Johan continued to watch his TV dramas as Adam and Lyra meticulously planned their route to the human civilization. Since their destination was too far for a one-way trip, they decided to find additional containers to fill with fuel from other planes, ensuring the plane would remain useful even after their return to civilization.
Lyra then analyzed Azrael's body, noting that his transformation seemed to be triggered by his emotions. When Adam asked Azrael about his transformation, the boy simply couldn't remember. Azrael explained that he saw "Dad" getting attacked and then couldn't recall what happened next.
Lyra confirmed that Azrael's mana core was stable, and curiously, it had turned a gold color—a distinct difference from other mana cores she'd observed. Azrael apologized for leaving the plane, explaining that he woke up feeling hungry and started eating "round vitamins," which Lyra confirmed via neuro-link must have been variants' mana cores.
Johan had fallen asleep, his snores filling the background. Adam hugged Azrael, assuring him it was okay as long as he was safe. Lyra patted Azrael's head, gently telling him he needed to ask permission next time. Azrael nodded, clearly afraid of losing his new parents. Adam and Lyra then rested with Azrael as the plane continued its journey.
A Stopover and a Fearsome Display
Hours later, Lyra woke Adam, alerting him that they were approaching the next airport. Lyra's scan showed multiple evolved variants swarming the area, alongside regular zombies. Johan instructed them to drop him off at the airport and wait for his cue to land.
Adam donned his mana suit and merged the universal tool with the plane, hovering it above the airport. A hole opened beneath Johan, and he descended, landing on his feet before slowly walking towards the evolved variants. From the plane, Adam could see Johan talking to them.
The conversation seemed fine at first, but then the evolved variants began attacking Johan. In an instant, they became pools of blood. The other evolved variants scattered and ran as Johan quickly cleared the airport of all zombies and variants. Johan waved, signaling them to land the plane.
Adam, Lyra, and Azrael exited the plane after it landed. Johan was given instructions to collect large containers to fill with fuel, while Lyra scanned the area for a safe resting place. Adam quickly absorbed fuel, and with Johan's help, they filled multiple containers. Lyra found a good location to rest for the night: a mansion far from the airport, with a bunker similar to the one they had previously stayed in.
Mansion Retreat and Modern Comforts
With everything smoothly collected, everyone got back on the plane before flying to the mansion, landing on its private race track. It was uphill, and the bunker, located beneath the mansion, was even bigger. Johan told them he wouldn't need to go inside the bunker, as the variants and zombies wouldn't bother him. He'd enjoy the mansion by himself, laughing happily.
As they landed, Johan watched as zombies and variants charged towards the plane. He smiled, walked towards them, and they were instantly splattered into pools of blood.
Adam, Lyra, and Azrael went into the mansion and easily unlocked the bunker.
Inside, they found an even larger bunker with luxurious beds and amenities. Johan looked around the mansion, found a wide movie theater, and proceeded to check if it was still working. Azrael spotted game rooms in the mansion and asked Adam and Lyra if he could play. They allowed him, as long as it wasn't past bedtime. Johan quickly grabbed some snacks and settled into the movie theater, watching old movies. Azrael enjoyed his time playing console games.
Adam still wondered how the mansion maintained electricity and running water. Lyra analyzed the mansion's systems, noting the sophisticated solar panels and backup generators that could store and recharge power. Water was collected from rainwater, stored, and filtered into clean drinking water.
Lyra noted that the outbreak had occurred less than six months prior, explaining why many well-maintained technologies were still functional. Lyra then began preparing food for them as Adam entertained Azrael with games.