Chapter 167: Water
"This is perfect…" Shane muttered after seeing the descriptions of the two edible loots he had obtained from the Flesh Puker Zombie.
While the mushroom must be planted in hopes of spreading them and becoming their source of food, the Toxic Flesh Shard requires a higher level of processing in order to consume it. This Shard must be provided to Anna and let her process it.
"Alright… We're good to go." Shane said after confirming that they could no longer find any zombies or treasures in this abandoned mining site.
He should probably try on the next day to see if the zombies, including the Flesh Puker Zombie, would respawn in this cave again.
For now, he had to meet the members of the Eclipse Revenant outside the cave.
The elves also took a quick look at the surroundings and confirmed that everything was safe before they followed Shane.
Soon, Shane and his team emerged from the dimly lit cavern, their weapons still coated in the remnants of their hard-won battle.
As they stepped into the waning light of day, they were greeted by the sight of Lyra and Jaxon, members of the Eclipse Revenant, standing alongside Shinja, the formidable warlord who was sent by Shane to save the two from the Tyrant Zombies that lay lifeless behind them.
"Clan Leader! You've arrived at last…" Exclaimed Lyra, her relief was evident as she locked eyes with Shane, gratitude shining through her gaze.
"Ahh…"
Awestruck by the ethereal figures that stood behind Shane, Jaxon's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Wait... Are those Elves?" he stammered, his voice tinged with wonder at the sight of the enigmatic beings with their elegant features and otherworldly presence.
With their long ears, long hair, fair skin, and the aura they emit, he was sure that they weren't humans!
Shane couldn't help but smile after hearing this.
"I hadn't anticipated your swift arrival. It's good to see you both safe and sound." Shane remarked, his tone filled with genuine amity.
He also gave a nod of gratitude towards Shinja, who had saved the two.
In response to Jaxon's curious query, Shane explained, "Indeed, they are elves I summoned through a Recruitment Stone. But let me secure the spoils from these fallen Tyrant Zombies before we return to the estate."
After saying this, Shane turned towards the two Tyrant Zombies and started looting them…
[ You have earned 55 Experience Points. ]
[ Loots obtained: Item Upgrade Crystals x2, Zombie Cores x2, Bread x2, 100mL Tyrant Zombie Blood, Spirit Enhancement Bottle x1, Corrupted Hearthstone x1 ]
[ You have earned 55 Experience Points. ]
[ Loots obtained: Item Upgrade Crystals x2, Zombie Cores x2, Bread x2, 100mL Tyrant Zombie Blood, Spirit Enhancement Bottle x1, Corrupted Hearthstone x1 ]
"Right… I hope Anna can process these Hearthstones as well." Shane muttered after seeing the familiar loot items he obtained from the Tyrant Zombies.
***
Meanwhile, in the Springriver Manor, after Shane and his team left, Gene stood sentinel atop the watchtower while holding the crossbow in his hands, ready to shoot any intruders of their territory.
His gaze swept over the estate with practiced vigilance.
Below, at the clearing in front of the manor, Lucas was teaching the others how to wield the new weapons that Shane had brought from the auction.
"Now! Let me show you how this is done…"
His voice carried the weight of experience as he demonstrated the use of the Flamethrower after he taught them how to use the Grenade Launcher a while ago.
With a deft flick of the ignition, Lucas unleashed a torrent of flames upon a dummy in the clearing.
Whooosh~
The fire roared to life, consuming the target with a ferocity that left the onlookers in awe.
"This is incredible…"
"So hot!"
"Anyone would die from that!"
Leo, Mr. Wadsworth, Harper, and the others, including the prisoners, were in awe after seeing the Flamethrower in action.
The heat it radiated outwards was incredible, and they knew that it would quickly kill the zombies, especially if there was a horde of them…
They couldn't help but appreciate the power they now wielded against the undead.
Gene's attention then shifted as he heard the sound of hammering close by, noticing the progress on the third watchtower.
Eliot, alongside the Super Soldiers, was already halfway in the construction!
'That's fast… As expected of the Super Soldiers. They're reliable.' Gene thought as he couldn't help but smile, seeing how hardworking they all were.
The structure rose steadily as time passed. It would be a new sentinel that would stand guard over their growing sanctuary.
As Gene reached for his binoculars, intent on surveying the forest's edge, a sound unfamiliar yet welcome reached his ears—the rush of water.
'Flood?'
He paused, the binoculars forgotten, as the once-dry riverbed began to fill.
His eyes lit up as the water cascaded through the channel, clear and vibrant, heralding a change none had anticipated.
"W-what? Where did it come from?!" Gene was obviously not mad that water flowed to their dried river or canal…
Of course, he wasn't the only one who noticed this.
The estate burst into life at the sound.
Anna emerged from the infirmary, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Water," she whispered, the implications for health and hygiene already running through her mind.
Alexa, abandoned her kitchen, a broad smile spreading across her face. "Fresh water! Anna, can you check if it's clean? I'm thinkin of making soups, the stews… Oh! The possibilities!" she exclaimed, her culinary imagination ignited.
Mr. Wadsworth, the butler, adjusted his glasses, observing the river's revival with a dignified nod.
"As expected… It was really just a blocked waterway…" he remarked. "This will certainly ease the daily toils."
Eliot, the engineer, downed his tools and approached the river, his mind racing with plans for irrigation, power generation, and more.
"This changes everything," he said, his voice tinged with excitement.
The residents gathered, their faces alight with joy as the river flowed once more. Laughter and chatter filled the air, a moment of pure elation amidst the struggle for survival. They didn't know how or why the water had returned, but in that moment, it didn't matter.