Chapter 75: Complete Set?

Shane didn't think too much of it as he decided to accept the offer given by the system. There wasn't any reason to refuse anyway.

"Yes..." Shane muttered.

Then, the system processed his selection, but it didn't seem to work well.

[ ... ]

[ You have failed to claim the Iron Mine. ]

[ You must repair your current territory to at least 50% before you can claim another land. ]

[ Current Territory: Springriver Manor ( 35% ) ]

"R-right..." Shane sighed as he understood what his system was telling him. If he couldn't even rebuild his main base, then it would be sure that he would fail to take care of this new territory.

Because of that, Shane dismissed the idea of claiming this Iron Mine and turned his attention to the Mystery Egg!

The Mystery Egg required 100 Zombie Cores to hatch. It was something that he already had. Furthermore, he had already checked the Survivor Store, and no valuable items were being sold.

With this in mind, Shane took out the Mystery Egg...

The egg itself was a curious artifact, modest in size but remarkable in appearance. Its gray shell was speckled with crimson spots that seemed to pulse with an inner life, a stark contrast to the cold, hard stone surrounding him.

[ Initiate hatching sequence with 100 Zombie Cores? ]

The system's prompt materialized before him, sensing his readiness. Without a moment's hesitation, Shane affirmed...

"Yes!"

A soft hum filled the air as the Zombie Cores dissolved into a spectral mist, enveloping the egg. The red spots brightened, casting a warm glow in the dimness of the mine.

Then, cracks began to spiderweb across the shell, each line glowing as if filled with molten lava.

Then, with a resonant crack, the egg split open, revealing its contents—a flying creature unlike any Shane had encountered.

Kruu~ Kruu~

Then, its description appeared in front of him.

[ Unnamed Avian

Species: Fire Kea

Description: A rare avian born and enchanted from the ashes of a true phoenix. Its feathers are a blend of crimson and gold, with a lustrous sheen that defies the gloom. It possesses an innate warmth that comforts the soul.

Abilities: Ember Song, Radiant Aura ]

Requirements for Growth: Bonding with its liberator and feasting on the essence of the fallen. ]

The Fire Kea fluttered its tiny wings, casting a warm glow around Shane. It seemed to recognize him as its liberator, its owner, or its partner...

[ Scanning the surroundings... ] [ Scan complete. ] [ One Zombie detected. ]

"Mhmm? Which Zombie is it?" Shane asked.

[It's a Crypt Crawler Leader. ]

Shane raised his brow in confusion as he thought that he had already cleared the Iron Mine, which was why he had the chance to claim it as part of his territory.

[ Shadowmeld Tunic ( Exceptional ): This tunic is spun from the threads of darkness itself, enabling the wearer to become almost one with the shadows. It offers protection while cloaking the wearer from prying eyes.

Effects: Boosts jumping strength by +15%, evasion by +20%, and stealth by +15%.

Special Effects:

Shadow Blend: allows the wearer to disappear into the shadows, becoming nearly invisible to the unsuspecting eye.

Cost: 15 Spirit Points/minute ]

"Shadow blend..." Shane muttered as he read the name of his Tunic'ss special ability. With this item together with all the pieces of equipment he obtained from the Crypt Crawlers, he believed that he had already obtained all the lootable items of the Crypt Crawlers!

It must be remembered that aside from tunic, Shane was also wearing the Enchanted Chitin Plate, Crawler's Grasp Gloves, Shroud of Shadows Cape, Stalker's Boots, Cryptic Eye Amulet, and Night Crawler's Belt!

All of them are Exceptional Grades!

[ Stalker's Boots ( Exceptional ): These boots, crafted from the hide of the elusive night stalkers, meld with the shadows. They grant the wearer silent footsteps and the agility of a predator on the prowl.

Effects: +30% Movement Speed, +20% Jumping Strength

Special Effects:

Untraceable Steps: A passive, silent movement effect that ensures stealthy traversal, making the wearer nearly undetectable. ]

[ Cryptic Eye Amulet ( Exceptional ): This amulet, centered with a luminous Crypt Crawler eye, offers its bearer the clarity and vision of the creatures of the deep. It sharpens instincts and enhances critical strikes.

Effects: +45% Critical Hit Rate

Special Effects:

Spying Eye: Provides night vision, piercing through the darkest environments.

Cost: 10 Spirit Points ]

[ Night Crawler's Belt ( Exceptional ): Woven from the wiry tendrils of a nocturnal beast, this belt confers unmatched flexibility. It hugs the waist, a constant companion that enhances evasion and stealth.

Effects: +35% Evasion, +20% Stealth

Special Effects:

Stealth Maneuver: A passive effect that allows the wearer to move like a whisper through the night. ]

Shane wanted to look in a mirror to see his reflection. He was curious whether he looked pretty cool or like a clown with his new equipment.

With a sigh, Shane emerged from the mine together with his Unnamed Avian.

The journey back to the shelter was uneventful until Cloud, his ever-vigilant A.I. companion, alerted him to an unusual presence at the estate.

"Intruders?"

Two unfamiliar figures were inside the estate.

Shane's mind raced with possibilities—were they visitors seeking refuge, or captives from a foiled intrusion?

Upon his arrival, Shane's concerns were quickly dispelled by Gene's broad grin.

The warmth of his welcome was a stark contrast to the cold depths of the mine. It was quite a pleasant welcome after a long day in the abandoned mine.

Anyway, Gene eagerly recounted the events that had transpired in Shane's absence: the unexpected attack, the swift defense led by their traps, and the subsequent capture of the intruders!