The 94th Broadcast and Beyond

The 94th Broadcast and Beyond

- 2030, August 17, 18:12 -

“-well, I think I’ve talked enough to make an episode, right? Okay, I’m ending this. Goodbye everyone. I’ll see you again next time… was that good? And how do I stop this, anyway? Right, right, this button… hmm, didn’t seem to work. Seriously how does this thing work?... Ooohh it’s gotta be this one, man that’s so hard to-”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 94th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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- 2030, August 18, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you. The center of the world is _____. If you have the time, please do come and visit. I’m always waiting.

“I’m your host, and my name is Satou. I’m still very new at this, but I plan on sticking with this program for a long time. My predecessor was miss A, a woman whose name I still don’t know even after all this time. Personally I’d like it if someone can remember my name, so yes, that’s my real surname. I will take a page from miss A’s book and keep my given name a secret, however.

“Despite the name, this program is apparently all about positivity, so I’m going to have to psyche myself up. Come on y’all, gimme some noise! YEAH!... Okay this just isn’t me.

“Something I never realized until I actually started being a host is that sitting alone in a room and talking to someone that may or may not exist, for every single day, isn’t doable unless you’re at least a little bit insane. That wasn’t a jab at miss A, by the way, I meant that as a compliment.

“Just imagine yourself talking for one hour straight. Can you be sure you won’t run out of topics by then? Seriously, how her brain worked I have no idea. Then again I’m following her footsteps anyway, I’ll figure this out sooner or later.

“So, today’s topic. If you can go abroad, where would you want to go? What, thinking I just picked the most clichéd topic? I sure did. What are you gonna do about it-

“----------

“Goodbye, everyone. I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 95th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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- 2030, August 19, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m your host, Satou. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you. The center of the world is _____. If you have the time, please do come and visit. I’m always waiting.

“Today-

“----------

“Goodbye, everyone. I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 96th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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- 2030, August 20, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. Again, I’m your host, Satou. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you. The center of the world is _____. If you have the time, please do come and visit. I’m always waiting.

“----------

“Goodbye, everyone. I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 97th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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- 2030, August 21, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m your host, Satou, just as hale and hearty as ever. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you. The center of the world is _____. If you have the time, please do come and visit. I’m always waiting.

“Goodbye, everyone. I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 98th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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- 2030, August 22, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m your host, Satou. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you. The center of the world is _____. If you have the time, please do come and visit. I’m always waiting.

“----------

“Goodbye, everyone. I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 99th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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- 2030, August 23, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. As always, I’m your host, Satou. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you. The center of the world is _____. If you have the time, please do come and visit. I’m always waiting.

“Do you know what day it is today? It’s the 100th episode of the Apocalypse Radio. Then again, I’ve only been broadcasting for about five or six of them.

“Anyway, to celebrate, today will be a special episode. I can guess what’s on your mind right now - you’re all wondering what’s different about it, right? The answer is: nothing in particular.

“I mean, sure, this episode is going to be longer than usual, but that’s about it. Hold on there, this isn’t my fault. It’s just what was written on miss A’s note. For those of you who aren’t aware, A is my predecessor, the previous host before me, who called herself a genius but was probably just an idiot. The note says, ‘You won’t believe this! The special episode is going to be… a longer episode! You can hear my voice for even longer than usual! Oooh, the people missing out are going to be so jealous of you!’ That’s what it said about the special episode, nothing else.

“I’m… not sure how to put this. I do respect miss A, but I don’t want to be like her. Do you get the feeling?

“So that’s why today’s episode will run for twice the time. Then again, the hosts of this program can start or end it at any time they want anyway, so really it’s special in name only. It fills up more time than the usual episode, which is why I’ll call this a filler episode.

“Alright, what should I talk about today? It’s the 100th episode so I had wanted to do a look back at our past episodes like how this kind of thing usually goes, but I only really know the last fifteen. There’s nothing to look back to. If there’s anyone more familiar with this program than me, please hurry up and come here to the center of the world.

“Now that plan A has failed, I can only move to plan B: announcing my food ranking. Sorry I’m so uncreative. Not actually sorry though. If there’s one thing I’ve realized recently, it’s that I suck several kinds of ass at thinking of topics. I mean, I’m not actually this bad in a normal conversation, just thinking that a radio host probably isn’t my calling. Ah well, whatever.

“So. My favorite food. I know I started this topic, but honestly I have so many it’s hard to make a ranking… Alright, here I go. At number 10 is-

“----------

“That sure was a long one. It’s time to end the special episode. Goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 100th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

“I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 101st broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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“The center of the world is _____.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 102nd broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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“-I believe that my voice will reach you.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 108th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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“Goodbye, everyone.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 124th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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“I’m broadcasting from the center of the world-”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 185th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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“I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 203rd broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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- 2031, January 6th, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. As always, I’m your host, Satou. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you. The center of the world is _____. If you have the time, please do come and visit. I’m always waiting.

“It’s about time I stop the new year’s revelry, isn’t it? I-

“-----

“Goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 236th broadcast. Audience number: 2 -

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- 2031, February 7th, 17:00 -

“Hellooooo, everyone! Welcome to the Apocalypse Radio! This program is brought to you by me, Suzuki, anddd-”

“Satou. Hello.”

“Come on man, why so down in the dumps? Put a smile on that face!”

“You’re just way too hyper, Suzuki. Anyway, we’re broadcasting from the center of the world, and we believe that our voices will reach you.”

“And the center of the world is _____! Come one, come all, we’re open any time!”

“So what should we talk about today? How about my favorite sports player?”

“I already heard that one before, Satou. My first time listening to this program was the episode in which you mentioned that, so it’s stuck in my mind forever.”

“In that case, how about my favorite food?”

“And I’ve heard that one three times by now. Damn man, you suck at being a host. Let me handle this.”

“Okay, that actually hurted a little.”

“----------”

“----------”

“And goodbye, everyone! We’ll see you again next time!”

“Our next episode will be hosted by Suzuki and Tanaka.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 238th broadcast. Audience number: 3 -

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- 2031, May 6th, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. We’re broadcasting from the center of the world, and we believe that our voices will reach you. The center of the world is _____. If you have the time, please do come and visit. We’re always waiting.”

“This program is brought to you by Satou, and…”

“Suzuki!”

“Tanaka,”

“Nishi,”

“And Yamada. Welcome to the program!”

“So you may have noticed that there are five of us today. That’s because today is the first anniversary of the Apocalypse Radio. Probably.”

“Why ‘probably’?”

“Because none of us heard the first episode, that’s why.”

“Oh, just to be clear since this can be confusing, but Satou is actually the second host. Right?”

“Yep. So if you count backward from the episode number, it should make the anniversary today… I sure hope so.”

“Basically it’s a special episode, right? Right!”

“What are we doing today, Satou?! You said to leave all the planning to you, so none of us actually knows what you’re up to!”

“A special episode runs for longer than usual.”

“...wait, that’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“Crap. We were idiots to have left this to Satou.”

“I forgot how terrible he is at being a radio personality.”

“Look, this isn’t my fault, it’s because A said-”

“Come on, own up! Don’t push the blame to your predecessor!”

“But it’s true…”

“-----------”

“--------------------”

“----”

“Goodbye, everyone. We’ll see you again next time.”

“I can’t believe it. We actually did nothing but talk for the entire special episode.”

“Surprising how much there is to talk about.”

“And tomorrow’s hosts will be me and Yamada! See ya!”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 356th broadcast. Audience number: 6 -

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“We have cucumbers in the field! It was amazing! Gosh, it’s been so long since I’ve had fresh vegetable.”

“Now I’m hankering for some tomatoes next.”

- Audience number: 8 -

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“Wait, you did sports? You do not look the part.”

“I will beat your ass.”

- Audience number: 23 -

-----

“I still think a metal pipe’s the greatest weapon of mankind. What do you think?”

“Way too heavy. Gimme a spear any day.”

- Audience number: 56 -

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- 2032, September 20th, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. We’re broadcasting from the center of the world, and we believe that our voices will reach you. The center of the world is _____. If you have the time, please do come and visit. We’re always waiting.”

“From today onwards, every Monday episodes will be hosted by me, Satou, and a new girl who had just arrived at the center of the world last week. Your turn to introduce yourself, miss.”

“Hey, Satou.”

“What is it?”

“The first host called herself A, right?”

“Right. She called herself a mysterious pretty girl.”

“That’s so cool!”

“What?”

“I wanna be a mysterious pretty girl too!”

“Uhh… I guess in that case you can call yourself B.”

“That’s it! Hello everyone, I’m B, and I’ll be your host every Monday from now!”

“I never thought I’d get to do this with you. I heard you were the one to have made the program a household name, Satou.”

“Yeah… well, I think the real credit should belong to miss A, who started the whole thing. I don’t think anyone knows about her, right? She should be remembered.”

“In that case, I’m not going to lose to her, or my name isn’t B!”

“I’ve heard that you suck at hosting, Satou, despite being with the program the longest. Don’t worry, I’ll work hard to take your place!”

“Come on, I can’t be that bad.”

“So just leave the topics to me!”

“Ok, sure, whatever you say.”

“Let’s see… Oh, yeah, have I talked about how I’m really good at rock-paper-scissors?”

“How can you even be good at that? It’s all luck, isn’t it?”

“No no no, I really am. Alright then Satou, play a round with me. Rock, paper, scissors!... Wait, what? I lost?”

“I don’t think that was the evidence you wanted.”

“...that’s so weird. I’ve never lost a round when I played with my sister.”

“Huh, so I guess you really are good, then?”

“Yep. My older sister is an idiot, so she only ever puts out scissors first. It’s why I always won with rock.”

“Then that doesn’t mean you’re good, she’s just terrible.”

“Nooooo…”

“But look-”

“-------------”

“--------”

“--------------------”

“Mmm… Honestly I’m still not convinced.”

“You’re making me really curious about your sister now, B.”

“Well… I actually haven’t met her in a long while now, but I’m sure I will some day. She’s an idiot, but she’s not afraid to take action, even if it’s for the strangest reasons at times. I think that, one way or another, she’d figure out how to survive through it all. Who knows, maybe she’s already really close. Maybe she’ll pop up at the center of the world as early as tomorrow.”

“Well well well, I can’t wait. Aaand before we knew it, it’s already time to end today’s episode. Can you do the goodbye, B?”

“Got it. Alright then, everyone, today’s broadcast was brought to you by Satou and B! We’ll see you again next week! Bye bye!”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 857th broadcast. Audience number: 258 -

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“Hellooo everyone! It’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. Today’s episode is brought to you by me, the genius, the beauty, the maiden of mystery, B! By the way, Satou is taking a break today. We’re broadcasting from the center of the world, and we believe that our voices will reach you!”

-----

- 2030, May 6, 16:00 -

She sat there, a microphone set in front of her as she took deep breaths.

She wanted to see people again. 

And this was the first step to do that.

She even thought of an excuse. That she wanted to bring joy back to this depressing world.

She could do it now.

The microphone was her last hope.

She was no savior.

She was stupid, excessively self-conscious, a bit of a narcissist, and a coward.

Just another human you can find anywhere.

It is true, that she would never get what she wished for before her end. She would depart this world empty-handed.

And yet it’s also true that her excuse would one day become the first ray of light to brighten up this world of darkness again.

She pressed the button.

“...Umm… test, test. This is working, right? Ahem. One two, one two… is this really set up right? Uhh, can you hear me? Please tell me if you can.”

[Previous Chapter] [Main]

No Signal

No Signal

- 2030, August 7 - No signal - 

- 2030, August 8 - No signal - 

- 2030, August 9 - No signal - 

- 2030, August 10 - No signal - 

- 2030, August 11 - No signal - 

- 2030, August 12 - No signal - 

- 2030, August 13, 12:05

A man stood in front of a makeshift barricade.

“So. Here it is,” he mumbled. “Wow, that’s a mess all right.” 

He was not a tall man, just slightly shorter than the average height of Japanese men. Despite being only around twenty, his unkempt beard made him look far older.

His right hand held an iron pipe. On his back was a small backpack.

At the foot of the barricade was a pile of infected corpses. Too many to count.

Splashes of dark-green were splattered all over the concrete ground. The result of putrid fluids spraying from the infected, then drying over time.

The green trail led to what looked like a black circle in the ground, almost as if there used to be a puddle of water here. He turned his eyes upward and noticed a sharpened laundry pole pointing out from between the gaps of the barricade.

It must have been the weapon of whoever used to live here, considering the infected fluid dripping from its tip.

The man began to push off the mountain of infected corpses with his legs, kicking them to a spot some distance away one by one, all the while scowling from the stinging stench. Once the barricade was clear of corpses, he nodded in satisfaction and began to climb.

He reached the top without much trouble, jumped down to a nearby table on the other side, then continued forward.

In stark contrast to the outside, the area on the other side of the barricade was neat and clean. A piece of the old world that almost made you forget about the horrors outside.

The man began searching for anything he could use.

“The center of the world, huh.”

He remained vigilant during his search, trying to be as quiet as he could. If she was right, then there should be at least one confirmed infected.

As he stayed cautious of corners and shadows, his eyes darted around, almost like a curious tourist. Two bags of chips and three cans of mackerel, all unopened, sat on top of a table.

He was impressed. She had made herself sound like such a slob. Apparently she at least knew how to tidy up.

He continued his exploration until there was only one final room he hadn’t searched. A piece of paper was taped on the door. It read, ‘Broadcast Room!’ The piece of paper was taped at an angle, crooked to the point that most people would get an urge to fix it.

Whoever did this didn’t seem like the type to care.

He listened. There was a faint groan. An infected, for certain.

With a deep breath, he renew his grip on the iron pipe. A hint of melancholy tinted his expression.

He slowly turned the doorknob, his pipe ready to strike at any time, and pulled.

The door opened without a sound.

“Graagghhh…”

There it was. The infected.

It didn’t seem to have noticed the man. Other than the constant groaning, it wasn’t doing anything else.

It was standing in the room’s corner, swaying from side to side, its back to the door. Next to it was a fallen chair.

“Graagghhh… aarghh…”

He saw a microphone set in front of it.

“Graagh…”

The infected continued making noises in front of the microphone.

His hands trembled. Not out of fear, but of incredible grief.

In this world of darkness, she was the one to have brought the first ray of light.

He had nothing but gratitude for her.

It would be far easier to simply smash the infected in the head with a surprise attack. He didn’t do so.

“Hello, miss A,” he said. “I’ve come to fulfill our promise.”

Reacting to his voice, the infected turned around. It had found a survivor, and its instincts took over.

“Graaagghh!”

It reached out its hands in an attempt to grab the survivor and bite him.

“Thank you.”

He swung the iron pipe, and her head was crushed.

- 2030, August 13 - No signal - 

- A note left on the Broadcast Room’s table -

“If you’re reading this, then I’m no longer in this world.

And done! It’s always been my dream to write a will that started with that line.

No regrets.

Regards, from the genius and prettiest girl, A.

Alright, enough jokes. The real will starts now, don’t worry.

I’m probably on the floor next to this will right now. If so, then you’ve granted my request.

Thank you for saving me. It means my broadcast had reached someone.

Thank you for being with me.

This sucks. Had I known this would happen, I would have said my location a lot earlier.

But it never was possible. I’m too cowardly, too afraid to ever do that.

Now, let’s get to business.

You must be a very kind person to have listened to my request, and so I have another one for you.

I know, shameless, right? It’s fine, you don’t really need to listen to me anyway.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. Please, grant my wish.

Would you continue the Apocalypse Radio in my stead, if it’s possible?

I’ve grown quite attached to it by now, and it’s just too sad to see it end.

As the previous host and also the best one ever, I might have left behind shoes too big for you to fill, but please. Do it for me.

It doesn’t need to be every single day. I’m happy if you’d just go on-air every once in a while.

Oh, but it would be nice if you can continue until the 100th episode.

I mean, look, it’s a hundred! A whole hundred! You get me, right?

The next broadcast is the 94th one, got it? It’s up to you now!

And over!

This has been me, A!

P.S. I really don’t like the idea of my corpse being left as-is, so please bury or cremate me if possible. I know, so many pleases, sorry for that.

P.S. of the P.S. Make my grave super cute.”

- 2030, August 14 - No signal - 

- 2030, August 15 - No signal - 

- 2030, August 16 - No signal - 

- 2030, August 17, 17:02 -

“...Uhh, test, test, is this thing on? No idea… Ah well, let’s just assume it’s working. Umm, what was it again… Right. Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.”

[Previous Chapter] [Main] [Next Chapter]

The 93rd Broadcast

The 93rd Broadcast

- 2030, August 6, 8:00 -

“This is pretty bad…”

She looked out of the window and grimaced. Even when indoors, the sound of the wind and rain still seemed to strike deep into her guts.

She had no way of knowing a typhoon had come.

She was most worried about the barricade.

A mass of tables, chairs, shelves, and whatever else, all tied together with tough rope. It had held up well all this time. For good measure, she had also reinforced it several times over, yet there was no guarantee of safety with such weather.

It was entirely possible a horde of infected would rush into the building in their attempt to escape the storm. And if it happened, the barricade might not last.

There was no intelligence to be seen in the infected, yet they still acted on some kind of logic. Instinct, perhaps, if they possessed such a thing. They did not jump from the rooftop if they saw survivors on the ground. They did not mindlessly bite, instead attempting to hold their victims still with their hands first.

She worried.

Furthermore, she hadn’t been patrolling the barricade as frequently for the last few days. Were the ropes slacking? Was it falling apart anywhere?

Her worries kept growing.

She put her feet on the floor. A throbbing pain stabbed into her ankle. She had attempted first-aid, tried to fix it in place with fabric ripped from clothing, but it still showed no signs of healing.

This was no sprain. This was a broken bone.

She didn’t want to admit it. Unfortunately, she couldn’t avoid facing reality anymore.

She sighed.

The food wouldn’t last another week. If she wanted more, she’d have to leave her safehouse and brave the horde.

Ever since the end of the world, horrible ideas of how she would meet her own end had always been in a corner of her mind. She never thought it would start with an attempt to fix the air conditioner. 

A moment of carelessness had decided her fate.

The room flashed. Seconds later, the thunder came.

Looking out the window, she could see masses of rotten flesh falling to the ground, battered by the sideway rain and lashed by the winds. Were she nearby, she imagined she could hear their groans.

Even the trees were bent to an angle she’d never seen before.

It really is starting to look like hell on earth, she chuckled.

There was nothing funny about it, but she laughed, and the thought of this very scene kept her laughing.

After her laughing fit was over, the thunder rumbled once more.

There was no peace to be had.

It was a morning in midsummer, yet the sky stayed depressingly dark.

She could not hear the children following along to the usual morning exercise program. She could not hear people riding their bicycles and mindlessly ringing their bells. She could not hear the businessmen and women lazily complaining about the heat. She could not hear anything.

Pouring. Rumbling. Rattling.

Nothing but the sounds of rain and thunder. She listened.

Pouring. Rumbling.

Pouring. Rumbling.

Pouring. Rumbling. Rattling.

She stood up without a word and picked up a pole nearby. A laundry pole, sharpened on one end.

Pain lanced through her ankle, but she ground her teeth and endured.

With support from the pole, she slowly moved forward, one step at a time.

Pouring. Rattling. Rumbling.

She moved towards the barricade, swallowing the gasps of pain that came with every single step taken.

Why was this happening to her?

All she wanted was to enjoy her life.

Pouring. Rumbling. Rattling. Clattering.

Mixed between the sounds of rain were something else. Sounds of something odd, barely noticable at first, were slowly growing more audible.

Rattling. Rumbling. Rattling, clattering, clacking-clacking-clack.

The barricade entered her sight. The dependable fortress that had kept her safe until now, a two-meter tall bulwark made of piled-up furniture. Impregnable.

It was shaking.

Rattle-rattle-rattle-rattle.

“Grrrrrhhh…”

“Urrggggg…”

“...I knew it.”

She heard those familiar spine-chilling groans, and through the gaps in the barricade, she glimpsed dirt-colored skin.

There were probably about ten. Likely many more.

It wouldn’t take long for them to breach through. If she left them alone, the barricade wouldn’t last another hour.

“Fine, let’s do this.”

She prepared herself and nonchalantly took a step toward the barricade.

“GRAAAGH! AAGGHH!”

Upon noticing her presence, the infected began slamming into the barricade. She paid them no mind and placed the pole against the barricade.

“Ouch… That really smarted.”

She placed one leg on the table in front of her and started climbing the barricade. The same thing she’d always done when outside. Easy. She just needed to ignore the pain.

On the other side, the infected were getting rowdy. Their instincts to bite another living human were driving them to smash into the barricade with increasing strength.

With much effort, she reached the top of the barricade, and once more she took the pole into her hands. The swarm of infected squirmed and writhed below her.

She forced a smile on her face, pushing herself past the nearly-paralyzing fear.

“Hey there, everyone. What are you here for, and why do all of you look so unhealthy? Just making sure, you didn’t come here because you heard my program, did you?”

“Graaagh!”

“Thought so. Can you go home, please? I would really like this barricade to stay intact. And please stop banging on it, it’s shaking a lot.”

“Aaagggh!”

She readied her makeshift spear. Aiming at the head of the nearest infected, she thrusted.

Splat.

“Graagh…”

It felt disgusting, like crushing a rotten pumpkin, and the sensation seemed to stay forever on her hands.

She checked that her target was no longer moving and tried to pull back the pole.

“Hey! Stop that, stop pulling! No seriously, fucking STOP!”

Another infected had grabbed the pole and was trying to pull her down. She shook it off, then promptly made a hole in its head.

But it was still moving. She then aimed and made sure to stab through the brain this time.

“Graagh! Waagh!”

As always, all that came out of the infected’s mouths were meaningless grunts and groans.

She continued stabbing.

“God, so damn annoying! This is supposed to be a zombie movie, where the hell are the sniper rifles? The shotguns? Not even any handguns! Right, because this is Japan, that’s why!... Ow ow ow should not have put weight on that side.”

“GRAAAHH!”

The swarm was being cleared out, and she could now afford to start casting glances down the hallway, where they had come from. That horrible feeling of stabbing into flesh still lingered. She’d gotten used to it by now.

“Whoa, too close. That was your friend, don’t climb on them! Right, just one left. I guess I might actually come out of this alive after all. No, I will. I have to.”

“GRAAAGH!”

And the last one went down. She had survived, even with her injury. But just as relief was about to overcome her, she noticed something.

“...You’ve gotta to be kidding me.”

Coming from down the hallway was a large number of infected, scrambling over themselves to get to her.

“Hah. Hahah.”

A dry chuckle left her throat.

“Ahahahahah.”

“Graaagh! Waaghh!”

They were slow, but they weren’t stopping.

The pole trembled in her hands.

The pain in her ankle that adrenaline had allowed her to forget now returned at full force.

“Why…”

“GRAAGH! AAGH!”

“Why is this happening to me?! What the fuck have I done to deserve this?! Stop ruining my life!”

“GRAAARH!”

“Today was supposed to be a special episode!”

“GAAARGH! WAAARGH!”

“SHUT UP! SHUT THE FUCK UP!”

“AARRGH!”

Despite the anger in her voice, there was barely any strength in her hands as she readied her makeshift spear. A drop of black liquid dripped from its tip.

The second wave was here.

- 2030, August 6, 19:20 -

“...hello everyone. It’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m your host, A. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“............

“...Umm, so today was supposed to be a special episode, but it’s… not.

“...Do you believe in heaven? I… don’t know. Sure I may be a genius… but not even a genius knows everything.

“And I’m sorry for springing this on you so suddenly, but… the Apocalypse Radio will end after today - well, actually, it’ll be on a hiatus after today. Ending it is too sad for me. I know I said I would do this forever. I’m sorry again.

“To explain the reason why… well… I think you can guess. Actually, I’ll just say it… I got bitten.

“I messed up… oopsie… so, uh, yeah. At first I was fighting on top of the barricade, but my foot hurted so much I got distracted and fell down… I’m pretty, but I didn’t think I was the clumsy-cute type…

“...Ok, stop! No more depressing stories! How am I forgetting so many times that this program is about positivity only?! Depression begone! I got bitten, so what?! Can’t do anything about it anymore, so why worry?!

“That just means even the talented sportswoman, genius, and knockout beauty that I am is still human. A moment of carelessness mixed with a dollop of misfortune can be a combination that’s beyond anyone’s capability. In fact, had this happened to anyone else, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t able to keep broadcasting like this! I got bitten, but I still survived and even went back to continue the program! I really am amazing, right?

“That’s right. I’m amazing! Just look, I’ve survived until now all by myself! And a girl too at that - yeah I know it’s not really a thing you say in this day and age - but I am a girl, the prettiest one on the planet! Surviving alone is an achievement!

“But, well… to be honest, I had wanted to meet someone before my end. Doesn’t have to be my family, not even my friends, just someone. What a shame… really…

“...........”

“...I’m sorry. I know I said I was going to be positive, but there’s just something I really want to say. Just think of it as my last wish. Your host, A’s last wish… Eheheh, thank you so much. I’m just going to pretend you said yes.

“I’ve always been scared. Of course I’m still scared now. So many thoughts going inside my mind, like whether or not I’ll still be conscious when I turn zombie, or if I’ll feel pain, and I can’t stop shaking just thinking about them. But they’re not the scariest. There’s something I’m afraid of more than anything else. I’ve been afraid of it since the beginning.

“All this time I have been broadcasting from the center of the world, and I’ve been believing that my voice will reach you. So I want to ask… are you there? Are you really there?

“I don’t know how many times I’ve had the thought. Dozens, actually probably hundreds. Maybe everyone else in the world had zombified. Maybe there’s no other survivors… After all, it’s been months. Three months since I started this program. Including the time before that, that’s half a year that I haven’t met any living person.

“What if I was left alone in this world? Or maybe it’s the other way around. What if I alone was taken to hell? I’ve had this thought for so long.

“...When I first started this program, I thought everyone was already gone. It’s all zombies now, it wouldn’t matter. I had kind of given up, in a sense. But I also wanted to cling onto that last ray of hope, that I’m not alone… I think that’s why I started the program. I couldn’t give up entirely. I said all that about bringing light and positivity to this dark world, but the truth is that I was just scared of being alone.

“I had hope. That if I continued, it might reach someone. That only the people in the area around me are gone, and there are still someone outside listening in, and would help me. Of course, by the time a month had passed, I figured it was false hope anyway. It’s all over everywhere. And yet… the longer I continue this program, the more I feel like I’ve become an actual famous person. I wonder why…

“I guess it was a form of escapism for me… The brain can cook up anything just to bear with the stress. By the way, this was actually what I was studying in college. Just never thought it’d happen to myself. Ahahah… I don’t even know why I’m laughing. It’s not funny.

“So it’s why I was so contradictory. I kept saying I wanted to meet someone, but I just said it’s the center of the world, never telling where it actually is. I know I wouldn’t be able to bear it if I said the location and no one came. I mean, just think about it. I could handle being alone… actually, considering what I’ve been saying these days, maybe I’m not handling it… but… but if I say where I am, and nobody comes, then it’s like the entire world is telling me that I really am alone. And I wouldn’t be able to take that.

“I was too scared to make it a certainty. It’s why I’ve been beating around the bush. I kept telling myself that you exist, that you’re not coming simply because I haven’t told you where… I said my injury had healed even when it hadn’t, because maybe you’d think I’m useless baggage, and you wouldn’t need me. Because I thought no one would come if they knew.

“...what was I even doing. Of course no one’s here. I haven’t told anyone where I am. So messed up.

“But that’s just the way humans are, right? I’m normal, right? I am!... I’m… not wrong, right?

“My leg has actually stopped hurting now. It used to be so painful. Well, to be more accurate, I barely feel anything from it… I guess that means what I think it means.

“I don’t want to be like them. I don’t want to spend an eternity wandering around to find living people. So… so I’m going to tell you where I am now.

“This place has electricity. It has water too. There’s… only a little bit of food left, but there’s a supermarket nearby. It should be enough for one person to last for a year. I worked really hard, so even the barricade is still intact. It’s nearly a perfect safe zone. After all, even a frail girl such as me lasted for half a year here.

“I just have a promise to ask of you. You can use anything here, just save me. I don’t want to wander around forever. If you really are there… then please. I don’t have the courage to kill myself. I’m too much of a coward for that.

“This is where I am. The center of the world is ______. I repeat. The center of the world is ______.  Please come here.

“...Things are starting to look kind of blurry now. It’s time to end this program. I want the host to stay me.

“Goodbye everyone. I’ll see you… Ahaha, whoops. Habits die hard.

“Farewell, listeners! This has been your host, the mysterious pretty girl A!”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 93rd broadcast. Audience number: 1 -

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The 85th Broadcast - The 92nd Broadcast

The 85th Broadcast - The 92nd Broadcast

- 2030, July 29, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. As always, I’m your host, A. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“Yesterday was terrible. I was fixing the AC after going off-air, but I slipped from the ladder. Thankfully I didn’t get seriously hurt, but I did twist my ankle. It’s still a bit painful.

“I feel like it’s going to take about three days to get better, so until then I’m going to stay still. So lucky that I decided to get more food the day before yesterday. I was actually almost running out at the time.

“Even such a perfect girl as me can still procrastinate, you know? Had my lazy habit kicked in two days ago, I would have been in a huge pickle by now. Too close. Maybe I can actually see the future?

“My base, which is to say the center of the world, is close to a supermarket, and I’ve always been getting supplies from there. I did say close, but I still have to cross a barricade, plus it’s infected town over there so it’s still dangerous.

“So I really didn’t want to have to go while hurt. Good job, two-days-ago me! If I had a time machine I’d come back to show my gratitude… no, that’s stupid! If I had a time machine, I should just go back to before the outbreak!

“So how was that solo skit? I think I’ve gotten used to this. Never stop growing, never stop learning, that’s my motto. Not really.

“Alright, what should I talk about today? After running this program for so long I’m starting to run out of topics. I may be a genius conversationalist, yet even I’m finding myself running into the limits of adlibbing.

“Oh, I just saw a bag of potato chips from yesterday, so I’ll talk about chips. Chips are a great source of energy since they don’t rot. Take a note, fresh food, you suck.

“Remember that supermarket I mentioned earlier? The fresh food corner is now a hazard zone. It stinks and looks horrifying. I’ve been trying to avoid it, but I can still sense its aura from a different area. Super yuck.

“Of course the infected are in the supermarket too, I just hate that corner as much as I hate them. Luckily enough, the fresh food area doesn’t move. Take a note, infected.

“Then again, I guess it’s fortunate that the infected are slow. As a former sports clubber, they might as well be standing still to me… okay maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration.

“I’m starting to really miss living people. I really want someone to come here… But if I tell you where I am, I’m going to get a crowd of fans coming for me. Yeahhh, that’s not ok.

“Listeners, try to find me yourself. I’m always waiting at the center of the world. There’s electricity too, so it’s pretty comfy. Oh yeah, get this-

“----------

“--------

“It’s getting late, so I’m ending the program for today. Goodbye everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 85th broadcast. Audience number: 1 -

-----

- 2030, July 30, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m your host, A. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“I did absolutely nothing today. Two days ago I hurted my ankle, so now I’m just resting. If I force myself to keep working, it’s going to take a lot longer to heal up. Safety first! Which is to say that I’m now legally allowed to laze around. Not that anyone would enforce it even if it was illegal. I am the law! Seriously though, being injured is exactly the time to take it easy, I know from experience.

“Back when I was in school, there was this one time when I also twisted my ankle. It hurted, but not so much that I couldn’t push through it, so I got reckless and kept going to practice. I wanted to go since at the time, I was all about that rosy school life, and club activities were a big part of that. And then what was supposed to be just a light injury ended up needing one whole month to heal.

“So I’m not moving an inch today! No, I’m not a NEET… Wait, I’m not employed. I guess that makes me one.

“But hold on a minute. I just realized an incredible truth. It’s not just me. Right now, I don’t think there’s anyone in the world who’s working. Which is to say that the entire human race are NEETs. Wow. Must be the end of the world. Wait, it is. Dammit.

“Alright, next topic! Hmm, let’s see… oh yeah, so today-

“-----------”

“And that’s it for today! Goodbye everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 86th broadcast. Audience number: 1 -

-----

- 2030, July 31, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m your host, A, a figure of secrets and mysteries. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“Yeah, let’s go, Apocalypse Radio! I’m quite excited today. I’ve been staying still for a few days now, so I’ve got a lot of energy to work off. Speaking of my ankle sprain, I thought it’d take about three days to heal, but it still hurts. So today is going to be another day of lazing around. It’s gotten much better now, but not to the point where I can run around without worries. I still drag my foot a bit when I’m walking.

“It’ll probably take another three days to heal, I think. Just a gut feeling. That gut feeling has kept me alive until now though, so don’t underestimate it! It’s got a whole almost-fifty percent accuracy!

“Despite the injury, though, doing absolutely nothing the whole time doesn’t sit well with me, so I’m going to start checking on the barricade from tomorrow. Need to reinforce it once in a while. I’ve not checked on it for three days, so I’m getting pretty scared.

“There are a few staircases I’ll need to go through, and the thought of going up and down with this leg isn’t a comfortable one, but don’t worry. I can totally do this. I’m a sports genius, remember? It’s gonna fine, I’m sure.

“Wait, did I jinx myself with that line? Crap, ignore that! Pretend I didn’t say anything!

“Phew, too close. I undid what I said so it should be safe now. My gut feeling is telling me so.

“Let’s get this back on track. Today, I-

“--------

“-----------------

“Goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 87th broadcast. Audience number: 1 -

-----

- 2030, August 1, 17:28 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m late today, sorry! I’m your host, A! I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“I would like to apologize to the one hundred million ladies, gentlemen, boys, and girls of Japan who were waiting for my program. I’m sorry to have made you worry, I didn’t mean to miss the starting time.

“I just want to be clear here, the Apocalypse Radio doesn’t actually have a fixed schedule at five in the afternoon. It’s random. It just so happened that I’ve been going on-air at five, and I don’t remember when it started being this way, but I didn’t make a schedule. Then again, I’ve gotten used to starting at five too, so I think I’m still going to begin the program at five from here on. Just remember that it’s entirely possible I’ll suddenly start broadcasting at another hour.

“So why was I so late? Well, I just took a bit longer than expected when reinforcing the barricade, it’s been a while since I last did it. It wasn’t an emergency or anything, please don’t worry. Alright, I think that’s enough. I’ve fulfilled my responsibility of transparency to the listeners. Proud of myself, me.

“I have something I want to talk about today. To be honest, this topic has existed as a vague idea in my mind for a while now, but I keep forgetting when I start up the program since ad-libbing has been the only way I roll. 

“So today’s topic is about eyesight! How good are your eyes, everyone? Mine is better than 20/20 unaided. Amazing, right? Then again, in this day and age, the only people who remain are either hawkeyes even without glasses, or those who do have glasses.

“I wonder what happened to the people wearing contacts? Guess they switched to glasses? I have no idea. Sounds like a rough time. Anyway, so I was thinking, there’s got to be contact-wearers among the infected too, right? How are their eyes now? It has to hurt, right? They probably can’t feel the pain, but I don’t think I want to see how it looks like. Then again, I wouldn’t know, it’s not like I’ve ever worn contacts.

“But you know how every single one of the infected will go into berserk mode when you get close to a certain distance with them and they can see you? How does their vision work, then? Anyone who figures this out is probably going to get a Nobel prize.

“And anyway, vision-

“------------

“Goodbye everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 88th broadcast. Audience number: 1 -

-----

- 2030, August 2, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m your host and your idol, A! I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“So I just realized this today, but it’s apparently August already. To those of you who are students, make sure you finish your summer homework early. Oh, right, there’s no school for you to go to anymore. Forget about it then.

“But I’m a bit jealous of you schoolboys and girls. Back when I was a student, homework was the bane of my existence. Must be heaven, not having homework. So far off from the hell that real life is right now… actually, pretend I didn’t say that.

“This radio program is supposed to be about positivity. I’m not going to talk about how terrible reality is. I’m supposed to be the Master of Joy and Cheer, but I seem to be lacking in positive energy these days. Brighten up, me! Stop being emo! Emo me is beautiful too though! Hooh! Haah!

“Human contact really is important, isn’t it? When you’re alone, you’re going to fall into this downward spiral of bad thoughts. Hurry up everyone and come here, to the center of the world. Come here and you’ll get to talk to me, not for free though! Let’s see… Five hundred yen for ten minutes, how about that? What? Too expensive? Come on, don’t underestimate me, I’m A-class, not A-size… not that I am A-size… you know what I’ll just shut up now.

“I’m still not telling you where I live though. I’m too famous to do that.

“Wait, hold on… aren’t the people who can figure it out on their own worse for me than the ones who can’t? Eh, whatever, I’m not thinking anymore. Too much of a headache.

“So what should we talk about today? Oh, that’s right, I haven’t told you about this one idea that I and my sister thought of, about a flyer distribution part-time job. It’s an idea that’s worth the Grand Nobel Prize, let me tell you. So basically, when you start the job, you just need to take home all the flyers-

“--------

“Goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time… *sighs*...”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 89th broadcast. Audience number: 1 -

-----

- 2030, August 3, 17:06 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“Can you believe we’re on our 90th broadcast today?! Just a bit more until the 100th. Three digits look great, doesn’t it? One hundred, unbelievable. Well we’re not actually there yet, but still.

“The genius that I am used to score about 80 in tests on average back when I was still in school, so a score of 90 means I have surpassed myself. Top of the class! I don’t even know what I meant by that.

“By the way, I’m not ending this program after the 100th broadcast, so no need to worry. There, there, I know the thought almost got you sobbing on the floor, it’s fine, I’m here for you. I plan on keeping this program alive for as long as I live. If there’s a day when I don’t broadcast… well, there won’t be, so let’s move on to the next topic!

“Speaking of grades, you all know how I’m pretty smart, right? I don’t mean smart in the sense that it makes me a good student, but that my brain works really fast. Every time I talked about this with my friends they all said no, but I think I’m actually a genius.

“There was this one time long ago when I tried out a simple IQ test. What do you think my results were?... Dun-dun-dun! I scored 105!... Yeah, super mid. Which couldn’t possibly be right.

“I know it was a simplified test and not accurate, but I just could not accept it. I still can’t. How can it be right when I’m so smart and so pretty?!

“My intelligence is such that no mere IQ test can constrain me. Anyway, jokes aside-

“----------

“And goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 90th broadcast. Audience number: 1 -

-----

- 2030, August 4, 17:00 -

“*huff* *huff* Safe and sound… Ahem, test, test, alright… Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“What do you use to cut your nails nowadays? If you weren’t home when the infection started, that means you don’t have a nail clipper, right? It’s the kind of thing you don’t realize you miss until you actually need it. I should know, I wasn’t home either. By the time one month had passed, the urge to trim it was just overwhelming. You wouldn’t believe how distressing it was when I realized I didn’t have a nail cutter.

“At first, I tried to make do with something sharp but it didn’t work out, so I ended up using my teeth. Self-sufficiency, you know? I was pretty hesitant at first, now I don’t even give a second thought. Just nom away.

“Before the outbreak, I never thought how convenient a nail clipper was. There are just so many things we take for granted, and it was a nail clipper that helped me realize that. Thank you, nail clipper. I don’t think there’s anyone in the world right now who gives as much thought as I do to nail clippers.

“Also, cotton swabs or ear cleaners. Which do you prefer? Personally I like that fluffy ball that’s on one end of an ear cleaner. Does anyone agree-

“---------

“Goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 91st broadcast. Audience number: 1 -

-----

- 2030, August 5, 17:19 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“It was just pouring today. I kept getting startled by the thunder. Might even be a typhoon, it’s almost the season. I didn’t think it’d be this bad, after all, there was barely any heavy rain last year. I’m kind of worried about the electricity, so today’s program is going to run shorter than usual. What, I should just not broadcast, you say? Non-non-non, for I am the very model of a radio host. Nothing stops me from broadcasting.

“It’s stopped by now though, like it wasn’t even there. Just a moment ago, the rain and thunder were so loud that when it suddenly went silent, that got me startled too. Oh well, no more rain is good.

“Oh yeah, I haven’t talked about my ankle in a while. It’s healed! My gut feeling was actually right. Sorry for worrying you all. Supergirl A is back in action, and nothing can stop her!

“Well then, do you know what episode it is today? It’s the 92nd! Ninety-two! We’re just steps away from the hundredth episode. And tomorrow will be exactly three months since I started! I’m the type of pretty girl that’s very aware of significant dates, so tomorrow’s broadcast will be a special episode! The details will be something to look forward to. Also, the hundredth episode will also be a special episode! Now you’ve got even more things to look forward to. Oh yes, I can hear your applause, my adoring fans.

“People really do need something to look forward to once in a while to keep going, right? I should know.

“Alright, so let’s talk about the carbonated drink rankings. What? This came from out of nowhere? Of course it did, I only thought of the topic just now. First off, in the undisputed number one position has got to be Co-

“----------

“Goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 92nd broadcast. Audience number: 1 -

-----

- 2030, August 5, 22:47 -

Drip.

Drip.

Pitter. Patter.

Drizzling.

Gurgling.

Roaring.

Rumbling. Cracking. Crashing.

“Fuck… it hurts…”

The rain has started.

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The 1st Broadcast - The 84th Broadcast

The 1st Broadcast - The 84th Broadcast

- 2030, May 6, 16:07 -

“...Umm… test, test. This is working, right? Ahem. One two, one two… is this really set up right? Uhh, can you hear me? Please tell me if you can.

“Then again, it’s not like you have any way of replying, I know that. If you can hear me though, please come here, to the center of the this mad world. I’ll be waiting… God, this is going to be so dumb if it turns out I’m not even broadcasting.

“And now I’m embarrassed… Right. Anyway. I’m going to believe that my voice will reach you and keep talking.

“Alright then, it’s time for the first broadcast of the Apocalypse Radio. I thought of the name myself. Cool, right?

“I know I said that this is a radio program, but there’s no way for me to interact with you, so no call-ins or answering letters. It’s just going to be me rambling about whatever goes through my mind at the time. Zero planning skills, I have.

“... Talking to thin air like this is already making me want to dig a hole for myself, but I’m going to ignore that. If my friends see me like this, I will cry. For many reasons.

“Sooo, I haven’t talked to any humans for days now. It’s why I started this broadcast. Got too lonely. So I’d really appreciate it if you can spare the time to listen to me chatter.

“The folks shambling around outside only ever know how to moan and groan. Terrible conversationists! And crazy, too, they rush right at you the moment they see you.

“I’m used to the sight now, but back then, I was shocked the first time I saw them. Oh man, this takes me back. I remember how I had this one thought running through my mind, ‘Zombies really do look exactly like zombies, huh,’ even when I was near pissing myself at the time. When something you’ve always thought were just fiction appeared in front of you, you’re not going to feel like it’s real.

“And while I was still blanking out, two or maybe three of my friends got bitten right in front of me. Still think about it to this day. And then I ran and hid inside a toilet for three whole days, just sobbing while trying to keep my voice down… Wow, now that I think about it, I’m surprised I survived through that. Amazing. Good job, me.

“Anyway, I’ll skip the part about my friends, it’s a tragedy that’s happened to everyone in a world like this. Maybe I’ll talk about them some day, on this program. If I feel like it.

“So anyway, I think it’s time for an introduction. Ahem. My name is… well, let’s just call me A. I’m going for the mysterious stranger approach. Cool, right?

“Right, let’s see… What to talk about… With the entire world being the way it is, I’m thinking maybe there should be at least one person who talks about good things, right? Hmm? Why did I name this program Apocalypse Radio if I wanted to do feel-good stories, you say? Nuh-uh, can’t hear you.

“Let’s start with my school stories then. Back in school, I was in the volleyball club. Technically a regular in the team, too, even though I sucked. Our club was so small I had to take the field.

“I found my own ways to cover for my lack of talent, and whenever I managed to contribute something to the team - which were rare occasions, mind you - it made me so happy… then again, I messed things up more often than I helped, really, but I’m sure everyone forgave me for that. For example, at the end of my third year…

“-----

“-----ahahahahah!-----

“---and then,---

“-----

“--------

“----------I surprisingly had a talent in--------

“--------------

“----hmm? How old I am? I guess you can technically call me still in my early 20s… Wait, that might as well be a straight answer, wasn’t it?

“Look, I still want to cling to my youth, alright? And I haven’t graduated college yet anyway…

“Oh, look at the time. I think I should end this here. Thank you for listening to the Apocalypse Radio. I’ll be on-air again the same time tomorrow, probably! Stay tuned!... Is that how you end a radio program? Ah well, whatever… Oh, right, this button. Uhh, so goodbye everyone, and I’ll see you again.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 1st broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 7, 16:37 -

“Test, test, this is probably fine. Umm, hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. Once again, I’m your host, A. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“We’re on our second episode today. Am I the talk of the town yet? I made for a pretty good radio host, right? Expecting an avalanche of fan letters… any time now… Well, I guess it’s only been the second episode. But if you’re listening to this, congratulations, because you can call yourself an early fan now! Feel free to go brag about it to your friends.

“Yesterday’s episode was a mess from the start, so today, I actually prepared a topic! I’m going to talk about that time I went to Okinawa with my friends. What? You’re not interested? Aww come on, don’t be that way, I know you’re curious.

“...It’s too depressing doing this back-and-forth by myself, so I’ll just get right to it. Anyway, it was two years ago. Which was about half a year before the outbreak. We were talking among ourselves, the four of us, and the idea of going to Okinawa suddenly came up.

“I think it was March at the time. I’m the type to want to go to a hotter place if the weather’s hot, or a colder place if the weather’s cold, so at first I was unwilling. It’s like going to Hokkaido when it’s not snowing. What’s even the point? If I’m going to Okinawa, it’s gotta be in the middle of summer. Makes no sense, right? I thought so.

“But they got really excited, and as I got carried away by their energy, the reckless college girl inside me made the executive decision to go. And well, it turned out super fun. Weather was perfect. Considering how wimpy I am, had I gone during August, I probably would have gotten heatstroke.

“We were poor so it was a short trip, just two days and one night, but the sea was super pretty so it was all good. It was why I ate so many sea grapes and got a stomachache… Wait a minute, I think something went wrong with my sentence construction. Oh no! Everyone is going to find out I’m actually stupid!... You know how it is, sometimes you get this weird brainfart. Anyway. So on the first day, we stayed at a seaside hotel---

“------

“--------and then it came to rock-paper-scissors----

“-----------

“---wait a minute…-----

“-------I think I’m crying… I’m sorry, just, give me a moment, sorry-

“---right, I’m really sorry about that… It’s about time, so I’m ending the broadcast here. Not because I suddenly got really embarrassed and wanted to cut this short or anything, alright? Absolutely not. Anyway, goodbye everyone, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 2nd broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 8, 17:42 -

“Uhh, hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. I’m your host, the mysterious pretty girl A. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“Sorry for being late today. There was this one infected guy who got a lot rowdier than usual, so I had to reinforce the barricade. Man, that was so much trouble. We only just made eye contact through the barricade and he went wild. I mean, I get where he was coming from, how can anyone be calm when in the presence of such an esteemed radio personality as me, right? But unfortunately I date humans only. Too bad for him, he’s going to have to give up.

“Despite the way I look… wait, you can’t see me… I’m actually quite handy. Fixing a barricade is easy as pie. Ooh, I know you just doubted me, didn’t you? It’s true. I can sew, I can cook too. I’m the perfect girl.

“Then again, you kind of have to be handy to survive in this world. Do it yourself, because there’s no one else to do it for you! Right, maybe that was a bit too dark for this program.

“Oh yeah, so what do you think my best recipe is? I can make pretty much anything, but there’s one food I’m sure I can make better than anyone else. Take a guess… Is it curry? Is it meat and potato stew? Nope! It’s hotpot! Hey, you there, you just thought that anyone can make hotpot, didn’t you?! You’re absolutely wrong! In my hands, a hotpot-

“-------------

“-------

“---------------

“-And that’s it for today. Goodbye, everyone, and see you next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 3rd broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 9, 17:15 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. As always, I’m your host, A. Tomorrow’s host will still be me, A. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“I get the feeling it’s about time someone start complaining about where the center of the world even is. Well let me say this: this is the center of the world. That’s right. Where I am is the center of the world. You there! The one who just thought, ‘What the hell is this woman saying?’ I ask you a question: where is the center of your world? Wherever you are at this very moment, right? Get what I mean?

“I live with the belief that where I am is where the center of the world is. Which makes it quite interesting, since the fact is that the center of the world moves. Most of the time the center of the world is in a bed. Sometimes the center of the world goes to take a look at the barricade or get food, but that’s about it. It doesn’t really move a lot. In fact, the center of the world really doesn’t want to move around.

“Alright, I think that joke has gone on long enough, so let’s move on to our next topic. Let’s see, today we’ll talk about how my thumb has a stupidly large range of movement.

“Try pulling your thumb back as far as you can… Have you done it? Now imagine it going back twice as much. That’s my thumb. Amazing image, right? I really wanted to show everyone, but unfortunately this is a radio program. Sad.

“The last time I showed this to my friends at an izakaya bar, I sent the room in stitches. Though they were all so drunk I had no idea what they were even saying. Had to send all the drunkards back to their places too, god, that was a pain in the behind… wait, no, tangent’s gone too far. Uh, what was I talking about again?

“----------

“-------------------

“That’s it. Goodbye, everyone. I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 4th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 10, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. As mentioned in yesterday’s broadcast, today’s host is also me, A. Tomorrow’s host? A secret! You there! You just thought that it’s going to be me again, didn’t you?! You’re absolutely right! Also I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you!

“So I have something I just gotta talk about today, can I get right to it? Alright! So get this, after who knows how long, I had a good dream! I won the lottery! Five hundred million yen! In my dream, that is. I’m the type that can’t recognize it’s a dream even if something really outlandish is happening, did you know that? You probably don’t care.

“So what will you do if you won the lottery? In my dream, I went to Hawaii with my family. I know, I know, that’s not gonna spend all my five hundred mils. But I’ve got the financial sense of a peasant, believe it or not, and that’s about the only way I can think of to spend a large amount of money. Other than the trip, the other ideas I have are buying that bathtub thingy that makes bubbles, stuff like that.

“Anyway, winning five hundred millions was just a side note. What really made me happy was that I met my family in the dream. Before that, the only thing I ever dreamt about were hordes and hordes of infected. I haven’t met them in a while, I’m really starting to miss them. Dad, mom… Oh yeah, I’ve never told you about my family, right?

“Our family has four people. Dad, mom, me, and my little sister! Except for the fact that my beauty can launch a thousand ships, it was just a family you can find anywhere. I mean, it still is. My sister’s insolent enough to have a curvier body than me, god I’m getting pissed just remembering her. She used to look at me and just gave me a thumbs up while saying absolutely nothing, but I could just hear it. ‘There’s still hope for you,’ she must have been thinking. Screw her. And then-

“---------------

“And that’s it for today. Goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 5th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 11, 17:00 -

“Hello, everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. As always, I’m your host, A. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you-

“-------------------

“-Goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 6th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 12, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. As always, I’m your host, A. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you-

“-I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 7th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 13, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. As always, I’m your host, A. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you-

“-I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 8th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 14, 17:00 -

“-I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you-

“-I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 9th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 15, 17:00 -

“-I’m broadcasting from the center of the world-

“-I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 10th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 16, 17:00 -

“-and I believe that my voice will reach you-

“-see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 11th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 18, 17:00 -

“---

“-see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 12th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 19, 17:00 -

“------”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 13th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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- 2030, May 20, 17:00 -

- The Apocalypse Radio, 14th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 2030, May 21 -

- The Apocalypse Radio, 15th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- May 22 -

- The Apocalypse Radio, 16th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- The Apocalypse Radio, 17th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

-----

- 18th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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- 19th broadcast. Audience number: 0 -

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 - Audience number: 0 -

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 - Audience number: 0 -

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 Audience number: 0

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“I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.”

“Goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

-----

- 2030, July 28, 17:00 -

“Hello everyone, it’s time for the Apocalypse Radio. As always, I’m your host, A. I’m broadcasting from the center of the world, and I believe that my voice will reach you.

“Hot! So. Goddamn. Hot! Like I said previously, this place has solar electricity, so I get power, but the AC is soooo weak. Show some guts, man! You’re never gonna go to the nationals at this rate!

“Wait, usually it makes this brrr sound but I just heard it went silent… Aww crap, the AC’s stopped! It couldn’t handle my abuse anymore and went on strike! What are you doing?! There’s no union for you to join! Work harder, please! If you don’t I’m going to die of the heat!

“Ooh, it just went brrr again. That’s right, boy. I know you have potential. Come on! Come on!... Aaahhh no don’t stop!

“...*sigh*…it broke down again. I just fixed it a while ago. I’m gonna have to do it again after today’s program is over. Goddd. Anyway, that’s why today’s broadcast is going to be shorter than usual. I know heatstroke’s not something you underestimate. Like I said, I used to be in the volleyball club in my school days.

“This is the season of heatstrokes, everyone, so please take care of yourself. Watch out for dehydration too. Drink often!

“Let’s see, what to talk about for today… Alright, I’m going to talk about how I overheard my sister telling mom how I always put out scissors first whenever I play rock-paper-scissors, and then we play a match over ice-cream where I confidently used rock, and it was a tie.

“-----why does paper even beat rock-----

“------------and despite it all, she’s still----

“------then I-----

“----Alright, it’s getting really hot so that’s it for today. Goddd, fixing the AC is such a painnnn… Goodbye, everyone, I’ll see you again next time.”

- The Apocalypse Radio, 84th broadcast. Audience number: 1 -

[Main] [Next Chapter]

Granblue Fantasy V1 Chapter 2

 Chapter 2 – Port Breeze Archipelago

1

A male voice could be heard from the gridded crevices on the right side of the operator’s console.

“Inbound ship, you have strayed off the set course to the island’s harbour. Urgent, return to your course.”

“The rudder is not working!”

Responded Katalina with a shriek.

A few hours ago―