The next morning, a funeral like atmosphere drifted through the infirmary.

Even though it was hidden away again, Nanase san's corpse was buried right over there, so they might not be entirely wrong to feel that way.

Even putting that aside, we haven't found an exit, and the voices of monsters can constantly be heard from the hallway, so it's no wonder they can't sleep properly.

Also, having no choice but to use a bucket to relieve ourselves, among other inconveniences in our living conditions, is probably another factor driving everyone into a mental corner.

Amidst all that, having slept soundly thanks to Rea, I suppose I really am a person who is "enjoying" this world.

"Take care."

Seen off by Rea again today, I leave the infirmary.

"Yeah, I'm heading out."

The smile directed at me was even gentler than yesterday, an affectionate expression.

She might truly be a goddess.

The current time is 9:00 AM.

Normally, this would be a peaceful time with the refreshing morning sunlight streaming in, but—now, a day after the anomaly occurred, the hallway was filled with an even stronger stench of rotting flesh.

On the other hand, there were no corpses to be seen in the hallway.

The "Eaters" probably cleaned them up.

If so, the cause of this smell isn't the corpses, but rather the moving corpses.

"Just as I imagined, the number of Zombie Leaders and Zombie Wolves has clearly increased compared to yesterday..."

In the hallway extending straight from the infirmary, normal zombies were also wandering about, but I could see an even greater number of the large zombies.

If the theory that they evolve over time is correct, then passing one night means the monsters have grown more powerful.

Well, normal zombies were becoming small fry, so they are just right for grinding experience points—would saying that make me feel a little better?

For now, since I've secured several days' worth of food, my goal today is to secure an escape route.

Yesterday, I turned right immediately after leaving the infirmary.

Today, I plan to go straight, aiming for the entrance while looking for an exit or stairs to the second floor.

I sprinted through the red hallway before, but I haven't been able to explore the "normal" hallways yet.

As I took a few steps forward, a Zombie Wolf immediately reacted.

Perhaps because there are fewer corpses to use as bait, it spotted me quickly.

There is still some time before we clash.

I took out my smartphone and checked my status.

[Kuragane Erika]

[Level: 14]

[HP: 12/12]

[MP: 12/12]

[Strength: 13]

[Magic Power: 6]

[Stamina: 6]

[Agility: 7]

[Remaining Stat P: 16]

[Remaining Skill P: 6]

[Learned Skills]

Healing Lv. 1

Water Lv. 1

Sanctuary Deployment Lv. 1

Dual Slash Lv. 1

Power Stab Lv. 1

Illusion Dagger Lv. 1

Weapon Enhancement Lv. 1

Fire Lv. 1

My MP is fully recovered.

For now, since the number of Zombie Leaders has increased far more than yesterday, I want to secure my HP so I'll be fine even if I get ambushed.

Considering that I took 8 damage while guarding, would more than double that—around 20—be enough?

I allocate 4 points to Stamina, bringing it to 10.

My HP increases accordingly.

[HP: 30/30] 

[Stamina: 10]

[Remaining Stat P: 12]

Huh... I thought it would be 20, but it increased to 30.

When I allocated Stamina up to 9, my HP should have been 18, so—could it be that you get a bonus when you reach a nice, round number?

I feel like there was a game like that.

If so, raising Magic Power to 10 should also increase my MP to 30.

[MP: 30/30]

[Magic Power: 10]

[Remaining Stat P: 8]

Yep, just as I expected.

This gives me quite a bit of leeway with my MP.

I fire a Fire spell at the running Zombie Wolf. It's a direct hit to the face.

Rather than burning—the impact of the explosion destroyed its brain, and the Zombie Wolf whose head was blown off died instantly.

Moreover, the power has clearly increased compared to yesterday.

Just like in a typical game, raising Magic Power also increases the power of magic.

Two more Zombie Wolves are still approaching from behind.

I throw an Illusion Dagger at the closer one.

With a thwack!, its head is blown away.

This one's power is also excellent as always—but probably about the same as Fire Lv. 1.

Since my Strength is at 13, looking purely at the numbers, this one should have higher power, but I guess magic has higher power to compensate for consuming MP.

The projectile speed of Illusion Dagger is faster, making it easier to aim, so they might each have their pros and cons.

Then, the skill's cooldown time occurs.

However, there was still time before the three Zombie Wolves reached me.

I have 6 Skill P left, and the enemies are getting stronger, so I want to enhance my attack skills.

To learn a higher-tier skill, I need to enhance Illusion Dagger to Lv. 3, so even if I try raising its level, it won't be a waste.

[Remaining Skill P: 4]

[Learned Skills]

Illusion Dagger Lv. 3

I operate my smartphone, boldly spend 2 points, and try raising Illusion Dagger to 3.

Then, as a slightly comforting bonus, the cooldown time was reset.

That's convenient for a test fire.

"Go, Illusion Dagger!"

I've gotten used to calling out the technique names.

The thrown phantom blade scores a direct hit right between the eyes of the third Zombie Wolf—and proceeds to carve out the entire "upper half" of the monster.

The remaining lower half of the rotting dog collapses with a splat.

"This is also... clearly much stronger now."

What used to just blow away the head has been enhanced to the point of blowing away half the body.

It seems enhancing skills is indeed highly effective.

Since I'm using precious points, it'd be a problem if it didn't do at least this much. Heheh.

And because their comrade was killed, even more monsters come running toward me.

This is also convenient for testing things out.

[Remaining Skill P: 3]

[Spread Dagger Lv. 1 Cooldown: 30 seconds]

[Throws a clone of the short sword. The clone splits into multiple pieces mid-air and diffuses in a fan shape.]

Having learned the higher-tier skill for Illusion Dagger, I immediately activate it.

"Spread Dagger!"

At first, just like the lower-tier skill, I throw a clone of Dreamer toward the enemies.

But before it hits, it splits in mid-air, abruptly changing directions into multiple different paths.

"Guoooooooh...!"

"Uwooooof!"

It doesn't seem to specifically track enemies, but through sheer violence of numbers, the short sword blades pierce almost all the enemies heading toward me.

It seems the narrow terrain of the hallway worked effectively.

The power of each blade is equivalent to Illusion Dagger Lv. 1.

However, since I couldn't aim properly, only about one of them had its weak point, the head, shot through.

The others had their limbs or parts of their torsos blown off, losing their balance.

This might be the perfect skill for launching a preemptive strike against a large group of enemies.

To finish the enemies off, I close the distance in an instant, first leaping at the leading Zombie Leader.

Because its body had grown so large, barely any of the clothes it had been wearing remained, but judging by its hair color, it's probably a student from our school.

Dreamer's curved blade pierces right between its eyes.

I twist the hilt lightly, thoroughly destroying the brain. Taking its life.

"Guuoooooooh!"

Next, another individual, enraged over losing an arm, tries to grab me.

But its movements are sluggish perhaps because it lacks an arm.

I hold my hand out toward its face and fire a fireball.

The Zombie Leader reels back as its face is gouged out, falling backward just like that.

Without a moment's delay, a Zombie Wolf with the upper right side of its face gouged out snaps at me.

I tried to fire another Fire spell.

But I noticed an anomaly and stopped.

Its torso is pulsating and bubbling.

Its mouth opens wider than the other Zombie Wolves, its sharp fangs grow even longer, and as not only its body but the area from between its eyes to its forehead pulsates, multiple eyes sprout out, crawling from the inside.

The monster evolved right before my eyes—moreover, it's a second evolution.

Since I don't know the opponent's means of attack, I judge that I should focus on evasion without stepping in recklessly, and observe the situation.

The moment I jumped to the side, the monster spat green mucus from its mouth.

It landed right where I had been standing a moment ago, melting the floor with a sizzling sss sound.

Furthermore, three legs each sprouted from the left and right sides of the Zombie Wolf's body.

"A spider—!"

You could pretty much call it a Zombie Spider.

"I'll burn it away with Fire!"

I immediately fire a spell aimed at its head.

But the enemy jumps straight up on the spot and evades it.

Its reaction is clearly faster than the other monsters.

Furthermore, the Spider uses its limbs to cling directly to the ceiling.

"It really is a spider."

Looking up, I inadvertently mutter that.

The monster's mouth opens, and mucus rains down from the ceiling.

As I jump back to dodge it, several more monsters approach from behind.

In the brief moment I shifted my gaze toward them, the Zombie Spider rapidly scrambled its limbs with a rustle and swiftly dropped down right above my head.

Having that face with countless eyes darting around me from point-blank range is quite disgusting.

"Power Stab!"

A thrust with all my might pierces into the Spider's abdomen.

"Kishaaaaaaah!"

Just like a spider—though I don't know if spiders actually vocalize, the monster is blown away while letting out a sound like that.

However, right before colliding with the ground, it flips its body upside down and lands on the floor.

Then it jumps up, clings to the ceiling, and approaches me again.

So one Power Stab isn't enough to finish it off... Since it evolved twice, it seems its physical durability has also increased considerably.

But no matter how fast it is, I was able to buy a little time during that sequence of movements.

I temporarily turn my back on the Spider and kick away the small fry closing in from behind.

I've gotten used to dealing with Zombie Leaders.

Their power is certainly high, but their attacks are generally wide and monotonous.

If you read them carefully, avoiding their attacks is easy, and you can even seal their attacks by slashing their arms preemptively.

I crush the opponent's attack and immediately fire a fireball into its face at point-blank range.

With this series of moves, the zombie leaders are defeated at a steady pace.

[Monster 'Zombie Leader' killed . Congratulations, you have leveled up to 15!]

As for the Zombie Wolves, once they get close, I can destroy their heads without even needing to use a skill.

That being said, this is assuming a situation where I can deal with them properly.

If I'm dealing with a fast-moving monster like the Zombie Spider, I wouldn't be able to move as freely as I am now, and if another evolved monster were to join the fray, a tough battle would be inevitable for me right now.

For the time being, I'd like them to hold off on the evolving until I can clear out the swarm of small fry—but imaginations in times like these have a tendency of coming true.

A short distance away, one of the Zombie Leaders began to let out a cry, "Guoooooooooh!"

Then, immediately, its entire body melted into a sludge, exposing its skeleton.

Not only the flesh, but the brain and internal organs dissolved completely, leaving only bones. Yet, for some reason, only the eyeballs remained unharmed.

Those glaring black eyes stare intensely at me.

Without taking its eyes off me, he drops his hips and places his hand on his own flesh that has melted onto the ground.

The flesh gathers into one spot as if twisting together, eventually taking the shape of a red, one-handed sword.

The bone monster, wielding that sword, charges at me while letting out an "Aaaaaah!" scream, though I have no idea where the voice is coming from.

You see monster like that often called a Skeleton.

First, I fire a Fire spell straight at it to keep it in check.

Then the opponent swings its sword with a swoosh!, cutting the wind and extinguishing the fireball.

"So that's allowed..."

It shows off that it's on a completely different level from a Zombie Leader.

But this is no time to be impressed.

The Spider approaching from behind spits out mucus once again.

To dodge it, I have no choice but to go forward.

And from the front, the Skeleton closes in.

Before I realize it, I'm within the sword's range.

If its power surpasses a Zombie Leader's fist, simply defending won't do any good.

Against the raised sword, I unleash a skill for defense.

"Aaaaaaaaah!"

"Dual Slash!"

Clang! Two metallic sounds ring out, and sparks scatter.

One is my trump card skill, the other is just a normal slash, yet the opponent's power is higher.

Although I somehow managed to stop the Skeleton's attack, my blade is deflected, and I lose my balance.

Moreover, the enemy has the numbers advantage.

The Spider leaps at me from above my head.

I forcefully put strength into my legs that feel like they're about to collapse, and leap forward.

Then I evade the Spider's attack and dive into the Skeleton's chest area.

The Skeleton's eyes are tracking me, but it isn't ready to swing its sword yet.

I pass right by its side and create some distance.

Although, there are several Zombies and Zombie Wolves in that direction as well.

Running, I operate my smartphone and use up all my remaining Stat P.

[Strength: 18]

[Agility: 12]

[Remaining Stat P: 0]

My body rapidly accelerates, and while distancing myself from the Skeleton chasing me from behind, I reach the swarm of enemies.

"Don't get in my way!"

With my strength raised this high, weak points don't matter anymore.

With one swing, two zombies are cut in half, and with one thrust, a Zombie Wolf's body is blown away.

Once I finish sweeping the enemy swarm, I grab my smartphone again and learn a skill.

[Remaining Skill P: 3]

[Learned Skills]

Dual Slash Lv. 2

With this, the cooldown time is reset.

The approaching Skeleton lays its blade horizontally and sweeps sideways while twisting its body.

"This time for sure, Dual Slash!"

I try to intercept it once more with Dual Slash.

I increased my stats and raised my skill level; with this—Clang! A heavier sound than before rings out twice in a row, and the Skeleton's posture crumbles.

Alright, I deflected it!

Immediately, I operate the smartphone held in my left hand again.

[Remaining Skill P: 2]

[Learned Skills]

Dual Slash Lv. 3

Cooldown reset due to level up.

I unleash the skill once more against the defenseless opponent!

"Here's one more Dual Slash as a bonus!"

Dreamer's blade shatters the opponent's bones in a cross shape.

"Aaaaaaah...!"

Cracks run through its skull and ribs, and the Skeleton retreats.

How's that!—is what I'd like to say, but.

The Spider took a direct hit from Power Stab and didn't die in one strike.

I know that the Skeleton, which clearly has a larger build than that one, won't fall just from this.

Look, it braced itself.

Then it grips its sword again and glares at me with an even angrier expression than before.

Furthermore, I see the figure of the Spider approaching from above.

They are trying to coordinate their timing and attack.

But I still have cards left to play.

I operate the smartphone in my hand without looking at the screen.

[Remaining Skill P: 1]

[Learned Skills]

Sword Dance Lv. 1

I specify the targets in my consciousness.

All that's left is to wait for the right timing.

The fast-moving Spider arrives right above my head.

The furious Skeleton raises the sword gripped in both hands high above its head.

Power gathers in the Spider's limbs, and it kicks off the ceiling to leap.

The Skeleton's bone joints creak, and the sword of red meat is slashed downward.

The moment both of their defenses become the most neglected—

"Sword Dance!"

With Dreamer in my hand, I slash at the Spider.

And before I know it, I had landed behind the Skeleton.

Almost simultaneously, a spray of blood erupts from the Spider's head and neck, and the Skeleton's bones shatter.

"Kiiiiiiiiieeee!"

"Aaaaaah..."

Letting out death cries, the two monsters collapse.

[Monster 'Zombie Spider' killed . Congratulations, you have leveled up to 16!]

[Monster 'Skeleton' killed . Congratulations, you have leveled up to 17!] 

After confirming that the monsters were dead, I

"Phew..."

Inadvertently let out a huge sigh.

Sword Dance is a skill that unleashes a four-hit combo in an instant.

The difference from Dual Slash is that it can target multiple bodies while moving.

I targeted the Spider's head and carotid artery, and the Skeleton's skull and spine.

Perhaps because I had landed attacks on them beforehand, I'm glad I managed to defeat them successfully.

"My level went up, making the struggle worth it, but... if I don't properly level up every day, it feels like I'll be overtaken in no time."

Even though I thought I leveled up a fair amount yesterday, the monsters' evolution speed is faster than I imagined.

Moreover, considering they evolved into different forms from zombies like Wolves and Leaders, there might be other monsters undergoing different evolutions besides Spiders and Skeletons.

It's as if they are complementing each other's weaknesses and trying to corner us with certainty.

I look at my smartphone screen again.

[Kuragane Erika]

[Level: 17]

[HP: 30/30]

[MP: 18/30]

[Strength: 18]

[Magic Power: 10]

[Stamina: 10]

[Agility: 12]

[Remaining Stat P: 4]

[Remaining Skill P: 3]

[Learned Skills]

Healing Lv. 1

Fire Lv. 1

Water Lv. 1

Sanctuary Deployment Lv. 1

Dual Slash Lv. 3

Sword Dance Lv. 1

Power Stab Lv. 1

Illusion Dagger Lv. 3

Spread Dagger Lv. 1

Weapon Enhancement Lv. 1

The number of skills has increased quite a bit too.

If I allocate stats and skills on a case-by-case basis according to the situations I encounter, I inevitably end up having to learn things shallowly and broadly.

But now that enemies have appeared that I can't kill in one hit with a skill, that method will probably hit its limit somewhere.

"Maybe it's better if I just use up my points before fighting..."

Instead of changing according to the situation, think of ways I can deal with it in my current state.

That way might save me from ending up with half-baked stats.

Though, since failing means I die, it's difficult to just easily change my methods and experiment.

"...Even so, 'Giraiguu', huh."

With the battle having settled down, what comes to mind is yesterday.

"Meiji sensei said it was a god who manipulates light, but—zombies don't really have that kind of element, do they?"

If Nanase san's corpse was buried for a Kaisei kyou ritual, then maybe the reason we were thrown into this school full of monsters is because we got caught up in that ritual.

But despite them saying things like destroying the world, the zombies and survivors I see are only people from Hikarinomiya Academy.

Or is it just this floor that's like this, and if I go somewhere else, are other people caught up in this too?

If so, is Yumemi chan, who looked so happy, also caught up in this hell, running around trying to escape?

"Haha."

I unintentionally imagined it and laughed.

If that's the case, how delightful.

Seeing the people who laughed at my misfortune become unfortunate themselves brings me endless joy.

"Haha, ahaha..."

Since Rea isn't here, there's no need to keep up appearances.

I walked down the hallway, laughing frivolously.

◇◇◇

It took me over an hour to reach the entrance.

Along the way, I found places where stairs used to be, but they were blocked by walls just like when I wandered into that red hallway.

On the other hand, the state of the hallway I passed through is different from the red hallway.

I didn't see that heavy door either, so it's probably safe to consider that place a sort of alternate space you get teleported to under certain conditions.

I wonder if the key to that is here at the entrance.

I tried opening a few shoe lockers, but the insides were completely normal.

Outside the entrance, it seems invisible monsters are still blocking the way, and when I tried throwing an Illusion Dagger as a test, the blade itself was eaten with a crunching sound.

It seems I still can't break through with brute force.

Then, where are the stairs and the exit?

Do they even exist in the first place?

At the very least, when Rea and I met, there should have still been stairs going down from the second floor to the first floor, but—

I return to the hallway from the entrance and look left then right.

On the path I just took, there was the figure of an Eater devouring left-behind corpses, and the figures of several zombies that had spawned from who knows where.

The other path is untouched, so monsters are swarming and wandering about.

Among them were Skeletons and Spiders that had already finished evolving, and even the figures of other unknown monsters.

I still have plenty of time.

As I stopped and thought about where to explore—I saw blonde hair swaying among the monsters far down the hallway.

I assumed it was just a zombie of unknown origin, but suddenly, my eyes meet with that girl.

I was so surprised that all the muscles in my body stiffened, and I gave a violent jolt.

"Yumemi chan...?"

The hair color is different.

Her skin wasn't that white either.

But, her facial features are exactly the same—no, it's safe to say it's her very face, and I couldn't possibly think of her as someone else.

"Why... why are you here, Yumemi chan!"

I raise my voice involuntarily.

Perhaps noticing that, the girl entered a nearby door and disappeared.

Furthermore, the monsters also noticed my voice and started running toward me.

"Impossible... impossible, because Yumemi chan shouldn't... a place like this. She wasn't supposed to return to—"

Contrary to my brain denying it, my body wanted to move forward.

I strongly gripped "Dreamer," the weapon given a name that seemed to represent my own obsession, and ground my teeth.

"No... if I don't know, I just have to confirm it directly!"

There's a possibility it's a trap by an evolved monster.

But even if it is, I just need to trample over it with power.

At the very least, with these emotions unleashed, there's no way I can think about anything else.

"Don't get in my way, move out of the wayyyy!"

I charged headfirst right into the approaching swarm of monsters.