Echoes Of The Undying

Bonus Chapter: A Quiet Afternoon

For once, Serenity Vale High School lived up to its name. The relentless tension of survival was replaced by an unusual calm as the students of Horizon Shadow Class took a break from their usual missions.

In the school’s courtyard, the sun cast a warm, golden light, turning the otherwise grim surroundings into a brief oasis of peace. The air was filled with the sound of casual chatter and the occasional burst of laughter—an almost forgotten luxury.

Max sat on a worn-out bench with Olga and Filbert, enjoying a game of cards. The cards were old and slightly frayed, but that didn’t diminish the enjoyment. Olga was grinning, clearly on a winning streak, while Filbert studied his cards with mock seriousness.

“Come on, Filbert,” Olga teased, “You’re not solving a math problem. Just play the card.”

“I’m just weighing my options,” Filbert replied with a smirk, finally placing his card down. “Don’t underestimate strategy.”

Meanwhile, under the shade of a large tree, Mae and Vivie were busy braiding each other’s hair. The simple act was a soothing routine that brought them a sense of normalcy.

“It’s almost like we’re back in the dorms, isn’t it?” Mae said softly, her hands moving deftly through Vivie’s hair.

“Yeah,” Vivie replied with a small smile. “Except now we’re more like survivors on a deserted island.”

Nearby, Randy and Jarezza were working on repairing an old radio they’d found on a previous supply run. It was a stubborn piece of equipment, but Randy’s mechanical skills were up to the challenge.

“If we can get this working, we might be able to pick up some signals,” Randy said, his voice filled with cautious optimism.

Jarezza handed him a screwdriver. “Let’s hope for music or something good. I’m tired of silence.”

In the far corner of the courtyard, a small group was preparing a modest meal. Fazirah, Dayana, and Asnina had taken over the cooking duties, with Shenny and Farhanah helping out. The smell of something cooking—though simple—was a comforting reminder of home.

“I never thought I’d miss cafeteria food,” Dayana joked as she stirred the pot.

Fazirah laughed. “Well, when this is all over, we can complain about the food as much as we want.”

Asnina nodded, her focus on chopping vegetables. “For now, let’s just be grateful we have something to eat.”

Around the courtyard, others relaxed in their own ways—some napping in the shade, others scribbling in notebooks, and a few simply staring up at the sky, soaking in the tranquility.

For a brief moment, the weight of their circumstances lifted, and they were just teenagers again, finding comfort in each other’s company and the small pleasures of an ordinary day. The world outside might still be in chaos, but within these walls, they had created a haven—a fragile yet precious slice of life amidst the storm.

This scene gives a glimpse into the students’ lives when they’re not on high alert, highlighting their camaraderie and the ways they maintain a sense of normalcy despite the situation.

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