Chapter 6: The Outbreak

The next day, morning greeted them with a gentle warmth. Sunlight streamed through the windows of the Federation's headquarters, illuminating the modern interior with a golden glow. Amano, with a steaming cup of coffee in his hand, met Mimika once more, the ancient fairy. Her mystical aura now felt lighter, filled with genuine relief and happiness. A faint scent of wet grass and forest flowers wafted from Mimika, calming the usual tense atmosphere of the headquarters.

"Amano!" Mimika chirped, her voice as cheerful as crystal bells chiming in the morning air. She floated around Amano, her translucent wings shimmering, radiating a soft, fae light. "Look! My forest... it's green again! You truly kept your promise. I saw many children playing there, they were so joyful!" There was a pure glint in her eyes as she looked at Amano, a deep and unadulterated gratitude radiating from her. "As I promised," she continued, floating a little higher, "I will take you to the fairy lands. But that will be later. For now..."

Mimika turned to Kikuchi and Hiyori, who stood not far away, their expressions curious yet slightly surprised. "I, Mimika, officially declare myself a member of this Federation as a representative of the Fairy Lands!"

Kikuchi and Hiyori exchanged glances, taken aback by the sudden declaration. Kikuchi's eyes widened slightly, while Hiyori nearly dropped her data tablet with a soft thud. A faint smile finally graced Kikuchi's lips. "Welcome, Mimika-san," she said, her tone warm, as if she were already accustomed to the unexpected in Amano's life. Hiyori, after taking a breath, nodded quickly, "It's a pleasure to work with you, Mimika-san!"

After the moment of surprise passed, Kikuchi and Hiyori immediately turned to discuss their next diplomatic visit to the Baron Kingdom. Kikuchi opened her tablet, displaying reports and soaring sales data.

"Amano-kun, it seems that country will be a loyal customer of ours," Kikuchi remarked, a faint smile on her lips. "Every product we import there sells out quickly. The nobles and common folk alike really love our products, especially this latest shampoo. They seem to be particularly fond of all kinds of fragrances and beauty products."

Amano nodded, sipping his coffee. "According to Alex's report, that country is indeed known for having many handsome men and beautiful women. Their aesthetic standards are quite high."

Kikuchi raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. She tilted her head, looking at Amano with an amused gaze. "Oh? Does that mean you're curious, Amano-kun? Could it be that you're falling in love? It's about time you thought about romance, you know," she teased, her tone full of playful provocation, enjoying Amano's slightly perturbed poker face.

Suddenly, a loud sputtering sound was heard. Hiyori, who had been listening while drinking from her water bottle, choked and spat out her drink, wetting a small part of the floor. Her face immediately flushed bright red, her eyes widening in disbelief. Her heart pounded in her chest.

"N-n-no way, Hiragi-kun i-i-is falling in love!" Hiyori stammered, her voice filled with clear jealousy, almost like a child's whine. She immediately lowered her head, trying to hide the blush on her cheeks behind her hands, as if that could conceal her wild heartbeat. Her cheeks felt incredibly hot.

Amano turned to her with a confused expression, not understanding the reason behind Hiyori's over-the-top reaction. "What's wrong, Hiyori? Did you choke?"

"Y-yes, I apologize," Hiyori replied in a shy tone and an almost whispered voice, her face still crimson. Kikuchi merely smiled faintly, enjoying Hiyori's amusingly transparent reaction. "Typical youngsters," she thought, amused.

After that light conversation, preparations for the convoy immediately began. A sturdy military Humvee, gleaming under the morning sun, was prepared in the headquarters' yard. The rear door opened, inviting them in. Amano stepped into the passenger seat, feeling the soft leather upholstery and the distinct metallic smell of military vehicles, mixed with a hint of disinfectant. Beside him, Kikuchi was already seated, glancing at him with a faint smile. The soft growl of the diesel engine filled the cabin as the Humvee began to move, crunching gravel on the headquarters' grounds with a gentle hum of tires.

Amano looked out the window. The peaceful rural landscape, with its green hills and lush trees, slowly transformed into dense, towering forests, then rugged mountains with snow-capped peaks in the distance. Occasionally, Amano glanced at the digital map on the dashboard, marking the long route to the Baron Kingdom. This was the beginning of a new chapter, where diplomacy, intrigue, and perhaps romance would intertwine, before the true darkness enveloped the world.

Upon their arrival in Baron, Amano and Kikuchi were greeted by a joyous crowd of citizens. The streets were filled with smiles and cheers, radiating the warm hospitality characteristic of the kingdom—a refreshing sight after the hustle and bustle of the Federation. Amidst the crowd, a well-groomed, imposing man, Gustaf, the king's representative, approached them respectfully. His blue robe billowed elegantly.

"Welcome to the Baron Kingdom, Lady Kikuchi and Lord Amano," Gustaf said in a polite and calming tone, bowing deeply, his head nearly touching his knees. "I sincerely apologize, His Majesty the King is currently preparing himself. Her Majesty the Queen as well. They are very busy with your new products, eager to show them to you."

Gustaf then led them through beautifully manicured gardens, with trickling fountains and colorful flowers. They passed through the palace's marble-cold corridors, their footsteps echoing softly, until they arrived at the palace hall. The hall was grand yet felt warm, filled with soft light streaming through tall, stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the floor.

There, on an exquisitely carved throne adorned with towering golden dragon motifs, King Raul Felix, the Second King of Baron, sat gracefully. His white hair was neatly coiffed, and his eyes radiated wisdom. However, a walking stick leaned beside him, a detail that did not escape Amano's keen gaze. Upon seeing their arrival, the king immediately greeted them with a wide, friendly smile, raising his hand as a gesture of respect. Gustaf promptly introduced them.

"Lord Amano and Lady Kikuchi, before you is His Majesty, our King, King Raul Felix the Second," Gustaf stated in a formal tone, his voice filled with reverence.

King Raul, with a sincere, friendly smile, said, "My greetings. It seems the ones I have awaited have arrived." His voice was deep but warm, full of experience and a hidden weariness.

Amano, realizing that the king's right leg was missing, leaving only his left, felt a pang of pity. It was then that his brilliant idea sparked. Without hesitation, he stepped forward. "Your Majesty," Amano began, his voice calm yet full of conviction, "Our Federation brings not only order but also innovation. We have a product that might ease Your Majesty's burden."

He then offered a modern prosthetic leg from the Federation, meticulously designed to look almost identical to a real leg, complete with advanced, lightweight, and flexible technology. The king immediately tried the product. How touched he was. A sincere smile bloomed on his face as he felt the perfect weight and balance of the prosthetic leg. Slowly, he tried to step, then walk, and even a small laugh escaped his lips as he tried a light jog within the hall—a sight never before witnessed by his ladies-in-waiting and guards. Tears of happiness wet his aged cheeks, dampening his white beard.

In profound emotion, King Raul then recounted what had happened that led to his right leg being amputated—a bitter tale from an old war against Felda and Gulmist, a past that Amano's vision was now mending. "This is a miracle," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion.

After the narration, the atmosphere returned to formality, but with a different warmth. The Commander of the Royal Guard then approached King Raul, expressing his frustration. "Your Majesty, we sincerely apologize. We could not find the Prince at all. He keeps escaping whenever we try to apprehend him."

"That boy again," King Raul sighed, shaking his head, a faint but desperate smile on his face. "When will he ever learn to be an adult?"

The scene shifted to the Adventurers' Guild in the Baron Kingdom. Amano, curious to see what a Guild was like in this country, decided to visit with Kikuchi. The atmosphere inside the guild was lively with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of beer mugs. The aroma of spices and adventurers' sweat filled the warm air, mingling with the scent of alcohol and adventure. The mission board on the wall was plastered with various requests, from hunting goblins to finding rare plants.

There, Amano and Kikuchi observed the mission board and various groups of adventurers discussing. Suddenly, a man with bright blonde hair and clear green eyes approached them. He had a charming yet slightly flirtatious aura, and he immediately ignored Amano, his eyes fixed solely on Kikuchi, as if no one else was in the room.

"Hello, beautiful Lady," the man greeted, a teasing smirk plastered on his face. He even tried to take Kikuchi's hand to kiss it, his movements smooth and confident. "What is the name of this goddess who just descended from the heavens? Have you perhaps lost your way from paradise?"

Kikuchi politely but firmly pulled her hand back, her expression professional, though her eyebrows raised slightly. A faint crease appeared on her forehead. "Excuse me, Sir, but I..."

"Not 'Sir,' Lady. Just call me Romel," the man interrupted, his smile widening, showing his white teeth. "And could you please give me your number... er, I mean, your name? So I can send you the most beautiful bouquet of flowers in all of Baron. Or perhaps a mountain of gems, if that's more to your taste?"

Kikuchi sighed softly, suppressing a chuckle that almost escaped. She was used to dealing with all sorts of people, but this man was on a different level of flirtation. "My name is Kikuchi. And I don't think that will be necessary, Prince."

Suddenly, Romel's expression changed. His flirty smile froze, his eyes wide. "Eh? How did you know I'm a prince?" he asked, startled and a little awkward. He scratched his head, though it wasn't itching.

Just then, the shouts of royal guards echoed from the guild's entrance, saving Kikuchi from further questioning. "Stop, Prince Felix! His Majesty summons you to the palace! Don't try to run away again!"

Amano and Kikuchi could only stand in stunned silence, surprised by the sudden turn of events. The flirtatious man who had just been charming Kikuchi was, it turned out, Prince Romel Felix in disguise, apparently trying to evade his royal duties. Romel himself looked sullen as the guards escorted him away, occasionally glancing back at Kikuchi with a pleading look. A faint smile, perhaps amused mixed with surprise, finally clearly curved on Kikuchi's lips. "So he really is a prince," she whispered to Amano, still slightly entertained by the drama she had just experienced.

The scene shifted abruptly. No longer the grand palace hall or the bustling guild, but a large road that served as the main route to the Federation. There, the tension was palpable, cutting through the cold morning air. An emergency checkpoint was erected, made of concrete blocks and barbed wire. Many Federation troops stood alert, clad in full white anti-bacterial suits, masks covering their faces. The suits gave a sterile yet menacing impression amidst the hidden panic. The faint static of radios added to the anxious atmosphere.

Among them, Hayate Touma stood out. With his sturdy posture in the form-fitting anti-bacterial suit, he held a modern rifle, ready to fire, his grip tight. His gaze was sharp, scrutinizing every individual passing through the checkpoint, searching for the slightest anomaly. He could feel cold sweat trickling down his back.

Just then, Hayate's attention was drawn to two individuals shambling weakly among the crowd of refugees. Bloody coughs and labored breaths escaped their throats. A bad feeling crept into Hayate's mind, as if a danger alarm was blaring in his head. Sure enough, in a matter of seconds, the bodies of the two began to twitch violently, convulsing uncontrollably. Their eyes turned milky white and vacant, their skin changed to a dark purplish hue, and horrifying growls escaped their now wide-open mouths, revealing blackened teeth. They had transformed into zombies.

Instantly, mass panic erupted. Vehicle users on the road screamed hysterically, trying to turn around in the middle of the street, creating chaotic traffic. Even a nearby horse-drawn carriage screeched to a halt with a deafening squeal, its horses neighing in panic, passengers scrambling out in confusion and terror.

The other Federation soldiers, who had no direct experience facing these horrific creatures, hesitated. They raised their rifles, but their eyes were filled with doubt and horror. Are these still humans? Can they still be saved? Will they attack us? Such thoughts flashed through their minds, paralyzing their instincts.

Their hesitation was cut short when one of the transformed creatures, with surprising speed, leaped towards a young soldier frozen in fear.

"BANG! BANG! BANG!"

The soldier's comrade panicked, firing his rifle multiple times at the creature. Bullets tore through its clothes and flesh, hitting its chest and abdomen, but the creature did not fall. It merely recoiled for a moment before continuing its attack, its growls growing louder, the foul stench of death spreading in the air.

Without a second thought, Hayate took a deep breath, steeling himself. He knew what had to be done. With a swift and decisive movement, he drew his pistol from its holster. The sound of his pistol shot was sharper and louder than the burst of rifle fire.

"BANG!"

Hayate's bullet pierced the creature's head with lethal precision. Thick, grayish-black fluid splattered into the air, and the zombie's body collapsed instantly, motionless, as if all power within it had vanished. A momentary silence fell, broken only by gasping breaths and the pounding hearts of the soldiers.

Hayate looked at the surviving soldier, whose face was still pale. Then he turned to all the troops around him, his voice firm and uncompromising, cutting through the lingering sounds of panic. "These creatures are vulnerable in the head! Those who have transformed will never return! Don't hesitate! Shoot to kill!"

After the horrifying incident at the checkpoint, Hayate immediately contacted Hiyori Kushida using his arm-mounted communication device. His voice was firm, yet there was an undeniable urgency in it, betraying the tension he felt. He briefly but detailedly reported on the two individuals who had turned into monstrous creatures and how they had to be stopped with a precise shot to the head.

"This outbreak... they're spreading fast, Hiyori," Hayate reported, his eyes still scanning the now tense road. "And they're much tougher than we expected. Regular body shots don't stop them. We need to secure this area immediately!"

On the other end of the line, Hiyori listened carefully in the headquarters' control room. Her mind immediately went to work, analyzing the received information with the speed of a genius scientist. "Understood, Hayate-kun. Can you secure one of the creature's bodies?" she requested, her voice filled with scientific urgency. "I need to research it further in the lab. We must understand this as quickly as possible. Send in a special security team to transport it with the strictest protocols!" Hiyori immediately mobilized her team to handle the securing and transportation of the zombie corpse to the research facility with the highest security protocols, her brain racing to find a solution.

Almost simultaneously with Hayate's report, another phone rang on Alex's desk, one of Amano's primary assistants, always efficient and alert. His usually calm face turned serious upon receiving the news. Without wasting time, Alex immediately contacted Amano via a secure private communication channel.

"Amano-sama," Alex's voice sounded strained on Amano's private communication channel, breaking the silence inside the moving Humvee. "Latest report from the Zomun border. The zombie outbreak... has reached our main checkpoint. An incident just occurred. This means the situation is far beyond our control. We cannot let this escalate. Drastic measures are needed."

Amano, hearing Alex's report, his face grew serious, a shadow of grim determination passing over his eyes. He immediately turned to Kikuchi sitting beside him. "Alright, Alex, thank you for your report," Amano replied, his voice heavy. "Kikuchi sensei, it seems we must also inform the Baron Kingdom that the undead plague has reached the Federation. This is no longer a threat, but a reality. This plague could also reach Baron or Costra."

Kikuchi nodded, her expression mirroring his concern, her face tightening. "You're right, Amano-kun. We must warn the King about this because it's no trivial matter. This is a global crisis."

Inside the Humvee, which had briefly stopped in the Baron palace courtyard, Prince Romel, who had just been escorted back by his guards with a sulky face, apparently overheard part of their conversation. His green eyes widened in alarm, his flirtatious nature temporarily vanishing. He immediately approached Amano and Kikuchi with quick steps, a hint of panic in his voice. "What plague? Undead? What's happening? Is this a danger to my people?!"

Amano and Kikuchi quickly explained the situation to Prince Romel, using direct and concise words. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Romel immediately wanted to discuss this with his father, forgetting his desire to escape.

Upon their arrival in the palace hall, Amano delivered the news to King Raul. The king, after listening carefully to Amano's report about the plague reaching the Federation border, declared a state of emergency with a trembling voice. The fortress gates and all entry/exit points would be sealed that very afternoon, as a bitter but necessary emergency prevention measure.

Amidst the tense atmosphere, Prince Romel, seemingly oblivious to the crisis, made a surprising request in the king's chambers. He knelt before his father and Amano, his gaze, usually cheerful, now filled with seriousness, yet never leaving Kikuchi. "Your Majesty the King, Lord Amano... and Lady Kikuchi," he said with a steady voice, "I have fallen in love with Lady Kikuchi! Allow me to propose to her! Let me make her the Princess of Baron!"

Kikuchi, startled by the sudden declaration, tried to suppress a giggle that nearly burst forth. She almost laughed aloud. "You must be joking, Prince. I thought you were still a minor... Besides, I am a scientist, not a royal princess," Kikuchi thought she could tease Romel about his age.

"I am 24 years old!" Romel quickly retorted, slightly offended, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "I'm only one year older than you, Lady Kikuchi!"

Kikuchi was instantly shocked. Her face flushed faintly, surprised to hear that fact. She was indeed not ready for such a commitment, especially from a prince of another world. "I... I refuse. I'm not ready for something like that," she said, trying to maintain her professionalism and ignore the strange flutter in her chest.

Romel stubbornly refused to give up. He stood up, looking at Kikuchi with a determined gaze. "Even if you've given your answer, I will never give up on winning your heart! And I will be the one to win you first, not the person behind you!" he declared, his eyes briefly glancing at Amano, who remained calm.

Kikuchi immediately frowned, feeling a little angry at Romel's impertinence. "Watch your words, Prince Felix! You are speaking directly in front of the Leader of the New Gulmist Federation! Don't be disrespectful!" she asserted, her voice sharp and filled with an authority she rarely showed. Romel gasped, realizing his grave mistake.

King Raul, who had watched the exchange with bated breath, also reprimanded his son. "Felix, mind your words! You are facing the Great Lord Amano! He is our esteemed guest!"

Kikuchi, seeing Romel's shock, added proudly. "Just so you know, Amano is my favorite student. I taught him many things. Even though he is young, he already possesses strong leadership skills and unparalleled vision."

At that, Romel, who was surprised, finally fell silent, realizing his mistake and the greatness of Amano whom he had tried to belittle. Ultimately, his decision was firm. He turned back to Amano, this time with a more serious and respectful expression, far from his usual flirtatious demeanor.

"Lord Amano, please teach me how to be a just leader to all people," Romel pleaded, his tone sincere. "And allow me to marry your teacher. I beg you!"

Amano could only sigh, a faint smile almost visible on his lips. "I'm sorry, Prince," Amano replied, "I have no right to interfere with my teacher's feelings. But I can teach you about leadership, if you are truly willing to learn."

Just then, Amano's communication device rang again. This time it was from Musashi Sayuri. Sayuri's voice sounded desperate, mixed with the terrifying sounds of growling and faint explosions in the background, creating a horrifying contrast with the atmosphere in Baron. "Amano-sama! The situation is out of control! King Zomun... he's infected and has turned into a King Zombie! A monstrous, uncontrollable behemoth!"

King Raul Felix, standing near Amano, heard the terrifying news. His face instantly turned ashen, his body trembling. His comrade in battle, King Zomun, was now gone and transformed into a horrifying creature. The burden on King Raul's heart grew heavier, a cloud of sorrow and fear enveloping him.

Sayuri continued, her voice growing more urgent, almost breathless. "His Majesty King Zomun has a daughter named Alexia Balford. She's still trapped inside the palace or somewhere outside, we're not sure of her position! The reconnaissance team is trying to find survivors, but the situation is chaotic! The zombies... they're evolving!"

On the way back to the Federation, the atmosphere inside Amano's Humvee was extremely tense. Rain began to fall, drumming against the windshield, as if nature itself was mourning. Kikuchi continuously monitored information from various communication channels; report after report of the rapidly spreading plague filled her tablet screen. Infection numbers surged, and the plague map turned red. Amidst the urgency, Amano realized one thing. He considered all available options, and a crazy idea, an extreme measure, began to form in his mind—a decision that could change everything.

"Kikuchi sensei," Amano said, his eyes fixed ahead, piercing through the curtain of rain. His voice was low, yet full of determination. "I have an idea. We must consider using nuclear weapons there. But before that, I want our reconnaissance teams to work hard. They must search and gather as many survivors as possible. We cannot sacrifice innocent lives if there's another way. This is the last resort."

Upon their arrival at the Federation Military Base, Amano immediately headed to the main command center. The smell of ozone and metal filled the room. There, Hiyori greeted him with a mix of emotions. There was a glimmer of relief in her tired eyes, but also deep sadness. Her face was slightly pale, indicating a lack of sleep.

"Hiragi-kun!" Hiyori greeted, her voice choked with exhaustion and mixed excitement. "I did it! I found the vaccine! The anti-Zomun vaccine! We can stop its spread! The virus protein has been successfully isolated!"

Hiyori took a deep breath, wetting her dry lips. "But... there's also bad news." She looked at Amano with a heavy gaze, her shoulders slumping slightly. "This vaccine only works on those who have been recently infected, those who were bitten or scratched for a short time. If more than an hour has passed, or the infection is severe enough to affect the central nervous system, then this vaccine will not work on the victim's body. It's only an early antidote."

Immediately after that news, communication from Sayuri came through again, her voice clearer but laced with despair. "Amano-sama! My team has managed to gather 30 survivors! Most are newly infected and within the time limit for the vaccine! But we are constantly under attack!"

Hearing that relatively large number, Amano realized they needed a large fleet for a swift evacuation. Reluctantly, he ordered the use of heavy-lift military helicopters. "Prepare 15 units of Chinook CH-47 helicopters!" Amano commanded, his voice concise, sharp, and authoritative, cutting through the silence of the command room. "We will conduct our largest rescue operation. My troops and I will participate and prepare the vaccine on board!"

Not long after, 15 mighty Chinook CH-47 helicopters, with their twin rotors spinning like typhoons, took off from the air force military base, tearing through the sky towards the disaster-stricken Zomun. The roar of the rotors was deafening, strong vibrations reverberating through the metal floor of the aircraft, shaking the entire body. Inside one of the helicopters, Amano sat among the elite, fully armed soldiers, wearing his Federation combat uniform. He could feel adrenaline pumping through his veins. Beside him, boxes of vaccines were neatly stacked, each representing a last hope for the survivors. Amano looked out the small window, seeing the city of Zomun slowly appearing on the horizon, shrouded in thin smoke and blazing fires. Tension hung in the air, thicker than the smoke below them.

Meanwhile, at the Federation headquarters, Kikuchi and Hiyori, along with Shimizuka Touya, gathered in the war room. A holographic world map was displayed in the center of the room, showing spreading red dots of the escalating plague. They continued to relay this critical situation to neighboring kingdoms: Baron, Felda, and Costra. They requested all nations to immediately seal all their gates and take emergency measures, explaining the unseen threat.

Finally, the three nations agreed, realizing the lurking danger. The sturdy fortress gates began to be tightly sealed, the grinding sound of iron gates echoing throughout the kingdoms, locking themselves off from the outside world. The Federation did the same at its borders. Large numbers of troops were prepared on the border walls, fully armed, their faces grim and ready for battle. Instructions had been given: if the zombies came, they were authorized to shoot to kill. A last line of defense had been drawn, and the world held its breath, waiting to see if this plague would be stopped or would consume everything in darkness.

The scene shifted back to the chilling ruins of Zomun. The foul stench of decay, blood, and burnt debris filled the air. Amidst the chaos and incessant growls, Musashi Sayuri, in her special forces uniform, now slightly soiled with dust, moved swiftly and silently. She was moving survivors from one relatively safe house to another, more protected one, away from the heart of the outbreak. She continuously counted them with practiced ease, ensuring no one was left behind, her breath ragged but her eyes still focused.

Just as Sayuri finished moving the last group and stepped between the remnants of collapsed walls, a dark shadow darted from behind the rubble. A sudden, swift, and lethal attack, beyond comprehension. Sayuri, with the reflexes of an elite soldier honed over years, immediately drew her Katana from the sheath on her back. The silver blade glinted sharply in the dim light of the ruined city, radiating its own cold aura.

The mysterious figure, cloaked in a deep black robe that seemed to absorb light and wearing a terrifying bone mask that covered its entire face, revealed itself from the darkness. This was The Necromancer. A cold aura of death emanated from him, chilling Sayuri to the bone, though she remained unafraid. A dark energy pulsed around him.

"Damn it! Who are you?! Attacking me out of nowhere!" Sayuri yelled, her eyes narrowing, ready to face this unknown opponent. Her voice echoed between the destroyed buildings, as if tearing through the eerie silence.

The Necromancer did not reply, making no sound. He merely continued to attack Sayuri with movements far more agile than Sayuri expected, as if he were a shadow himself. His robed hands floated, summoning sharp bone spikes that shot forth like dark projectiles. Sayuri spun, her Katana blade forming a silver flash, deflecting every incoming spike, producing loud clink! clink! sounds; some spikes grazed her sleeves. Then, the Necromancer charged, manifesting a long scythe made of dense shadow, swinging it in a rapid series of circular attacks, each swing leaving a dark trail in the air.

The battle erupted amidst the dead city's ruins, a mesmerizing and brutal dance of death. Sayuri was a nimble silver flash, cutting through the wind with precise slashes, seeking every opening in the Necromancer's defense. Every movement was perfect martial art, combining speed, power, and deadly beauty. On the other hand, the Necromancer was a vortex of darkness, hovering with an eerie grace, dodging Sayuri's every attack, and retaliating with a barrage of powerful black spells. Necromantic energy orbs exploded around Sayuri, forcing her to leap and roll, creating small craters in the already devastated ground. Dust and debris flew with their every movement.

Cold sweat beaded on Sayuri's temples, trickling down her face mask. This opponent was different. His speed and agility seemed to defy human limits. She tried various techniques, from slicing cross-cuts that cleaved the air to piercing thrusts, but the Necromancer always managed to evade, as if reading her every move even before she made it. However, Sayuri was a seasoned tactician. She began to learn the Necromancer's attack patterns, searching for the slightest opening, observing every detail. She parried a powerful shadow scythe attack, pushing the Necromancer back for a brief moment. In that split second, Sayuri saw an opening! A tiny flaw in the Necromancer's posture.

With a swift and powerful swing of her Katana, she used her momentum, spinning in a deadly flourish, and unleashed a sharp horizontal slash. The Katana blade clashed loudly and deafeningly as it struck the Necromancer's mask with full force. A bone-shattering crack, like breaking bone, echoed amidst the rubble, and the bone mask shattered into countless small fragments that scattered across the ground. Beneath it, the hidden face was revealed.

Sayuri gasped, her eyes wide in disbelief, her heart pounding so hard she could feel it in her ears. Before her, it was not a monster or a demon, but the face of a young man. He was Kiba Hideyoshi, her former classmate notorious for his aloofness, who rarely showed any emotion in school. Sayuri still remembered how Kiba always sat in the back of the classroom, reading a book with a blank expression, as if the world around him didn't matter. But now, the Kiba before her was a vastly different person. His eyes glowed eerily red with a terrifying dark aura, and a faint, chilling smile played on his lips—a smile Sayuri had never seen on Kiba's face before. A dense, profound darkness enveloped him, his aura radiating evil and necromantic power that Sayuri had never imagined.

This shock was far greater than any zombie attack. The Necromancer's identity had been revealed, and this would drastically alter the conflict's dynamic, especially for Sayuri, who now had to face an old acquaintance transformed into a formidable foe. A big question loomed: what had happened to Kiba Hideyoshi in this isekai?