This is survivor Shadyna, reporting in from ground zero of a zombie apocalypse!

A never-ending march of undead hell-bent on eating everyone until nothing's left. How will the protagonists cling onto hope when they have to sacrifice the side characters on a daily basis and everything they build will come crashing down at the start of the next season?!

_ Hessy: This is the second time I see someone this enthusiastic after entering Nox site.

_ Shadyna: Ehehe~ Who was your first by the way?

_ Hessy: Phrase it normally! And that was not a compliment. What kind of pacifist would be excited in this situation?!

I send the picky waitress a screenshot of my status menu with the [Pacifist] title, and another one of my Play Records, detailing how my [Damage dealt] is a perfect zero!

While the 0-stats girl may not be 0-stats anymore, this one will stay zero until the end of the (virtual) world!

_ Hessy: You know sending that with a smug face is not really convincing right…? As for the other maniac, that would be the one we are hanging out with today, .

I have a feeling my manager is implying something rude by comparing me to a combat addict, but I'll let that slide since I'm a good girl.

Today, we are going to 's base at the edge of the world map. said this was the hunting zone with highest mob density in the game, hence my visit to satisfy Sateri's constant hunger for souls.

Accompanying me is Hessy and Su, who also have their own reason to be here. Hessy wants to stress test her new sword, and Su wants to gather combat data of us, including…

_ Fensen: So many targets~!

_ Poltea: , don't shoot them without permission!

My apprentices, with their own new toys to try out.

_ Su: Heaven~

You are here to gather combat data right?!

The degenerate lolicon aside, the timid girl of mass destruction is hesitating for a good reason. In front of us stands a massive army spanning from one end of our vision to the other, filled with numerous dark creatures everyone here knows and loves (to kill). These mobs pack even more tightly than the ones in the few raids I have seen, and are all at level 30, according to my intel (education). All in all, it's your typical raid but for late-game players.

Even then, it's a zone with very high difficulty and no special loot of note except for the Nox Terminus. There's no reason to come here unless you have acquired all loots from every other zones, or you are a big masochist.

Based on my past experiences with players, I have a feeling that I would be better off not knowing the answer, un.

_ Hessy: Well, we have to go through them to get to regardless. Who's going first?

She has been informed of our arrival by the way. Technically, we can just use [Recall] and appear right in the middle of her camp. Can't get combat data with such peaceful approach though, so we are going there on foot.

Through this endless army of doom.

…Is it too late to ask for an actual zombie apocalypse? Pretty sure mindless walking corpses would be easier to plow through than level-capped variants and bosses.

_ Su: You can go first. Everyone, stick close to Hessy.

_ Fensen & Poltea: OH!

_ Hessy: Alright. Here I g… Why are you girls clinging on to me?!?!

Not just me, but both my apprentices are grabbing onto the beautiful waitress, literally. Great minds think alike!

And Su, stop gnawing your handkerchief. It's already dyed red.

_ Fensen: Sticking close?

_ Hessy: Not by holding my hands and grabbing my arms! Sateri-chan-dammit , you should know that! Do NOT join in, Su!

Conclusion: Combat data indicates Hessy's lack of capability in dealing with children.

_ Poltea: A-aren't we going to fly?

Well~ We might or might not have used [Friendship Engine] to fly around while playing together. The fact that it requires them to hold my hands since I'm the only person with the skill is definitely irrelevant and did not alter our responses to the "stick close" command at all~!

_ Hessy: is the only maniac in this game who can fly!!!

Is this person who SWAM in the air to fight seriously saying that?!

____________

At the center of the dark horde, a walled camp sticks out like a sore thumb.

With only a single tent in the 15x15-meter perimeter, one would be hard-pressed to believe that the maniacs building this sloppy camp, if it can be even called that, are the same people who funded the grand arena near Tyrel.

…Maybe that's why they hired someone else to do the job.

These makeshift wooden walls are standing strong against the relentless assaults from all directions however, so the quality is nothing to scoff at. Survivability triumphs all other aspects in this place, and that's all anyone can ask for when they have thousands of monsters homing in on their position really.

Then there's this party full of muscles led by an archer fighting outside the walls. It may not look like it, but the players here are the ones on the offensive here.

_ Guard (Guild): Guildmaster, there's a suspicious party approaching us. They are mowing down the horde like knife through butter.

_ Cinrald (Guild): Only one party?

_ Guard (Guild): Yes.

_ Cinrald (Guild): That's probably . Did I not tell you that she would be coming today?

_ Guard (Guild): You always inform us of visits AFTER the guests arrived! How do you manage that anyway? It's not like we get many visitors at this literal end of the world in the first place!

The lack of human interactions after weeks of being surrounded by monsters has made some of her guild members a tad cranky. At least, that's what decides to believe instead of admitting that she needs better communication.

_ Cinrald (Guild): So, is it ?

_ Guard (Guild): Well, she does look like Lady . However, one of her swords is different. Moreover…

_ Cinrald (Guild): Moreover?

_ Guard (Guild): She has daughters now.

_ Cinrald (Guild): …What.

_ Guard (Guild): Four of them, to be exact.

Correction: believes that she needs a psychiatrist.

____________

Judging from this mountain of dead bodies around us, I can safely say that Hessy's new weapon is a success.

She's still the dual-wielding waitress with dual swords, just that she's not using a single weapon, but an actual pair of separate swords using [Multi-weapon Wield]. The old "pair" was dismantled and reforged into a single spiky sword, and the other one is a brand new serrated sword for easier differentiation. Needless to say, both will turn people into censored mosaic in real life so good kids shouldn't try this at home.

Even though the person herself is such an elegant (albeit sadistic) beauty, her taste in weapon designs are horrible! (And still sadistic!)

_ Hessy: You are thinking something rude, aren't you?

_ Shadyna: Don't mind don't mind~ So, what do you think of the new sword?

_ Hessy: The increased attack cooldown will take some time getting used to. The new [Dark Bolt] enchantment is something I definitely can get used to.

Yup, it's the [Dark Bolt] maniac alright. She can now consume twice the enchantment charges to cast her favorite spell at twice the MAT, and of course, twice the enchantment level. Double cooldown and reduced max MP sound nasty at first, but let's be real. It's [Dark Bolt], a skill you can select in character creation! She can cast that way all the time and people will barely notice! If they are still alive that is.

Seriously, who's the maniac that thought it would be a good idea to give the [Dark Bolt] addict even more [Dark Bolt]~?

Why did she not use this build sooner, considering that we are pioneers in multi-wielding? Well, that's one of the downsides of this playstyle. Outside of the benefits in simultaneous attacks, it does not have a higher DPS than that of a single weapon, assuming that the weapons are similar in quality. Or in other words, if some weapons are weaker, which is often the case since buying two weapons are more expensive than one, attacking with one weapon at a time actually makes your DPS worse!

Sure, striking with all weapons all the time like and is fine and all. The average damage will be better in most scenarios, except when going against a swarm. Sacrificing attack speed for damage is detrimental if you are already overkilling the enemies in the first place. As an all-rounder who also has a tendency to be outnumbered for some reason, Hessy was not willing to truly dual-wield without a weapon as strong as her old one.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Said old weapon being crafted from [Artifact] material is not helping either.

Yes, we have acquired some during our bonus boss fights, but that is nowhere near enough after distributing between guild members. For the ones she got, it was more important to turn them into armor pieces rather than a weapon that only applies bonuses occasionally.

That's why, when I needed a mascot girl for the tournament, I made my idolized manager an offer she could not refuse:

An [Artifact] sword out of my own pocket.

Yes, because this lady who was already one of the strongest players before meeting me really needed another [Artifact]-grade weapon to boost her damage!

…My sincerest apologies to her future enemies~

It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment idea, okay? I mean, it was, but apart from power fueled by materialism, what else could I use to convince someone who had both money and fame? My body?

…Welp, I'm getting influenced by the maniacs in my own guild!!!

As for where I got spare [Artifact] materials to give away… It was one of the three [Celestial Divine Edge (Tenri Yassel Artifact)] pieces and I got from the weird mask. Out of the 12 [Artifact] pieces dropped from that fight, the deadpan waitress took four as her share, whereas I (along with Gelly) got the rest. Never found the time (totally forgot) to tinker with mine, so they were still unbound and ready to be forged by the time I needed to pawn them.

I can already hear the non-existent screams of the player base~ Not sure if that's because I gave away [Artifact] materials or left them to gather dust in storage though.

In the end, it only takes three pieces to get the set effect, so the only thing I miss out is the material quality. If it hadn't been for that, Hessy would definitely have refused and bonked my head (even more) for the sheer absurdity of the suggestion!

…Okay, maybe giving a legendary sword to such a hot-tempered person wasn't the best idea. For my own wellbeing at least.

_ Guard: Halt.

It appears that we have arrived at our destination. While I do not know the exact location of the encampment we are going to, I'm quite certain that is the only one both crazy and resourceful enough to build one in the middle of this zone.

I was expecting something more akin to ' base instead of this square box made out of four wooden walls though. Are they trying to pick a fight with architects all over the world or something?!

_ Guard: Who goes there?

Judging from that monotone voice and the fact that he's not even looking at us, our arrival is already expected. You don't have to act like a paranoid grumpy old man just because you are a guard you know? A warm welcome for the cute girls of the neighborhood will do just fine too~

_ Hessy: Food delivery.

…0/10 not immersive, would not order again. Darn it Hessy, this is a fantasy world~!

____________

Contrary to most rumors, members do not spend the majority of their time at the edge of the world.

While not as numerous as , there are still a few hundred players. These makeshift walls won't be able to house half of them, let alone have the space for them to do something productive. Other than actual combat, the bulk of the guild's activities still take place in Tyrel, behind closed doors. They just happen to be entirely self-sufficient, and as a result rarely need to socialize aside from the occasional join requests.

Good for efficiency, bad for reminding others that you exist.

As such, the lone tent in this outpost is not really suitable for guests. Not when dozens of players would [Recall] in and out like the front door of a park, which it kind of is.

_ Hessenria: Sateri-chan-dammit ! I know you are sloppy without or , but this is not how you greet guests!!!

_ Cinrald: My deepest apologies~

_ Hessenria: At least pretend to be sincere!

Meanwhile, the honored Lady Sprout pulls out a massive tree from Sateri-chan-knows-where, puts it next to the tent, then starts building as instructed by the teahouse proprietress, who is nosebleeding profusely while muttering "our new love nest" for reasons everyone can live without knowing.

A tree house is fully built and furnished five minutes later. Although the witnessing players can ignore the blazingly fast construction speed, they can't help wondering how many laws of physics were broken by putting a house on top of the foliage instead of below.

What is this, some kind of house tree?!

____________

While not the goal of our visit, Hessy is lecturing about the importance of immersive aesthetics and its relation to leadership in the corner. and 's names are propping up a lot, so it was most likely their job in the past.

Do your best to be a good guildmaster, ! Or at the very least, a less sloppy one!

Since I am already a perfect guildmaster with complete understanding of the topic (yes, really), one of the receptionists back at the tournament is doting me and answering my questions in her superior's place.

Snacks really are the best for making friends huh.

_ Shadyna: Is there anything we can do to help your expedition?

Hessy told me before the trip that we were to leave the Nox itself to . I am free to help them on other stuff if I want to.

_ Receptionist: Well, we don't really have a problem with advancing. It's holding ground that is hard.

_ Shadyna: Eh?

_ Receptionist: As you can see outside, it takes the majority of our force to keep the mobs at bay. Because of this, we can only spare a few hours to push, then spend the rest of prime time reinforcing the new walls and dismantling for building materials. Burning through the stockpile for repair is the only way we can hold onto our gains during the day.

_ Shadyna: That must have been hard work.

Explains why they take weeks to go through the zone. Their pace is only better than having a stalemate in trench warfare, and that's not a compliment.

_ Receptionist: You tell me. We barely got through the previous one, then Sateri-chan had to make it worse by adding variants. If we don't carefully snipe the big enemies before logging out, their DPS will be too much even with repairs…

I'm starting to understand why my mangers suggested visiting today. They probably heard the news from and wanted to help.

_ Shadyna (Party): Hessy, is it alright if I help out ?

_ Hessy (Party): As I said earlier, suit yourself. I was hoping you could improve the situation in some way so they can stop transmuting meat to building materials. Some players are already dismantling our meals to get corrupted monsters' meat because these sloppy maniacs are supposed to be the main supplier of those goods!

…First, why the heck can I get raw meat by dismantling a well done steak? Second, why the heck do we serve meals made from such questionable meats?! Third, the image of a scary but kind-hearted waitress, give it back~~~

_ Shadyna: Cheer up~ I got the approval to help you. Should I start with making new walls for you?

Considering Hessy's… less than charitable motive and the receptionist's explanations, I guess I should boost their survivability rather than firepower.

Or to put it in another way, I should craft them some walls. Not to brag but my walls can withstand raids even without repairs. I don't know whether that still holds 24/7 against the stronger mobs in this zone, but it will be levels above what they currently have now nevertheless.

_ Receptionist: Like the walls of the arena? I… appreciate your offer, but we have to rebuild the walls constantly as we move forward.

_ Shadyna: Can't you pick up the old ones and carry them forward? I can craft two sets of walls no problem.

Sure, usually houses are built where they are situated. When there's a need however, there is nothing preventing us from picking up [Construction] items. After all, what's a wall but a bigger wooden board placed vertically?

By the way, I have a LOT of boards in my inventory, just in case. And no, my chest does not count as one for [Construction] purpose, if anyone is wondering.

_ Receptionist: Lady , you are the only person who can carry a full wall around. Normal players will need to build the wall as multiple pieces, and we don't have the players to repair each piece in day time.

…I'll pretend I didn't notice her implying something impolite there.

_ Shadyna: Will a wagon suffice then? Mine can carry a lot, and with some lighter materials I think we can cram in a full wall set.

And in the worst case, I'll just lend them a full caravan. I'll have to charge them a bit for that though~

Uh, what's with the sudden silence? Hello, Miss Receptionist? Are you still with me~?

_ Receptionist: …I just consulted with other members. Uhm… We probably won't be able to pay in cash, so… will you accept my body as payment?

Dear intellectuals of , how da heck did you come to that conclusion?!

_ Receptionist: Or would you like one of the muscular managers instead…?

My preferences are not the problem here you maniac~!!!

____________

Of all teams in , the pizza chefs are the only one doing delivery service.

Whether it's on the other side of Tyrel or right in the middle of a guild war, send a PM and one hot pizza right out of the oven will be delivered within 10 minutes, no delivery charge if a [Recall] location is provided as well.

For veterans of the game, these supposedly ordinary delivery girls are sometimes hired for a different purpose:

Logistics contractors.

Before the [Recall] network came to be, movements of goods in any significant quantity required a lot of time, effort, and most importantly, patience. To avoid going crazy from the repeated back-and-forth hauling, guilds with coins to spare would hire these professionals to coordinate and oversee the move. Big guilds have their own specialists most of the time, but there were plenty of small and medium guilds that have gold coins to part with. It goes without saying that such contracts are less about pizzas and more about delivery.

Ironically, this side job was their main income back then, when their delicious pizzas couldn't keep themselves fed, figuratively speaking of course.

With the network and mergers, this service is not requested much these days anymore, until now…

_ Falyn: , we got a new contract.

_ Thelia: …"That" kind of contract?

_ Falyn: Yes. She's waiting at this location. Paying premium rate too.

_ Thelia: Better get going then. You coming?

_ Falyn: Well, just placed a big order for the camp, and begged me to save her from a lecture about importance of employee welfare and retention…

_ Thelia: …About time she got one. Alright, I'm off to our client.

_ Falyn: Take care~

The other two in the team can juggle by themselves as business is slower in their shifts, but and have to take turns tending the shop and handling contracts more often than not. Someone still has to cook during peak times after all.

Arriving at the designated meeting location, is greeted by a crying gothic lolita, who also happens to be the guildmaster of .

_ Vladina: , help me!!!

This is going to be troublesome, isn't it? Silently judges the delivery girl. Can't say that out loud as a professional though.

_ Thelia: Hello, . You're the client?

_ Vladina: I am! We need to move a warehouse full of materials as soon as possible!

_ Thelia: Uh, sure. Why the hurry though?

_ Vladina: You know how we have been building several outposts around the world recently?

_ Thelia: With my idiotic guildmaster's help. Yes, I heard the news.

_ Vladina: We fought a few raids in those outposts. In fact, my guild is blasting another one as we speak.

_ Thelia: Uh huh. I suppose there will be a lot of loot?

_ Vladina: That's a big understatement! Anyway, I just found out that we ran out of storage space. agreed to buy our inventory, but there is just too much stuff! At this rate I will have to spend an eternity looking at storage boxes and die from loli withdrawal!!!

_ Thelia: And that's where I come in… Okay, show me your warehouse.

_ Vladina: It's behind the mansion. Please deliver all of it to guild hall.

Pondering how big of a warehouse it has to be for to panic this much, jumps onto the roof of the oriental mansion before her. Time is money, and she surely does not have time going through the front door!

And there, she sees it.

A sea of cargo boxes piling as high as the mansion's second floor.

There is no warehouse.

The massive backyard itself IS the warehouse!

_ Thelia (Guild): …Anyone wants to take on a delivery job?

A long one, she might add, but she decides to leave that explanation to her future self.

--- Topic: Are settlements viable now? ---

## Big Hammer

As topic. I'm seeing new villages being built all over the world map. Wasn't it a bad idea because of the raids?

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## Teabag Master

I see that you have encountered one of our Raid Breaker Outposts ™. (^o^)

Those are our commissions to reclaim the world in the name of the Goddess! You too can own one today! Contact the nearest cafeteria personnel for more details! (Prices may vary depending on project)

Warning: We are obliged to warn you that these fortifications were built by professionals, and we will not be responsible for any damage incurred if you try to build one yourself.

##

## Silver Merchant

Yes, it still is a bad idea, as much as I hate the ad bot above. Did you see how FLAT she is?!

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## StoneHoarder

That's your concern?! (＃ﾟДﾟ)

But yeah, those were built the same way as the arena and the new town. In case you didn't know: They could build outside because the walls are nigh indestructible. You'll have to contact Sapling Cuisine to buy those.

##

## Nearseeing Sage

Those outposts you saw belong to DFC Sages btw. Contact us if you want to buy land near one. ($_$)

Our fortifications can repel raids, so your settlement will be safe around us. Also guaranteed to be cheaper than buying land of the same size in the new town of… what's the name of your town again @GoldBar9999?

##

## GoldBar9999

Why are you competing with us?! I thought we were allies!? (＃ﾟДﾟ)

And poll is still ongoing so no name yet. Having high hopes for Great Bosoms though.

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## Big Hammer

You guys are seriously going to name the first town in the game's history THAT?!

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