HOTD part 13: Takagi mansion.

Well, guys we are close to this arc end, and just because it will not affect the story development too much. I will give you a choice.

I can't believe what I'm saying.... You can make a vote for the next world but with conditions.

1-don't make it like... power level is so high the mc will die the moment he interacts with the plot.

2-The author imagination about how we can do this.

I will count the votes from here until the next mission.

Also... you can vote on the next STAND of the mc.

The stand or his original user needs to be connected to the mc or the stand ability is something the mc desire from the bottom of his heart.

That means... no one I mean no one mention cheap trick or that... babyface.

This vote will continue from here until Akashi decide to stab himself with the arrow in the knee.

well say in the chat what do you want, but if things didn't make sense I will do them my own way.

enjoy the chapter.

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The third day of the apocalypse started with the sun rising.

Survivors started a new day of their fight to stay alive with all the zombies or the people coming for their lives.

Things got more chaotic than yesterday, but the sounds and screams got much less because most of the people turned into zombies in this period.

However, even in this disaster there still a place somehow organized and under control in this city.

The house of the Takagi family or rather call it a mansion because of how big it is and all the facilities there.

The house was closed by a gate guarded by guards holding swords to check on any zombie coming.

Most of the roads leading to the house are barricaded and secured while the rest of the roads are already being worked on.

A lot of survivors gathered inside the house as they put down tents outside or entered the house to stay safe.

Humans under the leadership of the house owner started to work together to help each other survive, but that just for a few people here.

Most of the people here are afraid and not daring to step outside. They can't even gather their courage and fight the things that are threatening their survival.

The owner of the house and his men did an excellent job trying to help and survivors, but this is just a matter of time before everything collapse.

After all, you can't just protect something forever, especially if that thing will start to deny your efforts and even try to revolt against you.

"Is this the final battlefield" Akashi said while walking inside Takagi house.

Akashi sneaked into the house after observing it from the outside for a while.

Akashi has to admit that D4C ability is perfect for sneaking into places, especially if it has a lot of objects that can be used to activate his ability.

Even if someone spotted Akashi, he can just go in the corner and enter the gap, then easily appear somewhere else.

Moving through the hallway, Akashi started to check the house to make sure he knows the place before the battle.

"This house has a lot of rooms and hallways this can give me an advantage but" Akashi looked at the window watching the people work.

"Where is my team?" Akashi frowned because he didn't find John team anywhere close.

"Maybe they are hiding for a surprise attack... well, I can use requiem to find them at any time" Akashi said while moving again.

<I don't know what happened to that little girl> Akashi thought while looking around.

<Really... I got very emotional from just a few words> Akashi smiled helplessly, but that smile turned normal and more relaxed.

<But... I think I needed that> Akashi thought his actions and the little girl last words.

<Good or bad... Justice or evil... these all don't matter for me> Akashi saw some guards walking towards him.

<Hero or whatever... Just do what you think is right> Akashi smiled while moving forwards and pretending to be a normal civilian.

Suddenly, Akashi saw the guards and some people running towards the house front in a hurry.

"hmm?" Their actions puzzled Akashi.

Looking from the window, Akashi saw many people gathering outside the house watching the gates.

"This's..." Akashi saw a few trucks and cars moving towards the house as the gate opened up.

"... How is this possible" Akashi said in confusion when he saw the trucks especially the one dragging a zombie in the cage.

Akashi watched a man getting from the car, holding a Katana in his hands.

The man had a serious expression and all his actions even walking give people the feeling of a great leader.

A beautiful woman with few men welcomed the man as he walked towards them.

The man nodded at them before walking towards the fountain and stood on a platform.

The man looked at all the people around severely before turning his attention towards a forklift carrying the zombie in the cage.

The man on the platform took a look at the people's terrified expressions before he started talking in a serious voice.

"This man's name is Doitetsu Tarou" The man said calmly.

"He's the former retainer of the Takagi family and my close friend" The man said like he didn't even being affected by his friend's death.

<He looks like a Jojo character> Akashi thought while looking at the man.

"And today... During a rescue operation in order to save his comrades" The man said while the zombie started hitting the cage.

"He was bitten!" the man said while the people started whispering.

"It was an act of self-sacrifice! It's the most noble thing a person can do!" the man said.

"However, he's no longer a human. All he is now is something dangerous" the man said while the zombie hit the cage again, as the peoples freaked out.

"That is why... Right here and now. As the man of the Takagi family, I shall fulfill our duty to our retainer!" the man said, raising his sword while another man opened the cage.

The zombie rushed into the man as he slashed his head, making it fly in the air.

All the people around were in shock as they watched the head landed in the fountain as the clean water turned red from the blood.

"This is... is our present situation... Great friends, beloved family, and our lovers are all becoming things we must defeat" The man said while everyone was either shocked or lowering their heads down.

"If you want to live... Fight!" The man took a last look at the people before leaving with the woman.

"Great leader indeed" Akashi said while watching the man's actions from the window.

"Trying to boost the people's morale by executing your friend in front of them, showing them this is the reality that even he can't escape" Akashi said before smiling.

"But... these actions are pointless" Akashi grinned.

"People usually see only what they want to see. No matter how many times you throw this reality in their faces, they will try to escape from it" Akashi said looking at the man leaving.

"What these people want is the things to go back to how they were before. No matter what, and even trying to ignore what happens around them" Akashi said.

"It just a matter of time before they throw the blame on the leader and try to destroy themselves with their own hands" Akashi said before frowning.

"How did this happen?" Akashi said in confusion.

"I am pretty sure that the story accelerated by one day there is no way this scene could happen" Akashi said.

"Is it something like fate or already established destiny, maybe the world is trying to change the fate to match the plot, but there are still some slight changes" Akashi said before noticing someone coming towards him.

"I didn't expect to see you here" the comer was a woman wearing a blue yukata while walking towards Akashi with a smile.

"... who are you?" Akashi said while tilting his head.

"You don't remember me?" the woman smile stiffed while saying.

"... Ah! You are the violence tendency woman" Akashi looked at the woman for a while before saying.

Saeko took a deep breath while watching Akashi smile.

"I see the apocalypse didn't change you a lot" Saeko said while her smile turned back to normal.

"Really? I think this apocalypse changed all of us... one way or another" Akashi said before turning towards Saeko.

"Do you want something?" Akashi said.

"No... is it strange to talk with a friend?" Saeko smiled.

"I see... however, I don't remember being your friend" Akashi said before moving away.

Akashi walked away, but he felt someone following him, but he didn't care.

After moving for a while and taking a few turns, Akashi started to feel annoying by this woman following him.

"...Anything?" resisting the urge of using D4C ability, Akashi turned around and asked.

"Nothing, I am just walking around" Saeko smiled and said.

"..." Akashi almost used D4C before taking a deep breath.

<Maybe she can tell me what happened to John team during this period> Akashi thought before leaning his back against the wall.

"...say" Akashi said towards Saeko.

"What?" Saeko was puzzled by Akashi.

"Say anything that will make you leave me alone" Akashi said while Saeko started laughing.

"... Was it obvious" Saeko said.

"Of course it was, and apparently I have to play the role of a therapist every time I see you" Akashi said while feeling a headache.

"You are a funny guy... mind listening to me for a second" Saeko said while looking at Akashi's eyes.

"Yes, I do but I don't think you will care about my opinion... Just why me? Don't you have your own team and friends?" Akashi said.

"Honestly, I don't know..." Saeko said while lowering her head.

"...*sigh*... just say it" Akashi said while raising his hands.

Saeko smiled before starting to tell Akashi about her past. The man she killed because she just felt the thrill and the enjoyment from attacking a living target.

How she tricked him, then broke his bones before killing him completely.

Then she started talking about a boy she liked before and how she didn't have the courage to confess because she thinks someone like her doesn't deserve love.

She even talked about her journey in this apocalypse while talking about her team as Akashi got some information about John and the others.

Akashi listened to her words without a word until she stopped talking.

"Are you done?" Akashi said with a blank face as Saeko nodded.

"So... do you want me to comfort you or maybe tell you things are going to be better because that not gonna happen" Akashi said as Saeko started laughing.

"You really need to start to be better towards girls... at least be nicer" Saeko said but Akashi didn't change his expression.

"I am a believer of gender equality" Akashi said instantly before looking at Saeko.

"And after I listened to all that story of yours... I don't think I need to give you another therapy session" Akashi said while Saeko smiled.

"I started to accept myself because if I didn't... I might lose some wonderful friends I made during these times" Saeko said with a smile.

"Protection huh?... that one way to do it, but why did you make me listen to all that if you are okay" Akashi said.

"Like I said, I don't know. Maybe because you know my true self, or maybe..." Saeko said.

"Because my therapist advises were... too shorts" Saeko said.

"..." Akashi went silent while looking at Saeko smug smile.

"... Happy?" After a while, Akashi said.

"Yes" Saeko answered with a smile.

"I see... Then I will take my leave" Akashi said but Saeko stopped him again.

"Can I ask you one last question" Saeko said.

"...*Sigh*... just make sure this is the last one" Akashi said while waiting for Saeko to talk.

"Did you ever... fall in love before?" Saeko said in embarrassment, but Akashi didn't care about her expression.

"7,10,16" Akashi started counting something while Saeko got confused.

"What are you doing?" Saeko said.

"With our last meeting and this one... we only know each other for 16 minutes and you are trying to flirt with me again" Akashi said without expression as Saeko got embarrassed for a moment, but she snapped from it instantly.

"You really enjoy doing this" Saeko said with a wry smile.

"You have no idea" Akashi smiled before saying.

"But your answer is no" Akashi said as Saeko was staring at him.

"... And?" Saeko asked.

"... Did you really thought I will give you my life story here" Akashi smiled at Saeko before standing up from the wall.

"You know it doesn't matter what you do. I in this period almost got into depression" Akashi said while Saeko got surprised.

"What with your look, I am not that weak you know... It just I almost lost my way" Akashi smiled while staring at the window.

"In this world, it doesn't matter what you do as long you believe in yourself, and what you are doing is right... And protecting friends is one of the best reasons for actions, especially if it comes from the heart" Akashi smiled while moving away from Saeko.

Saeko got surprised by Akashi words but before she said anything Akashi started talking again.

"If you're going to ask about your friend's conditions... well, arriving at this environment that dominated by adults that don't believe in their capabilities is affecting them too much. You can try to talk to them, but I don't think you are a good talker" Akashi stopped walking and said.

"So... are you a good talker?" Saeko asked.

"hmmm... Who knows, This Therapeutic session is free of charge... I think I also needed this talk. See you later violent lady" Akashi said while walking away.

"Can't you just call me by my name" Saeko said helplessly, but Akashi just waved and left the hallway.

Saeko stood in her place for a while before laughing a little and walking away from her place.

"It seems John and his friends are really planning something" Akashi said while walking.

"Now, I need to know what it is and how can I use it to my advantage" Akashi said before D4C arm appeared with two lines attached to it.

"Oh? you're approaching me" Akashi said while looking at the lines.

"Then come as close as you like... After all, I can't kill you without being close" Akashi smiled before a flag appeared on top of his head while he disappeared from his place.