Zombie Domination

The atmosphere had shifted. What was once a somber courtyard now rang with laughter, clapping, and music from makeshift speakers. Survivors gathered in groups, showing off their hidden talents, singing, dancing, juggling, and even fire-breathing. It was like a festival born out of the ashes of a broken world.

Julian, now changed out of his ridiculous sumo outfit and back into his usual gear, approached the others who were sitting by a long wooden bench under the soft glow of solar lanterns.

Veronica was the first to notice him. She turned with a smirk, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Hey, hey! How does it feel to be the sumo champion, huh?"

Julian groaned. "It was terrifying," he muttered. "I’m still trying to process what just happened."

Clarissa, sitting gracefully beside her, gave him a gentle smile. "But Julian... because of you, everyone seems so much livelier now. I think many of them were still hesitant to enjoy themselves, probably still shaken by the old leadership. But that ridiculous sumo match... it gave them permission to laugh again."

Julian paused, glancing around at the celebration. It was true. People who had once walked with hunched shoulders now stood tall, even playful.

Then Emma practically jumped onto the bench next to him, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "You were so cool earlier, Julian! Next time, teach me sumo too, okay?!"

Julian gave her a half-hearted glare. "That would be absurd, Emma."

"But fuuun!" she teased.

Aya, who had been sitting more quietly with a drink in her hands, looked away shyly, her cheeks faintly red. "...I-I’d like to see you sumo again... sometime..."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "Not happening. One match was enough."

Then Celestia, arms folded, stepped beside them with cold expression on her face. "You could’ve gotten hurt, you know," she said flatly. "But... you were impressive. I didn’t expect you to actually win."