Chapter 489: Ascension Quest
"There's nothing to worry about… They're our new companions…" Shane cleared up as he heard the conversation outside his room.
"Sir Shane! You're finally back!" Nia greeted as she heard Shane's voice.
Then, as he got out of his room, they realized that Shane had already changed his clothes. He seemed really refreshed as if he hadn't gone to a battle but to a vacation.
It was the same for Lysandra who seemed really happy about the result of their participation in the event this time.
"Sir Leader, you have no idea what we went through… We had to deal with a horde of walker, runner, and jumper Zombies… Then, there were six Giant Zombies… Ugh! That was really scary. Thankfully, the group of Scavengers we met didn't waste our energy in battle and just asked for food." Vernon said as he recalled what had happened.
"Don't worry, you will all be rewarded with another Skill Potion from me," Shane said as he also thought of giving them some Zombie Cores or even new weapons as well.
The elves didn't say much as they just greeted Shane before returning to their position.
Well, they were still curious about the gray fog outside the town.
Nonetheless, it didn't take that long before they learned that the gray fog had simply brought them their new allies. To be exact, they were the people that Shane bought in the Vault of Chains.
There were a total of seven of them.
They were Kaelira, a Silver-Furred Vulpian; Kain, a werewolf; Jafal, an Etherial Construct; Borek, a skilled Craftsman, and the three special slaves within the Vault of Chains!
They were Sona, Otto, Zephyrion!
With this number of subordinates, it wouldn't be surprising if he could actually make another shelter. After all, he still has 10 Epic Grade Elf Recruitment Stones in his inventory!
However, Shane wasn't thinking about this yet. After all, since he was finally out of the waiting zone, he could finally absorb the remaining Memory Spheres!
Not just that, since he had already exceeded the level 50 mark, the system had informed him of the Ascension Quest!
After all, he may have a higher level now with new limit of Strength, Agility, and Vitality, he hadn't received the blessing he should obtain yet. Right now, he was just slightly stronger to those who had reached their limits.
[ Ascension Opportunity Unlocked ]
[ Congratulations, Shane! ]
Your journey continues at empire
[ You have reached Level 50, marking a milestone in your journey as a Survivor. ]
[ Calculating Ascension Quest based on the Survivor's Achievements… ]
"Ugh…"
As soon as Shane saw this, he immediately knew that this wouldn't be good for him. After all, with his achievements so far, he knew very well that the Ascension Quest would be very tough.
The only good thing about this was the fact that he would be able to obtain better extra rewards.
'Well, since I completed some amazing feats… Then the quest will surely be difficult.'
During his Ascension Quest in the two previous Apocalypses, the challenges he received were also difficult. However, they were still doable and he was able to ascend…
'Wait… Isn't the calculation taking too much time? Just what kind of challenge you're planning to make me?' Shane thought as she felt a bit worried now.
Thankfully, after a minute or so, the system completed its calculations.
[ Ascension Quest Unlocked: A Hunter Among Lords ]
[ Completing this quest will grant you ascension beyond mortal limitations. Upon success, you will receive rewards that elevate your physical and spiritual essence, allowing you to endure the harshest environments, even the void between worlds. ]
[ Quest Objectives: ]
Eliminate Two Lord-Tier Zombies
Necrotic Swarm Sovereign: A monstrous entity ruling over legions of flesh-consuming insects. Found in the festering ruins of Maggotfall Citadel.
Eclipse Wraith Colossus: A shadow-clad behemoth capable of devouring light and hope. Dwells in the shattered halls of Dreadnight Fortress.
Destroy Five Elite Zombie Generals
Each Lord-Tier Zombie is protected by powerful generals commanding their hordes. Eliminate them to weaken the Lords' defenses.
Protect the Living
During the battle with the Lords, a group of wandering survivors will be caught in the conflict. Ensure their safety until they can escape.
[ Possible Rewards for Completion: ]
Void-Forged Ascension: Your body will undergo a transformation, adapting to survive even the harshest environments, including the void. Your lifespan will increase, and your resistance to toxins, extreme temperatures, and physical injuries will improve significantly.
Unique Skill: Void Hunter's Prowess: Amplifies your physical and mental capabilities, granting temporary immunity to spatial distortions and void-based attacks.
Legendary Weapon: Abyssal Fang: A weapon forged from the void itself. Its blade consumes energy with each strike, dealing devastating damage to undead and void creatures.
Voidwalker's Title: Grants +20% agility, endurance, and energy regeneration in void-like or extreme environments.
Resource Cache: Includes rare crafting materials, energy crystals, and elixirs to enhance your survival and combat capabilities.
[ Warning: ]
Failure to complete the Ascension Quest will result in forfeiting all extra rewards and the opportunity for ascension forever.
This is a solo mission. Allies and summons are prohibited in the designated challenge zones.
Quest Time Limit: 30 days
'Hmm… So it was like that.' Shane thought as his eyes focused over the message, reading it carefully.
'These things are incredible. No, this is so much better than the previous rewards I get… Now, I finally know the reason why Statham was able to do that… He must know something more about the Apocalypse. This is really interesting… I should get ready to absorb the remaining Memory Spheres later.' Shane thought as he believed that he would be able to get valuable information about the end times of the Apocalypses.
With the two Apocalypses he completed, he wanted to know what the end feels like and what he had truly done with the Anima Civilization and what was his conversation with the Fairy Queen if he really ever did.
'That would be interesting…' Shane thought.
As he continued reading the rewards, he realized that it was truly far beyond what he could have imagined. There were just too many of them. It was completely different to what he had experienced before.
However, the mention of Maggotfall Citadel and Dreadnight Fortress sent shivers down his spine.
These two areas were actually in the Sector 20. During his tea time with the other leading Survivors, they actually discussed this area a bit since they got clues about this place from the central region while searching for clues about the Zombie Virus.
"Haaa…. Two Lord-Tier Zombies, huh." Shane muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief. "At the very least, this isn't a solo mission like the previous ones. It's possible to get some assistance."
Nonetheless, although the task was certainly difficult, he felt confident that he was capable of completing this mission.
The opportunity to ascend, to transcend the limits of mortality, was not something he could pass up. He will definitely claim all of its rewards!
'We have to hurry then…'
Shane then turned to his allies, sharing the news about his upcoming quest…
***
As they were all preparing to leave the town, Vernon, who had been leaning casually against the barricades, suddenly straightened up.
His sharp eyes narrowed as he scanned the distant skies.
"Movement," he said. "And it's fast."
Nia, who had been tending to the lush vines she'd summoned earlier to fortify the walls, froze mid-motion. Kale turned from his spot near the automated turret and gripped his halberd tightly.
"What do you see?" Nia asked…
Vernon's face darkened as he pointed toward the horizon. "Zombies. Flying ones. Hundreds of them."
'Flying Zombies, huh…' Shane thought as he observed his current team. None of them looked worried. They were simply curious whether they'd be able to leave on time.
Then, the sky grew darker as the swarm neared…
These zombies with mutated bat wings looked really terrifying as they gathered above the town.
"This will be quite different from our previous battles." Vernon muttered.
Anyway, Shane didn't even need to instruct them.
Vernon activated the automated turret. Soon, its barrel spun as it started shooting at the flying zombies
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The turret's rapid-fire energy energy bullets lit up the darkening sky.
Then, explosions erupted in mid-air as the others also made their moves! These explosions sent dismembered bodies plummeting to the ground! These explosions were mainly from the five elves who were still guarding the town.
Nia then planted her staff into the earth... She also wanted to show how she had improved!
With a sharp command, she summoned Thorned Barriers around the perimeter of the town, creating spiked defenses that shredded any flying zombies that dared to descend…
While this was all happening, Shane simply felt satisfied watching his team deal with these mid-tier Zombies.
'They're doing well… Lord-Tier may be impossible now…' Shane thought. He actually wanted to get help from Raze and the others but Raze also had an Ascension Quest after reaching level 50…
It seemed that he would have to rely on his recruits for now.