〜〜〜 ???'s Perspective 〜〜〜

"Damn it...!"

A hooded figure stood alone atop the dimly lit grasslands, kicking a stone on the ground in frustration, yet finding no solace in doing so.

"Fuck, fuckfuckfuck, that fucking heroooooo!!"

Straightening his spine, the figure shouted before slamming his fist into the ground, only to hurt his own hand and exacerbate his frustration.

"Huff, huff... Well, it can't be helped. Losing to them was just a flaw in my plan.

Next time, I'll just have to fight smarter."

However, the figure pondered how to redeem his failure in killing the hero.

If I were to return like this, not only would I become a laughingstock, but also, how could I face him... Think! How can I redeem myself after this disgrace...!?

After much contemplation, he arrived at a dreadful plan.

With a smirk, he raised his staff to the sky.

"Oh, creatures under my command, reveal yourselves and heed my call! [Summon]!"

As he uttered these words and thrust his staff into the ground, numerous magic circles appeared. From these circles emerged various zombies, humans, wolves, and goblins.

"Hehehe! The heroes have returned to the empire. So, why don't I crush this place before they come rushing here!? Let's bring down the Kingdom of Liedgarm, established as a symbol of alliance between the three major kingdoms!!"

In his mind, he envisioned soldiers struggling against zombies, citizens fleeing from the undead, and the despair of heroes witnessing the downfall of the Kingdom of Liedgarm. Yes, the perfect plan of despair.

His ability allowed him to turn his victims into zombies and control them as he pleased. And with this power, he plotted something even more terrifying.

"Perfect... Ah, perfection! If this succeeds, I'll earn favor with him. I'll use all my power to destroy this kingdom! And turn every living being in the Kingdom of Liedgarm into zombies to attack the empire!"

As he gazed at the increasing number of zombies emerging from the magic circles, he felt the greatness of his power once again.

"At this rate, I can commence this operation under the cover of night. Hehehe! For the sake of my honor, and for him!"

〜〜〜 Elaina's Perspective 〜〜〜

After enjoying a meal with Guell and the others, I returned to my accommodation and relaxed in my room, reading a light novel.

"It's already four o'clock. But man, that meal was good. I wonder if they'll invite me again?"

I've been having more fulfilling days than when I was in that class, but I wonder how my classmates are doing.

"I hope they didn't come to this other world just to do something trashy... Huh?"

I received a communication from God, so I answered.

'Hello, Elaina-chan! Are you okay right now!?'

"Uh yeah."

Why is God so flustered? Is there something going on?

'I'm sorry for the suddenness, but I have a request for you! Please, I need you to solve it right away!'

"Hey, calm down! I can't say yes without knowing what the request is about!"

'Oh!? S-sorry! I'm just a little flustered...'

"So, what exactly are you asking me to do? I'll hang up if it's something weird."

'You're currently in the Royal Capital, right? There's a massive horde of zombies about 800 meters to the west! It seems like those zombies are heading towards the Royal Capital!'

"Huh!? You're kidding, right?"

Could something so ridiculous actually happen? This isn't an online game event!

'It's true! We need to do something quickly, or the Royal Capital will be destroyed!'

This urgency seems justified. Should I consult the General Guild? ...No, as an E-rank, they probably won't listen to me.

Discussing it with Guell and the others? No, the soldiers guarding the palace might not relay the message to Guell. And besides, I'm not even sure if Guell is there.

"Ugh, I can't believe this!"

There's no use just thinking about it!

"I'll have to go and see for myself!"

'So, you accept my request, I take it?'

"Yes, you can take it that way. But! If this turns out to be a lie, I'm telling Ms. Meltenas!"

'Okay, that's fine... Thank you, Elaina-chan.'

After ending the communication, I put on my upper and lower Fren-Tacs clothing, equipped my plate carrier with knee pads and a CQC holster, and armed myself with my beloved ACE32 (7.62×39mm) and JERICHO941PSL (9mm Parabellum). After confirming the safety of the magazines and MK3A2 grenades, I put them in the pouch. Finally, I put on my headset.

"Headset, check! Magazine loaded. Ready to go!"

With the key to the room in hand, I left the room, locked the door, and headed to the counter.

"Excuse me, ma'am."

"Hmm? What's up?"

Perhaps bored, the old lady turned her sleepy gaze towards me.

"I have to go out to the grasslands now, so I'll cancel tonight's dinner."

Upon hearing my words, the old lady's drowsiness seemed to disappear, and she stared at me with wide eyes.

"What foolishness are you spouting!? Do you understand the meaning of going out into the grasslands at night!?"

This old lady knew that dangerous monsters were more likely to appear at night.

"I understand. And I've fought them before, so I'll be fine."

"...Is that so?"

"Yes, it is. And I'm in a hurry, so I need to go quickly."

I took out the key from my pocket and placed it on the counter.

"I'll leave the key here."

"Hmph! It's none of my business what happens to you. Do as you like. But! I have one thing to say."

Don't go dying on me! Is that the line?

"The business hours are until nine. If you're late, you'll have to camp outside!!"

That's a different line!! And how does she know the time without a clock in the inn? It's bothering me, but I'm in a hurry, so I'll leave it for later!

"Understood. I'll be back!"

After saying that, I left the inn and ran towards the west gate. When I passed through the west gate and entered the grasslands, it was dimly lit unlike the city. It will probably get even darker in about an hour when the sun sets.

In the dim light, I stopped at a place a little away from the city and looked around.

"...This area should be safe to bring out a vehicle."

I brought up the menu and selected the MRZR4 from the hangar and got in. At that moment, I received a communication from God.

"Hello, what's the matter, God?"

'Elaina-chan, I'm going to mark the enemy's location for you now, so head there! But there are a lot of them, so don't do anything reckless!'

"Got it. Thank you."

'It's no problem. Well then, see you later!'

After ending the communication, I pulled up the map and saw that if I just followed the road, I would reach the marked point.

"Now, let's go."

I said so and started the engine of the MRZR4, aimed for the marked point, and took off.

"Driving is fun~!"

I continued to advance in a driving mood.

"...Not good! There are more enemies than I imagined!"

I arrived at the destination just as the sun was setting. Well, to be precise, I stopped 500 meters short of the destination and sent a UAV to the marked location. Then, I watched the enemy's movements from above through the UAV's camera in black-and-white thermography mode.

"Yeah... This is bad. It's just all white. Like a sea of white."

I had a bad feeling about this on the way when the computer said, 'Multiple reactions detected,' and... well, this is basically an army... Huh? Another communication from God, and this time it's with a screen.

'Uh, Elaina-chan. How is it? Do you believe me now?'

"Yes, sorry for doubting you."

'If you believe me now, that's fine. So, what are you going to do about these enemies, Elaina? There are 800 monsters, and their number is still increasing. Are you going to run?'

Running away might be the best option here, but...

"I can't run away."

'Why?'

"Because I don't want to abandon Guell and the others. Besides, I would like to go back and report the crisis, but there is not much time."

If I return to the capital and report to the General Guild, they can organize the military to eradicate the monsters. But while they're preparing, these creatures might move to another town and attack it.

Shit! If only I had realized sooner!!

'Hmm, I see. This is the perfect time for that, isn't it!?'

"That? What exactly are you referring to?"

'The power of modern weapons! Now, use helicopters, tanks, or whatever you can to annihilate them!'

God was smirking at me, but...

"Uhh, God. That won't be possible."

The god's face turned shocked, and he began to shout at me.

'Whaaaat!? Why!? I gave you all this power, and you're not using it!? Is this some kind of handicap challenge!?'

"No, it's not like that."

'Then why!?'

"Helicopters aside, tanks can't be operated by one person."

'Then just call in a helicopter and sweep them away!'

"Most likely, I'll run out of ammunition, including missiles, before defeating 800 creatures. And the scariest part is the landing. Landing without support on a dark night on the grasslands is difficult. It's not impossible, but the chance of accidents is higher."

'Ugh... b-but, you know... there's no limit to the ammunition for the helicopters or tanks you summon.'

"Furthermore, if I'm in the open sky without any cover, I'll become an easy target. If there are flying types among them, they could surround and attack me, causing me to crash."

'Then, why not just keep shooting from the tank from afar? That way, you don't need a driver.'

"God, who will be the gunner and who will be the loader?"

'Huh!?'

Yes, in that cramped tank, after firing, I would have to move away from the seat, reload, and then come back. It would take time.

'You have mortars, though!'

"That requires at least one more person to handle."

When firing, a person is needed to support the bipod to prevent the mortar from toppling over. So, in the current situation, I don't have the ability to dominate with the tanks or helicopters I have in the hangar.

'Ugh... Then, it's hopeless!? Should we go back to the General Guild and report it!?'

"No, there's still a way."

'Huh? Really?'

"Shall we try the old-fashioned way of fighting?"

After saying that, I hurriedly started preparing.