Chapter 8
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: Delivering on the Promise
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After Yejin finished washing up, I took my turn in the shower. We could've saved time by going together, but I figured she needed some space to collect her thoughts while showering alone, so I didn't join her.
Call it a bit of consideration on my part?
When I came out, I found her sitting there blankly, knees hugged to her chest, having changed back into the clothes she'd arrived in.
Was today's ordeal that shocking? I thought I'd treated her pretty gentlemanly, all things considered.
"Hey, get up. Time to keep my promise and take you home."
"Uh... what? But it's already dark outside..."
Startled by my words, Yejin trailed off as she glanced out at the sunset. She was probably worried about venturing out in the dark, making it easier for zombies to swarm us.
"I don't mind heading out now. But if you're anxious, we can wait till morning. Your call."
"Th-then... tomorrow morning. It's not that I don't trust you, but just in case..."
"Fine, if that's how you feel. Dinner's cup ramen, then. You're welcome."
I tossed her one of the cup noodles I'd looted from the convenience store. Food supplies might run out eventually, but sharing one meal was no big deal—especially after we'd gotten intimate today.
Besides, stuff like this seemed easy enough to scavenge later, so I had no urge to hoard it now.
"Hot water? Use that pot over there to boil some. Electricity's still on, looks like."
I flicked the room switch to confirm power was still flowing. The shower water had been fine too, so it was a relief that essentials like water and electricity were still available for daily life.
Maybe because the zombie apocalypse had only kicked off less than a day ago?
But who knew when these would cut out. I needed to level up and boost my traits fast so I could produce my own water and power on demand.
Yejin quietly boiled water in the pot as I'd suggested, poured it into her cup ramen, and started eating in silence.
I scarfed down a few pieces of bread I'd brought, then lay back on the floor. With power unreliable, there wasn't much else to do right now.
I could go out hunting zombies, but if any broke in while I was gone, Yejin wouldn't stand a chance. So I couldn't leave.
Guess I'll just lie here and poke around the status window some more.
Most status windows show full character stats, but this one was pretty sparse.
Shouldn't it at least display my current stats?
In novels, they usually quantify strength, stamina, mana, and such. Nothing like that here.
No info on how much EXP I need for level-up either.
Tapping the Equipment Crafting Lv 1 skill brought up a new window.
Would you like to upgrade Equipment Crafting Lv 1?
[YES or NO]
I recalled skills needed coins to upgrade. Curious, I hit YES.
Insufficient coins for upgrade. Total coins required: 100.
As expected. 100 coins to level up a skill...
Equipment Repair Lv 1 was the same.
Coins came from killing zombies or achievements. But despite taking down about eight on the way here with Yejin, I only had one.
Low drop rate? Or just bad luck? No clue.
Whatever the odds, massacring zombies should reveal the average. Luck would even out eventually.
I checked achievements for coin sources. Lots involved zombie kills.
Zombie Slayer 1
Defeat 100 zombies.
Reward: 10 Coins
Zombie Slayer 2
Defeat 300 zombies.
Reward: 20 Coins
The numbers ramped up, with bigger coin rewards.
One caught my eye, though:
Mutant 1
Defeat a Mutant Zombie Tanker.
Reward: 50 Coins
Besides the Tanker mutant, there were others listed, suggesting zombies came in varied types beyond the weaklings I'd killed today.
Some with special abilities, probably.
That made sense for a world-ending zombie apocalypse.
Honestly, the zombies I'd seen so far weren't world-enders. A modern army with weapons could mop them up.
But mutants shrugging off firepower? Game changer.
If only Awakeners' systems could handle them, no army could stop extinction.
Didn't worry me much—once my black magic was decent, they'd be no threat.
After dropping Yejin off tomorrow, I'd hunt these down.
Coin description mentioned a shop, but no access from status window.
Poking around yielded nothing on shops. I assumed it'd open via status, but maybe not.
Perhaps it popped up externally at intervals, or my Lv 1 hadn't unlocked it.
Priority: Level up fast.
Glancing over, Yejin was dozing against the wall in an awkward pose, wary I might pounce again.
Sheesh, what does she take me for? One roll in the hay for escort service, done deal.
I keep my promises.
She couldn't know that on day one, so I'd cut her slack.
Leaving her be, I stood, gathered the demonic energy from today's zombies, and set a simple alert spell on the door.
My third-floor officetel was safe from regular zombies via windows or busting the steel door. But mutants? Better safe.
It irked using most of my scant demonic energy, but necessary.
I cast one on myself too. Time to sleep.
The next morning, I woke to Yejin sleeping right beside me.
This girl, dozing apart out of fear before—now snug next to me?
Alert spell was set for threats; it ignored her as harmless.
Refreshed by morning sun, I sat up and turned to her peaceful sleep.
After last night, morning wood? She was pretty before, but now even more so. Almost a shame to let her go.
Could keep her, but why bother?
Forcing it would sour things, and she's not the only beauty out there. Plenty to find.
No need to tie myself down.
Plus, sending her home might make her realize my place is safest and bring her back. Could be fun.
"Hey! Wake up. Time to head home."
"Wh-what? Ack! When did I fall asleep?!"
Shaking her awake, she startled and scooted away.
"Cut the nonsense. Let's go—escorting you as promised."
"O-okay..."
I opened the door, gestured her to follow, and we stepped out.
She lived with parents in an apartment six blocks away, per yesterday.
Walking cautiously, she stuck to my back outside—scared of zombies despite keeping distance indoors. Kinda cute.
Any zombies? Dealt with instantly.
Needed to replenish demonic energy spent on the alert spell, so Mana Drain on every one.
Normally a 20-minute walk took an hour with detours for kills.
"This it? Your apartment?"
"Y-yeah..."
She stared dumbfounded at the blood-splattered building—walls a gruesome mural, far from the white I vaguely recalled.
No wonder she fretted over her parents.
We approached the entrance. Fiddling with the locked door, an uncle burst out.
"No! Don't open! Zombies'll get in!"
That flimsy iron gate stopping a horde? Doubtful.
"U-Uncle!"
"Yejin? Is that you?"
They knew each other?
"Where've you been in this mess?!"
"Well, um..."
She glanced at me sheepishly—embarrassed to admit trading body for protection.
"Protected her while fleeing zombies, brought her back today."
I covered for her.
"Good, glad you're safe. Come in—your parents were worried sick."
My job done? Promise kept safely.
Time for mine: zombie hunting.
"Alright, I'm off. Need help? You know where I live."
I waved farewell to her stunned gaze and left.
Now, real zombie hunting begins.