"Z—zombie!" They watched in horror as the light glowed and became holy flames. It engulfed her entire hand, attempting to purify the infection.
Regardless of how it burned, Tora refused to free his hand from her grip. Her lips curled as she slowly said, "I wonder if a priest can still use holy powers after becoming one."
Tora watched as his face paled in an instant. The arrogant appearance was nowhere to be seen. His entire body shook as he watched her gently graze her nails across the back of his hands. It felt itchy and ticklish, soft and rough simultaneously, but not enough to break skin.
Her eyes were focused only on the man in front of her. She could hear some shuffling behind her, but her gaze remained on him. "Le—let's talk like civilized people." The panic in his voice was evident.
"People? Are you serious?" The grip on his hand worsened, squeezing so hard he thought he heard cracks. The raised eyebrows and crooked smile on her face were frightening. The pressure increased, making him breathless. "I had my guesses, but this is just too much."
He couldn't understand the meaning behind those words. Tora didn't bother explaining. Her aura had been dialed up slightly to toy with the person in front of her. Her zombified body no longer felt pain, but the burning sensation on her hand was bothersome.
It's tolerable.
"How are you masking that sweet, sweet human scent?" She pulled him closer, leaning in to sniff at his neck. His already paled skin became ashen when she playfully grazed her teeth over it. "Is it because you're of a higher tier than the others? Or is there someone with such an amazing ability? Hmm? Which is it, Dear?"
SWOOSH!
Tora pushed the other away and darted backward. Her eyes watched as an axe sliced through her fingers, severing it from her left hand.
[Ability 'Immortality' has been activated]
[Regeneration commencing...]
[Process completed]
It was quick. Within seconds, her fingers had regrown. The burnt markings had also disappeared. Tora felt a sense of awe as she stared at her hands. In the corner of her eyes, she noticed the axe being swung again.
"DON'T YOU DARE!" Her waist was hugged tightly by a pair of tiny arms. In front of her stood Caleb, standing directly in the line of the blow. His skinny arms were spread out, trying to block her from it.
"DON'T HURT SISTER!" She felt a few more arms wrapped around her waist. On either of her sides were Andy and Sandy. She guessed from the tiny huff and puffs behind her that Ruby was there. The four kids surrounded her, trying their best to block her from potential danger.
So troublesome...
She reached forward, wrapping her arm around Caleb's chest, and pulled him against her.
She noticed he had slightly loosened his grip and decreased the momentum when the kids popped up. Taking advantage of this, she swung the wrapped sword upward diagonally, blocking the blow from the axe. The moment the edges hook against her sword, she flung the axe out of his hands.
A moment of silence ensued, bringing the confrontation to a standstill. "Lord..." Mike quickly approached her and stood guard.
"Nora, are you okay?" Kathy and the rest also approached her.
"What are you all doing?" Tora felt it crazy that these seven people still dared to show her concern despite her being ousted as a zombie.
If it were me...
"Yo—you were a zombie!?" Tora rolled her eyes the moment she heard his voice. "You know what, that actually makes sense! Don't tell me all of you are zombies!?" Kyle felt flabbergasted, thinking that he had just learned a new revelation.
"All but us seven. However—" Kathy gestured to their group. "Zombie or not, Nora and her group saved our lives..."
"Even if she did, a zombie has no place amongst the living. They need to be executed." The priest, who had recovered from the push, spoke up.
"I think we're misunderstanding something here." Tora pulled Caleb behind her and removed the kids from her waist. She stepped forward, gesturing for Mike to pick up the fallen axe. A faint golden glow emitted from her hands. In it appeared a beautiful sword.
"T—that's!? How did you manage to acquire that!?" The silver blade gradually turned golden. Just the glare of the sword felt like it could cut through anything.
"It's not us living amongst you, but the other way around." She swept her gaze across the room, taking note of everyone's expressions. "Do you think I'm stupid enough to reveal myself?"
Only the sounds of loud gulping could be heard. Deep down inside, Tora wanted an actual fight to happen. She had always wanted to use the Sword of Ire to its full potential. But the chance of the others getting hurt was high, so she decided on the scare tactic.
"I came here with a singular motive of absolute control." Her sword pointed straight at his throat. "Do you wish to challenge me, Dear? I've never sliced a living person's neck before. How exhilarating would that be?"
"You're insane—."
"Sure am. Let me tell you something good while we're at it." Her footsteps echoed through the large room. "Your method of testing who is infected or not is stupid. Do you think the only way to infect someone is through a bite? I can even infect the air that you breathe right here and now, yet you want to kill me? Anger me again, and I'll personally demonstrate what superiority is."
'What kind of cartoony-villain monologue is that?'
The atmosphere suddenly dipped, scaring everyone senseless. The priest shivered, fearing that he had truly angered the zombie before him. Her jaw and muscles were clenched tightly, and her eyes glowed, reflecting the golden sword.
"I'll apologize in my subordinate's stead. Do cease your anger." A calm and enigmatic voice cut through the suffocating atmosphere, instantly providing relief for the weaker humans.
"Sergeant..." All of the soldiers instantly saluted the person who had arrived.
"At ease." Tora glanced at the new figure, trying to deduce his strength. The person was shrouded in mystery, making her feel uncomfortable at his arrival.
The Sword of Ire gently vibrated in her hand, while the burning sensation by the other sword increased dramatically. His eyes squinted slightly as they looked toward her and the objects in her hands.
"Let's talk over some dinner. There's no need for us to waste time like this."
"But Sergeant—."
"Last time I checked, I was in charge of this base. Or perhaps...it was my misunderstanding." The priest fell silent, quietly feeling aggrieved at the accusatory implications of those words. "Shall we, Miss?"
"I'm not leaving without my people. We either eat here in this room or somewhere else with everyone."
"Interesting..." For a split second, she saw a faint glow in his eyes. His lips curled as he gestured for his subordinates. "Set up the tables. We'll be having our meal here."
Kathy and the female professor helped with crowd control while the soldiers did all the heavy lifting. They nimbly set up multiple seating and tables within minutes of the order.
A soldier's discipline is why I came here. It would be nice if they could become my subordinates willingly.
"Lord, I can train the others after the talk if you want." Tora flinched. She was thoroughly creeped out at someone other than Asier and Liam reading her mind. The look she gave Mike must have been funny because Evan started cracking up.
"HAHAHAHA! We can subtly feel the Lord's wants and needs because of the imprint in our minds." He playfully pointed at his temples.
"What are you, a child? Go and help out the soldiers so this can end quickly." She was throwing a childish tantrum after feeling annoyed all day long. The zombies quickly left and 'offered' their help.
"...." Tora watched as Belle approached her and signed something she couldn't understand. Hallie was trained to read military signs, but those don't translate to standard sign language. Belle noticed the confusion in Tora's eyes. She gestured towards her left hand, which was injured earlier.
"Ah, you were asking if I was okay?" Seeing her nod, Tora put away her sword and showed her the hand. "As you can see, it's still there." She had a serious expression while she investigated the hand. Her fingers were warm and soft as they trailed along her palm.
Even though Tora's skin imitated a living human's flesh, it was still freezing to the touch. Tora found it funny that Belle clasped it in her palms, rubbing softly and trying to warm the cold skin. Seeing her so focused on this caused Tora's lips to curve slightly.
"Be careful not to scratch yourself." She warned the other softly, earning a shy smile in return. I should probably wear gloves in the future.
"Me too! I also want to hold hands with Sister!" Tora was locked in by the children, blocking every route of escape. "Go away, Sandy! She's mine."
"But I also want to hug as well!" Tora was caught between Caleb's and Sandy's petty bickering. The two pairs of skinny arms fought for the chance to hug her waist. Her right arm was hugged tightly by Andy, who appeared out of nowhere.
"I'm tired, Sister!" Her back was climbed by the smallest of the bunch.
What is wrong with these kids? Normally, children would feel frightened by the sight of zombies. Weirdos.
'You're very popular with children.'
Her heart complained, but her body indulged in the kid's childishness. She playfully lifted Andy off the ground, lifting her arm while he hung onto it. The kids must have found this fun because they all began to fight over who was lifted next.
Belle silently laughed and joined in to play with the kids. The group was lost in their world, failing to notice the curious glances from everyone in the room. The image of innocent children piling up on a fearsome zombie was a sight to behold.
Amongst the curious gazes were those from the Sergeant. His eyes flickered softly at the note that came and dissipated midair. A familiar string of power attached to it had piqued his interest.
Food was prepared and served promptly. Tora ushered the children to the table, filling their plates with food and snacks. She left Belle and Nathan in charge of the kids while Kathy and Mike joined her at the table with the Sergeant and a few of his people.
"I can tell that you have a moral heart, Miss."
Are you crazy? What?
"A child's body language never lies. Seeing them so comfortable around you is very telling." He must have noticed the way she looked at him all crazy. The edges of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. "How about we exchange names first? I'm Percy Princeton, Sergeant First Class of the Reaper's Platoon."
"Nora Jensen." Her short response baffled the other officers. Nonetheless, they continued with their introductions.
"You said that you wanted absolute control of the base?" Tora nodded. She felt uneasy every time he swayed his eyes towards the wrapped sword. "Sure." He leaned back in his chair, relaxed his shoulders, and crossed his legs.
"Tsk." Her tongue clicked in annoyance at his playful gesture. She wanted to cave his stupid grin in but calmed herself.
If it weren't for this stupid warning that popped up when he arrived...
'You should win him over with seduction. These novels are romantic in nature, you know.'
[WARNING: The faint presence of a God has been detected. Possibility of 'Death' is 70%]
Tora found it ominous that the warning persisted and continued to flash. His gaze flashed again as they stared at her clenched palm.
Fuck. Can he see your stupid note?
'Fuck around and find out.'
Oh my gosh! I hate you and your stupid vocabulary!
':P'
Her eyebrows knitted, and her jaw clenched. Everyone watched in concern as she shook slightly in her seat. Her eyes were tinged with a red glow, looking demonic to many. She was lost in her thoughts until a slight tapping woke her up.
Percy wore a grin, softly tapping on the table near her clenched hands. His voice was elegant and pleasant, drenching the angry fire in her chest. "You can have the base and everyone in it. Although it would be nice to hear why you want the base."
What is this pattern of one person angering me and another quelling it? You thought I wouldn't notice?
"If I may speak, we plan on waging war with the base at Foliage Meadow. I believe that Nora's sister is currently there." Kathy spoke up. She occasionally glanced at Tora. "Even though she cleared out the mall and created a safe environment for us, we still insisted on tagging along."
"Got it. So you were actually finding your lost sister. Did they kidnap her or something?" A soldier named Mason responded with an understanding tone. His body shifted uncomfortably after being stared at by Tora.
"That would be the fairytale version of it. Someone desperately trying to get their sister back, even after becoming a zombie. What a nice premise that is." Tora cracked herself up, giggling at the absurd plotline of that idea. "Long story short, she fed me to a hoard of zombies and said that it was my duty as an older sister to die for her. Tragic, isn't it?"
Mike reached out his hands to gently pat her shoulder. "Whatever the Lord wants, we'll get it done." His awkward attempt at comforting her made her giggle even more.
"Don't be mistaken. All I want is the life of my sister and a few others. Your job is to colonize and establish order for the people. Diplomacy cannot exist during such times. I want absolute dictatorship until the storm passes."
Tora had thought about it a lot during her free time. A world where anyone can be strong and gain absolute control with their strength is scary. Diplomacy wouldn't work in a world with this kind of setting because the strong can move mountains and create miracles.
At least during the 'Turnovers' that is. Diplomacy should return after a couple of hundred years after magic becomes more restrictive and limited.
"Along with the 40 of us here, we have around 6,000 people. More than half of those are military personnel or trained people."
"That's impressive. The city fell quickly, turning nearly everyone into zombies." Tora watched the soldiers talk amicably with Mike and felt odd in her heart. "I was a mindless walking dead thing, barely moving. It wasn't until the Lord arrived and took us in."
Why am I being brought up again? A light tapping once again brought her attention towards Percy. He moved his chair from the head of the table slightly towards her, leaning in with a mischievous grin.
"You are good at collecting loyal people."
"Are you one of them?"
"If you give me that sword, yes." He gestured with his chin, pointing at the wrapped sword that continuously burned.
"I don't trust anyone with this sword."
"How about a vow of death? I'll be faithfully bound to you with that."
"If you can't tell, I'm not exactly on friendly terms with the God of Creation."
"Then we can do it through the priest of Death." Kathy, who was listening to the conversation, gasped loudly.
"The Church of Beginnings housed those who believe in the God of Creation. The Church of Death housed those who believe in the God of Death. Many minor Churches housed believers of their minor Gods as well, but the two main ones are the Beginnings and Death."
Kathy knew that Tora had no knowledge of these topics, so she began to explain them.
"The vow of death borrows the power of the Gods, binding the contracted to each other. If a vow is made through a priest of Beginnings, the stakes you place will never be your own life. The vow through a priest of Death, however, can only be done if your life is the stake you place. These vows can't be broken, even by the priests themselves. It is extremely trustworthy. "
"You have a priest of Death here on base?"
"They are on the opposite end since the two factions don't get along. Why don't we take a walk together." He winked, hinting at something she didn't understand.
What the fuck is he doing?
"You have a car, so why walk and waste time?" His smile froze.
"I'm curious about you. Let's walk so that we can spend more time alone together."
'See? A romance at its core.'
I don't have time for that.
'You know...you can enjoy life more and take things a bit slower in this world.'
No. I can't stand living in the same world as idiotic protagonists.
':)'
What does the smiley face mean?
The light tapping once again brought her back. "Shall we?" At his insistence, she followed along.
The light breeze gently caressed their faces as they walked along the paved road. Tora felt odd in her heart. This was the first time she strolled alongside someone.
"Are you scared?"
"What kind of nonsense—?"
"Then why are you way back there?"
"Conversations can happen even when two people aren't near each other."
"Pfft! HAHAHAHAH! I don't know what to do with you. I don't—Pfft! I don't bite!"
"But I do."
"BWAHAHAHAHA!" Tora felt the muscles in her body twitch. "You're right—Your bite is so dangerous~"
"UGH! Go and jump off a cliff or something! We're done talking!"
"WAIT— I'm sorry." Tora looked about to leave, prompting him to quickly block her. "I won't laugh anymore. Please stay."
"Answer this question, and I'll continue the walk."
"Sure, ask away."
"The utilities of this place are managed by magicians, right?"
"So you noticed..." He grinned and rubbed his chin with a curious gaze. "Those with lightning abilities can also power stuff up. Although it's quite taxing, they can drive a car for an hour."
"Are they magicians from the tower?"
"Yes, the tower has temporarily been abandoned." He stepped in closer, leaving only a foot between them. "Every...single...one."
"Why?"
"I'm curious about your guesses." His eyes glowed like they did earlier, prompting her to tense up.
The atmosphere around them became weird. The surroundings felt distorted, blurring everything in a golden hue. The illusion she felt when she claimed the Sword of Ire was being reanimated right before her eyes.
The feeling of awe and entrapment slithered its way up her body. There it was, a pair of eyes looking straight at her. A mixture of gold and red swirled around, fighting for dominance within them.
[WARNING: The presence of a God has been detected. Possibility of 'Death' is 100%]
"They are here for you, incarnation of the God of Creation, Percy Princeton."