THE ZOMBIE SYSTEM - Chapter 12: The Quarterfinals

Takahiro Nao, a 25-year-old drowning in debt and despair, lives only for his struggling family. Every sacrifice he makes is for them—until a selfless act costs him his life. Instead of the end, Nao encounters a Goddess of Benevolence who offers him a miraculous deal: “Live in a new world, and your efforts there will support your family back on Earth.”Reborn into the dead body of Naoki von Blackmore, the so-called “Failed Hero,” he finds himself burdened with the daunting task of saving the world by defeating the Demon King—all while supporting the family he cherishes. Armed with formidable powers yet haunted by his past failures, Nao steps into a dangerous realm of swords, magic, and ferocious monsters. Facing relentless enemies, harrowing trials of life and death, and an unyielding fate, he’s forced to confront the ultimate question: how far is he willing to go to protect the people he loves?Filled with emotional struggles, determination, unexpected humor, and a touch of romance, this story asks a powerful question to the readers: What would you sacrifice for the people you love?

Mallory is a self-proclaimed queen of laziness who wakes up one day to find herself in a world overrun by zombies. Fortunately, her apartment seems to have a mind of its own—and it’s evolving. From providing unlimited snacks to generating electricity and even sprouting a dimensional elevator, her cozy haven keeps her safe and comfortable while others struggle to survive outside.But when her evolving apartment drags her into alternate realities, Mallory must reluctantly become the “hero” of bizarre worlds, from candy-coated kingdoms to high-tech dystopias. Armed with her magical Staff of Lazula, which lets her achieve greatness with minimal effort, Mallory stumbles into one comedic escapade after another. Whether she's outsmarting sorceresses or surviving talking gummy bears, Mallory proves that you don’t need to be a go-getter to be a hero—just really, really good at being lazy.Join Mallory and her apartment in an adventure that no one expected!

Broken-hearted and drunk, Yoshida, a 26-years old salaryman, stumbled upon a runaway-from-home high-schooler on his way back from the bar.

“Hey, you. JK.”*

“What the heck are you doing out here. Go home already.”

“Uncle, let me stay at your place for the night.”

“You can do ‘that’ to me if you let me stay.”

“If you meant that as a joke, it’s not funny.”

“I’m not joking. It’s fine by me.”

“Then allow me to tell you that I have no interest in brats.”

“Hmm?”

“Then, just let me stay.”

Notes:

[*] JK is slang for Joushikousei (high school girl)