The west bridge...

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A forceful kick sent a body plummeting to its demise from the rooftop of a building. It hit the ground with a loud thump, which rendered it motionless.

"Down they go," said Asahi, the one responsible for that kick. He later made a small jump to another rooftop, meeting his sister, who had gotten there first.

"You said you knew a shortcut, a high ground path is not what I expected." Toru sounded unamused. He was holding onto Kazuhiro's back as the entity casually walked over the gaps between the buildings due to his long legs. 

Asahi saw that the next jump would require a bigger leap which was fine for him. However, he worried that his sister could not make it.

"It's the fastest way to get to the west bridge without having obstacles such as roadblocks, gangs, and undead to stop you. Hey Kazu-san, bring over that board." Asahi explained his reasoning for choosing this path.

Kazuhiro was holding onto a long wooden board, he placed it down, using it as a walkway bridge. He picked it up again when everyone reached the other side.

The repeated act of crossing up top from one building to another generated small talk within the group.

"Hey, Kazu-san, if I may ask, which planet did you originate from? Or did you just somehow mutate into... err, whatever you are?" Asahi's curiosity bubbled as he pondered the entity's origins.

Kazuhiro crossed over. He didn't respond as they kept moving. That made Asahi regret asking in the first place, making him sigh. "If I happened to offend you in any way-" 

"What I know is that I was once a human, and that same human died and was brought up here. I can't fully confirm it as I don't carry any memories of being one and it was all brought up to me by the system." Kazuhiro resonating voice reverberated within the group.

"A system?" Questioned Akemi.

"Yes, which I believe is the reason that brought me to manage a strange domain, and one of the reasons on why I'm in your world."

"Dude! Thats literally an Isekai!. Tell me more about that market." Asahi paused his march as he couldn't hide his excitement, to think he'd walk along with someone, who experienced a literal Isekai! One of his favorite genres.

"To simplify it, I'm likely sure that it is a nexus point that connects to multiple worlds, as I've seen visitors of different shapes and sizes, and with the help of a few facilities, I was able to confirm that theory." Kazuhiro clarified.

They continued their walk after a brief pause. Asahi couldn't mask his subtle sequels and excitement.

"Is that how you got here? From having someone from our world showing up to that place?" Toru speculated. "Even though that sounds far-fetched, I've already seen things about you which makes what you said to be somewhat true." He added to which he was met with a nod.

"An average teen agreed to let me see your world." Kazuhiro replied.

"Man! That sounds AWESOME!" Asahi was the one to burst out, followed by his sister, crossing her arms as she nodded. "Say, Kazu-san, are you hiring?" The prospect of traversing worlds excited him, for him to crossover worlds was a big fantasy of his. Maybe he hadn't gone crazy yet to think that such things existed.

"I'm not so sure, but perhaps it may work." Kazuhiro pulled out the device to check the app.

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xxxx 

__Worker__

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No available Workers Found.

Disclaimer:

This app is only used to view your workers stats and their performance. You are unable to hire using the device. 

Hiring requirements:

- An office is required.

- The role of a Supervisor or Higher is required. 

xxxx

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"I'm unable to." He stowed it back into his pockets.

"Oh? So that wasn't a mirror?" She asked as she made a short spring, landing on top of another building.

"No, it's not. I've concluded that only the users are able to view its contents." Kazuhiro explained as he walked over.

"That makes sense." Akemi nodded at the rationale behind the device.

"Alright, we're here," Asahi announced as the group stood atop a building, overlooking the events happening on the bridge. 

Bang! The sharp cracks of gunfire echoed as the police desperately fought back a horde of zombies advancing towards the bridge.

Amidst the undead, civilians attempted to breach the blockade, only to be mercilessly gunned down, sparking a protest among those sheltered within the bridge, condemning the police's tyranny against civilians and blaming the authorities for the outbreak's consequences.

Reporters had gathered to document the chaotic scene. Capturing the pandemonium on their cameras.

"We can't risk crossing that bridge. Confronting the horde would attract the police's attention. Judging by Kazu-san's appearance, they won't hesitate to shoot," Asahi lamented, realizing the grim reality. The group had to find an alternative route.

"As if they'll allow us to pass either." Akemi chimed as she surveyed the tragic scene of civilians being killed one after another by the police.

Kazuhiro announced his findings, a way to clear a path against the undead. "Sound, they're drawn to sound. If we create enough noise, it might clear a path for us." 

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xxxx

+1 INT: Simple Observation. (+4: Class bonus attribute)

xxxx

"Then what? What about the police? They won't be so kind as to shake our hands and let us get through, you know." Toru voiced his concerns about the flawed plan.

"He's right. The safest option we have is to find another route." Akemi agreed and supported Toru's observation.

A somber silence enveloped the group as they pondered alternative routes. Kazuhiro took the time to search through the virtual shop using the device. That did not go unnoticed.

"Is there something you can do, Kazuhiro-san?" Toru inquired as he eyed the handheld device.

"I suspect that something in here can help us get past." The entity responded.

'Browsing through, two items attracted my attention, and can be of use in this situation.' Kazuhiro thought as his focus was locked on the bright screen.

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xxxx

__Virtual shop__

Wallet: 16,030 SC

Items added to cart:

Sonic boom

Description:

A machine that will cause a loud noise, deafening those that are in close proximity. One time use only. Will last for a minute.

Cost: 2000 SC

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Barrier Block:

Description:

A small block piece, once crushed, will generate a bubble around the user, shielding anything inside from physical harm. Will only last for a whole minute. One time use only. 

Cost: 15,000 SC

xxxx

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'Unaffordable, but is it worth the cost?' Kazuhiro mused, contemplating the purchase.

'The item!' The entity recalled having received a peculiar item from the class application. He checked the inventory and confirmed its presence, a golden coupon.

Wishing to utilize it, he clicked on the item as it materialized and shined above the device. The display startled those around.

"Unbelievable..." Akemi blurted, her astonishment was mirrored by the group as well. Kazuhiro's narration to his origins was now being regarded with somewhat of a credibility within the group.

'This should half the price of one of the items.' The entity decided to apply it to the 'barrier block,' an item that held a higher price compared to the other.

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xxxx

A Golden Coupon was used on 'Barrier block' Item.

The exchange has been successful.

Current cost of 'Barrier block': 7500 SC

xxxx

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The item faded upon use. Following this, Kazuhiro proceeded with the purchase. Two items materialized above the machine. He stowed the block in his pockets and then reached for the noise device, noting its activation button.

"Dude! You gotta hire me—" Asahi immediately got smacked on the head by his sister, annoyed at his behavior.

"Can't you wait till we finish what we have going on?" His sister shot an irritated remark towards her twin.

"What are those for?" Toru questioned the sudden appearances of those two items.

"This device will make a loud noise, that will be enough to attract the dead here. As for the other item, It forms a barrier that would block physical attacks including physical projectiles. However, it will only last a minute and I'm thinking of charging right through to get to the other side. Carrying the two of them in a single arm while Toru holds onto my back." Kazuhiro states his plan.

Toru weighed the plan, eventually nodding. "This will surely draw attention and cause a commotion, but it's the quickest option that we have," Toru expressed his concerns while acknowledging the plan's solidity. The twins were also in agreement with the strategy.

With no objections, Kazuhiro activated the machine, initiating a countdown with 10 seconds on the clock.

"Let's move, we should get as far away as possible." Kazuhiro stated as he grabbed a hold onto the twins and with Toru on his back, they crossed over a few buildings away from the device.

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[Tokonosu, Minami's residence.]

 [3:30 AM]

The sound of the tv blarred as two teen watched the news going on within the bridge. "Tension is escalating within the bridge, and protesters show no signs of relenting—" The news reporter's voice was abruptly cut off by a loud sound.

A deafening shriek echoed, causing many to frantically cover their ears in an attempt to shield themselves from the piercing noise. The undead, scattered in the vicinity, were instantly alerted, converging toward the source like moths drawn to a flame.

A minute passed, and the sound gradually faded away. People on the bridge cautiously peeked out, only to discover that the undead had veered off and marched toward the source of the noise.

"What was that?" The news reporter and the sheltered individuals on the bridge were puzzled, unable to comprehend what had just occurred.

Two teens heard the sound and watched the news broadcast, as they too were alerted by the sound. One of them happened to be Takashi, Kazuhiro's most recent customer.

The two teens sat in stunned silence, absorbing the startling events that had just unfolded. The television blared the reporter's voice, filling the room with tension.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!" A cop's shout pierced through the screen, drawing the boys' attention. The camera panned swiftly, focusing on where the gun was pointed as it showcased the scenes on the screen.

There it displayed a tall creature, it slowly advanced forward. A gunshot rang out, yet a shimmering barrier materialized, deflecting the bullet before disappearing from sight.

The camera captured every movement of the entity as it surged forward, the intensity of the moment vividly portrayed on the screen.

A cacophony of gunshots echoed, as the officers fired upon the advancing creature. Undeterred, it surged forward, using a cop vehicle as a launching pad, propelling itself into the air.

"AAAAAAAGHHH!!!!"

Terrified civilians scrambled for cover as the creature breached the barricade. It dropped down and accelerated towards the end of the bridge.

The camera, in the hands of its holder seeking refuge, swiveled elsewhere, capturing glimpses of panic and desperation among the people.

"WE HAVE BREACH IN THE WEST AREA! I REPEAT THERE IS A BREACH IN THE WEST DISTRICT." An officer's urgent voice blared over the communication device, alerting nearby police units to the breach caused by the anomaly.

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The news broadcast switched off, so as not to increase panic to those sheltered within the lockdown area of the city.

The two boys remained fixated on the recent tumultuous events unfolding before them.

"What, what was that, Kumoru?" The boy with black hair and glasses turned to his friend, seeking answers from Takashi, who was seated next to him.

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+Takashi POV+

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'Was that... No... It wouldn't hurt anyone would it? Did I make a mistake bringing it here?' Takashi's anxiety grew as he mulled over the situation.

"Komuro!" A sudden grip on his shoulder jolted Takashi out of his thoughts.

"Hirano?" He questioned, wondering if he had been lost in thought for too long.

"I tried to call you, but you didn't reply. I saw you sweat bullets, and I happened to think that something might be wrong." Hirano expressed his concerns.

Takashi stood silent before finally sighing. "It's nothing, Hirano. I just happen to have seen it somewhere." Takashi opted for a truthful lie, not wanting to seem outlandish.

"I'm not buying it, something feels off. Is there something you aren't telling me?" Hirano, sounded unconvinced.

"Even if I did, you wouldn't believe me." Takashi reluctantly admitting he had lied.

"Try me.. No matter how crazy it sounds-"

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"I don't believe it." Hirano's blank expression revealed his disbelief, indicating to Takashi that his friend considered the story a mere fantasy.

"Yeah, I kind of expected that to happen." Takashi sounded unamused at that outcome. Having anticipated such disbelief after recounting everything from their visit to the convenience store to their departure from the gas station.

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 The sound of a dog barking relentlessly drew their attention.

"What in the world?" Takashi exclaimed, both he and Hirano got up to investigate the sudden commotion.

Hirano, with binoculars in hand, peered through them, his expression switched at what he witnessed. "Shit!"

"What's going on, Hirano?" Takashi inquired about the situation.

"See it for yourself." Hirano passed the binoculars to Takashi before rushing inside to reload a rifle.

As Takashi surveyed the scene, he saw a distraught little girl clinging to a deceased man's shoulder, a small pup barking fiercely at the approaching undead.

'Not good.' Takashi grimaced as Hirano joined him, armed with a loaded sniper rifle.

Bang! With each gunshot that rang out one of the dead dropped, Hirano was fixated on saving the poor girl.

"Get in there Kumoru! Hurry! I'll try to kill as much as I can." Hirano's empathy for the girl was evident as he urged Takashi to rescue her.

Takashi sprinted down to ready the motorcycle's engine, after alerting the group about the incident that they should relocate to another place since the street was filled with undead.

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+POV End+

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[Tokonosu, The west district.]

"BLEEEUUUURRRRRGGGGHHH!" Kazuhiro observed as both twins vomited their takeaways out on the rooftop. 

"Man... Kazu-san you should have- BLUUURRGGH!" Asahi continued to barf out more.

The group had taken cover to evade the attention of the police. Regrettably, those accompanying him weren't faring that well.

Kazuhiro glanced at the boy laid out on the chilly floor, his eyes spinning in disorientation. Dazed. 

"I— I'll be alright~ Ughh." Toru weakly voiced, unsure if he'd recover soon.

'Maybe I should have slowed down.' Kazuhiro pondered, reflecting on his actions.

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