Chapter 35: Saya, Kohta, Find The Keys, Oh How Happy You’ll Be, Shizuka, and Upset Takashi. (Bonus Chapter)

(Bonus Chapter Due to Power Stones, Thank You to all who support my work! Special Thanks to all who have given me fair reviews. Thank you, your support keeps me going.)

The tension was suffocating as the group pressed onward, descending into the chaos of what used to be their high school. The sound of their labored breaths and the wet thuds of zombies hitting the floor filled the narrow stairwell. Blood dripped from their weapons and soaked into their shoes, making every step feel heavier than the last.

"Saya!" Shiro called out as they reached the landing, where Saya and Kohta were holding their ground. A small pile of bodies surrounded the pair, evidence of their desperate struggle. "Are you hurt?" Kohta looked like he was in his element, so much so it garnered respect from Guldrin as he watched him kill the infected with precision; his use of a nail gun made his achievement all the more impactful.

Saya whipped her head around, her pink hair matted with sweat and grime. "Of course, I'm not hurt! Who do you think I am? But we're running out of options, and this moron here keeps wasting nails!" she barked, pointing at Kohta.

Kohta flinched but kept firing at the zombies pressing in from the hall. His nail gun clicked dry just as another zombie lunged at him. Before anyone could react, Saeko's bokken came down in a clean arc, splintering the zombie's skull.

"Good timing," Saeko said, flicking the gore from her weapon as she turned toward Saya. "You two have a plan, or are you just waiting to die here?"

Saya glared but swallowed her retort as Guldrin pushed past her, his presence commanding immediate attention. "You're with us now. No time for debates. We need to get to the faculty parking lot, but the keys to the bus are in the staff room. If we don't hurry, we're going to get boxed in."

"And why should we follow you?" Saya snapped, clutching her weapon tightly.

"Because we have a plan, and your current plan sucks," Guldrin said bluntly, stepping over a corpse as he moved toward the next set of stairs. He didn't even wait for her response, his focus entirely on survival.

Kohta adjusted his glasses, his expression one of reluctant agreement. "He's right. Staying here is suicide."

Saya bit her lip, her pride warring with the obvious logic of the situation. Finally, she nodded. "Fine. But don't think I'm just going to take orders from you."

"Noted," Guldrin said without looking back. He couldn't care less about her haughty attitude; he had seen how she acted like the school princess, and after looking into her, he found she is the daughter of a rich family. So her behavior was to be expected, but not acceptable; he intended to change that view. She would learn, that money means nothing as of now, strength, cunning, and survival are all that matters.

As they descended further, the group began to splinter into an uneasy rhythm. Guldrin led the charge, his movements precise and calculated, while Saeko flanked him, her strikes as graceful as they were deadly. Saya stayed in the middle like precious cargo, and Shiro held the rear, covering Takashi and Rei, who still lagged behind, their spirits visibly broken.

They reached the staff room, but it was a mess. Desks were overturned, papers scattered, and the stench of death was overpowering. A few stray zombies lurked among the wreckage.

"Spread out," Guldrin ordered. "Find the keys."

The group moved cautiously, searching through the chaos while keeping an eye on the slow-moving threats. Rei stuck close to Takashi, though she refused to speak to him. She may be mad at him, but she needed something to latch onto, but it was clear she would drop him the second she found someone else to coddle her. Saya moved with sharp, jerky motions, her frustration bubbling over; it was a new experience to be forced to work and not being protected while she barked out orders.

Kohta's eyes lit up as he rummaged through a drawer. "Got it!" he shouted, holding up a key ring. "Boo YEAH! Someone stashed alcohol, too!" He held up a bottle without a label and celebrated. 

"Good," Guldrin said, taking a quick drag from his cigar. Everyone had noticed him smoking, but no one had the courage to bring it up, Kohta just looked at him with admiration, not sure why, but Guldrin didn't care. "Now we find Shizuka. We're not leaving without a driver."

"Is she even alive?" Saya muttered, crossing her arms.

"She better be," Shiro replied. "Otherwise, we're all walking." Neither Guldrin nor Shiro knew how to drive a bus. Sure, they may be able to figure it out through trial and error, but one thing was for sure; it wouldn't end with an intact bus. So it was important to find Shizuka since she had a bus driver's license.

The group's path to the nurse's office was a gauntlet. Hallways were choked with the undead, and the noise of their skirmishes only attracted more. Guldrin took point, his knife flashing as he cut through the horde with brutal efficiency. Saeko matched his pace, her bokken leaving a trail of shattered skulls.

Behind them, Kohta managed to reload his nail gun with a fresh clip of scavenged nails, offering sporadic support. Saya clutched her weapon tightly, her swings growing more confident with each passing moment.

Rei and Takashi, however, were struggling. Every step felt like wading through quicksand, their exhaustion palpable. Rei's anger at Takashi simmered just below the surface, threatening to boil over at any moment.

"Keep moving!" Shiro barked, shoving Takashi forward as a zombie lunged at him. Her baton cracked against the creature's head, sending it sprawling. Though she had found more arrows when they passed the archery club, the surroundings were too congested to be able to effectively aim and fire, so she used her melee for now.

Finally, they reached the nurse's office. The door was barricaded from the inside, and faint noises could be heard beyond it.

"Shizuka-sensei!" Saya called, banging on the door. "Are you in there?"

The noises stopped, and a moment later, a familiar voice replied, "Saya-chan? Is that you?"

"Open the door!" Guldrin shouted, already scanning the hallway for more threats.

The barricade shifted, and the door creaked open to reveal Shizuka Marikawa, the school nurse, looking disheveled but otherwise unharmed. Her usually bubbly demeanor was subdued, but she still managed a faint smile.

"Oh, thank goodness," she said, stepping aside to let them in. "I thought I was going to be stuck here forever." Entering inside, they saw many dead bodies, a student being eaten and a single zombie lumbering toward her. "Move!" Guldrin shouted, but Saeko was one step ahead. Swinging her bokken, she swept the zombie's legs out and followed up with a downward swing, crushing its head.

"No time for reunions," Guldrin said, stepping to the side of the room. "We have the keys to the bus. You're driving."

Shizuka blinked, her expression confused. "Driving? Where?"

"Away, but here," Shiro said flatly. "Anywhere but here. Gather all the medical supplies you could think we will need," She tossed Shizuka a backpack and Shizuka wasted no time immediately filling it. "I can't get a hold of the police or the fire department, I can treat them, but once they are bitten they are bound to die. Once they die, they resurrect… I guess I can still take things for wounds, cleaning, disinfecting, and other illnesses and wounds…" She spoke to herself as she picked out the best choices to bring with her.

Meanwhile, Guldrin stared at the crystal that fell from the zombie Saeko had killed, "Interesting, so some drop them" 

*Crunch*

He crushed one of the dead zombies' heads and saw it didn't have one, "And others don't…" He tossed the little red crystal and spoke to Emily in his head, 'Any ideas as to what this might be?'

'I can't say… Experiment with it.'

'Experiment?' As if a lightbulb had turned on, Guldrin placed it in his pocket and stored it in his inventory. 

"Inventory: Food (Assorted), .45 Ammo, Combat Knives x3, Suppressed Heckler & Koch Mark 23, Spare Parts (Assorted), Tools (Assorted), Marijuana (Assorted), Herbs (Assorted), Stimulants (Assorted), Tobacco (Assorted), Red lvl 2 crystal (New!)"

'Hmm, can I expand the description?' As if on command, the description expanded, 

Red lvl 2 crystal: A crystal dropped from evolved species. Consumption will lead to unforeseen results, (Note: Zombification will not occur as long as the user is alive.)

'That… Share this with Shiro.' Emily just meowed and sent the information to Shiro who looked at it for a moment then nodded, "Experiment later, for now we need to escape.

*Crash*

More zombies broke through the glass windows, gaining everyone's attention, "That would be our cue to leave. Grab a few more items and let's go." Guldrin spoke as he kicked the kneecaps of an approaching zombie, making the others fall. Planting his foot, he leveraged his other leg and smashed their heads with his boot, hoping another crystal would fall out, but all he got was another notification saying he killed a level 1 zombie. 'Sad' He shrugged and smoked his cigar; Shizuka tried to scold him, but he simply ignored her, making her pout in response.

With Shizuka in tow, the group made their way toward the faculty parking lot. The tension was suffocating, every sound amplified in the silence of the blood-streaked hallways. Zombies seemed to materialize from every corner, forcing the group into a relentless cycle of fighting and fleeing.

Rushing through the halls, Takashi finally spoke, "HEY, are we just leaving everyone else?" He questioned as they abandoned a student to his fate. Frowning, Guldrin looked at him, "Shut. Up. I don't have to save anyone, but I am saving all of you; everyone else is on their own."

"But that is wrong," Takashi argued, "Why? Because I am not protecting everyone else? Why should I? When did I sign up to be everyone's protector? Trust me, I am not a hero, I am just trying to survive. This world is no longer the world we knew, humans can and will be as dangerous if not more in times like this."

"Rei, someone, back me up here. We are killing them by not helping them!" Rei turned her head, she wanted to help them but wasn't going to side with him. Her anger toward Takashi still simmering at the forefront of her mind. Everyone else didn't think the same as him, even the airhead Shizuka seemed to support Guldrin's ideology.

"Okay, you have been outvoted, either shut up or leave. We are trying to escape, this isn't a debate. If you are staying, keep quiet; these zombies seem to only be able to hear. They seem blind and won't attack unless they know you are there." Guldrin explained as he took a long drag on his cigar and blew the smoke out with a sigh. 

Takashi didn't like it, but he couldn't argue. He didn't want to be kicked out of the group that had the best chance to survive. So he shut up and clenched his teeth as they walked past screaming students, ultimately leaving them to their fate. 

Walking through the halls, each person was careful to stay silent, measuring their steps and ensuring they didn't bump anything. Takashi was burning with indignation as Guldrin silently killed zombies like cutting vegetables. 'I could do that… and look at the girls, Saya with her haughtiness is fangirling over him, Rei seems to be warming up to him, and Seako looks like she would love to join him. What is so great about being a murderer? I could kill zombies too if I was given a chance.'

Letting his emotions get the better of him, Takashi walked forward, intent to show his worth. Breaking formation, and ignoring the mutters of everyone else, he approached an unsuspecting zombie and raised his bat, 

*CLANG!*

Too absorbed in his feat of bravado, he didn't pay attention to the surrounding area and slammed his bat into a locker as he swung to hit the zombie. The impact sends a soundwave throughout the entire hallway, as if a dinner bell just went off. He killed the zombie he went for, at least, but Guldrin and Shiro were livid, "You fucking idiot, you just called the entire horde to us! Shiro, take everyone and run, I will prevent them from following."

Shiro hesitated but nodded, she knew if Guldrin had a plan it would work best if she followed it and didn't argue with him. Grabbing Takashi by his collar, the smaller Shiro threw him into Rei, "Take care of this moron! Make sure he doesn't get us killed!" She looked at Guldrin one last time, "You better survive," Guldrin nodded and smoked his cigar with a calm gaze, his mind sharpened and prepared to hold off the approaching horde.

Running through the hall, the group, zigged and zagged, as they avoided debris and dead bodies. Not a single one of them spoke as they passed by the oncoming zombies and tried to escape the impending disaster. Rei was practically dragging Takashi through the halls, while she wasn't happy with him, and maybe downright hated him, she still didn't want to see him die. Takashi on the other hand was fuming, 'Why is everyone so mad at me? So what, I hit a locker! But I killed the zombie, didn't you see me? I can do it too. What is this different treatment?' A growing hatred was forming in his heart for Guldrin and Shiro.

With the group's backs fading into the distance, Guldrin exhaled smoke and prepared himself as the echo of Takashi's mistake faded, replaced by a growing chorus of moans and shuffling feet. The horde was coming fast, but he wasn't afraid. In fact, he welcomed the chaos. He adjusted his stance, readying his suppressed Mark 23. 'Alright, Emily, looks like a gamble is required… I can take out the closest approaching zombies, but then I will have to test those crystals. Otherwise, I don't think I will make it.' Emily meowed worriedly but inside her mind, she knew this would be a turning point in Guldrin's life, the moment he became something different, more… Inhuman.

He positioned himself at the center of the hallway, his back against a sturdy metal door. Zombies poured in from both ends like a grotesque tide. With a practiced calm, Guldrin fired precision shots. Each pull of the trigger was accompanied by a soft *pfft*, and a zombie fell, its head erupting like an overripe melon. He wasn't aiming to kill everything, though, just to create enough of a bottleneck to delay their progress.

"Ding, Congratulations, you have leveled up. Level 2 has been reached, you are rewarded 5 unassigned attribute points and one skill point."

'Hahaha, okay, I guess I have more than a slim chance of survival now. Status, show me my attributes.'

[Attributes:]

[Strength: 8] (Average Human: 5)

[Endurance: 11] (Average Human: 5)

[Dexterity: 9] (Average Human: 5)

[Agility: 8] (Average Human: 5)

[Intelligence: 6] (Average Human: 5)

[Charisma: 8] (Average Human: 5)

[Luck: ???] (Average Human: 1)

[Magic: 1] (Average Human: 0)

[Unassigned Attribute Points: 5]

'I gained quite the haul over these last months. Seems our investments have paid off… Now, for these free points… Let's test it. One point into Intelligence.'

[Intelligence: 6→7] (Average Human: 5)

'My mind and vision feel clearer, and,' He paused his thoughts and kicked a book under the foot of one of the approaching zombies and shot it in the head, 'So it helps me make decisions… I may regret this but, I'm going to place all my free points into Intelligence. If I can think clearer, I have a better chance of surviving this fucked up mess.'

[Intelligence: 7→11] (Average Human: 5)

As if a new world opened, Guldrin was amazed by the changes. He could see the slightest shifts in the air, notice changes in the zombies, and finally able to confirm they don't breathe based on their still chests. 'Okay, let's do this!'

—

–

-

Shiro led the others with calculated urgency, her sharp eyes scanning for potential dangers. The group reached a stairwell, but it was blocked by a pile of corpses, both human and undead. This was new to everyone since they thought if someone dies they become zombies, but it appeared this was wrong, and not all turned. "Damn it," Shiro muttered. Turning to Shizuka, she pointed to a map of the school they'd grabbed earlier. "Is there another exit nearby?"

Shizuka, despite her usual ditziness, kept her composure and quickly scanned the map. "Yes! The service tunnel near the gym, if we can get there, it might lead us out of the building."

"Good. Let's move." Shiro shot a glance at Rei, who was still dragging Takashi, who was muttering. "Keep him quiet, or I'll do it myself."

Rei grimaced but nodded. Takashi, still bitter, grumbled under his breath but didn't resist. The tension in the group was palpable; every misstep could mean their doom. They maneuvered through the hallways, narrowly avoiding zombies as they moved.

Saya, walking beside Shiro, whispered, "You really think Guldrin can handle all of that on his own?"

Shiro didn't look back. "He doesn't need me to believe in him. He'll survive because that's who he is." Despite her words, Shiro was concerned for Guldrin, even he would struggle with the horde of zombies that were coming toward him when they left.

As the zombies closed in, Guldrin pulled a small vial from his inventory. It contained a shimmering blue liquid labeled "Adrenaline Booster: Grade A." Without hesitation, he downed the contents. A surge of energy coursed through his body, sharpening his reflexes and heightening his awareness. Time seemed to slow as he moved, dodging swipes and crushing skulls with brutal efficiency.

Then, he decided it was time to experiment. Guldrin retrieved the red Level 2 crystal from his inventory and held it between his fingers. 'Consume…' The word echoed in his mind. Without a second thought, he crushed the crystal in his hand and tossed the powder into his mouth, a pulse of energy radiating through him.

A notification flashed in his vision:

"You have consumed a Red Level 2 Crystal. Evolution in progress…"

He felt his muscles tighten and his senses heighten further. His vision sharpened, and he became acutely aware of every movement around him. A new message appeared:

"Due to unlocking the first evolution ¼, Infection immunity has been gained ¼, as long as your user stays alive, the virus will no longer affect the user unless bitten or the user dies. Once deceased, the user will evolve into an abomination class zombie. Please consume more crystals and evolve further to remove this penalty."

"Skill unlocked: Primal Surge. Effect: Increased strength, speed, and stamina during combat. Warning: Prolonged use may lead to fatigue."

Guldrin grinned. "Alright, let's test this out." With newfound vigor, he leaped into the fray, moving with inhuman speed. His punches crushed skulls like tin cans, his kicks sending zombies flying into walls. The hallway became a gruesome slaughterhouse, with Guldrin at the center, remaining completely untouched, his CQC doing what it does best: Brutalizing. Knife in one hand and M23 in the other, the hallway was drenched in blood and gore, all while Guldrin wore a primal and disturbing grin.

The group reached the gym, the moans of zombies echoing behind them. Shiro forced the service door open, revealing a dark, narrow tunnel. "Get in," she ordered, ushering everyone through.

Once everyone was inside, Rei hesitated, looking back. "What about Guldrin? He's still-"

"He'll find a way," Shiro interrupted. Her voice was cold but firm. "If you want to survive, keep moving."

Takashi, still seething, muttered, "You act like he's some kind of god. He's just-"

"Shut up," Shiro snapped, her patience finally snapping. "You've done enough damage for one day. Say another word and I will throw you to the next zombie we see as a distraction." Takashi fumed but shut his mouth, he wanted nothing but to beat this pair of loners up and take command.

The group moved through the tunnel, their flashlights cutting through the darkness. Every sound made them flinch, water dripping, the distant echo of shuffling feet. The tension was suffocating, but they pressed on.

-

–

—

The hallway was littered with corpses, but the horde kept coming. Guldrin's enhanced abilities were pushing him to his limits, and he could feel the fatigue creeping in. His 'Primal Surge' skill was wearing off, but he wasn't done yet.

He spotted an emergency fire alarm on the wall. Smirking, he yanked it, triggering a deafening blaring alarm. The sound drew the zombies away from the service tunnel, giving Shiro and the others more time to escape. He had no idea how much that one move had helped Shiro, but his enhanced intelligence told him it was the right call.

'That should buy them a few minutes.' Guldrin turned and sprinted toward a different exit, his mind racing. He needed to regroup with the others, but first, he had to lose the horde.

Bursting onto the roof, he paused to catch his breath. The day's air was cold and crisp, a stark contrast to the chaos below. He spotted the gym in the distance. 'Almost there.'

Then, a new notification appeared:

"Warning: Boss-level threat detected nearby."

A guttural roar echoed across the rooftop, and Guldrin turned to see a massive figure climbing onto the roof. It was a grotesque abomination, easily three times the size of a normal zombie. Its flesh was covered in pulsating tumors, and its eyes glowed with an eerie red light.

Guldrin grinned, lighting another cigar. "Well, isn't this my lucky day?"

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