After impaling the head of another approaching zombie with my axe, I opened the rear door and said this. The two of them obediently got out of the car.

We slowly climbed the stone stairs.

Along the way, ropes were strung between trees to prevent zombies from climbing up. I noticed similar setups on the slopes outside the stairs.

As we finally approached the end of the stairs, my "all perception" reacted.

"Stop."

The voice belonged to an elderly man. He emerged from behind a tree at the top of the stairs, aiming a hunting rifle at us. I had already sensed his presence and his hostile gaze while climbing the stairs.

"You're not from this town, are you?"

"Yeah, that's right... Is Mr. Suzukake here? I've brought Takeru and Momo."

I raised my hands and asked, restraining Takeru and Momo from stepping forward. The man scrutinized their faces, furrowing his brow, then his eyes widened.

"...Takeru and Momo!?"

"Do you know them?"

I glanced back at the two, who nodded slightly. The hostility and danger I had sensed from the man had vanished.

It seems our mission is accomplished. The man took out a radio and communicated with someone, then welcomed us up.

+++++

"Ooh! Momo!"

"Hey, grandpa! You're annoying, you know!"

"What do you mean, annoying! Takeru, come here!"

In front of me, Takeru, Momo, and the energetic old man were engaged in a lively exchange.

After that, we climbed the stairs and were surrounded by men with hunting rifles, though they didn't point their guns at us. They all seemed to know Takeru and Momo, and their gazes, while cautious, weren't particularly hostile.

A few minutes later, the gate opened, and a stern-faced old man emerged, leading to this scene.

"Mr. Suzukake, it's been a while."

Takeru stepped forward and said to the old man, almost as if savoring the words.

"Takeru, you're safe... Oh!"

Perhaps the greeting relaxed him, and Momo, who had been tightly embraced, managed to break free. She took a few steps back, bumping into me in the process.

"Whoa."

"Ah, I'm sorry."

"It's fine. Why don't you show a bit more joy?"

I said to Momo, who was playing with the ends of her wavy, sun-kissed golden hair. Her eyes were moist, and her face was red. Takeru, being patted on the head by the old man, looked like he was about to cry.

For me, this journey had taken just a day or two, but for them, it had been much longer, and it was uncertain whether they would even make it. Even if they believed this place was safe, seeing them alive and well must have been a great relief.

In any case, our mission is accomplished.

Watching the three of them cry and embrace, I turned to leave.

"Hey, wait. Where are you going?"

Momo was the first to react.

"Hmm? It seems you're safe here, so I'm not needed anymore."

I had brought Takeru and Momo here, and fortunately, Momo's grandfather was alive. My job was done. While the gaze from the school was a bit concerning, I had no intention of getting involved further.

"Mr. Yanagi! Didn't you plan to evacuate too?"

"I just wanted to bring you two here."

If I was going to help, I would take some responsibility, but only to that extent.

When I responded to Takeru's words, Momo approached me again and grabbed the hem of my shirt.

"Wait. We haven't even thanked you yet."

Perhaps because I had brought them here safely, she had completely trusted me, and her attitude had changed completely. I couldn't help but smile a little.

"Why are you smiling..."

"It's nothing."

"Mmm..."

Momo, with tears still in her eyes from the earlier joy, glared at me with a pout. But I could see the unhidden joy of reaching this place safely, which made it all the more amusing. I smiled and waved.

"Hey, Yanagi, right?"

"...What is it, old man?"

As we were talking, Momo's grandfather called out to me.

"Do you have a place to go?"

"No, not really."

"If not, why don't you stay here? At the very least, let us thank you. In this world, you don't have any urgent business, do you?"

Indeed, I had no specific plans. In fact, I was still undecided about what to do next.

"Alright, then."

"Then it's settled. You brought the two of them here. At least stay for a while."

With Takeru's gaze, Momo still holding onto my shirt, and the old man's final push, I decided to stay for a short while.