I Got Reincarnated as a Zombie Girl
Chapter 126 – First Steps as a Couple

Chapter 126: Chapter 126 – First Steps as a Couple

The evening sky stretched wide above the small town, painted in streaks of orange and gold that slowly wrapped the world in its glow. A cool breeze drifted through the air, carrying the scent of flowers from the city park and the warm aroma of pastries from nearby food stalls. Lanterns were being lit one by one, hanging along the streets, creating a peaceful atmosphere rarely found in a world ravaged by destruction.

Amidst the slow-moving bustle, two figures walked side by side. Their steps were unhurried as if trying to slow time itself so the moment could last just a bit longer.

Sofia wore a simple pale blue dress, a thin scarf wrapped gently around her neck. Her blonde hair was half tied, letting the rest cascade down her back. Though her face was still pale from not fully recovering, her eyes shimmered softly as they took in the sights. Beside her, Sylvia walked gracefully in her long black coat. The once-feared mysterious figure now seemed far warmer especially in the presence of the girl she loved.

They weren’t holding hands, yet the space between them was nearly nonexistent. Each step felt like a silent dance, perfectly in tune with one another.

"Your city seems more stable now... even though most of the people I see are zombies," Sofia murmured, glancing at the gray stone buildings, some still under construction.

"I’m not here very often, actually," Sylvia replied with a small smile. "The one managing everything is the Tyrant. I gave him the name Zark."

Sofia turned her head slightly, then nodded. Along the streets, the scene was indeed unique humans and zombies working side by side. Some were chopping wood, building walls, or tending small farms. Even though zombies didn’t need food, they still helped the humans living here. There were hunters, weavers, even teachers educating the remaining human children.

"Those humans... they live here by choice?" Sofia asked softly.

"They chose to stay," Sylvia answered. "Other places are too dangerous, and they’d rather work with zombies than be hunted by fellow humans. Some of them also came from your old base, your people."

Sofia looked thoughtful as she listened. The world truly had changed.

Sylvia then led her toward the city center, walking along a long corridor that led up to a towering black stone castle perched on a hill. When Sofia looked at it from a distance, her eyes widened slightly.

"...You built a castle?"

"I didn’t build it myself," Sylvia replied casually. "Zark handled everything. It was a surprise... even for me."

Sofia gave a faint smile, then followed Sylvia through the massive gates carved with motifs of skulls and wind. Beyond the strong stone walls, the castle interior was silent but not frightening. Crystal lanterns hung along the walls, casting a soft glow.

"Come on, I want to show you the garden," Sylvia said, leading her to the castle’s backyard.

There, a small quiet garden stretched out, surrounded by black iron fences and filled with flowers in unusual colors black, white, and gray. Despite their somber hues, the garden held a unique beauty, like a classical painting rendered entirely in monochrome.

Sofia stared at the garden for a moment, then smiled. "Beautiful... in a strange way. But... I like it."

Since Sofia was still recovering, Sylvia led her to sit on a stone bench cold, but clean. Above them, the sky grew darker, though night hadn’t fully fallen.

After a moment of peaceful silence, Sylvia turned to her with a gentle yet serious voice.

"Sofia... wasn’t it Viktor who stabbed you with a knife? He always seemed so loyal. What made him betray on you?"

Sofia went quiet. Her brows furrowed as she recalled that moment when she was healing Viktor’s wounds while shadow zombies fought an unknown enemy nearby. In that chaos, Viktor, who should’ve been powerless, stabbed her from behind.

"I don’t know either," Sofia said softly. "But... his eyes were red. It clearly wasn’t the same Viktor. He... had changed."

"His eyes turned red?" Sylvia repeated. "Did he turn into a zombie?"

"No... If he really became a zombie, he wouldn’t be able to speak clearly. And when I found him, it had only been a few days since he disappeared." Sofia sighed deeply. "He even tried to warn me... said many people were trying to use me because I was close to you. When he said that, his eyes... still looked like the Viktor I knew."

Sylvia leaned back against the bench. Her gaze shifted toward the darkening sky, now peppered with stars. This world... it felt bigger and more mysterious than ever. If Viktor had turned into something neither human nor zombie, then... what kind of creature was controlling him?

"There’s so much we still don’t know," Sylvia murmured. "Beings like Viktor... might come from a group we’ve never documented. Not zombies, not mutated plants, maybe something more... mythical."

Her thoughts wandered to Simurgh the golden-winged mythical creature she had once encountered. Sylvia had tried returning to the place where they met, but for some reason... it was as if an invisible wall barred her from entering again.

They stayed in the garden until night fully settled. Afterward, Sylvia escorted Sofia back to her room to rest. The girl looked tired, and though she didn’t say much, her gaze was warm as they parted at the door.

"Thank you... for today," Sofia whispered before closing the door.

Sylvia gave a small nod. "Rest well."

Then, she returned to her throne in the castle. The large room was silent, lit only by the glow of a large hearth. She sat, staring straight ahead before giving a command.

"Bring in some zombies I need them now."

It didn’t take long. Minutes later, Zark arrived, leading a select group of zombies, each with distinct appearances. Some were thin and fast, others large and strong, and a few wore old armor likely taken from the graves of ancient knights.

"I want some of you to leave the base," Sylvia ordered firmly. "Gather as much information as possible. Are portals from other worlds still appearing? Investigate human, mutant, and unknown creature activity. Focus your scouting on unfamiliar regions."

"Understood," Zark replied firmly, his voice deep and echoing. He began selecting zombies suited for reconnaissance fast, silent, and tactically capable.

After that, Sylvia rose from her throne and walked slowly toward her room. Her steps felt heavy not from fatigue, but from the thoughts swirling in her mind.

She opened the door to her room, took off her coat, and collapsed onto her bed. It was cold, but comfortable.

"This world’s mysteries... they just keep multiplying," Sylvia muttered, staring up at the dim ceiling.

But amid all the chaos and uncertainty, there was one thing she knew for sure.

Sofia.

She wouldn’t let anyone hurt her again.