The days blended together in a hazy mix of survival and training as the zombie apocalypse continued its relentless march. Time seemed to lose its meaning, and the once-familiar rhythms of life had been replaced by a new routine of constant vigilance. Rei remained a steadfast presence in my life, tirelessly teaching me the intricate arts of Bojutsu and Taekwondo. Her guidance had molded me into a more proficient fighter, but the unique challenges posed by our current circumstances added an extra layer of difficulty to our training sessions.

The boat we now called home served as our sanctuary and mode of transportation. It rocked and swayed with the ebb and flow of the waves, making it challenging to practice and demonstrate techniques with the same stability found on solid ground. Nonetheless, we adapted, finding ways to modify our training routines to accommodate the dynamic environment.

One evening, as the sun began to set, casting a mesmerizing tapestry of colors across the horizon, Miya approached Rei and me with a glimmer of nervous excitement in her eyes, something she had not shown much since before the attack on our boat. Her small hands clutching a notebook and pen, she looked at us earnestly.

"Rei, I was wondering," Miya began, her voice filled with slight determination beyond her years. "With our 9th birthday coming up next week, I want to start learning some stuff to save peoples lives.. like the doctors and nurses. It could help me help you and Haito."

Rei and I exchanged a surprised glance. Miya's thirst for knowledge and her desire to contribute to our survival efforts were amazing. We recognized the importance of empowering her with skills beyond combat, as the ability to provide medical assistance could prove invaluable in this dangerous world.

"Haito, what do you think?" Rei turned to me, seeking my opinion.

"I think it's a great idea," I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Learning basic medical knowledge will give Miya the tools to take care of herself and Ayato, especially in situations where we cant help them."

Rei nodded, her eyes shining with pride. "Miya, We'll make sure you have what you need to learn."

The decision made, we set our sights on acquiring the necessary books to facilitate Miya's education. I remembered hearing about a renowned library called ‘The Book Center’ at Chiba University, located in the Inage Ward of Chiba, northeast of Miura. It was known for its extensive collection of academic resources, including medical literature.

The journey to Chiba University would be no easy feat. We would have to navigate through treacherous terrain, constantly on guard against the ever-present threat of the undead. However, the Miya’s chance at even a small bit of happiness from something she wants would be worth it. Me and Rei would go and leave Miya on the boat with Ayato, with our manpower we would get through Chiba quickly and return just as quick. As we prepared for our expedition, the dim light of the flickering lantern cast an ethereal glow on our surroundings. The air was heavy with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia, and as we gathered supplies and fortified our boat, memories of a time long gone resurfaced.

While packing essential provisions, I couldn't help but reminisce about the days when time held a different meaning. In those distant memories, life was governed by schedules, routines, and the comforting cadence of everyday existence. Time flowed steadily, each moment seamlessly transitioning into the next, like a well-rehearsed symphony. But now, in this post-apocalyptic world, time had transformed into an enigma, a fluid entity slipping through our fingers. Days blended into nights, and weeks merged into a blur of survival and uncertainty. The significance of hours and minutes had been replaced by the urgency of securing food, finding shelter, and protecting one another from the relentless threat of the undead.

As I meticulously packed supplies into our backpacks, memories of mundane tasks that once filled our days flooded my mind. The simple act of checking the clock, planning the day's activities, or rushing to catch a bus—all now seemed like distant fragments of a forgotten era. The world had died, and with it, our familiar notions of time and routine. Yet, amidst the chaos, a new rhythm had emerged—one dictated by survival and the need to adapt to an ever-changing environment.

With our preparations complete, our boat stocked with provisions, and our determination guiding us forward, we set sail toward Chiba University, embracing the unknown that awaited us. The boat swayed with the rhythm of the waves, serving as a constant reminder of the challenges we faced. But amidst the hardships, the bond between us grew stronger, fueled by shared purpose and unwavering support.

As we embarked on our journey, Miya sat eagerly by Rei's side, her notebook clutched tightly in her hands. The wind tousled her hair, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of anticipation and determination. Rei, navigating the boat with a steady hand, glanced over at Miya and smiled reassuringly.

Miya beamed; her excitement palpable. "I want to be able to help everyone, just like you and Haito do. And taking care of Ayato and myself is important too."

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Rei nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Miya. Knowledge is power, the more we know, the better we can handle ourselves in the future."

Rei's gaze shifted upwards, her eyes following the graceful arc of birds soaring across the vast expanse of sky. The cerulean canopy stretched above us, imbuing the world with a sense of serenity and boundless possibilities. She took a moment to absorb the beauty of the scene before her words broke the silence.

"You might not remember," Rei began, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "But about six years ago, when you were just three years old, you had an insatiable love for books. You would spend hours immersed in their pages, captivated by the stories and knowledge they held."

A bittersweet expression danced across Rei's face, as if recalling a distant memory touched with both joy and sorrow. "However, as you grew older, something changed," she continued, her tone carrying a mix of empathy and understanding. "You were bullied for your love of books, and that painful experience slowly eroded your passion. But what many didn't know was that there was a deeper reason behind your decision to let go."

Rei's voice softened, carrying a weight of compassion as she spoke. "You discovered that Ayato, your beloved brother, was being hurt while trying to protect you. In your innocence and selflessness, you put Ayato's well-being above your own love for reading. You made a sacrifice, choosing to prioritize his safety and happiness."

Her words hung in the air, their significance sinking in. Rei's eyes held a mixture of admiration and pride as she continued, "You were so incredibly smart, and you still are. Your intellect shone through even at such a young age. It's just that, in your selflessness, you redirected that brilliance towards protecting Ayato."

A wistful smile graced Rei's lips as she added, "In that sense, you're quite similar to Haito. He possesses a genius intellect, surpassing many in his abilities. But I have no doubt that, given the chance, even you could surpass him. Your potential is boundless."

A warm smile spread across my face as I gazed at Rei and Miya, their unwavering determination filling me with a sense of awe. Miya, just a mere nine years old, had already endured unimaginable trauma on Galleyho's boat. Yet, here she was, her spirit unyielding, her determination burning brightly in her eyes. I marvelled at her resilience and inner strength, which seemed to transcend the boundaries of age and intellect.

Miya's desire to learn and contribute to our survival went beyond the ordinary realm of a child's understanding. It spoke volumes about her character and the depth of her compassion. As I contemplated this, a sense of pride welled up within me, mingled with a touch of wonder. I barely knew Miya compared to Rei, but witnessing her unwavering spirit, I couldn't help but believe in her limitless potential.

In that moment, as the weight of our journey towards Chiba University, the Book Center, pressed upon us, Rei crouched down, enfolding Miya in a warm embrace. It was a gesture that conveyed both love and support, reinforcing the bond between them as mentor and mentee, as sisters in arms.

As our boat sailed steadily towards our destination, anticipation filled the air, electrifying our conversations. We huddled together, forming a tight-knit circle of shared aspirations and stories. Miya's enthusiasm for her upcoming medical studies was contagious, and we delved into discussions about the specific topics she wished to explore.

With each passing moment, the distance between us and Chiba University closed, drawing us closer to the trove of knowledge that awaited Miya. We eagerly exchanged tales of our past, reminiscing about the trials and triumphs we had faced together. The stories we shared served as a reminder of the indomitable spirit that had brought us this far and fueled our collective resolve to overcome the challenges that lay ahead.

As the sun cast its warm glow upon us, painting the horizon with hues of gold and amber, a sense of camaraderie enveloped our small vessel. We were not just survivors navigating the treacherous waves of a post-apocalyptic world; we were a family, bound by a shared purpose and unyielding determination.

In the midst of our conversations, laughter bubbled forth, releasing the tension that had clung to us in the wake of our recent trials. It was a precious moment of respite, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was room for joy and connection. As we sailed onward, the air crackled with the promise of new beginnings. Chiba University stood as a beacon of knowledge, awaiting our arrival.

As our boat sliced through the choppy waters, our gaze fixated on the distant horizon where our destination, Chiba University, awaited. The atmosphere aboard the vessel buzzed with anticipation, our hearts pulsating in sync with the rhythm of the waves. But then, a sudden disturbance shattered the tranquillity that had enveloped us.

A thick plume of black smoke billowed into the sky, clawing its way towards the heavens. Its dark tendrils reached out, painting the azure canvas with a foreboding shadow. Our eyes were drawn to the ominous sight, the smoke seeming to originate from the heart of Chiba city center itself. Questions tumbled through our minds, weaving a tapestry of unease and curiosity.

Yet, as the boat rocked and swayed with the restless waves, a sinister presence seemed to manifest itself within our sanctuary. The sound of shattering glass shattered the air, an abrupt symphony of chaos. A plate, seemingly propelled by an unseen force, crashed to the floor, its fragments scattering like broken promises across the boat's surface. The sharp shards glimmered ominously, mirroring the shards of unease that lodged themselves deep within our souls.

We exchanged glances, our eyes searching for solace and understanding in each other's gaze. Something was amiss, that much was certain. The synchrony of our thoughts created an invisible thread of apprehension that wound its way through the air, causing a collective shudder to ripple through our spines.

The once-promising journey now felt tinged with an unsettling aura. The black smoke above Chiba served as an omen, a warning of impending danger. And within the confines of our vessel, the shattered plate became a symbol of shattered innocence, a fractured harbinger of things to come.

As the boat inched closer to our destination, each passing moment seemed to heighten our trepidation. The unspoken fears mingled with the salty sea breeze, thickening the air with a palpable tension. We were drawn inexorably towards the unknown, our hearts racing with a blend of anticipation and unease.

The black smoke loomed in the distance, a specter of uncertainty, while the shards of the broken plate whispered secrets of impending peril. We couldn't ignore the signs, the universe conspiring to awaken our instincts and ignite the flames of caution within us.

And so, we sailed forth, the waves crashing against the hull, a symphony of uncertainty. The path ahead was obscured, veiled in a cloak of suspense, and as the boat surged through the waves, we braced ourselves for the challenges that awaited us. The journey had taken an unforeseen turn, and the true test of our mettle lay just beyond the horizon, concealed within the shadows of Chiba city.