A Korean Office Worker Who Became a Nuisance Villainess in a Zombie Story - Chapter 176

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Yusara, an office worker in the modern age, as a child.
When teachers asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, I’d write things like “President” or “Film Director”….
While reading Greek and Roman mythology comics I’d inherited from my older cousin, something puzzled me.
-Why were the gods so petty?
What had humans done so terribly wrong that the gods kept killing them and turning them into animals….
Even if humans committed sins, was it right for gods to act that way?
‘And even humans who did nothing wrong got punished if they were unlucky.’
I learned at eight years old, reading Greek and Roman Mythology, that having absolute power didn’t necessarily mean being just.
What happens when you give power to those unworthy of it.
And as I grew a little older, I learned that even the most powerful rulers could be brought down by the people.
Through human history.
[Kill Praha.]
A voice falling repeatedly over my head.
[Kill your lover with your own hands. Then I won’t only send you back to the Original World, but grant you one additional wish as well.]
Upon hearing the words “Original World,” Cyprus and Yujein turned to look at me, but I had no time to pay attention to that.
‘The protective spell will break soon.’
I confirmed it from the corner of my eye, watching Mascarpone’s bracelet gradually losing its light.
“So… if I kill Praha, you’ll not only take care of the zombies wandering the Mortal Realm… but also send me back to the Original World, and grant me one additional wish?”
[Yes.]
The god affirmed.
Even as he spoke, he was pouring power down over our heads.
As if to say he’d harm Praha the moment this barrier broke.
I pulled Yujein, who staggered in shock at the powerful beam of light, closer to me.
“Yusara?”
“Don’t go outside the protective barrier.”
Gripping Yujein’s sweat-dampened hand tightly, I questioned the god.
“Why go to such lengths?”
It wasn’t that I disregarded Praha, but the price for killing just one person seemed far too high.
When the terms are too good, suspicion is the foundation of any deal.
“Your original wager with me had the condition of ‘creating change.'”
To prove that I, raised differently in different circumstances, had become a different person as I’d promised.
“Back then, you clearly said that the wager was in the realm of providence, so once established, even gods couldn’t touch it. So why are you telling me to kill Praha now? If you’re thinking of changing the terms at this point, I won’t let it slide.”
“Good grief.”
Yujein gasped awkwardly at my audacity in threatening a god.
“Yusara, I’m sorry. If I stay beside you, I’ll suffer the god’s wrath too.”
Trembling with apologies, she fled from my side and ran toward Praha.
Mascarpone’s bracelet, once so radiant, now glowed with only two gems remaining.
[I merely wish to confirm how selfish and insignificant humans are—how hollow the sublime love humans speak of before the fear of death truly is.]
“….”
Why is his personality like that?
The God of Light’s voice continued.
[In your previous life, that child killed you.]
Light blocked by the protective barrier shimmered above Praha’s head.
Even though it was a fact I already knew, Praha’s eyebrows twitched.
[Could there be any change greater than you murdering in this life the one who killed you in the previous one?
Besides, you’ve already died once before….]
“The God of Light’s prophecy that Praha would be killed by one already dead will also come to pass.”
The God’s vengeance against the current Emperor for daring to insult Him would also be realized.
Praha would lose his life, and the Emperor would lose his son.
Meanwhile, I would achieve my wish, and the God would demonstrate His authority to the Mortal Realm once more.
“But Praha is innocent. …The same goes for those who died unjustly at the hands of the undead.”
My voice trembled involuntarily when I mentioned those people.
Cyprus, whose eyes reddened upon hearing my words, bit his lip and leaned against Praha.
Despite his own life hanging in the balance before his eyes, the expressionless Praha squeezed Cyprus’s hand once, then released it.
‘Is that all?’
As if to buy time for Praha to do what he needed to do, I continued speaking.
“I’m curious about something else. The Emperor didn’t insult you—he insulted the Underworld God. So why are you stepping in and causing all this trouble?”
[That child is my shadow.]
“What do you mean?”
[Light and darkness are bound by fate. When that child’s power grows stronger, mine grows stronger too, and conversely….]
“…You mean if the Underworld God weakens from failing to uphold the prophecy, you suffer damage as well.”
That’s why you’re trying to kill Praha too.
[Exactly. That child was somewhat lacking in composure, but I can’t just leave it be. So won’t you make a decision now? It seems the effect of your bracelet is running out.]
“…You noticed?”
I lifted the bracelet with its spreading cracks and laughed awkwardly.
“I can’t kill Praha. Because Praha is innocent.”
[You have only two choices.
Murder your lover with your own hands and return to the Original World.
Or stay here, hold the hand of the one you love, and watch the world perish.
By the time those around you start dying one by one, you’ll regret today’s decision.
Wouldn’t it be better to brush it all off and return to the Original World?]
“….”
[In just ten minutes, someone who resents this situation might kill your lover. Then what are you staying here for?]
The God whispered.
Ceaselessly urging me on.
Just close your eyes once and drive a blade into Praha’s chest.
Then you can end everything and return to the Original World.
There, no one would know what I’d done, and I could live on as if nothing had happened.
[After all, he’s the one who killed you before.]
There’s no need to keep your loyalty.
Once is enough.
[It will be the greatest revenge and the finest proof.]
The God of Light’s words reached all of us.
My eyes met Praha’s.
A man destined to die despite committing no crime, soon to become the public enemy of the entire world.
Everyone would resent Praha, asking why he hadn’t died when his death alone would bring peace to all.
They would demand his death as a sacrifice for everyone’s sake.
Praha, meeting my gaze, asked quietly.
“If I die, can you return?”
As if that were the answer, the force crashing down upon the barrier grew slightly stronger.
Or perhaps the barrier itself was simply weakening.
Yujein looked up anxiously.
Even as the situation spiraled toward catastrophe, Praha’s eyes remained fixed on me alone.
Praha spoke.
“Then kill me.”
“That’s absurd—!”
“I know how desperately you wished to return. If I can fulfill that desire with my power, I would gladly do so. Whatever it takes.”
“But what about you, Praha?”
“I’ve told you. All I desire is your happiness.”
….
“I wished to be the one who made you happy, but if that cannot be… I simply hope you find happiness regardless.”
Even without me.
Somehow.
Praha smiled faintly as he added those words.
“At least there’s one thing I can still do for you. I’m grateful for that much.”
….
“When you return, please don’t remember me.”
Forget everything, and promise me you’ll live happily.
Praha, speaking as if murmuring, lifted the sword he’d been holding down.
He placed it in my hand as if showing me exactly where to strike.
“…I wanted to do so much more for you.”
Praha’s voice was barely a whisper, tinged with regret.
He was handing me a blade to kill him with.
I stood there dumbfounded, staring at him.
“…What the hell are you saying?”
I grabbed Praha by the collar to snap him back to his senses.
“How could I be happy? If I go back alone like this, I won’t find happiness—I’ll be tormented by guilt for the rest of my life. And…!”
Damn it, why are my eyes getting wet?
Is Praha completely insane?
Does he think he’s the only one who cares about me?
“Why are you sending me alone? You said we’d go together if we went. And you promised to make me the happiest person in the world today. I’m incredibly miserable right now!”
I wiped my eyes with the back of the hand wearing the bracelet.
In all this, the bracelet was on the verge of shattering.
“I’ll let you do whatever you want, I’ll make you happy… If you make multiple promises, you have to keep at least one. Are you the Crown Prince or a con artist!”
Praha, seeing me cry, grabbed my wrist in alarm.
I lashed out at Praha, who was sputtering indignantly.
“Is it enough if you sacrifice yourself alone? Do you really want to die so pathetically? Why do people have so little ambition!”
“Yusara.”
“Be quiet and hold this tight!”
We’d decided to use its breaking as the signal!
I pulled Praha’s hand and pressed it against the bracelet, now completely ruined.
The bracelet then shattered with a crisp sound, scattering into the void.
The barrier protecting us began to lift.
I didn’t know where God was. I shouted randomly in all directions.
“You’re watching, aren’t you? Do you still think love is meaningless?”
At the same moment, the voice of someone who didn’t exist in this place reached my ears.
“Yusara! Are you ready?!”
“Mascarpone!”
I cried out, holding Praha even tighter.
“Yes! I’m ready!”
Light exploded.
[Movie Theater]
– Yusara, Praha, Cyprus, Yujein, Mascarpone (Survived)

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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