Today, to be precise, in about three hours, Takeru and Rikka would leave this world.
Therefore, Takeru gathered Yuri, Kurumi, Miki, and others.
"Takeru, is something important happening?" Miki asked curiously as soon as she entered the office.
"Have a seat first. Let's wait for Yuri and Kurumi," Takeru said gently, looking at Miki.
Seeing his expression and actions, Miki felt a sense of foreboding...
They didn't have to wait long. Soon, Yuri, Yuki, Kurumi, and two burly men entered.
"Takeru, is something wrong?" Yuri asked worriedly, seeing his serious expression.
"There's something I need to tell everyone. Rikka and I will be leaving here soon. Afterward, I hope you can maintain the base's operations," Takeru said seriously, looking at the group.
"Huh? Takeru Aniki, you're leaving? Then we'll go with you!" One of the men exclaimed excitedly.
"Miyamaru, Seikai, Rikka and I need to go to other cities to provide aid. But the Megurigaoka survivor base was built with our effort. I hope you'll assist Yuri and Kurumi properly here."
"At the very least, I don't want to return and find the base gone. Your families are here too. This is about protecting your children," Takeru said calmly to the men.
Hearing this, the men fell silent. Yuri and the others also held back what they wanted to say.
Though they had only spent a few days together, Takeru had given them real hope. If possible, they would follow him anywhere.
"As for the others, I'll speak to everyone later," Takeru added, glancing around.
"Then... when will you leave, Takeru?" Yuri asked hesitantly.
"In about two hours," Takeru sighed softly, sensing the sadness in her voice.
Hearing this, Miki bit her lip, looking extremely sad. Takeru noticed but said nothing more.
He continued discussing important matters with the group before dismissing them.
After most had left, Miki rushed over and hugged Takeru tightly.
"Take me with you, please," Miki pleaded through tears. Ever since Takeru saved her, he had left a mark on her heart. Their days together had only deepened her attraction to his charm.
She knew he would leave eventually, but hearing it now was the hardest thing to accept.
"Miki, I'm sorry," Takeru said after a moment's silence.
"Will you come back?" Miki looked straight at him.
"If there's a chance, I will. And if I can take you away then, and if you're willing... I'll come back for you," Takeru said softly.
"I'll wait for you. Always," Miki declared firmly, then kissed him on the lips...
After a long moment, they separated. Miki stood up, looking seriously at Takeru.
Takeru looked back with complex emotions. He never imagined gaining a young girl's devotion in just seven days; he had never considered such a possibility.
But things being as they were, he couldn't make her many promises.
In the end, Takeru left three Health Recovery Potions with Miki, announced his departure to everyone, and spent his remaining time with Rikka away from the base, waiting for the Reincarnation Space's summons in a hidden apartment.
"Takeru, what did Miki say to you at the end?" Rikka asked curiously.
After days together, Rikka had grown very close to Takeru.
She was curious about what Miki had said. She wasn't oblivious to Miki's feelings… though inexperienced in love, she sensed Miki's emotions for Takeru went beyond friendship or gratitude.
"Nothing much," Takeru said calmly, glancing at Rikka.
Seeing he wouldn't tell, Rikka pouted.
They didn't have to wait long. Soon, a white light enveloped them, and they vanished.
Similarly, in other parallel worlds, the others were also enveloped by light and disappeared.
...
Back in the familiar white void, Takeru heard the Reincarnation Space's prompts.
[Congratulations on clearing the Gakkou Gurashi World. Beginning settlement.]
[Main Mission 1: Survive for seven days! (Completed)]
[Main Mission 2: Eliminate thirty zombies! (Completed)]
[Side Mission: Clear all zombies in the shopping center! (Completed)]
[Side Mission: Clear all zombies in Megurigaoka High School! (Completed)]
[Side Mission: Rescue Naoki Miki! (Completed)]
...
[Altered the fate trajectory of some survivors in Megurigaoka City. Evaluation increased! Total zombies eliminated: 5,026. Evaluation increased. Caused a significant impact on the Gakkou Gurashi World. Evaluation increased.]
[Settlement complete. Congratulations on obtaining an S-rank evaluation. Rewards: One S-rank evaluation, 100,000 points, S-rank Evaluation Treasure Chest.]!