Chapter 25: 25 Plan
Altair's ex-waifus, Shizuka Marikawa and Saeko Busujima, had arrived, and his action squad was now complete.
Taking Saeko Busujima back to the infirmary, Altair asked her to rest for a bit while he explained the current situation.
"A biohazard? Someone released a virus, causing many people to get infected by it?"
"Yes, I suspect this virus outbreak is happening all over the world. In more isolated areas, it might not be as bad, but in places with high human population density, the virus will spread with terrifying strength."
"What could the people behind this possibly want?"
"Who knows, maybe some biological research company, suddenly consumed by arrogance, thinking the world needs cleansing, and they could play god or something."
"How could something like this even happen?"
Seeing the disbelief on Saeko's face, Altair shrugged helplessly.
This kind of scenario had happened before... just like in the movie Resident Evil. It started with accidentally breaking a virus vial and ended with the entire thing being an Umbrella Corporation conspiracy. It was ridiculous, but here it was.
"So, outside the academy, it's already full of zombies?"
"Exactly. Fujimi Academy is just a microcosm of the broader picture... even just Japan. Tokyo and Osaka might be worse than here, given their population density, which you should be well aware of."
"I know."
Tokyo's population density was indeed terrifying. In that place, even a single grenade could take out a dozen people, and its average population density was just too high.
"So, what's our next move? You asked me to come to the infirmary, and you know so much about what's going on... do you already have a plan?"
"Yes, I have a plan. That's why I called you here. Now that you're here, we can start acting."
"What's the plan?"
"We're still in the early stages of the biohazard outbreak. Many facilities are still functional. We'll head to the parking lot and drive out of the school."
Altair took out the car key he had gotten from Shizuka Marikawa earlier.
"This is Shizuka's car key. We'll drive out of the school and find a temporary shelter. The goal is to get out of the city and find a remote area with sustainable resources, preferably on an island."
"Why an island?"
"Because zombies dissolve in water."
"Huh?"
Saeko didn't get the reference and looked puzzled.
"What do you mean?"
"In my opinion, zombies are biological carriers controlled by a virus. The virus has no intelligence, only the most basic survival instinct, which is to infect other hosts. A mindless biological carrier won't be able to swim, and the virus will avoid entering the seawater. So, as long as we're on an island, we generally don't have to worry about zombies swimming across the sea to find us."
"Even if a zombie dared to enter the water, their already decayed bodies would quickly rot due to the seawater."
"I see."
Saeko understood what Altair meant, but his next words left her speechless again.
"However, an island isn't absolutely safe. It's only relatively safe. While land-based creatures would be cut off, we couldn't rule out threats from the sea. If any marine life got infected and came ashore, or if a seagull got infected, they could still pose a danger."
"So, there's no completely safe place in this world anymore?"
"Correct. Until I find a cure for the virus, nowhere is truly safe."
This virus was clearly man-made. Based on the current situation, it seemed that in all the zombie apocalypse stories, the zombie virus was always man-made. At least, the original virus was. Therefore, as long as they find the source of the virus, they might be able to find a way to counter it.
"Alright, I've explained enough. We've rested long enough. Let's go."
Altair stood up, and Saeko followed his lead. Seeing both of them rise, Shizuka Marikawa also stood up.
"Are we leaving, Altair-chan?"
"Yes, we're heading out. Saeko and I will go ahead. Shizuka, just follow behind us."
"O-okay!"
Shizuka Marikawa obediently followed. Especially when Altair spoke firmly, she was very compliant, something Altair had learned during their time together.
"Let's move out."
The team left the infirmary under Altair's lead and began to act. Altair walked in front, Saeko followed closely behind, and Shizuka Marikawa stayed on Saeko's flank, with Saeko keeping an eye on her while also staying alert for potential ambushes from the rear.
The building was already filled with zombies. However, for Altair, these zombies posed no threat. His blue lightsaber effortlessly beheaded the zombies with just a light swing of his arm, without even needing much effort.
Altair didn't waste time clearing all the zombies... just enough to make a path was sufficient.
After clearing the path, the three of them reached the lobby on the first floor, which was filled with zombies quietly standing around. In the original storyline, these zombies would be triggered by a student accidentally bumping into a railing, but now, there were no students behind Altair, and he had not encountered those characters yet, so who knew what they were up to.
"Let's go. As long as we don't make any noise, they won't move."
Altair walked into the midst of the zombies and gestured for Saeko and Shizuka to follow.
Saeko, impressed by Altair's decisiveness, nodded and prepared to follow, but Shizuka Marikawa was unwilling. She was scared and shook her head at Altair.
Altair waved his hand in front of a nearby zombie to show her it was fine, but Shizuka still shook her head, too frightened to move.
Well, she was too timid.
No choice. If that was the case, they would have to clear the zombies here.
Altair sighed and pulled out his lightsaber.
Whoosh...
The blue blade ignited, and with a single sweeping motion, Altair decapitated several zombies around him, instantly clearing a path.
"It's safe now."
"Wow, Altair-chan, you're amazing!"
Shizuka Marikawa nodded eagerly and quickly descended the stairs to join him.
"My car is in the parking lot just to the right outside."
***
Keeping a precious item like the Power Stone is hard, so for your own sake, drop the Power Stone here, otherwise I can't guarantee your safety!