A few weeks later,

In total, six months had passed since the apocalypse began and major changes had begun since then.

First were the mobile strongholds. Some of the smaller strongholds started a new trend of living the nomadic life, and this change was brought about by the existence of the Gigantic Omega Zombie.

Then there were the sacrificial Hybrid scouts known as ’Pawns’. The major strongholds like the rebuilt Icy Wing Stronghold as well as the Scarlet Blood Stronghold started sending Hybrids to the Gigantic Omega Zombie, trailing right in front of it to direct its course.

Of course, there were still moments when the Gigantic Omega Zombie would steer clear from its target, but it was easily taunted and redirected by the ’Pawns’.

A network of scouts was also set in stone, exchanging information between strongholds to further combat the ever-growing threat of the apocalypse. With Aberrants and Omega Zombies evolving by the day, any relevant information they could glean from each other would help out in the subjugation of the zombies.

Preparations to eliminate the Gigantic Omega Zombie were also slowly being set in stone. Everyone unanimously decided to fight it within three months.

And with that deadline, trade had also improved between the strongholds. With the use of horses and Hybrids as adventurers/guards providing security to the carriages, the economy started to exponentially skyrocket, rising from the ashes likened to a newborn phoenix.

It was in the middle of winter when Kazuichi received a note from one of his Hybrid scouts, and it came from a new and rising stronghold called the Hybrid Mountain Stronghold.

The name was suspicious enough as it is, but Kazuichi disregarded that and proceeded to read the letter.

After a shower and an early morning coffee, Kazuichi glanced outside to see the soft flutters of snowflakes grazing his window. It was a light snow, the first ’white’ ever since winter descended upon Japan.

"To think that it’s already been half a year." Kazuichi let out a sigh as a cloud of white air escaped his mouth.

Looking back, Kazuichi couldn’t believe the eventful months that he survived. "If the apocalypse didn’t happen, I’d probably still be holed up in my room until who knows when."

That was right, it all changed when a certain someone barged into his house— no, it might very well be said that she barged into his life. Ever since he became acquainted with Arisu, it was one thing after another.

Slowly but surely, he was able to peek out of his shell. There were still times when he just wanted to hole himself up in his room but there were certainly a major improvement with how he interacts with other people.

Even the residents of the stronghold didn’t realize that Kazuichi was once a certified shut-in.

"What’s this?!" Kazuichi almost screamed when he read what was in the letter. It was the last thing he’d expected to happen in the real world, let alone get invited into joining one.

Then again, the world had drastically changed to the point where these types of events would be normal. There’s a clear distinction between humans and Hybrids, and society has more or less assimilated itself into coexisting with the fictional situation.

"What happened? Are you all right?" Arisu came out of the shower with a towel wrapped around her entire body. It was obvious that she was still in the middle of drying her hair and had hurriedly put on the towel to get to Kazuichi thanks to his scream.

"Ha-whaa~?!" Kazuichi choked on his saliva when he saw Arisu. In a split second, he swiveled his head in the opposite direction just when his eyes turned bloodshot and his face turned red.

"I heard your scream. What happened?" Arisu worriedly asked, relieved that there seemed to be nothing wrong with Kazuichi, physically speaking.

"Just... put on some clothes, Arisu." Kazuichi exhaled.

Realizing that she was showing more of her curvaceous side, Arisu let out a soft ’kya~" before flash-stepping towards the bathroom. A couple of seconds later, she finally regained her composure and sheepishly came out, looking at Kazuichi with a hint of redness on her face.

"What happened?" She asked for the third time.

Without saying another word, Kazuichi let out a sigh and handed her the letter she received from the Hybrid Mountain Stronghold.

She didn’t even finish the letter. Furrowing her brows, she stared into Kazuichi’s soul and spoke— her words carrying the weight of a threatening predator that was about to devour its prey.

"Are you going?" She asked.

"I’ll think about it." Kazuichi gulped before he resolutely replied.

Of course, Arisu already knew that Kazuichi had decided to go. After all, her heightened sense of smell had already detected his emotion as soon as she asked the question.

"If ever you decide to go, then I’m coming with you. Who knows what awaits you in the Hybrid Mountain Stronghold? We’ve only ever heard rumors about it." Arisu said.

This time, she was ahead of Tris and it gave her a sense of satisfaction since there was no way Kazuichi would deny her appeal.

"Thanks," Kazuichi muttered. Hearing her say that assured him a little.

Softly, Arisu smiled. Somehow, Kazuichi’s thanks reminded her of the first time they met six months ago. ’To think that it had already been that long since we met.’ She said to herself.

"I’m heading out to the notice board. Are you coming?" She called out as she headed to the door.

"Sure," Kazuichi responded.

The notice board was one of the few additions to the many structures built in place to improve the Kazuichi Stronghold. This was basically a gathering hub for Hybrids since this was where scouts would put up ’notices’ from their reconnaissance missions.

"It’s quite lively out here despite the cold." Arisu commented, seeing the Hybrids who were gathered around the notice board, looking for Aberrant Sightings or Omega Zombies they could conquer for a small piece of meteorite.

"Stronghold leader," One of the Hybrids greeted. "We want you to take a look at this."