Untouched by the Outbreak

Chapter 145: Chapter 145: The First Snowfall

The first snowflakes began to fall, blanketing the town in a soft, white layer. The air was crisp, but Ryo and Sachiko were well-prepared. Ryo stood outside, his breath visible in the cold air, watching the snow as it slowly covered the ground. He had taken the extra step to outfit the Striders, Brutes, and even the regular zombies stationed at his base with jackets scavenged from the shops.They didn't need the warmth, but he wanted them ready—capable of moving and acting swiftly when he gave the command.

The zombies stood silently inside nearby empty houses, the jackets giving them a more human-like appearance, though their greyish skin and black eyes were still unmistakable. Ryo knew they could endure the cold without any trouble, but keeping them well-equipped was part of his strategy. He couldn't risk anything when the need arose.

Inside, the atmosphere was warm. Sachiko knelt by the fireplace, carefully setting up the charcoal heater. She glanced outside occasionally, watching the snow fall. It was peaceful, almost surreal to think they were surrounded by the undead, yet there was a sense of order—Ryo's control over the zombies gave her a strange sense of security.

Sayako, the female zombie, remained close to Ryo, following his every step as always. Her silent presence was a constant reminder of the strange new world they lived in, but for Ryo, it was normal. He glanced at Sayako and then toward Sachiko, his mind already planning their next move as winter set in.

With the preparations complete, he headed inside to join Sachiko by the fire. The heat from the charcoal heater spread warmth through the room, a comforting contrast to the cold world outside.

Sachiko busied herself with preparing coffee, the aroma filling the warm room as she moved about the kitchen area. There was a calmness in her actions, a sense of routine that she found comforting. Despite the world outside being overrun by zombies, their current situation was stable, even comfortable.

They had more than enough supplies, a stockpile that would last for years—rice, canned goods, instant noodles, dried food, and more. Ryo's careful planning and their scavenging efforts ensured they were well-prepared for anything.

As she waited for the coffee to brew, Sachiko glanced toward the window, watching the snow continue to fall softly. It was peaceful in a way, knowing that outside the walls, the world had become so hostile, yet here inside, they had everything they needed. The once intimidating task of scavenging had become second nature, and now they lived in relative comfort compared to the chaos others faced.

She poured the coffee into two cups and brought them over to the table, where Ryo was seated, lost in thought. As she placed the cup in front of him, he nodded in appreciation, his eyes flicking toward her briefly before returning to the fire. They didn't need to speak much—their bond was deeper than words, a mutual understanding of survival and possession.

Sachiko sipped her coffee, her mind drifting to their future. With all the supplies they had, she felt a rare moment of contentment. Life with Ryo, though intense and sometimes frightening, had given her purpose.

As Sachiko glanced around the storage room, she couldn't help but feel impressed. Rows of liquor and wine lined the shelves, each bottle neatly stored, a testament to Ryo's meticulous nature in preparing for anything. Next to them were gallons upon gallons of fuel, all carefully stockpiled and full, ready to be used when needed.

The generator sat nearby, along with other essential tools and equipment. Everything was arranged perfectly, showing how much effort Ryo had put into ensuring their survival and comfort.

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Outside the garage, she noticed the truck, its imposing frame parked neatly. Ryo had acquired it during one of their scavenging trips, carefully repairing it to make it run again. It was more than just a vehicle—it was a symbol of their readiness for anything the world could throw at them.

With the truck now operational, it would allow them to travel further if needed or haul larger loads of supplies with ease.

Sachiko felt a sense of security wash over her as she took it all in. Ryo was always thinking ahead, always preparing. They were more than ready for the coming winter, and with everything set in place, she knew they could handle anything that might come their way. She admired Ryo's foresight, and it gave her a strange sense of peace knowing he had thought of everything down to the smallest detail.

As Sachiko prepared coffee, her thoughts drifted back to her time as a re