I Got Reincarnated as a Zombie Girl
Chapter 175 – The City That Never Sleeps

Chapter 175: Chapter 175 – The City That Never Sleeps

The sky over Nocture remained dark even as dawn approached. Thick fog clung low to the ground, drifting like the world’s held breath. There were no birdsong, no rays of sunlight piercing the deathly mist that perpetually shrouded the city. But to Sofia, this was home a place where silence wasn’t a threat, but a sign of readiness.

She stood on the balcony of the western tower, wearing a gray combat cloak bearing the emblem of Nocture on her shoulder. Behind her, the city’s banner fluttered gently in the damp wind. Below, the training ground was filled with undead soldiers conducting combat simulations.

There were no shouts. No harsh commands. Only perfectly coordinated, silent movements. That was the strength of Sylvia’s army disciplined death.

Zark approached from the left side of the balcony, carrying two scrolls and a large map freshly redrawn. The half-undead man gave a respectful bow before speaking.

"Lady Sofia, we’ve received reports from the eastern scouting team. They’ve detected movement from a light fleet coming from the north. Not from the central military but from an independent group. Likely mercenaries."

Sofia took the report and skimmed it quickly. "Any known insignia or emblems?"

"None yet," Zark replied promptly. "But their numbers are small. Possibly a test unit or high-level reconnaissance. If they act aggressively, we can eliminate them before they report back."

Sofia nodded, then rolled the report back up. "Send a harrier squad. But don’t engage directly. Test their defenses first. We need to know who hired them."

"The order will be executed at once," Zark said as he stepped back.

Sofia stared into the distance toward the north. The fog hanging in that direction seemed darker than usual, like something was trying to pierce through it. She knew well that since Sylvia’s departure, Nocture had become a target not because it was weak, but because its very existence challenged the old order.

And those who hated change always tried to destroy it when its foundations seemed most vulnerable.

But Sofia was not a foundation that would crumble easily.

She stepped back inside and made her way to the main strategy room. There, Rina and three other officers were already waiting. A round table at the center was covered in maps, written reports, communication crystals, and neatly arranged unit miniatures.

"Begin," Sofia said without preamble.

Rina opened the briefing. "The western zone has been secured again after a minor clash with local bandits attempting to loot the supply routes. No casualties on our side. The survivors have been absorbed into Tier Two auxiliary forces."

"Undead or human?" Sofia asked.

"Human. But half of them willingly offered their bodies," Rina replied flatly.

Sofia merely nodded, her eyes fixed on the map. "Make sure the soldiers don’t act too hastily. Let some of them live spread them to nearby towns. We need stories about Nocture... stories that evoke both fear and respect."

Rina took note of the order.

The next officer reported on trade movements. Since Sylvia’s departure, Sofia had quietly established supply and communication lines with several neutral cities. On the surface, Nocture still appeared as a closed-off fortress. But beneath quite literally an expanding network of distribution was forming.

"We’ve secured a contract for raw metals from the ruins in the east. The dwarves from the northern range agreed to trade as long as we don’t touch their mining zones."

Sofia narrowed her eyes. "Do they know who they’re really dealing with?"

"Not directly. They believe we’re a civilization recovery group."

Sofia smirked. "Let them believe that. But keep them under surveillance. We can’t afford to rely too much on outsiders."

The meeting continued for nearly an hour, until all reports were delivered and orders distributed. After the others left the room, Sofia remained, standing alone before the large map of Nocture displayed on the eastern wall. She stared at it intently not just seeing the city, but envisioning the future she was shaping.

Not as Sylvia’s substitute, but as a leader in her own right, trusted to guard this fortress in their queen’s absence.

Soft footsteps echoed down the corridor. Soon, a small girl with black hair appeared at the doorway. She wore a simple nightgown with a purple ribbon at her neck. Her large, dark eyes gazed at Sofia with curiosity.

"Sofia, when is Big Sister Sylvia coming back?" the child asked innocently.

Sofia smiled gently, then knelt to meet her eyes. "Not yet. But she will come back. And when she does, I want you to tell her everything you’ve seen in this city, alright?"

The child nodded enthusiastically. "I’ve written it all down in my book! From the green fire in the west garden to the talking dragon statue!"

Sofia chuckled softly, ruffling her hair. "Good. Keep watching the city for me, okay?"

The girl nodded again, then dashed off down the corridor.

Once the girl was out of sight, Sofia’s face grew serious once more. She stood and turned, heading to the eastern balcony. From there, she could see the magic training grounds.

Young troops were training there, supervised by zombie instructors former soldiers from their previous lives. Purple, blue, and pink lights shot through the air like silent fireworks.

Sofia watched the session for a while, then whispered to herself, "The world may burn... but Nocture will not turn to ash. We will stand even on the ruins of it all."

The night wind blew her silver hair gently. Her gaze remained unchanged firm, unwavering, burdened by invisible weight. Yet deep in her heart, she carried a longing she couldn’t express.

A longing for Sylvia.

The queen who had entrusted this fortress to her.

And the queen who, someday, would return as someone even greater than before.

Sofia took a deep breath, then stepped back inside. There was much to prepare. Because tomorrow, Nocture would again become the center of something far greater a rising underground movement long awaiting its moment.

And Sofia, the city’s tireless sentinel, would stand at the forefront.

After finishing the briefing and issuing various orders in the main strategy room, Sofia slowly walked toward her private chamber at the end of the east wing corridor of the castle. Her steps were heavy, though outwardly she appeared calm and dignified. Yet behind her gray cloak and firm demeanor, an unrelenting longing haunted her heart.

The heavy wooden door opened softly as Sofia touched the handle, and she stepped inside. The room was simple yet cozy, with a large bed draped in thick linens, a small table stacked with books and rolled maps, and a large window overlooking the inner courtyard of the castle, shrouded in the thin mist of that night.

Sofia closed the door gently, letting silence creep in with her. She walked toward the bed and sat at its edge, letting out a long breath. Slowly, her body reclined on the mattress, eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.

But her mind was far from empty.

Sylvia’s image appeared vividly, as if standing right before her. That face, with its strong, resolute gaze, filled Sofia’s memories like a light piercing the darkness of night.

Sofia imagined Sylvia standing on the battlefield, surrounded by loyal undead troops, her gaze piercing the horizon like an unshakable queen. Yet behind that courage was another side a longing as strong as the heavy responsibility she bore.

She recalled the final moments with Sylvia before the queen left Nocture for a perilous journey. Words spoken, hopes entrusted, and promises yet unfulfilled.

Tears welled up in her eyes. Sofia gently closed her eyelids, letting the memories envelop her.

"Sylvia..." she whispered softly, like a prayer long held.

That longing was profound not just for a queen, but for a friend, protector, and the light that had always been the source of strength and hope in the city.

She remembered Sylvia’s light laughter during discussions about the city’s defense, how she entrusted everything to Sofia despite knowing the great risks they faced. That sense of responsibility now clung tightly to Sofia, weighing heavily on her.

Yet that longing also fueled Sofia’s spirit. For as long as Sylvia had not returned, she must stand tall. She must be the last fortress, the strong shadow that would guard Nocture against the ever-present threats.

Sofia slowly opened her eyes and pulled the blanket over her body. The cold night breeze slipping through the window made her shiver but it was not the most suffocating cold.

She closed her eyes again, envisioning Sylvia’s face one that had taught her the meaning of courage, sacrifice, and unconditional love.

In the quiet of her chamber, Sofia made a vow to herself and to the distant queen.

"I will protect Nocture for you, Sylvia. Until you return... and we meet again."

Seconds passed as Sofia lay in that silence, letting her longing become the strength that drove her forward.

The night deepened, but Sofia the city’s sentinel who never slept remained awake in the shadow of longing and determination.