Chapter 46: Geological Trap

The package had been left in his sister's room, which was why he had forgotten all about it. Adam opened it and found first what looked like a new weapon.

[Nail gun]

It also contained a couple of antidotes, which probably would have prevented all the trouble of the day before, and a couple of health potions. In addition, there were special tools for a civil engineer's use. Finally, he got plans for the construction of houses and even a building, but what was required for that was so absurd that Adam had no idea how long it would take before he could use them.

He grabbed the gun again and felt comfortable with it. Unlike firearms, the nail gun is classified as a mechanical weapon. For a moment he thought about going out to try it out, but realized he didn't feel like it at all.

Now that he thought about it, he didn't even know what the [Void Zombie] had thrown, besides a blue crystal. He would have to ask Noah later, as he had kept the object. Adam returned to his room with his new weapon and set it on his computer desk. He thought for a moment about turning it on, but he didn't feel like it either.

It was kind of ironic, he had felt on top of the world, but only a day later he was enveloped by apathy. He lay back down on his bed and tried to fall asleep. He only made it half an hour later and, despite everything, he received good news.

[Engineer has advanced to level 11]

[New skills unlocked:]

[Void Resistance: You have survived a void ritual at maximum power and lived to tell the tale. You are more resistant to anything that affects your sanity and it takes more energy to take away your senses].

[Geological Trap: You can channel energy underground to weaken subterranean strata and generate traps such as pits, faults, or other shapes. The bottom contains solid rock stalagmites or, through the use of a basic ritual, a lava lake].

Before he could rejoice in the new abilities, Adam drifted into a restless sleep.

While Adam was trying to sleep, Zack and his group returned from Block 3. The results of the expedition had been disastrous. It seems that the entire group of survivors had been annihilated at the hands of a zombie. Zack was keen to find the culprit and put himself to the test, but he had found no trace of the culprit, which was worrying in itself.

Although this was disappointing, he had achieved his goal. He had taken over a large number of apartments and buildings, which, he was sure, would be useful in the future. Also, with the help of a healer, his group was able to deal much more easily with the more powerful zombies. At first, he thought Kreb would be useless, as he had been with him in block 2 and had refused to fight. He didn't even know his class was [Healer] until recently. He had been about to punch the clown because of it, but managed to restrain himself.

In retrospect, he had made a good decision, as he wasn't sure he would have been able to come out unscathed after so many fights in Block 3 without his help.

On the other hand, the haul of special packages had also been quite interesting. According to the deal he had made with Adam, he would have to give the books and blueprints to the shelter, but in exchange he could keep the potions and antidotes. Zack suppressed a shudder. He remembered the fate that had befallen Menil and the other zombies and promised himself to keep at least one antidote with him at all times.

"Shall we go back? I think it's for the best, I don't like that there's no sign of that zombie, they're supposed to tend to stay in the apartments."

Anin's voice interrupted Zack's thought. He turned to look at his old friend. The age difference between the two was significant, but that didn't stop them from being able to get along.

"As much as I don't like it, I think you're right. Let's go back."

They had cleared two entire blocks, but the absence of the zombie that had wiped out the group of survivors made his hair stand on end. A few days ago, he would certainly have thrown himself against anything without hesitation, but after his experience he realized that he would die like an idiot if he continued to be so reckless. He hadn't stood a chance against that Berserker.

"Here's another crystal, I think it's the last one."

Kreb approached Anin and Zack with a red crystal in his hand. The man must have been close to 40 years old by now. He had dirty glasses and unkempt hair and there wasn't much remarkable about him. Zack only knew that he had been a teacher when he was young, but retired prematurely and was dedicated to living a simple life, mostly cooped up in his house.

He had heard some bad rumors about him, but Zack didn't usually pay much attention to such things. He grabbed the glass the man was offering him and then motioned for them all to follow him.

They walked out of the block to the parking lot. Zack eyed the buildings yet to be cleared with suspicion, but didn't notice anything unusual. Two were enough for now, so he set out to return.

Halfway through he looked at the building where Adam and his group had entered. He still couldn't believe that a boy like that could have taken over the leadership of the entire shelter. Zack knew he always tended to judge others by appearance, but he had never been so wrong. He hadn't heard much about Adam before this disaster, only that he was a pretty smart guy who lived his life without bothering anyone.

However, from what he had heard, his group had taken care of over 8 powerful zombies, 9 if they managed to kill whatever was in that building. Zack could count only 4 for his group and 3 of them he had killed just now, as they were clearing block 3. Well, he thought, he was sure it wouldn't take long to catch up.

He wasn't about to let a boy order him around as he pleased. He had even thought about trying to snatch the shelter from him, but he soon realized that this would only bring him more trouble, so better to leave such things to those interested. He just wanted to keep crushing any zombie that crossed his path.

Crossing down the street, Zack averted his gaze to the square. The monstrosity continued to slowly spread. He felt a chill as he saw it, what were they supposed to do with that thing?

When they returned to the superblock, Miguel was waiting for them outside.

"How did it go?"

"Well, though, something killed the survivors and we didn't find anything powerful enough that could have done it."

Miguel raised an eyebrow, Zack suppressed a grimace, he didn't like the old man, but at least he was reasonable enough not to get upset.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, in the building they were supposed to be in there is no trace of any survivors, but there are remnants of a big fight. There are several destroyed apartments and we only found one powerful zombie, which looked like it had just evolved. In the next building we found only two zombies and no sign that any of them had left the building."

Miguel nodded, it seemed logical enough. But he couldn't help but feel irritated, more problems to deal with.

"By the way, Adam's group cleared the building, but Jane died in the attempt. Apparently the zombie was extremely dangerous. I still don't have much information, so I'd better talk to Adam about what happened when they're in a better mood."

Zack was surprised by Miguel's words, but soon realized it was only a matter of time, after all Adam was just a boy. Maybe he wasn't as strong as he thought.

"What's the next step?" asked Zack.

"I'd also like to know. I was thinking of going against block 2 as fast as possible, but with the [Flesh Monstrosity] in the square, it wouldn't be a good idea."

"Did you identify the monster?"

"Yes, my group managed to get close enough and it looks like Terry also managed to take a full video of the situation, although I haven't seen it yet."

"What are we waiting for?"

"For Adam's group to catch a break."

Zack grimaced, but said nothing. What a leader the boy was turning out to be, though he had to admit it could be worse.

"In that case I'll take the opportunity to rest as well. Will you stay here?"

"Yes, someone has to watch the outside, I don't want the Breeder to catch us by surprise."

"Well, as you wish, see you."

Miguel watched Zack and his men walk across the bridge to the superblock. The day had gotten off to a pretty busy start, everyone could use a break. Him too, of course, but he was feeling restless. He wanted to get out and attack before more zombies had time to gather power.

He also wondered how the army was doing. He hoped they had been able to mount a resistance, but things weren't looking good. No matter how trained the soldiers were, zombies were sure to have appeared everywhere inside the military base. With no effective line of defense and everyone scattered and without their weapons at hand, he was sure they had had a bad time.

Miguel sighed. Despite everything he had done, he still felt helpless. So he kept watch and waited for Adam to wake up. But a green glow on the horizon caught his attention, he realized it must be coming from block 2, so he had a bad feeling.