After some time, Shane and Harper successfully eliminated all the zombies within the illuminated sections of the mining site.
However, upon realizing the absence of torches along their intended path, they opted to cease their exploration and make their way back to safety, laden with salvaged metal scraps and wires to bolster their resources at the shelter.
As they've gone out, the fog seemed to have gotten thicker. Luckily, Shane carried a torch with him, illuminating their path.
[ No Zombies Detected. ]
Shane heaved a sigh of relief after confirming that there were no zombies hidden in the fog.
"Continue scanning the surrounding area, Cloud."
[ Yes, I will. ] The A.I. assistant responded.
As they traversed the eerie terrain, Shane recalled something and inquired, "Harper, are you not troubled by the fog?"
He recalled that according to the system, this is a contaminated fog that affects the inhabitants of this world.
"Previously, the fog made it challenging for me to breathe. However, after spending time in your shelter, it has become much more bearable." Harper responded after reflecting on his improved condition.
Harper was actually unsurprised by this since he knew about the invaluable advantages of aligning himself with the Foreign Survivors. He was well aware that associating with them would yield unforeseen benefits, and being able to survive in the fog was just one of them.
"That's reassuring." Shane concurred after acknowledging Harper's account.
As they continued to walk, Shane was suddenly informed by the A.I. about the approaching zombies.
Thanks to the A.I.'s assistance, they were able to detect the impending threat before it caught them off guard.
As soon as they dropped the metal scraps, wires, and pipes they were carrying, three Jumper Zombies emerged from the fog!
As expected, the fifty-meter or so detection could easily be crossed by this type of zombie!
They quickly took out their weapons… Shane used his Hatchet and Harper used his Pickaxe as they faced the Jumper Zombies.
'Tsk… They were wearing helmets. Were they miners as well?' Shane thought as he felt he should've given the helmet he looted to Harper.
After all, Harper's attributes were low, and he was only a talented miner. Furthermore, his Pickaxe wasn't even a Rare Quality, so there was a chance that his weapon would shatter!
With this in mind, Shane knew that he had to take this fight seriously and end it as quickly as possible.
As the Jumper Zombies leaped from the trees and aimed for their heads, Shane and Harper dodged their attacks and swung their weapons at them.
These Zombies were large, and they couldn't just block their attack, or they'd get knocked down.
Shane's hatchet cut through the Jumper Zombie's helmet, and hit its skull in one swift motion…
[ You have eliminated a Jumper Zombie ]
However, the Jumper's Zombie's tough helmet and skull made it difficult for him to pull out the hatchet! It was stuck!
Harper, on the other hand, had a bit of an awkward weapon but he still pierced through the Jumper Zombie's chest, and made it bleed.
Within that clash, they managed to kill one of the Jumper Zombies and injure the second one.
But the third one was still alive, so Shane pulled out his Revolver to finish off the Zombie that Harper had injured.
[ You have eliminated a Jumper Zombie ]
With such a close range and his Firearm Mastery, he accurately hit the back of its head.
It even pierced through its head and hit the shoulder of the third Jumper Zombie!
Nevertheless, it wasn't enough to deter the Zombie.
As Harper attacked the third Zombie, it jumped back, and avoided his attack!
'I knew it… It's not mindless at all. It can tell that it's in danger… Is it because it's mid-tier Zombie?' Shane frowned as he saw the third Jumper Zombie's action.
Although very low, these Zombies definitely have intelligence!
He wanted to just shoot the Zombie again, but his A.I. detected three more approaching zombies! Although they were only Runner Zombies, he felt that he should save the bullets for now since they were fighting two versus one.
The Jumper Zombie then looked at Shane and Harper, and snarled.
Harper wasn't blind either, and he knew it was smarter and stronger than the other Jumper Zombies they'd fought.
It actually waited for an opening and then jumped again!
This time, it aimed at Harper, who was weaker and slower than Shane. Nonetheless, this allowed Shane to pull out his hatchet from the other Zombie.
Harper tried to block the Jumper Zombie's attack with his Pickaxe, but the Jumper Zombie was too fast and powerful.
It knocked the Pickaxe out of Harper's hand, and landed on his chest.
The Runner Zombie pinned him down, and tried to bite his neck!
"Haahhh!" Harper screamed and pushed the Jumper Zombie away with his hands.
Luckily, he was equipped with his armguard, which protected him from being bitten. Furthermore, the Jumper Zombie was lighter than he expected, so he succeeded in pushing it away.
He struggled to get up, while the Jumper Zombie prepared to attack again.
Shane saw Harper in danger, and rushed to help him. He threw his hatchet at the Jumper Zombie's head, hoping to kill it.
The hatchet flew through the air, and hit the Jumper Zombie's helmet!
The helmet cracked, and the Jumper Zombie's head turned into ice before shattering into pieces!
Just like that, the Jumper Zombie fell to the ground, dead.
[ You have eliminated a Jumper Leader Zombie. ]
"There are three more Runner Zombies! Get ready!" Shane reminded as he swiftly looted the smart Jumper Zombie.
[ You have earned 30 Experience Points. ]
[ You have earned 1 Reputation Point. ]
[ Loots obtained: 2 Item Upgrade Crystal, 2 Zombie Cores, 500mL Water, 5 Bread, 100mL Jumper Leader Zombie Blood, 1 Spirit Enhancement Bottle ]
[ You have leveled up. ]
[ Trade Function is now open! ]
[ Hint: Trade is only available among listed friends. ]