Chapter 219: Respite
Cloud had already studied the blood of numerous variants of Zombies, including the human blood. Shane wanted to know whether the A.I. had the capability to know whether the virus actually infected the Survivors they were about to meet.
[ I will check their condition, but I can't guarantee to get an accurate result. ]
"What are the chances?" Shane asked.
[ If the Zombies that infected them were in my database, I have a 76% chance of knowing whether they got infected or not ]
"That's not really bad. I'll take that." Shane replied as he felt more confident meeting these injured survivors.
Soon, Shane made his way to the isolated rooms where Alex and Rahman were being held.
Their condition was a matter not to be taken lightly, as the progression of the zombie virus could be swift and merciless.
Stepping into the quarters, Shane's eyes scanned the room meticulously, taking note of the surprisingly decent accommodations where Alex and Rahman were confined.
'I didn't know they fixed this place already. Is this supposed to be a guest room?' Shane mused.
There was a lamplight made from the orb of the Flasher Zombie that bathed the room in a warm glow. The room was also decorated with various things that had been recovered in the manor's storage room. There were some old paintings and some furniture that had been repaired.
Alex and Rahman lay on comfortable beds with plush blankets, their faces displaying a mix of relief and apprehension at Shane's arrival.
'Is this prepared by Anna?' Shane mused as he realized that the air was infused with a faint scent of lavender, a subtle attempt to mask the underlying tension that permeated the room.
Well, it was quite effective since the scent was indeed quite calming.
Drawing closer to the two survivors, Shane observed them intently, searching for any revealing signs of zombification.
Despite their injuries, there were no immediate indications of the transformation taking hold. Their breathing was steady, and their skin, though marked by wounds, retained its natural color.
"Cloud… Help me here… Do you notice any signs of zombification?" Shane asked.
[ Scanning… ]
As Cloud continued with the investigation, he couldn't help but admire the efforts made to provide a semblance of comfort in their temporary confinement.
This was certainly a good thing since these people wouldn't feel too angry about their treatment once it was confirmed that they were not infected.
[ Scan complete. ]
[ No zombification has been identified. However, 72 hours of observation is required since Survivors from Earth appear to have a strong resistance against the virus itself. ]
Cloud reported after doing some calculations.
"Seventy-two hours, huh… Do we have some sort of mutation?" Shane muttered to himself, but he immediately paused.
There was certainly some sort of mutation in their bodies! After all, they could gain survivor skills that could help them survive longer and mysterious talents that could make them special from other survivors! There was also a leveling system that made them stronger.
With that in consideration, it wasn't surprising that they were already considered mutated humans at this point.
"That's alright, Cloud. We will just continue observing them for now."
Shane observed Alex and Rahman for a bit more, and from their eyes, he noted the absence of immediate zombification signs.
Of course, he was also quite puzzled by the delayed transformation, if they would really turn into a zombie. However, this might turn out to be their biggest in finding
Nonetheless, the lack of direct zombie bites, he contemplated the potential outcomes. Although hopeful that they might not turn at all, the risk was too great to ignore.
After careful consideration, Shane assigned two farmers under Ewan. They would stand guard over Alex and Rahman, with strict instructions to notify Mr. Wadsworth, the butler, at the first sign of infection.
"We will watch them, Lord Shane!"
"We won't take our eyes off of them."
Vigilance was paramount in containing any potential threat. They knew how important this task was. Of course, Shane gave the two some food and even a Spirit Enhancement Potions.
After that, to bolster the others' readiness, Shane also distributed some Spirit Enhancement Potions and Strength Enhancement Potions among them, ensuring they were equipped to utilize their Survivor Skills, Talents, and Weapon Skills effectively in the upcoming challenges. He gave these potions to the elves, the members of the Eclipse Revenant, the Super Soldiers, and the rest of the defenders.
With preparations in place, Shinja, the warlord entrusted with guarding the manor's rear, approached Shane.
"Mhmm? Is something wrong?" Shane asked. Shinja approached him with weariness visible in his eyes. It seemed that it was from the intensity of his recent battle.
"I eliminated two other Hunter Zombies. I left them at the back of the manor," Shinja stated, his voice carrying a tinge of fatigue from the encounter.
Shane's brows furrowed in concern as he processed the information.
The emergence of more high-tier Zombies posed a significant threat. The safety of his allies, including Shinja, was important.
"Again? And two more high-tier Zombies at that? Are you alright?" he inquired, his worry evident as he addressed Shinja's well-being.
With a stoic nod, Shinja reassured Shane of his condition, his demeanor reflecting a blend of exhaustion and resilience.
"I'm fine... It was tough dealing with two of them, but it's alright… I'm going to use these potions you gave us… Well, I can probably deal against five of them at the same time." He affirmed, his words tinted with a hint of pride at overcoming the formidable adversaries.
"That's incredible… However, I will ask another person to help you guard the back of the manor. How about Layla?"
"That Psychic? I heard she got new weapons." Shinja commented…
"Yes, they're made of Starlight Silver… I'm sure that she won't be a burden if she stays in a distance." Shane replied.
"If that's the case, I guess it would be a lot easier for me…" Shinja smiled and finally agreed with Shane.
"Alright, take some rest while the third horde hasn't arrived them. I'll also check the corpses now… " Shane said as he made his way to the rear of the manor where the defeated High-Tier Zombies lay.