Chapter 6: Bargains and Battles: The Cost of Power

Chapter 6: Bargains and Battles: The Cost of Power

At night, everyone occupied a room for themselves.

Sam placed all his bags in the corner of the room he chose. After meeting Garry, Sam stopped using his storage chain, wanting to keep it a secret.

Because of this, everyone asked him to share the food he had collected. Sam was reluctant, but he didn't want to fight over food, so he agreed to share under the condition that he would keep 40% of the food and would not share any sweets or special items.

Sam took out two packs of instant ramen from his bag. He plugged the electric stove into a socket to cook the ramen.

Von University was well-equipped with solar panels, solving one major problem for the survivors.

While the ramen was cooking, Sam sorted through his belongings, taking everything out from his bags and storage chain.

Once the ramen was ready, he started eating while contemplating how much he should store in his storage chain.

Sam picked up the Grey Orb he had obtained. He wanted to keep most of his cards hidden. Without hesitation, he crushed the orb.

From the Grey Orb, he received three more arrows. He focused on the arrows to learn their details.

[Mana Arrow - Common Rank]

Mana Impact.

Sam attempted to channel mana into the arrows but failed. He thought for a moment, then picked up his bow and tried again. This time, he succeeded. He stopped the mana flow.

Sam was confused. The bow didn't have mana manipulation, so how was this possible?

After thinking for some time, he came to a conclusion:

'You can only fill mana through the nock of the arrow.'

Sam picked up a pillow and inserted the arrow into it.

The impact was weak due to the low amount of mana, but Sam knew that if fully charged, this arrow could blast through a concrete wall.

He stored two arrows in his storage ring and placed the remaining one in his quiver.

The next day, Sam woke up, cleaned himself, and washed his clothes before hanging them on a hanger.

After eating some chips, he geared up. He adjusted the quiver on his back and cut some of the blanket, using a stapler to make a holder for his long knife.

He also wanted to make a coat out of it but lacked the skills.

During this time, the sounds of fighting echoed from outside.

When Sam stepped out of his room, he saw three dead zombies on the floor.

Everyone had gathered in the lobby.

Sam joined them as they moved to a room for further discussion.

"Hello, everyone. I gathered you here to make a deal," Blake announced.

"Don't waste our time," one of the boys said impatiently.

"I have a way for all of you to use mana, but I want something in return."

Everyone was surprised but quickly calmed down.

"What do you want?" Ryan asked.

Ian remained vigilant, gripping his legendary-grade sword tightly.

"I just want something of Epic Grade. In exchange, I'll tell you how to create a core."

"How do you know how to use mana?" Garry questioned.

Blake vaguely repeated the same story he had told Sam earlier.

Silence filled the room.

"I don't need it now. First, we have to clear the zombies to reach the food court. I just want the first Epic Rank item any of you obtain."

"Why should we give you our loot?" Garry stood up and shouted.

'Idiot.'

Everyone gave him a death stare.

Realizing his mistake, Garry sat back down, embarrassed.

"I'm not doing charity. If you accept, say yes."

"And how do we know you haven't tampered with it?" Ryan asked.

"Look, guys, we're in this situation together. If I want to survive, I need a group of people to fight with me. This transaction is built on trust. I'm trusting some of you to keep your side of the deal."

Sam remained quiet. He had a plan. If his test failed, he would warn everyone.

"I have a suggestion. Why not everyone give Blake one Common Grade orb?"

Everyone understood the difference between grades by comparing some of their items.

According to their understanding, the ranking system was:

Black Grade (lowest)

Common Grade

Rare Grade

Epic Grade 

After some discussion, Blake accepted the deal. They also set a time limit of four days.

Then, they began planning to clear the building. Inspired by Sam, they formulated a strategy and decided to use the stairs.

Blake then started lecturing them about mana manipulation, mana cores, and other important concepts.

Everyone took notes in notebooks or on their laptops. After clarifying doubts, they prepared for the next day's battle, systematically eliminating the zombies locked in their rooms.

Their plan was simple: one person would open the door, another would spread a blanket to slow the zombie down, and then everyone would attack. Sam didn't participate directly. Instead, he stood in support, circulating mana through his body to thicken and adapt to it. He felt both stronger and strained, but he continued.

When only one zombie remained, Sam told everyone to step back. He took out his bow and arrow and began charging it.

Blake opened the door and quickly retreated behind Sam.

The zombie slowly stepped out. Once it was at a sufficient distance, Sam released the arrow.

The arrow pierced the zombie's chest.

Then—the zombie exploded.

BANG.

Blood and gore splattered across the small area. Though it didn't reach them, the sight was too much for everyone.

They vomited.

After a brief rest, Sam apologized to everyone.