Chapter 99: Pets and Prisoners

"There must be a great secret inside..." Mr. Wadsworth muttered. He recalled the Super Soldiers' accounts of the advanced technology that had repelled them with electric shocks and laser defenses on the third floor!

It wasn't something that would just appear in this backwater region of the continent. The previous owner of this place must have had an incredible identity and was simply hiding in this peaceful region until the Zombie Outbreak made them flee from this place.

Anyway, he only hoped that Shane would be successful later since none of them could probably assist him right now.

In the meantime, they continued to do their routine tasks in the morning.

Mr. Wadsworth also instructed the Super Soldiers to reinforce the manor with additional wooden beams, ensuring its stability.

As for Shane, his attention was elsewhere.

He had before him four Unhatched Pet Eggs, each brimming with potential and mystery. Though he already had a bonded pet or companion, these new creatures were intended for his allies, a gift of support for the battles to come.

Soon, Shane spent all the Zombie Cores required to complete the hatching process.

The first egg cracked open to reveal a Fire Elemental, its body a dance of flames and embers. It circled Shane while its light and warmth were probably quite similar to candlelight. It wasn't that much at all.

It was also as small as Axis in the Fairy Realm.

'I hope this thing can at least help us light some firewood.' Shane mused after seeing it.

The second egg, covered in frost, birthed a Frost Wyrm, its scales glistening like morning frost. It let out a chilling roar, and the air around it turned cold.

Again, it was obviously not enough to bother a Zombie, considering it was only a Common Pet.

It wasn't that surprising.

In Shane's opinion, Common Pets were more like there to assist the Survivors with their daily activities than killing Zombies.

'This pet will be great during the summer...' Shane commented in his mind.

From the third egg, what emerged was green and vibrant Spriggan, its form composed of leaves and living wood. It bowed to Shane, a gentle rustling sound accompanying its movements, signifying the healing and regeneration it would bring to his allies.

However, since it had just been born, Shane wasn't expecting much from it. At most, this Spriggan could probably help with some light injuries.

The final egg, pulsating with energy, released a Thunderbird. It soared above Shane, electricity crackling in its wake before disappearing completely! It seemed that it was just a burst of power after being hatched.

'Not enough to power even a lightbulb, I guess...' Shane noted in his mind as he checked their descriptions one by one.

[ Unnamed Elemental

Species: Fire Elemental

Description: A flickering sprite of flame, the Fire Elemental dances with playful warmth and light. This elemental companion exudes a gentle heat that offers comfort in colder environments. While not overpowering, its presence subtly boosts morale, providing a modest 5% increase in damage dealt by allies in its proximity.

Abilities: Warmth Aura

Growth Requirement: Nourish its essence with embers from controlled fires and engage in battles to help it mature. It can be fed with Zombie Cores. ]

[ Unnamed Wyrm

Species: Frost Wyrm

"Is it a bug?" Shane immediately thought as he recalled that because of the regression artifact he had obtained, there were quite a few unusual errors in the Apocalypse System when he started the Zombie Apocalypse.

Shane stood amidst his new companions, a sense of wonder and responsibility filling him. These creatures, bound by the system's decree, were now his to command.

"Fine... I'll take responsibility... Let me bring you all in the Fairy Realm later, and maybe you guys can be stronger." Shane commented with a smile on his face.

He believed that Emberwing and Axis would probably be happy once they met their new friends.

***

In the meantime, while Shane was busy with the new pets he had obtained, the group of prisoners, guarded by two Super Soldiers, had finally reached the mine.

The Iron Mine was quite huge, and they had actually been here before and were chased by the Crypt Crawler Zombies.

They thought that there were treasures here, only to be attacked by unusually strong Zombies that they have never seen before.

"We're back here, huh..." Chris muttered with a complicated smile on his face.

Well, they didn't expect that they were able to return here quickly... This time, instead of explorers, they returned as miners.

Jake and Liam could only sigh as they looked at the Iron Mine.

The three of them, bound by the Prisoner's Anklets, shuffled towards the entrance, their pickaxes slung over their shoulders.

The two Super Soldiers, which Shane named Atlas and Orion, flanked them, their eyes scanning the shadows for movement.

"Keep your heads down and focus on the ore..." Atlas instructed, his voice was like a low rumble. "We're here to clear the mine, not to babysit." The Super Soldier added.

However, Liam snorted after hearing this... "As if we needed a reminder. Just make sure those things don't get too close."

"Ahem... We know what we have to do." Jake said after hearing Liam's brave reply.

The three Prisoners weren't afraid of the Super Soldiers at all. The reason was simple, they needed to be fit in order to mine the ores and they also heard from Shane that the Super Soldiers wouldn't do anything to them unless they activated the Anklet's power to turn them into Zombies or if they tried breaking the Anklet.

The group descended into the mine, the light from the 3 Light Orbs or Light Scepters they brought was cutting through the darkness. They could see the walls glistened with moisture, and the air was thick with the smell of earth and decay.

Of course, the Light Orbs were still those they had gotten from the Flasher Zombies.

As they reached the first vein of iron, Chris and Jake began to work, the sound of metal against rock a steady rhythm in the oppressive silence. Liam, however, kept glancing over his shoulder, his nerves on edge.

He actually had some sort of danger perception even before he was sent to this apocalypse!

Suddenly, a screech pierced the air, and a group of Zombies staggered into the light.

The Zombie's eyes were hollow, their movements were also jerky and unnatural.

"Walker Zombies..." The three prisoners immediately confirmed.

Orion stepped forward while his Nail Bat, Anna's previous weapon, was held tightly.

"Just continue working... Don't mind these weak zombies." He ordered while moving to meet the threat.

On the other hand, Atlas didn't even make a move and simply waited on another spot for another zombie to arrive!