Episode 98: On the Fatal Sword.

So, we decided to secure an untouched source of magical energy (also known as "Plenty of Rice Place").

The ideal location was found with surprising ease.

We chose a FamilyMart located not far from a community beneath an elevated railway, surrounded by "zombies."

Perhaps because zombies were gathered there, most of the food supplies remained untouched.

Moreover, if you climb up into the attic, you'll find a solar power system installed there.

Apparently, such convenience stores have been increasing lately.

Hooray for the eco-boom.

"Nice. That's exactly why work is enjoyable."

Nodding with a smile, Norio tinkers with the generator—probably planning to take it home later.

"With this, lighting up the convenience store sign shouldn't be too difficult."

With clever use, it should certainly be possible to distract the zombies' attention.

After that, securing the convenience store's defenses.

That part wasn't particularly difficult.

Thanks to Ayaka-chan's "Super Strength" skill, she brought vehicles and metal barriers from various spots, resulting in a remarkably sturdy barricade.

"...No matter how many times I see it, it just feels like it defies the laws of physics..."

This was Asuka's reaction upon seeing Ayaka-chan chop a utility pole in half with a single strike.

"What are we supposed to do, then?"

Kosuke asked.

"Prepare the meal."

I replied simply.

"Please make it something we could eat endlessly without getting tired of it."

"Endlessly... without getting tired?"

"I think we might end up eating something almost constantly—so please do your best."

"Y-yes... okay..."

This was a sincere request.

One could, of course, simply consume food for the sole purpose of replenishing magic power.

But doing so would eventually lead to boredom with taste, making swallowing slower and slower. If that happened, we might not be able to keep up with the relentless waves of zombies attacking us one after another.

Quick resupply and repel.

That is what this mission demands.

Not a manifestation of, "Well, if we're here, I'd like to eat something delicious."

There isn't any of that.

"Relax, Senpai! All the seasonings are fully prepared, no worries!"

Rintaro-kun is quite enthusiastic about it (well, he's enthusiastic about everything), and proudly displays the row of seasonings he's laid out.

"Just so you know, please stop doing those silly drink-bar prank mixes you see at family restaurants—seriously, I'll throw up if you do."

"……? I don't really get what you're talking about, but Tabasco actually goes well with almost any dish! Whenever I go to an Italian restaurant, I always use a bottle!"

I can't even breathe.

Ritsuko-san taking the seasonings away from Rintaro-kun.

"...I'll handle the seasoning adjustments. Rintaro, just keep making hot water one after another."

I'm begging you, really.

"By the way, it's a problem if only sweet dishes are served continuously. Alternate between sweet and spicy ones—keep it balanced."

"Uh-huh."

"Also, I'm sensitive to heat, so please don't serve anything too hot. Let it cool down to a nice temperature."

"Understood."

"In addition, I'm not a fan of dishes containing perilla. Please avoid those, if possible."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Wasabi is generally fine with me, but please don't serve any that make my nose tingle too much."

"Leave everything to me."

Kousuke-kun responds to each of my requests with serious attention. Such a good boy...

Anyway, if I go overboard with my menu choices, it'll probably end in disaster...

I just don't want to die in such a ridiculous way, that's all.

▼

Well then.

Before heading into battle, let's quickly finish leveling up.

Since we'll be facing countless "zombies," I decided to prioritize acquiring skills that allow for long-range attacks.

So, the skills I've obtained are,

"Critical Sword II," "Critical Sword III," "Critical Sword IV," "Critical Sword V," and in preparation for battling "zombies," I've also acquired Fire Magic IV and V, plus boosted my Attack Power up to Level III.

So, to summarize my current skills:

"Wanderer Warrior"

Level: 42

○ Basic Skills

"Sword Technique (Advanced)," "Perfect Maintenance," "Critical Sword I to V"

[Natural Healing (Strong)] [Skin Reinforcement] [Bone Reinforcement]

[High Hunger Resistance]

[Skill Identification]

○ Magic Skills

[Fire Magic I to V] [Healing Magic I to V]

○ Job Skills

[Attack Power III]

[Defense Power V] [Iron Armor] [Aegis Shield]

[Magic Resistance II]

[Elemental Summoning I] [Spirit Presence I] [Fairy]

○ Shared Skills

[Step of the Earth I]

[Subjugation] [Slave Control V]

...Huh?

What's become of the skill I stole from the "Spirit User" now?

Hehehe.

Since then, I haven't heard a single word—completely silent.

I do sometimes call out, "Fairy-chan, come here!" from time to time.

Maybe I ended up grabbing a skill that's completely useless.

By the way, I'll also compile the skills from Saya-chan at the same time.

"Heroic Martial Artist"

Level: 35

○ Basic Skills

《Martial Arts (Expert)》《Ultimate Techniques I–V》

《Natural Healing (Strong)》《Skin Reinforcement》《Bone Reinforcement》

《Hunger Resistance (Strong)》

○ Magic Skills

《Fire Magic I–III》《Lightning Magic I–IV》

《Healing Magic I–III》

○ Job Skills

《Teleportation V》《Iron Fist》

《Super Strength V》《Keen Insight》

《Far-Sightedness I》

○ Shared Skills

《Defense I》

Something like this.

Well, I suppose this skill setup isn't bad for dealing with "Zombies," would you say?

▼

While leaving cooking to the others, I decided to check the effects of all the "Fatal Strike" skills.

Outside the barricade.

I confirmed no one except "Zombies" was around.

"——《Fatal Strike I》"

The sword instantly glowed golden for a moment.

I tried slicing through a zombie wandering nearby, and it cleanly split in half with a perfect cut.

You could think of it as a version of the enchantment that ends after a single swing.

It might have some advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness... but on the other hand, it feels a bit inconvenient to use like this.

Next.

"——《Fatal Strike II》"

The blade still glows golden, just as before. A similar phenomenon happens with Sayoha-chan's ultimate move, but what is this exactly? Some kind of wave energy or something like that?

Just swinging it around randomly, the golden blade suddenly stretches out to about three times its original length.

Hmm, huh (note to self).

It must be a technique that temporarily expands the attack range when used.

It should come in handy when surrounded by zombies.

Moving on. Let's keep going.

"――Ultimate Sword III"

Hmm?

I can't quite figure this one out.

The blade appears to be vibrating violently.

Just to test it, I swing at a zombie lazily sunbathing nearby,

*thwack-thwack-thwack-thud*.

"U-uh...!"

The result is utterly gruesome.

The zombie's body instantly shattered into pieces.

It seemed like the move delivered a series of rapid strikes with just a single swing.

...Honestly, that was a bit of an overkill against a zombie.

Besides, I already got splattered with blood from head to toe, even before the battle even began.

Ah... (sigh).

Next up.

"――《Fatal Strike IV》♪"

As he spoke, golden, radiant energy enveloped the blade once more.

...Hmm?

It looks just like the previous one,《Fatal Strike I》, to me.

For now, I'll give it a test swing—eh!

Bwah!

With a sharp whoosh, energy surged from the blade.

The energy mass tore through the wall of a building some几十 meters away, shredding it into pieces before vanishing.

Ohhh!

That's exactly what I was waiting for!

It's like the attack Link unleashes in The Legend of Zelda when he's at full health.

Now we can attack from a distance using a blade.

It's a guaranteed win—this is already game over.

I'm already satisfied with how things are, but since we're at it, how about we push through to the end?

"——Ultimate Sword V"

Then, just look at this.

Something different from the time of "Fatal Sword IV"... a silvery light? A wave? Some indescribable force enveloped the blade.

Could it be a technique with a similar effect?

Or perhaps an upgraded version of "Fatal Sword IV"?

With that thought, I swing the blade sideways toward the building, aimlessly.

...Then,

An event completely unforeseen unfolded.

Zuudooouuuuoooooooom!

A powerful explosion shook the building, causing part of it to collapse.

It'll feel like Godzilla one-punched it.

"W-what's going on?!" "What's wrong?!" "Was that just now, Senpai?"

Everyone, who had been quietly working at the convenience store, looked up in surprise at the building.

"Ah, um, well..."

Achāyarakashitā.

There was no doubt that the current sound successfully drew the attention of the "zombies" gathered beneath the elevated structure.

"……cough"

A single clearing of the throat.

Lifting his sword high into the air,

"Alright everyone! This is the time to fight!"

"Wait, but we were supposed to start once it got a bit darker..."

"Conditions are changing by the second! They're coming! Now!"

Everyone's gaze remained cold.

But he couldn't afford to lose heart.

"…The time for playing is over! Come on—here they come!"

Facing a horde of zombies surging forward like waves, Norio shouted.