House of Zombies

Sorry for the delay!

I’ve got plenty to report regarding Volume 5 and other matters, but first—let's talk anime!

Starting today, October 5th, the The Eminence in Shadow anime finally begins broadcasting!

I’ve been involved as a supervisor, and thanks to an incredible staff, I’m certain we’ve created something amazing. I think even those of you who’ve read the original light novels will find plenty to enjoy, so please, give it a watch. For broadcast details, check the official website or Twitter.

In other news, a game adaptation has also been greenlit!

The title is The Eminence in Shadow: Master of Garden, and it’s scheduled for a 2022 release. Naturally, I’m involved with the supervision and writing for the game as well. I can’t share too many details yet, so follow the official Twitter for the latest info!

And finally, about Volume 5 of the light novel...

The manuscript is finished and it’s currently in the proofreading stage, so I should be able to get it to you very soon! Again, I’m sorry for the wait, but since it’s a completely original story for the books, I think you’ll find it a fresh and exciting read.

Please continue to support The Eminence in Shadow!

I stared down at Christina-san. A zombie had taken a nasty chunk out of her shoulder.

"Leave it to me," I said.

"Cid-kun...!"

"Kid, you actually have a plan!?" Margari-san asked.

I gave a solemn nod and drew the sword at my waist.

Christina-san is a goner, I thought. "Look, she’s past saving. I'll just make it quick."

I channeled magic power into my blade and aimed it straight for her neck.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!"

"Wait a second!"

"Don’t worry," I assured them. "I’m sure the pain will only last a second."

I was just about to swing the sword down when—

"Ow!"

Violet-san’s finger pinched my butt.

"Stop, kid!!" Margari-san shouted, snatching my sword away.

"You heartless monster! In a situation like this, you’re supposed to say 'I’ll save you'!" Christina-san yelled as she kicked me in the stomach.

Slap, slap, slap. Violet-san’s finger began rhythmically smacking my rear.

"Why? Even Christina-san said she'd given up!" I argued.

"That was just for show! If I say that, everyone acts all worried and cares about me, okay!?"

"Wait, what...?"

"I have zero intention of giving up! My life is too damn happy to end here! I’m not dying in some dump like this!"

Spitting out her defiance, Christina-san began using her magic power to treat the bite wound.

"The bleeding might have stopped, but that’s not going to stop the zombification," I pointed out.

"I know that. Isn't there any way to cure this?"

"In these kinds of patterns, there’s usually some kind of event where you find a cure."

"I’ve never even heard of a medicine that can cure a zombie..."

"Yeah, me neither..."

The two of them let out a heavy sigh in unison.

If it were Possession, I could fix it in my sleep, but I had absolutely no idea how to treat zombification. I was totally winging it here. Then again, the only reason I figured out how to cure Possession was through a stroke of luck after a bunch of random magical experiments.

"Come to think of it, I’ve heard a rumor," Margari-san chimed in.

"A rumor?"

"The Mitsugoshi Company was apparently taking in residents for protection, but they were secretly rounding up everyone who’d been bitten. Rumor has it they were taken to the Mitsugoshi Company Underground for human experiments... I thought it was just a tall tale, though."

"Maybe they were researching the infected to try and develop a cure?" Christina-san suggested.

"Possibly. With the technical prowess of the Mitsugoshi Company, it wouldn’t be impossible. Besides, this building has far too many inexplicable features."

"Inexplicable features?"

"There are rooms that don't appear on the blueprints, hidden doors, and we’ve even found characters that look like some kind of mysterious code. Most importantly, officially speaking, this building isn't supposed to have a basement at all. There’s no doubt the Mitsugoshi Company was up to something here."

"Then it’s settled," Christina-san said firmly. "Let’s find a way into the basement. We might even find a hidden food stash."

"I wouldn't really recommend that..." I muttered.

When those girls try to hide something, they usually pack the place with a ridiculous amount of traps. Eta’s traps, in particular, are absolute nightmares.

Wait, come to think of it... wasn't this building one of Eta’s designs?

"I have an idea how to get to the basement," Margari-san said. "Follow me."

"You’re so reliable," Christina-san said, glancing at me. "Unlike a certain heartless someone."

And just like that, my expert opinion was completely ignored.

If you enjoyed the chapter, are curious about the sequel, or are looking forward to the anime, I’d be delighted if you’d support me by clicking the stars below! Your ratings are what keep me going!