Untouched by the Outbreak

As the sun began to rise the next morning, Ryo gathered Aiko and Sakura in the living area. He handed each of them a gun, ensuring they were both armed and ready. "I need to go back to the old base to get the remaining supplies," he explained. "There's still a lot left, including gallons of fuel, food, and other essentials. While I'm gone, I need you both to be prepared and stay alert."

Aiko and Sakura nodded, their expressions serious. Ryo looked at them both intently. "Are you still wearing the omamori I gave you?" he asked, his voice firm.

"Yes," they replied in unison, pulling the charms out to show him.

"Good," Ryo said, nodding with approval. "Don't forget to wear it at all times. And make sure you're equipped with your guns. We can't afford any mistakes."

Before leaving, Sakura pulled Ryo into a passionate kiss. "Be careful," she whispered, her eyes filled with concern.

Aiko followed suit, kissing Ryo gently but with a depth of emotion. "Come back safely," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ryo felt a surge of determination as he returned their embraces. "I will," he promised. "Stay safe, both of you."

With that, he headed out to the truck, started the engine, and drove back towards the old base. His mind was filled with thoughts of the tasks ahead and the delicate balance he needed to maintain between Aiko and Sakura.

Upon arriving at the old base, Ryo quickly set to work. He packed the remaining supplies with efficiency, knowing he might need to make multiple trips. As he loaded the last of the fuel canisters, his thoughts drifted to the importance of fortifying their new home.

"Once the base is secure, I'll have to find a way to deter any human intruders," Ryo mused. "More zombies around the perimeter should help keep people away."

With a plan forming in his mind, he finished loading the truck and began his journey back to the new base. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but Ryo felt a renewed sense of purpose. Together with Aiko and Sakura, he knew they could build a future where they could live in safety and peace.

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As Ryo methodically packed the supplies from his old base, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of safety and survival. The truck was already loaded with gallons of fuel, canned food, and various other essentials. He was securing the last crate when a sudden, deafening explosion reverberated through the air, causing the ground to tremble beneath his feet.

"What the hell?" Ryo muttered, his eyes darting towards the horizon where a thick plume of smoke was rising. The explosion had come from a distance, but the shockwave had been strong enough to reach him. He instinctively ducked behind the truck, scanning the surroundings for any immediate threat.

As the initial shock wore off, Ryo noticed something even more troubling. The faint hum of electricity that had been a constant background noise abruptly ceased. The entire area plunged into an eerie silence as the power grid shut down.

Immediately, Ryo's mind raced through the implications. Without power, everything would grind to a halt. The cessation of communication networks and the blackout would disrupt life in ways unimaginable. But there was another crucial concern: the water system.

The main water pump, reliant on electricity, would be rendered useless. With the power outage, access to clean water would become increasingly scarce. In a world already ravaged by the undead, the loss of such a vital resource could spell disaster.

Despite the looming threat, Ryo knew he couldn't afford to delay. He had to get back to his new base, unload the supplies, and then venture out again for additional food supplies. The blackout only added urgency to his mission.

With a sense of grim determination, Ryo checked his weapons and supplies once more. He couldn't afford to waste any time. The journey back would be perilous, but he had faced worse odds and emerged victorious.

As he revved the engine and peeled away from his old base, leaving the billowing smoke behind him, Ryo knew that the blackout was just the beginning. Darker days lay ahead, and he was determined to face them head-on, for the sake of those he held dear.

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