Liana sprinted forward from the school group and shouted at Theresa, "We've all made up our minds! We'll stand by the Alliance no matter what. Even if you send us underground, we'll find a way back! We're not just going to hide to survive!" Yuki hurried after her. "Theresa, we're all capable of fighting zombies. Don't treat us like we're helpless kids!" Theresa regarded the two teenagers who had dashed to the edge of her bunker and smiled faintly. The kids of her Alliance were braver than Bennie had ever been. She gestured for Liana and Yuki to leave. As soon as they moved beyond the bunker's perimeter, they collided with James. "Liana." James, now taller and dressed in a sharp combat uniform, walked toward her with confident strides. Theresa had originally taken James in from Sage. At first, he clung to her side, but he was too young and weak to follow her on missions. She didn't want a child tagging along, so she sent him to the barracks to grow stronger. Two years later, James was almost unrecognizable. He had shot up in height, becoming a tall, striking young man. Years of rigorous training had erased most of the boyish softness from his face, leaving only determination and resilience. He no longer resembled the scrawny child struggling under Sage's control. "James," Liana called, running up to him. "How did it go?" "Ms. Hall said no," she replied. "If she said no, then that's final. You're supposed to be safe," James said, ruffling her hair. "You should leave." Liana shook her head firmly. "No. Don't treat us like children. We're not afraid of zombies." "This isn't the time for defiance." "It's too late. My classmates and I have already decided. We'll stick with you all to the very end." "Yuki..."At that moment, David and his wife rushed over. "Yuki! It's time to go!" David had been Theresa's first resident. They had no choice but to stay and fight, but their daughter needed to be evacuated. "Dad! Mom! I'm here!" "What are you doing here?" "I came to see Theresa and tell her we're staying," Yuki said firmly. "Nonsense!" David barked. "Move! Mr. Green is organizing the evacuation!" "I'm not leaving!" Yuki planted her feet stubbornly. She had awakened a strength-type ability, and after years of training, not even her dad could budge her. "Do you think you're invincible? You won't even listen to me now? Get out of here!" "No!" Seeing his daughter refuse to obey, David's eyes reddened. For the first time in his life, he raised a hand and slapped her across the face. He had never struck Yuki before. She was his most precious treasure, his lifeline. For years, he had never even scolded her harshly. Their luck had held out so far. Meeting Theresa at the beginning of the apocalypse had protected them. Over four years, Yuki had grown up shielded from most dangers. If it were possible, David would give his life this instant to keep her safe forever. But no one remained who could fully protect her. "Honey! What are you doing?" his wife cried, tears spilling as she rushed forward, wrapping Yuki in her arms. Yuki, her cheek stinging from the slap, straightened her neck stubbornly and ignored her mom. She glared at her dad. "Go on. Hit me again. If you kill me today, fine—I'll stay here with you. Our family doesn't split up." "Are you... are you trying to drive me into an early grave?" David shouted, raising his hand again. "Honey!" Just as his hand swung down, the anger drained from him. His arm fell limply to his side.Yuki flung herself into his arms. "Dad, we only have two days left. I'm not leaving. I'm staying here with you. Let's just stay together." Hearing her words, David—nearing fifty—broke down and wept. "Okay. We won't split up," he choked out. Yuki's mom sobbed harder, clutching David and Yuki. The three of them held one another tightly, unwilling to let go. Nearby, James and Liana watched. Liana tilted her head toward the teen, now towering above her, and reached out to take his hand. "James, I want to play on your console again. Let's have another round." James looked down at her sparkling eyes. "Alright." The sun sank slowly, casting its final warm light over every corner of the Blazing Sun Alliance.