Setting Out for Mount Tai

A rushing sound kept coming from beside me. I wanted to listen to some music, but I was afraid it might attract monsters or Zombies, so I had to let the idea go.

But there shouldn't be any problem with me singing, right? Probably.

"Lying face down, crying beneath the trees that whisper in the wind. I saw myself, a stranger I'd never known. A guitar plays a requiem for those who've passed away. The stars fall for those who never came. Don't go, no matter how much I cry. The orange petals only sway in silence. On my soft forehead, the memory of your palm remains, far away. An eternal goodbye, plucked out one note at a time..."

I sang "Akatsuki no Kuruma." It was a way to remember the more than twenty years of my life that had passed, and to light an everlasting flame for those who had died in this world.

Time passed. Two hours later, the seat was still a little damp, but at least I could sit down.

I shut the door, straightened myself up, and dozed off in the car for a while. When I opened my eyes, I started the engine.

Today, I had to put enough distance between myself and them—at least enough that they couldn't find me. I was sure they'd come looking. Leng Bing and Bai Chi, at the very least, should be able to guess where I'd want to go. I needed to leave before dawn.

After all, a mutant's metabolism was much faster than an ordinary person's.

I floored the gas pedal, shifting from first to second, then third!

"Vrrrm—screeeech!"

With a piercing squeal, I sped off.

The scenery rushed past. I planned to go around via JN City; if I passed through a village, I might