Azlan and Akane didn't need to pack anything. Their important belongings were already neatly stored in the 4D Pocket, so neither of them needed to return to the minimarket to pack before moving.
So, they immediately flew to find a new place to live that was safe from Titans.
Flying above the city, the two were shocked by the view below. Those Titans truly filled the city. From the height, they could see those giant creatures wandering in every street corner, like giant ants taking over a human nest.
"Haaah... This isn't good, Azlan-kun. Titans are scattered throughout the city! This severely limits our housing options. It seems we can only consider places in highlands like skyscrapers." Akane voiced her concern.
"Coincidentally, my idea is the same as yours, Akane."
Dizzy from this unexpected anomaly, Azlan had no choice but to adapt.
They flew away from Suginami District and headed to Shinjuku District. Finally, after searching for a while, they found a place that met their criteria.
"Wow, we have to thank whoever built this house." Akane exclaimed as soon as they landed.
She got down from Azlan's embrace and clasped her hands as if praying in front of the structure that would become their new shelter.
"The height of this building is more than one hundred meters. Based on my observations so far, the Titans don't know how to climb. So, as long as we're here, we don't need to worry about being attacked while sleeping."
Azlan stood at the edge of the building, strong wind hitting his brown hair now tied in a ponytail, looking down where the streets were filled with man-eating entities, both zombies and Titans.
The house was a unique structure built in modern traditional Japanese house style, this house had warm wooden walls with large glass panels that allowed spectacular city views. Its roof was sloped with dark tiles, giving a traditional yet elegant impression.
In front of the house was a small wooden terrace facing the view of Tokyo city that was now silent and damaged. Several plant pots that were now wilted were still visible in the corners of the terrace, remnants of the normal life that once was.
Most interesting was the presence of a small greenhouse beside the main building, perhaps once used for growing vegetables or flowers. Although now empty, its glass structure was still intact.
"Don't just stand there! Let's go in and check."
Akane came over to Azlan who was lost in thought staring at the city view from above. Enthusiastically, she pulled Azlan's arm and brought him closer to the house.
*CRUSH-BANG!*
The door was locked, but that wasn't a problem for Azlan. With brief concentration, he coated his hand with Touki and easily destroyed the padlock securing the door.
"Hehehe... We feel like thieves." Akane joked while giggling.
"The owner of this house is most likely already dead." Azlan refuted seriously while pushing the door open. "In other words, this is a house without an owner. We're not thieves at all."
"Oh my, I was just joking. Sometimes Azlan-kun is stubborn at strange points." Akane said while shaking her head.
"Just consider that I don't like being associated with criminals." Azlan answered briefly.
"Mm, I understand." Akane replied with a smile. She was happy to know more sides of Azlan.
They explored the house for a while. The house had one fairly large bedroom, one bathroom, a small functional kitchen, and a living room in front of the entrance. All furniture was dusty and cobwebs filled the ceiling.
Next, they went to the small greenhouse beside the main building. Akane was delighted that she could garden here. She asked Azlan to find vegetable and fruit seeds tomorrow.
Why tomorrow?
Because today they had to clean!
"Yosh, let's finish before nightfall!"
Akane rolled up her sleeves and wore a headband she found in one of the drawers. She held a feather duster and glass spray.
Meanwhile, Azlan held a broom looking somewhat awkward.
(Akane isn't forcing herself, is she?) He thought silently while observing the girl's enthusiasm.
Although Akane looked normal, Azlan felt that it was just a mask—a pretense to cover her true feelings that might still be chaotic. But considering their relationship wasn't too close yet, he kept his doubts to himself.
They started working, moving from the living room. Akane was responsible for cleaning dust on furniture and windows, while Azlan swept and tidied up.
"Azlan-kun, please move this sofa first!" Akane asked him to move the sofa that was too heavy for her.
"Okay."
Without even using Touki, Azlan lifted the sofa with one hand, moving it easily.
"Wow, superhuman strength! If so, our work will finish faster!" Akane exclaimed in admiration.
"Focus on your work."
"Yes, yes. By the way, Azlan-kun. In my world, there's a myth that when we clean an old house, we also cleanse bad luck. I hope that myth is true, so good fortune will protect us here." Akane said while cleaning dust from a photo frame on the wall.
Azlan stopped sweeping for a moment. "I only believe in power I can grasp, not fate."
"Ah, so pessimistic. But that's realistic. If so, let's create our own good fortune, with our own hands!" Akane smiled brightly, taking a paint brush and starting to clean stubborn dust in the room's corner.
Azlan observed how deftly Akane cleaned the window glass.
"You're skilled at this."
"I used to often help clean our theater. Consider this practice for my next role—a wife cleaning her new house."
Azlan only snorted lightly in response, continuing to sweep without commenting.
After the living room was done, they moved to the bedroom. She took the dirty sheets on the bed, and put them in the 4D Pocket to wash later, Akane also took detergent.
"Azlan-kun, isn't this bed too small for you?" Akane asked while arranging pillows.
The bed was indeed single or small double size, suitable for one person.
"I can sleep while meditating on the living room floor. That's not a problem." Azlan answered lightly.
Akane tilted her head. "That won't do! You'll catch cold later. How about we try arranging the mattresses in the 4D Pocket? I'm sure we took several decent mattresses."
Azlan didn't debate. After the basic work was done and the house was livable, Akane took out bedding and several thick carpets from the 4D Pocket, making the atmosphere inside the house warmer and more comfortable before nightfall.
Several hours later, the house began to show changes. The dust had disappeared, the floor was clean, and the windows sparkled. Although the furniture still looked old, at least now the place felt livable.
"It's done! Now this really feels like our home." Akane exclaimed proudly, hands on her hips.
Azlan looked around the now clean room. For the first time in three months, he felt something resembling peace.
Perhaps, with Akane's presence and this new shelter, life in this destroyed world wouldn't be too bad.