《earth blood and bones》 chapter 1 sky high was a university in the city of Chicago In a room in the boy''s dormitory at the University of Chicago, Ray who just got back from training Turn on the tv and go to take a shower ray in his early twenties with a height that could be described as average. His build was lean, suggesting an active lifestyle that had kept him in good shape. after a quick shower, look at the mirror Ray''s dark hair was neatly cropped, and his clean-shaven face bore no distinctive features, giving him a somewhat nondescript appearance. His skin had a light tan, suggesting he had spent time outdoors, possibly training or engaging in physical activities. he looks at his clothing and decided to wear wears his black t-shirt and blue jeans Whilst he finished dressing, ray quietly thought, ¡°another day¡± It was Monday, in the room, there were 3 other metal frame beds but only he was there now. The other roommates were out having fun or working. he was not like the other from the time he was young he was a brilliant student who was mature to his age and didn''t Socialize with others well, he did care about the so-called friends but no matter what he does he couldn''t connect with them what always Leave him alone ray who was preparing to go out to work as a tutor, to earn his living expenses and study look on the news "a report that had just arrived the connection with some small Villages is still lost because of the missing Satellite " Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ray thought [another Satellite won''t missing ,this is the fourth time this happen this month ] suddenly he see IN front of his eyes blue screen
"children of earth, let me tell you something all the stories that were told you about monsters and gods were true! we were bored and sent a representative of some of our troops to see what you would do with them, thousand years pass but you or your government didn''t do anything to stop them, some of them live in the oceans your forests or maybe next to you but you seem to not care so we sent vision to some of you in the history about our world an or army, some think what they see couldn''t be real and some even create movies from it ,so form now on, all these representative offerings from all these years rise and fight you, the gate of our troops open, I will put you all into System. Struggle! Struggle hard, become stronger, and use it to survive. Now, the countdown begins! 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... 0¡±
ray think [let''s say it all really happening, I should find me some weapons and food to survive, wait from this message their system that suppose to help me survive] Ray thinks about his states and it shows
Ray Ramirez: Male Level: 1 job: None Race : human Health: 90/90 Mana: 120/120 Stamina: 9/9 Strength: 13 Agility: 11 Defense: 10
Title: None
skills - 0
Ray was amazed by the Strange information that showed in his mind but he was not happy by that and think about what will happen in the future [their gonna by war] Chapter 2: Trial by Bones Ray stood there, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts, his newfound status screen lingering in his consciousness. The blue screen had disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving behind a sense of both excitement and foreboding. After a moment of contemplation, he decided that it was time to act. He had no idea what was happening or why, but the message had made one thing clear ¨C he needed to survive. The world around him seemed to have changed overnight, and he couldn''t afford to remain passive. His first thought was to secure supplies and some form of protection. With a determined stride, he left his dormitory, not knowing what he would encounter beyond its familiar confines. As Ray ventured further into the University of Chicago''s campus, he was met with an eerie silence. The once bustling academic institution now lay still and abandoned. The sky overhead seemed unnaturally dark, as if it were perpetually dusk when it was suppose to be noon. Ray''s thoughts were interrupted by a rustling sound coming from a nearby building. Cautiously, he approached, his heart pounding in his chest. Pushing open the door, he was met with a chilling sight ¨C four skeletal figures shuffling aimlessly in the hallway. These weren''t ordinary skeletons. They were grotesque and menacing, their bony forms adorned with remnants of tattered clothing and glowing blue eyes that radiated malevolence. Ray took a deep breath and calmed his racing heart. Surrendering to the situation, he let his instincts guide him. He observed the skeletons'' movements, their slow and lumbering nature. He realized that he had the advantage in terms of agility and speed. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. With calculated precision, Ray made his move. He rushed towards the nearest skeleton, his fist connecting with its bony frame. With a mighty punch, he shattered its ribcage, sending bone fragments flying. In a quick and fluid motion, Ray grabbed another skeleton and spun it around, using it as a makeshift weapon to knock down the third skeleton. The two of them crashed to the ground in a heap of bones. With only one skeleton left standing, Ray seized the opportunity. He dashed toward it, landing a series of powerful blows. Punch after punch, he relentlessly attacked until the last remaining skeleton collapsed in a heap. Now, only a sense of accomplishment filled the hallway. Ray had not only survived his first encounter with the bizarre creatures that now roamed the world but had also disposed of them with a combination of cunning and brute force. As he caught his breath, a message appeared in his mind.
[System Message] Experience Gained: +40 Congratulations! You are the 99th person to defeat a monster! because of it you gain the title " one from the hundred " and one Random Unique skill Random Unique skill selected Bone Control
Ray couldn''t contain his excitement. He had not only survived but had emerged victorious. He also gained a valuable skill, "Bone Control," which he was eager to explore. With newfound determination, he continued his journey through the transformed campus, knowing that he had taken his first steps toward becoming stronger in this strange, new reality. Chapter 3: The Hundredth Survivor Ray continued to navigate the eerily quiet campus of the University of Chicago, his mind racing with questions about the changes that happen to the world . He had defeated a group of skeletal creatures with newfound strength and had acquired the intriguing skill, "Bone Control." But there was so much more to discover, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that he was just scratching the surface. As he explored one of the classroom buildings, he entered a dimly lit lecture hall. To his surprise, he found another survivor huddled in the corner, a young woman who he know before named Selene. She appeared to be in her early twenties, with long, chestnut hair that fell to her mid-back She wore a fitted black T-shirt that showed off her normal figure and an olive-green jacket ray look at her and see the exhaustion in her eyes. Ray approached Selene cautiously, not wanting to startle her. "Are you okay?" he asked gently. Selene looked up, startled at first, but then relief washed over her face as she realized he meant no harm. "I think so," she replied shakily. "I''ve been hiding here since... since everything changed. I don''t know what''s going on." Ray nodded in understanding. "I''m in the same boat. My name''s Ray. We''ll figure this out together." Selene introduced herself, and the two survivors began to share their experiences. It became clear that they were not alone in this new reality and that others had also received the mysterious message. While they talked, Ray couldn''t help but think about the status screen that had appeared in his mind earlier. He had a hunch that there was more to it than he initially realized. Closing his eyes and concentrating, he thought about his status.
Ray Ramirez: Male Level: 1 job: None Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Race : human Health: 110/110 Mana: 140/140 Stamina: 10/11 Strength: 15 Agility: 13 Defense: 12
Title: one from the hundred
skills - 1 Bone Control (Unique ) LV 1: the ability to manipulate and control bones within own body use Mana
Seeing his current status, Ray felt a surge of determination. However, he also remembered the message he had just received. He wondered, What does it mean that I''m ''One from the Hundred''? Ray concentrated on this thought, hoping to gain more insight:
Title : One from the Hundred You are one from the hundred people who killed monster first Stats Increased: +2 Strength, +2 Agility, +2 Health, +2 Stamina, +2 Mana, +2 Endurance
Ray''s eyes widened as he absorbed the significance of his new title. this is very interesting the Increase in Stats is good and the skill I gain maybe I should try using it He took a deep breath, focusing his thoughts on his own body''s bones. With a sense of concentration and purpose, he willed his own skeletal structure to respond to his command. It was an odd sensation, as if an invisible force was at work, connecting him to his own bones. To their amazement, Ray''s own bones began to respond. His fingers elongated, forming crude bone claws that extended from his hands. Selene''s eyes widened in awe as she watched the transformation. "You can control your own bones?" Ray nodded, a mix of excitement and curiosity coursing through him. "It seems so. At least for now, I can manipulate my own bones. I''ll need to explore this skill further to see what else it can do." with other thought the bone on his hand return to his hand With newfound power, Ray and Selene decided to leave the classroom and venture further into the transformed world. They knew there was much more to discover, and they were determined to unravel the mysteries of this new reality together. Chapter 4: Level Up Ray''s and Selene continued their exploration of the new world, they suddenly found themselves facing yet another threat. Two skeletal creatures emerged from the shadows, their glowing blue eyes fixated on the intruders. Ray''s heart raced, and his instincts kicked in. He didn''t hesitate to summon his bone claws, ready to defend himself and Selene. The battle was fierce, and the eerie sounds of bone-on-bone echoed through the silent campus. With precise strikes and agile movements, he engaged the skeletal creatures, The battle was intense, Ray got two scratches one on his hand and one on his stomach but Ray''s newfound skills and allowed him to smash and defeat the skeletal foes. As the last one crumbled into a pile of bones, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. With this victory, Ray felt a surge of energy, and a message appeared in his mind:
System Message Experience Gained: +20 Level Up! Two Stat Points Awarded
He immediately allocated both of his newly acquired stat points to Agility, further enhancing his nimbleness and combat prowess. Ray decided to take a moment to check his stats. He knew that understanding his current abilities was crucial in this transformed world. With a focused mind, Ray summoned his status screen:
Ray Ramirez: Male Level: 2 job: None Race : human Health: 11 = 92/110 Mana: 14 = 112/140 Stamina: 10/11 Strength: 15 Agility: 13 Endurance: 12
Title: one from the hundred
skills - 1 Bone Control (Unique ) LV 1: the ability to manipulate and control bones within own body use Mana This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Bone claw =grow deadly bone from your hand to claw, use 2 Mana every second
Ray notice a slight decrease in his Health. He took a moment to reflect on their recent battle with the skeletal creatures and realized the source of the issue. "Selene," Ray said, his brow furrowing, "I think my Health has decreased. It''s probably from those two scratches I got during our battle ¨C one on my hand and one on my stomach." Selene examined the injuries, concern in her eyes. "We should be more careful in combat. We don''t know how this world works, and injuries might have consequences we don''t understand." Ray node and keep going with Selene Ray noticed something unusual nearby ¨C a bronze chest hidden beneath a pile of debris. It seemed out of place in this transformed world, and his curiosity was piqued. "Selene, look at that," Ray said, pointing to the chest. "Should we check what''s inside?" Selene nodded, her own curiosity matching his. Together, they approached the chest, and Ray carefully inspected it. It seemed old and weathered, as if it had been there for a long time. With a sense of anticipation, Ray tried to open the chest. To his surprise, it creaked open, revealing its contents. Inside, he found two intriguing items:
  1. Eye of Appraisal Skill Book: This skill book had a bronze cover, and its title was embossed in faded gold letters. Ray quickly scanned the description. "Can discern the information of monsters and item up to 5 levels higher," he read aloud.
  2. Fireball Skill Book: The second skill book appeared more worn, with pages yellowed by age. Ray carefully examined it and discovered that it contained the "Fireball" skill, categorized as a basic rank.
Ray considered the significance of these skill books. "The ''Eye of Appraisal'' skill could help us gather information about monsters and potential threats. And the ''Fireball'' skill might be useful for combat." He turned to Selene, offering her the "Fireball" skill book. "Selene, I think you should have this. It might help you protect yourself." Selene accepted the skill book with gratitude, recognizing the importance of having a means to defend herself in this new and dangerous world. Ray carefully opened the "Eye of Appraisal" skill book. Its pages were filled with cryptic symbols and diagrams, but as he concentrated on the text, he felt a rush of knowledge entering his mind.
[Skill Acquired] Skill Name: Eye of Appraisal Skill Type: Active Description: Can discern the information of monsters and items up to 5 levels higher.
ray and Selene who were holding the skill book were surprise to find that the skill book diapered, " so after you learn from a skill book it will disappear" ray thought , Selene''s As a nursing student skillfully bandaged Ray''s wounds, her gentle touch providing not only physical relief but also a sense of comfort in the midst of uncertainty. Just as Selene finished dressing Ray''s wounds, a sudden scream pierced the air. Ray''s instincts kicked in and ray knew he had to act fast, He summoned his bone claw, the bony appendage extending from his hand, and activated his newfound skill, "Eye of Appraisal," focusing it on the nearest source of the disturbance.
skeleton lv 1
Without hesitation, Ray charged toward the skeletal creature, he aim his claw on the neck of the creature and crush it bone
kill skeleton lv 1 gain 10 exp
ray mind get the new message that it gain a exp but the timing was not good before he can dismiss the message sharp sense of pain hit him on his back Chapter 5: Unlikely Encounters winced in pain, ray turned to see the source of his discomfort. There nestled among the debris, was a small creature that resembled a frog, albeit with some unsettling differences. It was no ordinary frog; its bulging eyes held an unnatural glow, and its skin seemed to shimmer with an eerie hue. Ray quickly activated his "Eye of Appraisal" skill, focusing his newfound ability on the creature. The information materialized in his mind, revealing its name:
Lesser Frog Lv 2
It was a startling revelation ¨C there were more than just skeletal creatures lurking in the University. Before Ray could react, Selene, ever watchful and quick-thinking, had already assessed the situation. She recognized the danger and unleashed her recently acquired skill, "Fireball." A sphere of flame, half a meter in diameter, erupted from her outstretched hand and hurtled toward the lesser frog. The fiery projectile struck its target with deadly accuracy, engulfing the creature in flames. But the force of the fireball''s impact also affected the skeleton standing beside the unfortunate frog, reducing it to a pile of charred bones. As the flames subsided and the threat was neutralized, They knew they couldn''t afford to lower their guard. Ray''s attention was then drawn to a different kind of disturbance. From a nearby room, the echoes of a scream reached his ears. Instinctively, he peered inside and saw four figures huddled together. Two men and two women, all looking just as bewildered and terrified as Ray and Selene . His heart skipped a beat when he recognized one of the men among them. It was Mr. Ron, their English teacher. The familiarity of a face from their previous life in the University brought a mixture of relief and concern. "Mr. Ron!" Ray called out, rushing into the room with Selene close behind. The English teacher turned to face them, his eyes widening in disbelief and relief. "Ray? Selene? Is that really you?" Ray nodded, his voice filled with urgency. "Yes, it''s us. Are you okay? What''s going on here?" Mr. Ron''s graying hair, which was usually well-groomed, had fallen into slight disarray. His salt-and-pepper hair framed a face that displayed a mix of determination and uncertainty. His eyes, a calm shade of hazel ,Mr. Ron''s expression darkened as he glanced around the room. "I wish I had answers, but I''m as clueless as you are. One moment, I was in the middle of a lecture, and the next...this." Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The other students huddled with Mr. Ron looked equally bewildered. They had been plucked from their normal lives and thrust into this bizarre and perilous reality. "We need to stick together," Ray said, his determination unwavering. "We have some skills that might help us survive, but we still don''t know what we''re up against." Mr. Ron and the other students nodded in agreement. The familiarity of their English teacher provided a glimmer of hope and reassurance amidst the chaos. Ray knew that they were all in this together, Ray''s mind raced as he remembered something important. "Selene," he said, turning to his companion, "how many times can you use your ''Fireball'' skill?" Selene paused for a moment, contemplating her answer. "I can use it two more times," she replied. Ray nodded, a plan forming in his mind. He understood the significance of their limited skill usage in this perilous world. It was essential to use their abilities wisely and conserve their resources. With that in mind, Ray decided to check his status.. He focused his thoughts, summoning his status screen:
Ray Ramirez: Male Level: 2 job: None Race : human Health: 62/110 (slightly bleeding lose 1 every hour) Mana: 100/140 Stamina: 10/11 Strength: 15 Agility: 13 Defense: 12
Title: one from the hundred
skills - 1 Bone Control (Unique ) LV 1: the ability to manipulate and control bones within own body use Mana Bone claw =grow deadly bone from your hand to claw, use 2 Mana every second
"It looks like I''m pretty injured," Ray admitted, addressing the group. He realized that his Vitality had further decreased due to their recent battles and his injuries. The strain on his Spirit and Stamina was also evident. He continued, "Let''s block the door for now and rest for an hour to gather our strength. We need to be at our best to face whatever challenges come our way." The others in the room nodded in agreement, recognizing the wisdom in Ray''s suggestion. They gathered whatever furniture and debris they could find to barricade the door, creating a makeshift barrier to buy them some time and security ,meanwhile Selene Bange his new injure . Chapter 6: Battle Amidst the Shadows As two hours passed in their barricaded sanctuary, the atmosphere grew heavier with unease. Distant screams echoed intermittently through the air, keeping everyone on edge. Dante leaned against the wall, inspecting the injuries he¡¯d sustained during their earlier encounters. Though Selene¡¯s skilled care had stopped the bleeding, his health was far from optimal. He could feel the strain in his body, a nagging reminder that a full recovery was still hours away. Selene approached him quietly, her sharp eyes softening with concern. She handed him a candy bar she had salvaged from their supplies. ¡°Dante ,¡± she asked gently, ¡°how are you holding up?¡± Dante unwrapped the candy bar, taking a grateful bite. ¡°Better, thanks to you,¡± he said. ¡°But I¡¯ll need at least ten hours to heal completely, and I don¡¯t think we have that kind of time.¡± Selene was about to respond when a deep, guttural roar echoed from outside. The sound was unlike anything they¡¯d heard before, primal and menacing. It sent a chill through the room, freezing everyone in place. Dante expression darkened. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time. Whatever¡¯s out there¡ªit¡¯s big, and it¡¯s coming.¡± Mr. Ron, their English teacher, stepped forward, his usually composed demeanor laced with urgency. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here indefinitely,¡± he said. ¡°We need to find a way out and figure out what¡¯s going on. Hiding won¡¯t keep us safe.¡± The group murmured in agreement. Dante stood, glancing around the room. ¡°We need to move together. Does anyone know a potential safe place nearby?¡± Lisa, one of the students, hesitated before speaking up. ¡°There¡¯s a military camp not far from here. If we can get to it, we might find safety.¡± Selene frowned, voicing what everyone was thinking. ¡°Even if the camp is safe, the path there might not be. We¡¯ve already faced monsters just getting here.¡± Dante nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll prepare for the worst. Everyone, gather your things.¡± As they began packing their meager supplies, the sound of shattering glass pierced the air. All eyes snapped to the window as two grotesque creatures leaped into the room. The creatures resembled frogs, but their warped forms made them unrecognizable. Bulging, glowing eyes stared at the group, and their slick, mottled skin gleamed in the dim light. ¡°Lesser Frogs,¡± Dante muttered, activating his Eye of Appraisal.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
Lesser Frog Lv 2
The creatures lashed out with their tongues, grotesque appendages that stretched over two meters and cracked through the air like whips. ¡°Everyone, back away from the windows!¡± Dante shouted. He lunged forward, summoning his bone claw. One tongue shot toward him, but he intercepted it mid-strike, gripping the slimy appendage tightly. A second tongue lashed out at another student who hadn¡¯t moved quickly enough. The student cried out in pain as the tongue struck his eye, leaving a bloody gash. ¡°Selene, check on him! Mr. Ron, grab something to fight with!¡± Dante ordered. Selene rushed to the injured student, her hands steady despite the chaos. Mr. Ron grabbed a wooden chair, standing ready. Dante gritted his teeth as the tongue in his grasp writhed, straining against him with unnatural strength. With his free hand, he formed another bone claw and sliced through the tongue, severing it completely. The first frog screeched in pain, recoiling. Dante didn¡¯t waste a moment. He lunged forward and drove his claw into its skull, silencing it with a decisive blow. The second frog, undeterred by its companion¡¯s fate, leaped at Dante with a guttural croak. Its tongue lashed out, aiming for his chest. Before it could strike, Mr. Ron hurled the chair he was holding. The wooden projectile hit the frog mid-air, knocking it off course and sending it sprawling. ¡°Nice shot!¡± Dante called, seizing the opening. He leaped toward the fallen creature, his bone claw aimed for its head. The strike landed true, piercing the frog¡¯s skull and ending its life. The room fell silent save for the heavy breathing of the group.
System Message Experience Gained: +40 Level Up! Two Stat Points Awarded
Dante stood, panting as the adrenaline began to fade. ¡°Everyone okay?¡± Selene looked up from the injured student, her expression grim. ¡°He¡¯ll live, but his eye¡­ it¡¯s bad.¡± Dante clenched his fists. He focused on the system message, deciding how to allocate his new stat points. Dante thoughts on his Health stat, the stat that determined his physical resilience and overall endurance. He knew that by increasing this attribute, he would be better equipped to withstand the harsh challenges of their transformed reality.
Stat Allocation: +2 to Health
As he made this choice, he could feel a subtle but significant change within himself, As he flexed his muscles and moved his body, Dante could tell that his enhanced Health was making a noticeable difference. His wounds, though far from forgotten, no longer hindered him as they once had. It was a small victory in the grand scheme of things, but a victory nonetheless. Chapter 7: Uniting Powers The group left the safety of their temporary sanctuary behind, stepping cautiously into the transformed world. Dante took the lead, his role as both leader and frontline fighter now firmly established. His bone claws remained at the ready, a physical reminder of the responsibility he carried. Behind him, Selene walked with quiet determination, her fireball skill primed to defend the group if needed. The others followed, each contributing in their way¡ªone student supported the injured, while Mr. Ron and another student carried chairs they had salvaged, makeshift weapons in case of sudden danger. As they moved through the university campus, the eerie silence pressed in around them. Buildings that once bustled with life now stood as hollowed shells, foreboding and alien in the transformed reality. Every step felt heavy with the weight of the unknown. Selene leveled up after their previous battle and had wisely allocated her stat points to Mana. She knew the importance of being able to cast more fireballs in the battles to come.
Selene Everhart: Female Level: 2 job: None Race : human Health: 90/90 Mana: 50/110 Stamina: 7/8 Strength: 6 Agility: 7 Defense: 7
Title: none
Skills:1 Fireball (Basic) LV 1: Casts a fireball using 30 Mana.
Their journey brought them to an intersection, where they faced a choice of directions. Dante knew that every decision they made could have life-altering consequences in this transformed world. The group huddled together to discuss their options.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Just as they were deliberating, another group of survivors emerged from a nearby building. This group consisted of three students who had clearly adapted to this new reality with skill and teamwork.
  1. Natalie Rodriguez: A young woman with a strong and athletic build, Natalie had been a dedicated member of the university''s fencing club before the transformation. Her piercing blue eyes and short, blonde hair framed a determined and focused face. She carried a fencing sword, moving with the precision and grace of a seasoned fencer.
  2. Jake Anderson: Jake was a tall and burly guy with a rugged appearance. He had played club sports like rugby and had a stocky build to match. His dark, messy hair and perpetually scruffy beard gave him a somewhat disheveled look. Armed with a wooden club, he swung it with a raw, unrefined power that was surprisingly effective.
  3. Sarah Chen: Sarah was a petite and agile student, known for her nimbleness even before the transformation. Her long, black hair was tied back in a practical ponytail, allowing her to move freely. She had a mop from the janitor''s closet, an unconventional choice for a weapon, but she wielded it with surprising dexterity. Her quick thinking often helped blindside their enemies.
The trio approached, and after a tense moment, both groups recognized the opportunity for collaboration. Before they could speak to each other , a lesser frog leaped from the shadows. Its grotesque form and glowing eyes sent a ripple of alarm through the group. Its long, slimy tongue snapped toward Natalie, who was momentarily caught off guard. Selene reacted instantly. With one remaining fireball in her arsenal, she summoned her Mana and cast the spell. The blazing projectile streaked through the air, striking the frog mid-attack. The creature screeched in pain, its tongue recoiling as it crumpled to the ground. Natalie turned to Selene, her expression a mix of gratitude and respect. ¡°Thanks for the save. I owe you one.¡± Jake whistled, impressed. ¡°You can throw fireballs? That¡¯s incredible.¡± Selene, modest as ever, nodded and explained her skill. She shared the story of how she and Ray had found the chest with the two skill books, unlocking their unique abilities. Dante , not wanting to be outdone, stepped forward. ¡°Let me show you something,¡± he said. He summoned his bone claws, the sharp appendages extending from his hands. With a swift motion, he raked them across a nearby wall, sending chunks of stone crumbling to the ground. Natalie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°Impressive. It seems I¡¯m not the only one from the Hundred here.¡± The group exchanged puzzled glances, the term unfamiliar to most of them. But Dante understood. He remembered his One from the Hundred title and its stat bonuses. Natalie¡¯s words suggested she bore the same title, further solidifying her role as a skilled survivor. Jake¡¯s eyes lit up as he remembered something. ¡°Guys, I have a minivan parked in the lot. If we can get to it, we might have a chance to drive out of here.¡± Sarah looked skeptical. ¡°Will all of us fit in a minivan?¡± ¡°It¡¯ll be tight, but it¡¯s better than staying here,¡± Jake replied. ¡°We can¡¯t risk waiting for whatever else is out there.¡± Dante nodded decisively. ¡°We head for the minivan. Stay close, stay alert, and be ready for anything.¡± Chapter 8: Forging Bonds of three Natalie had always been passionate about fencing. The graceful movements, the clash of blades, and the discipline it demanded were her sanctuary from the pressures of everyday life. On the university campus, she often spent hours perfecting her form, each thrust and parry a testament to her dedication. That day was no different. She stood alone on the training grounds, sunlight filtering through the trees as she practiced her routine. The familiar sounds of students chatting and moving through campus provided a comforting backdrop. Then everything changed. The air turned cold, and an eerie silence blanketed the campus. Natalie froze, her grip on her fencing sword tightening as a strange pressure settled over her chest. A blood-curdling scream pierced the air, shattering the quiet and sending her heart racing. From the shadows of a nearby door, a goblin emerged¡ªa creature Natalie had only seen in fantasy games. It was small but menacing, its greenish-gray skin taut over wiry muscles. Sharp teeth gleamed as it snarled, and it clutched a jagged dagger that glinted in the dim light. Her pulse quickened, but years of training pushed the fear aside. The goblin lunged at her with surprising speed, its dagger aimed at her chest. Natalie sidestepped instinctively, her blade flashing as she countered. With a clean strike, she slashed across its chest. The goblin screeched, stumbling backward before collapsing to the ground, lifeless. Natalie stood motionless, her breath heavy as adrenaline surged through her veins. Then, a strange message appeared in her mind.
[System Message] Experience Gained: +10 Congratulations! You are the 81st person to defeat a monster. Reward: Title: One from the Hundred Unique Skill: Swordmaster¡¯s Memory
Natalie¡¯s eyes widened as she read the text. ¡°Interesting,¡± she murmured, gripping her sword tighter. ¡°It feels like a game. Maybe I can see my status screen.¡± She concentrated, focusing her thoughts on the desire to view her stats. A translucent screen materialized in her mind.
Natalie Stone: Female Level: 1 The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.job: None Race : human Health: 100./100 Mana: 100/100 Stamina: 10/11 Strength: 11 Agility: 14 Defense: 11
Title: one from the hundred
Skills - 1 Swordmaster''s Memory (Unique) LV 1: can tap into the memories and experiences of all the swordsmen who have wielded the sword she holds before her.
¡°Swordmaster¡¯s Memory,¡± Natalie mused, gripping her weapon. ¡°I wonder how far this will take me.¡± Natalie¡¯s sharp ears caught the sounds of combat nearby¡ªshouts and the guttural growls of goblins. She ran toward the noise, finding a burly man locked in battle with three goblins. Armed with a wooden club, he swung with raw power, but his movements lacked finesse. Natalie didn¡¯t hesitate. She charged into the fray, her fencing sword flashing in the dim light. Her blade struck the nearest goblin, cutting through its defenses with precision. The man, emboldened by her presence, swung his club with renewed vigor, smashing another goblin¡¯s skull. Together, they dispatched the final foe, leaving the ground littered with greenish-gray corpses. Panting, the man turned to her. ¡°Thanks for the help. I thought I was a goner.¡± Natalie offered a small smile, extending a hand. ¡°Natalie. And you are?¡± ¡°Jack,¡± he replied, shaking her hand. ¡°Been looking for other survivors. Glad I found you.¡± Their path led them to the edge of campus, where they cautiously entered an abandoned classroom. Inside, they found another survivor¡ªa petite young woman crouched near a desk, her long black hair tied in a ponytail. The woman looked up, wary but hopeful. ¡°Hi,¡± Natalie said, lowering her sword slightly. The woman nodded, standing. ¡°I¡¯m Sarah. I thought I was alone here.¡± Sarah scanned the room, her eyes landing on a mop leaning against the wall. She picked it up, testing its weight. Though unconventional, it was sturdy and familiar in her hands. ¡°This might come in handy,¡± Sarah said, giving it an experimental twirl. Jack chuckled, hefting his club. ¡°Better than nothing, right?¡± Their conversation was cut short by a guttural snarl from outside. The scraping of claws against the walls made the trio tense. ¡°They¡¯re coming,¡± Jack said, gripping his club tightly. Natalie raised her sword, her expression steely. ¡°Stay calm. We can handle this.¡± Sarah positioned herself behind the others, her mop held defensively. Though her weapon was unusual, her determination was evident. The first goblin burst through the doorway, dagger raised. Natalie met it head-on, her sword slicing cleanly through its arm. The creature howled, staggering backward. Jack followed up with a crushing blow to its skull. Two more goblins rushed in, their sharp teeth bared in feral grins. Sarah stepped forward, jabbing her mop into the lead goblin¡¯s stomach with surprising force. The creature doubled over, giving Natalie the opening to end it with a precise slash to the neck. The final goblin lunged at Jack, but he sidestepped, swinging his club in a powerful arc that sent the creature sprawling. Before it could recover, Natalie¡¯s blade found its mark, silencing it.
The three stood in the aftermath of the fight, breathing heavily. Natalie lowered her sword, a small smile breaking through her grim expression. ¡°We make a good team.¡± Jack grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. ¡°We¡¯re not dead. I¡¯ll take that as a win.¡± chapter 9 : zombie in the university Dante led the way, his eyes constantly scanning for threats. They had faced goblins and lesser frogs, but something told him the worst was yet to come. His instincts were soon proven correct. Emerging from behind a cluster of overturned desks was a figure that made the entire group freeze in their tracks. Its decayed flesh hung loosely on its frame, and its lifeless, milky eyes stared blankly ahead. A guttural moan escaped its cracked lips as it shuffled forward, dragging one leg behind it. Dante activated Eye of Appraisal, the system responding instantly. The group encountered their first zombie. The creature''s presence sent a shiver down their spines, and they instinctively prepared for a confrontation. Dante, always vigilant, took the lead and activated his skill, Eye of Appraisal, to gather information about this new threat.
zombie lv 5
Dante wasted no time. He swiftly formed a Bone Claw and lunged at the zombie, aiming for its stomach with a precise strike. The zombie let out a guttural moan as Dante''s bone claw pierced its decaying flesh. The creature groaned in response, its arms flailing wildly as it tried to grab Dante. Natalie stepped in next, her fencing sword flashing as she aimed for the zombie¡¯s head. With precision born from her training and her Swordmaster¡¯s Memory skill, she thrust her blade into the creature¡¯s eye. The zombie let out a final grotesque moan before collapsing into a heap¡ªand then, to everyone¡¯s astonishment, it vanished into thin air. In its place lay a small vial filled with a glowing red liquid. Dante bent down to retrieve the vial and activated Eye of Appraisal once more.
[System Message] Health Potion (Small)
¡°A health potion,¡± Dante said, holding it up for the group to see. Before he could process the implications, another system message appeared in his mind.
[System Message] Level Up! Level Up! Congratulations! You have reached Level 5. four Stat Points Awarded.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Dante''s level-up brought a sense of accomplishment, but there was little time for celebration. The group gathered around to discuss what to do with the health potion they had found. After a brief debate, they decided to give it to the injured student who had been struck in the eye during the earlier encounter with the lesser frogs. The student, in considerable pain, accepted the potion with a trembling hand. He drank it with difficulty, and as the red liquid flowed down his throat, a warm, soothing sensation enveloped him. A red glow surrounded the student, and he gasped in surprise as the pain in his injured eye gradually faded away. The healing properties of the potion worked their magic, mending the damage inflicted by the frog''s tongue. The group observed the partially healed student with a mixture of relief and curiosity. While the potion hadn''t completely healed his wound, the fact that he could now walk and fight again was a significant improvement. It gave them hope that there might be other useful items and abilities hidden in this new world. ¡°Like in those video games we used to play,¡± Jack said with a grin. ¡°Sometimes, monsters drop useful stuff. Weapons, armor, potions¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªAnd sometimes they drop nothing,¡± Selene interjected, her tone pragmatic. Dante nodded thoughtfully. ¡°The drop rates must be low. I¡¯ve killed at least ten monsters so far, but this is the first time I¡¯ve found anything useful.¡± With their observations and theories shared, the group decided to allocate their newly acquired stat points. Dante took the lead once more and made his choices, increasing his Health and Mana. He knew that having a strong body and more Mana energy would be essential for the battles to come.
Dante Creed: Male Level: 5 job: None Race : human Health: 111/150 Mana: 110/160 Stamina: 8/11 Strength: 15 Agility: 13 Defense: 12
Title: one from the hundred
skills - 2 Bone Control (Unique ) LV 1: the ability to manipulate and control bones within own body use Mana Bone claw = grow deadly bone from your hand to claw , use 2 Mana every second Eye of Appraisal (Unique) LV 1: Can discern the information of monsters and items up to 5 levels higher.
Dante turned to the group and raised an important question, "What level is each of us at now?" He was curious to know how they were progressing in this new world and whether their levels could provide them with an advantage against the growing threats. Natalie was the first to respond, "I''m at Level 4. My skill, Swordmaster''s Memory, has been quite handy in combat." Jack chimed in, "I''m also at Level 3. No unique skills for me, though. Just good old-fashioned brawn and the ability to swing a club." Sarah, who had recently joined them, hesitated for a moment. "I''m Level 2," she admitted, feeling slightly self-conscious about her lower level compared to the others. Selene, who had been diligently casting fireballs, revealed, "I''ve reached Level 4. The Fireball skill has been a real lifesaver." The others were close to leveling up chapter 10 - battle at the parking lot The university''s parking lot stretched out before them, a vast expanse of cracked pavement and empty cars, shrouded in the eerie glow of the transformed world. The group of survivors had made their way here, drawn by the need to find supplies and answers, but they were not alone. A horde of skeletal creatures had gathered in the parking lot. There were more of them than the group had ever faced before, and their numbers seemed overwhelming and increasing. The clash began with a deafening roar as the skeletons closed in. Dante''s bone claws slashed through the air, striking down the approaching foes. The others fought alongside him, their makeshift weapons finding their marks. Natalie''s swordsmanship, honed by the memories of past swordsmen, proved invaluable as she danced through the skeletal ranks while stabing and slashing their head. Jack¡¯s brute strength was on full display as he swung his club with reckless abandon, smashing through ribs and skulls alike. Sarah wielded her mop with surprising dexterity, jabbing and sweeping to knock enemies off balance. As the battle raged on, Dante experience in combat showed. His movements were precise, and his bone claws struck with deadly accuracy. With each skeletal creature he defeated, he gained valuable experience points.
[System Message] Experience Gained: +60 Level Up! Two Stat Points Awarded
Dante''s level increased to 6 he allocated his two stat points, increasing his Stamina and Health, He needed to be able to fight longer and withstand the relentless onslaught of the skeletal horde. not long after Dante level up once again the other people in group also level up allocated their two stat points, The battle against the skeletal horde continued for about 15 grueling minutes, pushing everyone to their limits. there were fifty corpses of monsters laying down Dante , fell to one knee as he caught his breath his stamina was low from all the fighting. He glanced around to see how his friends, relief washing over him as he saw that everyone had made it through the fight. However, their respite was short-lived. Just minutes after Dante had regained his composure and risen to his feet, he was about to check on his friends when he noticed three figures in the distance that appeared to be zombies. He quickly activated his skill, Eye of Appraisal, to gather information about them. Three different names appeared , giant zombie, speed zombie, and leader zombie. Before Dante could warn the others to be cautious, one of the figures vanished into thin air. It was too late. A student who had been resting suddenly found himself impaled by a long claw in his stomach As the speed zombie shook its claw, the lifeless body of the unfortunate student fell to the ground with a sickening thud. Panic and fear rippled through the group as they witnessed the brutal attack.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. The speed zombie, having claimed its victim, now turned its malevolent gaze toward Selene. Her spirit energy was dangerously low after the earlier battle, leaving her vulnerable. Dante heart raced as he assessed the situation, realizing that he couldn''t reach Selene in time to stop the imminent attack. Desperation and determination filled his mind. An idea flickered, drawing inspiration from anime characters he had seen in the past. He knew that sometimes, extraordinary circumstances required extraordinary actions. Dante took a deep breath and focused his mana energy to his bone finger
Bone Control skill leveling up.
Dante aim his finger at the speed zombie pushing his mana with his bone control on and shoot at the menacing speed zombie his finger bones move like a bullet and unleashed a two bone bullets. The bone bullets shot forth with incredible speed, creating a loud sound as they were fired. They traveled through the air with a spinning motion, converging on the chest of the speed zombie. Dante unconventional attack struck true, hitting the zombie squarely in the chest. Seizing the opportunity, Sarah sprang into action. With her mop in hand, she lunged at the incapacitated speed zombie and forcefully shoved the mop handle into its open mouth, preventing it from making any noise or biting down. Meanwhile, Jack swung his club with all his might, targeting the zombie''s head. His blow landed with a sickening thud, and the speed zombie crumpled to the ground, its movements growing feeble. The group wasn''t finished yet. Selene, having recovered some of her spirit energy, unleashed a fireball that struck the zombie''s head, engulfing it in flames. The smell of burning flesh filled the air as the speed zombie''s body writhed and spasmed in its final moments. As the speed zombie''s lifeless body lay smoldering on the ground, the group experienced a collective surge of power. Each of them had leveled up. The remaining two zombies, their decaying faces contorted in surprise from the fall of their comrade Among them, the giant zombie stood out. Towering at two and a half meters tall, its grotesque body resembled that of a bodybuilder in its prime. Dante wasted no time and quickly refocused his spirit energy, preparing to unleash another bone bullet. With unerring accuracy, he aimed his finger at the massive target that was the giant zombie. The bone bullet shot forth, striking the monster square in the chest. The giant zombie staggered backward, its immense frame swaying dangerously. Natalie seized the opportunity ,She lunged at the massive undead creature with agility, As the giant zombie recovered from Dante bone built, Natalie executed a precise series of sword strikes, targeting its limbs and torso with expert precision. She moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, dancing around the towering undead foe with ease. Jack, inspired by Natalie''s determination, rushed forward with his club, joining the fray to deliver a powerful blow to the zombie''s head. The impact sent a sickening crunch through the air as the creature''s skull caved in, causing it to collapse to the ground in a heap. As the group collectively breathed a sigh of relief, they knew they had witnessed a masterful display of swordsmanship from Natalie. Her skills had played a crucial role in their victory. However, it was not the end. The massive undead creature, though gravely injured, showed a final burst of strength. With a terrifying roar, it extended its massive arm and swiftly captured a female student in its monstrous grasp, crushing her head. Panic and horror swept through the group as they watched in helpless disbelief. Natalie, with her adrenaline still surging from the recent battle didn''t hesitate. She dashed forward. Gripping her fencing sword tightly, she leaped into the air with a powerful, acrobatic maneuver. With all her strength, she brought the tip of her sword down with precision and speed, A five centimeter hole appeared on the undead creature''s neck ,the giant zombie fell and Natalie jack and Dante got the exp. Natalie looked at the lifeless body of the female student and then at her sword. Cracks ran along its surface, a sign that it wouldn¡¯t survive many more battles. ¡°This sword was my father¡¯s last sword before he died¡± she thought. ¡°It carried his techniques, but it won¡¯t last much longer.¡± chapter 11 :Undying Confrontation An eerie, cold voice echoed through the desolate parking lot. The source of the voice emerged from the shadows, revealing the grotesque figure of the leader zombie. The leader zombie was unlike anything they had encountered before. Its appearance was a terrifying sight to behold, even in this transformed world. The creature stood tall, its decaying flesh clinging to its emaciated frame. Its limbs were unnaturally long and slender, ending in razor-sharp claws that glinted ominously in the eerie glow of the surroundings. Its skin, or what remained of it, was a sickly grayish hue, with patches of rot and decay that seemed to pulse with a faint, malevolent energy. The creature''s eyes, if they could be called that, were hollow sockets that radiated a maleficent crimson light. It wore tattered remnants of clothing, which hung from its skeletal form like macabre rags. As the leader zombie slowly advanced toward the group, its movements were deliberate and calculated. Its voice, though raspy and barely coherent, carried an unsettling intelligence that sent a chill down their spines. "Are... you... finished?" it rasped, the words dripping with malevolence. The group was taken aback by the fact that this monster could speak. It was a grim reminder that the dangers they faced in this transformed world were not only physical but also deeply unsettling on a psychological level. Dante , always the vigilant one, activated his Eye of Appraisal to gather information about this new and formidable foe.
Leader Zombie lv 10
However, the leader zombie''s appearance wasn''t the only thing that set it apart. In a sudden, surprising move, it reached out and grabbed Sarah and her mop, and effortlessly snapped the makeshift weapon in half with one hand and sinister grin, then it lifted her off the ground, leaving her helpless and vulnerable. But before the leader zombie could carry out its gruesome intentions, Jack intervened with remarkable courage. He swung his club with all his might, aiming for the creature''s head. The impact was thunderous, and the club splintered upon contact, sending shockwaves through Jack''s arms. The leader zombie staggered back, momentarily stunned by the powerful blow. Its grip on Sarah loosened, giving her a chance to break free. But the creature recovered swiftly, and its malevolent eyes locked onto her once more, hungry for her flesh. Just as the leader zombie was about to sink its teeth into Sarah''s exposed neck, a bone projectile struck it with deadly accuracy. Dante , having aimed his shot perfectly, had intervened at the last possible moment. The projectile hit the creature''s chest , causing it to recoil in pain.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. The leader zombie let out a raspy, malevolent chuckle, its voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. "It... will... be... fun," it hissed The leader zombie, undeterred by the bone projectile that had struck it, took a deliberate step forward, its elongated claws flexing ominously. Dante knew that this creature was unlike any foe they had encountered before. It was cunning, powerful, and intelligent, a deadly combination. Gritting his teeth, Dante focused his energy, preparing for the inevitable clash. His bone claws materialized once more, gleaming in the eerie light of the transformed world. With a burst of speed, he lunged at the leader zombie, aiming for its decaying heart. But the leader zombie was no ordinary adversary. It moved with uncanny agility, sidestepping Dante attack with a fluid motion. In a split second, it retaliated with a swipe of its razor-sharp claws, narrowly missing Dante shoulder. The group watched in tense silence, their hearts pounding as the battle unfolded. Dante and the leader zombie engaged in a deadly dance, each maneuvering to gain the upper hand. Dante bone claws clashed with the creature''s clawed appendages, sending sparks of bones and flesh scattering into the air. Despite the leader zombie''s high level and cunning tactics, Dante refused to back down. He knew that this battle was a test of his abilities and his determination to protect his friends. With each exchange, he adapted to the creature''s movements, gradually gaining insight into its fighting style. Dante , his focus unwavering, stared down the leader zombie. Suddenly, the zombie''s claw pierced Dante stomach, and an eerie sound filled the air. "This... is... the... end," the leader zombie rasped. Dante stomach bleed from the attack, ray grape the hand that nail him and rise his head and a defiant smile. With his other hand, he pointed his fingers at the zombie''s head and replied, "Yes, for you." Summoning the last of his strength bone bullet x 5 bang Dante unleashed barrage of bone bullets from his hand , a deafening sound accompanying its release. The spinning projectiles struck the leader zombie in the head, causing it to convulse violently before disintegrating into a cloud of dark mist. As the adrenaline of battle began to fade, Dante felt the pain in his hand intensify. He knew that they had survived this encounter he smile and fell to the ground
[System Message] Congratulations! You have defeated the Zombie Leader. Experience Gained: +150 Level Up! two Stat Points Awarded.
Chapter 12: Relics and Respite In the aftermath of the intense battle, as the group caught their breath and surveyed the ashes of the defeated zombies, Selene, who had finished tending to Dante''s wound, looked around with sharp eyes and caught something glinting amidst the remains. She reached down and retrieved a silver necklace adorned with intricate engravings of skulls and bones. "Hey, look what I found," she exclaimed, holding up the necklace for all to see. Curiosity piqued, the group gathered around as Selene handed the relic to Dante. He examined it closely, noticing the subtle but eerie aura it emitted. Intrigued, Dante decided to use his Eye of Appraisal skill to gain more information about the necklace. As he focused his spirit energy on the relic, its description appeared before him:
Zombiebane Relic (Silver) Rank: Silver Description: This silver necklace is adorned with intricate engravings of skulls and bones. It emits a faint but eerie aura. Grants +20 Health. Grants +2 Strength.
1.Special Ability: Zombie Reversal - Can cure zombification if worn for at least five minutes, but only if the wearer has not yet turned into a zombie. 2.Special Ability-???????
As Dante relayed the information to the group, Selene¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Everyone, check your status screens. Look for anything labeled ¡®zombification.¡¯¡± With a sense of urgency, they all accessed their status screens and began searching for any indications of zombification. At her urging, the group hastily accessed their status screens. A wave of dread swept over them when they discovered that three among them had been infected: Dante, Sarah, and Nir, the injured student they had saved earlier with the Health Potion.
Dante''s timer: 05:15 (5 minutes and 15 seconds remaining) Sarah''s timer: 11:30 (11 minutes and 30 seconds remaining) Nir''s timer: 16:15 (16 minutes and 15 seconds remaining)
With the timers ticking down and the group at an impasse, Dante, who had the shortest time remaining, decided to take the initiative. He carefully picked up the Zombiebane Relic and, without hesitation, put it around his neck. The eerie aura of the necklace enveloped him as he secured it in place.
Dante''s timer: 05:01 (5 minutes and 1 second remaining)
The group watched anxiously, hoping that the relic would indeed reverse the effects of zombification when worn for the required time.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Jack, always the pragmatic one, suggested, "While we''re waiting, maybe there are other useful items lying around here. Quick, everyone, look around. We can''t afford to miss anything that might help us." Dante was about to join the search for any additional items that might be lying around, but as he attempted to get up, his legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground. His stamina had been drained to rock bottom from the previous battles and the use of his newfound bone control ability. Selene, noticing Dante''s fatigue, approached him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "We''ve got this, Dante," she reassured him. "Rest for a moment. The necklace should work." Five minutes were almost up, and the countdown on Dante''s status screen continued relentlessly:
Dante''s timer: 00:03
As the seconds ticked away, Dante couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that if the necklace didn''t work, he would inevitably turn into a zombie, a fate he was determined to avoid at all costs. Dante''s timer: 00:02 With a sinking feeling, Dante made a quick, desperate decision. He raised his uninjured hand and pointed it toward his own head, his mind filled with a grim thought: "I''ll take matters into my own hands if the necklace doesn''t work. I''d rather end it myself than become a zombie." Dante''s timer: 00:01 Suddenly, a loud ding echoed in Dante''s mind, cutting through the tension in the air. A system message appeared before him:
System Message: Zombification reversed.
Relief washed over Dante as he realized that the Zombiebane Relic had worked its mysterious power. He wouldn''t have to resort to desperate measures, and he had been saved from the grim fate of zombification. Dante looked up at Selene and the rest of the group, a grateful smile on his face. The necklace had proven its worth, and for now, they could breathe a sigh of relief. With the immediate crisis averted and a sense of relief washing over the group, there was a palpable feeling of gratitude that Dante hadn''t succumbed to zombification. Sarah, quick to act, was the next to put on the silver necklace. Dante couldn''t help but feel a sense of overwhelming luck that the necklace had worked for him. He knew that things could have taken a much darker turn if it hadn''t. Taking a deep breath, he shifted his attention to the others to see what they had found amid the remnants of the defeated zombies. As the group scoured the remains of the defeated zombies, their efforts were rewarded with a pair of small health potions that lay amidst the chaos. These potions were identical to the one they had previously used to treat Nir''s injuries. The group understood the value of these healing elixirs, especially in the heat of battle. In addition to the health potions, their search yielded two rare skill books, an unexpected treasure amid the debris. The skill books bore the mark of uncommonness, with intricate engravings and a faint shimmer of magic.
Skill Book 1: Fire Mine (Rare) Description: Allows the user to create a concealed explosive trap infused with flames. Preparation takes one minute and consumes 50 Mana. The trap can be triggered remotely or by proximity, creating a fiery explosion in a 3x3-meter area. Limited to two uses per day.
Skill Book 2: Vampiric Ancilla (Rare) Description: This skill book details the Vampiric Ancilla transformation, a rare vampiric ability. Upon mastering this skill, the user can transform into a vampiric entity, gaining access to blood-based abilities. In this form, the user can create Vampire Spawn and Vampire Fledglings, enhancing their health, mana, strength, and agility. Vampire Spawn and Vampire Fledglings gain +50 Health, +50 Mana, +10 Strength, and +10 Agility each. This transformation can offer strategic advantages in combat and utility in various situations.
As they gathered the potions and skill books, a distant roar echoed through the air. The group quickly gathered the items they had found¡ªthe two small health potions and the two rare skill books¡ªinto their bags. With the relic necklace safely secured around Sarah''s neck, they knew they had valuable assets in their possession. Jack took the wheel of the minivan, and as the engine rumbled to life, they began their journey to a safer location. Dante, exhausted from the recent ordeal, found solace in the back of the van. The gentle swaying of the vehicle and the hum of the engine soon lulled him into a much-needed sleep. chapter 13 : The Power of Meditation Dante woke from his deep slumber, his eyes blinking open as he tried to orient himself. The gentle swaying of the minivan and the low rumble of the engine reminded him they were still on the move. His hand instinctively went to his neck, where the cool touch of the Zombiebane Relic reassured him. ¡°Is everyone okay?¡± Dante asked, his voice still groggy. Sarah and Nir, the two who had also been infected but saved by the necklace, exchanged relieved glances before Sarah replied, ¡°Everything¡¯s fine. Thanks to the necklace, we¡¯re good now.¡± Dante nodded, gratitude welling up in him for the mysterious relic that had spared them a grim fate. Selene, Sarah, Jack, Ron, and Nir were all accounted for. Dante closed his eyes briefly, letting the relief sink in. Then, with a sharp breath, he focused his thoughts and brought up his status screen to assess his condition.
Dante Creed: Male Level: 9 job: None Race : human Health: 127/160+20 Mana: 110/160 Stamina: 6/12 Strength: 15+2 Agility: 13 Defense: 12 stats points who you didn''t use: 6
Title: one from the hundred
skills - 2 Bone Control (Unique ) LV 2: the ability to manipulate and control bones within own body use Mana Bone claw = grow deadly bone from your hand to claw, use 2 Mana every secondUnlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Bone Bullet = Can fire bone projectiles from the fingers , the bones who were fired will regenerate , use 6 Mana every bullet Eye of Appraisal (Unique) LV 1: Can discern the information of monsters and items up to 5 levels higher
Satisfied with his progress, Dante took note of the six unused stat points he needed to allocate later. ¡°We¡¯re moving,¡± Dante said, his voice heavy with residual exhaustion. He glanced out the window at the shattered remnants of the city. Flames consumed buildings, and streets were overrun by familiar monsters¡ªzombies, skeletons, and grotesque creatures unlike anything he¡¯d imagined. ¡°Where are we heading?¡± Jack, focused on the road, answered without looking back. ¡°We¡¯re heading to Sarah¡¯s neighborhood. We¡¯ll stay at her house tonight, rest up, and tomorrow we¡¯ll hit the police station and a nearby supermarket for supplies.¡± Nir, sitting in the backseat, spoke up. ¡°Thank you for saving me back there,¡± he said earnestly. ¡°I thought I was done for.¡± Sarah, who had been tending to Nir¡¯s wound, offered a warm smile. ¡°We look out for each other. That¡¯s the only way we¡¯re getting through this.¡± Jack chimed in with a firm nod. ¡°We¡¯ve got a plan, and we¡¯re sticking to it. Rest, regroup, resupply¡ªthat¡¯s how we survive.¡± Ron and Nir voiced their agreement, and Dante felt a sense of camaraderie settle over the group. As the van rumbled on, Dante¡¯s thoughts turned to their progress. ¡°We never discussed our levels after that fight,¡± he said, addressing the group. ¡°What levels are you all at now?¡± The group exchanged curious glances. Nir hesitated before speaking. ¡°I¡¯m at Level 4,¡± he admitted. Sarah, who had proven herself in combat, added, ¡°I¡¯m at Level 6.¡± Jack glanced at Dante through the rearview mirror. ¡°I¡¯m Level 7.¡± Natalie, with her exceptional swordsmanship, said, ¡°I¡¯m Level 8.¡± Ron, who had offered valuable support, stated, ¡°Level 4, like Nir.¡± Finally, Selene, who had been a formidable force with her fireball skill, revealed, ¡°I¡¯m Level 8.¡± Dante raised an eyebrow at Selene¡¯s significant progress. ¡°How did you level up so much?¡± Selene smiled knowingly. ¡°Because I learned a skill¡ªMeditation.¡±
Meditation (Active) LV 1 Effect: Increases Mana recovery rate to 120%. Condition: User must remain stationary and inactive during meditation. Bonus: Small chance to increase total Mana by 0.1 per use.
Selene explained, ¡°From what we¡¯ve seen, you can get skills from special titles, monster drops, chests, and now we know¡ªby learning them. Meditation has helped me recover energy faster, and I¡¯ve been able to fight longer because of it.¡± The idea of acquiring new skills intrigued Dante. ¡°Can you teach it to the rest of us?¡± Dante asked. Selene nodded. She went on to explain the fundamentals of meditation, guiding her friends through the process of calming their minds, focusing on their inner energy, and harnessing it to recover their spirit more efficiently. It wasn''t an easy skill to master. Dante listened intently as Selene explained her own experience with acquiring the Meditation skill. It seemed that performing certain actions or focusing on particular activities might trigger the acquisition of new skills. The idea of mastering skills in this new world was fascinating and potentially game-changing. Jack and Natalie shared their own discoveries, and Dante couldn''t help but be impressed. Jack''s Club Mastery skill and Natalie''s Sword Mastery skill were invaluable additions to their arsenal. The fact that their power and attack speed increased by 10% when using their preferred weapons would undoubtedly make them even more effective in combat. Chapter 14: Homecoming and Reflections
Dante said, his curiosity piqued, "But this still doesn''t explain how you leveled up so quickly. You''re almost at my level." Selene was about to explain further when Jack interjected, "Perfect timing, Selene. It¡¯s your turn." With a nod, Selene shifted her body halfway out of the van¡¯s window and summoned her spirit energy. Her hands crackled with fiery energy as she gathered it into a glowing sphere, slightly larger than before, radiating intense heat. Without hesitation, Selene unleashed the fiery projectile toward two approaching zombies. The fireball struck them squarely, engulfing their heads in flames. They writhed and collapsed, reduced to ashes in moments. The group watched in awe as Selene¡¯s display of power left no trace of the undead attackers. Her mastery of her newfound skill was evident, showing how she had effectively used her level-ups. With the immediate threat gone, Selene pulled herself back into the van, her eyes still glowing faintly from her fiery assault. ¡°Sorry for the interruption,¡± she said with a grin. ¡°I¡¯ve invested most of my points in Mana. With Meditation, I can recover my energy quickly and cast fireballs as we travel. To stay safe, I always keep one cast ready for emergencies.¡± The van continued its journey through the chaotic cityscape until they arrived at Sarah¡¯s home¡ªa quaint, two-story house with a white picket fence in a quiet suburban neighborhood. Somehow, the colorful flowers in the front yard had survived the chaos of the world¡¯s transformation. As they approached, Sarah spoke up, her voice tinged with nostalgia and sadness. ¡°This is my place. It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯s home.¡± Inside, the house was cozy and well-maintained. The living room had a large, inviting couch, and a small dining area was adjacent to the open kitchen. Warm lighting created a stark contrast to the turmoil outside. Jack quickly took charge. ¡°Alright, folks, there are four bedrooms upstairs, each with a couple of beds. We¡¯ll double up where needed.¡± After some quick deliberation, everyone had a place to rest for the night. Following a simple meal, the exhaustion of the day caught up with everyone. They gathered briefly in the living room, the soft atmosphere a rare reprieve from their chaotic reality.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Dante found himself sharing a room with Jack, the big, burly guy already fast asleep and snoring loudly. As Dante lay in bed, he reflected on the day¡¯s events and activated his bone claw. It materialized in his hand, and he touched it thoughtfully, pondering the potential of his Bone Control skill. He decided to experiment, focusing his spirit energy and attempting to reshape the claw into something more refined. The claw responded to his focus, shifting and contorting until it took on a sleeker, sharper form. Satisfied, Dante he drifted off to sleep, dreams filled with the mysteries of his abilities.
In Sarah¡¯s room, the three girls¡ªSarah, Natalie, and Selene¡ªhad huddled together, each in borrowed pajamas from Sarah. Since Sarah was shorter than the others, her oversized T-shirts turned into nightdresses for Natalie and Selene. The trio chatted quietly in the dimly lit room, their soft voices providing a comforting contrast to the chaos outside. Natalie, ever the vigilant one, asked, ¡°What do you think about Dante¡¯s abilities? Controlling bones is... different.¡± Selene, lying comfortably on a sleeping bag, replied, ¡°It¡¯s definitely unique. But in a world like this, having diverse abilities is an advantage. Besides, Dante seems like a genuinely nice guy.¡± Natalie nodded. ¡°And his power saved us back there with that leader zombie. I¡¯m just glad we¡¯re okay¡ªor, at least, most of us are.¡± Sarah¡¯s somber tone drew their attention. ¡°You¡¯re right, Natalie. Most of us are okay. But we can¡¯t forget those we¡¯ve lost along the way.¡± Her gaze lingered on a family photo hanging on the wall, a poignant reminder of the life she once had. The girls shared a moment of silence, reflecting on their losses. Despite the sadness, they felt unity and determination to keep moving forward.
Across the hall, Nir and Ron settled into their sleeping bags. The events of the day weighed heavily on them as they processed everything that had transpired. Nir turned to Ron, his voice soft. ¡°I can¡¯t believe what¡¯s happening out there. It¡¯s like living in a nightmare.¡± Ron, who had seen more of the transformed world, nodded sympathetically. ¡°I know, Nir. It¡¯s a lot to handle, especially if you¡¯ve never been in this kind of situation before.¡± ¡°I never thought I¡¯d have to fight for my life,¡± Nir admitted. ¡°Those creatures... they¡¯re horrifying.¡± Ron offered a reassuring smile. ¡°You did well today. You held your own, and you¡¯re here with us now. That¡¯s what matters.¡± As the two settled in for the night, the sounds of their friends talking softly in the other room provided a sense of comfort amidst the chaos outside. And they goes to sleep Chapter 15: New Beginnings One by one, they emerged from their makeshift sleeping quarters, rubbing the sleep from their eyes and stretching to shake off the stiffness of rest. With the events of the previous day still fresh in their minds, the group gathered in Sarah''s living room, forming a loose circle of weary but determined faces. Dante, sitting cross-legged on the floor, broke the silence. "We need to talk about our next steps. First and foremost, we all need to level up. It¡¯s clear that this world operates on a different set of rules, and gaining strength is crucial for our survival." Jack chimed in, "But leveling up won''t be enough. We also need to understand our abilities better. We need to train, practice, and figure out how to make the most of them." Sarah, who had been silently contemplating their situation, finally spoke up. "And lastly, we need to deal with the monsters surrounding us. We can''t stay holed up here forever. We need to clear them out, secure this area, and find a more permanent place to stay." Dante summed up their decisions, "So, it''s settled. " As they made their way towards the door, Jack paused and turned to the group. "One more thing. We used up the fuel in the mini-van to get here. so we''ll have to split up into two groups. The girls can head to the police station, and the boys will go to the supermarket. We''ll need supplies, and we can''t afford to stay holed up here forever." The girls, Sarah, Selene, and Natalie, exchanged determined glances. They understood the importance of their mission to the police station. Information, weapons, and equipment might be waiting for them there, and they were ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. Dante and Jack, knowing the value of securing supplies, nodded to each other. They were prepared to tackle the challenges of the supermarket, even if it meant confronting the unknown. With a final glance around Sarah''s living room, the group headed out, splitting into their designated teams.
As Dante, Jack, Ron, and Nir made their way toward the supermarket, the city around them was far from quiet. In the distance, sporadic gunshots echoed through the streets, punctuated by the occasional explosion that sent plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. It was a grim reminder that they were not alone in this chaotic world. Dante couldn''t help but tense at the sound of each gunshot. He knew that other survivors were out there, fighting to stay alive just like them. The question was whether these potential allies or adversaries posed a greater threat than the undead that roamed the streets. Jack, ever the pragmatic one, kept his senses sharp, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. His grip on his makeshift weapon¡ªa baseball bat he found in Sarah¡¯s house¡ªtightened as he considered the possibilities. The city had become a battleground, and they were navigating it with caution. Ron and Nir, who had been relatively quiet since they joined the group, exchanged nervous glances. This was their first foray into the dangers of this new world, and the tension in the air weighed heavily on them.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. As they neared the supermarket, they could see that the area had not been spared from the chaos. Broken glass and debris littered the entrance, and signs of looting were evident. Shattered shelves and spilled food told a story of desperation and survival. With a shared glance, Dante and Jack understood the risks that lay ahead. They knew that supplies were essential, but they also knew that they had to tread carefully. The supermarket could be a treasure trove or a deathtrap, depending on what¡ªor who¡ªthey encountered inside.
Dante¡¯s determination to improve his skills was evident as he continued to experiment with his bone control ability. He knew that mastering it was crucial for their survival in this new and dangerous world. As he focused on finding his shooting range, Dante aimed his bone bullets at a distant skeleton, roughly thirty meters away. With steady hands and unwavering concentration, he pulled the trigger twice, aiming for the creature''s head. However, both shots missed their mark, serving as a reminder of the challenges he faced in honing his accuracy. Observing the results, Dante made a mental note that his accuracy significantly decreased when shooting beyond fifteen meters. Not one to be discouraged, Dante shifted his attention to another aspect of his ability. A night-inspired idea had sparked his curiosity, and he decided to test it. With intense concentration, he attempted to add more power to his bone bullets by making them spin faster. As he harnessed his mana and focused on the bone bullets forming within his hands, Dante willed them to rotate at a swifter pace. The projectiles crackled with energy as they spun with newfound intensity. This enhancement could potentially increase their penetration power and damage, making them even deadlier.
Jack, focused on consolidating his strength into a singular point. With each step of their journey, he practiced his Club swing. Nir, on the other hand, chose a more stealthy approach. He moved silently through the decaying streets, his dagger that he got from Natalie at the ready. From the shadows, he would strike swiftly and silently, aiming for the necks of unsuspecting zombies. His skills in stealth and precision were improving with each successful kill. In moments of struggle, when the undead creatures closed in on him too much, Dante''s bone bullets would come to his aid, striking the zombies in their chests with precision. Meanwhile, Ron was also making progress in his own way. He had a natural affinity for observation and analysis. As they encountered various types of monsters and undead creatures, Ron took it upon himself to study their behavior and weaknesses. He meticulously recorded his findings, creating a detailed journal that would serve as a valuable resource for the group in the future. His dedication to understanding their adversaries would prove to be a crucial component of their survival strategy.
The group of boys stopped in front of the supermarket, its sheer size looming over them like a fortress. It wasn¡¯t just a typical store¡ªit was massive. The towering shelves seemed to reach endlessly toward the ceiling, and the sheer scale of it hinted at its potential. If intact, the supermarket could hold enough supplies to feed 20 people for an entire year. Dante took the lead, his voice steady. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s stick together and be cautious. Supermarkets like these tend to attract both survivors and monsters.¡± Jack nodded in agreement. ¡°We should sweep the area carefully, looking for any supplies we can use. But stay alert. If we run into any monsters or other survivors, we need to be ready.¡± Nir tightened his grip on his dagger, his jaw set. ¡°Agreed. Let¡¯s do this.¡± With a collective nod, the group stepped into the supermarket, their makeshift weapons at the ready. The air inside was heavy with decay, and the faint sounds of shuffling feet echoed from deep within the aisles. Chapter 16: Shadows of Tyranny Dante, Jack, Nir, and Ron moved cautiously among the supermarket shelves, their footsteps muffled by debris scattered across the floor. Shards of glass crunched faintly underfoot, and the bodies of zombies, skeletons,goblin and unfortunate humans lay in grim testament to the chaos that had overtaken the world. As they ventured deeper into the supermarket, they encountered a makeshift barricade¡ªoverturned carts, broken shelves, and other debris piled high to block access. Dante held up a hand, signaling the group to stop. ¡°It¡¯s not just monsters here,¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible. ¡°Someone¡¯s built this to keep people¡ªor things¡ªout.¡± Jack examined the barricade, his brow furrowed. ¡°Whoever¡¯s on the other side isn¡¯t looking for company. We¡¯ll have to be careful.¡± Dante nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s move it quietly. No unnecessary noise.¡± The four of them worked in silence, carefully disassembling the barricade piece by piece until they created an opening just large enough to squeeze through. On the other side, they were met with a series of locked doors, likely an attempt to secure the deeper sections of the supermarket. Nir stepped forward, pulling out the dagger Natalie had given him. He knelt by the locks, his hands steady as he worked. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this,¡± he said. ¡°It might take a minute.¡± Ron kept watch while Dante and Jack examined their surroundings. The air felt heavy, the dim lighting casting eerie shadows across the aisles. After a few tense moments, Nir stood, holding up the now-open lock with a quiet grin. ¡°Got it.¡± They pushed the door open slowly, revealing a darker section of the supermarket. As they stepped through, faint murmurs reached their ears. Voices. The group exchanged cautious glances before Dante gestured for them to move forward. They crept closer, the voices growing clearer.
Hiding behind a towering display of canned goods, the group peered ahead and spotted the source of the voices. A hulking figure stood at the center of a group of survivors, his blood-streaked apron and menacing aura marking him as a figure of authority¡ªor fear. The Butcher. Behind him were ten armed followers, wielding makeshift weapons: knives, spears, and crude clubs. The Butcher¡¯s voice thundered as he berated the cowering survivors. ¡°You worthless scum! You dare question my authority? I killed the monsters that came to tear you apart! I am your salvation in this wretched world, and this is how you repay me?¡± A young girl, her cheeks streaked with tears, stepped forward despite the fear etched across her face. ¡°You¡¯re a monster,¡± she said, her voice trembling but defiant. ¡°You killed the creatures, but then you¡­ violated those women. And when their husbands tried to stop you, you murdered them. You let your men do the same.¡± The group¡¯s hearts sank as they took in the scene. Scattered around the survivors were lifeless bodies, the evidence of the Butcher¡¯s reign of terror stark and undeniable. Dante clenched his fists, fury bubbling beneath his calm exterior. He gestured for the group to be in silence .
argument erupted among the Butcher¡¯s men. Shouts and accusations filled the air, the tension among them escalating rapidly. Dante seized the opportunity, whispering to the others, ¡°This is our moment. We disrupt them now, or we lose the chance.¡± He stepped forward, raising his hand and summoning a Bone Bullet. With precise aim, he fired at the Butcher¡¯s leg. The bullet struck with a metallic clang before ricocheting off harmlessly.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Dante¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°He has some kind of defense skill,¡± he muttered. The Butcher staggered slightly but quickly regained his balance. His gaze turned toward the source of the attack, confusion and anger clouding his expression. Dante didn¡¯t falter. Stepping into the open, he raised his voice. ¡°Your tyranny ends here, Butcher.¡± The Butcher grinned, drawing a jagged blade from his belt. ¡°Ah, fresh meat for the slaughter. You¡¯ve made a grave mistake, stranger.¡± His men, though still arguing, turned their attention to Dante¡¯s group. They moved to surround their leader, brandishing their weapons.
Jack stepped forward with his bat, his eyes locked on one of the Butcher¡¯s followers. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got,¡± he said, swinging with brute force. The clash erupted with ferocity. Jack¡¯s opponent lunged, thrusting a crude spear toward him. Jack sidestepped, bringing his bat down hard on the man¡¯s wrist. A sickening crack echoed as the spear clattered to the ground. Nearby, Nir darted between two of the Butcher¡¯s men, his dagger flashing as he struck at their sides. Though his blows weren¡¯t fatal, they were precise enough to disable his enemies, leaving them groaning on the floor. Ron found himself facing a wiry man wielding a knife. Though not as physically strong as the others, Ron used his analytical skills to anticipate the man¡¯s movements. When the attacker lunged, Ron ducked low, sweeping the man¡¯s legs out from under him and disarming him in the process. Dante kept his focus on the Butcher, firing another bone bullet. This time, he aimed for the Butcher¡¯s hand. The projectile struck true, forcing the hulking man to drop his blade with a roar of pain. The survivors, emboldened by Dante¡¯s group, began to fight back. Though untrained, their sheer desperation and numbers helped overwhelm the remaining followers. The Butcher, now disarmed, lunged at Nir with a feral growl. Nir dodged, driving his dagger into the Butcher¡¯s side. The larger man howled in pain but didn¡¯t falter. Dante moved in, unleashing a spinning bone bullet that pierced the Butcher¡¯s shoulder. The hulking man staggered
Disarmed and surrounded, the Butcher roared in frustration. ¡°You think you¡¯ve won? You fools haven¡¯t seen the last of me!¡± Before anyone could react, he reached into his bloodstained apron and pulled out a small, cylindrical object. With a flick of his wrist, he threw it to the ground. A hissing sound filled the air, and thick black smoke erupted, quickly obscuring the entire area. ¡°Stay together!¡± Dante shouted, his voice barely audible over the chaos. Through the smoke, they could hear the Butcher¡¯s heavy footsteps retreating. Jack swung his bat wildly, but it connected with nothing. By the time the smoke cleared, the Butcher was gone. The remaining followers, seeing their leader¡¯s escape, dropped their weapons and fled. The survivors, emboldened by Dante¡¯s group, began to emerge from their hiding spots, their expressions a mix of relief and gratitude.
After Butcher had made his hasty escape, he found himself in a dimly lit room in the next building. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath, his mind racing with fear and regret. He was alone, except for one other person who occupied the room. "I am sorry," Butcher panted, his voice filled with desperation. "I tried to kill them." The person, who had been sitting in the shadows, slowly emerged into the dim light. Their expression remained unreadable as they responded, "I know you did." As Butcher''s eyes widened in realization, a sinister twist of shadows and spikes erupted from the person''s body. Before he could react, the deadly tendrils pierced his flesh, and Butcher let out a blood-curdling scream. In a matter of moments, it was over. Butcher''s lifeless body crumpled to the floor, and the room returned to an eerie silence. the person go back and disappear in thin air
Back in the supermarket, the atmosphere had shifted dramatically. With Butcher''s retreat and the dispersal of his underlings, a sense of relief washed over the survivors. They had been freed from the grip of a tyrant, thanks to the intervention of Dante and his group. Natasha, the courageous young girl who had spoken up against Butcher, stepped forward, her eyes filled with gratitude. She extended a trembling hand to Dante. "Thank you for saving us. We didn''t think anyone would come to help." Dante shook Natasha''s hand firmly, a reassuring smile on his face. "We couldn''t stand by and let such cruelty continue" Jack, who had been observing their surroundings, spoke up. "We should gather what supplies we can from here . It''s not safe to stay in one place ." The survivors quickly began collecting whatever food and essentials they could find, Chapter 17: first orc With Butcher defeated and the survivors'' ordeal finally coming to an end, Dante, Jack, Nir, and Ron turned their attention to the group they had just rescued. The survivors quickly began collecting whatever food and essentials they could find, grateful for the chance to rebuild their lives without fear of tyranny. As Dante finished packing the necessary food into his backpack and Jack carried supplies, Natasha, the courageous young girl who had spoken up against Butcher, approached Dante with a hesitant smile. "Thank you for saving us. We owe you our lives." Dante returned the smile, his gaze warm but serious. "You don''t owe us anything. We couldn''t stand by and let that monster continue his reign of terror." The other survivors gathered around, expressing their gratitude and relief. They were a diverse group, people from all walks of life thrown together by the chaos of the new world. Among them were families, couples, and individuals who had lost everything. As the survivors began to share their stories, Dante''s group listened intently, realizing that they were not alone in their struggles. The survivors had faced their own horrors, from encounters with monsters to the brutality of power-hungry individuals like Butcher. Dante who look outside noticed a shadow looming on the outskirts of their supermarket. Something was approaching, something massive. He couldn''t make out the details yet, but the size of the silhouette was unlike anything they had encountered before. Instinctively, Dante activated his Eye of Appraisal skill, focusing his gaze on the approaching figure in an attempt to gather information.
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But to his astonishment, the information he sought was obscured by a series of question marks, as if the system itself was unable to provide details about this new threat. Nir, standing beside Dante, sensed his unease and whispered, "What do you see?" Dante shook his head, his voice hushed. "I can''t make it out, and the system isn''t giving me any information. It''s like nothing I''ve encountered before ,i probably cant see it level because my skill let me see if the monster are five level higher or lease" Nir who like video game said to his friend will looking at the monster "guys I think this is orc" Dante''s gaze sharpened, and he nodded in agreement. The massive figure approaching them indeed bore the unmistakable traits of an orc, a creature well-known to those who were familiar with fantasy literature and games. The orc''s hulking frame, covered in coarse, fink-gray skin, bristled with muscles that hinted at its immense strength. Its gnarled hands gripped a wickedly jagged club, and a pair of sharp tusks jutted from its lower jaw. Its eyes burned with a fierce and primal intelligence, a stark contrast to the mindless monsters they had encountered before. The orc charged forward with a thunderous thud, its club raised high above its head, ready to strike a devastating blow. Dante and his group had little time to react Dante raised his hand, his bones shifting and morphing into a deadly projectile. He aimed carefully and launched a bone bullet who spin toward the orc''s chest. The bone bullet struck true, slamming into the orc''s torso with a resounding crack. The orc grunted in pain, staggering back a step but showing no signs of faltering. It retaliated swiftly, swinging its massive club in a sweeping arc. Jack, leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow. He countered with a quick jab of his club, striking the orc''s leg and drawing a pained roar from the creature.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Nir''s attempt to sneakily attack the orc''s neck proved to be a difficult task. The orc''s thick, muscular frame provided it with a formidable defense, and Nir''s blade could hardly penetrate the creature''s tough hide. As Nir struggled to find a vulnerable spot, the orc, infuriated by the ongoing skirmish, swung its massive club in a wide arc, aiming to crush its attackers. The deadly swing was directed at Nir, who was in close proximity to the creature. Ron, quick to react, saw the impending danger. With a burst of adrenaline-fueled speed, he dashed toward Nir, pushing him out of harm''s way just as the orc''s club descended. The club struck the ground with a deafening crash, sending shards of concrete and debris flying through the air. The force of the impact created a small shockwave, causing everyone nearby to stagger and lose their footing. Nir, saved by Ron''s selfless act, tumbled away from the epicenter of the attack, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow. He scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding in his chest, and expressed his gratitude to Ron for the timely rescue. The battle raged on as Dante continued to fire bone bullets at the orc, each shot adding to the growing number of bone projectiles embedded in the creature''s thick hide. Jack relentlessly hammered at the orc''s limbs with his club, causing significant damage, but his weapon was slowly deteriorating from the relentless assault. Nir, despite his dagger breaking, refused to back down. He picked up a jagged piece of concrete from the ground, wielding it as a makeshift weapon. With determination in his eyes, he lunged at the orc, attempting to find a vulnerable spot. Ron, using a wooden stick he had found amidst the debris, bravely stepped in whenever the orc tried to attack the group. He used the stick to deflect the creature''s club strikes, protecting his friends from harm. However, the battle was taking its toll. Every member of the group bore injuries, whether from the orc''s strikes or the flying shards of concrete that had hit them during the battle. Bloodied and battered, they knew they couldn''t keep up this fight for much longer. Dante, with beads of sweat on his brow, focused his spirit energy to fire another bone bullet at the orc, aiming for its head, the most vulnerable spot. The bone bullet pierced through the orc''s thick skull, causing the creature to emit a deafening roar of pain and anger. The orc, now severely wounded and disoriented, stumbled backward. The survivors took this momentary advantage to attack, Despite their injuries, they knew this was their best chance to finish off the formidable foe. Dante, fired bone bullets with precision, targeting the orc''s already injured head. The bone projectiles struck their mark, embedding themselves deeper into the creature''s skull. Jack, wielding his deteriorating club, rushed in, swinging with all his might. He aimed for the orc''s legs, trying to disable the beast''s mobility. The blows from his club landed with a resounding thud, causing the orc to howl in pain. Nir, undeterred by his broken dagger, lunged forward with his makeshift concrete shard. He aimed for the orc''s eyes, attempting to blind the creature. His strike, though desperate, found its mark, eliciting a roar of agony from the orc. Ron, wielding his wooden stick, joined the fray. He focused on striking the orc''s arms, trying to weaken the beast''s ability to fight back. Each swing of his stick landed with precision, causing the orc to wince in pain. The combined assault was relentless, and the orc, already severely wounded and disoriented, had little chance to defend itself. It thrashed and roared in a futile attempt to fend off its attackers, but the survivors had the upper hand and it fell to the ground. As Dante turned to see Nir and Ron standing together, he couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling that washed over him. Dante''s mind raced, trying to pinpoint the source of this newfound threat. He scanned the area around him, looking for any signs of danger. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and there were no immediate threats in sight. "Where is this danger coming from?" Dante thought, his senses on high alert. "I don''t see anything around me or above me, so from where is it." Despite the lack of visible danger, Dante trusted his instincts. As Dante scanned the area for the source of the impending danger, he couldn''t help but feel a growing sense of unease. Something was amiss, and he knew he needed to act quickly. His eyes darted to the ground, and there, in the dim light, he spotted movement originating from his own shadow. A chilling realization washed over him¡ªthe danger was emerging from the very ground beneath their feet. Dante''s thoughts raced as he connected the dots. "The ground," he whispered to himself, understanding that the threat was coming from the shadows below. In an instant, a blade made of shadow erupted from the ground, aiming for Jack. Reacting on pure instinct, Dante pushed Jack aside, narrowly avoiding the deadly strike. The shadow blade raise up and served Dante''s right hand, chapter 18 :Clash of Shadows Dante¡¯s agonized scream echoed through the air as searing pain shot through his body. He clutched the stump where his right hand used to be, blood gushing from the severed limb. His friends, Jack, Ron, and Nir, were all caught in the horrifying surprise attack. Jack lay on the ground, his body battered and bruised. Dante''s quick reflexes had saved him from a fatal blow, . Ron, on the other hand, had been less fortunate. He had taken the shadow blade head-on, his body split in two, while Nir, who had invested most of his stats in agility, had managed to survive with minor wounds, but the shock and horror of the situation were etched across his face. A person appeared from the shadow of the monster. Dante remembered him; he was the one who had been standing beside Butcher before. In a calm and collected voice, he introduced himself, "hello I didn''t introduce myself before. My name is Joshua." Jack, with a sudden move, grabbed the orc club and swung it with all his power at Joshua. Joshua, with eerie calmness, raised his hand and blocked Jack''s desperate swing with another shadow spike. Then, in one swift motion, he drew a metal gun from his jacket and fired a bullet that struck Jack in the chest. Jack gasped in pain, collapsing to the ground. Nir eyes wide with shock and anger, seized the opportunity to sneak up behind Joshua. His agility allowed him to move with incredible speed. With a shard of concrete in hand, Nir lunged at Joshua, aiming to strike at his exposed back. But Joshua, seemingly aware of every movement, swiftly turned and countered Nir''s attack. He caught Nir''s wrist in a vice-like grip, preventing the makeshift weapon from connecting. Nir gritted his teeth, struggling to break free from Joshua''s grasp. The survivors who had witnessed the battle watched in horror, feeling powerless to intervene. Joshua''s cold gaze locked onto Nir, and he spoke with chilling indifference. "You have spirit, I''ll give you that. But you''re outmatched." With a flick of his wrist, Joshua sent Nir tumbling to the ground. The young survivor landed with a thud, disarmed and wounded but miraculously alive. Meanwhile, Dante, clutching the stump of his severed hand, watched the unfolding nightmare with a mixture of fury and despair. His inability to protect his friends fueled a burning rage within him. Joshua turned his attention back to Dante, his shadowy weapon at the ready. "You," he said calmly, "have something I want." Dante''s voice trembled with a combination of anguish and defiance. "What do you want?" Joshua walked slowly to Ron''s body, then he raised the backpack. Dante thought, "There shouldn''t be anything valuable in there," but then he remembered something he had left inside. "Unless..." Joshua''s calm, collected voice cut through the tension as he continued, "The skill books you have, I got mine from a treasure chest before, and it helped me survive until now. With the two new skills, I will have more power." Dante''s mind raced, and he couldn''t deny the importance of the skill book they possessed. It held the potential to unlock new abilities and powers, but in his heart, he held onto a burning anger. "I won''t let you get away with this!" Dante said while raising up. Dante invested his unused stat points, adding 3 to health and 3 to agility.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Dante Creed: Male Level: 9 job: None Race : human Health: 80/190 +20 (severe right hand, bleeding, losing 1 HP every hour) Mana: 100/160 Stamina: 3/12 Strength: 15+2 Agility: 16 Defense: 12 stats points who you didn''t use: 0
Title: one from the hundred
skills - 2 Bone Control (Unique ) LV 2: the ability to manipulate and control bones within own body use Mana Bone claw = grow deadly bone from your hand to claw, use 2 Mana every second Bone Bullet =Fires spinning bone projectiles from the fingers. The fired bones regenerate over time. Costs 6 Mana per bullet. Eye of Appraisal (Unique) LV 1: Can discern the information of monsters and items up to 5 levels higher
With his enhanced agility, Dante closed the distance between himself and Joshua in the blink of an eye. He lunged forward, his remaining hand transformed into a deadly bone claw. Joshua, caught off guard by Dante''s sudden burst of speed and aggression, raised a shadow spike to defend himself. Joshua was about to fire his metal gun, but then the sounds of gunshots filled the air from Dante Direction. Five bullets from zero range shot from Dante hand directly at Joshua, breaking the shadow and hitting him. the bone bullets pierced through the shadows and struck Joshua''s shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain. The shock of Dante ''s attack loosened Joshua''s grip on the backpack containing the skill books, but one skill book was still in his hand. Dante wasted no time and snatched the backpack away. However, in the chaos, Joshua managed to retain one of the skill books, slipping it into his jacket. Joshua was about to say something when a giant hand seized his left hand. Joshua turned his head and was surprised to see that it was the orc, who was heavily wounded from the previous fight. The orc in final act forcefully tore Joshua''s hand away, and blood spurted everywhere. the orc who bleed a lot form the fight before collapse to the ground the trio who fought the orc level up, but Dante message was bit different
Level up you reach level 10 you can now choose a job in a village
The other survivors watched in awe and disbelief as Dante managed to turn the tide, if only for a moment. The world around them had become a battlefield, and their lives depended on every decision they made. Joshua, clutching his wounded hand, glared at Dante with a mixture of anger. "You''ll regret this," he hissed. Dante aimed his hand and shot another bone bullet; the person faded back into the shadows from which he had emerged, and the bullet hit the wall behind him. Dante , his heart pounding and his hand still bleeding, knew that their encounter with Joshua was far from over. Chapter 19: "The Road to Salvation" The journey to the police station was fraught with danger. Sarah, Selene, and Natalie moved cautiously through the eerily quiet streets, their senses on high alert. As they ventured deeper into the city, the signs of chaos and destruction were everywhere. Burned-out cars, shattered windows, and the occasional corpses of unfortunate people they were Lucy that in the time of the apocalypses this was Semester break so there were not many people in the university Natalie led the way, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any potential threats. Their progress was steady, but the tension in the air was palpable. The city felt like a ghost town, the usual sounds of life replaced by an eerie silence. It was as though the world had been plunged into darkness and despair. As they approached a particularly desolate street, Sarah called for a halt. Her keen eyes had spotted movement in the distance ¨C a group of zombies slowly making their way towards them. "We can''t afford to engage them here," Sarah whispered, her voice barely audible. "Let''s find an alternate route." They retraced their steps, looking for a way around the approaching horde. The streets twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the heart of the city. With each step, they grew more uneasy. As they navigated the labyrinthine streets, Sarah couldn''t help but think about Ray and the others. Selene summoned the flames of her fireball skill. With a graceful motion of her hand, she conjured a blazing sphere of fire and hurled it towards the approaching horde. The fireball exploded on impact, engulfing several zombies in searing flames. However, the horde was vast, and Selene''s fireball had only made a small dent in their numbers. The burning zombies writhed and flailed, but more of them continued to advance. Natalie, who had been leading the way, quickly assessed the situation. It was clear that they couldn''t rely solely on Selene''s fireball to deal with the approaching horde. The undead were relentless, and their numbers seemed almost endless. "Back to back, girls," Natalie called out, her voice resolute. "We''ll fight our way through if we have to" With grim determination, the trio formed a tight circle, their backs pressed against each other. Sarah wielded her sturdy stick with determination, while Natalie clutched her nearly broken sword in both hands. Selene continued to summon flames, preparing for another fiery assault.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. As the first wave of zombies closed in, Sarah swung her stick with precision, striking the closest undead''s head. Sarah, realizing that it took three strikes to defeat a zombie with her sturdy stick, adjusted her tactics. She decided to aim for their legs, hoping to make the zombies unstable and bring them down more efficiently. With calculated precision, she targeted the knees and ankles of the approaching undead. Her strikes were swift and accurate, causing the zombies'' legs to buckle and giving them less stability. As a result, they stumbled and fell to the ground with each well-aimed blow. This strategy allowed Sarah to disable the zombies more quickly, conserving her energy and resources for the relentless horde ahead Natalie fought with relentless intensity, her damaged sword finding its mark with each swing. Selene unleashed another fireball, the explosion sending waves of heat washing over them. The zombies caught in the flames howled in agony as their flesh charred and burned. Yet, despite the girls'' formidable skills and teamwork, the horde pressed on, unrelenting. The battle raged on, minutes feeling like hours as the girls fought for their lives. The eerie silence of the city was shattered by the sounds of combat ¨C the thud of clubs, the crack of Sarah''s stick, and the crackling of Selene''s flames. Their stamina was put to the test as the horde seemed endless. For every zombie they dispatched, two more appeared to take its place. Fatigue gnawed at them, but they knew they couldn''t afford to falter. Just when it seemed like they might be overwhelmed, a loud, mechanical roar echoed through the streets. The sound grew louder, and the girls turned their heads to see a massive armored vehicle hurtling toward them, plowing through the horde of zombies. a massive armored vehicle barreling down the street. It was a monstrous sight, adorned with makeshift spikes and reinforced steel plates. The vehicle plowed into the horde , undead bodies flying like ragdolls as it carved a path toward the trio. The vehicle screeched to a halt in front of them, and the side door swung open. "Get in!" a voice shouted from within. Selene¡¯s gaze dropped to the ground as she noticed two small metallic tubes. Without hesitation, she scooped them up and stuffed them into her pocket. She wasn¡¯t sure what they were, but something about them seemed important. The three scrambled into the vehicle, barely making it before the driver slammed the door shut. The engine roared again, and the vehicle surged forward, leaving the horde in its wake. Inside, the trio found themselves face-to-face with a group of grim-faced survivors. Each of them was armed, their expressions hard but not unkind. ¡°You¡¯re lucky we were nearby,¡± the driver said without turning his head. His voice was gruff, but there was a hint of relief in his tone. Natalie caught her breath, leaning against the metal wall. ¡°We¡¯d have been done for if you hadn¡¯t shown up. Thank you.¡± One of the survivors, a woman with a bandolier of grenades strapped across her chest, smirked. ¡°lets go home¡± Chapter 20: A World Awakened Natasha and the other survivors rushed to help the wounded trio. Their faces were etched with a mix of urgency and compassion as they scrambled to bandage wounds and offer what little comfort they could. Each movement was swift but careful, their hands trembling as they tried to patch up injuries far beyond their skill to heal completely. The atmosphere was heavy with grief. Ron¡¯s lifeless body lay nearby, a stark reminder of the danger they faced. His blood-stained journal was clutched tightly in Nir¡¯s hands. He refused to let go, his knuckles white as he stared at the book, his mind replaying Ron¡¯s last moments. Jack sat slumped against the wall, his battered form clutching his new club even in his restless sleep. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his shallow breaths betrayed the pain he was trying to suppress. Dante sat apart, silent, his anguish raw as he stared at the stump where his hand had once been. His remaining fingers hovered over the bandaged wound, the sensation of phantom pain a cruel echo of what he had lost. His mind raced, spiraling with thoughts of helplessness, vengeance, and resolve. Natasha, standing amidst the somber scene, took it all in with an aching heart. Her jaw tightened as she wiped tears from her cheeks and took a decisive step forward. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here,¡± she said, her voice firm but laced with sorrow. ¡°It¡¯s not safe. Joshua could come back, and this place¡­ it¡¯s not where Ron would want us to fall apart.¡± The others turned to her, their faces tired but their eyes searching for guidance. Natasha straightened her shoulders, her resolve hardening. ¡°I¡¯m going with you. You¡¯re not doing this alone. We¡¯ll get through this together.¡±
Without wasting a moment, Natasha hurried to her small car parked near the supermarket. She packed it with everything she could find¡ªfood, water, first-aid supplies, blankets, and tools. Every inch of the car¡¯s limited space was filled with essentials. Inside, Nir gently shook Jack awake, his voice firm but kind. ¡°Jack, we have to go. Get in the car.¡± Jack groaned as he opened his eyes, wincing at the movement. ¡°I¡¯m up¡­ I¡¯m up,¡± he muttered, dragging himself to his feet. He gripped his club tightly as he shuffled toward the car. Dante, though reluctant, accepted Natasha¡¯s hand as she helped him into the backseat. He glanced out of the window, his gaze lingering on Ron¡¯s journal in Nir¡¯s hands.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°Hold onto that,¡± he said quietly. ¡°We owe him to keep moving forward.¡± The other survivors gathered around, offering tearful goodbyes. Their faces were lined with determination as they each prepared to set out on their own missions, hoping to reunite with family and loved ones in a fractured world.
As Natasha¡¯s car rumbled down the desolate streets, the world beyond their immediate struggles continued to awaken. Individuals across the globe were discovering powers unlike anything humanity had ever known. In a remote corner of Africa, a heavily tattooed man faced a formidable opponent. His body bore intricate tattoos that seemed to come alive as he wrestled with a massive bear. A bear-shaped symbol on his hands glowed brightly as he grappled with the beast. With a surge of strength, he overpowered the bear, demonstrating a primal connection to the animal world that defied explanation. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, a blonde woman found herself in a dire situation. She stood proud before a horde of zombies, their leader towering above them all. The air grew heavy as she extended her hand toward the sky, her eyes ablaze with determination. With a commanding voice, she declared, "Kneel before me." Suddenly, the force of gravity around the zombie leader intensified, causing him to crash to the ground under the immense pressure. In the heart of Brazil, two young girls displayed extraordinary skills. One possessed the ability to manipulate plant life, causing vines to ensnare her foes and flowers to bloom at her command. The other had a deep connection with fire, conjuring flames that danced to her will, providing both offense and defense. In a remote corner of Russia, a bearded man with a rugged appearance had embarked on a solitary journey. He found himself perched atop a remote mountain, surrounded by a breathtaking vista. At his feet, a bonfire crackled and roared, casting its warm glow into the night. The man closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath of the crisp mountain air. As he exhaled, something extraordinary happened. The very breath that escaped his lips carried with it a frigid intensity. It was as though the chill of winter itself obeyed his command. Suddenly, a pack of fierce wolves emerged from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with hunger. They circled the lone man, their growls reverberating through the stillness of the night. It was a perilous moment, and any ordinary person would have been at the mercy of these wild beasts. But the man was far from ordinary. With a mere thought, he harnessed the power within him, and the air around him grew colder, freezing the ground beneath his feet. In an instant, the wolves found themselves trapped in a crystalline prison, their snarls silenced as ice encased them. With another gesture, the man''s power flowed outward, shaping the ice into intricate sculptures of wolves. Each sculpture captured the essence of the creatures, their fierce expressions frozen in time. They encircled him, standing as guardians of the mountain. These individuals, scattered across the globe, were just a few among many who had awakened to their unique powers chapter 21 -stats screen
Ray Ramirez: Male Level: 11 job: None Race : human Health: 114/190 +20 (severe right hand) Mana: 123/160 Stamina: 5/12 Strength: 15+2 Agility: 16 Defense: 12 stats points who you didn''t use: 4
Title: one from the hundred
skills - 3 Bone Control (Unique ) LV 2: the ability to manipulate and control bones within own body use Mana Bone claw = grow deadly bone from your hand to claw, use 2 Mana every second Bone Bullet =Fires spinning bone projectiles from the fingers. The fired bones regenerate over time. Costs 6 Mana per bullet. Eye of Appraisal (Unique) LV 1: Can discern the information of monsters and items up to 5 levels higher. Marksmanship (Basic) LV 1: This skill would improve accuracy and precision when using firearms {include the bone bullet}, allowing him to hit targets with greater consistency and precision. raise accuracy by 10% and penetration by 5%
Nir Cohen: Male Level: 9 Job: None Race: Human Health: 85/120 (injured left eye) Mana: 80/80 Stamina: 4/10 Strength: 11 Agility: 17 Defense: 10
Title: None
Skills - 2 Stealth (Basic) LV 2: Enhances the ability to move silently and remain hidden from view, reducing the chances of detection by enemies. Dagger Mastery (Basic) LV 2: Increases proficiency in wielding daggers, raising attack speed and power by 12% when using a dagger.
Jake Anderson: Male Level: 9 This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.job: None Race : human Health: 121/130 Mana: 55/70 Stamina: 8/13 Strength: 16 Agility: 11 Defense: 14 stats points who you didn''t use: 4
Title: none
Club Mastery (basic) LV 3: Increases power and attack speed by 13% when a club or mace is used. Heavy Impact (Basic) LV 1: This skill focuses on delivering powerful, bone-crushing blows with his club. It enhances the damage output of his club attacks by 15% ,using 15 mana each strike.
Name: Sarah Thompson Gender: Female Level: 8 Job: None Race: Human Health: 90/100 Mana: 25/100 Stamina: 4/13 Strength: 10 Agility: 14 Defense: 7 Available Stat Points: 4
Title: None
Skills-2
  1. Stick Mastery (Basic) LV 2: Raises attack speed and power by 12% when using a stick.
  2. Sweeping Strike (Basic) LV 1: Enables a sweeping attack with her stick, capable of hitting multiple enemies in a single swing, with 105% power to all who were hit, using 5 mana each strike.
Selene Everhart -Female Level: 9 Job: None Race: Human Health: 95/100 Mana: 30/180.3 Stamina: 9/10 Strength: 6 Agility: 7 Defense: 7 Available Stat Points: 6
Title: None
Skills:3
  1. Fireball (Basic) LV 4: Casts a fireball projectile using 30 Mana.
  2. Meditation (Basic) LV 2: recover a Mana at 122% when active cant do anything else while Meditation tiny chance to rise Mana by 0.2
  3. first aid (basic) LV1: Enhances proficiency in providing aid and medical care. Raises the effectiveness of healing and first-aid techniques by 5%
Natalie Stone: Female Level: 9 Job: None Race: Human Health: 55/120 Mana: 75/100 Stamina: 7/14 Strength: 12 Agility: 20 Defense: 12 Available Stat Points: 2
Title: one from the hundred
Skills-3
  1. Swordmaster''s Memory (Unique) LV 1: Can tap into the memories and experiences of all the swordsmen who have wielded the sword she holds before her.
  2. Focused Stab (Basic) LV 1: Allows the user to execute precise and concentrated thrusting attacks with a bladed weapon, raising penetration by 10%.
  3. Sword Mastery (Basic) LV 4: Proficient in swordsmanship, raising attack speed and power by 14% when using a sword.
Chapter 22: The Search for Answers As Dante and his group continued their journey, curiosity gnawed at him. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the club that Jack wielded during their recent battle. The weapon had proven formidable, and Dante¡¯s newly acquired skill, "Eye of Appraisal," might reveal more about it. Focusing his skill on the club, Dante examined it closely. At first glance, it appeared to be a simple weapon, but as the appraisal took effect, hidden details emerged. The wood bore intricate carvings, faintly glowing under his scrutiny. A subtle aura of power emanated from the weapon, hinting at its storied past.
Club of Orc Rank: Iron Description: An old club that was once wielded by an orc chieftain. It demands a wielder with a Strength stat of 15 or higher. Attack Power: 10¨C25 Durability: 28/40 Effects: Grants +3 Strength. Grants +2 Defense.
Dante made a mental note of the club''s details . As they finally arrived back at the apartment, relief washed over them. The familiar surroundings provided a temporary sense of security . They had expected to find the three woman, waiting for them, but the apartment was eerily empty. Ray''s brow furrowed with concern. "Where are they? They should have been here." Natasha scanned the living area, her expression serious. ¡°There¡¯s no sign of a struggle or forced entry. It looks like they left willingly.¡± Jack gripped his club tightly. ¡°But why would they leave without telling us? Something¡¯s not right.¡± Nir, who had been sitting quietly, added, ¡°Maybe they left a clue. Let¡¯s check the place.¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. The group immediately began searching the apartment. They scoured every corner, from drawers to under beds, looking for any sign of where the girls might have gone. Despite their exhaustive search, there were no notes, no messages¡ªnothing to explain Selene and Sarah¡¯s absence. Dante leaned against the kitchen counter, frustration etched on his face. ¡°This doesn¡¯t make sense. They wouldn¡¯t just disappear like this.¡± Natasha nodded, her worry evident. ¡°We need to find them. They could be in trouble.¡± Jack turned to Dante, his tone resolute. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡±
Dante looked at his friends, his jaw tightening as determination lit up his eyes. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here and hope they come back. We need to find them. Whatever it takes, we¡¯ll make sure they¡¯re safe.¡± Nir hesitated, his face lined with worry. ¡°Dante, are you sure about this? We just survived a battle with that orc and Joshua. You lost your right hand, and Ron¡­¡± Dante cut him off, his voice steady but filled with emotion. ¡°Nir, do you know what courage is? Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway. We can¡¯t abandon them¡ªnot now, not ever.¡± Nir opened his mouth to protest but stopped when he saw the intensity in Dante¡¯s eyes. That fire, the unyielding determination, was something Nir rarely saw in anyone. He realized that Dante¡¯s decision wasn¡¯t reckless; it was born of loyalty, responsibility, and an unwavering sense of duty. Nir sighed and nodded. ¡°Alright. I¡¯m with you.¡± Jack smirked and swung his club onto his shoulder. ¡°You didn¡¯t even need to ask.¡± Natasha gave a firm nod. ¡°Then let¡¯s not waste time. We¡¯ve got a car¡ªwe¡¯ll cover more ground that way.¡±
The group quickly gathered their gear and returned to the car parked outside. Natasha stepped up to the driver¡¯s seat without hesitation. Among them, she was the most experienced behind the wheel and in the best condition to drive. Dante slid into the passenger seat, scanning the quiet streets as Natasha started the engine. The sound of the car felt unnaturally loud in the desolate city. Jack and Nir took the back seats, double-checking their weapons as the vehicle began to move. ¡°Where do we even start?¡± Jack asked, breaking the silence. Dante pulled out the small map they had pieced together from the remnants of a tourist brochure. ¡°They wouldn¡¯t have gone far without a reason. If they left willingly, maybe they were looking for supplies or following a lead.¡± Natasha¡¯s grip on the wheel tightened. ¡°Then we check every place nearby that makes sense¡ªa store, a hospital, anywhere they might think they could help.¡± Nir leaned forward, his voice low. ¡°And if they didn¡¯t leave willingly?¡± Dante didn¡¯t answer immediately. His gaze hardened as he looked out the window at the crumbling city. Finally, he said, ¡°Then we find whoever¡¯s responsible, and we make them pay.¡± The car sped down the empty streets, its passengers united in purpose. Whatever lay ahead, Dante and his group were ready to face it. Their friends were out there, and they wouldn¡¯t stop until they brought them back. Chapter 23: The Leap of Faith As Dante and his group continued their journey toward the police station, an unsettling sight unfolded before them. The road was lined with the lifeless bodies of humans, zombies, and even skeletons. The gruesome display grew denser the closer they got to their destination. Dante¡¯s jaw tightened as they drove past the macabre scene. The world had descended into a nightmare, where the boundaries between life and death blurred into an unrecognizable horror. He couldn¡¯t shake the nagging thought: What caused this massacre? What are we driving into? Their unease deepened when, up ahead, a massive horde of zombies emerged, blocking their path. Decaying bodies moved with sinister purpose, their collective moans creating an oppressive sound that made the air feel heavier. Dante¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Hurry, Natasha! Turn left!¡± Natasha, behind the wheel, yanked the steering wheel hard, narrowly avoiding the oncoming horde. The car veered sharply, tires screeching as they swerved onto a side street. For a moment, it seemed they had escaped. But then, three figures broke away from the main horde, moving with blinding speed.
Unlike the sluggish undead they had encountered before, these were something entirely different¡ªspeed zombies. They closed the distance in seconds, their grotesque forms blurring with unnatural quickness. Dante¡¯s instincts kicked in. He raised his remaining hand, focusing his power. The bones within his arm shifted and morphed into sharp, deadly projectiles. With grim precision, he began firing bone bullets at the oncoming threats. The first bone bullet tore through the air, striking one of the speed zombies square in the chest. It stumbled but didn¡¯t stop. Dante quickly fired again, each shot hitting its mark. One of the creatures fell, but the others pressed on, their hunger driving them relentlessly. From the back seat, Jack and Nir prepared their weapons. Jack gripped his orc club tightly, while Nir readied his dagger. Natasha¡¯s hands were white-knuckled on the steering wheel as she scanned the streets for an escape route. Amid the chaos, a notification flashed in Dante¡¯s mind.
System Message Marksmanship Level Up! Marksmanship LV 2
Dante smirked grimly. ¡°Getting better at this,¡± he muttered, unleashing another barrage of bone bullets.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
The horde continued to close in, their numbers overwhelming. Dante¡¯s brow furrowed as he fought to keep them at bay. Then, a memory sparked. He recalled a nearby construction site with a bridge that might offer a way out. ¡°Natasha!¡± he shouted above the noise. ¡°There¡¯s a bridge near the construction site! If we¡¯re lucky, it might be finished!¡± Natasha didn¡¯t hesitate. She pushed the gas pedal to the floor, the car roaring as it surged forward. Dante kept firing, thinning the horde just enough to keep them from overtaking the vehicle.
With each shot, Dante¡¯s accuracy sharpened. His bone bullets struck with unerring precision, taking down zombies and skeletons alike. But the horde still loomed large, their sheer numbers threatening to engulf them. The group finally reached the construction site, the incomplete bridge coming into view. Gaps and missing sections stretched ominously across the expanse. Natasha¡¯s heart sank as she realized the bridge wasn¡¯t finished. ¡°Dante!¡± she called out. ¡°We¡¯ve got a problem¡ªthe bridge isn¡¯t done!¡± Still firing, Dante snapped back while shooting, ¡°What, Natasha? I¡¯m a little busy right now!¡± Natasha¡¯s lips tightened into a determined line. ¡°Well, fuck it,¡± she muttered under her breath.
With a burst of resolve, Natasha slammed the accelerator, pushing the car to its limits. The engine roared as the vehicle tore through the remaining zombies in their path. Decaying bodies and shattered bones flew in every direction as the car barreled forward. ¡°Natasha, are you crazy?!¡± Nir shouted, bracing himself in the back seat. ¡°Hold on to something!¡± she yelled. The car sped toward the unfinished bridge, the gap looming ahead like the jaws of a beast. Time seemed to slow as the front wheels left solid ground. For a heart-stopping moment, the vehicle hung in the air, suspended over the abyss. Then, with a deafening crash, the car landed on the other side. The impact jolted them violently, throwing Dante and the others against their seats. For a moment, everything was silent except for the wheezing of the battered engine.
The horde, unable to follow, milled helplessly on the opposite side of the bridge. Their groans faded as the car sped away, leaving the undead behind. Dante¡¯s chest heaved as he caught his breath. He turned to Natasha, equal parts astonished and impressed. ¡°Natasha¡­ that was insane. But incredible.¡± Natasha allowed herself a weak, triumphant smile. ¡°Sometimes, you¡¯ve got to take risks.¡± Jack, gripping the club that had held steady throughout the chaos, let out a shaky laugh. ¡°Remind me to never doubt you behind the wheel again.¡± Nir, still clutching his dagger, sighed in relief. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope we don¡¯t have to do that again anytime soon.¡± As Dante relaxed into his seat, another notification appeared in his mind.
System Message Level Up! Two Stat Points Awarded.
He allowed himself a small grin. At least the system knows how to reward effort. Chapter 24 : Battle at the Camp As Dante and his group landed safely on the other side of the unfinished bridge, relief surged through them. Their narrow escape was a triumph of determination and luck. But their respite was brief. The car, battered and strained from their harrowing ordeal, sputtered and fell silent. Natasha twisted the ignition repeatedly, but the engine refused to start. Dante stepped out of the car, his gaze sweeping over their surroundings. The landscape was quiet except for the faint groans of the undead in the distance, their frustrations muffled by the vast chasm separating them. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re stranded,¡± he said, his voice carrying both exhaustion and resolve. ¡°The car¡¯s done for. We¡¯ll have to continue on foot.¡±
The group gathered around the car, staring at its contents: canned food, bottled water, medical kits, ammunition, and a smattering of other essentials. The sight was bittersweet. The supplies were their lifeline, but there was no way to carry it all. Jack was the first to break the silence, his tone practical but firm. ¡°We need to prioritize. Take only what we absolutely need. The rest will just slow us down.¡± Dante nodded, recognizing the wisdom in Jack¡¯s words. Natasha and Nir joined him, each carefully sorting through the supplies. They separated items into piles¡ªthose they would carry and those they would reluctantly leave behind. ¡°I hate leaving all this here,¡± Nir muttered, cradling a box of medical supplies before setting it aside. Natasha attempted to lighten the mood, her lips quirking into a wry smile. ¡°Think of it as a parting gift for our undead friends. Sharing is caring, right?¡± The group chuckled softly, the humor a welcome balm for their strained nerves. They distributed the chosen items evenly, ensuring no one was overburdened, then shouldered their packs and set off into the woods.
Their path led them through dense undergrowth and towering trees. The air was thick with the smell of earth and damp foliage. As they pushed deeper, a cacophony of sounds emerged¡ªa chorus of shouting and guttural croaks. Dante signaled for the group to slow. They crept closer, and soon the source of the commotion became clear: a survivor camp, nestled in a clearing, was under attack by a horde of grotesque creatures. Lesser frogs, mutated monstrosities with slick, warty skin, were swarming the camp. The survivors, armed with makeshift weapons, fought desperately to defend their home. Tents collapsed under the onslaught, and fires flickered wildly as the frogs tore through fabric and flesh alike. Dante didn¡¯t hesitate. He raised his voice, calling to his group. ¡°Let¡¯s move! They need help!¡± Jack charged in with a roar, his orc club swinging in wide arcs that sent frogs flying. Nir moved with precision, his dagger gleaming as he targeted the creatures¡¯ soft underbellies. Dante stayed close to the survivors, raising his remaining hand to fire bone bullets whenever necessary to protect those in danger. His shots were not perfect, but with each attempt, his aim steadily improved. The tension of the battle sharpened his focus, turning every missed shot into a lesson. Over time, his bone bullets began to find their marks more frequently, striking down frogs that threatened the survivors. Dante couldn''t help but notice some larger frogs among them. These creatures were about half a meter long, with smooth, green skin. Their feet and hands had transformed into more claw-like appendages, giving them a more menacing appearance. Dante activated his "Eye of Appraisal" skill who just level up on one of the lesser frogs. The information about the creature quickly filled his mind:The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Lesser Frog Level: 3 Description: Mutated amphibians with limited intelligence. Hunt in packs and attack with long, sticky tongues.
Lesser Frog Lv 3 Lesser Frog Lv 4 Lesser Frog Lv 5 Lesser Frog Lv 3 ........
Dante thought "The additional information is Probably from my skill Eye of Appraisal level up to level 2 and it seem they level is not fixed and most of them between level 3-5" , he quickly shifted his gaze to one of the three larger frogs:
Clawed Frog Level: 10 Description: Evolved form of Lesser Frogs. Possess greater size, strength, and agility. Natural resistance to physical attacks. Dangerous claws capable of tearing flesh.
Dante gritted his teeth. He was low on mana, and these creatures were far stronger than their smaller counterparts. As one of the Clawed Frogs lunged at him, he made a split-second decision, transforming his hand into a bone claw. The frog¡¯s claws clashed with Dante¡¯s, the sound of bone against claw piercing the air. Dante winced as the impact vibrated through his arm, but he held firm, pushing back with all his strength. The frog reared for another strike, but before it could attack, a burst of water shot from the camp, striking the creature squarely in the face. The water arrow sent it stumbling back, disoriented. Dante seized the opening, slashing at the frog¡¯s side. His bone claw tore through its flesh, and the creature let out a guttural croak of pain. Wounded, it retreated into the forest, followed by the remaining Clawed Frogs and their lesser companions. The battle was over. The camp, though battered, had survived. As the adrenaline of battle subsided, Dante group and the survivors began to regroup and tend to their wounded. Dante couldn''t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with these people, brought together by the harsh realities of their world. Once the chaos had subsided, the survivors gathered around Dante and his group, expressions of gratitude mixed with curiosity. A woman with a determined look stepped forward, her attire adorned with a symbol resembling a water droplet and jeans . She introduced herself as Maya, appearing to be in her thirties, her short, brown hair framing a face marked by the hardships of survival. Her eyes, the color of deep ocean waters, held a steely determination, a testament to the challenges she had faced , her body figure was normal and her chest was a little bit bigger than Selene . Maya stood tall and exuded an air of authority, which immediately marked her as the leader of the survivors'' group. Her attire, a mix of practicality and protection, included a weathered leather jacket adorned with the symbol of a water droplet. Maya, the leader of the survivors, approached Dante with a nod of appreciation. "You and your group arrived just in time. We owe you our lives." Maya''s gaze held a hint of curiosity as she looked at Dante''s bone claw. "I''ve never seen someone with abilities like yours before" Dante couldn''t resist a grin despite the exhaustion. "Well, I like to think of it as my ''handy'' skill," he quipped, raising his bone-clawed hand playfully. The survivors chuckled, the tension of the battle finally giving way to some much-needed levity. The world may have changed, but humor was a small reminder of their humanity. Chapter 25: A Family Forged in Adversity As Dante and the group of fighters emerged from the battlefield to the main camp, they were greeted by a scene that was both heartening and sobering. The diverse group of survivors, ranging from the elderly to a small baby, worked together with quiet determination. Those who had fought bravely against the frog horde were now focused on tending to their injuries, while others worked tirelessly to rebuild their makeshift home. The elderly and children, who had not participated in the fight, had taken it upon themselves to repair the damaged tents and fortifications. Utilizing salvaged materials and debris from the forest, they reinforced their fragile sanctuary. It was a testament to the camp¡¯s resilience¡ªa shared understanding that survival required effort from everyone. Dante watched as an elderly woman guided a young boy, showing him how to weave sturdy ties for the barricades. Nearby, a teenager carried wooden planks to fortify a shelter, her face streaked with dirt but glowing with resolve. Amidst the industrious atmosphere, Maya, the camp¡¯s leader, moved with quiet efficiency. With 154 people under her care, every task and resource mattered. She offered words of encouragement, ensured fair distribution of food and water, and coordinated the recovery efforts. Despite her composure, Dante noticed a flicker of worry in Maya¡¯s expression as her gaze drifted toward the forest¡¯s edge. ¡°They should¡¯ve been back by now,¡± she murmured when Dante approached. ¡°Who?¡± Dante asked gently. ¡°My brother, Daniel,¡± Maya replied. ¡°He left this morning with a group to scavenge for supplies. It¡¯s always dangerous, but today feels... different. I can¡¯t help but worry.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Dante placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ¡°They¡¯ll be back. They¡¯ve made it through worse, haven¡¯t they?¡± Maya nodded, though the worry in her eyes remained.
Later, in the privacy of her tent, Maya invited Dante and his group to sit with her. The dim light of a lantern illuminated her worn but resolute features. She offered them a weary smile, gratitude evident in her expression. ¡°You¡¯ve seen it out there,¡± Maya began, gesturing toward the bustling camp. ¡°This isn¡¯t just a group of survivors. It¡¯s a family¡ªa real one. Most of us are related, either by blood or marriage. We were on a family picnic when everything changed.¡± Natasha, Jack, and Nir listened intently as Maya recounted their story. ¡°It started with a chest,¡± she continued, tracing the water droplet symbol on her jacket. ¡°My brother and I found it hidden deep in the woods. At first, we thought it was some kind of prank or treasure hunt. Inside, there was a book¡ªancient, glowing, and humming with energy.¡± Her voice trembled slightly. ¡°When I read from it, the book vanished, and I felt something... change. That¡¯s how I gained the Water Arrow skill.¡± Maya paused, her gaze distant. ¡°At first, my family didn¡¯t take it seriously. They thought it was a magic trick. But then the frogs came.¡± She recounted the terrifying encounter. ¡°The first Lesser Frog appeared out of nowhere. It killed one of my cousins before we even realized what was happening. I managed to kill it with Water Arrow, but the damage was already done. That¡¯s when we understood¡ªthis wasn¡¯t magic. This was survival.¡± Her voice softened as she continued. ¡°We had no weapons, no training. We used whatever we could find¡ªkitchen knives, chairs, rocks. Some of us discovered abilities in the chaos, but it wasn¡¯t enough to save everyone.¡± Maya¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Those of us who survived learned to fight. We became stronger, more resourceful. We turned this camp into our sanctuary. And through it all, we became a family, bound not just by blood, but by our shared will to live.¡± Dante listened in silence, admiration for the survivors growing in his heart.
Chapter 26: The Cost of Survival A Dante listened intently to Maya¡¯s story, . As the flames of the campfire flickered, he decided it was time to share his own journey. He began by recounting the encounter with the intelligent zombie leader¡ªa chilling, calculated adversary that hinted at the evolving threats they faced. Maya¡¯s expression grew serious as she absorbed his words, her concern deepening. Dante hesitated as he approached the topic of Joshua. ¡°I faced someone... evil person. His name is Joshua. He was faster, stronger, smarter than anything I¡¯d fought before. It pushed me to my very limits. I barely survived.¡± Maya¡¯s gaze flickered to his right side, where his arm was now a stump. ¡°And the cost was steep,¡± she said softly. Maya leaned closer, her voice filled with empathy. ¡°It was hard on you, but you¡¯re still here, Dante. That speaks volumes about your strength.¡± Dante offered a small smile, appreciating her understanding. Then, with a shift in his posture, he changed the subject. ¡°Maya, you mentioned your Water Arrow skill earlier. We¡¯ve encountered others with abilities, too. These ¡®skills¡¯ seem tied to this new reality, the ¡®System.¡¯ Do your people know how it works? How are skills gained?¡± Maya nodded thoughtfully. ¡°We¡¯ve been piecing things together through trial and error. Skills usually manifest when someone faces intense emotional experiences, life-threatening situations, or performs specific actions repeatedly. For example, there¡¯s a skill called First Aid (Basic) that enhances medical proficiency. Someone with basic knowledge of medicine might gain it after tending to injuries around ten times. Without prior knowledge, though, it can take twenty or more attempts¡ªand even then, some still haven¡¯t unlocked it.¡± Dante listened carefully as she continued. ¡°It¡¯s was similar with Spear Mastery (Basic). Those with prior experience acquire it quickly, sometimes in hours. For others, it can take days of practice. Talent seems to play a role; some are naturally more attuned to certain skills.¡± ¡°That aligns with what we¡¯ve seen,¡± Dante replied, his brow furrowing. ¡°It¡¯s like the System rewards effort and specialization, tailoring abilities to help us survive.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Maya nodded. ¡°Exactly. Skills also grow stronger with practice. For example, my Water Arrow has become more precise and powerful over time.¡± Dante leaned back, considering her words. Then, after a brief pause, He extended his remaining hand, and with a subtle motion, his Bone Control skill activated. Sharp bone claws emerged, gleaming in the firelight. Maya¡¯s eyes widened, a mix of amazement and fascination crossing her face. ¡°That¡¯s... incredible,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s been useful,¡± Dante admitted. ¡°But it¡¯s also a reminder of how far this world has changed.¡± As their conversation shifted, Maya¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°There¡¯s something else you should know. One of our survivors tuned into a radio frequency and heard about a military settlement to the north. It¡¯s supposed to be a place of safety, but we don¡¯t know much beyond that.¡± Dante¡¯s mind raced. ¡°A military settlement,¡± he thought, his gaze distant. ¡°If that broadcast reaches enough survivors, it could draw not only people but also monsters to its gates.¡± Maya, sensing his concern, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. ¡°Your abilities are extraordinary, Dante. Why don¡¯t you join us? We could use someone like you.¡± Dante managed a small smile. ¡°Thank you, Maya, but I can¡¯t¡ªnot yet. There¡¯s something my group needs to handle first.¡± After bidding her goodbye, Dante returned to his own camp. His group had gathered around a makeshift table, their faces reflecting the weight of the situation. He shared everything Maya had told him, including the existence of the System and the military settlement. A Moment by the Fire As the night deepened, Dante sat by the campfire, lost in thought. His gaze lingered on his amputated arm, a painful reminder of his battles. ¡°I hope my family is okay,¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible over the crackling flames. Maya, noticing his distant expression, approached quietly and sat beside him. ¡°Are you thinking about your family?¡± Dante sighed, his gaze fixed on the fire. ¡°It¡¯s that obvious, huh?¡± Maya nodded. ¡°I know that look. Do you know where they are?¡± Dante¡¯s voice was laced with both hope and worry. ¡°My sister was in Africa, researching insects. My brother moved to England for a journalism job. And my mother... suppose to be in Toronto, she is closest of all.¡± Maya placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. ¡°Dante, I believe you¡¯ll find them. This world is harsh and unpredictable, but fate has a way of reuniting those who are meant to be together.¡± Dante met her gaze, the flicker of hope in her eyes reigniting something in him. He nodded, his voice steadier than before. ¡°You¡¯re right. Somehow, someday, I¡¯ll find them.¡± Chapter 26: The Cost of Survival B The morning sun cast its warm glow over the camp, piercing through the dense foliage and illuminating the watchtower where two men, Aaron and Peter, stood guard. They leaned against the railing, their eyes scanning the horizon. ¡°Quiet morning,¡± Peter remarked, sipping from a tin cup of lukewarm coffee. Aaron chuckled. ¡°Quiet¡¯s is a good thing¡± Peter squinted into the distance, spotting movement. ¡°Spoke too soon,¡± he muttered, pointing at the unmistakable silhouette of a Lesser Frog emerging from the underbrush. Aaron grinned, gripping his spear tightly. ¡°One frog? I¡¯ve got this you can rest here.¡± Descending the watchtower with practiced ease, Aaron approached the Lesser Frog. The creature lunged, its slimy tongue snapping toward him, but Aaron sidestepped and drove his spear into its chest. It let out a guttural croak before collapsing lifelessly. ¡°Too easy,¡± Aaron called back to Peter, smirking. But as he pulled his spear free, another Lesser Frog hopped into view, its glowing eyes fixed on him. Sweat beaded on Aaron¡¯s forehead as he readied his spear again. The second frog proved more tenacious, but Aaron¡¯s skill prevailed. With a swift thrust, he ended its life. Turning to head back, Aaron froze in horror. Peter lay on the ground, blood pooling beneath him. Standing over his lifeless body was a Clawed Frog, its menacing claws slick with crimson. The beast was nearly a meter long, its smooth green skin gleaming in the sunlight, and its clawed appendages were unnervingly sharp. Aaron¡¯s breath caught in his throat as the Clawed Frog turned toward him. Its guttural snarl broke the silence, and Aaron¡¯s scream echoed across the camp. Aaron''s scream ripped through the morning stillness, shattering the calm of the camp. Survivors jolted awake, scrambling out of their tents in various states of readiness. The sound of heavy croaking followed, growing louder as a wave of grotesque Lesser Frogs emerged from the tree line. Dante, alerted by the commotion, bolted out of his tent. His sharp eyes locked onto the watchtower just as Aaron''s scream abruptly cut off. A sinking feeling gripped his chest. he shout while running ¡°Get to the barricades now!¡± Jack was the first to join him, orc club already in hand. Nir appeared moments later, dagger glinting as he strapped it to his belt. Natasha stumbled out with a spear clutched in her shaking hands, her face pale but determined. Maya was last, her calm demeanor belied by the urgency in her steps as she began summoning her Water Arrow skill.
The Lesser Frogs attacked in relentless waves, their glowing eyes reflecting a primal hunger. Their slick, warty bodies writhed as they surged toward the defenders. Jack stood firm at the forefront, his club arcing wide. A frog leapt toward his face, tongue whipping forward, but Jack swung with brutal force, crushing its skull midair. Green ichor splattered across his boots. ¡°They¡¯re not stopping!¡± he growled, taking down another frog that tried to leap past him. Its body slammed into the barricade, splintering wood on impact. Nir moved like a shadow, darting between attacks with practiced precision. A Lesser Frog lashed its tongue at his leg, but Nir severed it with a quick slash of his dagger. The creature shrieked and lunged, only to meet Nir¡¯s blade plunging deep into its chest. ¡°Hold the line!¡± he shouted, twisting the weapon before the frog collapsed lifelessly. Natasha, though inexperienced, stood her ground near the barricade. Her spear trembled as she watched a frog breach the defenses. With a shaky breath, she thrust the spear forward, grazing its side. The creature recoiled, giving another survivor time to deliver a killing blow with a hammer. Natasha exhaled sharply, wiping sweat from her brow. ¡°Reinforce the left section !¡± she ordered, rallying those around her. Maya, perched on a platform, unleashed glowing Water Arrows with deadly precision. Each projectile pierced through the Lesser Frogs, halting their advance. A group of frogs targeted her position, their tongues lashing upward. Maya aimed at their legs, crippling them before delivering finishing shots. Her mana reserves drained rapidly, and sweat dripped from her brow, but she maintained her focus. Dante stood near the center, firing Bone Bullets with relentless accuracy. Each shot tore through Lesser Frogs, thinning their numbers. One frog lunged at him from the side, its tongue snapping dangerously close, but Dante sidestepped and fired a bullet in point blank directly into its head. The creature crumpled at his feet.
[System Message] Experience Gained: +20
A guttural roar silenced the Lesser Frogs as frogs he see before burst from the treeline. These evolved monsters were larger, faster, and more deadly, their claws gleaming menacingly in the sunlight. they were Claw Frog
[System Message] Claw Frog Level: 10 Description: Evolved form of Lesser Frogs. Enhanced size, strength, and agility. Resistant to physical attacks. Deadly claws capable of tearing flesh.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. The first Claw Frog charged Nir, claws slashing. Nir ducked under the attack and retaliated, slicing at its hind leg. The creature shrieked, spraying green ichor, but spun around and raked its claws across Nir¡¯s arm. Grimacing, Nir rolled away to create distance while arrow from one of the survivor hit the frog. meanwhile Another Claw Frog bounded toward Jack, slashing at his chest. Jack intercepted it with a swing of his club, knocking the beast to the ground. Before Jack could finish it off, the frog retaliated, claws tearing into his shoulder. ¡°You want more?¡± Jack growled, ignoring the pain as he smashed his club into the frog¡¯s head.
[System Message] Experience Gained: +500
The third Claw Frog targeted Maya¡¯s platform, climbing swiftly. Maya fired a Water Arrow at its leg, slowing it but the frog still charge. ¡°I can¡¯t hold it ¡± she shouted. A well-aimed arrow from a bow struck its side, briefly halting its advance. Dante, seizing the opportunity, fired two Bone Bullets into the frog¡¯s eye. It collapsed, twitching violently before going still.
[System Message] Experience Gained: +500
[System Message] Marksmanship (Basic) has leveled up to Level 3.
The battlefield trembled as the much bigger Frog emerged. Towering over three meters tall, it exuded raw power. Its glowing eyes radiated intelligence, and its guttural roar rallied the Lesser Frogs. Dante¡¯s Eye of Appraisal activated again:
[System Message] Leader Frog Level: 15 Description: A monstrous evolution of Lesser Frogs. Highly intelligent and territorial. Resistant to most physical attacks. Its powerful legs can crush foes, and its tongue can snatch prey from a distance. Commands Lesser Frogs.
The Leader Frog charged into the camp, crushing two defenders beneath its legs. Blood stained the ground as survivors screamed in terror. Maya fired her remaining Water Arrow, striking its knees. The beast stumbled but quickly regained its footing. Dante fired Bone Bullets, but the shots barely pierced its hide. ¡°This isn¡¯t enough,¡± he thought. ¡°¡°I need something that can pierce its hide.¡± Summoning his resolve, Dante pushed his Bone Control skill to its limit. His remaining hand reshaped painfully into a big Bone Spike.
[System Message] Bone Control (Unique) has leveled up to Level 3.
Dante charged forward, driving the Bone Spike into the Leader Frog¡¯s exposed knee joint. The beast roared in pain, its massive body tilting to one side. Jack, seeing an opening, swung his glowing club with all his might, delivering a crushing blow to the frog¡¯s ribs. Seizing the opening, Dante climbed onto the Leader Frog¡¯s back and plunged the Bone Spike into its remaining eye. The beast let out a deafening croak before collapsing lifelessly.
[System Message] Experience Gained: +2000
level up level up
Aftermath The battlefield was littered with bodies¡ªboth human and frog. Six defenders lay among the fallen, their blood mingling with green ichor. Survivors worked tirelessly to tend to the wounded and reinforce the camp. Among the remains, several valuable items were discovered:
Healing Potion (Small) Description: Restores 50 Health over 10 seconds.
Frog Dagger (Iron) Rank: Iron Attack Power: 12¨C20 Effects: +2 Agility

Frog Claw Spear Rank: Copper Description: A spear forged from the elongated claws of a Clawed Frog, known for its razor-sharp edges and natural durability. Ideal for combatants who rely on strength and precision, this weapon is lightweight yet deadly in the right hands. Durability: 40/40 Attack Power: 18¨C25
Effects: Grants +3 Strength Grants +1 Agility

Dante drank the Healing Potion, feeling his wounds heal as warmth spread through his body. Nir took the Frog Dagger, appreciating its lightweight design. A young survivor, eager to defend the camp, claimed the Frog Claw Spear. As the sun set, the survivors gathered to mourn their losses. The camp had held, but the cost of survival was steep. Chapter 27: Three Days in the Camp Later that evening, the strain of the journey and the aftermath of the battle began to show. Natasha sat cross-legged on the ground near their temporary shelter, her shoulders slumped and her eyes heavy with exhaustion. The flickering firelight cast shadows across her face, highlighting the deep fatigue etched into her features. ¡°I don¡¯t know about you guys,¡± she began, her voice heavy with fatigue, ¡°but I¡¯m running on fumes. We¡¯ve been fighting nonstop¡ªzombies, frogs, everything¡ªand we¡¯re still here, barely holding it together.¡± Jack leaned against a post, his orc club propped against his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m not saying you¡¯re wrong,¡± he said sharply. ¡°But stopping now? What if something happens while we¡¯re resting? What if this camp gets attacked again?¡± Nir, who had been tending to a cut on his arm, finally looked up. ¡°And what if we push ourselves too far?¡± he countered. ¡°We¡¯re no good to anyone if we collapse. We need rest, Jack. All of us.¡± Dante observed the exchange in silence, the weight of their exhaustion pressing on him. He¡¯d been pushing himself for days, trying to keep the group moving forward. But Nir¡¯s words struck a chord. ¡°We¡¯ve all been through hell,¡± Dante said finally, his voice calm but resolute. ¡°And we¡¯ve made it this far because we¡¯ve stuck together. But Nir¡¯s right. We¡¯re human, not machines. If we don¡¯t take a moment to recover, we won¡¯t survive the next fight.¡± Jack sighed, his posture loosening. ¡°Alright. You win. But we keep our guard up.¡± Dante nodded. ¡°Four days. We rest for four days, help out where we can, and get ready for whatever comes next.¡±
four Days in the Camp

Day 1: Mending and Healing

Dante spent the first day fortifying the camp¡¯s defenses. Alongside Oliver, the eager teenager from before, he repaired weak points in the barricades. Using his bone manipulation sparingly, he created makeshift spikes and nails to reinforce the walls. ¡°Think of it as extra insurance,¡± Dante told Oliver with a grin as they stepped back to admire their work. Meanwhile, Natasha took charge of organizing supplies. Her natural charisma and sharp wit kept the survivors motivated as they sorted through salvageable materials, ensuring that nothing went to waste. Jack focused on rebuilding damaged shelters. His strength made him a natural at hauling heavy planks and debris, and his knack for problem-solving quickly earned him the admiration of the survivors. Nir, quiet and reflective, took some time away from the group¡¯s activities. Sitting in a secluded corner of the camp, he occasionally opened Ron¡¯s book, his fingers tracing its worn pages with a sad smile. The weight of loss was evident in his expression, though he never spoke of it aloud Later that evening, Jack called the group together with an unusual announcement. ¡°I think I figured something out,¡± he said, his voice tinged with excitement. ¡°Remember how I¡¯ve been hauling all that wood and moving the heavy stuff all day?¡± The group nodded, curious. Jack continued, ¡°Well, when I checked my status screen, my Strength stat went up by 0.2. I didn¡¯t level up¡ªI think it¡¯s from all the physical work I¡¯ve been doing.¡± The revelation sparked murmurs among the survivors.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°Wait,¡± Natasha said, her brow furrowing in thought. ¡°You¡¯re saying that we can improve our stats through focused effort, even without leveling up?¡± ¡°Looks like it,¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°It¡¯s small, but it¡¯s something.¡± Dante nodded, his mind already turning over the implications. ¡°If that¡¯s true, we can all start training to improve our stats. Every little advantage counts in this world.¡±

Day 2: Training and Organization

On the second day, Dante joined a small patrol team, including Jack and Oliver, to scout the perimeter and eliminate any dangers. The group moved cautiously, weapons ready, their eyes scanning the underbrush for movement. The humid air buzzed with the sounds of nature, but beneath it lay the croaks of Lesser Frogs. Oliver, gripping his spear tightly, whispered, ¡°I hear something up ahead.¡± Dante nodded, signaling for the group to spread out. As they advanced, three Lesser Frogs came into view. Their grotesque forms hopped erratically, their glowing eyes and long, slimy tongues making them a menacing sight. ¡°Stay calm and work together,¡± Dante instructed. ¡°Oliver, keep to my left. Jack, cover the flank.¡± The creatures noticed them and attacked simultaneously. One frog lashed its tongue at Dante, but he sidestepped with ease, summoning a Bone Claw to counter. The sharp bone slashed through the frog¡¯s tongue, causing it to screech and recoil. Oliver took a deep breath, steadying his nerves, and lunged at another frog. His spear pierced its side, and with a twist, he pulled it free. The frog collapsed with a final croak. Jack, ever the powerhouse, swung his club in a wide arc, smashing the skull of the third Lesser Frog before it could leap. As the fight ended, Dante clapped Oliver on the shoulder. ¡°Good work. You¡¯re getting faster.¡± Oliver grinned, his confidence bolstered. ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯ve got a good teacher.¡± The patrol continued, taking down a few more Lesser Frogs before returning to camp. Meanwhile Back at the camp, inspired by Jack¡¯s discovery, the survivors began their training routines. Natasha led a group in endurance drills, running laps around the camp to build stamina. Nir practiced his dagger techniques on makeshift dummies he built from wood

Day 3: Reflection and Renewal

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the camp as Dante and Oliver resumed their work on the defenses. The camp was beginning to feel like a secure refuge, but there was always more to be done. As they took a break from hauling planks and hammering spikes, Oliver asked, ¡°Dante, how do you stay so calm? Even when we¡¯re fighting those frogs or fixing the camp¡ªyou always seem like you know what to do.¡± Dante leaned against a stack of planks, wiping sweat from his brow. For a moment, he was silent, his gaze distant. ¡°It¡¯s not something I figured out on my own,¡± he said. ¡°My father taught me. He was the toughest man I¡¯ve ever known.¡± Oliver sat down beside him, intrigued. ¡°What was he like?¡± Dante¡¯s lips curved into a small, bittersweet smile. ¡°He wasn¡¯t the kind of dad who¡¯d hug you or tell you he was proud. But he cared, in his own way. When I was a kid, he¡¯d take me out to the woods near our house. We¡¯d train for hours¡ªrunning, climbing, learning to fight. He used to say, ¡®If you want to live, you need to learn how to fight like your life depends on it. Because someday, it will.¡¯¡± ¡°Did you like it?¡± Oliver asked. Dante chuckled softly. ¡°Not at first. I hated it. I didn¡¯t understand why he was so hard on me. I¡¯d come home bruised and exhausted, and he¡¯d just say, ¡®You¡¯ll thank me one day.¡¯ I thought he was crazy.¡± ¡°But you don¡¯t think that anymore,¡± Oliver guessed. Dante shook his head. ¡°No. Everything he taught me¡ªit¡¯s the reason I¡¯m still here. And it¡¯s the reason I can help keep all of you safe.¡± Oliver hesitated, then asked, ¡°Do you think¡­ he¡¯d be proud of you now?¡± For a moment, Dante didn¡¯t respond. He looked out at the camp, at the people working together to survive. Finally, he said, ¡°Yeah. I think he would be.¡± Oliver grinned. ¡°Maybe you could teach me more of what he taught you. I mean, if I don¡¯t pass out first.¡± Dante laughed, clapping Oliver on the back. ¡°You¡¯re tougher than you think. Let¡¯s get back to work, and we¡¯ll talk about training later.¡±
Chapter 28: Forged in Resolve Day 4: Discovery and Decision Dante¡¯s muscles burned as he completed another one-arm pull-up, sweat dripping down his forehead and falling onto the dusty ground below. His body trembled slightly as he hung from the makeshift bar, his stamina waning after a long session of training. Determined to push his limits, he released his grip and dropped lightly to the ground, breathing heavily. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Dante brought up his status screen, curious to see if his efforts had paid off.
Dante Creed: Male Level: 14 job: None Race : human Health: 175/190 +20 (severe right hand) Mana: 123/160 Stamina: 8/12 Strength: 15.2 (+2) Agility: 16 Defense: 12 stats points who you didn''t use: 10
Title: one from the hundred
skills - 3 Bone Control (Unique ) LV 3: the ability to manipulate and control bones within own body use Mana Bone claw = grow deadly bone from your hand to claw, use 2 Mana every second Bone Bullet = Can fire bone projectiles that spin from the fingers, the bones who were fired will regenerate , use 6 Mana per bullet Bone spike = grow deadly bone from your hand to spike use 4 Mana every second Eye of Appraisal (Unique) LV 2: Can discern the information of monsters and items up to 6 levels higher. Marksmanship (Basic) LV 4: Improves accuracy and precision with firearms. Increases accuracy by 13% and penetration by 8%.
A faint smile tugged at Dante¡¯s lips. His Strength stat had increased, confirming Jack¡¯s earlier theory about physical training improving stats. Moreover Dante Marksmanship skill had finally reached Level 4 during the morning patrol , further sharpening his edge. ¡°Guess the hard work pays off,¡± he muttered, satisfaction lacing his tone.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Before he could fully recover or dwell on his progress, the sound of commotion rippled through the camp. He turned sharply, his instincts on high alert. Survivors were gathering near the center of the camp, their excited chatter filling the air. Dante jogged toward the crowd, his curiosity piqued. A man holding a crackling radio stood at the center of the group, his face alight with a mix of excitement and urgency. ¡°I overheard a transmission,¡± the man announced, his voice steady despite the crackling interference. ¡°There¡¯s talk of a military settlement to the north. It¡¯s not far from here¡ªmaybe a day or two on foot. They¡¯ve securing the area, and they¡¯re calling for survivors to join them.¡± Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Later That Evening After consulting with Maya about the transmission, Dante convened his group, including young Oliver, for a private discussion. His tone was firm yet thoughtful as he addressed them. ¡°Tomorrow, you three¡ªJack, Nir, and Natasha¡ªwill secure the area around the camp,¡± he said, gesturing to each of them. ¡°Make sure everything¡¯s clear. I¡¯ll coordinate with Oliver and Maya. Her Water Arrow skill and my Bone Bullets will target the horde from the bridge. If we do this right, we can thin their numbers without unnecessary risks, which makes our next task much easier.¡± The group nodded in agreement, their resolve clear. However, as the others began discussing tactics, Natasha stepped closer to Dante, her expression troubled. ¡°Dante, can we talk for a second?¡± she said in a low voice, motioning for some privacy. Dante nodded, stepping aside with her. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Natasha crossed her arms, her gaze flickering to where Oliver was inspecting his gear. ¡°It¡¯s about Oliver,¡± she said bluntly. ¡°He¡¯s just a kid, Dante. Sixteen. I know he¡¯s eager, and he¡¯s proven himself, but sending him out there¡ªespecially for a task like this¡ªit feels wrong.¡± Dante¡¯s brows furrowed, his voice calm but resolute. ¡°I hear you, Natasha. But Oliver¡¯s not just some reckless kid. He¡¯s smart, resourceful, and he knows this area better than any of us. He¡¯s been out there before, mapping the terrain and scouting for supplies. That experience is invaluable.¡± Natasha shook her head slightly, her voice tinged with worry. ¡°I¡¯m not questioning his intelligence, Dante. I¡¯ve seen how sharp he is. But intelligence doesn¡¯t stop a claw from ripping through him. What if something goes wrong? Can you live with that?¡± Dante¡¯s gaze softened, and he placed a hand on Natasha¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I get it. I do. I¡¯ve thought about it too. But Oliver¡¯s proven himself in combat. Remember i see him fight in patrol.¡± Natasha hesitated, recalling the event. ¡°I remember. He was quick on his feet. But still¡­¡± Dante continued, his tone steady. ¡°He¡¯s not just tagging along, Natasha. He¡¯s part of the team. He¡¯s earned his place, and he knows the risks. If I didn¡¯t believe he could handle himself, I wouldn¡¯t let him step outside that gate.¡± Natasha glanced at Oliver again, watching as he methodically checked the edge of his spear. ¡°He¡¯s a good kid,¡± she admitted. ¡°But he¡¯s still a kid.¡± Dante smiled faintly. ¡°He is. And that¡¯s why it¡¯s on us to guide him. To make sure he learns and grows without throwing him into the deep end. I won¡¯t put him in a position he can¡¯t handle. But if we shield him from everything, we¡¯re doing him a disservice. This world doesn¡¯t allow for that luxury anymore.¡± Natasha sighed, the weight of Dante¡¯s words settling on her. ¡°You really believe in him, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Dante said without hesitation. ¡°And I¡¯ll watch his back. Just like I¡¯ll watch yours, Jack¡¯s, and Nir¡¯s. That¡¯s how we survive.¡± Natasha met his gaze, seeing the conviction there. After a moment, she relented. ¡°Alright. But promise me¡ªif things get bad out there, you pull him back. No heroics.¡± Dante nodded. ¡°You have my word.¡± Satisfied, Natasha turned back to the group. Oliver caught her eye and gave her a small, eager smile, unaware of the conversation. Natasha smiled back faintly, her heart still heavy but her trust in Dante steadying her resolve.
The next morning, as the team prepared to head out, Dante¡¯s words rang in Natasha¡¯s ears. Despite her concerns, she found herself hoping that Oliver would prove her wrong¡ªand that Dante¡¯s faith in him wasn¡¯t misplaced. Chapter 29: Unyielding Precision The next day, Dante approached Maya with a resolute expression. ¡°Maya, are you ready? We have to clear the zombies from the bridge.¡± Maya considered his request for a moment before nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll come with you, Dante. And I know someone who can help.¡± She led Dante to an elderly man standing nearby, a bow strapped to his back. The man¡¯s short gray hair and small stature gave him a frail appearance, but there was a sharp determination in his eyes. Dante hesitated, eyeing the older man. ¡°Are you sure he can handle this? It¡¯s dangerous out there.¡± Maya met Dante¡¯s gaze with confidence. ¡°He might not look like much, but he¡¯s skilled with that bow. Trust me¡ªyou¡¯ll see. He¡¯s expecting us.¡± The old man gave a short nod, then grabbed his bow and four quivers, each containing 25 arrows. The group now consisted of Dante, Maya, the old man, and young Oliver, a small but determined boy who had volunteered to keep watch during the mission. As they set off toward the bridge, the forest surrounding them was eerily quiet. The air was thick with tension, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant bird calls. Frequent patrols meant the path was mostly clear, though they encountered a lone goblin and two lesser frogs along the way. Dante handled them with swift precision, his blade striking true with each blow. Despite the short distance, Dante noticed the strain on the elderly man as they progressed. The quivers weighed heavily on him, causing his steps to falter slightly. Without a word, Dante stepped forward and took the quivers from the man, slinging them over his own shoulder. ¡°Thank you, young man,¡± the old man said gratefully, his voice steady despite his visible fatigue. They pressed on, the forest giving way to an open expanse that led to the bridge. When they finally reached their destination, the sight that greeted them was far more daunting than Dante had anticipated. The bridge was narrow and lined with jagged rocks on either side. Beyond it, a horde of zombies stretched as far as the eye could see. Using his Eye of Appraisal, Dante quickly scanned the incoming enemies:
zombie Lv 5Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. zombie Lv 4 zombie Lv 5 zombie Lv 6 ........
The horde consisted of at least four hundred zombies¡ªa formidable threat. Taking strategic positions, Dante handed the quivers back to the old man. He steadied his aim, focusing on a small zombie in the distance. He fired a Bone Bullet, but it veered off course, striking the shoulder of another zombie. Frustrated but determined, Dante glanced at his allies. The old man moved with calm precision, nocking an arrow and drawing his bow. His first shot struck a zombie cleanly in the eye, causing it to stumble and fall from the bridge¡ªa perfect one-shot kill. He continued firing with machine-like efficiency, each arrow finding its mark. Maya, too, was a force to be reckoned with. She summoned her Water Arrow skill, unleashing a powerful projectile that pierced through four zombies before dissipating. Her focus was unshakable, and her attacks precise. Meanwhile, Oliver stood watch behind them, ensuring no enemies approached their rear. Watching his companions, Dante felt a surge of determination. He tightened his grip concentrated, his focus sharpening. His next Bone Bullet struck true, hitting a zombie squarely in the head. Encouraged, he continued firing, though not every shot landed where he intended. The battle raged on, with the group steadily thinning the horde. Zombies roared in frustration, unable to reach the defenders on the bridge. After what felt like hours but was only about thirty minutes, the group managed to reduce the horde to just a few dozen. However, exhaustion was setting in. Dante checked his status:
Current Level: 16 Mana Reserves: 13/160 Marksmanship lv 5
Their resources were nearly depleted. Maya¡¯s mana reserves were drained, and the old man had only five arrows left. Despite the exhaustion, Dante felt a faint sense of accomplishment¡ªhe had leveled up twice during the battle, and his Marksmanship skill had improved by one level. As they prepared to retreat, Dante noticed something on the ground on the other side of the bridge¡ªa small red health potion. then it vanished into thin air. ¡°It seems items disappear if they¡¯re not claimed within a certain time,¡± Dante thought, frustration flickering in his mind. Chapter 30: go fish Dante broke the silence. ¡°We need to figure out how to retrieve those items. If we¡¯re going to survive, we can¡¯t afford to miss out on things like that.¡± the old man, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°I have an idea. Give me a few minutes.¡± The group watched in anticipation as the old man rummaged through his bag, retrieving a length of rope and a peculiar arrow with a hooked tip. He tied the rope securely to the arrow¡¯s base and then nocked it onto his bow. His frail appearance contrasted sharply with the strength and precision in his movements. ¡°Hold on,¡± the old man said, his voice steady and commanding. With a practiced aim, he released the arrow. It sailed through the air, the rope trailing behind it, and landed with a solid trunk near one of the remaining items¡ªa small green vial. Elden tugged carefully on the rope, dragging the vial across the bridge until it was within reach. Dante picked it up, examining the glowing liquid inside. The label was partially faded but still readable:
Cure for Zombification Description: When administered to a person bitten by a zombie but not yet turned, this cure reverses the zombification process. The liquid swiftly neutralizes the virus within the bloodstream, halting the transformation.
Dante¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment. ¡°This¡­ this is a cure for zombification! If someone¡¯s bitten but hasn¡¯t turned yet, this could save their life!¡± Maya and the old man exchanged amazed glances. Until now, they had only found basic supplies. Discovering something this powerful was completely unexpected. the old man smiled, his confidence growing. ¡°Let¡¯s see what else I can fish up.¡± He adjusted the rope on another arrow and repeated the process. It took a few tries, but eventually, the old man retrieved five more items Gloves two rings a small health Potion and Map:
Archer''s Chopper Gloves Rank: Chopper Description: A pair of gloves specifically crafted for archers, enhancing their precision and accuracy. The supple leather and intricate design allow for swift and seamless arrow release. Durability: 35/35 Grants +4 Agility Ranged Damage Bonus +3 Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Special Ability: Rain of Arrows (1/day): Once a day, the wearer can unleash a Rain of Arrows, causing a barrage of arrows to rain down upon a designated area, dealing damage to all enemies caught within the radius cost 100 mana.
Ring of Mana Rank: Chopper Description: A mysterious ring infused with ancient magical energy, resonating with the essence of mana. Wearing this ring enhances the wearer''s ability to harness and control magical powers. Durability: 20/20 Grants +20 mana. Special Ability: Mana Regeneration: +4 per minute
Map Rank: Special Description: map that had one line to it lead to a village =>
Dante, Maya, Oliver and the old man examined the newly discovered items. The old man seemed particularly interested in the Archer''s Chopper Gloves. "These gloves," Dante explained, "are specifically designed for archers. They enhance agility and have nice skill , making them perfect for someone skilled with a bow." The old man nodded, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "I used to be quite the archer back in my younger days. These gloves will come in handy." As they continued their journey, Dante initiated a conversation, curiosity getting the best of him. "By the way, we''ve been working together, but I don''t think we''ve properly introduced ourselves. I''m Ray, What''s your name?" The old man smiled warmly, a hint of nostalgia in his gaze. "Names hold memories of a different time. You can call me Elden. That''s what they used to call me, a long time ago." Dante nodded, acknowledging the significance of the name. "It''s good to know your name Elden" Dante, Maya, Oliver and Elden made their way back to camp. Elden carefully donned the Archer''s Chopper Gloves, his fingers expertly finding their places within the supple leather. Maya and Dante each wore one of the magical rings, feeling the subtle hum of energy against their skin. They securely placed the potions into Dante''s bag, ensuring their precious finds were safely stored and start to walk back to camp. As they walked, Dante¡¯s mind wandered to the ten unused stat points he had been holding onto since their last encounter with danger. The group¡¯s recent discoveries had reminded him of the importance of preparation. ¡°Should I invest in agility to improve my reflexes? Or maybe strength, in case we encounter another horde¡­¡± he thought, weighing his options. The green vial tucked safely in his bag added urgency to his decision¡ªbeing faster or stronger could mean the difference between life and death in this world. Still, he hesitated. The right choice now could shape the battles to come. Lost in thought, Dante almost missed Maya¡¯s voice breaking the silence. ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s the plan now?¡± she asked, her tone even but tinged with weariness. ¡°Do we press on and try to find this village marked on the map, or head back to camp to regroup?¡± Elden adjusted his gloves, flexing his fingers. ¡°I think heading back to camp makes the most sense,¡± he said. ¡° we need to make sure we¡¯re all rested and ready before following that map.¡± Maya nodded. ¡°I agree. The camp is safe and we regroupwith the others" The group decide and go to the camp chapter 31 : Crossroads of Destiny As Dante and Maya approached the camp, the scattered bodies of lesser frogs painted a grim picture of a battle fought in their absence. The creatures'' slimy forms were sprawled near the camp''s perimeter, their lifeless eyes staring into nothingness. Survivors worked in the fading light, dragging the corpses away and reinforcing the barricades with salvaged wood and debris. The camp was alive with subdued activity, but the tension was palpable. Every step Dante took reminded him of the fragility of their situation¡ªeach body on the ground a stark reminder of how close survival and death truly were. At the entrance, Elden waited silently, his face lined with exhaustion. After exchanging brief nods with Dante and Maya, he retreated to his resting spot, leaving them to navigate the camp¡¯s somber energy.
Inside Maya¡¯s tent, a soft glow from a lantern illuminated the simple space. A cloth partition divided the tent, providing a semblance of privacy. Maya disappeared behind it to change into more comfortable attire, leaving Dante alone with his thoughts. As he sat on a wooden stool, his gaze unintentionally drifted toward the partition. Her silhouette was visible against the dim light, the graceful curves of her figure casting faint shadows. Flustered, Dante quickly looked away, focusing on the scattered gear on the floor. Breaking the silence, he spoke. ¡°You know, Maya, I never really had much of a personal life before all this. Between moving around constantly and training, there wasn¡¯t much room for anything else.¡± From behind the partition, Maya¡¯s voice was soft but steady. ¡°It¡¯s funny, isn¡¯t it? How this world forces us to face parts of ourselves we never paid attention to before. It¡¯s like all the noise is stripped away, and we¡¯re left with the truth.¡± Dante smiled faintly. ¡°Yeah. And sometimes, it brings you to unexpected moments like this.¡± The sound of fabric rustling drew his attention as Maya emerged from behind the partition. She wore a striking red gown, a relic of a time before the world had changed. The elegant dress, though incongruous in their rugged surroundings, seemed to suit her. It revealed a hint of her neckline, and the playful glint in her eyes made her seem almost regal. With a sly smile, she stepped closer and gently held Dante¡¯s face. ¡°Face it, tiger,¡± she teased, her tone light, ¡°you hit the jackpot.¡± Dante opened his mouth to reply, but the tent flap suddenly rustled. Jack barged in, his eyes widening in shock at the scene before him. ¡°Uh... Boss?¡± Jack stammered, clearly caught off guard. Dante, scrambling to recover, stood quickly. ¡°Jack. We were just... talking.¡± Jack¡¯s face turned crimson as he backpedaled toward the exit. ¡°Right, uh, sorry! Didn¡¯t see anything!¡± he mumbled before stumbling out of the tent. As the flap fell back into place, Maya burst into laughter. The sound was genuine and infectious, filling the small space. Dante couldn¡¯t help but join in, the absurdity of the situation breaking through the tension.
After a brief reprieve, Maya re-emerged from the tent in a more practical outfit. Her playful demeanor had softened into the confident air of a leader. Together, she and Dante joined Natasha, Nir, Jack, and Elden around a makeshift table for a meal. Natasha wasted no time getting down to business. ¡°We¡¯ve cleared a one-kilometer radius around the camp,¡± she reported, her voice steady. ¡°Most of the area is secure, though we ran into a few level 3 and 4 zombies. Nothing we couldn¡¯t handle.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Nir nodded. ¡°And the traps are set. Natasha showed us how to make pit traps with sharp wooden spikes at the bottom. Jack was a big help reinforcing them.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve gained a new skill,¡± Natasha added, her tone proud. ¡°Trap-Making. It¡¯s been useful so far, but I think it has more potential.¡± Maya, ever curious, turned to Dante. ¡°Why don¡¯t you try looking at Natasha¡¯s stats? It might help you get a better understanding of what we¡¯re all capable of.¡± Dante raised an eyebrow. ¡°You can show stats to someone else?¡± Natasha smiled. ¡°You can, but it¡¯s voluntary. You have to consciously decide to share your stats with someone, and it only works if they accept. It¡¯s all about trust.¡± With a nod, Natasha activated the feature. A translucent blue screen appeared before Dante, displaying her stats, skills, and current level.
Name: Natasha Carter Gender: Female Level: 6 Job: None Race: Human Health: 110/110 Mana: 10/50 Stamina: 8/12 Strength: 6 Agility: 7 Defense: 7 Available Stat Points: 1 Title: None
Skills - 1:
  1. Trap-Making (Basic) LV 1: Grants the ability to create simple but effective traps using available resources. Traps have a 10% higher chance to immobilize or injure enemies when activated. 10 mana per use
Dante marveled at the clarity of the interface and the possibilities it offered. ¡°Impressive,¡± he said, reading her skills. ¡°Trap-Making will definitely come in handy.¡±
As the meal wound down, the group gathered to discuss their next steps. Dante leaned forward, his expression serious. ¡°We need to decide where we¡¯re going next. Sitting here won¡¯t keep us safe forever.¡± Maya nodded. ¡°Agreed. But we have three options.¡± Natasha spoke first. ¡°The police station. It¡¯s where Selene and Sarah were last seen. If there¡¯s any chance they¡¯re alive, we have to find them.¡± Jack countered, ¡°What about the map we found? It points to a village. There might be resources or survivors there. We can¡¯t ignore that lead.¡± Nir chimed in. ¡°Then there¡¯s the military settlement to the north. If it¡¯s as fortified as the radio transmission suggested, it could be a safe place for Maya¡¯s family and the rest of the camp.¡± The group fell silent, the weight of the decision pressing down on them. Finally, Dante spoke. ¡°We¡¯ll split up. It¡¯s the only way to cover all our bases. Jack, Nir, Oliver, and Natasha, you¡¯ll head to the village using the map. Maya and her family will take the survivors to the military settlement. I¡¯ll go to the police station. and we meet each other in two weeks in the military settlement ¡± Natasha frowned. ¡°Alone? That¡¯s risky.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the best way,¡± Dante said firmly. ¡°The station might still have supplies or information, but it¡¯s dangerous. I can move faster on my own.¡± Maya placed a hand on his arm. ¡°Be careful. If anything happens...¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Dante assured her. ¡°You focus on getting the survivors to safety.¡± The group shared a solemn nod, their resolve solidified.
Parting Ways As dawn broke, the camp buzzed with quiet activity. Supplies were divided, weapons were checked, and final preparations were made. Dante stood at the edge of the camp, watching as the groups prepared to leave. Maya approached him one last time. ¡°Thank you, Dante. For everything.¡± He offered her a faint smile. ¡°Take care of them, Maya. I¡¯ll see you all soon in two weeks.¡± With that, they went their separate way