Divided Battle

"I've got another theory," Lucas began. "It's about how we level up. I believe it's tied to our subconscious."

"Really?" Lucy said, intrigued. "What's the theory?"

As they continued walking, he elaborated, "Animals have their own desires for growth; some aim to get bigger, while others prioritize getting stronger. Unlike us, animals don't have stat points to allocate.

"So, my idea is that as animals' level up, their stats naturally go towards what they instinctively desire. Applying the same logic to zombies, I think they want strength and intelligence. It's possible that zombies and mutated animals have their stat points automatically allocated based on their inherent desires."

Lucy was intrigued by his theory. Lucas's explanations consistently made sense, and his theory seemed to address some of her lingering questions. "But what about us humans?" she inquired.

Lucas looked at her and continued explaining, "I believe humans, or as I like to call us, players, are unique among zombies and mutated beasts. Instead of the system assigning our stat points according to our desires, it simply grants us the points and lets us choose where to allocate them.

This gives us an advantage, as we can adjust our stats based on the situation. For instance, in danger, we can invest in agility to escape, strength to fight back, intelligence to outsmart opponents, or vitality to heal."

Lost in thought, Lucy pondered his words as they walked. Suddenly, she had another question. "Lucas, have you ever wondered what the system notification would call us if we were killed? Would it refer to us as players, humans, or perhaps mutated humans?"

Lucas smiled at her question. "I don't know for sure, but if the system truly operates fairly, I would guess it might label us as mutated humans. After all, zombies are essentially the failed outcome of human mutation."

As they walked, Lucy's excitement grew. "Oh, look! We've arrived!" she exclaimed, pointing ahead.

Lucas looked where she pointed. About twelve meters away, he saw around thirty zombies moving close to two unrecognizable bodies.

"That's a lot of zombies," Lucas said, showing that it was going to be tough.

"They might be here because of the screams we heard yesterday," Lucy guessed.

"I think you're right," Lucas agreed, thinking about what to do next. He then asked a crucial question; "Should we get rid of them?"

Lucy thought about the tough situation ahead, considering different plans. "How about I get the attention of some of them, and you take care of the rest?" she suggested.

Lucas shook his head, voicing his concerns. "Unfortunately, that won't suffice. There are too many of them. I see two level 2 zombies among them, while the rest are wild ones."

Taking a moment to think, Lucas developed a plan. "Alright, here's what we'll do. I'll throw my spear as far from them as I can. The noise should attract their attention. While some zombies move toward the sound, I'll distract half of the remaining group, leaving the other half for you to handle. What do you think?"

Observing Lucy's approving nod, Lucas mentally prepared himself. Firmly holding his spear, he whispered, "1… 2… 3!" With that, he launched the spear.

A metallic clang resonated as the spear hit the ground, immediately capturing the attention of the nearest zombie, who staggered toward the source of the noise. Seeing several zombies react, Lucas and Lucy sprang into action, each taking charge of their own group. With synchronized shouts of "AHH!" they successfully diverted the attention of the zombies. Approximately fourteen of them turned towards Lucas, while the remaining ten focused on Lucy.

Lucas gripped his dagger tightly, the blade glinting as it sliced through the air. Swiftly and efficiently, he executed precise strikes that resulted in decapitations. Moving swiftly from one zombie to another, he delivered clean horizontal cuts to their necks. The dull "thud" of falling heads punctuated his progress. Despite his proficiency, he sighed as he looked at the approaching group of about ten remaining zombies.

Meanwhile, Lucy gripped her black katana with one hand, using its length to her advantage. With practiced precision, she swung her weapon at the zombies in a rhythmic dance of death. Her strikes were precise and calculated, each swing resulting in a clean beheading. Occasionally glancing in Lucas's direction, she saw that he was almost finished with his group. Seizing the opportunity, she leaped towards the nearest zombie, delivering a final, powerful horizontal slash that severed its head.

Quickly assessing the situation, Lucy shouted to Lucas, "There are more incoming zombies from the spear direction!" Lucas wasted no time, swiftly eliminating the last zombie in his group before launching himself into the midst of the new arrivals. Lucy followed suit, her katana slicing through the air as she moved. The zombies closed in, and while Lucy managed to evade most of their attacks, one managed to scratch her clothing. Unfazed, she continued her assault, knowing she had spare clothes back at the internet café.

Amidst the chaos, Lucas groaned as he vanquished the final zombie. He paid no heed to the level-up notifications that appeared in his consciousness, his focus solely on the task at hand. Without delay, he rushed to Lucy's side.

"We need to leave this area," Lucas urged, gripping her hand tightly. "Our noise has attracted more zombies, and it's only going to get worse." With determination, he led Lucy toward a nearby clothing store a few meters away, seeking temporary refuge from the growing horde.