I Got Reincarnated as a Zombie Girl-Chapter 380 - 376 – Night at the Cold Iron and the Shadows Watching

Chapter 380: Chapter 376 – Night at the Cold Iron and the Shadows Watching

Night fell over Ironvale faster than they had expected. The overcast sky that had blanketed the city all day now turned into a deep, starless black, illuminated only by small lamps hanging from street posts and oil lanterns glowing in front of every house door. Their light icy blue, faint purple, and warm yellow blended together, casting long, slowly dancing shadows across the wet stone sidewalks. The bustle of the central market began to fade as vendors closed their stalls one by one, rolling up canvas awnings and clearing wooden tables, though the lively noise hadn’t completely disappeared yet. From a tavern at the end of the street came the sound of an old guitar and hoarse laughter, while from the small workshops the final hammer strikes still echoed before the forges went dark.

Sylvia and Sofia walked back to the "Cold Iron" inn with quicker steps than they had used that morning. The night air felt piercingly cold, carrying the scent of burning wood smoke, grilled meat from roadside stalls, and the faint lingering smell of hot metal from the workshop alleys. Sofia pulled her black fur-lined raven cloak tighter around her body; the purple snowflake pendant at her neck glowed softly whenever the street lamps touched it.

"It’s colder tonight than I thought," Sofia murmured, shivering slightly. "But this city still feels so alive... even in the dark."

Sylvia didn’t speak much. Her glowing red eyes scanned the thinning crowd. The Chain of Abyss around her wrist gave a single faint tremor not a strong warning of immediate danger, but a subtle whisper reminding her that something was watching. The gray-robed figure she had glimpsed in the alley earlier that afternoon hadn’t reappeared, but Sylvia knew that person or people hadn’t gone far.

They reached the inn. Lira, the owner, was sweeping the front courtyard with a straw broom. She broke into a wide smile when she saw them.

"Back already, ladies? Your room is ready. There’s hot soup in the kitchen if you’d like some tonight."

"Thank you, Ma’am Lira," Sofia replied warmly. "We’ll head up first."

They climbed to the upper floor. Their room was simple but cozy: two thick feather mattresses on wooden frames, a small table with a candle that lit itself automatically when it grew dark, and a window overlooking the now-quieting market. Noir leaped from Sylvia’s shoulder onto the bed, curling up at the foot while letting out a low growl, as if claiming the spot.

Sofia immediately flopped onto one of the beds with a long sigh. "Today was exhausting... but fun. The market was so lively, and the people were really kind. I like Ironvale."

Sylvia sat by the window, gazing outside. The lamps along the street began flickering one by one, creating beautiful patterns of light that also concealed the shadows in the narrow alleys. She didn’t answer right away, but her hand briefly touched the Chain of Abyss. The chain felt cold, though its tremor had now stabilized.

"Did you see that robed man earlier?" Sofia asked quietly, looking at Sylvia’s back.

"Yes."

"Was he following us?"

"Maybe. Or maybe it wasn’t just one person."

Sofia sat up straight, her expression turning serious. "We need to be careful. But... try not to worry too much, okay? We’re in a busy city. Lots of people. And we have Noir."

Noir gave a soft growl of agreement, his red eyes flaring brighter for a moment before dimming again.

Sylvia gave a small nod. "We rest tonight. Tomorrow we decide whether to continue or stay."

Sofia offered a faint smile. "Alright. I trust you."

They prepared for bed. Sofia took off her cloak and pendant, placing them on the small table. Sylvia kept her black coat on, only removing her weapon belt and setting the newly repaired dagger beside the bed. Noir stayed at the foot of the bed, his small body curled up but eyes remaining half-open.

The night passed slowly. Outside, the city grew quieter; lamps went out one by one, the music from the tavern faded to a murmur, and the mountain wind blew colder through the window cracks. Sylvia didn’t sleep deeply; she sat leaning against the wall, alternating her gaze between the door and the window. The Chain of Abyss remained still, but she knew this calm was fragile.

Past midnight. Sofia slept soundly, her breathing even. Noir snored softly, though his ears stayed perked at every small sound from outside quiet footsteps on the sidewalk, the distant creak of a passing cart, or the rustle of dry leaves carried by the wind.

Sylvia closed her eyes for a moment, not sleeping, just resting. Her mind drifted to Nocturne: the towering black castle, the black rose garden blooming under mist, the distant sound of dwarf hammers from far-off forges. She thought of Alicia guarding the spirit perimeter, Stacia reading novels in the corner while watching spatial rifts. They were safe. The city was secure.

But here, in Ironvale, something was beginning to stir. Not a major threat not yet but small shadows that could not be ignored.

The next morning arrived with a sky still overcast but brighter than the day before. Faint light slipped through the window, bathing the small room in soft gray tones. Sofia woke first this time, stretching long before noticing Sylvia already sitting by the window, looking out.

"Morning, Sylvia... you didn’t sleep, did you?"

Sylvia shook her head slightly. "Enough rest."

Sofia smiled and got up. "What are we doing today? Heading north? Or staying here longer?"

Sylvia looked toward the snow-capped mountains rising in the distance. "We’ll see. Breakfast first."

They went downstairs to the dining area. Lira had already prepared breakfast: toasted bread with wild apple jam, boiled free-range eggs, and fragrant hot herbal tea. Noir sat on a small side table in the corner; his cat-sized form made Lira chuckle as she offered him a piece of bread.

"He’s so cute when he’s this small," Lira said. "The kids yesterday kept asking about him."

Sofia laughed. "He does love playing with children."

They ate slowly, chatting lightly with Lira about the city. The woman explained that Ironvale had grown busy after the fusion of the purple snow mountains provided rare s, the valleys below became fertile for harvests, and safe trails allowed smooth trade flow.

"But lately there have been some strange groups from the south," Lira said quietly, lowering her voice. "They call themselves artifact hunters. Not ordinary bandits, they’re organized, have good weapons, and like asking around about travelers with rare items... or rare creatures."

Sofia glanced at Sylvia. Sylvia didn’t overreact, only giving a small nod. "Thanks for the information, Ma’am."

Lira nodded. "Just be careful. Ironvale is safe, but not everyone here is a friend."

After breakfast, they returned to the room to prepare. Sofia put on the new cloak she bought yesterday a dark rainbow-woven fabric that was warm and light. The purple snowflake pendant glowed softly at her neck. Sylvia checked the repaired dagger; its blade was now flawless, the hilt glowing steadily.

"Where to today?" Sofia asked while tying her hair.

Sylvia looked out the window. "We walk around again. But this time more carefully. I want to find out who was following us yesterday."

Sofia nodded seriously. "Okay. But if nothing happens, let’s just enjoy the city, yeah? I still want to try that monster meat soup at the corner stall."

Sylvia gave a faint smile, her cold smile that carried warmth. "Alright."

They went downstairs again. With Noir on Sylvia’s shoulder, they headed back to the market, which was starting to get busy once more. Today was brighter despite the clouds; thin overcast allowed more light through, making the s at the stalls sparkle even more beautifully.

Sofia pulled Sylvia toward the food stall she had wanted since yesterday at the corner stall with the sign "Special Monster Meat Soup." The vendor, a middle-aged orc with yellow tusks and a thick leather apron, greeted them with a booming voice.

"Two special bowls? Young wyrm meat from the northern mountains, simmered with mountain spices and wild mushrooms. Hot and nutritious!" 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Sofia ordered immediately. "Two bowls! And extra bread, please!"

They sat at the long wooden table in front of the stall. The soup arrived in large clay bowls, the broth thick and dark brown, tender fatty chunks of young wyrm meat, strong mountain spice aroma mixed with fresh wild mushroom scent. Warm toasted bread was served on the side, crispy outside and soft inside.

Sofia took her first bite of meat, eyes widening. "This... is amazing! The meat doesn’t taste gamey at all, and the broth is so rich. Sylvia, try it!"

Sylvia took a wooden spoon and tasted slowly. The soup was indeed exceptional, the broth deep, the spices perfectly balanced, the young wyrm meat tender yet with that characteristic chewy texture. She gave a small nod. "Good."

They ate slowly, enjoying the food and the surrounding bustle. The neighboring vendor offered hot herbal drinks, children ran around with candies, and music from the tavern began drifting over again.

But amid the warmth, Sylvia felt the gaze once more. Not one person, two, maybe three. They didn’t approach, staying at the edges of the crowd: one near the cloth stall, one in a narrow alley, another on the rooftop of the building across the way. Gray robes, hoods pulled low, hands hidden in sleeves.

Sylvia didn’t overreact. She continued eating, but her hand rested on the dagger hilt at her waist. The Chain of Abyss gave a faint tremor this time clearer. Not an immediate threat, but a sign that someone was sizing them up.

Sofia sensed the tension. She lowered her spoon, voice soft. "They’re back, aren’t they?"

Sylvia nodded slightly. "Don’t panic. We finish eating, then head back to the inn. Tonight we decide."

Sofia nodded, trying to smile even though her eyes showed a hint of worry. They finished the soup calmly, paid with silver coins, and stood up.

As they walked back to the inn, those shadows followed at a safe distance. Not closing in, not attacking, just watching.

Sylvia briefly held Sofia’s hand a cold but reassuring touch. "Don’t worry. We’re safe."

Sofia squeezed back. "I trust you."

Night deepened in Ironvale. The lamps burned brighter, the market grew quiet, and the cold mountain wind blew stronger. Inside the "Cold Iron" inn, Sylvia and Sofia sat in their room, with Noir keeping watch at the window.