Allen stepped out of the bathtub and began changing his clothes, but Saya was still there — red from embarrassment and anger.
"Allen Walker! Don't think I'll let you act in such an indecent way!" Saya pointed at Allen, her finger trembling with fury.
Allen raised an eyebrow with a teasing grin, "Alright, I respect that... but could you leave the bathroom? Or do you actually want to see me get dressed?"
Saya's face turned an even deeper shade of red as her eyes unconsciously traced Allen's body. For a moment, her brain stopped functioning entirely, but Allen's smug grin brought her back to reality.
"You seriously want to watch me?"
"...!" Saya shook her head so fast it looked like she was trying to fling sinful thoughts out of her mind. Then she ran off, yelling the classic defeated anime villain line, "You'll remember this!"
"I definitely will," Allen laughed, unable to help himself.
In the end, the pink-haired girl had only come because she was jealous — but a tsundere would rather die than admit that.
Once Saya left, Allen looked toward the bathroom again. Yukki's body was submerged in the water, only her head peeking out, too embarrassed to speak.
Realizing Allen had seen her naked while holding her in his arms made her too flustered to care about pretending to be seductive anymore.
[You're a demon when it comes to women -_-]
'Even if you don't believe me, I wasn't looking for a relationship. You know, I'm under a lot of stress in a world like this — without powers. At least let me relax a little here.'
[Your idea of relaxation includes teasing girls?]
Allen shrugged.
Fortunately, it wasn't broadcast because many people would have spat on the floor if they heard Allen say that.
This bastard was a miserable womanizer who just went around seducing every beautiful girl he came across.
"Yukki, I'm going back to my room. You can come later, we're not done talking yet."
Yukki jumped but quickly changed her expression, "Hm, I'd be happy to continue in your room❤️
'What the hell am I saying?!' Yukki screamed inside her mind after hearing her own words.
....
Allen left the bathroom in a good mood. Since arriving in this world without any knowledge of its lore, only three days had passed — three chaotic days. The first spent lost and confused, the second and third surviving the apocalypse, using only his fists and feet to carve a path through the madness.
Allen sighed, "I think I've earned the right to tease a couple of cute girls, haven't I?"
[The king of shamelessness has returned!]
"Nah, when the time comes, I'll get serious... just like now."
The moment he said that, two pistols materialized in his hands. He spun around at lightning speed and aimed straight at the intruder's head.
The silver metal gleamed like moonlight — Ivory, unattainable like a diva.
Ebony followed with a ghostly afterimage — graceful as a lady.
Ebony & Ivory...
"...!" The man fell backward in terror.
"Can I help you with something?" Allen asked politely, still aiming the deadly .45s at the man's head.
"Ah, don't kill me! I'm just one of the mansion's guards!"
The man covered himself with his arms, trembling in fear.
Allen raised an eyebrow. The guy looked like a mess — a scruffy beard, a hooded jacket, and overall suspicious.
Allen holstered his guns and crossed his arms. "Oh, interesting. I heard Soichiro keeps a few trusted people in the mansion — men he gathered just in case."
The man's heart raced like a drum, completely unaware that Allen didn't have any guns a moment ago.
"I-I just came to tell you that a girl in a kimono was looking for you."
"Kimono?" Allen smirked, already guessing who it was. He extended his hand to help the man up.
The man hesitated, then accepted it.
"No hard feelings?" Allen smiled.
"Yeah... don't worry."
Allen patted him on the back and walked past him.
[Is there a reason you did that?]
'Hm, it's just that...'
Allen could react instantly to danger — his instincts were predatory-level sharp — but he wouldn't point his guns at someone just for standing behind him. Otherwise, Shizuka and Yukki would've gotten the scare of their lives by now.
'It's just... strange to feel killing intent from someone I don't know — or at least, don't remember.'
[Killing intent?]
"I knew it..." Allen's expression turned serious and dark, his good mood fading. "I knew I couldn't hold back in a world like this."
Allen didn't want to kill — not since he'd sealed away that part of Void within his heart.
He would prefer not to kill, but that came from knowing no one could hurt him. That was a luxury only the powerful could afford.
Dormammu and Arishem were beings of power beyond reason. If Allen had been weaker — if he'd met them before growing strong — he might've had to risk his life to stop them. But with the power of Dunamis Demiurgos and the Fire of Will, he could handle them without killing. No, even with just his previous skills, he could take on both of them if necessary.
Here, though, he had no such power. His body was strong, yes, but not indestructible. If he had to face armed humans, he'd have to make a choice — one as harsh and cruel as this world itself.
Allen wouldn't die because of hesitation. He would rather paint the streets red than let any of his companions die.
....
Descending the stairs, Allen saw a beautiful girl with purple hair standing there, wearing a violet kimono adorned with flowers.
"Saeko?" Allen's eyes widened slightly in surprise at the sight before him.
While the others looked like city girls, Saeko carried a distinct air of traditional Japanese grace — which made it even more unexpected to see her killing zombies with a smile.
"You look beautiful..." Allen said as he walked down the stairs.
"Thank you," Saeko replied, averting her gaze with a faint blush.
She acted unexpectedly shy in response to Allen's words. It was almost funny — the same girl who could wear only an apron over her underwear without shame was now acting like a modest young wife.
It only added another layer of charm to her — when she wasn't fighting, she was like a goddess of the moon.
"Were you looking for me?" Allen asked, standing before her now.
Saeko smiled, her eyes curving like twin crescents. "If I told you it was just to show you this kimono, would you believe me?"
Allen was never known for being shy or dense. When a beautiful girl clearly sought his attention, ignoring her wasn't an option. He stepped closer with clear intent, and as if already expecting it, Saeko didn't resist when he placed his hand on her waist.
Their faces drew closer...
Bang!
Both froze at the sound of the gunshot. With silent understanding, Allen immediately dashed off, while Saeko — a little frustrated that her plan had failed — turned toward her room to change.
....
(Moments earlier)
In the courtyard of the Takagi mansion, Soichiro had set up a tent with a table and chairs, where he sat with two of his subordinates — one was his secretary, the other his campaign director, a man very close to him.
He was interviewing the citizens Allen had brought in, looking for useful talent.
"So, you're a doctor?"
A thin man with dark circles under his eyes — clearly sleep-deprived — spoke nervously in front of the intimidating figure.
"Not exactly... I'm a veterinarian."
Soichiro studied the man for a moment before nodding. "But you must have general medical knowledge, don't you?"
"Y-Yes, something like that," the man coughed. He wasn't stupid — in this world, a doctor was a precious commodity. If he could pass as one, he'd be treated far better. In a world like this, everyone sought some kind of advantage — for themselves or their loved ones.
"Hm. Tell me, how did that happen?" Soichiro pointed at the man's bandaged arm.
The man froze in panic, meeting Soichiro's sharp eyes, then glancing toward the armed guards at the entrance — one with a rifle, the other with a shotgun.
"N-No, wait! I was at my clinic when it all started! I couldn't leave the animals locked up, so I let them out — one of them bit me!"
"That's... very noble of you."
Soichiro narrowed his eyes and signaled his men. Both guards grabbed the man and pinned him to the ground.
"No, wait! This is illegal! I have rights!"
No matter how much he screamed, Soichiro's face remained cold and emotionless as his men tore off the bandage. Underneath, a grotesque, necrotic human bite mark pulsed sickly.
Soichiro stood, walked over, and knelt in front of the man.
"P-Please..." the man begged desperately.
Soichiro's men released him, but the man didn't move — he just sobbed on the ground.
Soichiro placed a hand on his shoulder for a brief moment, then stood again. "I'm sorry."
A single infected person could destroy the newly established Takagi Camp. Just one could turn everything into chaos. So Soichiro didn't hesitate. He pulled out his pistol and shot the man in the head.
"a..."
The man fell lifeless, eyes wide in disbelief — as if he couldn't accept his fate.
Everyone heard the gunshot. Many even saw it happen.
"What are you doing?!" Saya yelled — she had arrived just as her father pulled the trigger.
"This is reality!" Soichiro shouted back.
Saya stepped toward him, dazed, wanting to tell him that there was a cure for the infection — but Soichiro, thinking his daughter was being sentimental, raised his hand to slap her.
Yet, before his hand could strike, it was stopped midair — gripped tightly by another hand.
Saya's eyes widened as she felt the warmth of someone standing behind her.
"Are you trying to interfere?" Soichiro said coldly. Regardless of Allen having saved Saya before, Soichiro had to maintain authority over hundreds of people in a world without laws. His power could not be questioned.
"This is a family matter. Stay out of it, Allen Walker!"
"She might be your daughter, but she's also a woman. Of course, I'll intervene, Soichiro Takagi." Allen smiled mockingly — yet the pressure he exuded even surprised Soichiro.
"You bastard!"
"Let go of him!"
Both of Soichiro's men aimed their weapons at Allen without hesitation.
Allen's grin widened — a smile so chilling it made Soichiro's men shiver.
"This won't end well for any of you... So I'd suggest you lower your weapons."
"Is that a threat?" Veins bulged across Soichiro's forehead, his muscles tightening beneath his clothes.
Allen didn't even flinch.
"Wait!" Saya shouted, but none of her father's subordinates listened. "Dad!"
Saya panicked — what should she do? How could she stop this? She knew her father's decisiveness; once he made up his mind, he wouldn't back down. On the other hand, Allen would meet hostility with even greater hostility — it didn't matter that this man was Saya's father.
"What are you doing?!" Yuriko burst in, pulling Saya into her arms. "Soichiro, have you lost your mind?!"
"You too, Yuriko?!"
"So what were you planning to do?! Let your men shoot your daughter's savior — and her along with him?!"
Yuriko's voice trembled with fury. Soichiro's expression was unreadable — cold and distant. Yuriko knew that look well. It was the look he had whenever emotions were nothing but obstacles.
"Every single life here depends on me! I'll do whatever it takes to keep this place from turning into chaos!"
His words struck deep. The people around him felt a surge of loyalty — not the kind born from manipulation like Shido's false promises, but from conviction and trust.
"..." Yuriko felt trapped. She knew Soichiro was right... But Allen had saved what was most precious to her. She couldn't just turn her back on him.
"No!" Saya broke free from her mother's embrace and stood in front of Allen with her arms spread protectively.
"..." Despite this, Soichiro showed no hesitation.
"Heh," Allen sneered, "Aren't you being a bit egocentric?"
He had no intention of backing down, no matter who the man was. Allen placed a hand around Saya's waist and whispered softly,
"You don't have to fight with your father. Leave this to me."
Saya felt a warm, comforting sensation in her chest. She nodded, holding back her tears.
Allen then turned to Yuriko with a kind smile, silently thanking her for stepping in.
"What are you planning?" Soichiro demanded. "Do you intend to use my daughter as a shield?"
Despite his stern tone, Soichiro couldn't help but feel uneasy. Allen Walker was supposed to be a high school student — yet everything about him felt off. His background was vague, his behavior too calm. Right now, Soichiro wasn't looking at a student — but at one of the most dangerous men he'd ever seen.
Unfazed by the guns pointed at him, Allen smiled disdainfully. "What I mean is... not everyone here depends on you, Mr. Politician."
The sound of a shotgun being reloaded was heard — surprising Soichiro's men.
Hirano and Rei had their weapons aimed — Hirano's Springfield and Rei's crossbow — both pointed straight at the guards' heads.
Their expressions weren't friendly — only cold hostility. Behind them, all the Fujimi students and teachers stood with anger in their eyes. Even Saeko emanated a killing intent so intense it seemed to distort the air.
Holding Saya close, Allen smirked. "Sorry, but we need him... so don't force your rules on us. Or you'll regret it... father."
Neither of them could afford to yield — not Allen, not Soichiro. This was the path of leaders.
This was a conflict that could only end in blood, and everyone knew it. After a tense minute of silence, Soichiro finally spoke.
"Allen Walker... I want you out of my house by tomorrow."
Soichiro gave the signal for them to lay down their arms.
"I won't need that long. We'll be gone before sunset."
With that, Soichiro walked past them, followed by his secretary and his close aide.
"Saya, you'll have to choose," he said before leaving, his words hanging heavy in the air — a suffocating silence replacing the tension.
In the end, two tigers cannot share the same mountain.
"I'm sorry..." Yuriko said, her face filled with helplessness.
Allen, however, looked calm — even smiling at her. "Don't worry, Yuriko-san. We'll manage."
Then he turned toward the group — the young and the grown alike — the people who had followed him through two days of hell.
"Follow me or stay. The choice is yours."
Allen walked past them without looking back — and one by one, they all followed.
They knew that by doing so, they were returning to hell — to streets crawling with zombies, mutants, and horrors beyond reason, with nowhere safe to breathe. Yet even so, none hesitated. Every single one of them chose to follow Allen.
After guiding them through hell, he had earned their trust.
Only Saya and her mother remained behind.
"Mom!"
Saya turned and threw herself into her mother's arms, sobbing. This might have been the best possible outcome... but it was still a painful one.
"Don't worry, Saya... this isn't your fault," Yuriko whispered, gently stroking her daughter's hair.
===
A/N: It was inevitable that these two would clash for one reason or another. 👀
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