"You said that we're taking over the base at Foliage Meadow?" One of the soldiers approached her. He had a tall and large build, seemingly intimidating to those who laid eyes on him. "I'm Major Kane. I will be leading and managing Foliage Meadow."
"Nice to meet you, Major." Tora nodded and shook his outstretched hand. "Most would hate the idea of shaking hands with me. Aren't you a little scared?"
"It wouldn't do me good if I got frightened, would it? I had the chance to ask around for information about the base at Foliage Meadow. We should chat a little on our way there."
"Are we ready to depart now?"
"Yes, we'll be taking a total of six FMTVs. You'll be riding with Sergeant Princeton and me in the Humvee." He guided her to the tanned-colored Humvee. "Oh! Before I forget, Sergeant Princeton had these prepared for you." He patted her on the back and went to chat with a few others.
Tora felt conflicted at the gloves in her hand. Was he a mind reader? Or can God read my thoughts like Asier?
Her eyes fluttered towards Percy only to find him staring at her while leaning against the car.
Fuck. Maybe he can hear my thoughts.
She quickly put the gloves on and walked towards the car. The envoy consisted of her zombies and a hundred handpicked soldiers. They all stood around nervously as they glanced towards her and the zombies.
"Who's looking after this base?" Percy's lips quirked when he heard her start a conversation.
"Major Powell and Major Lewis will deal with the people here." He gestured towards a group of soldiers standing around Major Kane. "The kids will be well protected. You should worry about us instead."
"Ridiculous..." Tora retorted under her breath.
"Lord, I will ride with you while the others join the soldiers."
"Good."
"Front seat." Percy blocked the door when Mike tried to climb in. Mike glanced at Tora, seeing her nod, he conceded and sat in front. "Shall we?"
Tora rolled her eyes and climbed in, followed by Percy. The three waited awkwardly for the Major to climb into the driver's seat. The Humvee housed four people maxed, making her wonder where the magician would be sitting.
"Magicians are a lot more capable than you think. They don't need to be close to use their abilities." Noticing Tora looking around, Percy leaned in and whispered. "Think when you first arrived. They were watching from the command tower." He pointed towards the last car and said, "We're bringing two and they will be in that car."
"Ready for departure?" The Major entered and gave a signal for everyone to depart. "The ride there should be smooth, but hoards of zombies have been reported to appear randomly. It can be dangerous, so keep an eye out for that."
"Zombies aren't the issue with me around." Tora heard Mike snicker at her comment. "Unless another King zombie shows up."
"Right, there are such things as King tier. I wonder if there are King tier humans as well." The Major had a thoughtful look on his face while he pondered.
Tora found that comment to be weird. She glanced to her side, thoughtfully looking at Percy. Doubt started to form in her mind as she stared at his lips curling. An incarnation with the strength to rival a King, but not at the King tier? Something's weird, but I'm not sure what.
"You'll be meeting some soon." Tora nonchalantly stated. "What did you find out from the survivors?"
"They're after the Sword of Condemnation. They were already unbeatable a month ago, which makes them even stronger now."
Something about his tone rubbed Tora the wrong way. It was sarcastic, with a few chuckles in between. Tora realized that she didn't know much about the military base. The novel only focuses on the protagonist and ends with their victory against Nora. Countless questions began to form in her head.
"Foliage Meadow has multiple King-tier humans and unlimited food sources. Not only that, they have a few magicians as well."
The car was filled with silence after she said that. Tora noticed the Major staring at her with squinted eyes and then sharing looks with Percy.
What's this? What does that look mean?
A conversation she shared with Percy suddenly popped into her head. Her eyes widened, glaring at Percy who wore a playful grin.
"Did you lie when you said all the magicians came to you?" He shrugged his shoulder.
"No, I would never lie to you."
"Why are there magicians at Foliage Meadow?" Instead of answering the question, he smiled. "And the sword...you obviously knew where it was, so why...?"
Percy shrugged his shoulder again.
So it was all planned. He's just playing them in the palm of his hands...
Is this for his amusement?
If there were a second book to this story, would Percy be one of the main antagonists?
What does that make the last two worlds? Am I a part of that amusement?
I hate it.
"Don't look at me like that." He leaned in close, trapping her. His warm breath tickled her cheeks as he whispered. "I'm only a spectator while you're a participator. There's nothing much I can do unless the main participators allow it to happen."
He backed off, giving Tora room to breathe. "I'm not capable enough to the point where I can alter a person's future and fate. At least, when I am like this..." His voice fluttered towards the end. He wore a solemn look, different from his usual playfulness. "That's why you should ask me for help. I'll do anything for you...you already know this."
He can't alter a person's future and fate? What does that make me? I'm also an outsider...
The more she learned about this, the more ridiculous it became. She felt a headache creeping up on her, even if she couldn't feel the pain anymore.
Her unpleasant mood affected Mike and the zombies. They shifted around uncomfortably in their seats, freaking out the humans that accompanied them.
"Stop the cars." Her sudden command chopped through the silence. The car swirled a little before slowing down to a stop.
"That nearly scared me to death..." He had a hand on his heart as he mumbled to himself. His eyes cautiously glance at Tora through the rear-view mirror. "Is there a problem?"
"Yes." She exited the car and waited for the zombies under her command to gather.
"Are we doing something fun?" Evan cracked his neck a few times while sporting a grin.
"There's a warehouse east of here. I need you to kill some time and dance with the humans."
"What—?" Percy silenced the Major who was about to interrupt. He gestured for him to listen.
"I don't care if you eat them or break their bones. I need them running for their life back to their base."
"Do we chase them back as well, or just a peak-a-boo and leave?" Tora thoughtfully glances at Evan with a humorous grin.
It seems I'm becoming more psychopathic now that I'm a zombie. To think that I would find pleasure in torturing others...
"Give chase, but only scare them enough to make it back. I expect you all to be at King tier once you return. Kill everything that's not a part of our group."
"I'll see you in a bit." Evan and the rest said their goodbyes before disappearing.
"Sorry, we can continue." Tora got back into the car with a satisfied heart.
Percy waved for everyone to return to their position. The journey continued in silence, only the sound of the engine blazing along entered their eardrums. It wasn't long until they saw a large wall spanning miles.
"They must have a great deal of dirt and metal ability users." The Major stared in awe at the large wall they were approaching.
Tora had only read about it, however, seeing it in person also made her feel a sense of awe. Truly, the protagonist's halo is a great skill to have.
From a distance, they watched the patrols doing their rounds and killing off any wandering zombies. The stance that they took while taking turns attacking, screamed practice and minor discipline.
"How do you want to approach the base?" Percy broke the immersion she had. "With the military vehicles in full display, we can't fake as survivors. We could approach them with the excuse of forming a treaty."
"You want to play hero?"
"Hmm? Not sure..." Tora rolled her eyes at the vague answer he gave. Her attention now swept towards the Major who was patiently eying them.
"Your call, Major. Regardless of the choice, the base will be taken by force." Tora decided to go with the flow this time. She felt leadership fatigue just at the thought of dealing with those beyond the wall.
The Major rolled his window down and signaled to the cars behind him. "Since we're here to establish a dictatorship, violence is the answer." The Major had a wicked grin spread across his face. He had been itching for a challenge since the world became like this.
"Good." Tora nodded. She approved of his leadership and understood why he was a Major. A person who softens at the chance of improvement is unworthy of being a leader. "I'll take the lead."
Tora opened the window and jumped out. With the wind, she sprung atop the hood of the car. She stood straight, unbothered by the wind that brushed past her with great speed. Her eyes watched as people gathered atop the wall and below it.
She felt excitement brewing in her heart. This will be the first time she uses a few of her abilities.
Her fingers twirled, creating water from the tips of it. The water formed an elongated shape and the wind from her body froze it. The large icicles were sharp. It glimmered, reflecting sunlight and blinding the opponent.
The wind carried them beside her as she sprung forward, darting across the air and appearing atop the wall within seconds. Her sudden appearance caused a stir amongst the guards.
Tora took advantage of their moment of surprise and sent the icicles launching. The wind boosted its speed, sending them piercing through their necks, instantly decapitating the ones that were near her.
"WHAT THE—!? ATTACK!!" Numerous attacks were directed towards her. The surface of the wall moved and wiggled after her steps in an attempt to grab hold of her ankle. "NOTIFY ONE OF THE KINGS! DON'T GIVE THE INTRUDER A MOMENT OF REST! ATTACK!!"
The sword symbol on her hand glowed as she called it out. The silver blade glowed golden as it was pulled from its sheath. From the tips, flames sprung melting through every person she sliced. The flames of judgment ate the body as it burned, leaving only a brilliant glow of golden as it slowly dissipated like dust.
The enemies shuddered at the sight. The glare in her eyes was akin to the devil's, drenching them in fear, unable to move or escape the carnage of her strike.
['Flames of Judgment' 11[+2]]
[Activating 'Divided Vision' You now have access to the visions of those under your command]
After creating enough chaos, she jumped into the sky and floated while staring at the battlefield.
Her vision blurred and then a new sight appeared. The warehouse that was filled with zombies had been dealt with.
[Achievement: 43 Zombies under your command have evolved to KING [Godly]]
[Reward commencing...]
['Fire' 7[+13] 'Water' 10[+10] 'Wind' 19[+1] 'Glib-Tongued' 15[+5]]
[Ability: 'Hypnotic' 1[+19] 'Cloning' 1[+19] acquired]
[Ability 'Fire' 'Water' 'Wind' 'Glib-Tongued' 'Hypnotic' 'Cloning' has reached MAX]
[Evolving MAX ability commencing...]
[Ability 'Fire —> Lightning' 'Water—> Liquid' 'Wind—>Storm' 'Glib-Tongued—>Manipulation' 'Hypnotic—>Mind Control' 'Cloning—>Avatar' successfully evolved]
[Summary]
[Status: Awakened]
[Class: Zombie]
[Rank: Lord of the Dead]
[Tier: King]
[Abilities: Flames of Judgment 13, Lightning, Liquid, Storm, Contagious, Sovereign, Divided Vision, Manipulation, Totalitarian, Immortality, Mind Control, Avatar]
[Inventory: Sword of Ire]
Mike sensed that Tora was watching through his eyes, he melted all the unsightly corpses and stood atop the roof. His gaze lingered on the vehicle that was slowly approaching them. Feeling the humans approach, they hid their King aura and watched from the shadows.
The reinforced vehicle came to a stop near the warehouse. The people cautiously got out and formed a formation before approaching. In the rear were a few who leaked intimidation and behind them was a young female of elegant and soft beauty.
Tora saw clearly, the rosy cheeks and healthy glow of Nora's sister's complex. A distinguished-looking young man swept his hair back in annoyance. Tora hated to admit it, but his beauty was as if refined by the Gods themselves.
She didn't need an introduction to recognize the protagonist of this world. As if noticing their gazes, his eyes swept towards Mike. Noticing that something was off, Mike sidestepped. From where he once stood was a large crack and a charred burnt. A thin streak of lightning had landed in that spot.
This shook both Mike and Tora, for they had failed to see what had happened clearly. Tora stared at Zack in surprise. His battle style was non-descriptive in the novel, this made it seem like plot armor was the only thing that helped him during battle.
'Zack struck the zombies in his way, eliminating them quickly and attaining what he had come for.' Was what the novel described the majority of his fights. This fucking novel is seriously getting on my nerves.
"My Lord sends her greetings to the ruler of Foliage Meadow." Through Mike's body, she spoke, alarming the humans below. "As well as...her dear sister, Julie."
[Deactivating 'Divided Vision']
The vision of the wall returned. A white glare slashed before her, blocking a series of metal spikes that shot toward her.
"Don't look away from a battle." Percy grabbed hold of her wrist, pulling her to follow. "A couple of Kings have appeared. One who shot the metal spikes and the other..." He gestured with his chin. A lone man stood atop the ledge, watching as the ground below shook.
Large vines shot out of the ground, tightly wrapping around the vehicles and soldiers in their way. The area of effect was large, covering nearly three miles with killer plants.
"A King is quite imposing," Percy remarked as the soldiers fought against the vines.
"Are you just going to watch?"
"Don't underestimate my soldiers. A worthless power such as that is no match for my men."
Major Kane shoved his hand into the wall. The solid stone changed its shape, warping and crumbling into specks of sand. It slithered its way up to where the King stood, causing him to tumble and fall.
His hand manipulated the vines, creating a haven of woven leaves, cushioning his fall. The soldiers took this opportunity to strike back. The woven leaves quickly burned, causing the King to scramble off, using vines as stepping stones.
Part of the wall had crumbled into sand, exposing the inside to Tora's group. Within the view stood the King who had manipulated the spikes. His brows furrowed, glaring at the intruders with an air of arrogance.
His legs swept across the ground, gathering something under it as he swung it. The dirt under his feet became metallic as it traveled through the air. The spikes of metal came barreling towards Major Kane who was exposed.
Major Kane was a trained individual. His combat-ready physic and mind helped him react quickly. He stomped the ground, launching into the air with a pillar made of stone. The ground he stomped on became a death zone. The dirt quickly swirled into sand, sucking anything that stood atop it. The King was caught off guard. His power battled against Major Kane, creating solid ground only to have it turn to quicksand within seconds.
While he was busy creating steps for himself, a third King had arrived. "GET ME OUT OF THIS!" He shouted towards his fellow ally. His face was purple with embarrassment.
"Useless." The third King shortly commented. His look of condescension greatly irritated the other.
The Metal King gritted his teeth as he endured the humiliation. His body felt a sudden gravitation pull towards the other with great speed, causing him to feel nauseated. Feeling his feet back on solid ground, he attempted to open his mouth but it was quickly blocked.
His body was apprehended, tied up tightly by an invisible force and his mouth covered by a thick cloth preventing him from speaking. His eyes widened in shock as he stared at the third King.
"Greetings, Your Holiness." He bowed when Percy arrived. "You are rather early."
"Tie up the other nuisance." The third King bowed and went to detain the Plant King. "That's one of the magicians." He explained to Tora with a proud grin decorating his face. "Aren't magicians great? They borrow the power of the earth without any consequences. Mighty beings that are to be feared."
"You should have used them earlier instead of creating a scene." She couldn't help but complain childishly.
"Dictatorship needs a bit of showmanship as well. How do we strike fear in the people if they don't know our strength?"
"Go and clean everything up." Tora felt annoyance in her heart, so she gave Percy the job of doing everything on his own. His happy countenance at being the receiving end of her annoyance made her lips twitch.
"I'll make sure everything is cleaned up and the base of taken in an hour." He gestured for the magician, who successfully captured the Plant King, to accompany Tora. "Show her around."
The magician recovered the order and guided her along. "There are two walls, the one you saw and the smaller inner wall."
The base was large, making the creation of the wall even more impressive than described in the novel. Tora felt pity welling in her heart when she thought of the wasted talents these arrogant protagonists had.
If the novels are based on each overturn, that makes these characters and worlds a reality. Would this make my reality the fake one?
Asier disappeared again.
She felt odd in her heart. The feeling of consistently being watched would disappear whenever Asier became strangely silent. Tora hated the fact that her mood seemed to be affected by it.
When did I become so used to his presence? This is not good.
They had arrived at the inner walls. The strange and curious looks she received from the people inside it had caused her to unconsciously release a bit of pressure. She quickly retracted it once she noticed the shivering and paled faces of the residents.
Her eyes glanced at the magician who accompanied her, taking in his composure. He looked unaffected by her aura which caused her to be intrigued.
"How much do you know?" She asked him once they reached a lounge room.
"A decent amount. We, magicians, have eyes and ears everywhere." His smile was polite yet detached. "I would have preferred your death but His Holiness says otherwise."
"Interesting..." Tora felt amazement at the casualness of his speech. "Then you must know the father of the child named Andy."
"Of course, he's accompanying the others on their mission outside."
Right, they were driving a car.
"I see. You should go and help the others. I'll wait here patiently."
Being left alone gave her time to organize her thoughts. She thought about the last two worlds she was in. "Hallie's world would be the eight turnovers and Allison's would be the ninth. How does a zombie apocalypse transform into an ABO world and later an outer species invasion?"
The more she thought about it, the more absurd it felt. "And then it became a modern world with normal human beings, no magic, and basic technology? Ridiculous..."
Although it was ridiculous, Tora still believed it possible. Her next world was described by Professor Craven to be a world in which everything had been wipe clean. "Is it only special occasions that lead to the world resetting? And what the fuck are these lesser Gods?"
She agreed with Craven and didn't think the lesser Gods were real. The existence of Death and Creation had been proven, but there was nothing to back the claims of lesser Gods existing. However, she found it fun to entertain and speculate the idea of lesser Gods.
"With Allison's world...who would become the lesser God and why? There's nothing significant that happens in that world. Hallie's world has a higher possibility since the world is invaded by aliens."
"This is stupid. Maybe the protagonists all become Gods in these worlds." She mindlessly remarked, not thinking it seriously at all. "I've pretty much dealt with this world...what happens next?"
She tried to remember the details of the next story's query. It was something she merely skimmed through because she never found the cultivation genre interesting. She didn't care for it nor did she have any knowledge of what a cultivation world is like.
She tried and tried, but nothing came to mind. She felt astonished at her inability to recall the query. "It must have been the shittiest one for me to not remember it."
She only had what Professor Craven told her to go by. "A world that strives only for immortality? Separated by the path of demonic cultivation and the immortals? That makes no sense. If immortal cultivation leads to immortality, why choose the demonic route? Does that also give immortality?"
"Well, it doesn't matter. Whatever route the protagonist chooses, I'll choose the opposite."