Pathogen (Classroom of the Elite)

Chapter 3: Tokyo Crumbles

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka

I rested my hand over the door handle, looking back at everyone else. Silence filled the corridor, only broken by strained breaths and the muffled sounds of gunshots, sirens and growls from outside.

"Once I open the door, don't think about anything else. Just focus on running to the bus stop."

On the other side was an active battlefield. We wouldn't just have to worry about the zombies infecting people left and right, but the military forces as well.

I supposed they were well aware of what was happening by now. I'd imagine they would point their weapons at anyone who escapes the ship, so as to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the city. After all, there wasn't even time to distinguish between alive and undead. Their main priority was to contain, and I was sure at this point they wouldn't mind sacrificing a few lives to save more lives.

"Wait, Ayanokouji," Kanzaki said. "Say we even make it there alive. Who will even drive the bus? In case the bus drivers are... out of commission."

Silence fell upon the group once again. Then, after a few seconds, the sound of hurried footsteps cut in.

"Then, in that case, I shall assist." A familiar male voice rang out.

Although the man's expression held a tinge of panic, it was clear that he was trying his best to put up a calm front just like everyone else.

Sporting brown hair and clad in a suit, he crossed his arms while his green eyes swept over the group. He eyed the weapons some of us had in our hand, but overall, he didn't seem to mind at all.

"Mashima-sensei?" Kanzaki said, being the first to address him.

"Although I haven't driven a bus before, I'm the only one out of all of us that has driving experience. I'll be best suited for that role." Mashima let out a quiet sigh. "Where do you all plan on going anyway?"

Having discussed this beforehand, Horikita answered. "We'll go back to school, since we believe it is the safest place because of how isolated it is from the rest of Tokyo. It can be turned into a stronghold."

For a moment, Mashima's surprise could be seen on his face before he quickly regained his composure.

"Is there something wrong?" Horikita asked.

"No, it's nothing. I just... figured you would all want to return to your families."

The group glanced at each other with conflicted expressions.

In the end, they all had families to return to. At least most of them did. Anyhow, it was clear that Mashima had touched on a delicate subject. The thought brought back memories of warmth and love, but also of uncertainty and fear, since no one knew what had happened to their loved ones. I wondered how that felt.

"We did think about it," I spoke up, causing Mashima to turn his attention to me. "But, we don't even know half of the situation in the city. We should save ourselves before anyone else."

"I see," Mashima murmured, glancing between us. "You all have thought this through, and it seems like a sound plan. I just hope your families are safe."

After that, the teacher approached the door. I stepped out of the way, seeing that he was going to take on the role of opening it himself.

"Are we all ready?" he asked.

In response, we all nodded. I readied myself, gripping onto my rusted weapon—after all, even I didn't know what could happen beyond the door. Kei stood close to me, evident that she was getting nervous by the second from her frantic breathing. In response, I wrapped my hand around hers.