Awakening of Abilities

Points: -1500, Abilities Awakening in Progress

Congratulations, Mia has awakened the ability "Beast Transformation (Tiger)", current ability level 1, skill: "Berserk"

Congratulations, Laura has awakened the ability "Wind", current ability level 1, skill: "Wind Blade Attachment"

Congratulations, Lane has awakened the ability "Mental Transmission", current ability level 1, skill: "Mental Network"

Born's eyes lit up, all three had awakened their abilities. The system had previously indicated that the awakening process could fail, but it seemed his luck was good this time.

Mia's ability was straightforward, while Laura's Wind Blade Attachment was impressive. Laura loved performing aerial splits and kicks, and with this wind blade attachment, she could likely slice a zombie's head open with a single kick.

Lane's ability was the most practical.

Mental Network: Within a 100-meter radius, connect with one person for telepathic communication. Effectiveness increases with ability level.

This ability essentially allowed them to form a mental chat room within a specified range. Currently, it covered 1000 points, making it incredibly useful.

Born decided to upgrade the ability.

Ability Level 9: Within a 500-meter radius, connect with five people for telepathic communication. Effectiveness increases with ability level.

Connecting five people, plus Lane herself, made it six in total. With each level, the range increased by 50 meters, and the number of connections by 0.5.

"Lane," Born called out.

Lane immediately came over, seeming to sense her newfound abilities.

"Was it you?" Lane asked softly.

Born smiled, "Of course. I told you, once you're recruited by me, I can help you grow quickly and become self-sufficient in this apocalypse. I wasn't lying."

Lane smiled back and closed her eyes. She was smart and understood what Born wanted her to do. 

Both Lane and Mia, as well as Laura, had information pouring into their minds. They knew they had awakened their abilities and had been enhanced. However, they remained calm, only sneaking glances at Born.

"Connect me, Mia, Pearl, and Laura."

Lane frowned slightly upon hearing this. After a while, a voice suddenly appeared in Born's mind.

"Alright, everyone, you just need to speak in your mind, and the five of us can hear each other."

This was Lane's voice.

"I awakened a beast transformation ability. I feel so much stronger!"

"I can sense the flow of the wind and my thoughts are clearer."

Mia and Laura's voices rang out. Pearl only tentatively said something trivial. The group started discussing in their minds.

After a while, Born felt it was time.

"Everyone, I've added you to this group to let you know that you are the ones I intend to develop further."

"My goal is to build an army, and since it's an army, there will be positions like team leaders and generals. Don't think I'm playing favorites!"

Everyone quickly responded, assuring him that they wouldn't think that way. Even if Born didn't clarify this, they wouldn't have thought otherwise due to their absolute loyalty.

Of course, Lane being Born's friend and receiving immediate attention was a bit of favoritism. Laura had quietly excelled in combat, Mia was a powerhouse, and Pearl had strong leadership and organizational skills. Born had observed and compared attributes before making his decision.

"Mia and Laura will be the vanguard, along with Sibley. Currently, it's just the three of you."

"Pearl, you'll lead the ranged team. As for Lane, your ability is suited for rear support and overall coordination."

Born continued explaining his vision for the future. As they passed by a hospital, he deliberately stopped and had everyone engage in battle, even including Angelica.

"Why didn't I have to fight before?" Angelica asked, clearly displeased.

She ran over to Born, clinging to his arm and pouting.

Born smiled faintly and said, "I can throw you into the horde to fight."

Pearl stepped in, saying, "Don't be like that. She needs some time to adapt. I'll take her under my wing, starting with ranged combat."

Playing the peacemaker, Pearl's words made Angelica reluctantly follow her to prepare for killing zombies.

Born sighed. If possible, he really didn't want to do this. He had already decided to bring Angelica under his command. Initially, he didn't want to force Angelica, and even after fulfilling his promise, he wasn't certain about recruiting her and Aileen. But since learning that Starry Night Laboratory might be the mastermind behind this zombie outbreak, his perspective changed.

Even a minor, cowardly person like the gym teacher could endanger his team. Angelica was a genius! She had seen Born reverse the zombie virus firsthand, magically produce crossbow bolts and bullets. These were significant secrets. Born couldn't afford to be exposed, nor did he dare to reveal them.

"Don't think I'm being harsh. Recruiting you is more beneficial than harmful for you," he thought. In fact, as long as there is no betrayal, there are no downsides at all!

Shaking his head, Born decided to stop overthinking. "System, activate the detection skill!"

A peculiar wave of energy spread out, more noticeable this time. Born quickly identified two suitable targets for recruitment: a chief of surgery and a chief of internal medicine. The system indicated that both had turned into zombies, making it hard to determine their exact ages. But Born didn't care; the team needed doctors.

After the battle at the school, the team was now well-stocked with ammunition and firearms. Clearing zombies was orderly and efficient. Born occasionally intervened, but overall, he had a relatively easy time.

Just over an hour later, the area was littered with corpses. Born, who initially had just over 200 points, saw his total increase to 742 after the battle. The two doctors were also recruited into the team, activating the doctor synergy.

[Doctor: 3 members - team virus immunity increased, self-healing speed +10%]

[Current team immunity increased, 20% chance to resist virus infection. When immunity triggers, system healing will not deduct points]

Born's lips curled into a slight smile. The team now had 14 members, with Angelica yet to be recruited. Including Mallory and the female soldier, they were at the capacity of 15 members. Upgrading to the next recruitment level required 1000 points, which they didn't have yet.

Suddenly, a cry of alarm rang out. Angelica had been knocked over by a zombie, and nearby team members quickly rushed to her aid. Born's eyes glinted. Pearl's efficiency was impressive; had she already arranged for Angelica to face danger?

"Quick, there are too many zombies. After saving Angelica, everyone get back on the vehicle!" Born called out.

Crossbow bolts flew, piercing zombie heads. Angelica sprang up and ran to the vehicle, tears streaming down her face. On her hand, there was a shallow bite mark.