CRASH!

The duo burst out of the alleyway, the open road to the on-the-move stronghold stretching out before them. The stronghold itself was visible in the distance, its imposing walls a welcome sight. But there was no time to rest. The zombies were still on their heels, and they needed to keep moving.

Kazuichi adjusted the woman on his shoulders, her unconscious form a heavy burden but one he bore without complaint. Arisu ran beside him, her blade dripping with the blood of the undead. They moved at a steady pace, conserving their energy for the final stretch.

’Well there’s still at least ten or so kilometers to cover, but we should be optimistic.’ Kazuichi said to himself as he slammed his fists on one of the zombies who tried to tackle him out of nowhere.

Arisu wasn’t the least bit exhausted, and the brief respite from the horde gave them the leeway to take it slower than usual. Nevertheless, Kazuichi’s fatigue had become too noticeable and his bated breaths got heavier with every step.

The Tokyo Stronghold had become more noticeable now, and before they knew it, they reached the halfway point of the ten-kilometer mark, giving them the urge to push through.

"Give me the sack. I’ll take care of it." Arisu volunteered despite knowing that she was incapable of carrying the meteorite ores all the way to the stronghold.

"Don’t worry, I can do this." Kazuichi forced a smile on his face as a grunt once again escaped his mouth. With one swift motion, he once again slung the sack on his occupied hand, balancing it with the unconscious Hybrid woman.

Suddenly, a horde of zombies emerged from behind a derelict bus, their eyes glowing with malevolent hunger. They surged forward, their decayed bodies moving with terrifying speed. Kazuichi barely had time to adjust the unconscious woman on his shoulders before the first zombie was upon him.

Before Kazuichi could move another step, Arisu sprung into action, ducking and weaving through the decaying flesh and gnashing teeth of the horde. With each slice, one undead would fall limp, and with each fall, an opened path was revealed to Kazuichi, urging him to promptly follow it.

Kazuichi, unable to use both arms, relied on his sheer physical power. He swung his free fist with bone-crushing force, sending zombies flying with each punch. At this point, the Synthesis Blood Art surged through his veins, enhancing his strength and speed to superhuman levels. He kicked out at a zombie lunging for his leg, its skull shattering under the impact.

The goal was right there, he just had to hang in there and maintain his Blood Art until they reach the vision range of the watchmen that stood on top of Tokyo Stronghold.

As the fight raged on, the horde seemed endless. Arisu spun in a tight arc, her blade cleaving through zombie after zombie. Blood and gore spattered on her clothes, but she remained unrelenting. Disgust was written all over her face, and yet she set aside the thought of the warm bath as they whittle away at the horde.

Kazuichi, meanwhile, used his massive strength to smash through the horde, both of them clearing a path forward.

"Go! I’ll cover you!" Arisu shouted, her voice barely audible over the growls and moans of the zombies.

Kazuichi nodded and surged ahead, barreling through the zombies with the woman still on his shoulders. His muscles burned with the effort, but he couldn’t afford to slow down. Each step was a battle, each breath a struggle.

Arisu fought with a ferocity born of desperation. She was a whirlwind of steel and death, her blade cutting down any zombie that dared approach. But even she was beginning to tire, the relentless assault was taking its toll on her.

Kazuichi reached the end of the vehicle maze and turned to see Arisu surrounded. He roared in defiance, his voice echoing through the night. He charged back into the fray, his fists smashing into the zombies with renewed fury. He grabbed Arisu by the arm, pulling her free from the horde’s clutches.

"Run!" he shouted, his voice hoarse. "We can’t fight them all!"

"Sorry... thanks," Arisu mumbled. At this point, she started using her Blood Art, her appendages enveloped in pure muscle fibers as she sped up along with Kazuichi who was running on adrenaline and his Synthesis Blood Art.

They sprinted down the road, the zombies hot on their heels. The sound of their pursuit was a constant reminder of the danger that lurked just behind. They raced through the ruins, leaping over debris and dodging obstacles in their path.

As they approached a narrow alleyway, Kazuichi skidded to a halt. "This way!" he barked, leading Arisu into the cramped space. The walls closed in around them, the alley a claustrophobic gauntlet. The zombies poured in after them, their moans echoing off the brick walls.

Arisu took point, her blade a flashing barrier between them and the horde. She moved with desperate speed, her strikes a blur of lethal precision. Kazuichi followed close behind, his free hand smashing any zombie that got too close.

It was all or nothing. The Tokyo Stronghold was a mere hundred meters away.

"OPEN UP!!! We’re here upon request!" Kazuichi roared, attracting the watchmen who were already scrambling about, rushing towards the wide gates of the fortress and informing the guards of the duo’s arrival.

Just like any other stronghold, the Tokyo Stronghold had also implemented the usage of Hybrids as gate guards. After all, they are the most effective line of defense when it comes to a break-in.

Creak~

Fwooom!

Kazuichi could’ve sworn he heard the gates to the Tokyo Stronghold creak, and it gave him an overwhelming relief. With one last push, Kazuichi pressed his body forward, toppling the three zombies that blocked his path.

On one hand, he held the unconscious woman and the sack of meteorite ores, and it pulled on his arm at every step. On the other, he firmly gripped Arisu’s hand, determined not to let go of it until they reached the safety of the walls.

Behind him, Arisu reddened a little, and she cracked a soft smile as they walked into the Tokyo Stronghold.

With a seemingly warm welcome, the duo have arrived, their perilous adventure coming to a close as the day fittingly ended with a warm sunset that gave off a red-orange glow by the horizon.