Chapter 525: Tundra's Mission
In the meantime, while Shane was busy exploring the underground facilities previously run by the World Government, the Springriver Manor continued to remain safe even after so many threats from the Zombie Hordes.
At this time, Tundra walked through the clean and expansive grounds of Springriver Manor. It had grown so huge after just a few months.
His heavy boots were even crunching softly on the gravel path. Indeed, they weren't just ground but a gravel path all over the manor.
The manor had transformed into a bustling hub of activity. Recruits from Shane's Title Effect and other residents from all walks of life were either training in the courtyards, tending to the gardens, or honing their skills within its stone walls.
Apparently, Tundra learned that because of Shane's Reputation, there were more and more Scavengers, Merchants, and other people from Neutral Shelters coming to their Manor. They would sometimes do some trades or even permanently live here as long as Raze or the Old Butler allowed it.
Needless to say, it also means that their shelter had already gotten a strong army to fight against the Zombie that might stumble upon their territory.
"They should be here…" Tundra muttered as he looked at the training grounds.
Today, however, Tundra wasn't here to observe or train—he was here to gather a team capable of taking on a Zombie Lord. He just reached level 50 yesterday after helping Raze kill her first Zombie Lord.
He wanted to ask Raze and her elite team for help but unfortunately, they had already set out to help Raze complete her Ascension Quest.
"There's a lot of strong recruits here… I can do this." Tundra muttered as he didn't mind getting help from Recruits instead of Survivors like him.
Anyway, his first stop was indeed the training yard, where Lady Seraph and the rest of the Aura Knights were in the midst of their daily exercises.
Gulp…
Tundra felt a bit nervous talking to the gorgeous Royal Knight.
It didn't take that long to find her.
The elegant knight stood at the center of the field, her white-and-gold armor gleaming as she demonstrated a series of strikes with her longsword.
He had no idea what Sword Technique she was using but it was beautiful.
Her Aura was also steady and he could tell that she had gotten stronger once again.
'Is it because she hunted a group of Tyrant Zombies yesterday?' Tundra mused as Lady Seraph was also included in the last Zombie Lord raid. Tundra knew that she could trust her abilities.
As a matter of fact, he knew that Lady Seraph had barely shown her true skills at that time because Raze's red dragon, Roan, was the MVP of that battle.
Having a true Dragon companion was just too lucky for Raze… He couldn't help but sigh at his Terrorist Talent that could only make bombs.
It was certainly a good ability but he still had to touch his target after all. Touching powerful Zombies was easier said than done… Because of that, he had to find powerful tanks or even magicians that could hold his target for him.
"Her team will definitely help…" He muttered to himself.
Anyway, the four other Aura Knights mirrored her movements, they had synchronized strikes creating a mesmerizing display of skill and discipline.
'As expected of Knights… They're disciplined.'
At this time, he finally had the courage to start.
"Lady Seraph," Tundra called as he approached, his deep voice didn't surprise them as they already felt his presence approaching him. They were just curious why they were being approached.
Seraph turned, her blue eyes locked onto him. "Tundra. To what do I owe the honor?" she asked, sheathing her sword with a swift movement.
"I need your help," Tundra said without preamble. "I'm planning to hunt a Zombie Lord, and I want you and your knights at my side."
Seraph raised an eyebrow. "A Zombie Lord? That's no small task. We agreed to Lady Raze's request because of our high chance of survival."
"I know," Tundra replied. "I can not guarantee that it will be a safe hunt but I believe that I have the strength to kill one Zombie Lord. I have two skills that recently reached Level 10… As long as I have the opening, I can do it… I've seen you and your knights in action. Your aura mastery and combat skills are unmatched. Will you join me?"
Seraph glanced at her knights. They knew about Tundra's bomber's ability. It was indeed devastating and to be honest, it was quite scary being close to this guy… After all, he could literally make anyone explode with his touch.
After some thought, they all nodded in agreement. They would certainly like to befriend this Terrorist.
Turning back to Tundra, she gave a small smile. "We'll stand with you, Tundra. Where you lead, we'll follow. Although our main task is to protect this land, Sir Shane had also instructed us to assist with the Foreign Survivor's quest or missions anyway."
"Really?! Thank you, Lady Seraph!" Tundra was elated as he knew that he really had a good start on this mission.
"Please prepare your gear for now since we will be going on a raid after two days."
With Seraph and her knights on board, Tundra moved on to the armory, where Atlas and the Super Soldiers were calibrating their gear.
The four soldiers were a formidable sight, their bodies weren't previously like this according to the butler.
They just obtained some sort of enhancements after being injected with some sort of serum.
Furthermore, a few of them seemed to be augmented by some high-tech cybernetic enhancements but they were just advanced prosthetics that Lysandra had provided.
Anyway, Atlas, their leader, was inspecting a high-powered plasma rifle when Tundra entered. He recalled that it was an item that Shane had provided to them.
"Tundra," Atlas said, setting the rifle down. "You look like you're in trouble."
Tundra was a bit surprised. After all, these Super Soldiers wouldn't normally speak unless they were asked questions. This time, however, Atlas was the first to speak up which was quite unusual for him.
Nonetheless, Tundra didn't dislike it. It was certainly a good thing that Atlas started the conversation.
"I am," Tundra said. "I'm putting together a team to take down a Zombie Lord. You and your team are exactly the kind of firepower I need."
Atlas exchanged glances with his squad before nodding. "We're in. Taking down a Zombie Lord sounds like a challenge worth our time. Besides, Raze had recruited 30 people a few days ago and they're already trained enough to guard this place."
Indeed, Raze used 30 Recruitment Stones five days ago and they were all strong soldiers they could trust.
Tundra gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Your firepower will make a huge difference."
Lastly, Tundra headed to the meditation garden, where Chaloem the Monk sat cross-legged beneath a blossoming cherry tree.
Needless to say, the cherry tree was not a natural tree and it came from a Reputation Store. To be exact, it was purchased by Jillian, the Bard, in her Reputation Store and planted here…
Whom~
The air around Chaloem seemed to vibrate as he meditated. It was such a beautiful sight as his aura seemed to have a golden glow. Despite the noise of the manor, the monk had an unshakable calm around him.
"Sir Chaloem," Tundra said, stopping a respectful distance away.
The monk opened his eyes. "Tundra. What brings you here?"
"I need your expertise," Tundra said. "I'm hunting a Zombie Lord, and your aura control could turn the tide in our favor."
Chaloem studied Tundra for a moment before nodding. He knew about the Zombie Lord Territory that Tundra had found with the elven warriors while exploring outside.
He already knew that there would be a raid soon but he didn't expect that it would Tundra to actually start forming a team to raid it.
Then, Chaloem spoke like a true monk…
"The path you walk is fraught with danger, but I sense your resolve. I will lend you my strength."
With his team assembled, Tundra gathered everyone in the main hall of the manor on the very next day after completing the items they had to bring for the mission.
"We're heading into unknown territory," Tundra said, addressing them all.
"This mission, defeating a Zombie Lord, will not be easy. However, with the aces I've prepared, I believe that as long as we work together, we can take on anything. I trust each of you with my life, and I promise to lead you to victory."
The room was silent for a moment before Seraph stepped forward. "For the Springriver Manor!" she declared.
The others echoed her cry as this was indeed for the glory of their Manor as well.
At this time, Tundra opened his chat message and read Shane's message.
[ Shane: Good luck! Those items I sent you will be helpful so make sure to equip them. I'll be waiting for your Zombie Lord Kill announcement. ]