743. [STAGE 45] Operation Carpet Treatment (2)
For the next two days, La Mancha and the Griffons poured diluted treatment on the heads of the zombie army.
At first, most of the zombie army endured without much reaction, but as the amount of treatment applied accumulated, changes gradually appeared.
The zombie state weakened, and the parasites that drove the zombies gradually lost control over their hosts. The number of zombies, which could no longer move nimbly, grew like a snowball.
Even entities that have been eliminated from parasites, the root cause of the zombie state, have begun to appear one after another.
And the zombies that were ‘cured’ like this… were attacked by the zombies that were not.
The zombies seemed to judge the enemy based on whether or not the parasite was taking over the host. Each time an entity whose parasites were removed through repeated application of the treatment appeared, the remaining zombies recognized it like ghosts and attacked and killed each other.
A zombie with its parasites removed is just an ordinary corpse.
The parasites were removed by the treatment, and the remaining zombies attacked the individuals that were about to collapse and die on their own, completely killing them.
‘It’s a very grotesque sight…’
The sight of over 100,000 corpses running in a tangled procession and suddenly killing each other was truly terrifying to see with open eyes.
‘But it would be beneficial for us if we could reduce each other’s numbers.’
A zombie procession steadily weakening and shrinking, heading north.
I nodded as I looked at the video La Mancha had recorded. Things are going according to plan.
but.
“….”
Even from the video recording, it was clear that Cromwell was gradually growing in size.
At first, I thought it was an illusion. But it became clear when they got within a day’s distance of the Crossroads.
Cromwell, the leader entity, is becoming huge.
The horns, which have repeatedly grown abnormally, now look like one huge tree, and the enlarged body is unable to control itself, so at some point, it starts moving by crawling with both arms on the ground. As if they were quadrupedal animals from the beginning.
Yeah, like…
a giant reindeer.
A reindeer with gigantic horns wrapped in pale green magical power leads the zombie monster army forward, letting out a roar with its grotesquely twisted muscle mass body.
I suddenly remembered Rosetta’s explanation.
– The parasite burrows into the target’s body through the infected person’s mouth and infects the target’s magic source, taking away the authority of the body.
– And when the target dies, the target’s life force is taken away and transferred to the owner using the devil’s power, ‘Sacrifice’.
In the first place, this zombification incident itself is related to the ‘sacrifice’ ability unique to the demon species.
When the zombie monsters fall and die, Cromwell recovers the last remaining vitality to strengthen himself… Is this a mechanism like that?
‘What kind of RPG raid tradition is this gimmick of strengthening the boss when a subordinate dies?’
Although Cromwell is getting bigger and bigger, it’s burdensome.
Can’t I make soybean paste because I’m scared of maggots?
Wouldn’t it be funny to leave the zombie army alone because you’re afraid of the boss strengthening?
‘Preparations are in place.’
I thought as I used the map to estimate the location of the zombie army that had already advanced to the vicinity of the Crossroads.
‘Be sure to clear it.’
Stage 45.
The last boss stage before stage 50, the final battle. This can be said to be the most difficult challenge before facing the final boss.
‘It’s no different than before.’
Kill monsters and save people.
From the beginning until now, that’s the only path I’ve taken.
***
There are only a few hours left until the zombie army attacks.
Crossroads downtown was deserted.
Normally, it was not a very populated city, but in advance of the monster army’s attack, all non-combatants were evacuated and moved out, so there were even fewer people there.
And in this empty city, in the empty barracks training hall…
“Heo, heo, heo!”
Hecate was still struggling to hold the sword.
Even though there was no way for the lost sword skills to come back to his broken body, he repeatedly swung the sword in a desperate gesture and then lost it.
“…Hecate.”
Lucas, who was watching Hecate from behind, opened his mouth.
“Why are you staying here instead of evacuating?”
“Hahaha….”
Hecate answered bluntly, picking up the sword again.
“Your Majesty told you to stay in this city. “That’s why it’s the only thing that remains.”
“Don’t act like a child. “That’s not what you meant.”
“I know. But where am I now?”
Hecate shook her head.
“It’s the same wherever you are. “I am now a useless person and have nowhere to go.”
“….”
“That’s why you’re here. “To find a reason for me to live, as you said.”
Changrang-
The false sword that Hecate missed rolled on the floor.
Hecate muttered as she looked blankly at her palm, which had burst calluses and was bleeding.
“Lucas, what if…”
“Hmm?”
“If I face death tomorrow, will you come to save me?”
After a short silence.
Lucas raised his bright blue eyes and looked at Hecate.
“You are one of my best friends Hecate.”
“….”
“If it wasn’t a time of war, of course I would put everything aside and run to save you. but.”
Hecate laughed bitterly at the following argument.
“Now I am the lord’s bodyguard and the commander’s adjutant. I have a position to protect. So you won’t be able to come to rescue me.”
“….”
“You would have done the same if it were me. is not it?”
“that’s right. “Even if you lost your power and I remained a knight, our judgment would have been the same.”
Hecate let out a long sigh, leaning against the wall of the training hall and looking up at the sky.
“I’m just curious. “If I hadn’t been broken, if I had continued to be useful… would you have looked back at me at least once?”
“…Hecate.”
Lucas, who hesitated, asked cautiously.
“Would you like to go on a date together for a while after this battle is over?”
Hecate’s eyes widened. I wondered if I had heard something wrong.
“date? “Did you just say it was a date?”
“okay. A date. “Let’s eat together and walk around a bit.”
Lucas tilted his head.
“You don’t like it?”
“No… rather than saying I don’t like it…”
Why is this foolish Gomtaeng suddenly making such a suggestion?
Hecate was confused as she was experiencing something for the first time. Lucas nodded.
“Then I will take this as consent.”
“No, uh, okay…”
Lucas chuckled and took a step back.
“You will remain in the city anyway, so if possible, wait in a safe place.”
“….”
“Then I’ll see you alive.”
Lucas, who left the training ground, quickly moved away. Hecate was watching blankly behind him.
“….”
Even though she received a date request from her long-time crush, Hecate’s expression was complex.
Rather, he couldn’t help but think that if he hadn’t been broken, Lucas wouldn’t have been so considerate.
“It’s difficult…”
When I was young, my wish was to be asked out on a date by that stiff bastard.
Why am I not happy now?
Hecate shook her head slightly and picked up the false sword that had fallen on the floor.
I didn’t know what I would have to live for in the future, but I also had no intention of dying to zombies without a purpose.
‘Let’s live a little longer.’
Even just to see what that foolish Gomtaeng has prepared for a date.
And to find out what you should die for.
At least I will survive this battle for now. Hecate thought so.
***
The estimated time for the zombie army to arrive at Crossroads is early morning.
Evangeline, who had been preparing for the battle of the castle with the heroes of the close combat unit since night, suddenly felt hungry.
“Should we finish eating something?”
“That’s right, you glutton!”
Laughter broke out among the unit members. Evangeline took the lead, protesting, ‘I’m still growing taller!’
The heroes of the white infantry unit all headed to the field cafeteria together.
As the operation began at dawn, light meals were being served in the field cafeteria throughout the night.
The heroes were given cups of hot soup and simple sandwiches with large pieces of meat.
As soon as she received the sandwich, Evangeline took a bite and puffed out her cheeks happily.
“Wow, it’s delicious! “The southern arrangement of the New Terra style is exactly my style.”
Evangeline was wondering something and said, “Huh?” He opened his eyes.
what. This style of cooking. I think I’ve eaten there often….
That’s when I noticed the cookware of the field cafeteria standing awkwardly in front of me.
“uh?”
Somehow the man seemed familiar. Evangeline, embarrassed, pointed and asked.
“Huh? That waiter?!”
“Hahaha… yes that’s right.”
It was the waiter at the cafeteria who suddenly confessed to Evangeline.
Evangeline, shocked, opened her mouth.
“No, you’re not evacuating, what are you doing here now… What’s with that military uniform?!”
“I… I temporarily enlisted as a volunteer. “I heard an announcement saying there was a shortage of manpower in the kitchen, so I impulsively… I’ve helped cook at our restaurant before, so I know how to cook.”
Evangeline was at a loss for words. The young waiter looked embarrassed and lowered his eyes.
“A soldier who came to the restaurant a few days ago said that. “You said you like Evangeline and you live in this city, but you don’t know anything about her or the city.”
“….”
“I don’t really know what it’s like to fight monsters or what this city is blocking… So I feel a little embarrassed. Because I wanted to know. So I enlisted.”
Evangeline touched her forehead with her hand.
“I have a wonderful heart, but it’s really dangerous here. You haven’t even received combat training. You could really die? Evacuate as soon as possible….”
“Don’t worry! “I won’t do anything presumptuous.”
The young waiter added, waving his hands urgently.
“I just… wanted to know. “What kind of fight is Lady Evangeline fighting?”
“….”
“Do I really deserve to live in this city?”
Evangeline sighed and asked for help.
“When the battle starts, hide in a safe place. Okay? “You must never come forward!”
“Yes, I will keep that in mind.”
The young waiter laughed heartily.
Evangeline turned around and poured the soup cup into the burning fire with one shot.
Although she was not particularly fond of the young man, he was a resident of this city, and Evangeline was the heir to permanent residency in this city.
‘There are a lot of things to protect…’
If you become a real lord, you will have to accept the diverse hearts of many more people.
‘It’s not easy.’
Monsters and other people’s hearts.
It’s not easy.
Evangeline snorted, ate her meal cleanly, and then walked towards the front line again.
The heroes of the white infantry unit were watching Evangeline’s back with a grin.
***
Early morning after a night where many thoughts were tangled in confusion.
At a time when it is dark and the sun has not yet risen.
thud…! thud…! thud…!
Finally, an army of zombie monsters advancing from afar in the fields south of the Crossroads appeared.
Due to the continued bombardment of treatments over the past two days, the number has been reduced by less than half, and both speed and power have been reduced.
It was still numerous, still fast, and still terrifying.
The group of zombies approaching through the dark night with their disturbing green eyes flashing was bizarre and eerie.
Grrrrrrr….
Grrrrrr!
The terrible screams of tens of thousands of zombies all at once reached the Crossroads.
And among the soldiers swallowing dry saliva from nervousness, Ash smiled calmly and spread his arms forward.
“Okay then, let’s get started!”
And he shouted confidently.
“Move the ‘wall’!”
