Chapter 7: commotion

Chapter 7: commotion

Sam was sitting on his bed, looking at a book.

Blake had given him the written manual he had promised. After reading it a few more times, Sam repeated the contents in his mind, confirming the information about the book:

[Dragon's Mana Core - Immortal Rank Technique: +Mana Control, +Mana Density, +Stability, ??@?#$@%]

Sam attempted to replicate the process, but he was missing some details and unintentionally altering them. He waited, but no voice spoke in his head.

He then repeated the same process using the manual that Blake had taught the others:

[High Human Mana Core - Supreme Rank Technique: +Mana Control, +Mana Density, +Stability, ?/#@#]

"Looks like Blake didn't tamper with this technique. Now the question is—why does he need my protection?" Sam thought.

He had noticed that Blake was more refined in his movements compared to others. He executed no unnecessary motions when dealing with zombies. Sam pondered this for a while but couldn't come to a conclusion.

Blake could have given him the same technique he had provided to the others. Their friendship wasn't that deep—Sam had only helped Blake with his studies as a senior. It wasn't uncommon; other classmates did the same.

Failing to reach a conclusion, Sam gave up on the topic. Instead, he read through the Immortal Rank technique several more times to confirm its details before beginning his practice.

He thickened the mana in his body by circulating it and inhaling mana from the air. After some time, Sam started feeling mentally exhausted. He realized that as he leveled up, he would gain more control over the mana in his body.

Tired, Sam ate his dinner and retired to bed.

The next morning, everyone prepared for their battles. They had acquired practical weapons from the previous day's grinding.

Sam took out his bow and arrows, charging them. As soon as the first zombie appeared, he took aim and fired. The zombie lost one of its legs. The blast was smaller compared to the last time.

Sam then switched to normal arrows and began shooting at the zombies while retreating. The undead pursued them upstairs but stumbled on the stairway between the fourth and fifth floors. Taking advantage of this, the group eliminated the fallen zombies.

Slowly, they cleared the third floor. After a short break, they set more traps and continued their strategy on the second floor.

Their numbers had grown to sixteen. They gathered and distributed food, but Sam was concerned about their water supply running low.

His aim improved with every shot. He understood that continuous practice, along with his bow's 5% aim assist, was making a difference.

Once everyone settled, the main group gathered to discuss their loot. They agreed that whoever killed a zombie would claim its orb. If multiple people contributed, they would decide peacefully how to distribute it.

They had acquired a total of 11 black orbs and 4 grey orbs.

As the main support of the group, Sam was allowed to take one black-grade item, and all the arrows were designated for him.

When they opened the black-grade orbs, they obtained:

Boots

Rod

Long Knife

Rod

15 Arrows

Boots

Long Knife

Sword

Boots

Long Knife

Bow

Then, the boys with grey orbs opened theirs:

Garry - [Spear - Common Rank] (+Strength)

Ryan - [Bomb - Common Rank] (Effective up to Rank 3)

Ian - 5 [Mana Arrows - Common Rank] (Mana Impact)

Max - [Sword - Common Rank] (+Sharpness)

Ian wanted to give his arrows to Blake, but they had agreed to exchange only orbs, not items.

"Sam, if I give you these arrows, will you trade a grey orb with Blake on my behalf?"

"Okay," Sam agreed, happy with the exchange.

The extra weapons were distributed among those without practical gear. One of the boys had also received a bow identical to Sam's.

Sam gave him five normal arrows and one mana arrow.

The boy's name was Roy, and he was extremely grateful.

Suddenly—

"Aaaaah!"

A scream came from one of the rooms.

Sam ran toward the source of the noise.

When he arrived, he saw a boy wounded on the shoulder, holding a sword toward the ceiling. A 10-inch lizard was staring back at them.

Sam took aim and fired some normal arrows.

The lizard dodged swiftly and attacked Sam with its tongue.

Sam avoided the blow.

By now, the others had also arrived.

Max gripped his sword and shield, focusing on the lizard.

Garry aimed his spear, followed by the rest of the group.

"All of you, go out! The zombies will surely come. I will deal with it!" Sam ordered.

Everyone followed his instructions and went to eliminate the zombies attracted by the commotion.