Shizuka Marikawa, along with Rei Miyamoto and Saya Takagi, inspected Rika Minami's weapons stash. As an enthusiast, she had already stocked the safe with a variety of firearms and ammunition.
Saeko Busujima checked the [Dimensional Chat Group] and confirmed the rescue mission had been completed. Yet Shirakawa still remained in her world.
Her gaze turned oddly intrigued.
As for how she should thank him... even she wasn't sure. In a zombie-infested world like this, with individuals like Misaka Mikoto and Shirakawa coming from modern societies—
Both possessing extraordinary powers—
Seeing that Shirakawa hadn't left made her heart inexplicably stir. She asked quietly, "Has Misaka already gone back?"
"Yeah."
"She probably has strict school rules, huh?"
Academy City was, after all, far more advanced than this world. Shirakawa didn't bother explaining too much. With the crisis resolved, he took a moment to size up the elegant young woman before him.
During the fights against the undead, her uniform from Fujimi Academy—a white shirt and green pleated skirt—had been stained with traces of blood. For most girls, this look would seem disheveled, maybe even distressing.
But for Saeko, the Shura Princess... it only accentuated her deadly beauty.
Noticing her hesitance, Shirakawa chuckled. "You're wondering why I'm still here, aren't you?"
Saeko nodded seriously. "Yes."
"Points can be used to exchange for world anchors or stat-enhancing items, but neither of those appeal to me much... so I chose to stay."
In this world, each zombie reliably awarded 50 EXP.
Sure, it wasn't much.
But the sheer number made up for it. Considering their sensitivity to sound, one could practically build a grinding farm like in a certain blocky sandbox game.
Wasn't it the perfect spot to level up?
More importantly...
Shirakawa glanced at Saeko and smiled. "There are a lot of reasons... but in the end, I chose to remain."
"..."
"...Thank you."
Though few words were exchanged, the way he looked at her made Saeko turn her head slightly, unable to meet his eyes.
With no immediate danger, she could finally take a good look at him.
He wasn't stunning at first glance, but his clean-cut features and well-kept hair gave him an effortlessly appealing look. Definitely the handsome type.
She'd thought—
She'd thought her heart would never race for anyone. But this boy standing before her was undeniably different.
Love.
Saeko had never believed someone like her—violent and shadowed—deserved such a thing. Yet his presence left her utterly defenseless.
"Actually..."
"..."
Before Shirakawa could say more, Saeko suddenly leaned in—taking advantage of the moment when everyone else was distracted—and kissed him.
Her soft lips pressed tightly against his.
She stared into his eyes, wishing this moment could last forever. But the distant voices of Rei and Saya forced her to break away, albeit reluctantly.
Her smile dimmed, just slightly.
"I'm sorry... I just wanted to feel... what love is like, even if only for a moment."
"Why only for a moment?"
"Because... someone like me, filled with violence and darkness, probably doesn't deserve to be loved." She blinked, lowering her gaze.
She was about to say thank you—
But this time, it was her lips that were captured.
"I'm heading back to gather some ingredients and deal with a few things. Dinner tonight's on you. Think you can handle that?"
Shirakawa's tone was casual, completely unfazed.
Zombies didn't pose a threat to him. But preparing a decent meal in such a world? That could be a real challenge.
Even more pressing—
It was Monday. He'd promised Ms. Hiratsuka that he wouldn't fall behind on his studies. Before heading to the "Konosuba" world, he'd already asked Miko to help out.
Time to head back.
He'd gather ingredients and pick up today's assignments. As for the honor student Saya Takagi—she'd make an excellent assistant.
"No problem!"
The blood-drenched red spider lily blooming in the underworld—this feeling of being chosen made Saeko smile brightly as she nodded.
---
"Shirakawa-kun, do you have something going on today?"
Standing at the door of his apartment, Miko Yotsuya handed over the day's assignments and textbooks. She had even labeled the pages with sticky notes.
Looking at him now—
With two full bags of groceries in his hands, she didn't hesitate. She tucked the books into his backpack and gave him a small smile.
"Just some things I need to take care of. Thanks, Miko."
He didn't elaborate. Saving beautiful girls in another world? Not exactly something Miko would believe if he said it out loud.
Shouldering the backpack—
The faint scent of her shampoo lingered in the air.
With both bags in hand, Shirakawa gave a simple thanks and didn't linger. Saeko was still waiting for him back in the zombie-infested world.
At the stairwell landing, he made sure no other tenants were around before opening the [Dimensional Chat Group].
He selected the anchor point: the Apocalypse World, and the precise location: Rika Minami's house, where Saeko and Shizuka were waiting.
---
"Miko, something wrong?"
Yuri Kawahara munched on a calorie-heavy rice ball as she noticed her friend still standing by the door, seemingly dazed.
Only after Shirakawa's figure disappeared from view did Miko slowly close the security door. She shook her head gently. "Shirakawa-kun just stopped by."
"He had to take the day off, so I brought him today's materials."
"Ah, okay."
Yuri replied with her mouth half full, her focus quickly drifting back to the food program on TV.
Leaving Miko to stand in silence.
He hadn't given her a detailed explanation, but she had a guess—it probably had something to do with exorcism. Even if she could imagine the general idea...
For some reason...
Miko felt a strange emptiness in her heart. She wanted to understand Shirakawa better—to be closer to him. But being just classmates...
Was that enough of a reason?