Chapter 36 - Truck Brigade

"This is Tooru Saejima, representative of Shimomachi Yuusei Academy."

"This is Jin Hiiragi, representative of the Truck Brigade. Judging by your voice, you seem young—am I correct?"

"Yes, I'm a first-year high school student."

"Impressive. So, your group consists of fifteen people, correct?"

"Yes. As for the infected—ah, we refer to them as 'zombies'—there have been no breaches so far."

"I see. Our group has fourteen members and operates with four vehicles. We're currently in Misato Town."

Misato Town is known for its hot springs and frequently featured on television. However, it's several prefectures away from Shimomachi.

"Did you manage to enjoy the hot springs?"

"Heh. Not quite... But considering the sanitary conditions, a bath might be necessary soon."

"Indeed, bathing has become a significant issue here as well."

"Well, the men aren't too concerned, but the women..."

"Hahaha. Same here. So, what are your plans?"

"If you require assistance, we can help, but from what I've heard, you seem to be managing well."

"At the moment, yes. However, there are still many challenges. Fortunately, we still have electricity, but we're unsure how long it will last. A generator would be useful, and stable supplies of water and food are essential."

"We have gasoline... Hey, hey, stop pulling me!"

"Is something wrong?"

"No, it's just that a child overheard our conversation about contacting survivors... Hey, let go!"

"Sounds lively. How about we keep this line open and foster mutual communication?"

"Good idea. It might help alleviate stress and facilitate information exchange. Given the distance, we don't plan to visit unless requested. Let's both do our best."

"Agreed. By the way, do you have someone knowledgeable about firearms?"

"I'm with the police, so I have some knowledge. Have you acquired any?"

"Not yet, but we're considering gathering supplies outside the school."

"Understood. Be cautious."

"Likewise, be careful not to slip on the snow. We'll leave the line open for now."

"Understood."

The sound of a headset being removed is heard, followed by the cheerful voice of a young girl.

"Hello?"

Judging by her voice, she seems to be in the lower grades of elementary school.

Ryuu assigns someone to accompany her and engage with the girl.

"What's your name?"

"Well, my name is Misa."

It seems her name is Misa.

"Nice to meet you, Misa-chan. I'm Tooru. How about you?"

"Well, I can't take baths often, so I feel dirty."

"I understand. It's the same here."

"And everyone fights a lot. Jin stops them, but the blonde big brother and the glasses uncle keep arguing."

Apparently, among the fourteen, there's a delinquent and a serious man who frequently argue. It's understandable; if they've been traveling by truck, stress would accumulate.

Jin's willingness to keep the line open makes sense.

"How are you all living?"

"I'm riding in a truck with a big antenna!"

Her explanation is somewhat unclear, but it seems she's referring to a communication vehicle.

"And Jin and Riku are with me."

"Riku?"

"Yes. He's the older brother who drives. He likes music and gets along well with Jin."

"Are there any children your age?"

"No. But Airi-oneechan is fourteen. The rest are all adults."

"Is Airi-oneechan kind?"

"Yes!"

It's good to know that Misa has someone her age to talk to.

At that moment, Miu enters.

"I heard you've established contact with survivors..."

"Yes. Would you like to take over?"

"Yes, please."

They switch places.

"Hello, I'm Miu Shimizu."

"Miu-oneechan?"

Miu flinches slightly. She then gestures for Tooru to leave the room.

Tooru, somewhat puzzled, steps out.

Once he's gone, Miu resumes the communication.

"I heard the connection went through... Hm?"

A voice could be heard from somewhere.

It sounded almost like... singing.

Daiki opened the door with a sign that read Amateur Radio Club.

What he saw inside was an unbelievable sight.

A girl’s voice rang out in song, the tune soft and mesmerizing.

It echoed gently from inside the room.

“Wow! Amazing! You’re so good at this!”

…Huh?

Could this person really be Miu?

Gone was her usual calm expression. Instead, she was chatting with the purest of smiles that radiated warmth and motherly affection.

“U-uh, Miu-senpai… right?”

Miu’s body stiffened, and she suddenly shot up from her chair.

“Miu-senpai…?”

Miu walked past Daiki and locked the door to the room.

“You saw… didn’t you?”

Murderous intent.

An overwhelming bloodlust poured out from Miu’s body—so intense it made his heart feel like it would stop.

“Y-you’ve got it wrong! I didn’t see anything, seriously!”

But Miu slowly began walking toward Daiki.

“I-I’m telling the truth! W-wait, hold on…!”

His back hit the wall.

Nowhere left to run.

Miu’s shadow loomed larger and larger.

“Forget………….”

“Wha—AHHHHHHHHH!!”

Daiki’s scream echoed through the entire school.