Kapitel 63: Protective Shield

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Designation: Scroll of Force Field Level 01

Classification: Rare

Overview: Generates a force field that envelops an expanse of 5000 square meters, proficient in enduring the cumulative impact of ten thousand assaults.

Prerequisite for Utilization: Reserved for the Lord Class

Expenditure: 12500 Coins

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Gazing at the item description displayed before him, Lucas refrains from scrolling any further. Despite its consumable nature, the capability to shield an expanse of 5,000 square meters from a cumulative ten thousand bites is a formidable advantage in the current state of the world.

Though the price of 12500 coins is substantial, considering the benefits of securing their sleep from sudden zombie attacks, it's a justifiable expense. As his eyes flit between the description and the cost, Lucas's mind works overtime, calculating if this investment aligns with his goals. He mentally measures the dimensions around the university, assessing the potential coverage of this 5000 square meter protection.

"12500 coins... that's like fending off 2500 level 1 zombies," Lucas muses aloud. He settles onto the floor of the dim room within the black building, his contemplation giving him the appearance of a daydreamer lost in thought.

After weighing the options and overcoming his hesitation, Lucas decisively clicks the purchase button. In mere moments, the system confirms the transaction, and the Force Field Scroll materializes on the table before him. Picking it up and unfurling it, Lucas discovers that, beyond the information he had previously perused, the scroll contains usage instructions.

"Please tear the scroll for the effect to apply," the scroll instructs, prompting a mild sense of environmental guilt within Lucas. Tearing it apart to activate the effect feels somewhat wasteful, but he follows the instructions and tucks the scroll into his pouch.

With his coin count now reduced to approximately 50,000, Lucas turns his attention to the items section, only to be met with a tinge of disappointment. As compared to his last perusal, Phase 2 has introduced numerous new items into the market, including the recently purchased Force Field.

The rare item section primarily consists of weaponry, such as swords, guns, and spears. Among them, spears hold a certain appeal to Lucas, given his extensive experience wielding them during years of fishing in his hometown. His proficiency in spear control is remarkable.

However, the price range of around 10000 coins for these spears dampens his enthusiasm. His current income doesn't facilitate such expenditures. Furthermore, his current rare-ranked jian sword, obtained through the system achievement, boasts better attributes compared to the spears available for purchase.

It's not that lower-grade items are completely out of reach for Lucas, but as he peruses the list of more affordable options, none of them piques his interest. Cheaper doesn't equate to better quality; Lucas still recalls the day his cherished spear shattered; a memory as vivid as daylight. The spear, purchased at a significant cost in the city last year, had broken despite its price, leaving a pang in his heart. It wasn't just metal that had snapped; it was his lifeline, relatively new at that.

"Goodness," Lucas sighs, shifting his focus to another section within the market, searching for alternative ways to allocate his resources. "Foods," he mutters, his gaze scanning the offerings in this category. Here, a bag of rice fetches around 100 coins, while items like steamed chicken and similar fare come at just 10 coins each. In comparison to the force field, investing 10,000 coins in food could potentially sustain him for months.

'Wishful thinking,' Lucas muses, contemplating the contrast between this idealized scenario and the harsh reality. In contrast to the weapon section, which triggers a sense of fiscal strain with each expenditure, the food section presents a more inviting array. Although devoid of ranking distinctions, the displayed images make each item seem delectable.

With a desire to sample some of the offerings, Lucas purchases a selection of food, setting him back by 200 coins and further depleting his funds. As his decision solidifies, a set of scrolls promptly materializes on the table before him.

'Their lives must be quite convenient,' he muses aloud, struck by the convenience of storing items within scrolls. Had these scrolls not been designed to disappear upon tearing, they would certainly be environmentally questionable. Safely tucking the scrolls into his pouch, Lucas indulges in a few more minutes of exploration before departing the enigmatic black building.

Emerging from the obsidian structure, Lucas is greeted by the warm embrace of sunlight, its rays casting a sunset-hued orange glow. He assesses the time with a muttered observation. "It's getting late." To exit the building, Lucas employs his jian to break the metal door; a minor inconvenience, but with both of his hurricane leap usages already expended for the day, he lacks alternatives for a swift descent.

Descending the stairs, he finds his nausea escalating. Though he spots only a few zombies in his field of vision, the nauseating stench overwhelms him, prompting an almost irresistible urge to retch. Passing by a series of steam rooms, he glances through the openings above the doors.

A glimpse inside clarifies the source of the odor; the rooms are filled with zombies, trapped in heated confinement dating back to the initial days of the apocalypse, with locks affixed to their doors. However, their disposal isn't his responsibility. Eager to avoid drawing any attention, Lucas proceeds past them silently, wary of making any noise that could potentially compromise his safety.

During his descent, Lucas notices several towels strewn about. The abundance of towels is a rare discovery, prompting Lucas to seize the opportunity. He collects them and carefully stuffs them into his pouches before resuming his downward journey. Given that the previous users and owners of these towels are likely deceased, Lucas has become accustomed to taking what he needs from abandoned spaces as part of his survival routine.

As he continues down, reaching the third floor, Lucas encounters a scene of weightlifting equipment and the decimated remains of a zombie. A morbid mosaic of red and green stains coats the cement floor, a grim reminder of the current state of the world.

Exhaling audibly, Lucas contemplates the pervasive distress that has permeated every corner of existence. The weariness and soreness in his body reflect the physical and emotional toll of his daily struggles.

Suddenly, a figure materializes out of thin air and lunges towards Lucas. Reacting swiftly, Lucas forms his fingers into a fist and delivers a precise blow to the figure, propelling them into the wall. The impact causes the figure's body to hit the wall and its head to snap forward.

"A human?" Lucas whispers to himself, maintaining his vigilance as he approaches the fallen person. The figure possesses short black hair, dons long black jeans, and is enveloped in a cloak of darkness.

Struggling to regain their footing, the person queries, "Who are you?" Despite the quavering tone, Lucas can comprehend their words.

"A survivor, just like you," Lucas replies, his readiness to strike if necessary undiminished.

Curiosity is evident in their eyes, and the person surveys Lucas. The voice and appearance hint at a man in his twenties. "I've never seen you here before. How did you suddenly descend from upstairs?"

"I levitated to the top of the building to evade the zombies."

The man, now fully standing, studies Lucas as if assessing his intentions. "Is that your ability?"

"Yes."

The response astonishes Lucas. While most individuals remain oblivious to the system's existence, this man not only acknowledges skills but also inquiries about Lucas's abilities. Though a month has elapsed since the outbreak, the encounter leaves Lucas somewhat taken aback.

"Your level?" Lucas probes, eyeing the man.

"Level 10," the man admits, perhaps sensing Lucas's reticence. Subsequently, he turns away and begins descending to the second floor in silence.

Unsure of the man's intentions, Lucas trails behind him. After reaching the second floor, a low exclamation escapes Lucas as he surveys the room's layout. The space is replete with mats and carpets, dotted with numerous sandbags and assorted mats of varying sizes. Though the room is clearly used for yoga and boxing, the specific details are less important than the revelation that awaits.

Despite his lack of shock, Lucas finds himself somewhat surprised by what lies before him.