I, The Aeon of Trailblaze, Trailblazing the Multiverse

Crack!

Himeko gently tapped the test tube in her hand, breaking it as she spoke warmly.

"After all, this world hasn't yet stepped out of its cradle," she said. "It's built only on the foundations of basic physical sciences. Once the root cause is found, it's easily solved."

"A biochemical virus caused by elementary physics is no more than a mild cold for doctors like us, isn't it, Lord Akivili?"

"In comparison to my predecessors, I still have a long way to go."

A soft hiss filled the air as the liquid inside the broken test tube boiled rapidly, transforming into vapor.

The steam dispersed, carried by atmospheric currents, and would spread across the globe within three hours due to Earth's rotation.

Welt and Dan Heng had worked tirelessly to clear the city's zombies—not for the antidote's effectiveness, but simply to save as many lives as possible.

Elias observed Himeko's calm demeanor, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, a faint smile curving his lips.

"Explorer of the Stars," he said, "I believe it won't be long before you surpass your predecessors."

From every angle, Himeko's presence was captivating, her figure brimming with confidence and strength. She was like a perfectly ripened fruit, exuding charm.

Especially that mole near her collarbone—it was the perfect accent, like the final touch on a masterpiece.

Patience, Elias reminded himself. Patience.

He wasn't one to rush things. As a Aeon, with an eternal lifespan, there was no hurry. He preferred the profound connection of both mind and body.

Himeko's ember-like eyes shimmered with determination as she nodded. "With you here, I am confident I'll become the finest Trailblazer."

Elias laughed heartily. "From now on, no need to call me Lord Akivili anymore. The name of a Aeon might feel too overwhelming for everyone. Just use my human name—Elias."

"After all, even the Nameless once called me by my mortal name."

Akivili, the mischievous, ever-changing ghost-fire youth, had used countless aliases in the past. Unless he deliberately revealed himself, not even the Pathstriders could recognize him back then.

It was no wonder someone like Aha had managed to sneak onto the train unnoticed.

"Yes, Lord Elias," Himeko said, her heart inexplicably warmed.

Lord Akivili's approachable demeanor felt as comforting as family.

In truth, the Nameless aboard the Astral Express often referred to themselves as family.

"Let's go," Elias said. "It's time to regroup with Welt and March 7th. We should leave this world."

"Hm-hm-hmm~"

Elias hummed a cheerful tune as he walked past Himeko, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. He appeared no different from an ordinary teenager.

The world of Highschool of the Dead was, at its core, just a simple one.

For the crew of the Astral Express, resolving its problems was a trivial matter. There was no reason to linger.

With the new Nameless in tow, it was time to head back.

The Astral Express had already registered this world's coordinates on the star map. They could return anytime.

When this world eventually reached the stage of interstellar travel, they would likely discover the Silver Tracks—pathways that led to the Star Rail universe.

In connecting the two worlds, Elias had already laid the groundwork for future encounters.

Himeko, as composed as ever, kept pace with Elias. Her mature, radiant face carried a smile full of warmth and reassurance, perfectly complementing her steady demeanor.

...

The population of Tokonosu City had been decimated—over 80% gone. Originally, only 30% had turned into the zombies, but the infection's rapid spread had tripled that number in just two hours.

With so many gone and the remaining zombies eradicated, the city now felt eerily empty.

The remaining survivors had gathered in the city center. Order had been restored.

Now, local officials and police were busy organizing citizens to scavenge supplies from the city.

"Mom and Dad… they're gone…" Rei Miyamoto sobbed uncontrollably, clutching her tear-streaked face with both hands as a police officer, claiming to be her father's colleague, stood solemnly in front of her.

"I'm deeply sorry. Your father gave his life to protect others, holding back the wave of zombies. He was a true hero. This… this is his badge." The young officer bowed his head and held out a bloodstained police uniform.

Saeko Busujima approached quietly, resting a hand on Rei's shoulder. She wasn't skilled at comforting others, but she understood Rei's pain.

"Saeko-senpai, I have no family left…" Rei cried, collapsing into Saeko's arms, her sobs heartbreaking and raw.

Saya Takagi stepped forward as well. Her tear-streaked face betrayed her own grief, though she tried to hold back further tears.

Her father, Souichiro Takagi, had also perished. Only her mother survived, now serving as one of the city's key officials. Her mother had explained that her father had been bitten by his assistant while working in his office.

"What should I do now, Saeko-senpai…?" Rei's voice choked with sobs as she wiped at her streaming eyes.

With no parents left and no close relatives or childhood friends to lean on, the future loomed uncertain and bleak.

Saya, though teary-eyed, spoke resolutely. "Even if you're alone, you still have to move forward. My dad's gone too…"

"If only I could become like Saeko-senpai—a Pathstrider. To be a hero venturing to other worlds… That'd be like a dream come true."

"If I could return as a hero, Mom would be so proud of me."

Rei sniffled at Saya's words, her own thoughts beginning to align.

She couldn't afford to wallow in despair.

Her father had been a righteous officer of the law. If she could follow in Saeko's footsteps and become a hero—if she could save others like March 7th and her companions had saved Earth—then maybe, just maybe, she could honor her father's legacy.

...

Crack.

Hum.

Rei Miyamoto and Saya Takagi suddenly froze, disoriented as the world around them seemed to shift.

Looking up instinctively, their surroundings transformed.

They stood in an endless void, with cascading streams of light pouring down. Above them loomed a colossal god, gazing down with starry, galaxy-like eyes.

For a fleeting moment, they felt the weight of those eyes, as if eternity itself had acknowledged their existence.

And then, just as suddenly, they were back.

They blinked rapidly, confused—until a strange warmth surged through their bodies. Power. A new strength that seemed to flow from deep within.

"This… what's this?" Saya murmured in disbelief, raising her hands as faint arcs of electricity danced across her palms.

Rei raised her own hands, staring at a delicate, crystalline snowflake that hovered above her palm. The freezing air it radiated sent sharp chills prickling across her cheeks.

"I… I…" Rei stammered.

Saeko paused for a moment before smiling. "It seems the Aeon has recognized you both. Congratulations—you've become Pathstriders."

Rei and Saya exchanged stunned glances, their tear-streaked faces slowly lighting up with elation. The whirlwind of emotions—grief mixed with hope—left them breathless.

"This is incredible! We can go on adventures in other worlds too!" Rei exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement.

Saeko nodded calmly. "Now I'll have companions from my world. I won't feel so alone."

At that moment, a familiar, cheerful voice rang out.

"Hey—my new juniors! It's time to head out! Hurry up!"

March 7th waved at them enthusiastically from the distance. Behind her stood Himeko, Welt, Dan Heng, and Elias, who stood with his hands tucked casually into his pockets, a faint smile playing on his lips.