In the meantime, as Shane and his team basked in the glow of success, celebrating their hard-fought victory over the Zombie Wave with a feast of food and ale prepared by Bart, a somber atmosphere shrouded another shelter in an abandoned city.
Despite surviving the Zombie Wave, the toll of the battle weighed heavily on the survivors within the massive arena.
Indeed, it was within the shelter owned by the renowned Drakeheart Vanguard Clan. Apparently, the aftermath of the Zombie Wave revealed a devastating truth - nearly half of the survivors had perished in the brutal battle.
The once bustling shelter now had a tense atmosphere, reminding them that this was a merciless apocalypse they were facing.
Some of them were getting treated for their wounds, the others were recuperating in a clean area, and there were also those who had already started eating after being starved for some time.
Among the survivors, Travis, the Cland Leader, found himself grappling with disappointment and disbelief.
"What's going on? I didn't get first or second place in the individual rankings! There must be something strong… Just how did someone surpass me."
Despite single-handedly dispatching over a thousand zombies and unleashing the power of his Dragon Blood Talent's Phase 2 by consuming Enhancer Potions, Travis was shocked to discover that he had only placed third in the Individual Ranking.
To be exact, he consumed 6 Enhancer Potions worth 5 Reputation Points each! He also bought a special weapon and upgraded it to Master Grade to have a better chance of reaching a higher rank. He had spent a lot of materials hoping that he would get first place in this Zombie Wave.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough.
His clan, the Drakeheart Vanguard, fared even worse, ranking eighth in the Clan Ranking despite their valiant efforts in defending their shelter.
"Is the Shadow Strider again?" He mused. He couldn't help but think of this mysterious Survivor to get the first place.
"Just how strong is he?" Travis wryly smiled as he could only imagine how strong this Survivor was.
Travis's gaze then swept across the battered arena, noting the damage and loss that had befallen their home.
Despite the grim outlook, a glimmer of hope flickered in his eyes as he clung to the possibility of redemption…
"Right… This is not over… I guess it's time to move to a different Shelter." Travis muttered as he gathered his team, who was planning to rebuild their base.
There was no need to be heavily attached in this area… They could go to other places with plenty of resources… After all, this city's resources were also about to be completely empty, so it should be a perfect time to move.
Then, under the vast expanse of the desert night sky, Asad, also known as Raven Guard, looked at the desolate land filled with sand.
There was no one else in this area. He was a solitary figure traversing this landscape… He actually found this more enjoyable.
He faced the Zombie Wave alone, unbound by any clan allegiances or the confines of a permanent shelter. He just goes wherever his feet brings him…
"It's getting cold. I should make my shelter now…" He muttered…
The chill of the desert night seeped into his bones. His high strength couldn't fight against this level of cold.
Thankfully, the moon cast an ethereal glow, helping him to set up tent easily.
"I got second place in the individual ranking, huh… That Shadow Strider must be the first again… However, I didn't get a reward for the clan ranking since I don't have one." Asad thought as he started considering whether he should finally join or create a clan so he wouldn't miss those rewards.
As Asad looked at the desert, his immediately thought of an idea.
His keen eyes scanned the horizon and saw the oasis that he avoided a while ago since he didn't want that oasis to be damaged during the Zombie Wave. It seemed to be a suitable location to establish his territory and use his Recruitment Stones.
Asad then checked his inventory and confirmed that he had 6 Recruitment Stones that weren't too special, 2 Rare Recruitment Stones that could recruit individuals with decent talents, and 1 Special Recruitment stone that guaranteed a 100% strong and loyal servant.
"If I use these recruitment stones… I'll be forced to lead them. Is that fine?" Asad asked himself for a moment before sighing…
"If I want to reach Shadow Strider's level, I should do this before the others could catch up to me." Asad muttered as his decision was made. If he wanted to reach or surpass Shadow Strider, he had to gain loyal companions that would make things easier for him.
'Just wait for me, Shadow Strider… You will soon see your name in the second place…' Asad chuckled as he believed that his Legendary Talent would certainly help him to catch up.
After all, he was a Necromancer!
He was simply limited because of his terrible 220 Spirit Points, so he could only summon a few Zombie Warriors since they were worth 50 Points. However, after receiving his rewards and leveling up, he was now capable of summoning an undead worth 300 Points, a Skelatal Knight!
"I just need to be patient… I just need to buy more Spirit Enhancement Bottles. Once I get 1,000 Spirit Points… I'll be able to summon a Lich someday…"
At this time, within Shane's estate, everyone had already fallen asleep since they all got tired after a long battle… Furthermore, Bart's ale had taken effect on their bodies.
However, Shane was still awake in his bed, checking the Regional Chat.
Joey: "Looking to trade my Flamethrower for high-tier armor. Send me a PM if interested!"
Clavio: "Just found a cache of medical supplies. Willing to trade for food rations! Canned goods are my priority."
Borin: "Selling a set of enchanted daggers, perfect for close combat. PM for details!"
Natalie: "Any intel on the rumored hidden bunker in the Northern Wastelands? Willing to pay in Zombie Cores for accurate coordinates!"
Delara: "Huge shoutout to Serene Garden Clan for clearing the Zombie Wave without any casualties! We Rank 1! Drinks on me at the Safehouse Tavern tonight!"