CHAPTER 15 - Zombie Orcs.
You know, my life is shit. I've never been happy. And now that I finally had a second chance to start over, I'm suffering again.
I was transported to another world with my classmates. They considered me useless because of my low abilities and tried to kill me, but I managed to escape and avoided death. None of my classmates tried to save me. On the contrary, they mocked me for being the only useless one. What they didn't know is that I have a unique and powerful ability. Thanks to that ability, I will take revenge on them. I will kill the people who humiliated me and conquer this world. And along my path to the top, I will get a huge harem of sexy wives. Milfs of the world, even sexy gilfs, they will all be mine! Muahahahaha!
—Fufu. It would be interesting to live a life like that.
I was checking my abilities while imagining a story where I was a typical revenge-seeking protagonist. What great satisfaction it gave me to read that kind of stories. I loved seeing when those who underestimated the protagonist suffered. Who can I take revenge on? Honestly, I don't have any enemies. I was quite sociable and always tried to be kind to everyone. And my hatred for Sakura's brother doesn't go that far either. Although, yeah, I might force him to eat something disgusting the moment I see him. And if I run into his zombie... well… Ah, it wouldn't be the same.
—I'd look good in black clothes and a cape... No, the cape is unnecessary.
I need to change my style soon. I'm no longer a normal teenager. Now I'm a mutant magical zombie! It's not an exaggeration to say that I'm the protagonist now. Hehe. After all, I'm a zombie who still keeps his human side and has magic! Besides, I have a new little sister who used to be a real ghost. I have everything it takes to be a protagonist! Or at least an important supporting character. I can't wait for the first villain of the current arc to appear!
Ugh, better not. I'm still weak. A flat-chested shitty elf defeated an Orc in one second. An Orc that almost killed me. Destiny, life, God, forget I thought about that!
Well, let's change the subject. I have magic and abilities, but I'm still in my world, and fantasy creatures are appearing at the same time as a zombie virus. This has to be related.
We're talking about that topic right now to distract Mary and keep her from thinking about… Ah, better if I don't think about it either.
—The magical girls call this: "Status." Our abilities are measured in levels, and theirs are measured with more complicated numbers.
"What if both worlds, the magical one and ours, somehow fused? That could explain this magic system that didn't exist before," Mary said.
"That's a possibility, but I don't think so."
"W-why?" Kiasan said.
"Because the environment hasn't changed. I think their inhabitants were summoned to this world, and that activated magic in our world… It's complicated to find logic in this."
Thanks to that short time with the magical girls, I was able to learn a lot about this system.
The magic system is easy to understand. You kill enemies and gain points. Depending on your magical compatibility and luck, you can obtain new abilities by killing your enemies. Unlike the complicated magic systems in light novels, this magic system is much easier to understand.
You don't need to do anything specific to obtain an ability. For example, you don't need to kill a Goblin with move "x," in position "x," at time "x," and if you're lucky, you'll have a 2% chance of obtaining the ability ["x"].
It's not complicated. You simply kill your enemies, gain points, and if you're lucky, you get new abilities.
Saying it like that is kind of disappointing, but fuck expectations! I prefer it easy, thank you. I don't want to die so soon.
Killing to survive and become more powerful… Hmm. Is it necessary to have magic to gain points?
—I wonder if Mary can obtain magic too.
"M-me…?! B-but… I'm a normal human."
"You killed zombies, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Didn't you get a notification?"
"N-no… I don't think so. I was very distracted."
Fantasy beings can still use magic in our world. It would be unfair if the humans of this world couldn't acquire the magic point system to survive. I'm also doubtful about myself. Do I have magic because I'm a zombie or because I killed zombies?
"We could try it."
We stopped walking. I want to confirm it. Knowing this would be extremely useful, mainly so that humans can survive. Zombies aren't the only threat, and teaching humans magic to defend themselves is a great plan to keep Mary safe in the shelter. I won't be able to protect her for much longer.
"Repeat after me: 'Show Status.' You have to say it with the intention of showing your status."
"I have nothing to lose by trying."
She took a deep breath and extended her hand. Kiasan and I stared intently, crossing our fingers hoping this would work.
Please, let it work. I won't be able to protect her for much longer.
"Show Status!"
Her… status appeared. Theory confirmed! The magic system applies to everyone!
That's good, but it's also bad. Heroes and villains are being created right now, but that will be a problem for future Zei. Mary has magic!
"What?!"
We approached her to examine her status better. Will she have different abilities from ours? Oh yes, she has one I don't have, but I already have an idea why.
"R-regeneration? C-congratulations… M-Mary," Kiasan said.
Three abilities in total.
"You have the abilities [Mental Strength] and [Strength]."
That explains a lot of things. I didn't dare say that out loud. I don't want her to remember what I'm referring to. She's probably still thinking about it, but… Ah, this is bad for my heart.
If I lost my son, I would be depressed and wouldn't leave my house for days. I'd always be crying and angry at life. But Mary keeps moving forward and tries not to think about it, or at least she doesn't show it with anger on her face. Combined with the death of her husband… Yeah… If we combine both deaths, well… A normal person would wish they were dead, but Mary fought against the zombies because she wants to keep living. It's thanks to that ability that she can keep going.
I wonder what's going through her head, her thoughts, her future goals. Anyone who saw her wouldn't think she's a mother who recently lost her son.
"Incredible. I have abilities too!"
She can even smile. Does that ability influence her that much?
I don't want to discourage her, but it's better to prepare her for what's coming. I have to tell her.
"Don't get too excited. That's also bad."
"B-bad? W-why… i-is it… b-bad, Z-Zei?"
"Humans also count as points."
"Oh no. I already know what you mean," Mary said.
"I-I don't. T-tell me."
"Kiasan, Mary got those abilities because she killed zombies. Zombies have the abilities [Strength], [Agility], and [Regeneration]. If they kill more people, not only will the number of zombies increase, but they will also become more powerful. And if the zombies encounter other magical creatures and somehow manage to kill them, they will become very powerful and obtain new abilities."
"T-that means…"
"It's likely that we are witnessing the beginning of the true apocalypse. Hehe. Didn't that sound epic?"
Cough, cough.
Why are you fake-coughing…? Ah, I get it, Mary. Hehe. Sorry, I couldn't help it.
"Kiasan, we need to become stronger. Let's go!"
"Y-yes!"
We continued walking, more motivated than before. We have a new goal: become powerful so we don't die like idiots. Mutant and magical zombies, fantasy beings, and the occasional human whose power went to their head. The adventure is calling us, Kiasan! Hehe. I hope I run into a woman with the same condition as me. I need to get a sister-in-law for my little sister. But I don't think I'll get a harem. I don't want to be that generic either. Just one. I have to be a good big brother! I wouldn't like Kiasan to have more than one boyfriend, to be honest. Readers, start picking your favorite from each arc! A hint about the plot of my future. Wink, wink.
I don't think our journey will exceed two people (Kiasan and me). I'd rather avoid that happening to me again.
"After leaving Mary at the shelter, we'll go to the city, kill as many zombies as we can, and then return to my city. I want to confirm something."
"O-okay."
Mary stopped and I immediately turned to look at her. I looked in all directions, but I didn't see anything strange. There weren't even any zombies in sight.
"Is something wrong?"
"Eh? Ah… Well, I… No… It's nothing."
She continued walking. She's acting strange, but I'd rather not ask. I don't want to force her to talk. Let's go!
•
•
Alright, we're almost there. I can see it in the distance.
The shelter consists of three buildings designed to house hundreds of families. They didn't think about security, only about the number of people that could be inside, which is why its design is simple. I don't even know how to describe it, so I'd better not try. You're welcome, author. Wink, wink. The important thing is that they're huge. And considering the crowd of zombies outside, it's possible that everyone inside is already dead, since the zombies aren't trying to get in. Or it's also possible that they're not making any noise, which is why the zombies aren't entering. The place looks intact. My kind isn't very smart, after all. They mostly act based on what they see.
We're observing the shelter from behind some trees. We need to kill those zombies first to confirm if there are any survivors. I'm too lazy to count them, but there's a shitload. Let's say about 200.
"Kiasan, go kill those zombies. You need the points. I'll protect Mary."
"Y-yes."
Kiasan ran toward them while we waited. Oh, they grow up so fast. You got this!
"Hey, Zei…"
Mary spoke to me and I turned to look at her, but just as I did, something happened. Or rather… No, yeah, something happened. I don't know why I said "or rather." I was trying to sound interesting.
Ahhhhhh! Focus, idiot! Those are people screaming!
"Zei?"
Can't you hear them, Mary? They're screams. Even Kiasan stopped when he heard them. Something is happening inside one of the shelters, the third one.
"WRAAAAAGH!!"
That roar sounded like it came from a huge monster! It didn't come from something small. Even Mary heard it!
"What was that?!" Mary said.
One of the shelter's walls was destroyed by something. Or rather, by someone. Now I used "or rather" correctly! Eh? Is that an… Orc? Two Orcs?! There are 5 Orcs!!
Although 4 of them are zombies. The only Orc that looks normal is moving away from them. How did that happen?! Literally nothing was happening when we arrived. It's impossible that the Orcs appeared and we didn't notice! Did they enter the shelter first without causing damage? Impossible. From behind, in a place hidden from our view? I don't know! I don't understand anything!
"Brothers!! I will avenge you!!"
Hundreds of people are coming out of the shelters and heading toward the forest. Why? Because that healthy Orc destroyed the walls of the other shelters and the zombies are getting in!
"T-those Orcs… turned into zombies," Mary said.
"And they are more dangerous than a normal zombie. They mercilessly eat people with ease."
Soldiers are shooting at them, but their bullets don't penetrate the Orcs' skin.
"Are they stronger and more resistant?"
"Yes. Common weapons won't hurt them. Only magic will."
I looked at my right hand. If it worked on that Orc, it should work on these too.
I started running toward them.
"Kiasan, go back and protect Mary!"
Don't fail me now, magic. This is my revenge!
"Fire Magic!"
You just need to imagine the fire in your mind. You have to shape it with your mind, Zei.
I jumped and extended my right hand.
"Fire Sphere!!"
I feel the hot energy appearing! A fire sphere shot out of my hand and destroyed the Orc's head… Did it work? It worked!
When the fire sphere hit the Orc's head, it exploded and destroyed it. It literally happened that easily! It was easier than I thought, and I'm not complaining! I finally defeated my first Orc…! Although they're probably weak Orcs since they're zombies and all. But that doesn't take away from the fact that they almost fucked me over!
Three zombie Orcs remain.
"Get away!"
One of the soldiers was about to be eaten by an Orc. Don't worry, ordinary boring human, I'll save you!
I ran toward him. I jumped and gave the Orc a hard kick to the head right before it bit him. I sent it flying! I love my zombie strength!
This body is incredible! I can jump to a great height like it's nothing!
The soldier was about to fall to the ground, but as soon as I touched the ground, I propelled myself and caught him in my arms. It's a shame you're a man. This scene would have been more epic if you were a woman.
"Fire Sphere!"
I destroyed his head with a fire sphere. I wonder how many I have left.
[3 like the previous ones.]
Mmm. Enough.
"Hey, are you okay…?"
I winked at him while smiling.
"Handsome?"
"M-monster!"
He ran away scared. And I still called him handsome to calm him down.
"Ungrateful."
I stuck my tongue out at him.
"You're welcome, idiot!"
Two left… And they're heading toward the forest. Right where Mary and Kiasan are!
"Shit!"
I started running. I hope I can catch up to them, since they're as fast as me. Maximum effort! Ahhhhhh! I won't make it in time! Although I don't see Kiasan or Mary either. Did they escape?
Eh? A girl came out from a tree, landed on one of their faces, and destroyed an Orc's eyes with knives. And yes, that girl is Kiasan! What are you doing?! And Mary?!
Thanks to her, the zombie Orc stopped and I managed to reach it, while the other continued on another path.
Kiasan fell to the ground and I destroyed the Orc's head with a fire sphere. I have 2 left.
"That was dangerous, Kiasan!"
"I-I wanted to help."
[Ability obtained: Protection.]
I obtained an ability. Thanks! I'll check how it works later.
[Warning: 40% magical energy available.]
I spent a lot of magical power with three fire spheres. 20% each. How specific.
"Mary has the weapons. She'll be fine. I suppose."
As long as it's not that normal Orc or the zombie, she'll be fine. I hope!
I ran toward that damn zombie. It's destroying trees with its body. It's strong, but destroying them only slowed it down…! Ah, no, its speed isn't decreasing! That's unfair!
"Hey, stop right now!!"
Oh right, it won't listen to me. I'm a zombie too. Shit.
Come on, legs, run. Run faster. Run!!
…Well, I didn't need to push myself more. It stopped to eat. It's eating an old woman. It is a zombie after all. Sorry for not saving you. Rest in peace.
I simply stood behind it and extended my hand.
"Fire Sphere."
Its head exploded. Just like that.
Is my magic powerful or are their heads vulnerable to fire magic?
[Warning: 20% magical energy available.]
[Ability obtained: Shadow.]
[Ability improved: Protection.]
[Ability improved: Strength.]
Great, thanks! Well, that's all of them. Let's test my new abilities!
"You disgusting humans!! What did you do to my brothers?!"
Eh? Ahhhhhh! I'm such an idiot! I forgot about the only normal one!
Kiasan ran toward me.
"I-I obtained… p-protection and… m-my strength… i-improved."
And she only needed to do a little damage to that zombie. Excellent.
I took off her glasses and put them on. I have a feeling I'll need them.
"Go back to Mary."
•
•
The enormous Orc slowly approached the poor humans, who were trembling in fear. There was no escape, and if there was, they didn't dare try it. A monster stood before them, a giant pig capable of crushing a person's head like a simple grape. They didn't want to anger it and make their deaths even worse. They stayed in one place, hoping for a quick death.
"You will regret this."
A child, unaware of the genuine threat that monster represented, tried to run but fell to the ground. A girl helped him up.
"Are you okay?"
The humans were surrounded by zombies, who came to ruin the Orc's show. He growled at them, trying to intimidate them, but the zombies ignored him and attacked the humans. They began to fight, but it was a useless battle. Little by little, the number of humans decreased.
The Orc, seeing that it was useless to do anything, simply stood still, watching.
"Tsk. I don't care about the method, just die!!"
One of the zombies tried to attack that girl, whose name was "Sakura."
She closed her eyes and waited for death. Fortunately for her, fate had something else prepared.
"Why do they ignore you? The goblins were ignored too. I need to investigate more."
"Eh?"
She recognized that voice. Sakura opened her eyes and saw something she thought she would never see again.
"Z-Zei?"
Zei destroyed the zombies' heads with his fists in a matter of seconds.
He turned to look at Sakura and smiled at her.
"Sorry for being late."