Chapter 114: The Worst Day

It was the worst day of my life. Until now, I had always believed that the day I was first attacked by zombies was the absolute lowest, and there could be nothing worse below that.

But it seems there’s always room for things to get worse in this world. Exhausted, I would fall into sleep only to wake up again immediately. …It was a relentless cycle.

Somewhere in the distance, I felt like something had been decided about my fate, and fear gripped me.

Even though I knew it was just my imagination. Where would they cut it off? That kind of voice seemed to echo. Anesthesia… wouldn’t be administered, of course.

In that case, the key is how quickly they can make me lose consciousness. I don’t want to suffer in pain. If anything, I want it to be over quickly…

As I found myself dominated by such pessimistic thoughts, in the next moment, I clung to the hope of a miracle.

(If only Kouichi would come to my rescue…)

However, that hope was nothing more than a flicker of light just before it fades away.

Back in middle school. That day when I was beaten by a classmate named Murakami for no reason. Kouichi couldn’t do anything, he just stood there frozen. He’s quite the shy guy.

Even as I approach my end, he might keep averting his gaze, just like he did back then.

In any case, if he had any intention of coming to the rescue, he would have arrived by now.

(Is there… no help?)

Or maybe, there could be a reason why they’re unable to come. Possibly due to tight security here.

It’s not entirely implausible. Especially considering he’s acknowledged as my friend. In such a scenario, restrictions on his actions would be in place to avoid unnecessary complications.

(So, after all… the possibility of him coming is slim, huh?)

Once again, dark despair began to dominate my heart.

With a clatter, the door to the electrical control room opened.

I didn’t have high expectations, however— the ones who showed up were certainly the previous pair with the homeless-looking old man.

“What should we do? Should we silence him for now?”

“Let it be… See, it’s ‘A Fish on the Cutting Board.'”

One of the men chuckled.

Oddly, anger didn’t surge within me. Humans, no matter how deep the despair, are somehow wired to eventually accept it.

Come to think of it, that old man who had a limited time left to live was similar. Just a few days before his life would come to an end. He calmly expressed these words.

—With this, I won’t have to witness unpleasant things and won’t have to endure painful experiences.

And such.

Is there really a heaven? I don’t know. It’s impossible to prove.

Still, imagining that it comes after death seemed to be the only comfort.

Feebly, I was being pulled away by the men.

“I don’t want to die… Please, don’t kill me…”

Hoping for a glimmer of mercy, I whispered.

The men, their eyes devoid of any emotion, offered no response.

It mirrored Kouchi’s gaze on that day when he stood by,

watching the bully’s attack against me.

▼

“This guy has pissed himself… What should we do?”

“We’ll need to strip him naked and clean him up, I suppose.”

“But water is too precious.”

“There should be alcohol disinfectant. Let’s make do with that.”

The place seemed like a small diner. In the distance, a sound of something boiling echoed, probably from the kitchen.

From the large table where I was laid out, the distinct smell of blood lingered. So, I’ll be “disassembled” here. Afterward, I’ll be “cooked.”

“Alright, I’ll go grab the disinfectant. I’ll leave it to you here.”

“Sure.”

I observed the old man, who had been taken away before me. After that, the old man—following the loss of his right leg, it appears his right arm was taken as well. Whether he’s alive or not is uncertain. There was no sign of any movement.

“We’ll start with this old man and then move on to you.”

The man, with an oddly gentle tone, reassured me, “Don’t worry. I’ve mastered several painless methods.”

The following words had been determined long ago.

“Please, make it quick and painless.”

That was it. I couldn’t think of anything else. I won’t give up until the end! …No heroic resolve like in those typical boys’ manga.

It’s easier on the mind this way. Rather than dying in despair, I’d like to pass away peacefully.

…Perhaps it’s a defense mechanism of the mind. If the chains that remain until blood seeps out were to be released right now, then it would be a different story.

“Sorry, but that’s not possible.”

The man’s response was concise.

“Just speeding up the process a bit…?”

“Not per orders.”

With just that, he appeared resolute, ready to do whatever it takes. It seems this man doesn’t compromise when it comes to his work. Damn it. …And then,

“Wh-wh-what’s up? Thanks for your hard work!”

I could hear a familiar voice.

“Who the hell are you? What are you doing here?”

“I have permission from Mr. Kita, just so you know. If you’ve got issues, talk to him.”

“Hey, hey, don’t mess around.”

“He’s my buddy. Is it too much to ask for a farewell?”

“What’s up with that? …You didn’t bring any weapons, did you?”

“Of course not. I wouldn’t even consider making such a bold move.”

“I’ll still need to perform a body check.”

“Feel free.”

For about ten seconds.

“Tch… three minutes. If you stay longer than that, I’ll kick you out.”

“Thanks.”

Without even looking to confirm, I knew it was Kouichi. I sighed deeply.

“Hey, Inugami.”

“…How did it come to this?”

“Probably just as you imagine. There’s hardly any food left here.”

“Even so!”

With a dry throat, I shouted. There should still be plenty of supplies on the surface!

“As I said, the area around the station is overrun by zombies…”

“If we cooperate and stand against them, we can handle a few zombies! They don’t have to resort to something like this…”

“I understand what you want to say… But sometimes, not everyone can lead by telling some of their comrades to ‘die.’ In this world, there are leaders who can’t do that.”

“Screw that.”

“I agree. Sacrificing someone passing by just because you can’t sacrifice your comrades is…”

Then,

“Hey! Takatani, you shouldn’t badmouth Mr. Kita.”

“I don’t care!”

Kouichi shouted, grinding his teeth.

“Everyone here, every single one of them, has gone mad!”

For him to say those words, how much courage did my friend need to muster?

“You…!”

The man, displaying his anger, slammed the wall.

“What would happen if Mr. Kita heard those words…!”

“I don’t care if he hears! Wrong is wrong!”

Kouichi was now shouting, tears streaming down his face.

“Kouichi… it’s enough. You already did more than enough.”

I said, sighing.

“Put… it… on…”

“Uh, okay.”

Then, Kouichi gently set the helmet on my fallen head. The helmet that held the power of the “hero.”

“Inugami… I’m sorry we didn’t come to rescue you sooner. It’s truly regrettable.”

No. It’s fine. You must have done your best. Just knowing that. In an instant, my entire body was enveloped in light. Silver armor. Crimson cape.

“Ta-da! Burst forth!”

Koto’s voice, which I thought I would never hear again, echoed. With a bit of strength in both arms, the ropes snapped.

“W-What… is this?! Hey, Takatani! What did you do?!”

The man gazed at me and Kouichi, his face contorted in astonishment. As I raised half of my body, the world felt different from just a moment ago. Vitality and hope surged through my entire being.

‘Is it okay to die?’ Why on earth was I entertaining such a foolish notion? This isn’t a joke. I’m determined to live. Live until a hundred, surrounded by grandchildren and loved ones, and meet my end contentedly. If anyone dares to disrupt that— I won’t show mercy.