Here's the next chapter and my first attempt at putting in a time skip as I'm sure no one wants to see being stuck on a bus for so long without much going on. There is also the start of the Relationship Perks showing up and a new Skill which came to mind after Kichirou's planned explanation and having looked over Han Jihan's Skills for inspiration. I will admit I'm not sure about the ending of this chapter but that's more the anticlimactic fight at Takagi Estate - which still made sense when I came to write it.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the chapter.

(Day 5)

"You should get some sleep now, Shido-kun. The others will soon be up," Kyoko spoke with a faint smile as I let out a silent yawn, having opted to stay up all of the night to keep her company during the night-time drive.

The previous evening and the night had passed by quietly with only Shizuka and Kyoko swapping who was driving at some point during the night so the blonde could sleep. There'd been no argument or out of control, Zombie filled bus to cause trouble for us although that also means canon is particularly screwed over, at least in the early stages as with no Shido they won't leave the bus to stay at Shizuka's home and get tooled up with Rika's guns. Also means we won't have the chance of saving young Alice and we won't be equipped for whatever happens after we get to Saya's home which would probably be the next stop for us.

Anyway, while most of the other students had fell asleep I had opted to stay awake to keep an eye on things as well as sneak in some grinding of my less noticeable [Skills] as I had some concern about a surprise coming along. I had, inadvertently, started a bit of grinding just after using [The End] to learn [Vehicle Mastery] and used [Drain Energy] to transfer most of my pitiful HP into my MP so I could work on [Self Regeneration].

In the end though I managed to get four levels for [Self Regeneration] compared to a single level for [Mana Generator] and two levels for [Drain Energy]. I also managed to get four levels for my new [Vehicle Mastery] and two for [The End] and managed to use [Meditation] and gain two levels in that as well as two in [Telepathy].

Also over the last eleven or so hours there's been a major jump in EXP for my two active [Sword Forms] leading to my bokken gaining two levels while my [Shinai] had gained 6.

[Bokken: Katana] (0/4) Level: 16 - EXP: 138/1600 - ATK: 27/DUR: 50/50 - Rarity: C - SE: N/A

[Shinai] (0/4) Level: 9 - EXP: 458/900 - ATK: 18/DUR: 36/36 - Rarity: C - SE: N/A

Briefly activating my [Byakugan], I check on the other students to see that I was the only one awake for the moment, amongst the students, before spreading it to its 1264 metre limit so I can see what's going on outside.

+10 Affection for Kyoko Hayashi [35/100] (for keeping her company during the night)

"I will in a minute, Hayashi-sensei. I just want to wait till Shizuka-chan wakes up so she can change with you." I reply with a tired smile, gently stroking Shizuka's hair as she was sleeping with her head in my lap which was causing a difficult reaction especially with how she's nuzzling my crotch with her face.

"Oh my... I've never felt something like this before." Shizuka sleepily whispered, making me gulp and drawing Kyoko's attention as the blonde woke up with a loud yawn as she sat up and stretched her arms above her head before blinking at seeing I was sitting next to her.

+10 Affection for Shizuka Marikawa [40/100] (for exceeding her expectations)

"Morning Kichi-kun" Shizuka greeted brightly, a bright smile on her lips before concern replaced it as Kyoko spoke "Make sure he gets some sleep, Shizuka. He stayed up the whole night to keep me company..."

Shizuka nodded as a certain teasing gleam appeared in her eyes as she looked at me before in one swift movement plucked the glasses from my face before pulling my head in between her breasts as she hugged me. The moment I rested against her marshmallowy bosoms though was the moment I gave in for the call for sleep.

...

You have slept on a lap pillow. HP and MP has been 80% restored.

Due to sleeping in an intimate manner, you've gained 3 CHA!

+10 Affection for Saeko Busujima [30/100] (for staying up to ensure they would be safe)

+10 Affection for Saya Takagi [25/100] (for staying up to ensure they would be safe)

+10 Affection for Yuuki Miku [40/100] (for staying up to ensure they would be safe)

+10 Affection for Misuzu Ichijou [20/100] (for staying up to ensure they would be safe)

+10 Affection for Toshimi Niki [20/100] (for staying up to ensure they would be safe)

+10 Reputation for Kohta Hirano [20/100] (for staying up to ensure they would be safe)

+10 Reputation for Hisashi Igou [10/100] (for staying up to ensure they would be safe)

Huh...? I suppose Kyoko and Shizuka explained what I did to the others then although Rei is obviously not buying any of it.

Opening my eyes, I blink as I find my head lying on the lap of Kyoko before letting out a hum as her fingers ran through my hair. It looks to be an automatic response given how she is slumped back in her seat although I'm surprised she didn't move me back to where I had been sitting next to Yuuki before.

[Shinai] has levelled up! 9 =} 10

[Shinai] (0/4) Level: 10 - EXP: 922/1000 - ATK: 19/DUR: 38/38 - Rarity: C - SE: N/A

Ability unlocked for [Shinai]: [Non-Lethal (Passive)]

Dismissing the screen mentally, I slowly sit up to not disturb Kyoko before looking around the rest of the bus and Shizuka spoke with a smile as she looked in the rear view mirror, "Good afternoon, Kichi-kun..."

"How long have I been asleep?" I ask with a yawn, finding my glasses in my pocket and slipped them on as Saeko answered "Only a few hours."

"Good. Now that you're up we need to decide where we're going." Saya retorted as I looked over the back of the seat to see her cross her arms as I answered "Well... seeing how the SDF and Police would have locked down the whole city yesterday, I figured we should head towards your parents' home. The lessons I had with Gramps said that your father is someone influential and was a known leader, so I kinda figured that other survivors who know about him might flock that way for safety, including the others' parents."

Saya opened her mouth in what I can only assume as a instinctive retort about me being an idiot before closing it, thinking over what I had said before she replied "That's a good plan and makes sense if they thought things through at the time..."

"Depending on how things operate there we could possibly convince them to let us do short outings to family homes and convenience stores for supplies." I add with a shrug, getting a frown from Saya while Saeko hummed thoughtfully.

"Yeah, we just need to find out where the others all live. We might be able to detour to some of them now on our way." Yuuki spoke up as she lean on the back of Saya's seat.

"Uhh, my family's gone now. So I'll just stay with you, Takagi-san." Kohta spoke up, Saeko looking curiously to him as she asked "Where is your family, Hirano-kun?"

"W-Well, my Dad's in the jewellery business, so he's in Holland right now and my Mom's a fashion designer so she's always in Paris." Kohta spoke with a sheepish smile as Saya looked shocked as she blurted out "What are you a manga character!?"

"No, if he was a manga character his dad would be the captain of a cruise ship." Shizuka spoke with a giggle, making me chuckle as Kohta admitted "...That was my grandpa. My grandma was a violinist."

"..." Saya stared speechless at the otaku's words before Yuuki asked "What about you Sensei?"

"I don't have any close family and my relatives all live far away." Shizuka answered, her gaze focused out the front at the cars as she added "I know Kyoko-san is in a similar situation as well..."

"What about you, Senpai?" I asked Saeko curiously, getting a smile from her as she replied "My only family is my father and he's training overseas."

From there the others of our group explained about their families. Toshimi and Misuzu live together, Misuzu's parents having moved back overseas for some reason but letting her live with her best friend and her mother, who worked at a store in a mall. Yuuki explained her mother was on some cruise ship after enjoying some big competition win. Hisashi and Rei refused to answer but the others explained that they all lived somewhere near to Takagi Manor with parents who had a variety of jobs.

And if my rough timeline is right, with what I recall of canon, its about two/three day trip for Shido's group in the bus seeing as they arrived at the earliest the day after the 'main cast' arrived which would be tomorrow given they use Rika's Humvee to get to one of the blockades. Although that is dangerously close to the nukes going off and EMP'ing the whole city but not sure if that would happen given that would knock out whatever surveillance Umbrella has on the city. Either way, we won't get turned away by Saya's parents so the estate should be easily defensible with their barricades still in place. Worst comes to the worst and it gets overrun, I'll probably have to reveal some of my power... [Legendary Sword Blacksmith] and [White Magick] at least.

"What are we going to do about food and bathroom breaks?" Naomi asked, hugging onto her boyfriend: Takuzo. Saya and I share a look before I answer "Well, its probably pretty risky to leave the bus at the moment but depending on when we get into the city centre, I imagine we can take a small break outside of a convenience store or something for both of them. If the jam keeps going a small group of us can grab supplies for the rest easy enough."

"As for bathroom breaks... We'll have to figure that out later on given we've got more important things then that." Saya retorted with a frown before I turned to Saeko to quietly ask "What normally happens with those who have motion sickness? Is there some sort of bucket they use just in case someone is about to be sick or to they just pull over for it...?"

"There usually is a bucket just in case they can't pull over..." Saeko spoke thoughtfully, understanding where I was going as she looked around for where she recalled it being put before. Ducking to look under my seat, she quickly retrieved a red bucket and handed it to me as I turned to the others and spoke, holding the bucket up, "This will have to do as a toilet for now... It might breech your privacy but its a safer means then risking going outside at the moment."

"What!?" Rei snapped off enraged, "You want us to go to the bathroom using that!? You Pervert!"

"Shut up, Miyamoto! I don't see you coming up with any better ideas!" Yuuki shot back with a glare before I sighed as I spoke, hoping the power of [Silver Tongue] would calm things before it got out of hand, "Miyamoto-san, regardless of whether I was here or not, this would still be a problem you would have to face. This bucket is the best option to ensure we all stay safe unless you want to hop off the bus to take a quick squat behind a bush or wall nearby to do it."

[Silver Tongue] has levelled up! 20 =} 21

-10 Affection for Rei Miyamoto [-30/100] (for being right despite her protests)

Rei held her tongue after that, sulking in her seat as Hisashi tried to talk to her while I let out a sigh and moved to set the bucket on an empty seat on my right near the middle before moving back to my seat and activated my [Byakugan] to keep a watchful eye on our surroundings outside of the bus.

...

(Day 7)

The last day and a half was fairly boring mainly due to being stuck on the bus for most of it. The only break was yesterday afternoon when a group of us took the time to raid a supermarket for food and supplies while the others kept the bus occupied. I managed to take out eight Zombies that were milling around inside, earning myself my next [Job Level] for [Squire] as well as a handy [Title].

Due to defeating 50 [Undead], you've unlocked the [Title]: [Apprentice Zombie Slayer]!

[Title]: [Apprentice Zombie Slayer]

+20% damage to [Undead]

-20% damage from [Undead]

I also over the time have managed to get Yuuki and Shizuka's Affection over 50 earning me a [Perk] from each of them.

Due to having 50 Affection for Yuuki Miku, you've gained the [Perk]: [Popular with the Gals]

[Popular with the Gals]

Description: Gals and Gyarus are drawn to you easier.

-Increase Affection, Reputation and Obedience with Gals and Gyarus

Due to having 50 Affection for Shizuka Marikawa, you've gained the [Perk]: [More then a Handful]

[More then a Handful]

Description: Big breasted women are drawn to you easier.

-Increase Affection, Reputation and Obedience with girls/women with big breasts

Honestly, I wouldn't have put Yuuki down as a Gal but that's cause she's rather socially smart and subtle about it unlike some that I recall. Yuuki's had came out yesterday during a quiet moment when, during a talk about people's reactions and how to pick up micro expressions, and had admitted that Shido had blackmailed her into trying to seduce me so he could cause a scandal to happen. The fact I'd accepted and understood why she had gone along with it had made her look shocked especially as I had admitted that I had expected something like that from him.

As for Shizuka's, that had came about from just staying up with her when she was driving during the nights and making small talk with her and Kyoko although as a result I've found the buxom blonde more clingy when she's sleeping against me and had woke up with me using her breasts as a pillow - very soft by the way. Shizuka's [Perk] also meant that I gained a small boost in Affection from the other girls as well, I mean the main female cast all qualify for her [Perk] easily.

For the most part of my time, I've been using it to grind my subtle [Skills]: [Telepathy], [The End], [Byakugan], [Holmesian Deduction], [Drain Energy], [Self Regeneration] and [Meditation]. I had also managed to figure out a means to use [Telepathy] and [The End] together by using them to view a person's memories to gain EXP for other [Skills] and that had been useful with regards to Hisashi as it turned out he was a lying little prick about being a black belt and barely qualified for a yellow belt but he has seen classes with black belt students involved. It took a few times to perfect it but once I'd gotten it down I could easily do it without arousing suspicion from him when he was asleep. This way was slower but safer for the 'target' then what I had did to 'uncle' and had managed to help me get [Anything Goes Martial Arts] to Level 18 easy enough with a little help from some CQC that Kohta had seen when in America on his gun courses, gaining 2 Levels in [Gun Mastery] as well.

As for the others, [Telepathy] had hit Level 23, [The End] had reached Level 21, [Drain Energy] had hit 18, [Self Regeneration] had just managed to hit Level 30 while [Byakugan], [Meditation] and [Holmesian Deduction] had all reached Level 20. Also due to [The End], I managed to get 5 more levels for [Vehicle Mastery] just from watching people drive in the traffic jam. The only thing of note from them was that [Meditation] had gotten another 10% to the increase in HP and MP Regen I use it and [The End] had lost another 500MP towards the cost for learning new [Skills] with it, meaning I needed 9000MP now.

Also due to the time and a brief fight yesterday I managed to get several levels in both my bokken and [Shinai] which brings about an interesting dilemma for me to deal with.

[Shinai] (0/4) Level: 19 - EXP: 590/1900 - ATK: 28/DUR: 54/54 - Rarity: C - SE: N/A

[Bokken: Katana] (0/4) Level: 20 - EXP: 410/2000 - ATK: 31/DUR: 58/58 - Rarity: C - SE: N/A

Ability Unlocked for [Bokken: Katana]: [Harmless (Passive)]

[Harmless (Passive)]

Description: This ability makes enemies to overlook the danger of this weapon.

-This weapon is not threatening to others. (This is toggleable.)

[Harmless] seems like a perfect ability for to disguise a weapon from paranoid eyes. I mean it conceals the threat of the bokken from people judging it as a danger when even a hard enough hit with one can cause some major damage as Saeko's backstory proves. Just need to work out how to pass the ability onto another [Sword Form] as depending on the [World] I could be a Chunni' with a toy weapon or a cosplayer with a realistic replica to those around me and yet still be armed in potentially dangerous situations.

Now for the dilemma... It's mainly due to the reaching Level 20 with my bokken as now I can either spend all the levels I've gathered for it to use [Rarity Enhancement] and make it a [Uncommon Sword Form] which will grow stronger at a slower rate or leave it as it for now so it can continue to level up easier and with it gain access to each [Locked] ability to come sooner and for less EXP. Either way, I suppose I can leave that to later as we are approaching the concrete dividers that have blocked off the road to the Takagi Estate at the moment.

"Takagi-san..." I mutter, glancing to the pinkette for a moment and getting a nod back from her, Kohta and Saeko. We had talked about what would happen when we arrived at whatever blockade they would have and Saya had agreed that she should take the lead to convince whoever was watching to let us in. Saeko, Kohta and I would get off as well but that was primarily to ensure the Zombies around were dealt with, my [Byakugan] showing me that there was roughly a dozen stragglers at the moment.

I step out first, making a show of looking around with my bokken in hand as the guy behind the barricade called out "Hey kid! Get back on the bus!"

The guy's shouting stops as I bash the skull in of the nearest Zombie with my bokken, moving onto the next one as Saeko comes out behind me and shortly followed by Saya and Kohta as the former of the pair spoke up, "Hey! Open this barricade so I and my group can enter and see my parents!"

"That's Saya-hime!? Quick alert Takagi-sama that his daughter is here and open the roadblock!" Another of the guys spoke shocked at seeing the pinkette, one of the others running towards the main estate as another ran towards the fork lift nearby to start it up.

"Shido!" Saya called as I bashed in my twelfth Zombie's head, spotting that the concrete block had been moved out of the way and Saya's mother in a hazmat suit was firing water to hold off some of the Zombies. Running towards the others, the bus drove through the gap first before got past it with Saeko and giving the space for the fork lift to move the concrete divider back into place.

"Mama!" Saya called as Yuriko pulled off her helmet and smiled at her daughter, hugging her as she looked over the rest of us as she spoke, "Thank you for looking after my daughter."

...

Yuriko joined us on the bus for the short drive up to the estate, Saya happily explaining what had happened since everything had started at the school. From there we were bundled inside the main building and offered a couple rooms where we could 'freshen up' while those in Takuzo's group moved to met with their parents who all happened to be here.

For me, the shower offered me a chance to check the results from fighting the Zombies but there was nothing important from it aside from a level for both [Gandalfr] and [Mana Generator]. It also let me check how my body has been changing since I set my [Job] to [Squire] and it turns out that I have some lean muscles now. More built for endurance and speed over strength but its still a surprise to see. Luckily, I can still hide these changes easily under my clothing so I won't draw any odd looks. That also means I'm going to need to expand my explanation to include my healing magic working as a passive enhancer to myself and meaning the more I strain it the better I become.

Oh-ho... that's an interesting idea for a new [Skill] I can try to make once I finish getting dressed although I've no idea why I didn't come up with something similar when I first figured out this idea for an explanation for the others. Err... I probably didn't even make the connection between grinding to get stronger and wondering what is in store for me with the [Job System] while I was training [White Mage]. Either way, after I get [Squire] to Level 10 I should work on expanding the magic I have available to me as I'd be fairly useless in a magic only fight with just [Telekinesis], [Household Magic], [Summoned Swords] and [White Magick] at my disposal.

Also an estate this big should have a library somewhere so I should check that out for [Skill Books] later on so at least there might be useful stuff to learn in the future from there.

With that settled, I finish washing up and dry and get dressed, in a blue shirt, black tank top and slacks that I had been given along with my [Accessories] from before, and quickly start on creating my new [Skill]. Just need to use the basics of [Light Ferry] but without the visible aura and making sure it doesn't make my body glow... Ah-ha! Success!

Due to a special action, you have gained the [Skill]: [Internal Reinforcement]

[Internal Reinforcement] (Passive/Active) Level: 1 - EXP: 0% - Cost: 100MP/Min

Description: An technique that relies on the user continually circulating mana through their body to strengthen it by constant improvement and also leads to increasing their recovery rate. When pushed to the limit it can offer an explosive boost in power which can help in tricky situations.

-Passively increase STR, DEX, END, INT and WIS by 1% x Skill Level

-Passively increase HP and MP Regen by 10% + Skill Level

-Increase STR, DEX, END, INT and WIS by 20% + Skill Level

-Increase HP and MP Regen by 30% + Skill Level

It's more expensive then I expected but well worth the cost to get that sort of boost when I'm actively using it, especially as it affects all my important stats in one go as well as my Regens, HP and MP. Plus, I can keep it constantly active without much issue alongside [Byakugan].

[Mana Generator] has levelled up! 28 =} 29

Dismissing the two screens, I sling on my cloth bag of [Sword Forms] and leave my room with my dojutsu active so I can find if there was a library and where it was located. A quick scan of the whole estate shows that Saeko is in the dojo with Murata-tou and Saya's father - that sounds much too like something out of Cluedo.

Saya is arguing with her mother in her room as she's getting dressed.

Kohta is the workshop area looking for more nails for his nail gun or some other gun he could later use.

Rei and Hisashi are in their own room talking about something.

Misuzu and Toshimi are sharing a room... and a shower... Damn, that's rather hot despite not being too erotic.

Ehrm... Shizuka and Kyoko are in some sort of heated discussion although both have rather red cheeks over whatever topic its about... probably to do with normal morals verses 'end of the world' survival ones.

And Yuuki is in the bath, moaning a lot from whatever fantasy she's using for masturbation fuel... Wait, did she just moan my name...? Darn it, I really need to get either super hearing or get [Holmesian Deduction] higher enough that it will let me read lips. I could learn her preferences... I mean [Telepathy] or [Observe] would make it easy but I'd rather not use either of them on one of the girls close to me.

Entering at the library, I close the doors behind me and make my way towards the middle of the large room to start my search with [Byakugan]. Annoyingly, any that might look to be a [Skill Book] don't stand out from my previous searches for them but given that no one is likely to come past the large bay window opposite the doors and I have [Telekinesis] and pretty much 360 degree vision that can easily cover this whole estate I can use the zoom part of [Byakugan] to take note of the titles and grab those likely to be [Skill Books]. Even if they aren't useful now then I can save them for later as a just in case.

After about half an hour, I was making my way back to my room and had about two dozen books safely tucked away in my [Inventory] and a book tucked under my arm as a cover. Only a third of those I took were [Skill Books] and for the most part none of which would be useful at the moment. That group included [Politics], [Massage], [Art of Origami], [Accountancy], [Stock Management], [Programming] and even a [Singing] one. The rest of them was either those I imagine would be useful in the future, ones that didn't look to belong in the world like a Lexicon for the various Angels from the [Bayonetta] games and a [Skill Book] on Japanese runes or those that would sell well in another world. I'd also managed to get a level for [Telekinesis] from moving all the books about and three levels for [Observe].

Pushing the door open, I wasn't surprised to see Saya sitting on my bed in the clothes she wore at this point in canon as I act surprised and asked "Is there something I can help you with, Saya-san?"

"Just Mother... my parents didn't expect me to survive..." Saya retorted with a huff as I move to sit next to her on the bed before resting a hand on her shoulder as I replied "It's okay... Some people just can't help but think of the worst case going on so they can focus on the matter at hand but you've proved them wrong, Saya-san. You also worked out how they reacted to sound as well and that saved us trouble during our trip out here."

"You would have worked it out..." Saya grumbled back as she looked away while I shrugged and pointed out, "Probably... but not until later on. I was too focused on making sure we didn't get overrun as we lead the others out of the school and what medical knowledge I have so I can take them out easier."

"I have no doubt that you'd have survived on your own anyway. Fighting isn't the only way to survive this and you'd have came up with a means to get about. Sneaking and distractions work just as well." I added with an understanding look, Saya smiling slightly as she nodded to herself as she replied "You're right. I would have managed to survive regardless of what my parents think. I am a genius after all."

+12 Affection for Saya Takagi [55/100] (for making her realise that she would have survived on her own regardless of what her parents thought.)

Due to having 50 Affection for Saya Takagi, you've gained the [Perk]: [Intellectual Equal]

[Intellectual Equal] (Passive)

Description: Geniuses and highly intelligent people are drawn to you easier.

-Increase Affection, Reputation and Obedience with geniuses and highly intelligent people

"Let's go look for the others now..." I suggested, glad to see she was more confident in herself as she nodded and replied "Right. Let's go so we can plan our next move and who will be coming with us."

Saya offered me a warm smirk before she confidently lead the way out of the room, an extra sway in her hips.

...

Once we had found the others, Saeko now holding her new sword and Yuuki dressed in a pair of shorts and one of Saya's tops that rode up and strained against her bust. Toshimi and Misuzu was found with Kohta who was cradling his modified nail-gun which he had managed to fill up discretely while they watched people work. Shizuka and Kyoko were wearing a pair of Yuriko's dresses and had moved outside to the front porch to watch the people work while Rei and Hisashi was off in a bedroom on their own and had refused to meet with the rest of us.

"So... Have you found your mother yet?" I asked Toshimi curiously, only to get a shake of her head in response from her before I spoke "Finding your mother is the next stop for us then... Once we've had a bit of a break here first."

Toshimi looked surprised at my words before a happy smile formed in its place as she asked "Really!?"

+12 Affection for Toshimi Niki [42/100] (for reassuring her that you'd help find her mother)

I nodded in response before looking to the others to point out that they didn't have to come with us when we headed out but Shizuka drew my attention as I found myself hugged from behind as she chimed happily "Yes! Yes! That's it! No doubt about it. I remembered my friend's phone number!"

"I didn't bring my phone or address book so I haven't been able to remember it until now..." Shizuka continued, making my eyes widen as I asked "Rika-san?"

"Yep!" Shizuka chirped, tightening her hold on me as I pulled out my phone from my [Inventory] through my pocket to hand it to her. Shizuka seemed to keep one arm around me as she started to dial with the other, leaving me to take note of the envious look Saya and Toshimi was shooting towards the blonde in regards to me while Saeko looked amused, Yuuki smirked saucily and Kyoko somewhat exasperated and reluctant.

[Hello...?] I just about heard Rika's voice from the phone, Shizuka cheering at hearing her "Ahh, Rika? You're alive!"

[Shizuka..!? Are you alright?] Rika spoke happily and surprised, Shizuka humming as she answered "I'm great. Kichi-kun, Kyoko-chan and some students from school have been with me."

+24 Affection for Rika Minami [34/100] (for keeping her friends safe during this crisis)

[That's good. Where are you now? My place?] Rika asked urgently, Shizuka shaking her head as she answered "No. We used the school bus to head to one of my students' homes."

[Where? I'll start heading in that way myself now.] Rika asked before Shizuka answered "We're at the Takagi Estate at the moment."

[Right... I'm on my way now.] Rika replied resolutely before the call ended, Shizuka handing me back my phone as she released me.

"Why not leave looking for Niki-san's mother to the adults?" Kohta asked curiously, deciding to bring back the conversation to the topic at hand as Saya answered "Look around, fatass. They aren't going to worry about one person when all these others need to be protected and knowing my parents they already have a plan that they'll stick to."

"That does bring up another issue, doesn't it?" Kyoko spoke up, crossing her arms under her bust as she looked at me while Misuzu asked "What other issue?"

"About whether we join the group here or head our own way..." Saeko spoke up as I nodded and explained, "If we stay with this group then our word won't mean much as they still consider most of us children. They'll also try and avoid us getting involved in things as well or not accept our help."

"As you've no doubt realised, I'm intending to leave with Toshimi-san so we can find her mother but we'd probably come back after that." I admit with a thoughtful look before adding "None of you are obligated to come with us if you don't want to."

"Don't forget that I'm coming as well." Saya retorted with a huff as I chuckled "Of course."

"I'm not going to leave you either, Kichi-kun, I owe my survival to you after all." Yuuki answered first with crossed arms and a pout before Misuzu added "I'm not going to leave my best friend either."

"I'll come along as well." Saeko spoke with a soft smile, drawing a surprised look from Toshimi as she asked "But why?"

"I believe you'll have a better chance with more people leading the way and ready to fight." Saeko answered with a warm smile, caressing the handle of her sword with her fingertips.

"You're not leaving me behind." Shizuka spoke with a childish pout aimed at me before Kyoko sighed with a soft smile as she added "As your teacher its only right that I accompany you all to make sure you all survive."

"We should spend the rest of today getting ready then and we can head off some time tomorrow." I spoke up with a reassuring smile at the group, "Maybe see about getting some stuff together we can use as weapons as I doubt the adults here are going to let us use any of the guns here."

Kohta looked disappointed at my mention of not having the chance to grab guns but nodded along with the others before they started to split up and begin searching or in Saeko's case get dressed into more appropriate clothing and leaving me and Saya as she turned to me with an approving look as she spoke "Good idea. Leaving sooner offers us better chances that Niki-san's mother is still alive."

"Yep, plus it'll mean we can raid the Mall of useful supplies, if we get a large vehicle for us to use to store it that is." I add with a smile, getting a smirk in response from Saya as she nodded in agreement as she spoke "I'll have a look around for something we can use as I doubt they'd let us use the bus again especially with our smaller group."

Giving her a nod, Saya headed off towards the main building's garage while I turned to head towards the make shift camp to scavenge up what I could and what wouldn't be missed.

...

Following Souichiro Takagi's man into the main building, I kept my [Byakugan] at full range and skyward so I could keep an eye out for what I half expected to happen. My search had been more fruitful then I expected as I had found a broken [Steel Katana] and a [Steel Tanto] that had double edged, straight blades and was covered in black lacquered wood to conceal what they were. I'd also managed to find a key, a chain necklace and a broken drill bit which also unlocked new [Sword Forms] and brought up my number to 45.

I'd strapped two [Steel Tantos] to the small of my back, using my belt loops, so I would have a proper back up weapon for me to use, if I opted to keep my powers hidden and to have them act as another source of free EXP. They were hidden under a black kimono-style jacket I had found around the camp and with a quick use of [Clean] and [Repair] the bloodied and torn garment had been pristine once more and offered an extra 10 Defence for me and [Household Magic] getting a level.

The only other thing I had done was use [Experience Transfer] to give my tantos a boost from the two [Shinai] I had.

[Experience Transfer] activated!

[Shinai] (0/4) Level: 10 (19) - EXP: 0/1000 - ATK: 28/DUR: 54/54 - Rarity: C - SE: N/A

[Steel Tanto] (0/4) Level: 16 - EXP: 364/1600 - ATK: 29/DUR: 52/52 - Rarity: C - SE: N/A

[Experience Transfer] left: 3

Ability Unlocked for [Steel Tanto]: [Element Slash (Active)]

From the looks of things [Element Slash] is probably going to be one of the abilities all of my [Sword Forms] will get at some point although I'll need a larger sample size then just the two who have gained it so far and I'd like to save the extra uses of [Experience Transfer] in case of an emergency.

"Shido-san, please enter." The man spoke as he slid open the door to the dojo and stood to the side so I could enter. In the first few steps I slip off my boots as I approach the giant of a man whose looking at me as he spoke "Shido Kichirou, my daughter speaks highly of you. Leading your fellow classmates out of the school. Showing no fear of the infected and easily taking them out with that bokken you have, all while only recently having left hospital due to your condition."

"I was just making sure as many people survive as possible, Takagi-dono, and my medical knowledge helped me target the weak points in the human head. It was only luck that I thought to bring a bokken with me to school as I was looking to begin learning Kendo." I answer simply, Souichiro looked almost intrigued before he nodded to himself and turned towards the shrine behind him to retrieve something which turns out to be a sword as he presents it to me.

"One of my men found this sword a week ago on the estate... and while I've not discovered its origins, something tells me you would benefit from having it greatly. I would hope you would use this to help protect my daughter as I've been told you intend to leave soon." Souichiro spoke formally, holding out the sword to me to accept.

The sword was a normal katana with a blue handle and blue guard with a four petal design. The sheath was elaborate as well embedded with circular designs over it all and the first half being green with a bumpy design while the second half was white and smooth.

Accepting the blade with a 'thank you', I quickly use [Observe] on it to see what I was being given.

[Shigure (OP)] ATK: 51/DUR: 70/70

Description: The Shigure is one of the Wazamono Grade Swords from [One Piece]. Little is known about it only that its durable enough to resist the impact of a cannonball and deflect it with one of its previous owner's skill.

Type: One-Handed Sword: Katana

Element: None

Abilities: None

Requirements: 28 STR, 32 DEX

Blimey... I could practically start using this one now given [Gandalfr] boosts my STR up to the needed amount and I've already got the DEX required for it but I should add a bit to my STR to avoid having to rely on it. I'll have to use [Weapon Copy] on it later and I'll need to do the same for the Murata-tou that Saeko has now.

"Of course, Takagi-dono. I would have protected Saya-san anyway. And we are leaving to find the mother of one of our group." I replied with a bow of my head, getting a small smile on his face and nod of approval before he asked up "Will Miyamoto or Igou be travelling with you?"

"I'm afraid I don't know as neither is open to speaking with me due to my Uncle." I answer with a shake of my head before wincing as the flash and sound of the exploding missile forces me to turn off [Byakugan] as Souichiro runs out of the dojo.

Following behind, I slip on my boots before pulling one of my tantos to perform a [Weapon Copy] on the [Shigure], stuffing the original into my [Inventory] and storing the new copy into my clothe bag before creating another [Steel Tanto] to replace the changed one before adding three Stat Points to bring my base STR to 20 and bringing my current STR to 30 with the help of my passives and [Internal Reinforcement].

"Close the gate! Quickly!" Souichiro commanded as I ran out of the building to see the approaching hoard and stopped at the top of the steps.

"The remote control is broken at a time like this!?" One of the men spoke worried as I glanced to Saya and pointed out, "E.M.P."

"Of course! The missile was a H.A.N.E. A High-Altitude Nuclear Explosion." Saya started to explain her eyes widening in realisation, "If a nuclear missile detonates high enough, Gamma rays overload the air molecules with electrons, causing what is known as Compton Scattering. The High-Speed electrons are caught in the Earth's magnetic field and are discharged over a large radius, causing an E.M.P: an Electro-Magnetic Pulse."

"It's fatal to electronic equipment so no phones, computers or even high tech cars from now on unless they were already protected against such an attack." I add, getting an agreeing nod from Saya which made Rei and Hisashi - who had recently arrived - along with the other students look shocked as men closed the gate manually.

"Is there a way to fix the broken equipment?" Souichiro asked, Saya nodding as answered "If we replaced the fried parts then we might be able to get the cars working again."

"The older model cars would most likely not be too badly affected by the E.M.P either but classic cars would still work." I added, getting a nod from Saya as Souichiro turned to one of his men as he spoke "Look into that as soon as possible."

"Yes sir!" One of the men spoke before rushing off, Souichiro turning to his daughter as he spoke "Saya!"

"Wh-What is it?" Saya asked nervously, her father giving her a faint smile as he spoke "You have managed to keep your head in this chaos. I commend you."

Shouting from the gate drew our attention once more as I activate [Byakugan] and started down the steps as I suggested "Check if the neighbours are being attacked. That might be the best place to move to."

"What are you doing?" Yuuki asked concerned as I give her a reassuring smile, "I'm going to help buy some time."

+12 Affection for Saeko Busujima [48/100] (for being man enough make a stand to buy everyone time)

"But you can't!?" Saya spoke shocked only for Souichiro to interrupt "Trust the young man, Saya. I don't believe he plans to die here."

Watching the gate fall, I swing my free hand out wide as I focus on what I want to happen and call out, "Sacred Gear!"

BGM: Ready to Die - Andrew W.K.

From the ground, thirty copies of [Miló] erupted out in their spear form like stakes in a staggered pattern, the blue gem gleaming at the base of the blade where the hinge allowed it to change into the rifle butt for the gun form. They were all angled forwards so they stabbed into the chests or arms of the approaching Zombies to halt most of them, a few others managing to continue through the narrow gaps. They didn't manage to get very far though as [Holy Aura] still damaged them and the others Undead in the 5 metre range and with each Zombie only having 500HP and each [Miló] dishing out 52 damage which means I'd deal 1560 damage in total per minute with all of them together, more then enough to end your average Zombie here. Fight smarter, not harder after all.

The first wave of Zombies quickly collapsed forwards as the combined AoE damage struck and was followed by those within range behind them, leaving everyone watching to look on in shock at how easily I was handling the enormous group.

"W-What...?!" One of the men shouted in shock before gulping as I shot him a look as I retorted "Go grab the survivors and get them back to the main building so Takagi-dono can lead them next door!"

"R-Right!" The man spoke, turning and running to start leading the others back as I kept my focus on my [Sword Forms] and the screens that rapidly appeared or changed before my eyes.

Still, this is easier then I expected but then I am taking full advantage of stacking [Holy Aura] at the moment and its not like any of them are going to get past the spears until they either wear out their Durability or I dismiss them.

Taking a few deep breathes to make it look like it was more labour intensive then it was to keep the [Sword Forms] active, I wait till the last Zombie collapses before dismissing the [Miló] and let out a sigh of relief and a brief look over the results.

You have defeated [Zombie] x60!

You have gained 12000EXP!

You have levelled up! 15 =} 16

You have gained 5 Stat Points!

[Squire] has levelled up twice! 5 =} 7

You have gained +4 STR, DEX and END!

Loot:

¥30000

[Ragged Cloth] x300

[Zombie Meat] x180

[Sturdy Bone] x60

[Internal Reinforcement] has levelled up! 1 =} 2

[Miló (RWBY)] has levelled up x4! 1 =} 5

[Miló (RWBY)] (0/4) Level: 5 - EXP: 480/1500 - ATK: 64/DUR: 84/84 - Rarity: R - SE: N/A

"How the hell did you do that!?" Saya asked shocked as she rushed towards me as I took a calming breathe and started to explain "It's called a Sacred Gear. A special ability that only a few people ever gain and they tend to be supernatural in origin. Mine allows me to create Holy Swords and I only know this much cause it was stuck in my head when I somehow activated it."

"Those weren't swords that appeared..." Rei started with a smirk, making me roll my eyes as I created a copy of [Miló] in my hands, ignoring the screen about getting a [Spear Mastery] skill through [Gandalfr], as I explained, "I found out a loophole that means as long as a weapon has a sword form then I can create it. So while this is a spear, it can also be..."

I slide the rifle's barrel in to turn it into its sword form as I added "... a sword and a rifle."

A quick twirl turned red and gold weapon into its rifle form and drew a amazed gasp from Kohta as he looked at it before commenting "Is that based off of an M1 Garand!? What sort of bullets does it take?"

+10 Reputation for Kohta Hirano [40/100] (for handing him a working rifle)

"In this form it is... and as for bullets it doesn't have any, instead it fires a condensed form of holy energy." I answered, handing it over to Kohta before shaking my head and getting back onto topic, "Anyway, I discovered I had this power when I was in the hospital and spent my time creating forms although I can't hold too many active like that."

"What happened with them then? I mean they were just dropping from being near those weapons you summoned?" Misuzu asked with a frown as I answered "The best guess I have is that whatever caused them to turn into Zombies made them like their counterparts in RPGs tend to be... You know weak to holy energy."

"As for the reason I didn't use them before, well... I was worried. I mean the Zombie Apocalypse starts up out of nowhere and I summon a dozen swords to defend myself with... It's not exactly going to earn me any friends during that sort of panic and once we had gotten to the bus there wasn't much of a need for them." I admit sheepishly before adding, "I didn't get much practice before either as I was worried someone would experiment on me cause of this power so holding that many was tougher then I expected."

"Idiot...But thank you for protecting them." Saya grumbled at me, Yuuki smiling understandingly and Toshimi looked more hopeful.

+14 Affection for Saya Takagi [69/100] (for using your power to protect her parents)

+12 Affection for Toshimi Niki [54/100] (for making her feel safer)

+10 Affection for Misuzu Ichijou [42/100] (for making her feel safer)

+16 Affection for Yuuki Miku [73/100] (for protecting her and the others)

+14 Affection for Kyoko Hayashi [63/100] (for protecting her and the others)

+12 Affection for Shizuka Marikawa [68/100] (for protecting her and the others)

+14 Reputation for Rei Miyamoto [-16/100] (for being the means that she can get an suitable weapon)

+12 Reputation for Hisashi Igou [37/100] (for protecting him and the others)

Due to having over 50 Affection for Toshimi Niki, you've gained the [Perk]: [School Idol]

[School Idol] (Passive)

Description: Students are drawn to you easier.

-Increase Affection, Reputation and Obedience with students

Due to having over 50 Affection for Kyoko Hayashi, you've gained the [Perk]: [Teacher's Pet]

[Teacher's Pet] (Passive)

Description: Teachers and tutors are drawn to you easier.

-Increase Affection, Reputation and Obedience with Teachers and Tutors

"So, this was why you wanted to learn Kendo?" Saeko asked curiously as I nodded in response "Not much good being able to create swords if I can't actually use one to begin with."

"True, but you've been doing a good job since this all started." Saeko spoke with a nod.

"How many can you safely keep active?" Souichiro asked curiously as I hummed, noticing the look of those around us as I answered "Fifteen safely, I think."

"Hmm... I'd like five of those rifle-swords for my group. If its possible, Shido-kun." Souichiro requested formally. Its not a bad idea to give them some copies of [Miló] as it'll help me see if I'd get EXP from Souichiro's men fighting the Zombies but if that's not the case then I should at least get some 'Sword EXP' which'll be good for training up that [Sword Form].

Nodding in agreement, I summon up five [Miló] from the ground before pointing out, "The holy aura looks to only cover five metres from the weapon so keeping them together would stack the effect it has on the Zombies and make them easier to take out."

[Silver Tongue] has levelled up! 21 =} 22

"Thank you." Souichiro spoke with a formal bow as those men nearby moved to pick them up before one of them asked "Don, why shouldn't we insist on him coming with us?"

"That young man has already made a promise to his group, forcing him to forsake it would earn us no favour with him." He countered seriously as I add "I don't know how long they'll last or the range if I don't focus on them so be careful with them. Oh, the one time I got to test them they showed no sign of having recoil either."

Souichiro nodded before leading the remainder of his men off towards the neighbours and leaving our 'group' together as Yuriko added "Please look after my daughter, Kichirou-kun."

"Of course." I reply with a nod, Yuriko heading after her husband.

"This is great! Have you got any others?" Kohta shouted childishly, making me chuckle nervously at his enthusiasm before I created a [Gambol Shroud] in my hands as I added "This is the only other one I have at the moment. I figure these would be good for the girls to use if they want a weapon."

"I'll have a spear." Rei retorted instantly and soon let out an 'eep' as a [Miló] erupted out of the ground inches in front of her. Shooting a glare at me, she grasped the spear and started to swirl and swing it like she was following a kata from her club.

"If you're done showing off, we should get moving." Saya retorted, making Rei stop as we all headed towards the garage to find the amphibious buggy ready for us to take.