Chapter 216: Examine
After Shane allowed the entry of the ten survivors led by Lily and Elsa, he shifted his attention to the moving Zombies.
As Shane surveyed the approaching horde, his gaze fell upon the tide of Runner Zombies numbering around 400… Their erratic movements hinted at their frenzied state.
In front of them were approximately 100 Violent Sprinter Zombies, their speed and ferocity posing a significant threat to the defenders. Their force would most likely empty their barrier's energy once again if they managed to crash their bodies into the Aegis Force…
Yet, it was the ominous presence of the Survivor Zombies, a formidable force of 10, that sent a chill down Shane's spine.
Indeed, despite the formidable numbers and varying classes of zombies, it was the small group of about 10 Survivor Zombies lingering at the rear of the horde that gave Shane pause.
Unlike their more mindless counterparts, these zombies retained a semblance of their former selves, their movements deliberate and calculated, and although very far, Shane could tell that their eyes were fixed on him… It was as if they could tell that he was the leader of the group.
Eldric, the self-proclaimed strongest Scavenger, held his Kris Blade tightly. His eyes scanned the horizon. "We're not getting rest this time, huh…" He murmured.
Lady Seraph, the Royal Knight, cracked her knuckles as she felt that her hands were already getting numb from holding the crossbow…
"Lord Shane, I'll be switching to my sword…"
"Go ahead!" Shane replied as he didn't really mind. After all, the number of her arrows may have dwindled a lot, so it was better for the elves and others to use them.
At this time, Lucas then reminded Cassius to use his other weapon. Well, Cassius' Nail Bat was already heavily bent after being used so much. He could use other swords or spears that Leo had made but there was something better.
"Cassius, use that one instead!" Lucas said, pointing at the Chainsaw that was ready below the rampart.
"Haha! You're right!" Cassius laughed as he excitedly took the item.
Soon, the Zombies reached their estate!
Shane adjusted his stance, his Laser Sniper Rifle cradled in his arms.
"We can't underestimate them," he warned. "They seemed more violent after chasing those Survivors… Everyone, don't be complacent just because their numbers are low."
Graaagghhh~
At this time, the Runner Zombies surged forward, their decayed legs pounding against the palisade. The Violent Sprinters, on the other hand, focused on the wooden gate!
Their frenzied movements were unsettling, but it was the Survivor Zombies that bothered Shane, so he kept his eyes on them…
They were normally very strong Zombies comparable to Tyrant Zombies since they were different. They were the result of Survivors with Talent who turned into Zombies.
Their eyes held intelligence or memories that made them more dangerous.
As the battle began, arrows flew, hitting the heads or bodies of the zombies at the front…
And then, Shane's Laser Sniper Rifle hummed. He aimed at the Survivor Zombies, who seemed to be strategizing how to bring them down! He had to act quickly!
***
Meanwhile, inside the Springriver Manor, Anna welcomed the newcomers with Mr. Wadsworth.
The ten Survivors who had fled the Zombie Wave was accepted by Shane but they still had to do something.
Anyway, among them were familiar names, as Shane had mentioned them before. They were Lily and Elsa, who had decent talents.
Lily, with Wood Element Affinity, looked listless. Her eyes were still haunted by the horrors they had witnessed. It also seemed that not all of them managed to survive.
Elsa, with Water Element Affinity, also looked weak and just barely hanging on.
Soon, Anna learned their names and talent as they introduced themselves. Some of them had talents like Tailor, Miner, and Accountant… They weren't that great, but there were two of them who caught her attention. They were Jake and Alex.
Jake, was another Construction Engineer with dirt-streaked glasses.
Alex, the young man with a perpetual frown, had an uncommon talent called Shadow Mover. His talent only allowed him to control a head-size shadow to either block the target's vision or to confuse them.
Anyway, as they entered the newly constructed building meant for lodgings of new recruits, Anna started to carefully observe their bodies.
Their clothes were torn, and their breaths were ragged and they really needed a rest... Unfortunately, they have to complete her check-up.
"I know you're tired but you have to cooperate with me…" She said.
Her white coat was stained with blood, her hands calloused from many examinations, so the others somewhat felt nervous...
However, they knew that it was necessary.
Anna had to carefully check their bodies for bites, scratches, or any injuries caused by the Zombies. Any injury left unchecked could spell doom.
The Zombie Infection could be swift—a single scratch, a drop of infected blood, and a survivor could turn.
Mr. Wadsworth, the butler, stood by her side.
"I hope that everyone remains silent unless you're asked by the doctor so we can be quick."
His silver hair was impeccably combed, and his demeanor was definitely calm.
His eyes scanned the newcomers, assessing their weariness, their fear. He knew that danger could wear many faces, so he was also being vigilant around them.
Anna led them to an isolated room in the newly built building while she allowed others to sit or rest before they were called.
The survivors sat on wooden benches, their eyes darting between Anna and Mr. Wadsworth.
Soon, Anna worked methodically.
She checked each person, her gloved hands gentle yet thorough.
This time, she chose to examine the two leaders.
Lily winced as Anna probed her shoulder—a deep bruise from a zombie's grasp. There was no torn skin, so she was still fine.
Next, Elsa then flinched when Anna examined her ankle—a twisted joint from a fall. It was amazing how she was still able to continue running after so long. Of course, aside from examining their injuries, Anna also treated them with her prepared medicines…
After a while, Jake entered the room. Soon, he also winced as Anna cleaned a gash on his forearm. He explained that it was a jagged rock's handiwork. Anna didn't think too much of it as she treated the injury.
And then there was Alex. His eyes darted, and his jaw clenched after Anna looked at him.
Soon, Anna peeled the front of his shirt, revealing a long scratch across his chest!