Level Up

Shane promptly chose the Instant Experience Potion, as he could easily acquire 20 Zombie Cores, thanks to his Complete Loot Talent. 

Unlike many Survivors, he always had access to Zombie Cores as long as Zombies were around. Besides, he did not have an immediate use for the Cores at the moment. 

On the other hand, the Random Giftpack was just too risky and might end up a waste of opportunity, so he didn't even think of getting it. 

After all, he might just obtain the Entertainment Gift Pack, Energy Gift Pack, or another Shelter Gift Pack, which he doesn't need at all.

"Alright... You said your name is Harper, right? Let's go to my shelter," Shane invited the middle-aged man to his tent. 

Upon closer look, he noticed that Harper was quite tall, with brown, shoulder-length hair cascading over a chiseled, concerned face. He also had a beard that compliments his cheekbones… Overall, with a wash and some grooming, he would likely present a decent appearance.

Upon entering the shelter, Shane introduced himself before commencing his inquiry. 

He sought to glean any knowledge Harper possessed about the land or the zombie outbreak. Recalling the message from his 'alternate self' about ending the Apocalypse rather than merely surviving it, Shane recognized the importance of gathering information about this world if he were to fulfill that mission.

"I apologize, Sir Shane... I just heard a mysterious voice about the arrival of the Foreign Survivors that will save us from the Zombie Outbreak that plagued our world." Harper informed with a feeble voice. 

Shane discerned that Harper likely required water, so he offered him some using one of the empty cans in his possession. To Shane's surprise, he noticed that Harper was carrying a wooden cup with him. It was tied on his backpack like a decoration.

'Right... Why didn't I think of that?' Shane pondered, realizing his lack of survivor skills. "I really need that memory sphere," he sighed as he handed over the water.

"Thank you so much, Sir," Harper said gratefully after quenching his thirst.

Shane then continued with his interview and learned that Harper had been a miner ever since he turned eight.

Apparently, the inhabitants of this continent would awaken their Life Skills at that age. In Harper's case, he only obtained one skill: the Pickaxe Mastery Skill. 

[ Pickaxe Mastery Skill Lv10 ( Max ): A passive skill that increases the user's proficiency with pickaxes, which are tools that can be used as weapons or for mining. It grants the following benefits:

+10% damage with pickaxes

+10% mining speed with pickaxes

+10% chance to find rare ores with pickaxes ] 

To Shane's surprise, the inhabitants also had these mysterious virtual blue screens, and they could even share them with others.

Harper then continued to explain how he started working at a mining site at a young age, and because of how dangerous his work was, he would always have a backpack filled with necessities. His tools, extra food, and water that he always carried with him had saved his life numerous times already.

However, as he was about to go to work like he always does, he vaguely recalled how he had entered dense gray fog… He wasn't sure how much time had passed until he heard a mysterious voice about the zombie outbreak and the arrival of the Foreign Survivors… Then after the gray fog dissipated, he was chased by two Jumper Zombies. 

That was all he remembered over the past few days.

'The dense gray fog was probably the system bringing him to me…' Shane mused.

"So you chose to be a miner after getting this passive skill. I think having you here would be great." Shane muttered as he gently nodded. 

Then, he suddenly recalled the territory's status. If he wasn't mistaken, it was noted that the Springriver Manor had wood and iron as its natural resources. 

Without hesitation, Shane opened up the Territorial Information that he had seen before. 

[ Territorial Information:

Infrastructure: 1 Manor House ( 70% ), 1 Church ( 30% ), 1 Warehouse ( 40% ), 1 Granary ( 40% ), 1 Mill ( 40% ), 1 Smithy ( 40% ), 1 Marketplace ( 80% ), 1 Stable ( 80% ), 5 Serf's House ( 41% )

Resources: Wood, Iron 

Population: 2

Culture: 2

Remarks: Crumbling Estate ]

'Mhmm… The mining site nearby is probably the Manor's source of iron… Am I going to attract more miners in the future?' Shane mused as he felt that the next inhabitants to visit him would probably be miners or lumberjacks.

'Well, that doesn't sound too bad…' Shane thought as he felt that they weren't just capable of doing hard work; they could also be relied on in the upcoming Zombie Wave!

In his mind, miners and lumberjacks were able-bodied men who could help him rebuild his estate. He might even have a wooden fence soon!

After some time, Shane discussed his plan with Harper. He wanted to rebuild the estate and prepare for the upcoming Zombie Wave. 

Of course, in their current state, there was no way they could defend this place. They have to level up! 

"Should we look around the mining site? I have a feeling that there would be plenty of zombies there. I might also find a pickaxe in that place." Harper suggested. 

"Of course! I also want to see that place." Shane agreed as he reloaded his gun to prepare himself for battle. 

Before they went out, Shane made sure to transfer the Zombie Blood to Cloud. 

Then, he consumed his 24 Spirit Enhancement Potions since he used up a total of 70 Spirit Points in the last battle. 

[ Inventory: Memory Spherex25, 15 Item Upgrade Crystals, 32 Zombie Cores, 25.5L Water, 2 Bread, 1 Experience Potion, 1 Acid Pouch, 1 Instant Experience Potion ] 

After opening his Inventory, Shane then selected the Instant Experience Potion and decided to consume it now. 

Gulp!

[ You have obtained 100 Experience Points ] 

[ You have leveled up. ] 

[ Survivor Store is now open! ]

[ Hint: Only six items are offered in the store, and they are only available for the whole day! The reset of items will happen every 12:00 midnight! ]