I walk into first period class with a massive headache. Ever since the chat with my Patreon Goddess I’ve been thinking of the ramifications of gaining a scythe. Wait no, that’s wrong, I already had the scythe, I just didn’t know it. How stupid of me to forget the chain that was given to me at the beginning of my adventure. To be fair though, a lot of crazy shit happened and I can’t be expected to remember every little thing. My battles may have been easier to win if I was using it though.
The first problem is, I’ve completely gotten use to my sword-gun setup. Not only that, scythes aren’t originally used for combat, like a sword or gun. I could find sword and gun users to further train me in the art of fighting but for scythes!? There’s just no way that someone in the modern world uses a freaking scythe! Don’t get me wrong, they’re cool as fuck but it’ll take some serious effort to train myself to use it. I’ll have to constantly practice in my ID world.
I take my seat without a word. That’s just the beginning, I can feel my headache growing stronger already.
Speaking of my ID world, I’ve also been thinking about that. A while ago Izanami told me that the new world and my ID aren’t simulations, but actually other dimensions. I didn’t really have the time to think about it since a warband of goblins were trying to kill me, but that’s interesting information. Not really for the other world, but this changes everything about my zombie ID. If my zombie ID is actually a different world or dimension, how does that work? They are all zombies, how are those building in the world made? It even had a Walmart! Something isn’t right there, I need to investigate thoroughly to find out what though. Should I go and check it out today?
“-vior! Xavior! Please read passage 6!” I hear someone scream. My head shoots up to notice Amberly glaring at me slightly.
“I apologize Ms. Sugar, just one moment please.” With my high intelligence I quickly go through the lesson that I wasn’t paying attention too, but as long as I heard it, it shouldn’t be a problem. I turn to the correct page and begin to read the passage. After I was done, I sigh. My inner monologues will be the Death of me. I decide to push all my thoughts into the back of my mind and focus on the lesson. Although I know it from my last life, I have to at least look like I’m paying attention.
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After class I decide to skip the rest of the day and head to the roof. Honestly, I only went to my first class because Amberly was there. With my confession to her, this is a crucial point in her rout, and I can’t afford to be dozing off in the middle of class. I have to clear up my head and organize all of these thoughts. It feels as though I’m just stumbling my way through my new life, and I don’t like it.
First, the Zombie World, I have to figure that out. That place isn’t what it seems, I can feel it in my bones. It’s largely the reason I don’t allow any of my Soldiers in. If they die, it can be really bad for me, and that world is clearly holding secrets. All this stems from one thing, the Walmart. If the ID was merely a copy of my world, it could be explained, but it’s not. It’s a world of its own. That means SOMEONE, built that Walmart. Not only that, this spells more trouble. A world filled with zombies isn’t such a big deal, but a world filled with intelligent beings is a totally different matter.
I lie down on the roof and enjoy the sun on my face.
That place had everything our Walmart had, including TV’s. That means one thing, that world is at the same technological level as us. I can’t lie, this is headache inducing. I could have just started a war with an entire dimension. Speaking of war, I might have to hold back on taking over the surrounding villages around mine. I’m already at war with every grade in my school. With my tired troops, I don’t want to risk another potential war. I should also halt my advances through my Zombie ID until I’m ready also.
I grimace at the thought. The fact that I have to hold back my advances didn’t sit right with me. I like being in control to much for it to give me anything but a aggravating feeling.
I suddenly hear shuffling next to me, startling me a bit. I turn to see who it was and I see Eugene sitting next to me. Again, gonna have to fix the monologuing thing.
“Hello Don” he tosses a lollipop in my lap. “Thought you could use company.”
I pick up the lolli and tear off the wrapping. Throwing it in my mouth (Mmm Cherry), I look at Eugene. Honestly, I don’t know much about him, besides the fact that there is something seriously wrong with him. Getting 100% in loyalty was not supposed to be that easy, and yet, it was...and that scares me. What’s going on in that head of his?
“Status Report” I say, my eyes closing, while enjoying the lolli.
“With the completion of the school, we can finally get things started. I’ve gotten the Teach skill and so does Ethan. Right now, we’re going to focus purely on getting the population knowledge on how to read. After we get a decent amount of readers, we can make them Teachers. Hell, if we invite them to the Party, they can even get the skill.”
“Hmm, I don’t really want such weaklings in my Family though.”
“The position wouldn’t be permanent. It’s just until they get the skill to level 10 or so. With this, they can be removed from the Party, and use the skill they have to teach others how to read. After that, we can move to math. However, there is a problem with the reading situation before we move on.” I open my eyes at this and look at him. He apparently pulled out a notepad at one point and is staring at it.
“What problem?”
“While yes, the people of Valyria speak the same language as us, it seems they do not have the same alphabet. With some books we found and the help from the very few villagers who could read it, I’m currently on my way to figuring out the alphabet, which isn’t hard since we share the same language but the problem still stands…” I nod, realising what he’s saying.
Stolen story; please report.
“There’s an entire kingdom with a different alphabet than ours. Meaning, even if we conquer the kingdom, there’s going to be lots of communication problems, or it would at least.” Valyria is a small village apart of a kingdom called Zuthia. It’s a moderately small, landlocked kingdom, ruled by King Isadore Ambrose, and the Ambrose royal family.
“Would?”
“Don’t forget, that dimension is in the middle ages. 90% of the population doesn’t know how to read anyway. Soo-,”
“So there’s not really a problem in the first place because most people can’t read.” Eugene nods in understanding. “Besides the occasional merchant and noble, there’s nothing to worry about. Speaking of taking over Zuthia, when are conquering those villages?”
“I want to do that peacefully.” His eyebrows raise in surprise.
“What’s with the sudden change of heart?”
“War has to be the last solution. We’re spread too thin and don’t know the capabilities of the Zuthia Kingdom. If the villages asks them for reinforcements, things could go badly for us. However if we silently absorb the villages, no one would be the wiser until too late.”
“You’re right, that dimension is definitely not simple. The protective barrier would cause problems too. If our village has one, they must have one too.”
“That brings up another thing that concerns me.”
“Magic” he says simply. I nod.
“Yea, magic, that world has it. Our people, they aren’t ready for a full blown war with magic users. We don’t have enough people, resources, or power.” The bell signaling the end of 2nd period dings and an explosion suddenly rocks the building for a bit but I pay it no mind. I told everyone not to cause problems 1st period and until 2nd period ends. I wouldn't be happy if Amberly had to rush out in the middle of our private time. This war with the Vipers, Wolves, and Angels is only training for my soldiers. Not only the Freshmen, but everyone here. I’m planning on absorbing them after all. I need to see how they do against other humans with superhuman abilities instead of just zombies, goblins, and bandits.
“We should let them train in the Zombie ID. I know it’s dangerous but with the Sun Legion and Health Potions, that danger lessens significantly.”
“Hmm” I ponder on this. Eugene has been trying to convince me of this for a while. I really don’t want any of my men to die. I, however, I do have 99 of those bastards and don’t think they’ll die so easily. I sigh and relent. I need them stronger. “Fine, but we start at level 1 and do it slow.” the bastard looks smug as he nods. I won’t allow them past level 4. Level 5...I can sense it, it’ll be dangerous.
“Yea yea, next order of business?”
“The smell of Valyria.” he says without hesitation. “While it has significantly improved, everyone is constantly dirty so it still smells like crap. Just not literal crap anymore. I suggest we go into the ID and steal every soap we can from everywhere we can.”
“I agree, I’ll make it a requirement for a shower at least once a day.”
“Should we sell the soap?”
“...yes, but for cheap. About 5 copper a bar. While we could make a hefty profit, I want soap to be spread world wide. We can sell other things to make money, but soap is not one of them. We can buy or steal cheap things from our world and sell it there for tons of gold. With their current technology, there’s no way they’ll be able to replicate it. This will bring tons of revenue to the city when it’s founded. It will have to wait though, currently we haven’t made contact with any true cities. Without them, we won’t be able to find some sucker noble willing pay for all my goods. Selling them to the leaders of the small villages would just lower their value. The only problem is how are we gonna get there? We have our future revenue secured, but we need to get to a certain point first before we can actually get that secure future.” I say while Eugene looks up at the sky, thinking.
“I’m thinking of making some soldiers go into the other villages and spread rumors of how there’s mention of a new city being built. With a new city comes new jobs and new opportunities. We need as many workers and soldiers as possible. The thing that will really get the people running is the free housing.”
“Free?” I ask confused.
“Obviously, it won’t really be free, they’ll pay rent for a couple years. With their new jobs, they’ll be able to easily afford it though. Everything will have to get done one at a time. The farms will be done in 1 month. In that month, we’ll get money from trades and the people will become smarter after a full 30 days of lessons from the me and Ethan. Not in any way, shape, or form smart but smarter nonetheless.”
“I like it, this gives me time to focus on this world while letting things play out in Valyria.” I jump up from my comfortable spot and begin walking towards the exit of the roof. I didn’t need to look behind me to know Eugene was following. I’m not going to lie, talking things through with him really helped my head. I was so focused on doing everything myself that I forgot about my Family.
I chuckle at my own stupidity. I’ll try to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
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My soldiers should have attacked any Vipers or Wolves after class. The hallways are probably a mess. Attacking in class is prohibited apparently and for good reason. Even with all this shit going on, this is still a school. There is a full 10 minute passing period so students can get to there class after going to their lockers and bathrooms if they need to. My people will use this opportunity to fight. It should be more than enough time. They’ve been ordered to only attack with a squad. 1 squad consists of a single Flame user of each category, except Sky of course. My people can easily handle the Vipers. Their Don was only level 23, lower than all of my Capos. This means that his Soldiers and Capos should be extremely weak compared to mine. With the average of my Soldiers being level 15, the Vipers are no threat. My people can even take on the Wolves if we wanted. As the school already knows the tradition, I shouldn’t have any problems as long as no one harms a teacher or there is too much property damage.
I get up from my position and slowly make my way downstairs. When I reach the hallway my eyes can’t help but widen in surprise at how fast things got started. I see my Soldiers squads being outnumbered by the Vipers and Wolves. It seems they decided to team up to take my people out.
A enemy student flys by me and slams into the wall. I can’t help but be proud as he slowly slides down, barely conscious. Not only are my people more experienced but they also have better teamwork. While it’s honestly nothing to brag about, it’s better than the opposition. Next to me I could see that Eugene was also pleased at the results. I watched for a bit but most of it wasn’t interesting. It was nice to see their progress but couldn’t hold my attention enough to actually be fun to watch. Most of the Angels decided to stay out of the fights, although I could see a couple of stragglers.
I walk through the school, bored, wondering if I should just go home when I catch PJ surrounded by 3 upper years in school yard through a window. Looks to be Angels from the insignia of angel wings on their shirts.
“Should we go down and help? They look like trouble.” Eugene questions, not so much in worry, but more to be polite. I shake my head in denial.
“No, let’s just watch, it’ll be interesting to see his progression.” With an alright and a nod, Eugene stands by my side and watch the show. They seem to have him in a triangle formation, most likely to not give him chance of escape. I can’t help but chuckle at even the thought of PJ running.
Three kids, two boys and one girl, jump at him all at once. One of the boys used a switch blade covered in Mist to slash at my Capo but it seems to be for not as PJ covers his hand in Storm and grabs on the boys wrist. I can’t hear it from hear but from the body language, I can clearly tell the boy started screaming in pain and whatever illusion he made was defeated.
PJ must be using his Storm Flame’s decay to cause damage. The boy’s Flame sputters out of existence as PJ’s cover his entire hand. He hurriedly brings the boy around to block needles covered thrown by the girl. The meat shield gasps in surprise and PJ throws him into the second boy who came in for a punch with Sun Flames covering his fist. The Sun user gets knocked down and PJ uses his Flames as a burst under his feet, giving him the boost needed to reach the girl in seconds. Using the momentum of his boost, he doesn’t slow down and punches the girl in the gut, causing her eyes to widen. She drops to her knees, struggling to breath, and eventually falls face first. The Sun user yelled something in concern then looked at PJ with murder. Pushing the boy off him, he ran at PJ with his fist cocked but before he could make it, my Capo stretched his arm and pushed his palm towards the enraged boy. No energy blast or Flame was seen, yet the boy flew back, crashing into a tree.
PJ, looking bored, places his hand into his pockets and walks away. WIth a grin so wide my face might split, I chuckle. Everything sure is going nicely.