After finishing the final strategy meeting.
Aider disappeared to make his own preparations. We wouldn't see him again until the final battle at Stage 50.
"Alright, we need to prepare to survive until the final boss fight."
For now, it's Stage 45.
It's a boss stage again. A single slip-up here and we might not even get to see the final boss, leading to a game over. We need to be extremely careful.
So, we sent an exploration team to the dungeon for reconnaissance...
"What?"
Upon hearing the identity of the enemy in this boss stage, I murmured in astonishment.
"Zombies?!"
***
The enemy horde in Stage 45 is zombies.
More precisely, the 'zombified' 'Demonic Guard Corps'.
'What were they doing when they died? And what made them come back to life...?'
I had many questions, but in any case, it's zombies, demons, and monsters. We need to take them down efficiently.
Unlike other monsters, demonic monsters have no clear strengths or weaknesses. Instead, they are superior to humans in every stat and can use equipment like humans.
The Demonic Guard Corps is the top-tier unit among these demonic monsters, boasting superior stats and excellent equipment.
And now they've become zombies...?
'So I have to plan my strategy around super-stat zombies.'
And if it's the Demonic Guard Corps, then the leader is surely the Demonic Guard Commander—'Cromwell.'
This demon duchess, who is at the pinnacle of the demonic species, wields several powers to command her subordinates. The Demonic Guard Corps under her command fights with well-trained military tactics.
If we were to clash with her original form and her corps, the battle would resemble a fierce fight against an elite special forces unit infiltrating our city.
'But they're zombies...'
In this world, zombies aren't a species or a group, but a 'state.'
Revived from death, losing their sanity, and attacking anything in sight... And to top it off, it's a contagious state.
In the game, we encountered monster hordes in a zombie state. If bitten, our allies would become 'infected', and if they died in that state, they would resurrect as zombies and join the enemy horde.
'It's not like the movies on Earth where you turn into a zombie immediately after being bitten, but still, they're a troublesome enemy.'
If these guys are in that state, then it's like dealing with a special forces unit turned into zombies...
'Similar to the ghouls of the bloodline, yet slightly different.'
Recalling the memories from Stage 5, I made a thoughtful noise and came to a conclusion.
'I need to see for myself.'
I needed to examine the state of these zombified demons to formulate a battle strategy for this fight.
I immediately issued an order.
"Lucas, summon all the heroes!"
Lucas rushed in right away at my call. I gave him the next command.
"Select personnel to go into the dungeon for direct exploration!"
***
I explained the opponent in this stage to the assembled heroes.
Having faced all kinds of monsters so far, none of them were surprised by the mention of zombie demons.
'Hey, isn't everyone a bit too nonchalant? Have they all become too seasoned?'
I was slightly disappointed.
Even though it's a zombie and demon combo, a staple of horror movies. I expected at least one person to scream "Eek" or "Ahh"...
"Ah, Lilly, I miss your early days..."
"...Pardon? What do you mean?"
Lilly was already going through paperwork, listing water-type artifacts that could be effective against zombies and demons.
Her mental fortitude had become too strong, possibly due to motherhood...
"Ahem, anyway!"
Clearing my throat to draw attention, I continued.
"This exploration isn't about engaging in full combat. I just want to personally observe the state of these zombie demons to make an informed judgment."
I nodded at the focused gazes.
"So, we're not planning to fight seriously."
"Then..."
"Like the previously dispatched reconnaissance team, this team will also be for reconnaissance. Just a deeper look."
I briefly explained the characteristics of demons and zombies to the heroes.
High stats, contagious bite.
To scout a place swarming with such enemies deeply...
"We'll need the fastest members of the World Guardian Front to do it."
Speed was crucial.
They had to scout quickly and retreat just as fast. That was the concept for this reconnaissance mission.
"So, I'm going to select the fastest among you..."
As I looked around,
Pow!
Everyone raised their hands simultaneously.
...What, do all of you think you're the fastest?
"As you may know, Ash."
Verdandi smiled confidently, placing a hand on her chest.
"As an elf, we don't lag behind any race in terms of speed."
"Ho."
"And as you know, I'm an assassin... I'm the fastest here on this front."
Verdandi tilted her nose up proudly.
I couldn't help but smile. After her sister Skuld's death, it had been rare to see Verdandi's bright face.
Then Kellibey interrupted loudly.
"As you know, Ash!"
"Yes...?"
"In underground tunnels, us dwarves are faster than any other race!"
"Huh..."
"And since the Lake Kingdom dungeon is underground, like a tunnel, dwarves will be faster than elves!"
Immediately, Verdandi and Kellibey started a staring contest.
Classic elf vs. dwarf rivalry. Oh...
Kellibey also had a much brighter face now. So I felt a bit more relieved.
But there was no time for admiration. The other heroes also stepped forward to appeal their speed.
"Captain, include me!"
Kuilan, who had shed all his wolf fur and completely turned human, jumped out.
"I've never lost a short-distance race since I was young!"
"What about long-distance?"
"You're hitting a sore spot... Ugh..."
Kuilan shrunk instantly.
With a stamina stat of 5, he couldn't be strong in long-distance running. Hmm, he's definitely fast in short distances, though...
Next, the Ivory Tower Master, Dearmudin, subtly made his case.
"I'm old, but..."
"Yes."
"But I'm very spry for my age, no?"
"Yes."
"More importantly, you know? I can fly. Really fast?"
The old mage fluttered his robe proudly.
Right, he's a flying elder...
And he can provide mass flight for allies. He fits perfectly with this reconnaissance mission concept.
After giving him some extra points, I looked at the remaining heroes. Let's see.
"Torkel?"
"..."
Our frontline's top tanker rolled his eyes inside his helmet.
After a moment, Torkel cautiously said,
"If I put my mind to it, I can be quite fast?"
Mister... where's your conscience...?
"There's a mirror over there, go check your size."
"Ugh..."
Torkel retreated dejectedly.
Your strength isn't in speed but other areas. Don't let competitive spirit flare up in the wrong place.
Other heroes also stepped forward one by one to showcase their speed.
Meanwhile, the Gambler's Club members didn't even bother, remaining uninterested. I appreciate their consistency.
After hearing everyone out, I looked at the still-quiet main party.
"Why aren't you guys saying anything?"
Startled, Junior pointed at herself.
"Um? We just assumed we'd all be going?"
"No. Only five out of everyone here will go."
There's no need for a large group on a reconnaissance mission. We need to keep it minimal. Hence, picking the fastest ones.
Junior, flustered, quickly thought and said,
"Well, I'm quick with magical calculations...!"
"Stay."
"Drat."
Beside her, Damien, racking his brain, eventually brightened up and shouted,
"Your Highness! My bullets are fast!"
"Out."
"Aw..."
I looked at the remaining two main party members.
"Lucas, Evangeline. Any points you want to highlight?"
Lucas, with his hands behind his back, smiled leisurely.
"Do I need to? You know best how fast and useful I am, don't you, my lord?"
"..."
Evangeline, munching on snacks she had brought, said,
"I'm looking forward to it~ Not taking me along and regretting it in the field, seeing your face, senior."
"Ugh...!"
Annoying, this knight duo...!
But they were right. I had already planned to take them from the beginning.
Thus, our reconnaissance team was formed.
Me. Verdandi. Dearmudin. Lucas. Evangeline.
I appreciated everyone's enthusiasm, but I didn't want anyone bitten by zombies and left with beautiful memories (+scars), so I chose the genuinely fastest ones.
'With Dearmudin, we can handle various situations, Verdandi can move stealthily, and the knight duo can bulldoze through if needed.'
This was an excellent combination. Hmm.
Then it suddenly hit me.
'Wait, isn't the slowest one in this party...'
Isn't it me...?
Am I dragging down the average speed of this fastest party...?
"..."
Well, of course, my average speed might be slower compared to them! But if I go all out as the prince, I have several means of transportation! I was convincing myself when—
"Oh my, look at the time! The nanny has something to do today, so I have to pick up Sid!"
Lilly, realizing it was late in the evening, started operating the magic devices attached to her wheelchair in a hurry.
"Alright, I'll prepare the water-type artifacts for the next defense battle! I'm leaving now, Your Highness!"
I quickly nodded.
"Yes, go pick up Sid quickly!"
"Thank you!"
As soon as I gave permission,
Whoosh—!
Magic flames flashed behind Lilly's wheelchair, and the next moment, she sped out of the reception room at a frightening speed.
"See you all tomorrow!"
She glided down the corridor and dashed out of the manor in the blink of an eye.
"..."
We all watched, mouths agape, as Lilly's wheelchair zoomed away through the window.
I muttered in disbelief.
"...Isn't she the fastest one here?"
With drifts and boosts on her wheelchair?
Strong, mom...
***
The next day.
Our reconnaissance team, composed of the fastest heroes, entered the Lake Kingdom dungeon.
And... we immediately realized one overlooked factor.
"Holy cow, zombie apocalypse, dear god-!"
Running through the darkened city, I screamed.
"These bastards, by attacking and infecting other monster hordes..."
I shuddered and looked back.
"Their numbers increased-!"
There...
Grrraaar!
Grrraaarrr!
Various monster hordes, all zombified and mutilated, were madly chasing us.
The zombified Demonic Guard Corps attacked and infected other monster hordes, which then attacked and infected more hordes...
Most of the monster hordes in the Lake Kingdom had turned into zombies!
Their numbers had swelled far beyond what the reconnaissance team reported just a day before!
"Shi..."
Finally, someone among us couldn't hold it in any longer and screamed.
"Noooooooo!"
It was Dearmudin.
As the old mage's frail scream echoed, the zombies filled the alleys and streets of the Lake Kingdom, endlessly chasing us.