32 Airport

Altair clearly refused, which caught Saya Takagi by surprise. In her opinion, from both a practical and moral standpoint, he should have escorted her home. She didn't know him, and there was no animosity between them, so why was he refusing?

"Altair-chan, can't you take them along? Why not just take them home?"

Saeko Busujima didn't say anything. She chose to follow Altair's instructions, but Shizuka Marikawa, being a bit more naive, didn't understand. She looked at Altair in confusion and couldn't help but ask.

"Nope."

Altair gave his answer.

"If you want to go with Saya, I have no problem. You can leave with her, but I absolutely will not take her or go with her."

"No, no, I'll go with you, Altair-chan."

If Shizuka had chosen to leave with Saya, Altair would have immediately given up on her, but Shizuka decisively chose Altair, which made him very satisfied.

"Why? You just need to take me home, don't you need supplies too? Why don't you want to take me home?"

Saya was utterly perplexed and couldn't help but ask again.

"Because this is a matter of principle."

Altair was too lazy to explain. It wouldn't make any difference. People like her, whose minds were set, wouldn't change their beliefs, not even in the face of death. Her father would be unaffected anyway.

"Alright, do you still have anything else to say? If not, we're leaving."

"Are you just going to leave us to die?"

Takashi Komuro suddenly shouted at Altair.

"We're right in front of you, and you could help us, but you refuse to give us any aid!"

"Yes, exactly as you said."

Altair nodded seriously.

"However, it's not that I don't want to help. I'm willing to help you... and you."

As he spoke, he pointed at Rei Miyamoto and Kohta Hirano. Saya Takagi, on the other hand, would not be helped. Her father was a politician, and she was essentially on the same side. Kohta Hirano was just a weapons otaku. As for Rei, she was normal. In fact, her father, a police officer, had been targeted by the son of a politician in her school.

"You'll help me?"

Rei pointed at herself, utterly shocked. After watching Altair refuse Saya, she thought there was no hope, but unexpectedly, Altair was willing to help her.

Kohta Hirano was equally overjoyed. Though he was Saya's loyal follower, in this post-apocalyptic world, survival was the priority, and he was more inclined to grasp at any chance of survival.

Saya and Takashi, however, were devastated. Why? Why would Altair help them but not the two of them? Takashi Komuro, in particular, couldn't accept it. Even Kohta Hirano, the otaku, was accepted, so why couldn't he be?

"Alright, I've said all I need to say. If you two need help, get in the car. If not, step aside. I won't repeat myself."

Altair finished speaking, signaling to Saeko Busujima to get into the car. Saeko nodded and turned to get in. Altair stood waiting for a response.

But instead of a response, Takashi Komuro suddenly snapped.

Feeling targeted, Takashi lunged at Altair. If Altair wasn't willing to help him, he'd take what he wanted by force!

"Watch out!"

Rei yelled out, warning Altair as Takashi charged, but Altair didn't need her warning... he had been waiting for this moment.

Just as Takashi took two steps forward, Altair moved. In a flash, he appeared before Takashi, lifting his leg and kicking him squarely in the chest. Takashi flew backward and his speed doubled, crashing into the wall behind the group.

"Takashi!"

Saya rushed to Takashi's side, helping him up to prevent him from collapsing.

"Cough... cough..."

Takashi coughed, nearly choking as the taste of blood filled his mouth, almost making him vomit.

Whew...

After delivering that kick, Altair let out a long breath, feeling one thing; satisfaction. That kick felt incredibly satisfying!

He had hated that guy when watching the anime, and now that he'd kicked him, it felt amazing.

"If you're coming, get in. If not, forget it."

Leaving that remark, Altair turned and got into the driver's seat, starting the engine. This forced Rei and Kohta to make a choice.

Kohta glanced at Saya, who was anxiously tending to Takashi, sighed, and got into the Humvee. Rei, after seeing Kohta board the vehicle, hesitated for a moment, then bit her lip and followed.

With both of them in the car, Altair stepped on the gas, and the Humvee sped off, leaving Takashi and Saya behind.

This encounter with the main character's group ended with Altair taking away two members. Is this a kind of betrayal? Especially considering Altair's blonde hair... it seems to fit, doesn't it?

As for what would happen to Takashi and Saya, that was no longer Altair's concern.

Rei had decent combat skills, though she was a bit impulsive. Kohta, despite being a fat guy, was an exceptional weapon enthusiast. As long as he had a gun, he could carry the team like an elite archer.

These two characters were definitely useful.

As for Rei, helping her find her father meant connecting with the official authorities. Saya's father, being a politician, was no real official figure, more of a local warlord. The best way to reach the authorities would be to head to the airport, where Shizuka's friend, Rika Minami, was stationed.

So, the next step was to go to the airport.

"Shizuka, how do we get to the airport?"

When in doubt, ask for directions. Despite being ditzy, Shizuka knew the way. With her guidance, Altair drove the Humvee out of the city and onto the airport highway. Unfortunately, the road to the airport was blocked. From a distance, Altair saw barricades filled with corpses of zombies, clearly set up by people.

So, there were survivors at the airport!

___

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