"Mhmm?"
Diana's confusion was evident as she tried to understand what Eldric wanted to share. "A Flesh Puker Zombie?" she repeated. This time, her voice was tinged with curiosity. She had no idea about this zombie at all, but she could tell that this zombie was definitely strong compared to a Tyran zombie.
Eldric, on the other hand, nodded, showing his grim expression. "Yes, it's a formidable foe. It's covered in a thick hide of flesh that acts like armor. It's not just strong; it's resilient. This Kris Blade," he said, lifting the weapon slightly, "is my best chance at taking it down."
Diana's eyes traced the contours of the blade, recognizing the craftsmanship that only Herman could provide. It was indeed the one meant for the leader of the Shadowbinder Clan, but it seemed that Herman decided to give it over to Eldric's capable hands.
"Why tell me this?" Diana inquired, her brow furrowed.
Eldric's gaze met hers, steady and serious. "Because I need your help, Diana. After I slay the Flesh Puker, I'll need to harvest its core... It's a shard to be exact... It's a delicate process, and without a skilled craftsman, the core could be ruined. I've seen your work, and I heard a lot about you from Sir Herman. You have the expertise I need.
I can also protect you as long as we don't enter the territory of those stronger zombies... I just needed someone I could trust. You'll also level up faster that way."
Diana hesitated, torn between the safety of the shelter and the call of adventure. "I... I can't," she finally said. "My place is here, with the survivors. The skill I know is only to forge and repair, to keep us armed and protected."
Eldric nodded, a hint of disappointment in his eyes, but he respected her decision. "I understand. Your skills save lives here every day. If you change your mind, you know where to find me."
With that, Eldric turned and strode towards the forest, the Kris Blade secured at his side.
The night enveloped him, but his mission was clear. The Flesh Puker Zombie was out there, and he would rather face it alone than have someone else he couldn't trust to work with him.
Diana watched him disappear into the darkness, her heart heavy with the weight of his request. She knew the importance of her role within the walls of the shelter, yet part of her longed for the thrill of the hunt to get stronger and, perhaps, look for the people she wanted to meet someday.
As the night wore on, Diana returned to her forge... She no longer felt sleepy because of what had happened, so she decided to start working...
"Tsk... These weaklings are too annoying!"
The Cave Dwellers were relentless, but Eldric's resolve was ironclad. He did not retreat, and he remained pushing forward. The swing of his blade could sever a zombie's head so easily!
Screeecchhh~
The Screamer Zombies were the last to join the fray. Their wails were a sonic weapon that threatened to disorient and debilitate.
Eldric felt the vibrations in his chest, the sound clawing at his senses.
He gritted his teeth, focusing on the rhythm of his heartbeat, using it to ground himself against the auditory assault.
He charged, closing the distance, and with a leap, he brought the Kris Blade down in a devastating overhead strike that silenced one Screamer mid-cry.
Another Screamer lunged, its mouth agape, a scream was surely accumulating...
Eldric sidestepped, the sound wave missing him by inches, and he only felt a little dizzy on one side... Nonetheless, it was enough as he retaliated with a swift cut across the creature's throat, its scream turning into a gurgle as it fell.
With the cave's defenders dispatched, Eldric pressed on, his body aching, but his spirit was unbroken.
Soon, he arrived at the heart of the cave, the lair of the Flesh Puker Zombie...
But to his dismay, he found it empty...
"No way... Where did it go?!" Eldric was in disbelief.