Apocalypse Chat Group: Conquering the Heroines

Using a blade to kill the dead…

A trace of hesitation lingered in Saeko Busujima's eyes.

Tatsuki noticed her unease and spoke directly.

"You're worried about your own desires?"

"Huh? Tatsuki-kun, you…"

Saeko was startled by his words.

He had seen through her?

"Your eyes carry confusion and hesitation," he said calmly.

"…"

Saeko lowered her head in silence, hiding her expression from the others.

Exusiai, though unsure of what was happening, chose not to interrupt.

After a long pause, Saeko raised her head, her slightly crimson eyes meeting Tatsuki's clear golden gaze.

She began to speak, her voice steady but tinged with melancholy.

"When I was in middle school, I was once attacked on my way home by a deviant attempting to assault me."

"At the time, I was carrying a wooden sword. I deliberately allowed the deviant to get close before striking back, breaking his leg and shoulder bones. It was undeniably excessive force."

"Considering the situation—a middle school girl defending herself against a predator—the police didn't hold me accountable and instead drove me home."

"But I knew deep down that I had done it intentionally."

"After that incident, I painfully realized that I have a strong penchant for violence."

"As I struck that deviant, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and exhilaration."

"There's an unforgivable darkness hidden within me."

She lifted her hands, her gaze filled with sorrow.

"Can someone like me even be considered normal?"

After listening, Tatsuki responded with calm reassurance.

"Saeko, there's no need to torment yourself over this."

"Your personality, all of it, is a part of who you are. Don't let it control you—learn to master it instead."

As he spoke, he placed a katana in her hands, his expression solemn.

"There's nothing wrong with enjoying the act of fighting, as long as you know your enemy."

"Use your blade to protect yourself and those you care about. Swing it against your foes. Even if it's violent, so what?"

"Especially here, in this apocalyptic world."

Exusiai scratched her head, her usual carefree demeanor giving way to seriousness.

"I don't really know much about philosophy or big truths, but I also love firing my guns. The only thing I know for sure is that my guns will never be aimed at my friends."

Her typically playful gaze sharpened, becoming resolute and unwavering.

"Wield your blade against your enemies..."

This phrase echoed in Saeko Busujima's mind.

After a moment of silence, Saeko gripped the hilt of her sword and lifted her head.

The crimson hue in her pupils shone brighter, but the confusion and hesitation were gone.

"I understand now. My nature is a part of who I am, and I must accept it."

"Thank you, both of you."

With her doubt dispelled, Saeko's strikes became even more decisive and deadly. Each movement of her blade aimed for a swift, fatal blow.

Exusiai required no oversight—her mobility was extraordinary, leaping onto rooftops and maneuvering out of tight spots effortlessly. Even when surrounded by the undead, she showed no signs of fear.

Saeko too needed little assistance. Most of the undead she eliminated were those Tatsuki had strategically left behind, ensuring her safety as she fought.

Tatsuki's battle, on the other hand, was pure destruction.

With a single stomp, the ground erupted beneath his feet.

Large swaths of undead were impaled on jagged earth spikes or buried beneath the churned-up land.

Shards of stone launched like arrows, piercing through countless undead.

He didn't even bother to defend himself—his body was encased in an automatic reflection barrier, deflecting anything that dared to approach.

Add to that the devastating power of his Palm Thunder attacks, and his unleashed, unrestrained assault turned the area into a wasteland.

By the time the sun began to set, the surrounding areas—save for the roads—were almost entirely destroyed.

"Tatsuki's fighting style truly has devastating power," Exusiai and Saeko both remarked, sharing the same thought.

As night fell, the three returned to Rika Minami's house.

The moment they walked in, Takagi Saya couldn't help but ask,

"What on earth were you three doing this afternoon? Outside looks like an earthquake hit!"

Saeko, wiping sweat from her brow with a towel, chuckled lightly.

"You might want to ask Tatsuki-kun about that."

Tatsuki shrugged nonchalantly.

"Just clearing out the undead around the area, that's all."

"Huh? Is dinner ready?"

The table was already filled with a variety of dishes, and the aroma wafted through the air.

The utilities were still functional for now—water and electricity hadn't been cut off yet.

"Almost done, just one more dish," Miyamoto Rei called out, half her figure visible from the kitchen.

Shizuka Marikawa was also busy inside.

"There's a lot of leftover food in the house," Shizuka explained.

"Since we'll be leaving in a couple of days, we might as well use it all up instead of letting it go to waste."

Miyamoto Rei, wearing an apron, added with a small smile,

"We're incredibly grateful for all the help from Tatsuki-kun, Exusiai, and Saeko. Since we can't do much else, at least let us prepare a feast to thank you."

"Sounds good," Tatsuki nodded.

"Leaving in two days? Saya, did you manage to contact your parents?" Saeko Busujima immediately picked up on the key detail.

Takagi Saya beamed with joy.

"Yes, I did. My father has set up a safe haven. It's still stabilizing, but after a few days, we should be able to head there and be completely secure."

Secure...

Tatsuki wasn't so sure about the fate of that safe haven. Judging by the world's current state, it likely wouldn't last long.

"Alright, the last dish is ready! Everyone, wash your hands and let's eat."

Miyamoto Rei brought out the final dish. She seemed to be in a much better mood compared to earlier.

Dinner was lively, a momentary respite from the chaos.

After the meal, everyone took turns using the bathroom to freshen up.

When it came to sleeping arrangements, there were only two bedrooms available.

Due to her unfamiliarity with the group and the peculiar glow of her halo, Exusiai was given one room by herself.

The other four squeezed into a single room, leaving Tatsuki to sleep on the couch in the living room.

With most of the undead in the area already taken care of by their earlier efforts, there weren't any immediate threats, allowing everyone to rest peacefully for the night.

...

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