After the zombies chasing the bait meat passed by like a flood, we ran like madmen. The distance from here to the northern gate might be close, but it wasn’t exactly at our doorstep. Therefore, we used speed-increasing magic and ran for our lives.

As the zombies chasing the chunks of meat fell like a tidal wave, the streets became deserted. We were extremely grateful for this.

〈I will cast a temporary speed-boosting spell on everyone. However, the effect of this magic can only last for a few minutes, all of which must be used to reach the gate in front.〉

〈…What happens if we fail?〉

〈You might return to the mansion with no gains or be caught by the zombies that have been tracking you and die.〉

〈…We’ll definitely succeed.〉

That single chance we seized.

It was truly a gamble for our lives.

In the midst of our lives hanging in the balance at a crucial crossroads, Zero, while running out of breath, presented us with an impromptu quest.

Ding.

[Sudden Quest Seize the northern gate first!] [Don’t miss the golden opportunity to escape the zombies and communicate with the outside!] [Reward: Generous support from the gods and the promise of completing the safety warp gate] [Failure: Death awaits!] [Item Information] [Safety Warp Gate made by the gods] [Grade: EX] [Description: A specially crafted gate created by the higher gods. Only ‘living humans’ can use this gate, and any attempt by non-humans to board or destroy it will trigger a powerful backlash effect. If humans show violently destructive behavior, they are designed to be considered traitors, resulting in a near-death experience.]

“Wow, a warp gate?”

Even in the midst of breathless running, the long-missed blue status notification was so delightful. Among them, the reward was particularly intriguing, and I opened my eyes wide.

Zero was ecstatic with the intense reaction.

“Ahem. I specially anticipated that it would be difficult for the wizard Peralng to create a magical bridge connecting all the way to the mansion. This reward was specially acquired through my suggestion to the higher-ups!”

“Yeah, you’re the best.”

Huff, huff. Although I almost bit my tongue while speaking in a rush, I showered Zero, who brought us a reliable reward, with abundant praise.

“Ahem. Praise me more! Praise me!”

“Now, huff, huff, I’m dying right now, but when I get back alive, I’ll praise you until my ears are nailed to the wall.”

I thanked Aston and Michael, who had grown my stamina and strength with the ‘Grow, Stamina and Strength’ skill.

Thanks to them, I, with my robust muscles, could run at the forefront with Michael and Benedict.

“Huueok, let’s go together!”

The magician, Ruth, who had weak stamina, was somewhat lagging behind, vomiting. Despite casting the speed-boosting magic, she was still slow.
Carrying wooden clubs infused with holy power by Michael, even the servants who had been training relentlessly looked pitiful as they ran without hesitation.

“Wizard, please cheer up a bit!”

“We’re almost there!”

“If it’s tough, should I hold onto your side and run with you?”

“Eek, it’s fine! I’m not weak enough to depend on others to the point of crushing my pride!”

It was clear that Ruth, with a flushed face, had used up all her strength while vomiting.

So, even in the midst of extreme exhaustion, laughter erupted.

“Is it true that you were smiling at me, my lord?”

“No, not at all.”

“Yes, you were. You were mocking me by looking in my direction. That’s too much. You’re too much.”

Ruth’s twisted mouth protruded.

“Are you sure?”

As if explaining, I turned to the other side.

‘Are the zombies following us?’

Fortunately, whether the spirits were moving swiftly with the bait meat or not, we still couldn’t see any zombies chasing us.

However, since we didn’t know how long this fleeting peace would last, I shouted with all my might.

“Let’s keep going straight!”

The capital of the empire, Agatha, was well-planned, thanks to Emperor Kalladia, who had built it into a thoroughly planned city in anticipation of a rapid increase in population. Therefore, even in the 4th zone, Quatuor, and the 5th zone, Quinque, we only needed to run without worrying about getting lost. The northern gate was also a well-maintained route with many people coming in and out until this chaos erupted.

‘A little more!’

As we desperately ran forward, the massive northern gate began to appear gradually.

Over the thick and massive iron gate, which the saint and pope Anais personally blessed and created, the emblem of the empire, the sun, and two eagles soaring above it were drawn.

“Everyone, we’re almost there!”

“Let’s gather our strength!”

As the destination approached, the morale of the group rose.

“Alright! Let’s run ten more steps towards the Warp Gate reward!”

‘There’s still more than ten steps left!’

“Anyway!”

Everyone, filled with hope, ran with their last bit of strength, but a vibrating sound, as if the ground was shaking, was heard.

“No way…”