CHAPTER 7 - Deception

CHAPTER 7 - Deception

(Pov - Zei.)

"Food?"

"R-Ready."

"Clothes and weapons?"

"R-Rea… Ready."

"Will to live?"

"R-Ready… Huh?"

"We've got everything! Let's move out!"

We left the house, and I started marching. Goodbye, remote village far from modern civilization! Hello, adventure! Ladies, ladies, be patient; you'll soon be part of my harem. Fufu… If only I could have sex! Arghhh! I'm doomed to never have a girlfriend again!

Well, whatever, at least I'll be a fucking badass ZombieSlayer!

"One, two, three, and four! One, two, three, and four! March, soldier!"

"W-What… are you doing?"

Oh… Sorry, Kiasan, I embarrassed you. But I can't help it! I need to distract myself to forget I'm a damn zombie whose only girlfriend will be my right hand. Please, God, send me a girlfriend like me who can control her zombie self! Preferably with a big butt and big boobs. And if she's over 30, even better.

"Sorry, I'm an idiot. I like saying stupid stuff to calm myself down."

I think I'm too embarrassing… Nah, I don't care what people think of me. This is who I am, and I enjoy being an idiot.

Keep marching…! Oh. The women are watching me. They're here.

I closed my eyes since Kiasan has my glasses and kept marching.

I hope you're happy, ladies. I give you permission to masturbate thinking of me, your hero… Ugh, considering they were raped, thinking that was way too crude of me.

B-Better not think about that anymore.

"Z-Zei, t-two of them… a-are… a-approaching."

Fufu. Are they coming to confess their love…? Arghhh! Zei, you idiot, this is serious! Save the jokes for later!

T-They're approaching. I hear their footsteps.

"Can we talk to you?"

"The men's bodies are in the house with bullet holes. Destroy them to vent or whatever. I gotta go!"

"Wait, please!"

I scooped Kiasan into my arms and ran off.

I gave them the weapons! They'll kill me if they find out I'm a zombie!

T-They're mentally unstable. It's dangerous if they discover my identity! I won't put Kiasan in danger!

Y-Yeah… I definitely need to stay away from people… Or should I wear a mask?

I'll think of a solution later.

I arrived and knocked on the lady's door. Hope you missed me, gorgeous.

"Good afternoon!!"

Kiasan has the glasses, so she won't be scared… I guess. I plan to tell her the truth, since I think she knows Kiasan, or at least the body Kiasan uses.

It'll be hard for her to believe me, since even I still can't believe skills and ghosts exist. Ugh, I hope I haven't been summoned to an alternate world where it's like a video game. God, I'm a noob; please put me on easy mode!

The lady opened the door.

"Good afternoon."

S-She greeted me with a smile.

Big breasts, small butt but I'm fine with the size… Beautiful eyes… S-She has a son. S-She's a widow… She's a total MILF! Arghhh! I wish I wasn't a zombie!

I literally have the woman of my wet dreams and wildest fantasies right in front of me, and I can't make a move to win her over!

Ugh… Right hand, you're getting a lot of action tonight.

"Hey, ma'am. I heard rumors about a shelter. Wanna come with us? We're heading there. We're hoping it's a safe place."

"A shelter?! Yes, of course! Thank you so much…! By the way, did you hear the gunshots?"

Not only did I hear them, I took them! Luckily, those wounds have already closed, though I can still feel the bullets inside me. I'll figure out how to get them out later. Gotta take advantage of not feeling pain.

Ugh, I'm a freak.

"A group of criminals tried to kill me, and I had to defend myself. Those criminals kidnapped a lot of women to… I guess you get it… In and out?"

Her expression turned to sadness.

Yeah, I know, but it's reality. A ton of people will take advantage of the situation to commit crimes, whether murders or rapes. It's inevitable.

It's best not to think about it.

"Oh… Did you kill them?"

"Yeah, I had to; they were trying to kill me, so I defended myself… I rescued the women; they're already here. I'd take them with me, but it's a long trip, and I don't think I can protect them all. The shelter's in Hersi city; they say the city's zombie-free. Sounds too good to be true, but I think it's worth a shot. I'm leaving soon and won't be able to protect you from zombies… or bad people. Wanna come with us? Though you could also stay with the women I rescued. I gave them a ton of weapons."

"Of course, I'd love to go with you! I have family in that city, and I want to know if they're okay. Wait, please, I'll pack some clothes and food."

"I'll be back in 30 minutes."

The lady knelt down and patted Kiasan's head.

Yeah, she knows her. Ugh, I hope they weren't too close, because it'll hurt her a lot to know she's not the same girl she knew.

"I thought you were dead, Ann. It's such a relief that…"

"She's a zombie. She doesn't remember anything. Her new name is Kiasan. It's a long story, but in short, she's not Ann; she's someone else."

"I-I'm K-Kiasan."

"A-Another person?"

"Ann's soul left her body. I used my blood to… It's a long story; I'll tell you on the way. Let's go, Kiasan."

I walked away, and Kiasan followed me.

Ugh… I used my blood to let a ghost enter the zombie body of a little girl. Yeah, real believable. I'm a freak!

"Will people believe me if I say I have special skills? It'll be tough. I can't just say, 'Show skills.'"

[Strength Level 3.]

[Regeneration Level 5.]

[Agility Level 4.]

… Huh?

"I-I can… see it."

"You can see it?!"

An image appeared in front of me… Awesome…! Wait… Is this… magic? Why did this image appear in front of me?

It's like a hologram.

"So weird… This day is full of surprises… Mmm…"

The skills have levels, which means they can be improved. But how? By killing zombies or doing special missions?

Please, magic, give me answers.

"How can I improve my strength?"

[Answer: Strength increases with exercise and when you obtain points.]

Points, huh? Interesting.

Like experience in video games.

"What are points?"

[Answer: You obtain points when you defeat your enemies.]

It's like a video game! Awesome! Though I hope I'm on easy mode, or I'm totally screwed.

"How many points do I have?!"

[Answer: 242 points.]

The zombies and the criminals. I killed roughly over 200 zombies; my skills probably improved on their own before. 15 criminals… Mmm… Let's say 2 points per criminal, that'd leave me with 212 points… A point per zombie? That seems too low… Why does a criminal give me more points?

[Answer: The zombies weren't dangerous to you; the humans were. The points you obtain increase when the enemy is stronger and more dangerous.]

Oh, I see… Yeah, I think zombies give me one point, and humans give more. This info will be useful.

"I guess a criminal with a weapon is more dangerous than a zombie that ignores me… How do I spend my points?"

[Increase Strength: 500 points.]

[Increase Agility: 1,000 points.]

[Increase Regeneration: 1,500 points.]

"Can't I spend points to get new skills?"

[Answer: Impossible. Points are used to improve skills.]

I see… I need to kill more zombies to improve my strength… But I can also exercise… How do I improve my agility and regeneration without using points?

[Answer: Agility improves when your body gets used to moving. Regeneration improves when it's used constantly.]

In short, I need to train and hurt my body to improve… Got it. Sounds simple.

"Kiasan, would you like to improve your skills? It'll be tough training, but I think it's necessary to survive."

"Y-Yes… I-I don't… w-want to… b-be a burden."

I patted her head and smiled.

I'm glad she wants to help me, but I don't want her to think her presence bothers me. On the contrary, her company will keep me from going crazy. Having her by my side will help a lot; it'll make me feel human still.

"You're not a burden, and you never will be."

"T-Tha… T-Thank you."

She's so adorable. It feels nice to have a little sister.

But anyway, let's learn more about the skills.

[Strength Level 3.] [Increase Strength: 500 points.]

[Regeneration Level 5.] [Increase Regeneration: 1,500 points.]

[Agility Level 4.] [Increase Agility: 1,000 points.]

Mmm… From level 3 to level 4, 500 points.

From level 4 to level 5, 1,000 points.

Mmm…

"How much does it cost to raise a skill to level 2?"

[Answer: 50 points.]

"And to level 3?"

[Answer: 250 points.]

50, 250, 500, 1,000, 1,500… I don't see the logic.

It went from 50 to 250. Multiplied by 5, but then it multiplies by 2.

Mmm… But from 1,000 to 1,500, not 2,000… Mmm…

Level 2 costs 50.

Level 3 costs 250.

Level 4 costs 500.

Level 5 costs 1,000.

Level 6 costs 1,500.

"And to level 7?"

[Answer: 3,000.]

Doubled again… Ugh, this system is weird, but I can get used to it.

•

•

"Let's go."

The lady and her son were ready to leave.

The trip will take about a day, maybe more, considering how dangerous it'll be.

If we had a car, we'd get there in 20 minutes, but I couldn't find my car, and I don't see others… What if we head to the highway? We'd have to detour, and that's dangerous. Better keep walking straight.

"Here, ma'am."

I handed a gun to the lady.

"B-But I don't know how to use it."

"You'll have to learn. It's vital. Sometimes zombies attack me. And when I fall asleep, I turn completely. I want you to use that gun to attack me if I try to attack you. Kiasan has orders to cut my legs with the sword if I try to attack you."

"O-Okay… And my name's Mary."

Such a beautiful name… Arghhh! You're a zombie, Zei, don't forget, dumbass!

"I'm Zei. She's Kiasan."

"I'm Sato!"

"Introductions done. Let's go."

I hope no more mutated zombies show up.

Ugh, please, God, let this be a safe trip.

•

•

(Flashback.)

Zei has always been popular with women, but being popular didn't save him from being cheated on.

"Tch. Damn bastard. Soulless bitch."

Zei was spying on his girlfriend.

She was kissing a guy in an empty classroom. Zei already had his suspicions, and he finally confirmed what he feared most.

"Yeah, sure, you had to study with a friend. I already had my suspicions, and this confirmed it… Should I break Sebastián's face…? Nah, not worth it."

Zei walked away.

"The school's empty, and they stayed behind with the excuse that they were cleaning… The same excuse she and I used to stay in the classroom and make out… You shouldn't use the same excuse twice, idiot."

Zei left the school and stretched his arms.

"Well… I'll go to the movies."

The betrayal really hurt Zei, but he decided not to give it too much importance and move on with his life, realizing it wasn't worth fighting over a girl who wasn't worth it.

•

•

At the theater, Zei bought a ticket for a horror movie and some candy.

He thought some excitement would make him feel better. The betrayal hurt, and he wanted to calm down.

"How should I break up with her…? Should I say I only went out with her out of obligation and never really fell for her? I should say something to make it seem like I never cared," Zei thought.

A girl approached him immediately when she saw him.

Cheerfully, she grabbed his arm; after all, she was Zei's best friend.

A girl with too much energy who always had a smile on her face.

"Hey, Zei! You here alone too? Where's Sara?"

"Hey, Sakura. I broke up with her, so I came to the movies to distract myself a bit."

Sakura was Zei's best friend, the kind of friend who falls for her best friend.

And hearing about Zei and Sara's breakup reignited her hope of having a relationship with him.

"You broke up with her?! Why?!"

"Well… In short, you could say Sebastián and Sara shared fluids… Well, they only kissed, but I wouldn't doubt they also… Better not say more."

"… She cheated on you with my brother?"

"Yup. Yeah, she cheated with him… You know, I used to kinda hate your brother, but now I hate him more… Would you be mad if I broke his face tomorrow…? Whatever, I don't care anymore."

"I'll beat him up myself!" she said, raising her fists, angry.

Zei laughed a bit and patted Sakura's head.

"Not worth it… Sara and I dated for a couple of months, so I'll get over her… What movie are you watching?"

"The same as you! What's your seat?"

Sakura's smile made Zei smile. Thanks to her, the pain of the betrayal completely vanished from his heart.

•

•

"What do you think you're doing?!"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"We're just eating together."

Sakura and Zei were eating together in the school garden, but Sakura was trying to feed Zei like a classic romantic couple, which Zei found embarrassing, and he wouldn't open his mouth.

"Come on, Zei, open your mouth."

"I-I can eat by myself!"

Sara grabbed Zei's arm, quite angry, since Zei hadn't officially broken up with her yet.

"Why are you here with her?! We were supposed to eat together!"

"Isn't it normal to eat with your best friend?"

Sakura hugged Zei's arm.

"You don't have the right to have him anymore!"

Sakura grabbed Zei's head and started kissing him.

"Huh?!"

Sara wasn't the only one confused; Zei was too, not expecting that kiss at all.

She stopped kissing Zei, and he backed away from her, stunned.

"W-What?!"

"My brother took Sara from you, Zei. It's only fair that I steal you, don't you think?"

Sara realized what happened and looked at Zei.

He simply exchanged glances with her for a few seconds and then sighed.

"Ugh… Yeah… She cheated… I'd forgotten… Well… I guess we're done… I'm gonna buy a juice!"

Zei ran off.

"Sakura likes me…?! Or did she just do it so I could get revenge on her…? I'll ask her later."

Unfortunately, the next day the zombie apocalypse started, and Zei didn't ask Sakura anything because he forgot.

Zei never saw Sakura as a potential girlfriend, thinking their friendship would be ruined, and he preferred to just be her friend.

•

•

Zei and the others were on a highway, resting.

Mary and Sato were asleep in the seats of a car, while Zei and Kiasan kept watch.

Everything was relatively calm, until…

"… I'm an idiot!!"

Zei shouted with all his might, startling Kiasan.

"W-What's… w-wrong?"

"A girl kissed me, and I never found out if she liked me or did it as a favor! I forgot to ask her, and I just remembered! I'm an idiot!"

"I-I… see."

"And I'll probably never see her again, and she's probably dead… I'm an idiot."

But the future had a surprise in store for him.

•

•

"This human's staring at us weird."

"He's a pervert."

"He's got a wound. He's infected."

"N-No, wait! I hurt myself with a nail!"

Without any mercy, Celes decapitated a guy with her sword. The guy's name was "Sebastián."

The guy who stole Zei's girlfriend.

He had the bad luck of seeing them when he stepped away from the camp to relieve himself behind a tree, and when he saw them, he froze, never expecting to see fantasy girls like them, but they thought he'd been bitten because of a wound on his hand.

The fairy girl believed the virus was actually a curse and wanted to experiment with Sebastián's body, but they didn't have time, as they were still looking for their friend.

"There are more people to the west."

"Let's not waste time. We need to get out of here."

They all ran off, leaving a corpse behind.

"Brother?"

Sakura was one of the survivors who joined a group. The group resting in the forest was huge, at least by normal standards. There were about 50 people gathered, preparing for the next day.

"Didn't you hear my brother scream?"

"Scream? I didn't hear anything."

"… That's weird."

•

•

Zei felt a chill and looked around.

"W-What's… w-wrong?"

"… I feel like someone took my prey."

And so, Zei lost the chance to get revenge on Sebastián, though he never really wanted to.

Current Status:

Zei.

Common Skills:

[Strength Level 3.]

[Regeneration Level 5.]

[Agility Level 4.]

Relationships:

Kiasan's Trust: 20%.

Mary's Trust: 10%.

Sato's Trust: 80%.