I'm Female Lead In Their World: Living in the High School of the Dead

Niikaz and her friends dashed through the deserted streets, heading in the opposite direction of the fleeing crowds. The only sounds were their hurried footsteps and quickened breaths, contrasting with the silent, empty roads around them. After ensuring through her map that no undead lurked within a one-kilometer radius, Niikaz came to a stop, allowing everyone a moment to catch their breath.

"Seems we are safe for a while," Niikaz told them, her voice calm but alert.

Kazu scanned their surroundings, double-checking her words with a cautious eye. "Takuzo! I was so scared, hic...hic…" Naomi's voice broke, and she threw herself at Takuzo, hugging him tightly as she wept.

"Naomi, I'm so glad you are okay...hic...hic… I'm sorry for not being able to save you earlier." Takuzo's own tears started to fall, and the two of them clung to each other, sobbing openly.

"It's alright, it's not your fault," Naomi murmured, trying to soothe him. She shook her head, willing her own emotions to settle.

"Niikaz, Kazu, thank you for saving us." The three of them bowed, their gestures filled with genuine gratitude.

"It's alright. In fact, it's all thanks to Niikaz. She's the one who kept staying back, waiting for you guys," Kazu explained, casting a respectful look at Niikaz.

"What do you mean?" Yamada asked, wiping his tears with his sleeve, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"I noticed the three of you seemed uncomfortable with Shido's ideology, so I waited, hoping you would speak up."

"To be honest, at first, we just followed him because he was the only adult we could depend on, aside from Marikawa-sensei," Yamada confessed, glancing at the ground.

"Yeah, but Takuzo noticed something was wrong. We started talking about it amongst ourselves," Naomi added.

"We wanted to join you, but we were scared we'd become a burden. None of us can fight or have talents like Takagi-san or Marikawa-sensei," Takuzo admitted, his voice low and hesitant.

"I still don't know if it's alright for us to be here," he continued, his gaze flickering between Niikaz and Kazu. "What if we slow you down, or... if you decide to leave us someday because we're not strong enough?" Their eyes filled with worry, uncertain and pleading.

Seeing their genuine concerns, Niikaz couldn't help but chuckle lightly, easing the tension in her stance. Kazu gave a soft sigh, sharing her sentiment.

"You guys aren't a burden," Niikaz assured them.

"Yeah! If we thought you were, Niikaz wouldn't have bothered waiting for you back there," Kazu added, his smile kind and encouraging.

"But... we can't fight like you guys can," Yamada said, doubt still in his voice.

"Look, to me, no one is a burden," Niikaz replied, her tone unwavering. "If I decide to save you, then I'll do it no matter what. I expect us to rely on each other's strengths."

After all, she thought to herself, I already like your character designs too much to let you die here.

Takuzo and the others released a collective sigh, visibly relieved and even more grateful.

"I understand now. Sorry for not trusting your kindness sooner," Takuzo said with a small bow.

"It's alright!" Kazu grinned.

"What do we do now, though?" Yamada's voice wavered. "None of us has a weapon with us."

Niikaz raised her hands, palms facing each other, and a glowing light began to gather between them, illuminating her face with an otherworldly radiance. The light expanded, taking shape until, finally, it solidified into what looked like a sleek, silent sub-machine gun. Their eyes widened, mouths open in awe at the sight.

"W-Woah, h-how did y-you?" Yamada stammered, still processing the sight.

"No questions for now. Let's just say I have the ability to create weapons." Niikaz's lips curved into a playful smirk. "Soon, I'll tell you everything—once we're with the rest of the group."

"Is... is that a gun? I mean, a real machine gun, like the ones I saw on TV?" Takuzo asked, still in disbelief.

"Half-correct!" Niikaz replied. "Kazu, come here."

He blinked, tilting his head as he stepped closer. "Give me your hand."

"Eh?"

"Come on, hurry up!" She giggled softly.

Kazu held out his hand, and she placed her palm against his, channeling a glowing blue light between them. Rings of light surrounded their hands, linking them in a visible, magical bond. The others watched in silent wonder, captivated by the sight.

When the glow faded, she released his hand and handed him the weapon.

"This is a weapon I created with my ability. When you aim it at an undead, a red laser will appear on your target, marking them as enemies. A blue light means a human. Every shot you take is silent, and the ammo auto-reloads. I also set it to respond only to your fingerprint, so no one else can use it—especially against me," she added with a sly grin. "Only you can see the laser light."

"Whoa! It's so light!" Kazu marveled, unconsciously pointing the weapon at Niikaz as he examined it.

"Careful where you aim, or I'll confiscate it!" Niikaz warned, frowning.

"Eek! No!" Kazu quickly hugged the weapon, pouting like a child whose favorite toy was about to be taken away.

"Um, Niikaz... c-can you... make one for me too?" Yamada asked, fidgeting with his fingers, his tone hopeful.

"Lucky you!" Takuzo and Naomi murmured enviously.

Niikaz laughed. "Don't worry. I'll make one for each of you." With the same ritual, she created weapons tailored to each person's skills.

Takuzo received a sniper-like rifle, Yamada a smaller sub-machine gun, and Naomi a petite revolver along with a thin bracelet on her left wrist.

"Um, Niikaz, what is this bracelet for?" Naomi asked, showing it to her.

"It'll protect you and someone close to you from harm. For example..." Niikaz swiftly grabbed Kazu's gun and aimed it at Naomi.

"Oi, Niikaz, what are you doing!?" Kazu shouted.

Niikaz pulled the trigger. Naomi flinched, closing her eyes in terror, but nothing happened. When she opened her eyes, a faint blue barrier surrounded her, shielding her from the shot.

"See? Even if you're attacked, the barrier will keep you safe—and it'll also protect anyone you want it to cover," Niikaz explained with a proud smile.

Exactly like her in the original story, she thought. This time, I'll make sure she survives.

"Ah! That really scared me. I'm glad she's okay, but—" Kazu lightly chopped Niikaz on the head.

"Ouch!"

"Don't... ever... do... that again!" he scolded, his expression stern.

"It didn't even hurt her!" Niikaz protested, rubbing her head.

"No means no!" Kazu replied firmly, making her pout.

"Thank you, Niikaz. I'll make good use of this," Takuzo said, and the others nodded gratefully.

"You better," Niikaz teased.

Naomi looked at her bracelet again, curiosity alight in her eyes. "How do I know if the barrier is protecting someone else?"

"Just focus on them. If you see a small blue light near their heart, it means you want them protected. When danger's close, the light will spread, forming the barrier. You can cancel it whenever you want, but then they'll be unprotected."

Naomi closed her eyes, concentrating, and when she opened them, a faint blue glow appeared in each of her friends' chests. She gasped, delighted. "I see it!"

"Great!" Niikaz replied with a smile.

They walked along the river, experimenting with their weapons, using nearby undead as targets. Each silent shot dropped an undead, allowing them to perfect their aim. By the time they reached Onbetsu Bridge, they were ready.

"This area... it's close to my home," Kazu said softly. "I'm worried about them."

"Then let's go to your house," Niikaz replied.

"Really?" Kazu asked, surprised.

"I agree. Our plan is to check on our families together, right?" Takuzo added.

"Yes! Let's go!" Naomi and Yamada chimed in, nodding firmly.

Niikaz checked her map display, a digital clock ticking in the corner of her vision. "There's still time before nightfall. Let's check on them," she said, concealing her map display from view.

"But what about Hisashi-san and the others?" Kazu asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

"They're not far from here. Looks like they didn't cross the bridge, probably because the police are blocking the way." She glanced at the bridge, noting the patrols.

"Let's go. Lead the way," Niikaz said.

"Alright, this way!" Kazu replied, guiding them toward his home, a silent prayer echoing in his mind that his face etched with a mixture of hope and fear. The others followed, each one tense but focused, understanding the weight of their journey