Chapter 187: Hatchetman's Rage

Chapter 187: Hatchetman's Rage

As Zac drove the car through the Dead Zone Kenzie told him much about what happened to her during the six months since they last saw each other. As for Zac, he was a bit hesitant to speak about his experiences, as there were two others in the car.

Lyla was obviously one of them, but before they left Kenzie was approached by one more person. The other girl was Olivia, and he actually somewhat recognized her. She was one of Kenzies old friends, and he had met her a few times before the fall. Apparently, the two only found each other again a month ago, and Kenzie invited her as well to Port Atwood.

Her story was pretty impressive, as shed done something similar to himself. It turned out Olivia had been traveling just like him when the fall happened, and she got randomized to a town a months travel away from Kingsbury. Just like Emily and her parents did, Olivia almost immediately set out on a journey to find her way home until she heard about the cultivators in Kingsbury.

Unfortunately, none of her family were cultivators, so they were likely either back at Greenworth, or wherever the other parts of the city had ended up. Since she met Kenzie she decided to stay put for the time being. Zac was a bit surprised she tagged along, as it would likely be easier to get back to Greenworth if she stayed in the town.

Then again he realized it might be his fault, as anyone even slightly related to him might get into trouble as a result of his actions. Perhaps he could send her back with Julia later, so Olivia could hopefully find her way back to her family.

Kenzie clearly trusted them, but Zac had learned to be cautious so he spoke very little about what hed been through. He only explained that he found himself on an island and through a lot of battle managed to create a town.

The two in the back seat seemed a bit wary of him still, and he couldnt blame them after his display yesterday. They mostly sat quietly in the back seat, only responding when talked to.

It took two days until they got back to Mount Everlasting Peace, and Zac was relieved to see that nothing had changed since he was here a week ago. He had been afraid that an undead attack was imminent due to the movements he saw, but the monastery was as tranquil as usual.

As they arrived the same old monk who led him up the stairs the last time walked forward.

Amithaba patron. The Abbot sends his regards, the old man said, placing his hands together.

Greetings venerable, Zac said with a small bow as he put his car into a Cosmos Sack.

He had been a bit embarrassed as he didnt know how to address the monks in his earlier visit, so he also looked it up while he waited for the trial to start. There were still a lot of things he didnt know about Buddhist conduct, but at least he shouldnt disrespect the monks by mistake.

I guess patron wishes to use the teleportation array?

Yes, Zac said. I am staying here for a while though.

Youre not coming with us? Kenzie asked with some confusion.

Not just yet. I need to head into the Dead Zone for a few days, Zac answered.

This was something hed decided on earlier. There really wasnt much for him to do back home in Port Atwood. His next goal was the Hegemon quest, but there were a few weeks left before its time limit was up, and it was the same with the Treasure Hunt.

Since Kenzie was safe he could finally breathe easily, but it also meant he needed to look forward. He was currently only one level to level 60, which hopefully would provide him with a skill that increased his overall power.

Besides, he hoped he could cull the numbers of the undead horde a bit, which hopefully would give the monks more time to prepare themselves. It was the least he could do from how much they had helped him.

He wasnt comfortable with taking the three with him since he was heading toward the core, and who knew what would happen. Now that his wound was healed and his bead was under control he felt much more confident and wasnt afraid to cause some havoc. He was pretty confident in his ability to keep himself alive, but the same couldnt be said for the girls.

Hed already used his inspection skill on the three as part of him making sure they were not shapeshifters, and both Kenzie and Lyla were level 33, which was quite impressive. It seemed theyd pushed themselves pretty hard since Harold had been lusting after them for months.

Olivia was almost as impressive, reaching level 32 without having access to an incursion for a long time. Those who traveled were constantly put in harms way, so it wasnt too surprising that they gained power quickly.

Oh, and I brought a lot of Springroot as well. You should have everyone coming to your monastery eat this. It is not dangerous to humans, but to certain invaders it's deadly, Zac said.

Amithaba. Patron needs not to worry about the lizard people. Their disguises cannot block the sight of the Abbot, as karma is not something that can be hidden behind a transformation skill, the old monk said with a laugh. One of them tried to infiltrate the monastery some time ago with no success.

Zac could only gape in response, throwing a glance up at the mountain top. The old Abbot was truly full of mysterious means. It also meant that the Abbot was only humoring when Zac told him about the shapeshifters earlier, as he already knew about it.

Give people this when you go through, Zac said as he handed his sister an envelope. There are a lot of knowledgable people at Port Atwood. Go find Alyn if you want to become stronger.

Youre dumping me here and immediately go on an adventure? Are you already tired of us? MacKenzie said with a snort as she turned to the old monk. Can you believe this guy?

Zac only shook his head with a smile, as he knew she was just joking around. Soon hed opened the teleporter leading to his town, and saw the three off. After saying his farewells to the old monk he set out toward the core of the Dead Zone.

Vitality

197

Intelligence

90

Wisdom

85

Luck

93

Free Points

3

Nexus Coins

57 703 653

Zas he looked at his screen he couldnt help wonder what others would say if they found out he made 7 million nexus coins from one day of grinding. Of course, it was only possible since the Zombies were gathering up into large clumps.

For once Zac hoped that he could count on humanitys greed and that there were tens of thousands of zombie hunters out at the moment desperately killing zombies for the almost free money.

Zac put his 3 points into vitality, bringing it past 200 as well. By now he started to feel a bit set with that attribute, making him think of what to focus on next. He would have to talk with Ogras or Alyn about it, but perhaps it would be prudent to put some more points into his last two attributes, Intelligence, and Wisdom, as both were starting to severely lag behind.

However, that wasnt what he was interested in at the moment, so instead, he quickly brought up his quest panel. He wasnt surprised there was a new quest on the screen, but he was quite surprised when he saw the progress.

Hatchetman's Rage (Class): Earn "Butcher" Title. Reward: Hatchetman's Rage skill (1/1) [COMPLETE]

Zac couldnt help but sardonically smile when he saw the class content. Perhaps it was quite a number for normal cultivators to kill 100 000 creatures, but he passed number that a long time ago. It was pretty clear it was an offensive skill judging by the name of the skill and how to complete the quest. This suited Zac just fine, and he only hoped it would be good for single targets.

Since the quest was marked as complete he only needed to get back to his Nexus Crystal to turn it in. With that he closed the screens and refocused on what to do next. He knew that he hadnt really accomplished much apart from lining his own pockets, but then again he simply couldnt find more valuable targets to kill.

He had been traveling for two days already and was some distance into the core zone. If he kept going he was afraid hed end up in the headquarters, facing more than he could handle at the moment.

The incursions had stabilized long ago, which meant that they had some more functions. They were able to set up certain arrays for example, and Zac wasnt knowledgeable enough in that regard to dare get too close. The undead were extremely wealthy, and he was afraid hed get trapped in an illusion array or something similar, becoming a sitting duck.

Since there was not much else to do he simply turned back toward the mountain. When he finally came back to Mount Everlasting Peace he initially wanted to say goodbye to the Abbot but was disappointed to find he was in seclusion. With nothing else to do he headed toward the teleporter.

The array was actually down at the foot of the mountain, rather than up in the temple, which had surprised Zac a bit.

I hope Ill see you all again, Zac said. Remember, if things get out of hand here you can always come to Port Atwood. Even if the mountain is lost we can reclaim it.

If heavens wills it, we will meet again patron, the old man said with a kind smile as the portal flashed to life.

Here is a small offering to your temple. I hope it will come to use, Zac said and handed over a pouch.

It contained a wide variety of pills and a large pile of Nexus Crystals. Zac hoped it would help their war efforts in case they got attacked again, at least to the point they managed to evacuate.

Thank you, patron. The Abbot is currently unavailable, but he asked me to convey a message. To forgive is not to condone others actions, it is to bring peace to your heart. Safe travels patron, the monk said and once again put his hands together.

Zac didnt say anything as he left with a nod, the portal flashing shut behind him.