Chapter 2: A Zombie’s Mission

The Deity visibly brightened at his words, praising him without restraint: “You’re so clever! This is exactly the world of the novel Apocalypse Chronicles!”

No sooner had the little child confirmed this than Rayne asked: “So… right now, I’m…Rayne Lyle ?”

It might have sounded like a silly question, but the Deity wasn’t foolish. It nodded in affirmation: “Yes!”

Rayne’s usually calm expression twitched ever so slightly. Compared to the shock of the Deity having dug up his top-secret, classified information, the realization that he was now “Rayne Lyle” struck him far harder.

Of course, the “Rayne Lyle” here wasn’t actually him, it was just a namesake.

A little over a year ago, after leaving the military, Rayne had no worries about money or work. With ample free time, he had indulged in reading novels for entertainment. Discovering a knack for writing, he had gradually started his journey as a web novelist.

Apocalypse Chronicles was a post-apocalyptic zombie novel he had recently finished. In fact, he had completed it less than twenty minutes before being shot, so the story’s details were still vividly etched in his memory.

The character “Rayne Lyle” in the novel was the ultimate villain doomed to be eliminated entirely by the main character.

As for why he had given the villain his own name, Rayne had a perfectly reasonable explanation: he hadn’t thought of a name at the time, so he used his own, and after writing too many chapters, he didn’t want to change it.

Now, that very justifiable reason had landed him in this awkward predicament.

The Deity explained that this world was the novel’s world, and Rayne was now “Rayne Lyle.” In simpler terms, he had become the ultimate villain boss, destined to be crushed to death by the main character.

Yup… literally his head would be crushed.

Of course, since he was still standing there talking to the Deity, the future wasn’t set in stone. Death might still be avoidable.

But here’s the kicker: the villainous “Rayne Lyle” wasn’t even human…

He was a zombie.

Rayne took a deep breath, steadying himself, and met the Deity’s gaze directly :“So… right now, am I human or... a zombie?”

The Deity froze. When it received the question, its gaze dropped, head lowering timidly: “Th-that… I… I don’t… know…”

The words were barely audible, shrinking even smaller with each hesitant pause. Just moments ago, it had exuded confidence in its boundless divine knowledge, yet now it seemed utterly unwilling to face Rayne directly.

Rayne simply exhaled: “Not knowing is fine.”

It was just being a zombie, he could face up with that problem…

Or could't he?

He had never been a zombie before, so he didn’t rush to conclusions. For now, he wanted to understand the Deity’s purpose: “Can you tell me why you saved me? What exactly do I need to do in this world?”

“Well…” The Deity began a long, convoluted explanation, but Rayne could distill it into a single, clear point:

He had to save the world.

It didn’t matter whether he did it personally or assisted others, the outcome was what counted. The process was irrelevant.

Easier said than done. Actually carrying it out? That was a whole different story.

Rayne began weighing the possibilities.

According to the Deity, because he had been brought into this world, a butterfly effect had occurred: the original “Rayne Lyle” in the novel had been erased in terms of identity. He wasn’t dead, but he existed under a different guise, no longer “Rayne Lyle.” Yet his role remained the same, ultimate villain boss, aiming to annihilate humanity in his zombie form, including the main character.

To save the world, Rayne had to eliminate him.

And because the original “Rayne Lyle” had been replaced by him, this new identity brought an additional complication regarding the main character.

In the novel, the story opens with the main character battling the ultimate villain. The MC loses, is killed by the villain, then revives thanks to a miraculous, retaining memories and resentment from the previous life, with the sole objective of killing the villain.

Given the cause-and-effect bridge, if the MC now revives, he will go after “Rayne Lyle”, and since Rayne is “Rayne Lyle,” that means he will be the target.

Of course, the death isn’t set in stone, but the MC’s hatred won’t waver. Therefore, whether Rayne can successfully complete the mission of saving the world remains uncertain.

Either he saves the world and then is killed by the MC,

or he is killed before saving the world.

The critical factor is the main character.

The MC is the foundation of this world, if he dies, the world collapses. Until the villain dies, this cannot change.

Simply put: defeating the villain isn’t enough, the main character must survive.

But the original “Rayne Lyle” would always target the MC, the MC would target him, and he would target the original “Rayne Lyle.” This vicious cycle determines who dies first, it’s impossible to predict.

“I-I have something to say…” The Deity, observing Rayne’s furrowed brow, offered a suggestion: “If it’s too difficult… why not team up with the MC to kill the villain? If the MC knows you’re not the one, he probably… probably won’t kill you… right?”

Rayne eyed the Deity suspiciously, blurting out: “How long have you been a Deity?”

“Today is my first day!” Came the innocent reply, tinged with pride.

Rayne said nothing, inwardly impressed. Of course it could be so straightforward on the first day.

Human resentment is unpredictable, and human nature cannot be tested.

He had created the main character, but that was theory on paper. In reality, he had no way of fully understanding him.

Rayne sighed. He truly had no solution in mind.

But even without one, he would still complete this mission.

He couldn’t repay a life saved with ingratitude. Moreover, he valued life greatly, having died and been given a second chance was truly precious.

Besides, this was his own creation, he had to save it. The people here were real, their lives real. Even as a zombie, even as humanity’s enemy, he would protect them.

Rayne looked at the tiny Deity and earnestly said: “No matter what it takes, I will complete the mission.”

Although it had only recently become a Deity, the child could still read the emotions in Rayne’s eyes. Its amber gaze brightened, a fierce determination igniting within it: “I’ll ask my master to give you the strongest weapon! You will surely succeed! I’ll tell my master right now!”

The Deity excitedly flew around him, its tiny hands constantly performing gestures, as if casting magic.

Its form began to fade, yet it happily circled Rayne.

Just as it was about to disappear completely, it suddenly remembered something, shouting: “Aaaa, I forgot, I can only manifest once! We won’t meet again! Remember… don’t die too soon! I can’t save you a second time! Remember…”

“Take care!”

The final words rang out as the Deity vanished entirely. The room, once filled with its high-pitched voice, fell into silence.

Its appearance was sudden, its departure even more so, the whole episode seemingly long yet fleeting.

Rayne couldn’t help but recall the Deity’s clumsy demeanor, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips: “Probably just an errand-running child. Its master must be the real Deity.”

The thought flickered but didn’t linger long.

Having understood everything, Rayne let his guard down and relaxed into a bath, freeing himself from the bloodstained clothes.

After changing and drying his hair, a soft knock sounded at the door.

Outside stood a young maid in uniform. Seeing him, she seemed tense, taking a few seconds to gather herself before speaking: “The master has returned, sir. Please… please come down for lunch.”

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