Untouched by the Outbreak

Chapter 148 - 148: Ghosts of the Past

Ryo stood outside the house, the cold winter air biting at his skin as he checked over the truck he had repaired before the snow began to fall. It wasn't an easy job, but it had to be done. The truck was a lifeline, a means of survival, especially during the harsh winter.

It was pure luck that he found the vehicle in town, and thanks to his past experience as a part-time mechanic, he managed to restore it with parts scavenged from nearby shops.

Sayako stood at attention in front of the house, obediently following Ryo's command to remain there. Her pale skin and lifeless eyes didn't waver, though she was always alert, always ready to protect him. Ryo cast a quick glance at her, knowing that she would act without hesitation if needed.

But his thoughts were elsewhere, dwelling on the mention of Aiko and Sakura. Sachiko had innocently stirred a deep wound inside him when she brought up their names. It was a wound that had never fully healed. A bitter sadness welled up within him as he thought about them—his lovers, who had been killed by the government during a raid on his old base.

He could still picture that day vividly. He had been out scavenging, just another routine trip, only to return to find his world shattered. The government soldiers had come to capture him, knowing about his immunity and wanting to use him for their experiments. And in their ruthless pursuit, they had murdered Aiko and Sakura.

Ryo clenched his fists, his heart heavy with regret. Back then, he hadn't realized his ability to control zombies. If only he had known, he could have commanded the undead to defend his base, to protect the women he loved. But it was too late now, and the guilt weighed on him every day.

As he checked the truck's engine, his mind drifted to the possibility of visiting their graves. The old base, which he had burned down in his rage and sorrow, was far from here, beyond the reaches of his current stronghold. But once the winter ended, he wanted to make the journey. He had to. It felt like an obligation—no, a duty—to pay his respects to Aiko and Sakura.

With the truck ready, he could make the trip. He'd bring Sayako for protection, along with some Striders, just in case. And maybe, just maybe, Sachiko would want to come too. She didn't know the full extent of his past, but perhaps it was time to show her another piece of who he was—another fragment of the man she had chosen to stay with.

Ryo tightened the final bolt on the truck and stood up, looking out into the cold expanse before him. He wasn't sure what the journey would bring, but he knew it was something he had to do. For Aiko and Sakura. For himself.

After finishing his rounds, checking every zombie, the heaters in each house, and making sure the truck was in working order, Ryo stood still for a moment, taking a look around his territory. The cold winter air was harsh, biting into his skin, but he didn't mind. This was his world now—cold, unforgiving, and under his control.

His gaze drifted toward the town nearby. It had been some time since he last checked the area, and he wondered if the zombies roaming the streets had taken shelter in the shops as he had commanded. With the frost gripping the land, he didn't want any of his horde left out in the cold unnecessarily.

The winter was brutal, even for the undead, though they didn't feel the pain of freezing like humans did. But Ryo preferred them inside, keeping warm and conserving their energy for when he needed them.

He smirked, the thought of the soldiers coming back to haunt his land sending a cold thrill through him. The last time they had come, they had taken everything from him. Aiko and Sakura were dead because of them. But if they dared to come again, this time would be different. The winter was his ally now. He knew even the best-trained soldiers couldn't move fast in this frost-covered world.

The cold slowed everyone down—everyone except him and his undead army.

"If they come again, not one will leave alive," he thought darkly.

This time, he wouldn't make the mistake of leaving his base unguarded. His zombies were stronger, faster, and under his control. And he had Sayako—his deadliest weapon—alongside him. The government might still be

Sachiko nodded. "I thought it'd be safer for both of us if she was with us."

Ryo smirked at that, shaking his head. "You're more stubborn than I thought."

Sachiko gave a small smile, though her eyes showed she was serious. "I just don't want you to take all the risks."

Ryo stared at her for a long moment, then finally nodded. "Fine. Let's go together then."

With that, he turned back toward the town, and Sachiko fell into step beside him, her heart beating a little faster, not from fear but from something else—relief, maybe. She glanced at him as they walked, grateful that he hadn't pushed her away.

Sayako followed silently behind, her presence cold but oddly comforting in the snowy landscape.

Ryo glanced at Sayako, her expressionless face and motionless stance giving her the appearance of a silent sentinel. He knew how deadly she could be, faster and stronger than any other zombie around. But this time, he needed her focused.

"Stay alert," Ryo commanded, his voice firm and clear.

Sayako's head tilted ever so slightly, acknowledging his order. Her eyes, though blank and white, seemed to sharpen in understanding. She stepped closer to the two, her movements fluid and quick as she shifted into a more protective stance.

Ryo's mind flickered with thoughts of the past—Sakura and Aiko. The government had taken them, ripped them away from him, and for that, he'd vowed never to be careless again. He wouldn't lose Sachiko, not like them. This time, he'd protect her no matter what, even if it meant unleashing everything he had, even if it meant turning every soldier or threat into zombie food.

He looked back at Sachiko, his expression softening just a touch. "This time... I won't lose anyone." Ryo thought.

Sachiko noticed the brief shift in his demeanor, and though she didn't understand, she knew something in him had changed—something that made her feel both protected and a little nervous at the same time.

With Sayako trailing closely behind, her sharp senses attuned to anything that might come their way, the three of them set off toward the town. The snow crunched beneath their feet, but Ryo's mind was focused on one thing: keeping Sachiko safe. This time, nothing and no one would stand in his way.