Haneda Airport, Tokyo — High Militarization Zone
A Valkyrie Sky Talon Transport hovered slowly before touching down smoothly on the runway buzzing with military activity. The heavy roar of engines and the metallic screech against concrete created an atmosphere more like a futuristic warzone than an international airport.
From the command center, Kenthelion watched on the large screen. His gaze immediately focused on two figures who had just disembarked—Yuriko Takagi and her daughter, Takagi Saya—accompanied by an elite squad and fully armed Space Marines.
Saya's eyes scanned the entire area with a mix of awe and confusion. Along the path they walked, she took in sights she could hardly believe: futuristic military equipment everywhere. Strange-looking aircraft hovered above the hangars, twin-barreled tanks rumbled out of Haneda Airport, accompanied by armored vehicles bearing unfamiliar insignias. Tall soldiers clad in advanced armor unlike anything she'd ever seen in her world.
Not far away, a massive military camp stood, packed with soldiers dressed in green uniforms—members of the Astra Militarum faction. On another part of the runway, a colossal colony ship landed with a heavy thud. Its doors slowly opened, and rows of women and children—likely survivors recently rescued from somewhere—filed out in formation. They were escorted by green-uniformed troops toward neatly arranged survivor tents.
Saya squinted as Medivac and Viking aircraft—mechanical insect-like designs—landed nearby. From them emerged odd-looking troops: Terran Marines and Medics, clad in dark blue armor with shield emblems on their shoulders. They moved swiftly with intimidating military precision.
Saya stood frozen as she and her mother were led into a command building. Along the way, guards saluted her mother as if she were a high-ranking commander—or something even greater.
Doubt crept into Saya's heart.
Who exactly is my mother here? Why does everyone treat her with such deep respect?
But she remained silent. She knew her mother wasn't the type to be questioned when serious. And Saya was certain—the answers would come in time.
"Kenthelion, I brought Takagi Saya here. You're not going to be mad at me, right?"
Yuriko Takagi strode into the command center, spotting Kenthelion standing silently, eyes locked onto the massive display screen. He looked deeply lost in thought. Without hesitation, she stepped closer and shouted near his ear.
Takagi Saya, trailing behind her mother, stood in awe of the advanced machinery surrounding her. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she observed technology far beyond anything the modern world had ever seen—it was like peering into the future itself. She glanced around, unable to hide her amazement.
At the sound of Yuriko's voice, Kenthelion turned. His gaze landed on Yuriko and Saya standing behind him. He gave a small smile, nodding toward Saya before responding to Yuriko:
"You can bring whoever you like, as long as you're safe here."
"I brought her without your permission... you're really not mad?" Yuriko asked, putting on a sad expression.
Kenthelion fell silent. Seeing someone as strong as Yuriko make such a face felt... strange.
"Don't look at me like that. You're giving me goosebumps," he muttered, glancing away.
Yuriko rolled her eyes and pouted. She then sat beside Saya and leaned in to whisper something into her daughter's ear.
Yuriko rolled her eyes and pouted. She then sat beside Saya and leaned in to whisper something into her daughter's ear.
"Your Majesty, the rescue team has successfully evacuated 30,000 survivors. They have landed safely on the runway."
"Let the Astra Militarum handle their processing. Integrate them with the other survivors at the safe zone."
"Understood, Your Majesty!"
Kenthelion stood calmly in the command center, eyes fixed on the holographic display full of data. After confirming everything was under control, he walked over to Yuriko and Takagi Saya, who still looked amazed by the atmosphere of this new world.
With a slight smile, Kenthelion greeted them.
"It's time to return to the residence. This place isn't suitable for outsiders to linger."
Yuriko nodded, while Saya continued to gaze around, her curiosity far from satisfied.
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At the Takagi Family Residence
Soichiro Takagi was busier than ever—not only reinforcing the perimeter walls, but also rapidly organizing and training the survivors to hold off the incoming wave of undead. He had ordered the relocation of shipping containers left behind by Kenthelion, turning them into makeshift barricades to strengthen their defenses.
"Move it! Strengthen that wall, now! If it collapses, the zombies will pour right in!" Soichiro shouted to the people working nearby.
Not far away, Takashi Komuro approached Miyamoto Rei, his expression conflicted.
"Rei, come with me," Takashi said, trying to convince her. He didn't want to die here. He wasn't ready to die—not now, not like this.
But Rei shook her head. "Even if we run… where would we go? Zombies are everywhere now."
She had no intention of leaving. At least here, there were people, weapons, and some kind of defense. Out there, it was just endless wandering and certain death.
"But we can't defend this place forever. How could they possibly survive against more than ten million zombies? If we stay, we're just waiting to die," Takashi argued.
"Then go by yourself. If I go with you, I'll only slow you down and get in your way," Rei said firmly, looking him in the eyes.
She realized something in that moment—Takashi had changed. He had run when things got dangerous—just like on the school bus. And now, even after being welcomed and protected by the Takagi family, the first thing he wanted to do when trouble came was to run again.
Rei felt a hint of fear—not of the zombies, but of Takashi. She feared that if danger struck again, he'd abandon her… just to save himself.
"Then... I'll think about it again," Komuro muttered, lowering his gaze.
He could see from Miyamoto Rei's eyes that she wasn't going with him. And now, after being turned down, he felt too embarrassed to leave alone. His urge to run away was held back by doubt and wounded pride.
"If I can survive the next zombie attack... maybe I'll stay. But if things get worse, if the food runs out... then I'll leave first," he thought to himself, trying to convince himself it was the right choice.
He slowly walked away, leaving Rei still standing there, silent. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts