I Got Reincarnated as a Zombie Girl
Chapter 174 – A Homecoming in the Shadows

Chapter 174: Chapter 174 – A Homecoming in the Shadows

The air in the city gradually turned cold as dusk drew its amber curtain across the sky. The last rays of sunlight slipped between the white stone towers, casting elongated shadows like silent hands reaching for the heavens. In a quiet alley, the footsteps of Sylvia, Alicia, and Stacia echoed softly but steadily, moving away from Elara’s house now swallowed once more by silence.

For a while, none of them spoke. The information they had just received spun around in their minds about the Lycanthropes, about the gods trapped in this world, about the wolf from another realm and the chaos pulsing through the blood of those creatures.

But more than all of that it was about Sylvia herself.

Alicia finally broke the silence in a gentle voice. "Are you really sure... we’ll face them? The gods?"

Sylvia didn’t answer immediately. She stopped at the end of the alley, gazing at the darkening sky. Her eyes narrowed, as if she were looking at something far deeper than what was visible.

"I’m sure," she replied quietly. "But not yet."

Stacia, who had remained composed until now, tilted her head with curiosity. "What do you mean?"

"We need to return to the castle," Sylvia said, now turning to face them. "Celes is probably worried. And I... don’t want to make her wait any longer."

Alicia nodded softly. "You’re right. We came here to seek information, and we found it. Now it’s time to plan."

Stacia smiled slightly, her expression visibly relieved. "And I want to read those old books again because you hate reading."

"Then it’s decided," Sylvia said firmly, stepping out of the alley back onto the main street. "We’re going home."

Their journey back to the inn felt much shorter than when they first arrived. Their steps were lighter now, and though danger still lurked behind the grand walls of this city, Sylvia felt a small peace settle in her chest for now, at least.

Once back at the inn, Sylvia went straight to her room to prepare for the journey home. There wasn’t much to pack just a spare cloak, a few pouches of magic crystals, and an old map she had bought the day before. Alicia and Stacia also completed their preparations quickly.

Night descended slowly, carrying with it the distinct scent of white roses and temple incense. Sylvia sat by the window, watching the now-quiet streets. In the distance, the spire of the Temple of the Goddess of Light stood tall in silhouette like a thorn scratching the night sky.

"This world is like a giant theater," she muttered. "And the gods... are puppeteers who’ve lost control of their play."

A soft knock came at the door. Alicia appeared in the doorway, already wearing her travel cloak.

"Everything’s ready," she said.

Sylvia nodded, rising from her seat and glancing one last time out the window. "Let’s go home."

They left the city that very night, unwilling to wait too long and risk the temple’s agents noticing their presence. The city might have seemed peaceful, but Sylvia knew the gods’ spies could be anywhere. Quiet streets and dark corridors could become traps at any moment.

They exited through a small gate on the northern side of the city, using an old traveler’s path long before the main roads had opened. From there, they descended the hills, crossing grassy plains lit by the pale glow of the full moon.

Each step took them farther from the city of gods and closer to the place they called home.

Two days later.

Morning mist cloaked the vast valley that marked the boundary between the human lands and the domain of the dead. In the distance, the silhouette of a black castle rose like a fortress from legends proud, silent, and terrifying to anyone unfamiliar with it.

But to Sylvia, it was the place she had been reborn. The place where she chose her own fate. And now, the place where those she trusted were waiting for her.

"The air here... still as cold as ever," Stacia murmured with a slight shiver. "It’s like coming home to a giant freezer."

Alicia smiled faintly. "Strangely though, this is where I feel most alive."

Sylvia looked upon the castle with affection in her eyes. "We’re home."

They passed through the main gate without resistance. The undead guards immediately recognized Sylvia and stepped aside respectfully. Their footsteps echoed in the stone hallways, bringing a kind of silence that was strangely comforting.

In the main hall, Celes stood reading reports at a large table. When the heavy doors opened and Sylvia entered, the green-haired girl immediately turned her eyes widened in surprise before her face softened in relief.

"Sylvia!" she called out.

Sylvia raised a hand gently in greeting. "I’m back."

Celes jogged over, her expression shifting from relief to mild irritation. "Why didn’t you send a message? You disappeared without a word and I "

"I’m sorry," Sylvia interrupted. "I didn’t want our communication to be tracked."

Celes paused, then sighed. "Alright. But next time, at least give me a sign you’re alive."

Sylvia smiled gently. "I’ll remember that."

Alicia and Stacia entered shortly after, and the atmosphere in the castle grew warmer. Even the undead guards seemed more at ease, as if Sylvia’s presence alone brought calm to them all.

That night, Sylvia sat on the private balcony of the castle’s upper chambers. A cold wind blew from the north, carrying the scent of dead forests and thin mist that blanketed the valley. In her hand, a cup of black tea still steamed.

Celes joined her a few moments later, carrying a stack of documents.

"There’s a lot you need to see," Celes said as she sat in the nearby chair. "Troops from the east have started moving. It looks like they’re forming an alliance with the neutral races."

"And the gods?" Sylvia asked.

Celes shook her head. "No direct movement yet. But I’m certain... they know you were in that city."

Sylvia sipped her tea slowly, then placed it on the small table. "We have a bit of time. But not much."

Celes went quiet, staring deeply at Sylvia. "What exactly did you find there?"

"Secrets. So many secrets," Sylvia replied softly. "Including... the origin of the Lycanthropes."

Celes said nothing.

Sylvia continued, "They’re not just beasts. They were failed creations. But they’re also a key. If we can reach them... we might be able to turn the gods’ power against them."

Celes nodded slowly. "Then we need to arrange a meeting with the Lycan clans."

"Not yet," Sylvia replied quickly. "First, we strengthen our defenses. And make sure our people... are ready for anything."

Celes gave a faint smile. "Always the strategist."

"Because this world... is approaching its breaking point."

They both fell silent, staring into the night sky filled with dim stars. Sylvia took a deep breath.

She knew the real war hadn’t begun yet.

But now, she had not returned empty-handed.

She came back with truth and that was a weapon sharper than any blade.

The night air grew colder, and a thin mist settled over the castle’s front courtyard. Purple lanterns along the halls flickered dimly, casting reflections on the black stone architecture, elegant and grim. Sylvia and Celes remained seated on the upper balcony, letting the night pass slowly as they contemplated their next steps.

"Velthya was there too, wasn’t she?" Celes asked suddenly, her voice soft but loaded with meaning.

Sylvia turned, her brow slightly raised. "You knew?"

Celes smiled faintly, sipping her tea. "I guessed. You never mentioned her, but when you spoke of that city, there was a flicker in your eyes. And I know that look."

Sylvia turned her gaze skyward. "She’s doing well. That city... it’s magnificent. But also fragile. Behind its white walls, a massive secret lies hidden."

"Do you still see her as an ally?" Celes asked carefully.

Sylvia was quiet for a moment before replying, "I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. But Velthya whether she knows it or not is standing at the edge between light and destruction. Just like us."

Celes looked up at the blackened sky, now fully swallowed by night, with only faint starlight shining through. "This world will split in two, won’t it? Those who serve the gods, and those who resist. There won’t be any place for hesitation."

"And we’re standing right in the heart of that storm," Sylvia whispered. "But I won’t let Nocture fall just because of the ambitions of ancient beings."

Celes smiled, but it was a bitter one. "You know, sometimes I wonder... are we really saving this world, or simply shaping a new one that could be worse?"

Sylvia turned to her, watching her friend in silence. "I’ve wondered the same. But if this current world was built on suffering, then maybe... it’s time we tear down its foundation."

Silence returned once again.

The night wind blew through Sylvia’s long hair, letting it sway gently. Her black cloak fluttered in the breeze. In her heart, she recalled everything she had seen in Velthya city the temples, the priests’ eyes, the ancient symbols that radiated dreadful auras.

And... the tale of the giant wolf from another world.

Chaos, once sealed, now silently searching for a way out.

Sylvia slowly clenched her fist on her lap. "We need to move faster. I can’t wait for them to come. This world won’t give us the luxury of time."