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On the outskirts of Tokonosu City stood a massive fortress, erected seemingly overnight just a year ago.
A towering wall encircled it, lined with mounted heavy machine guns that sealed the compound off completely.
Inside the walls, the empty space between the castle and the barricades had been turned into a self-sustaining district, packed with civilian facilities.
Patrols marched in formation around the fortress, rifles gleaming in their hands as they kept a sharp watch on the perimeter.
At the sole gate in the wall, dozens of armed guards stood at the ready, weapons polished and deadly, eyes scanning for threats.
Beyond the gate, a few stray zombies wandered the open ground—only to be swiftly, silently dispatched by the patrols.
Down the road, the rumble of engines broke the monotony. A convoy of cars sped toward the gate.
The sentries spotted them and hurried to swing the gate open.
The convoy rolled through and parked at the outer courtyard of the fortress.
The waiting members rushed forward, opening the door of the lead vehicle.
Saeko Busujima stepped out.
"Boss!"
The lined-up members immediately straightened, shoulders squared, voices ringing with respect.
Saeko gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Saya Takagi and Shizuka Marikawa flanked her as the three headed for the castle.
"Boss, what about those students we brought back?" the captain asked, walking at her side.
"Put them in the residential district. If they want to leave, let them. We're not obligated to keep anyone here."
Saeko's tone was calm, thoughtful. Housing and food—that was as much as she could offer. Beyond that, their choice was their own. If they wanted to walk away, so be it.
"Understood."
The captain nodded firmly, then turned to handle the arrangements.
Surrounded by her people, Saeko and the others stepped into the fortress.
Half an hour later, Saeko stood on the balcony outside her private quarters, gazing out toward Tokonosu City, now cloaked in smoke and flame.
Helicopters streaked across the sky, vanishing into the haze.
She wore a black bodysuit that hugged her frame, her long hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, and at her waist hung a finely crafted katana.
"In just a few hours, the whole city's fallen into ruin…"
Her cold, sharp eyes lingered on the devastation, disbelief etched into her face.
Just yesterday, the city had been peaceful. Ordinary. Now it was nothing but chaos.
Even from this distance, she could still hear it—the screams, the wails of babies, the shrieks of women, the howls of the dying, the explosions tearing through the streets.
"Not a sight you enjoy, is it?"
Venom appeared nearby, tilting his head with a puzzled look after hearing her words.
"I know you've said this before, but seeing it with my own eyes… it still feels a little surprising."
Saeko Busujima smiled faintly at that. She'd already heard descriptions of this scene and knew it was coming—but experiencing it for herself was a different story.
"So, let me ask you one more time. You haven't changed your mind, have you?"
Venom's gaze drifted toward the city in the distance, now shrouded in smoke, his voice sharp as he pressed for confirmation.
"A woman of the Busujima family never regrets her choices."
Saeko's lips curved into a confident smile, her deep blue eyes burning with determination.
"In that case, you'll have my full support. No questions asked."
Venom grinned. With her resolve that firm, he had no reason to hold back his own.
"Thank you… for staying by my side all this time. If it weren't for you—"
Saeko's voice softened, carrying a quiet gratitude. If he hadn't been with her, she doubted she could carry herself with such ease now.
"Have you forgotten? You need me, I need you. That's it. We don't need any other reason."
Venom smiled again and melted into her body, wrapping around her like living armor.
"You're right. We need each other… we crave each other."
Saeko slowly hugged the clothing Venom formed around her, her usually cold expression warming into a gentle smile.
She told herself they needed each other—but deep down, she wasn't sure if Venom truly needed her the same way.What she did know, beyond a doubt, was that if he ever left her, she wouldn't know how to keep on living.
"....."