Part 5: Let's Go to School

My first destination was the school I usually attend.

The reason was simple—because it was close by and seemed safe.

After losing both parents in a sudden traffic accident, I had been avoided by all my relatives, and as a result, I happily enjoyed my carefree, solitary life. But when choosing the apartment that would become my home, the one thing I prioritized above all else was proximity to the school.

I’m the type who’d rather sleep a little longer than waste time commuting, you know?

Thanks to that, my school, "Masakaoka High School," is just a five-minute walk away.

Fortunately, most of the "zombies" along the way are completely absorbed in freshly slaughtered meat they’ve just been devouring, so they don’t even glance my way. Still, two of them have come toward me.

After finishing off the attacking "zombie," the familiar fanfare rang out in my head once again.

——Congratulations! Your level has increased!

It seems my level has gone up.

If I was at "Level 2" just a moment ago, I'm now at "Level 3," I'd say.

Progressing nicely.

Yet, as expected...

The number of enemies I need to defeat increases with each level up.

That part's really close to how games feel, huh.

—Now, please select a skill to acquire.

—1. [Intermediate Swordsmanship]

—2. [Auto Maintenance]

—3. [Basic Martial Arts]

—4. [Weak Hunger Resistance]

—5. [Weak Natural Healing]

Hmm?

Even though the path is overrun with zombies, I pause to think.

"Intermediate Swordsmanship makes sense, but what exactly is [Auto Maintenance]?"

――[Auto Maintenance] restores equipment degradation by up to 60% over time upon acquisition.

I tilted my head once more.

"Equipment—does that mean this Japanese sword? Or perhaps extending the shelf life of food?"

I ask, but Echo-san (nickname) replies:

――Please select the skill you wish to acquire.

――1, [Swordsmanship...]

Repeats the first line.

Ah, I see. Seems rather inflexible, then.

Still, my gamer instincts are whispering to me. Probably, this "equipment" refers to the Japanese sword I'm currently holding.

In short, this is the classic RPG skill tree, isn't it?

Once you upgrade a single skill, it branches out into various other skills, and those related skills grow stronger over time.

I initially acquired the skill《Swordsmanship (Beginner)》.

That's why two options emerged as skills specialized for combat with swords.

Then again, even skills I haven't acquired yet might be categorized into distinct systems.

Imagining it this way:

《Hand-to-Hand Combat (Beginner)》→ Combat-oriented? A skill focused on unarmed fighting.

《Hunger Resistance (Weak)》→ Survival-oriented? A special skill? A mystery.

《Natural Healing (Weak)》→ A skill that enhances vitality?

Something like that, maybe.

I mutter to myself. Surrounded by enemies, but still.

I'm just not good at making decisions like this.

And later, when I check strategy guides, I always end up thinking, "Oh no, I should've picked the other option—it would've been so much better."

Damn it.

How about I just pick randomly, like singing, "Dōrē ni shī yōū ka nā♪" (with minor regional variations in the melody)?

After some hesitation, I decided,

Then, with that "Auto Maintenance" thing...

And replied.

It's a cherished family heirloom from my grandfather, so I'd like to keep using it for a long time.

Then, we'll apply the skill effect.

What if that were the case?

What a surprise!

To my surprise!

This time, no dramatic change appeared.

Oh no, did I just draw a blank?

I thought it might be, but this is probably a skill that will pay off later... Probably.

...Now that I think about it more carefully, 60% feels kind of off... Isn't it more than just slightly off?

Well, whatever.

Hiccup.

After moping and sighing, I finally reached the school gate,

"Whoa."

Before me were several "zombies" cheerfully wandering around the sports field.

The school gate appears to be half-closed. It seems someone tried to prevent "zombies" from entering by shutting the open gate, but the plan clearly failed.

Looking closer, two unfamiliar students from our school lie lifeless just in front of the gate, having become lunch for the "zombies."

How tragic.

As fellow high school students, I can't help but feel a little disturbed by this.

And so, I've decided to take revenge on their behalf.

Quickly slashing my blade down onto the back of each "zombie's" head, I dispatch them without hesitation.

Fortunately, the "zombies" seem utterly consumed by the sight of fresh flesh right before them, making it impossible for them to retaliate.

Now then... yes.

The students who were just eaten.

I'll grant them a proper end as well.

I pierce the tip of my blade into their foreheads, ensuring they will never rise again.

Life.

Death.

The sanctity of life.

I try not to overthink such complicated matters.

The task itself is completed in less than a minute.

There's no point lingering now.

I shut the main gate with a creak, cutting off all access from the outside.

I clicked the lock shut, feeling a bit relieved... but to truly feel secure, I'd need to completely clear out the "zombies" inside the school grounds.

Then, rumbling through my stomach, came a loud growl.

Ah.

Ahh...

Right, I haven't had lunch yet.

Better get that done quickly.