The moment the system said there was a Rank 2 zombie within 100 meters, I bolted without a second thought.
"I'm not ready! I'm only level 1, brooo!!"
With movements more like a possessed puppet than a sprinter, I ran... or more like dragged my feet as fast as I could. Each step made crack and creak sounds, like my bones were protesting my life choices.
Thankfully, the Rank 2 zombie didn't chase me. Maybe it was sleepy. Or maybe the system was just being kind to beginners.
I stopped in front of a broken electronics store, went inside, and sat in a corner, between shattered TV shelves and piles of ancient DVDs.
"Panting... panting... oh right, I don't need to breathe anymore."
Once I calmed down, I opened my mouth and muttered:
Race: Zombie (Rank 0)
INT (Intelligence): 10
~ Regeneration (1/10) – 1 HP/second
I stared at the screen, feeling a mix of pride and confusion.
"Level one and I already have 200 HP?! Is this a zombie body or an armored tank?"
STR went up by 10 points. Not bad for smashing enemies.VIT hit 200. That meant I could take a beating and still stay standing.AGI... well, it went up by one. Still felt like a drunken snail.
"And LUK... still ERROR. Why? Is a zombie not allowed to be lucky?"
I leaned my head back against the wall and looked up at the cracked ceiling. For some reason, my curiosity kept growing. What was the purpose of this system? Why was I reincarnated as a zombie? And why a girl? I mean, I'm not complaining, but this is all way too random.
I stretched out my hand and looked at it closely. The wounds were still there, but they weren't bleeding anymore. I could even feel a faint flow of power from the "Regeneration" skill.
"I may not be human anymore... but I'm still conscious. I still have a mind."
And because of that, I could choose.
Not just to be a regular zombie, but maybe... to become the strongest zombie ever.
Suddenly, a new screen appeared:
You have resisted your zombie instincts.
Self-control progress: 1 day out of 3
Maintain consciousness until day 3 to receive a new skill or stat upgrade.
I clenched my fist."I won't give up just because I'm the walking dead now. I'll level up. I'll evolve. And maybe, someday..."
I looked at my reflection in the blank TV screen.
"...I'll become more than just a zombie."