I Got Reincarnated as a Zombie Girl-Chapter 79 – Conversation, Different Worlds, and the Closed Portal

Chapter 79: Chapter 79 – Conversation, Different Worlds, and the Closed Portal

After sipping the warm tea served by the mysterious woman before me, I opened the conversation with a question that had been lingering in my curiosity.

"So, on this continent or island... what kinds of races live here?" I asked as I gazed out the open window of her house, which revealed a thick forest shrouded in a thin mist.

She smiled gently. "There are a few main races. Lycanthrope, Vampire, and Demon. Oh, and Demons are different from Devils."

Her words made my left eyebrow arch. "What’s the difference?" I asked again, still trying to align this world’s concepts with those from my own.

She leaned back in her chair and slowly spun the teacup in her hand, as if trying to find the best way to explain. "Hmm... how should I put it... Demons can be either good or evil. Some Demons live peacefully, even helping to maintain the world’s balance. But Devils... they’re purely evil. No exceptions. Their very existence is like a curse upon this world."

She chuckled softly. "Even I still get confused about the line between the two sometimes. But that’s what we were taught growing up."

I simply nodded, trying to understand. "I see..."

I let the silence settle for a few seconds before asking again, this time with a more technical curiosity. "Then, what’s the difference between Lycanthropes and Beastmen especially the wolf-type?"

Her eyes lit up immediately. It seemed to be a topic she was passionate about. "Oh, there’s a big difference!" she said enthusiastically, almost spilling her tea.

"Lycanthropes like me are a race rooted in ancient magic. We have two forms, and we can fully transform into wolves when needed, with drastically enhanced strength. Wolf-type Beastmen... they’re more like humans with animal traits. They only have ears and tails, no full beast form. They can’t transform. And their physical strength doesn’t compare to ours."

I nodded once more. Her explanation was clear and made sense. "I see... Hmm. How about you do you have anything you want to ask me?" I asked, looking into her pale bluish-gray eyes, full of curiosity.

She rested her chin on her hand. "Actually, there’s one thing that really puzzles me... How can a zombie like you be intelligent? Aren’t zombies,or undead in general,supposed to be the lowest form of life, incapable of thinking?"

I gave a small smile. That question was quite reasonable from the perspective of this world. "That’s because in my world, zombies can evolve. Not just zombies even animals, plants, and maybe other creatures can grow and level up. They can develop, change form, gain new abilities, even intelligence."

Her eyes widened. "Evolve...?" she asked, trying to guess.

I nodded. "Something like that. We have a system that allows living beings and those not quite alive to keep growing. The intelligence I have now is the result of several evolutionary stages. I used to be just a regular corpse, mindlessly chasing blood. But now, I can think, speak, and make decisions."

Her expression turned more astonished. "Fascinating... It seems your world is vastly different from ours. Here, undead like zombies, skeletons, ghouls... they’re just tools. Created by Necromancers or cursed artifacts. None of them can think for themselves, let alone have a will."

I nodded as I took another sip of my tea. It still tasted bitter, but there was a faint sweetness on the tip of my tongue. Strange, but calming.

"Exactly," I replied. "I used to think undead were just killing machines too. But it turns out... being like this gives me a very different perspective."

Just as I was about to continue, something touched my mind a telepathic message from one of my Hunters stationed outside the portal. The voice was rushed and full of tension.

"Queen, the portal is starting to shake. It looks like it’s about to close! We and the Witch are preparing to retreat." freёweɓnovel.com

My eyes widened. I stood from my seat and turned to the Lycanthrope woman. "Sorry, but I have to go now. The portal that brought me here is about to close!"

Without waiting for her response, I activated [Void Step] and vanished in an instant.

But...

When my body reappeared at the original location, just one step from where I had entered, all I saw was a vortex of energy rapidly shrinking. I darted forward, trying to slip through the remaining gap in the portal. But before I could breach it, the portal vanished... leaving only cold air and silence to greet me.

"...Too late," I muttered in a low voice.

Around me was nothing but a stretch of trees and fog. No more traces of light or magic vortex. I tried sensing any leftover mana traces, but the ripple was gone. The portal had truly closed.

I let out a soft sigh and closed my eyes for a moment. Not because I was panicking I could find a way back. But because something was left behind... a conversation left unfinished. A potential connection between worlds that might not open again any time soon.

But I wasn’t alone.

Suddenly, another voice touched my mind.

"Queen, we managed to retreat before the portal collapsed. All members are safe. But... you didn’t come back."

"I know. I’ll find a way to return. Make sure everyone stays safe. I’ll catch up soon."

That message brought me a bit of peace. At least my team was safe.

I looked up at the gray sky of this unfamiliar world, with a cold wind brushing through my jet-black hair that swayed gently. I knew this wasn’t the end. Just a temporary detour.

Step one, find a safe place to shelter.

Step two, gather information about the portal or whoever created it.

And step three...

Return to those who are waiting for me.

I took a deep breath, steadying my thoughts, then activated Void Step once more. In an instant, I reappeared inside the house where Velthya was. She was still sitting in her chair, looking surprised by my sudden return.

"Eh? You came back?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

I nodded slowly. "Yeah... the portal has closed. I... was too late to get out."

Her gaze softened, then she stood and walked over to me.

"I see... I had a feeling that would happen. The aura around it felt unstable from the beginning."

I looked at her, feeling a bit awkward. "Then... would it be alright if I stayed here for a while? At least until I figure out how to return."

Velthya stared at me for a few seconds in silence. Then, her smile widened as she gently took my hand.

"Of course. You’re welcome to stay for as long as you need."

Her warm welcome made the heaviness in my chest feel a little lighter.

For now, I didn’t know how I would get back. But at least... I wasn’t alone.

And maybe... this was the beginning of a new adventure.