Shane carefully checked the item description as they might be useful for the final battle.
[ SWAT Helmet ( Tier 2 ): A rugged helmet designed to withstand blunt force. It features a visor that protects the eyes from debris and enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
Effect: Grants +20% damage resistance to the head, +10 Physical Defense ]
[ Tactical Vest ( Tier 2 ): This heavily padded vest is equipped with multiple pockets for carrying gear and ammunition. It offers excellent protection against small-arms fire.
Effects: Increases overall damage resistance by 15%, +10 Physical Defense ]
[ SWAT Gloves ( Tier 2 ): Made from durable materials, these gloves provide a firm grip on weapons and equipment while protecting the hands during combat.
Effects: Boosts reload speed by 10%, +10 Dexterity ]
[ Tactical Pants ( Tier 2 ): Designed for mobility and protection, these pants are reinforced at key areas and come with pockets for carrying essentials.
Effects: Increases evasion chance by 10%, +10 Physical Defense ]
[ Combat Boots ( Tier 2 ): Sturdy boots that offer excellent traction and ankle support. They are designed for long hours of wear in tough environments.
Effects: Reduces stamina consumption by 15% during combat, +10 Physical Defense ]
[ Retractable Arm Shield ( Tier 2 ): A compact, retractable shield that can be easily attached to the forearm. When deployed, it provides a protective barrier against incoming attacks. It can be quickly concealed when not in use.
Effects: Absorbs 100 points of damage when equipped. ]
[ Tactical Belt ( Tier 2 ): A heavy-duty belt designed to hold various tactical gear, including holsters and pouches, ensuring quick access to weapons and supplies. ]
Effects: Removes the Unstackable effect of an item. ]
The items weren't that incredible if worn individually. Part of it was because they were only Tier 2. Nonetheless, once they were all equipped, they would certainly become one of the best defensive sets out there.
'I'm sure that everyone who clears the First Stage will get this set… I guess I can use this to blend in easily.' Shane thought as he knew that everyone would most likely wear this set once they returned to the continent.
After all, it was practical and had decent effects compared to other sets available in Giftpacks and Stores.
However, Shane was still shocked as soon as he noticed that the Tactical Belt's effect was able to remove the unstackable effect on other items!
It means that he would be able to wear his Shadowcloak while wearing the Tactical Vest! Because of that, he would also be able to use its high-level abilities, Shadow Step and Night's Embrace!
He actually really felt pity that he couldn't use those two special abilities of that cloak. However, with his new belt, he would definitely be able to do it now!
'Ugh… Right, I lent it to Lysandra.' Shane suddenly recalled…
Well, he thought that he wouldn't have the chance to use the Shadowcloak since he had several upper-body clothes, some of which were even Tier 5, Epic Grade, or Legendary Grade.
'What a blunder... But I'm sure that Lysandra has noticed it.' Shane mused.
The only reason why Shane only learned about its effect now was because they were in a hurry and didn't take any breaks.
However, Lysandra's team would probably take that 10-minute break in each stage.
Anyway, after some consideration, Shane decided to upgrade them all to Tier 4 before he wore the SWAT Uniform as well. He only had to spend 12 Item Upgrade Crystals each, or a total of 84 Item Upgrade Crystals for that.
However, if he wanted to upgrade them all to Tier 5, he would have to spend 1,050 Crystals since an upgrade from Tier 4 to Tier 5 costs 150 Crystals each.
As he wore them, the hidden effect of providing an additional shield that could protect him from 2,200 points of damage suddenly appeared.
'That's a lot higher than their 600 points defense.' Shane thought.
Anyway, the Mutated Python Set was actually Tier 5, so others might think that he was making a bad decision while wearing a Tier 4 Set. However, the Mutated Python Set focused on a balanced defense while giving insane agility. The Agility Boost may be gone this time, but his defense had increased to compensate for that.
"This is good… The two of you, come here… I'll lend you both 84 Item Upgrade Crystals… The last stage will be very dangerous, and I want you to upgrade your SWAT Uniform."
Based on his experience, the death of his teammates would be calculated with the final reward. He couldn't let any of them die in this event.
"What do we have to pay in exchange?" Sandra asked.
She knew that Diana and Shane were siblings from their previous conversation, so she knew that Diana might not have to provide collateral for this exchange at all.
"How about joining my Clan?" Shane asked.
"That sounds fair. I'm only in a Level 1 reserve Clan of Celestial Circle since the clan is full. I'm supposed to join the main clan if one of their members dies or becomes useless." Sandra explained.
The lowest Level 1 Clan could have ten members, while reaching Level 2 could only have 20 members, and so on.
However, once the Clan Hall was built, there would be a huge boost in the members who could join. But building a Clan Hall was easier said than done. That was why there were several auxiliary Clans being created so others could still benefit from the Clan Missions, Zombie Cores rewards, and others.
"I'll quit my Clan and join you." Sandra answered decisively. Well, who wouldn't want to be with the Rank 1 Survivor that could be so generous?
"I'll join as well." Diana said with a smile.
The two then joined Shane's clan and noticed that their Eclipse Revenant Clan seemed smaller than they expected. Anyway, they didn't have time to check the other members as Shane gave the Crystals to them and got busy.
Shane also opened all the other Treasure Chests, but all of them, including the Golden Treasure Chests, only contained the Broken Map pieces, Elixirs, and special ingredients he had no use for as of yet. Anyway, he was only missing the first part of the Broken Map to complete it.
'I'm sure it's here somewhere.' Shane thought. He didn't mind not completing the map yet.
Soon, the time was up, and they had to enter the fifth stage…
As soon as their surroundings warped and were transported by the system, they looked at the enemy; something unusual greeted them that made them speechless.
What they witnessed was ten completely dried-up Armored Juggernaut piled up, and sitting above them was a shadowy figure that seemed to be very bored…
"Kukuku… I've been waiting for you…"