The First Night of the Apocalypse
895 Words
Night completely covered Tokyo.
The distant sounds of explosions had become less frequent, replaced by occasional zombie growls and the crackling of burning buildings.
Inside the apartment complex, however, things felt different.
For the first time since the apocalypse began, there was warmth.
People were eating.
Children were smiling.
Some survivors even cried while holding bottles of clean water.
To them, these simple supplies felt like miracles.
Arthur sat near one of the apartment windows, quietly observing everything.
His mind was still processing everything that had happened.
Only two days ago, he had been worried about work.
Now he was leading survivors.
Life truly was unpredictable.
"You always look serious."
A gentle voice interrupted his thoughts.
Arthur turned.
Aiko was standing beside him.
She had changed into cleaner clothes found in one of the apartments.
Although exhaustion remained on her face, she looked much healthier than before.
She handed him a bottle of water.
"You should rest too."
Arthur accepted it.
"Thanks."
For a moment, neither spoke.
The atmosphere was strangely peaceful.
Aiko looked outside.
"The city feels so different."
Arthur nodded.
"It doesn't even feel like Tokyo anymore."
Silence returned.
Then Aiko suddenly smiled softly.
"You know..."
"What?"
"I thought I was going to die in that hospital."
Arthur looked at her.
She lowered her head slightly.
"When everyone was running away, I was trapped there."
"I was terrified."
Her fingers tightened around the water bottle.
"But then you appeared."
Arthur remained quiet.
Aiko smiled.
"You saved me."
"You gave me food."
"You protected me."
She looked directly into his eyes.
"Thank you."
Arthur felt slightly uncomfortable.
He scratched his cheek.
"I just did what anyone would do."
Aiko immediately shook her head.
"No."
"Most people wouldn't."
Her voice became softer.
"Especially in a world like this."
Arthur didn't know how to respond.
Because deep down—
She was right.
People had already started abandoning and killing each other.
Yet somehow...
He still couldn't ignore people in need.
Aiko suddenly laughed.
"What?"
"You really are a strange person."
Arthur smiled helplessly.
"I've been told that before."
The two quietly laughed.
For the first time since the outbreak—
Things almost felt normal.
Almost.
Then—
A cold wind blew into the room.
Aiko shivered slightly.
Without thinking, Arthur removed his jacket and handed it to her.
"Wear this."
Aiko blinked.
"But you'll be cold."
"I'll be fine."
She hesitated for a few seconds before accepting it.
The jacket was still warm.
A faint blush appeared on her face.
"...Thank you."
Arthur simply nodded.
Neither noticed Yuna standing nearby.
The young girl smiled mischievously.
"So this is where you two are."
Both immediately turned.
Aiko's face instantly turned red.
"W-We were just talking!"
Yuna giggled.
"Of course."
Arthur sighed.
"Don't tease her."
This only made Yuna laugh more.
Even Aiko couldn't help smiling.
For a brief moment, it almost felt like they were ordinary friends spending time together.
Not survivors in the apocalypse.
Suddenly—
DING!
Arthur blinked.
A new screen appeared.
---
Relationship System Activated
Current Affection:
Aiko Tachibana: 25%
Yuna Hoshino: 15%
Higher affection unlocks additional benefits and special interactions.
---
Arthur almost choked.
There was a relationship system too?
This rebate system truly had everything.
"What happened?"
"Nothing."
He quickly closed the screen.
Aiko looked suspicious.
Before she could ask further—
A scream echoed from outside.
Everyone immediately stood up.
"What happened?!"
One of the guards came running.
"There are zombies outside!"
Arthur's expression changed.
He immediately rushed outside.
Dozens of zombies had gathered near the apartment gates.
Their numbers continued increasing.
The smell of living humans had attracted them.
The survivors panicked.
"Will they break in?!"
"We're doomed!"
Children began crying.
Arthur frowned.
This was their first real test as a shelter.
If they failed now—
Everything would collapse.
He slowly stepped forward.
His voice became firm.
"Everyone calm down."
Surprisingly—
The panicking survivors gradually became quiet.
Arthur looked toward the gates.
The zombies were many.
But not impossible to deal with.
Most importantly—
People were watching him.
Waiting for him.
Trusting him.
DING!
---
Leader Skill Activated.
Minor Morale Boost applied.
---
Arthur took a deep breath.
Then—
He looked at everyone.
"We survived hospitals."
"We survived mutants."
"We survived the end of the world."
His voice became stronger.
"So why should we fear a few zombies?"
Silence.
Then—
Some people slowly calmed down.
Their fear lessened.
Arthur raised his machete.
"This shelter is our home."
"And I won't let anyone take it away."
Aiko looked at him with admiration.
Yuna's eyes sparkled.
Even the other survivors felt their hearts becoming steadier.
For the first time—
They truly saw him as their leader.
Arthur pointed forward.
"Let's protect it together."
"...Yes!"
The middle-aged man clenched his fists.
Others followed.
Soon—
Everyone was shouting.
"We'll fight!"
"We'll protect our home!"
Arthur smiled slightly.
Perhaps this was what being a leader meant.
Giving people hope.
Then—
ROOOOAR!!
A much louder roar echoed in the distance.
Everyone froze.
Arthur's expression changed.
In the darkness—
A massive shadow slowly appeared.
Red eyes glowed like lanterns.
Another mutant.
And this one...
was even bigger than the last.
The survivors' faces turned pale.
The peaceful atmosphere instantly disappeared.
Arthur slowly tightened his grip on his weapon.
It seemed—
Their first night was far from over.
- Writer
