Elsa and Lily exchanged glances after hearing Shane's words.
They didn't have to discuss this matter for long, and they knew what they had to say. Both of them knew that they had to politely decline Shane's invitation to join the shelter.
However, considering that they might not like their answer, they knew that they also had to express their gratitude but emphasizing their contentment with their current situation.
After taking a deep breath, they formulated their words carefully and replied.
"We appreciate the offer, Shane, but we're managing well here." Lily said with a smile.
"Yes... Thank you for thinking of us, but we prefer to stay independent for now." Elsa added.
Shane respected their decision, understanding the challenges of building trust in such uncertain times. Well, he would actually be even more surprised if they just agreed on him. It was also good that they were being cautious. It was no wonder they survived up until this point.
Nonetheless, he still had other tasks to do.
He informed them once again that his group would be clearing out the nearby zombie threats for the safety of all survivors in the area and also to gather resources.
"Alright, we will be leaving this place then..." Shane said as the group in front of him were all warily looking at Shinja, who had a frowning face. Although Shinja wouldn't harm them, they were surely not taking any chances.
Shane could tell from the faces of the representatives of this shelter that they weren't welcomed at all.
Nonetheless, as they were about to leave something, one of the female representatives spoke.
"Shane, if you're planning to gather resources. You might consider the nearby tunnel. It was previously a gold mining site. There are many Zombies there and your group might have a chance against them." Lily suddenly said.
Elsa was surprised to hear her partner say this as she believed that Lily wanted to harm them. However, looking at the monk, the warlord, and the elves behind Shane, Elsa realized that they were indeed a strong group and they might really succeed.
"A previous gold mining site?" Shane repeated as he wanted to know more about it.
Elsa then explained how they discovered that cave and informed Shane about the zombies they might encounter inside.
This cave was only about 400 meters away from them, and it certainly piqued Shane's curiosity. Elsa and Lily's team had only visited the vicinity of the cave, so it remained largely unexplored.
However, they were still aware of the three Zombies that they could encounter within that cave. They were the Crypt Crawler Zombies, Cave Dweller Zombies, and Screamer Zombies.
Shane knew about the Crypt Crawler Zombies but not the Cave Dweller and Screamer ones.
Elsa then explained the Cave Dweller Zombies were dwarf-sized zombies who had adapted to the darkness of the cave. With heightened senses and agility, they were formidable opponents in low-light conditions.
"However, they were still dwarves in my eyes... As long as you hit them, they'll die easily." Elsa said with a confident tone.
***
As Shane and his team entered and walked deeper into the abandoned mining site, the oppressive darkness of the cave surrounded them, broken only by the dim glow of their light orbs, the one that Shane had looted from the Flasher Zombies just a while ago.
Clack... clack... clack...
The faint sound of scuttling echoed through the tunnels, signaling the approach of the Cave Dweller Zombies!
Suddenly, twelve of the outrageous creatures emerged from the shadows, their small figures moved with unnatural speed towards the group!
"Eldrin..." Shane commanded.
The elves, armed with short blades that gleamed in the flickering torchlight, sprang into action with better agility that was certainly fitted to their delicate appearance.
Within the tight space of the tunnel, Shane believed that these elves would be able to move better than Shinja and the Chaloem.
Their movements were like a blur as they engaged the Cave Dwellers, who were used to the darkness and could use the tunnel walls to their advantage!
The first Cave Dweller lunged forward with a snarl, its clawed hands reaching out to grab at Eldrin. With a swift sidestep, Eldrin narrowly avoided the attack, countering with a well-aimed strike that severed the creature's arm.
As it howled in pain or probably frustration, the other elves closed in from all sides, their blades targeted the limbs of the small zombies!
Most of them may be bow users, but they can certainly use their blades really well!
Shane watched the whole duration of the battle as the elves moved gracefully throughout the whole fight, dodging the Cave Dwellers' frenzied attacks with a combination of acrobatic flips and nimble footwork.
'Awesome movement technique... I hope I have something like that in my next Memory Spheres' Shane mused.
The elves' strike was truly calculated and precise, as they dispatched the Cave Dwellers a lot easier than Shane had imagined.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Soon, the Cave Dwellers dropped one by one!
The Cave Dwellers, despite their speed and ferocity, were no match for the skill and coordination of the elven warriors.
Thud!
With a final, decisive strike, the last of the creatures met its end, leaving the cave eerily silent once more!
However, before they could get some rest, Eldrin and the other elves' eyes widened and warned hastily...
"Cover your ears!"