The first light of dawn seeped through the cracks of the boarded windows, casting elongated shadows across the worn wooden floor. Reiji tightened the straps of his backpack, the weight of responsibility pressing down on his shoulders. Beside him, Takahashi methodically checked their supplies, his movements deliberate, betraying the tension coiled within. From the staircase, young Ren watched silently, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and determination.
Takahashi knelt to Ren's level, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "Ren," he whispered, "no matter what you see out there, no matter what happens, you must remain silent. Those creatures... they're drawn to sound. If they come in numbers, we won't stand a chance."
Ren nodded solemnly, his small hands clenched into fists.
Reiji exchanged a glance with Takahashi, then moved to the door. He opened it slowly, the creaking hinges sounding unnaturally loud in the stillness. The world outside was cloaked in a gray mist, the remnants of civilization lying in ruins.
They stepped onto the overgrown lawn, moving cautiously toward the street. The once-familiar neighborhood was now a desolate wasteland, the silence broken only by the distant groans of the undead. Avoiding the main roads, they slipped into the forest, the dense foliage offering a semblance of cover.
As they navigated the underbrush, a sudden snap of twigs halted their progress. A lone creature emerged from the trees, its lifeless eyes scanning the area.
Takahashi crouched beside Ren, whispering calming words. He handed Reiji a hunting knife, his gaze steady. "Quietly," he murmured.
Reiji nodded, moving silently toward the creature. He let out a sharp whistle, drawing its attention. As it turned, he lunged, driving the blade into its skull. The creature collapsed without a sound.
They continued their journey, the forest growing denser with each step. Suddenly, two more creatures appeared ahead. Reiji signaled for Takahashi to stay back, then picked up a stone and threw it into the bushes. The noise distracted one of the creatures, allowing Reiji to swiftly dispatch the other. He then turned his attention to the distracted one, eliminating it with precision.
Emerging from the forest, they found themselves on a street leading to the police station. However, a horde of creatures blocked their path.
Reiji turned to Takahashi. "Stay here with Ren. I'll create a diversion. When the path is clear, run to the station and lock the gate."
Takahashi hesitated, then nodded. "Be careful."
Reiji stepped into the open, banging a metal pipe against a car hood. The noise drew the horde's attention, and he began to move, leading them away.
With the path clear, Takahashi and Ren made their move. Suddenly, Ren tripped, falling to the ground. One of the creatures turned toward them.
"Don't move," Takahashi whispered urgently. "Stay quiet."
The creature paused, then turned back, following the rest of the horde.
They reached the station and locked the gate behind them. Inside, the building was eerily silent. They explored cautiously, finding no signs of life—or death.
Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the halls. They turned to see Reiji stumbling in, exhausted but alive.
He led them to the armory, entering a code to unlock the door. Inside, they found an array of weapons and ammunition. Reiji handed Takahashi a sniper rifle and ammunition.
"I'm not good with guns," Takahashi protested.
"You'll learn," Reiji replied firmly.
They took a moment to clean up, the station's showers providing a rare comfort. Reiji changed into a police uniform, the badge a symbol of a world that no longer existed.
In the parking lot, they found a patrol car. Reiji loaded their supplies into the trunk.
"I'm going to find Emilia," he said.
Takahashi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Good luck."
Reiji handed him a walkie-talkie. "I'll check in every day before sunset."
They parted ways, each heading into the unknown, the echoes of their footsteps swallowed by the fog.