After last week’s shocking revelation that Megumi is not real, Gakkou Gurashi takes us on a trip down memory lane to explore the origins of the zombie apocalypse. In this episode, Megumi becomes the central focus, shedding light on the survival of the girls and unraveling new details about their lives.

A Glimpse into the Past

The episode begins with Megumi alone in a bloodstained office, surrounded by a desolate and ruined environment. The broken windows and rain outside serve as a grim reminder of the chaos that surrounds them. As Megumi reflects on the events, she writes down her thoughts, labeling this entry as her will. Despite crossing out her former title as a Japanese teacher, she vows to protect the girls with her life and holds onto the hope of rescue.

Unraveling the Past

The episode jumps back and forth in time, revealing the events leading up to Megumi’s separation from the girls. It confirms her role as their teacher and highlights her crucial contribution to their survival. Amidst a mix of upbeat music and horrifying images, we witness Megumi’s morning routine on the day of the zombie outbreak. Ignoring text messages from her unsupportive mother, she heads to school, unaware of the impending disaster.

The Line Between Teacher and Friend

At school, Megumi faces criticism from the vice principal and teachers for being too friendly with the students. Despite these challenges, Megumi’s ability to connect with her students becomes evident. She offers a listening ear to Kurumi, who is struggling with her feelings for a boy. Rather than giving advice, Megumi acknowledges Kurumi’s emotions, providing much-needed comfort. These interactions reaffirm Megumi’s role as a compassionate and caring teacher.

The Ominous Signs of the Apocalypse

As the day unfolds, news of a large-scale collision on the freeway spreads, indicating the outbreak’s imminent arrival. Megumi’s attempts to contact her mother go unanswered, and the situation intensifies as reports of people attacking each other at a local mall emerge. The sudden realization of the impending crisis prompts Megumi to make a fateful decision—protecting the girls at all costs.

A Gruesome Reality

On the rooftop, surrounded by chaos, Megumi witnesses fellow students turning into zombies. In a horrifying turn of events, Kurumi’s crush becomes infected and attacks her. Megumi’s terror and helplessness are palpable as she watches Kurumi fight back, burying the shovel in his head repeatedly. It is a gruesome scene that captures the gravity of their situation and showcases the characters’ vulnerability.

The Day Megumi Became Their Savior

Following the outbreak, Megumi, Yuki, Kurumi, and Yuri find themselves as the only survivors on the rooftop. Megumi earns their trust and becomes their guiding voice in the face of uncertainty. Back in the present, the girls huddle together, relying on survival rations, and reminiscing about their experiences. Their gratitude towards Megumi is evident as they acknowledge her role in saving their lives.

A Fragile Delusion

Yuki’s delusion remains a topic of concern as the girls debate whether or not to share scary stories. Kurumi nearly reveals a story that could challenge Yuki’s fragile mental state, but Yuri intervenes, understanding the delicate balance they must maintain. The episode ends with Yuki’s claim that Megumi is joining them for their camping trip, highlighting her deep attachment to her delusion.

Gakkou Gurashi Episode 3 successfully delves into the past while further developing the characters and their relationships. The episode skillfully avoids excessive violence, using suggestive camera angles and reactions to convey the horrors of the apocalypse. It leaves us with a sense of dread, anticipating the challenges that lie ahead for the girls and the possible impact on Yuki’s fragile mental state. Stay tuned for more suspense and psychological horror in the next episode!

Catch the simulcast of Gakkou Gurashi on Crunchyroll.