Everyone heaved a sigh of relief when they noticed that Kazuichi was back to his old self. Had Kazuichi lost his mind during the breaking-through process, he’d have easily pushed them back without lifting a finger.

And then, it was only a matter of time before the Tokyo Stronghold was destroyed. Fortunately, luck was on both sides, and they didn’t have to deal with the aftermath of Kazuichi transitioning into a mindless Hybrid.

As if by a miracle, the woman who bit Kazuichi once again fell unconscious, her last spurt of energy was spent clasping her mouth on Kazuichi’s shoulder. For now, they don’t have to worry about the woman going out of control again. It would probably take a couple more hours before she regains her consciousness.

"I guess that does it." Kazuichi let out as he collapsed on the ground. For a moment back there, he detected a hint of bloodthirst from the woman. It’d have been bad if she had bitten him a second time.

The surge of the virus was dangerous enough as it was, if it happened twice, Kazuichi knew for sure that he wouldn’t survive.

Once again, Kazuichi put the lady on her shoulders before standing up. As if on cue, a certain resident of the Tokyo Stronghold could be seen running towards them.

"Sir, we just received a notice. Harajuku-san is occupied at the moment. He will address you shortly. We’re sorry for the inconvenience." He let out, barely forming his words since he had sprinted all the way. "For now, please follow me to your temporary lodging."

Nighttime had already fallen but the stronghold was still alive with activity. Guards patrolled the walls, their eyes sharp and weapons at the ready. Families huddled together in small groups, sharing food and stories under makeshift tents. Vendors shouted out prices for goods, bartering for supplies in a lively market set up along the main thoroughfare. Children ran and played, their laughter a stark contrast to the ever-present tension that hung in the air.

As Kazuichi and Arisu followed the unnamed resident’s lead, they passed by a structure that seemed to be a makeshift ring. Here, Hybrids and humans alike spar with each other, honing each other’s skills in every scrimmage.

"I should take some notes," Kazuichi mumbled to himself.

Finally, they reached their lodging, a modest building tucked away in a quieter corner of the stronghold. It was a small, sturdy structure with a single room, a table, and a bed. The walls were lined with shelves stocked with supplies and weapons, a testament to the ever-present threat outside.

And one shouldn’t forget the bathroom. With one sniff, Arisu instantly knew that there was a shower in there.

As they stepped inside, the door closing behind them with a reassuring click, they felt a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos.

After thanking the guy, Kazuichi and Arisu opened the door to their humble abode. They didn’t even care how grimy they were, they just collapsed on the floor and lay down there for a couple of minutes.

Kazuichi was mindful enough to gently lay the woman down on the floor as well, giving her his coat so she wouldn’t catch a cold while she slumbered.

"How about me?" Arisu pointed at herself after seeing Kazuichi’s kind treatment of the unconscious woman.

Although they were both tired, Kazuichi felt like he was being held at gunpoint, and he exhaustingly raised both of his arms as if a gun were pointed toward him. "What do you..."

Before he could continue what he was going to say, Arisu took her chance and hugged him. Apparently, she misunderstood Kazuichi’s gesture and thought that he was offering her a hug.

At the very least, she took her chances and it was worth it. "W-what are you doing?" Kazuichi held his breath, curious as to why Arisu suddenly hugged him. In retrospect, he didn’t want to pry into the matter further, and the question he uttered was more of an exclamation than an interrogation.

"Well, we need to figure out what to do with her," Kazuichi said, his voice serious (as he tried hard to change the topic). "She’s a Bulwark Hybrid, which makes her valuable. But she’s also dangerous."

Arisu nodded, her eyes narrowing in thought. "We need to know more about her," she said. "Why was she out there alone? What happened to her? And most importantly, can we trust her?"

Kazuichi sighed, running his hand through his hair as if he were met with a pressing predicament. "For starters... we have to do something about our smell. It’s like we ran through the sewers and back... and that woman’s in a worse situation."

"I’ll keep watch, you take a shower first. You’re tired right, you can rest right after." Arisu was barely holding it together. It was clear that her sleepiness was about to overcome her at any point.

When Kazuichi got out of the shower, all fresh with a new of clothes, Arisu stood up and stretched her arms. It was finally her turn. She couldn’t believe how much she looked forward to a simple shower.

"You can rest, Kazuichi. I can smell her waking up from a mile away so you’re safe." Arisu offered.

"No, I can watch her. Enjoy your sho— "

"You need to rest, Kazuichi. You’ve been carrying her all the way here and fighting off zombies nonstop, not to mention you’ve been carrying that heavy sack of meteorites all the way as well. You’re exhausted."

Kazuichi wanted to answer back, but he knew that doing so would just be a waste of time. Instead, he just smiled gratefully and responded. "Thanks, Arisu. I could use some rest. But wake me if anything happens, okay?"

Arisu nodded, her eyes softening. "I will. Get some sleep."

Kazuichi proceeded to lie down on the single bed, stacking the two pillows before sinking his face on it. He heaved a sigh of relief, exhaustion quickly overtaking him, and he drifted into a deep sleep.